DUTCH CHARTER and scheduled airline Transavia has decided to remain an all-Boeing operator after deliberating between the Airbus A321 and the new-generation Boeing 737 for its fleet-expansion programme.
In a $180 million deal, the airline has placed an order with Boeing for eight 737-800s, and taken an option for another 12 of the type. Deliveries will start in 1998.
According to president and chief executive Peter Legro, the determining factors in favour of Boeing were the 737-800's 182-seat capacity, fitting neatly between its 737-300s and 757-200s, a favourable price-tag and sufficient range for its longer flights.
"The fleet expansion is based on the faith we have in the growth of our markets in and around Europe," says Legro. The airline now flies around 2 million passengers to European holiday resorts, and on its Amsterdam-London Gatwick schedule.
Source: Flight International
