Flight International is just full of news today.
First off, it reports that Qatar Airways is rethinking its commitment to buy Boeing 777s. http://www.flightinternational.com/Articles/2006/02/14/Navigation/177/204597/Qatar+reopens+widebody+contest.html The Qataris announced at Paris in June they intended to buy 20 extended range 777s and freighters, but they never closed the deal with Boeing.
Key Quote: “The airline’s chief executive Akbar Al Baker, speaking during a cover interview for the March issue of sister publication Airline Business, said talks are under way with both manufacturers. ‘We did not have a letter of intent with Boeing [for the 777], although we were very close to it. Now there is the competition between the two. Both Airbus and Boeing are able to deliver these aircraft in the timeframe we want – by the end of next year,’ says Al Baker.”
Flight also reports http://www.flightinternational.com/Articles/2006/02/14/Navigation/177/204595/Asiana+considers+A380+and+787+buy.html that South Korea’s Asiana is in the market for 787s and A380s. It’s not, apparently, looking at A350s — even though it’s an A330 operator. And as for the 747-8?
Key Quote: “Although Asiana is a major 747-400 operator and is listed by Boeing as a ‘candidate customer’ for the 747-8 stretch, the airline has also shown no indication that it will run a competition between the new Boeing and the A380.”
Interesting.
Finally, Flight says Columbian carrier Avianca is in the market. http://www.flightinternational.com/Articles/2006/02/14/Navigation/177/204603/Avianca+looks+to+renew+jet+fleet+.html
Key Quote: “The Colombian carrier declines to comment on the RFP, but manufacturing sources say it comprises up to 42 narrowbodies (22 firm and 20 options), and 14 widebodies (seven firm and seven options) – most likely the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787. Airbus and Boeing sources confirm receipt of the RFP.”
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