Max Kingsley-Jones/PARIS
TNT Express Worldwide will introduce the first dedicated widebody freighter on to its European network later this year, marking the start of a plan to acquire a large fleet of Airbus A300B4 freighters to feed its new European hub in Liege, Belgium.
The Amsterdam-based express parcels carrier has been studying a widebody acquisition for some time, and is finalising plans to acquire a fleet of up to 14 A300B4Fs. It is now working out the acquisition method and selecting a modification specialist.
Meanwhile, Channel Express will initiate A300 freighter operations for TNT in September when its third A300B4F is delivered, following conversion by Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) Airbus. The aircraft will be flown on services from the UK to Liege. Other ad hoc wet-leases of A300s are being considered by TNT.
The freight carrier is aiming to build to a 14-strong A300 fleet early in the next decade at a rate of up to four aircraft a year. Under consideration is the direct acquisition of its own A300 fleet or the lease of aircraft from an A300B4F leasing specialist such as C-S Aviation Services.
Discussions have been held with British Aerospace Aviation Services (BAeAS) and Dasa Airbus about conversions. With both companies having full conversion lines, however, the early availability of conversion slots may only be possible by doing a deal with a leasing company.
C-S Aviation Services has recently underlined its position as the leading lessor of the A300B4 freighter with the firming up of 10 conversion options it holds with BAeAS. This brings its tally to 31 firm orders for conversions, plus 10 options, with slots extending out into 2001.
TNT's European network is served by 17 BAe 146QTs and 10 Boeing 727-200Fs operated by a mix of companies scattered around Europe, including Air Foyle (UK), Malmo Aviation (Sweden), Eurowings (Germany), Mistral Air (Italy), Pan Air (Spain) and Sterling European (Denmark). A300 introduction will enable TNT to phase out its 727s over the next five years. The A300 fleet will probably be flown by a single operator.
Source: Flight International
