SINGAPORE AIRLINES (SIA) is considering a longer-term requirement for a smaller regional passenger jet, in addition to its yet-to-be selected "Y-aircraft", to complete replacement of its Airbus A310-200/300 fleet.
The airline is examining options for a "W-aircraft" to supplement its future Y-aircraft and replace the A310 on lower-density regional routes. The W-aircraft would be smaller than the Y and similar in size to the 189-seat A310.
No firm decision has yet been taken on the W-aircraft requirement, says SIA managing director Dr Cheong Choong Kong. He adds: "It will be a while before we need to replace the A310 entirely."
SIA's attention, in the meantime, is focused on selecting a replacement Y-aircraft. Competing airframe and engine manufacturers submitted tenders for 16 firm orders, plus 17 options, at the end of May, (Flight International, 31 May-6 June, P8).
"We should be able to reach a decision by the end of September, or early October," says Cheong. He adds, however, that given the different airframe weight options and combination of engines, "...it is quite a complex exercise".
Competing for the contract, estimated to be worth $5 billion, are Airbus, offering its A330, and Boeing, with its 777. Engines on offer are the General Electric GE-90 or CF6-80, Pratt & Whitney PW4168 or PW4084, and Rolls-Royce Trent 700 or 800. A third, but less likely option, is the A340-200, which would provide logistical commonality with the 17 A340-300Es already on order for SIA.
To counter Airbus' perceived A330/A340 commonality advantage, Boeing is said by industry sources to be prepared to lease 777s to SIA on an interim basis, similar to the airline's trial use of 757s in the 1980s.
Source: Flight International
