Swedish charter airline Novair is finalising a deal with International Lease Finance for two Airbus A330-200s to replace its Lockheed L-1011 TriStars.
The airline, a wholly owned subsidiary of Scandinavia's third largest tour operator, Apollo, has been negotiating for a new long- haul aircraft for several months as it prepares to phase out its three TriStar 500s. The tri-jets operate long-haul charters to Asia and the Caribbean for Apollo and for third-party tour operators such as Airtours' Scandinavian Leisure.
Novair had targeted the Boeing 767-300ER, but is understood to have switched to the A330-200 after the larger aircraft was offered at lease rates competitive with those for the Boeing twinjet. The airline is understood to have some form of commitment for one A330-200 for delivery in November, plus an option on a second aircraft.
Managing director Thomas Rosenqvist confirms Novair is close to finalising a lease deal, saying: "We expect to finalise things in the next couple of weeks." UK remarketing agent Cabot Aviation seeks buyers for two of Novair's TriStar 500s and its single TriStar 1. Negotiations are advanced with two parties for the sale, says Cabot.
Source: Flight International
