Virgin Express has opened talks with manufacturers over its fleet-renewal plans, which could see the European low-fares airline take up to 25 new aircraft over the next five years.
The Brussels-based airline is looking at options to acquire Boeing 737-700s, Airbus A319/ 320s or McDonnell Douglas MD-80/95s, says finance director Jim Swigart, adding that it has not ruled out other options, such as building up the existing fleet of 737-300s with new or leased aircraft. The plan is for the aircraft to replace the existing 12-strong fleet, which are on leases of three to four years.
Besides price negotiations, there are key questions over how the new aircraft would be maintained, he says. "We could do [maintenance] in connection with Sabena or figure out a new option with a new partner," says Swigart. That could see Virgin Express set up its own maintenance operation, possibly with a third-party provider.
Source: Flight International
