Saudi Arabian Airlines is focusing attention on its short- haul regional requirements, with the Boeing 717 reportedly under serious consideration.
The airline began a fleet renewal process late last year which will see 29 Boeing MD-90s, five Boeing 747-400s and 23 777-200s introduced through to 2001. The airline originally planned to replace its 18 ageing Boeing 737-200s with the MD-90, but, according to Flight International's sister on-line service Air Transport Intellegence (ATI), is now rethinking the move.
Fourteen MD-90s have already been delivered to Saudi Arabian, but the type has proved unsuitable for use at airports now served by the lighter Boeing 737. Pavement-loading restrictions mean the MD-90s cannot operate with a full passenger load, says ATI.
As a result, Saudi Arabian has decided to retain eight 737-200s for at least two more years, and is said to be studying the similiarly sized 717 as a potential replacement. The 100-seat 717, which like the MD-90 is a derivative of the DC-9/MD-80 family, shares a high degree of commonality with the larger model.
According to one manufacturing source, Saudi Arabian also has a more urgent need for around 10 aircraft with fewer than 100 seats. Ever since Saudi Arabian began seeking bids for its new fleet in the early 1990s, the carrier has been considering regional types, but an order has never been placed.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian is planning to start retiring its 17 Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 200s at the end of October.
The 17- to 23-year-old trijets are being replaced by Boeing 777-200s, and will be offered for sale after withdrawal from service.
Source: Flight International
