DHL Worldwide Express is purchasing two Boeing 757-200 freighters for its European and African networks, from Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services (AWAS) in a deal worth over $60 million. The aircraft, one of which is already leased by DHL for its Dubai/Bahrain-Brussels services, will be delivered in January and March. DHL will wet-lease an additional 757-200F from AWAS to continue operating its Brussels-Gulf services. Air Atlanta Icelandic has acquired two ex-Varig, General Electric CF6-powered 747-300s on lease from International Lease Finance (ILFC). Airtours' German sister airline flyFTI is to double its fleet by the middle of next year, with its three Airbus A320s set to increase in number to six. Aeromexico has purchased an 11-year old Boeing MD-87 from ILFC. The ex-Aero Lloyd aircraft has most recently been leased by Surinam Airways. TAESA has leased two ex-AB Airlines 737-300s from AWAS. Saab Aircraft Leasing has confirmed the placement of up to 15 used Saab 340s with two US Airways Express carriers. Chautauqua Airlines has signed for 10 ex-Business Express Saab 340As, plus options for two more, which will be used for expansion and to replace its 19-seat BAe Jetstreams. The first aircraft will be delivered in December with the rest following at the rate of two a month through to May 2000. Meanwhile, Virginia-based Colgan Air has signed for three ex-Chautauqua Saab 340Bs, plus options for three more, for delivery early next year. South African charter airline Intensive Air has acquired an ex-SAS Fokker F28 Mk4000s in a deal arranged by Aircraft Leasing & Management. Novair has received a new Pratt & Whitney PW4168A-powered A330-200 on a one-year lease from FlightLease. Maersk Air has ordered an eighth 737-700 for delivery next October. Frontier Airlines has signed a 12-year lease deal with ILFC for an extra Pratt & Whitney PW6000-powered A318.
Source: Flight International
