Airbus and Boeing visit Singapore to pitch widebody replacements for the airline's retired A310s and older 747-400s
A competition to replace Singapore Airlines' (SIA) older Boeing 747-400s and to supply a new mid-sized aircraft is reaching its final stages, and the carrier is widely expected to become a launch customer for the Boeing 7E7.
Industry sources say both Airbus and Boeing representatives have been in Singapore in recent weeks presenting late-stage technical bids. SIA issued a request for proposals to the two manufacturers in February, seeking new aircraft to replace some of its older 747-400s as well as its phased-out Airbus A310-300s. (Flight International, 2-8 March).
The exact number needed is unknown, although a bigger order is expected in the 200- to 250-seat category than in the larger category.
Airbus is offering a mix of A340-600s and a modified, lighter version of the A330-200, say the sources. Boeing is believed to be offering a mix of 777-300ERs and 7E7s, although there are suggestions it may also be offering 777-200LRs in a bid to have SIA dispose of its ultra-long-range A340-500s.
In the smaller category, SIA is widely expected to select the 7E7, which was recently launched with an order from Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) for 50 of the new type. SIA has long said the A330 is too heavy for its requirements, although Airbus will be promising deliveries of its proposed lighter -200 variant well before the 7E7's service entry in 2008.
In the larger category, the A340-600 is seen as having an advantage as SIA already operates the A340-500, although this fleet is small at just four aircraft and one more on firm order. SIA operates around 50 777-200/200ER/300s, so a 777-300ER order would not represent the introduction of an all-new type.
SIA retired its remaining A310s and A340-300s last year, leaving it with a passenger fleet of 747-400s and 777s. It added A340-500s this year and has more 777s and 10 Airbus A380s on firm order. It needs mid-size aircraft as several years ago it ordered 777-200s to replace the A310s on regional routes, but the aircraft is too large for some services.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
