Continental Airlines has taken delivery of the first of ten Boeing 767-200ERs. The 174-seat aircraft is initially being deployed on flights between New York Newark and Zurich. Krasnoyarsk Avia (Kras Air) has introduced its first Tupolev Tu-204, a former Transeuropean aircraft. Two more Tu-204s are expected to be delivered in the next few months. Britannia Airways is to close its German-based operation in April, and return the three Boeing 767-300ERs to the UK parent. The move follows the decision by tour operator Frosch Touristik (FTI) to buy capacity from LTU for its longhaul programme from next summer. FlyFTI is looking at eventually launching its own longhaul flights with Airbus A330s. Eastern Australia Airlines has taken delivery of two Bombardier Dash 8 Q300s ordered by parent Qantas Airways in a deal worth $29 million. American Airlines has exercised purchase rights on one 737-800 and one 757-200 for delivery in the first half of 2002. The airline still holds purchase rights for an additional 61 Boeing aircraft for delivery into 2003. Corporate Express Airlines of Calgary, Canada is introducing a Saab 340A on lease from Saab Aircraft Leasing, alongside its fleet of fleet of four 19-seat BAe J31s. Bangkok Airways has taken delivery of its first Boeing 717, making it the first Asian carrier to operate the new twinjet. The aircraft is one of two 717s the Thai carrier is taking on lease from Pembroke Capital, with the second set for delivery in April. Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Coast Jet (ACJet) has exercised an option for five additional Fairchild 328JETs, reports Flight International's sister on-line service Air Transport Intelligence. Atlas Air has confirmed orders for four additional GE CF6-powered Boeing 747-400s for delivery in 2002. JMC Airlines has confirmed that it will receive two Rolls-Royce Trent-powered Airbus A330-200s in November 2001 and early 2002 on lease from CIT.
Source: Flight International
