BRAZILIAN AIRLINE VASP has placed firm orders for two McDonnell Douglas (MDC) MD-11s and announced long-term plans to operate a fleet of up to ten of the tri-jets.
The Sao Paulo-based carrier took delivery of its first MD-11 in February 1992 and is revising its fleet plans after surviving a recently troubled financial period.
It now flies four leased MD-11s on long-range routes to the USA, Asia and Europe and, in addition to the aircraft just purchased, plans to acquire four additional passenger and freighter versions for delivery by 1998.
The two 325-seat, all-passenger versions just ordered will be delivered in November and December 1995.
MDC says that the General Electric CF6-80C2-powered VASP aircraft will be configured with a maximum take-off weight of 285,000kg, giving them a non-stop range of 12,000km (6,500nm). Firm orders for the MD-11, excluding the yet-to-be confirmed Saudia order for four, are estimated to stand at around 135.
Source: Flight International
