Japanese start-up - Japanese startup Amakusa Airlines has ordered one 39-seat Bombardier de Havilland Dash 8-100Q in preparation for its launch in the spring of 2000. The airline, which follows Symark and Air Do into Japan's newly opened domestic market, is majority owned by a local government interests. Money for MAS - Local banks have rallied round to provide Malaysia Airlines (MAS) with a $50 million bridging loan to help fund delivery of its ninth Boeing 777-200. MAS ordered 15 777s back in 1996 as part of a sizeable widebody deal including 15 777s, but devaluation and stringent currency controls have since put a break on financing options. Kiwi orders - Air New Zealand is to acquire seven new generation 66-seat ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. The aircraft, due for delivery from the end of 1999, will replace the ATR 72-210s operated by its wholly-owned domestic subsidiary Mount Cook Airline. Indian go-ahead - Independent Indian domestic carriers Jet Airways and Sahara India Airlines have won tentative government approval to acquire ATR 72s and British Aerospace ATPs. The permission still has to be signed off by the Director General of Civil Aviation, however. Emirates funds - Emirates has signed a $117.3 million financing deal for the acquisition of its ninth Boeing 777 by year end. The finance lease was guaranteed by the UK's ECGD.
Source: Airline Business
