Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise has firmed up a commitment for 23 more A320 family aircraft, taking the Singapore Airlines/Boullioun Aviation joint venture's Airbus narrowbody orders to 41. The deal includes 20 A320s and three A321s for delivery between early 2001 and 2008. Engine selections have not been announced. Malaysia Airlines' cargo division MAS Kargo has signed a long-term wet-lease contract with Atlas Air for four 747 freighters - three 747-200s and one 747-400 C-S Aviation Services has placed four Airbus A300B4 freighters with three operators: one each with Dutch companies Schreiner Airways and JetLink Holland; and two with ICC Canada. US low-cost carrier Vanguard Airlines has signed a letter of intent with US Airways Leasing & Sales for the lease of six Boeing 737-200Adv, with purchase options. The first four 737s will be delivered early next year, with the last two due in late 2000 and early 2001. China Eastern Airlines' plans to lease four Airbus A340-600s have been revised after the deal was blocked by the Chinese Government which has imposed a new tax on operating leases, reports sister on-line service Air Transport Intelligence. The airline was to lease the aircraft from International Lease Finance (ILFC), but will now order five (either A340-500s or -600s) directly from Airbus, and take three options (Flight International, 22-28 September). Cimber Air has ordered two Canadair Regional Jet Series 200s, with four options, for delivery next year. Hawaiian Airlines will receive the first of two McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30s this month on lease from Continental Airlines. The second aircraft will be delivered in April. AirTran Airways is to accelerate the retirement of its 40 McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s as it phases in new Boeing 717s. AirTran had planned to take one DC-9 out of service for every two 717s delivered, but will increase the rate.
Source: Flight International
