Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON
WESTERN PACIFIC is about to finalise plans for the acquisition of new aircraft, with orders anticipated for a 30- to 40-seat aircraft for its new commuter-airline division, and orders for Boeing 737-300s and -700s expected for its main fleet.
The Colorado Springs, USA-based airline, which already operates fourteen 737-300s, confirms that it is involved in the setting up of a commuter airline, Mountain Air Express, at its base.
The new carrier will operate 30- to 40-seat turboprops to ski resorts, and is targeting November as start-up month.
Western Pacific will hold a minority stake in Mountain Air Express, and the two carriers will have a marketing alliance. The aircraft-evaluation programme, which involves Western Pacific, is about to be concluded. "We've looked at the AI(R) ATR 42-500, de Havilland Dash 8-200, and Dornier 328-120," says Tim Komberec, Western Pacific's vice- president of flight operations, who adds: "We're very close to a decision." An initial fleet of four aircraft will be operated, increasing to up to 12 within two years.
Komberec also confirms that the order for up to 20 737s should be finalised soon. Negotiations have been held with Boeing for several months on a deal for ten 737-300s, and ten 737-700s. The 737-300s would be delivered from the second quarter of 1997, with delivery of the -700s beginning in 1998. Earlier this year, Komberec said that Western Pacific had identified the 737-700, which offers improved performance, for its long-term requirements. "Colorado Springs has an elevation of 6,100ft [1,860m], and the performance [of the -700] will probably eliminate the payload restrictions currently experienced under certain conditions," he says.
Western Pacific begins services with its fifteenth 737-300, acquired on lease, on 1 July. It has also leased two Boeing 727-200 ADVs from Express One International from mid-June to 5 September. By the end of 1996, Western Pacific envisages a fleet of 24 737s, and plans to continue expansion at a rate of 12 aircraft a year.
Source: Flight International
