Flight International online news 09:00 GMT: Mandarin Airlines, primarily a domestic carrier owned by Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL), has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for 70-110 seat regional jets and 110-140 seat narrowbody aircraft.
The manufacturers invited to pitch are Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer; while the aircraft leasing firms are GE Commercial Aviation Services and International Lease Finance (ILFC).
The narrowbody aircraft types being considered include: Airbus A318s, Airbus A319s, Boeing 737-600s and Boeing 737-700s. The regional jet aircraft from Bombardier and Embraer that fit within the 70-110 seat category include the Bombardier CRJ700, Bombardier CRJ900, Embraer 170 and Embraer 190.
According to Mandarin Airlines, it will take about six weeks to review the proposals, which will then be put to top management to decide by year-end on the aircraft types.
Mandarin is looking to order between 8-11 new aircraft for delivery from mid-2007 to mid-2009, the timeframe when it plans to replace six Fokker 100 regional jets and five Fokker 50 turboprops.
LEITHEN FRANCIS / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
