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Released Date - February 05, 2010
FIJI –AIRLINE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 05 Feb 2010
Airlines review aircraft fleet in Fiji
05 FEBRUARY 2010 SUVA (FIJI TIMES) --- A study of Air Pacific and Pacific Sun's fleets has started.
Air Pacific chief executive officer John Campbell, yesterday confirmed that the fleet of both airlines would be reviewed for possible replacement.
It is understood that Pacific Sun wants to replace its Twin Otter and at least one Britten Norman Islander which were bought when the airline took over the operations of Sun Air.
Mr Campbell did not confirm whether the assessment included plans to buy aircraft operating in Vanuatu.
But airline industry sources said Pacific Sun had investigated the airworthiness of several smaller aircraft operated by Air Vanuatu, including Twin Otters.
The Otter and Islander aircraft are internationally recognised as suitable for rough airstrips similar to those serviced by Pacific Sun, including Kadavu, Lakeba and Vanuabalavu.
On the Air Pacific fleet assessment, Mr Campbell said the study would determine whether additional interim aircraft would be leased as they awaited the delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliners which were due in 2012.
The airline operates two Boeing 747s leased from Singapore Airlines on its major trunk routes and its own Boeing 767 and 737 on shorter hauls.
One option open to the airline is to return the Boeing 747s and lease the newer Boeing 777 aircraft before the delivery of the Dreamliners.
Airline sources said the leased B747s needed a major refit…PNS (ENDS) |
