*Sabena has contracted to lease a three-year-old ex-Malaysia Airlines, Pratt & Whitney PW4000-powered Airbus A330-300 in April on a six-year-lease from International Lease Finance (ILFC). Sabena operates three General Electric CF6-powered A330-300s on lease from Airbus, and will also add three new PW4000-powered A330-200s from ILFC from August.
*The UK-based division of Maersk Air, British Airways' Birmingham-based franchise partner, is ordering two additional 50-seat Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets (CRJ) which will increase its fleet to eight CRJs. The aircraft will be delivered in March and April next year.
*Venezuelan carrier Avensa has acquired a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 from Varig for its long-haul services to Europe, and is planning to acquire three more DC-10s from the same source.
*US freight carrier Kitty Hawk Air Cargo is planning to to lease nine Stage 3 hushkitted Boeing 727-200 freighters from US lessor Pegasus Aviation during 1999, boosting its fleet to 42 of the type.
*Gill Air has added the first of three ex-Midway Fokker 100s on lease from Debis AirFinance in a deal arranged by Cabot Aviation. The aircraft is scheduled to begin flying on CIU's Air France franchise services later this month.
*In the second quarter, North American Airlines will add a new Boeing 737-800 on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services and a Rolls-Royce RB211-powered 757-200 leased from ILFC. Meanwhile, the airline, which is associated with El Al, will return its 10-year old 757 to Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services.
*Atlas Air has exercised two options for two General Electric CF6-powered Boeing 747-400 freighters for delivery in March and April next year, bringing its total orders to 12.
*Air Malawi is seeking a buyer for its Fairchild Dornier 228-212, and has appointed ISIS Aviation Services to remarket the aircraft.
*Spanish charter carrier Iberworld has ordered two A320s plus two options.
Source: Flight International
