-Air Macau is subleasing an Airbus A320 and five crews to TAP Air Portugal for six months during the period of the Lisbon Expo. The airline, in which TAP holds a 25% stake, has been suffering from falling demand on some Asian routes.
-US Airways has accelerated deliveries of its Airbus narrowbodies, which are to begin later this year. After the arrival of this year's first six A319s, deliveries in 1999 have been increased by six aircraft to 21, along with five A320s. In 2000, 33 A319s and 10 A320s will be delivered -11 more A319s than previously scheduled. The airline also plans to retire nine McDonnell Douglas DC-9s this year, and around 49 Boeing 737s/DC-9s through to the end of 2000.
-Tarom has taken delivery of the first two of seven ATR42-500s. The next two aircraft will follow in October and November, with all seven delivered by the end of 1999.
-Virgin Atlantic has firmed up an agreement with Cathay Pacific for the lease of two Rolls-Royce RB211-powered Boeing 747-200s for five years, with an option to extend by a further two years or purchase the aircraft. The two 747s will be delivered in October and November after refurbishment. Cathay is looking to dispose of another three of its fleet of seven -200s this year.
-The two Boeing 737-800s that Euralair is adding to its fleet at the end of 1998 will be leased from GATX 737-800 Partners.
-A new leasing company set up by Saudi businessmen, Mazen International Aviation is reported to have struck its first deals, with a Boeing 767-300ER acquired for lease to SAS.
-Some freighters are entering storage at Marana in the USA, including one new 767-300 and one 747-400 which had been destined for Asiana, and three of five ex-FedEx Boeing 747-200Fs which Lufthansa acquired and traded to Boeing as part of its MD-11F contract. The other two aircraft are also expected to enter storage after maintenance.
Source: Flight International
