TAM is relaunching a competition to select a 100-seat replacement for its Fokker 100s after earlier having allowed two letters of intent (LoI) for Airbus A318s and Embraer 195s to lapse. The move opens the door for Boeing to again attempt to sell the 717 to the carrier.
The S‹o Paulo-based airline says it is seeking fresh proposals for 25 firm orders, plus a similar number of options, with the intent of having the first aircraft in service by 2005. The aircraft will replace 49 leased Fokker 100s, 21 of which are parked and are being returned early to lessors GE Capital Aviation Services and Debis Air Finance.
TAM says it is looking at the A318, 195 and 717. The evaluation is essentially a rerun of an earlier competition that ended with the signing of LoIs at the 2001 Paris air show for the 107-seat Airbus aircraft and an equal number of110-seat 195s. No A318 engine selection was made.
Neither LoI was subsequently transformed into orders and both were allowed lapse as a result of Brazil's economic difficulties. TAM was instead able to negotiate lower Fokker 100 lease rates.
Observers suggest that TAM's renewed interest in a more modern domestic fleet is a possible move to financially exploit troubled Varig's turmoil, following the rejection of a recapitalisation plan, resignation of its chief executive and suppliers pressing for payment.
Source: Flight International
