Middle East Airlines (MEA) has confirmed it is in talks with Airbus Industrie and Boeing over an order for up to nine medium-range aircraft.
The airline declines to clarify the details of the bids, but it is understood to be looking for a mix of six medium- and three large-capacity types. In the case of Airbus, this would translate to the A310 or A300-600, plus the A330-200/300. Boeing is likely to have proposed versions of the 757/767, and possibly the 777.
MEA has been working on fleet restructuring plans since the arrival of a new board of management in January, which saw a major shake-up of its business strategy after a long period of losses leading to the resignation of the previous management. In April, the airline's new chairman, Mohamad El Hout, said the carrier was "moving to an all-Airbus fleet", although it now appears to be considering both manufacturers.
The airline had been in negotiations with Airbus for the purchase of two new A310-300s to join its existing two A320s, two A321s and five A310s (three -200s and two -300s), all of which are leased. "We have begun the process again," it says, indicating that the two aircraft originally required are now included in the package of nine, all of which will be bought.
The consolidation of the airline around a short- and medium-range Airbus fleet has seen MEA phase out its three Boeing 747-200 combis and drop all long-haul routes as part of a drive to move it into profit within three years. MEA's operating losses for 1997 were about $70 million.
Source: Flight International
