Singapore Airlines (SIA) is continuing to negotiate a trade-in deal with Boeing covering older 777-200s and, possibly, parked Airbus A310s, in return for its planned 777-300ER order. SIA last week signed a conditional letter of intent with Boeing covering 18 firm 777-300ER orders for delivery between 2006 and 2010, plus 13 purchase rights (Flight International, 24-30 August).
SIA will not comment on conditions attached to the proposed 777-300ER deal, but industry sources say it continues to negotiate a trade-in deal on 777-200s and this may include some of the last A310s that were phased out last year.
Boeing has bought back aircraft from SIA in earlier 777 deals, including an unknown number of A310s and Boeing 747-400s and its entire fleet of 17 Airbus A340-300s.
SIA also evaluated a proposed derivative of the Airbus A330-200 and the Boeing 7E7 as replacements for the phased-out A310s on short-haul routes but "decided not the proposals did not meet SIA's financial criteria".
The 777-300ER is powered exclusively by General Electric GE90-115B engines. The SIA Group has joint venture overhaul agreements with R-R and P&W and is "talking with GE about options".
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
