Sterling European Airlines will begin its fleet-renewal programme in 1998 with the introduction of the first of up to four Next Generation Boeing 737s, as it begins to phase out its Boeing 727s.
Lars Svenheim, president of the Danish charter airline, says that a deal has been signed with International Lease Finance for up to four 737-800s.
"We will take two aircraft next year, in April and May, on eight-year leases. The third aircraft is due in March 1999, and we have an option on a fourth," he says, adding that he hopes to operate the aircraft in the 189-seat high-density layout, which is subject to Joint Aviation Authorities approval.
Sterling European was formed in 1994 from the remains of the failed charter carrier Sterling. The airline flies five passenger-configured 727-200 Adv (182 seats), plus one freighter which is operated for TNT. Svenheim says that the new additions will enable it to sell three of the 727s, but a decision on the fate of the remaining aircraft has not yet been made.
The airline intends to exploit the increased range offered by the 737-800. This will enable some flights, for example Stockholm-Dubai, to be operated non-stop.
Source: Flight International
