SilkAir of Singapore has chosen the Airbus Industrie A319/A320 family as its new narrowbody passenger aircraft, replacing its fleet of Boeing 737-300s and Fokker 70 twinjets.
The Singapore Airlines (SIA)-owned regional carrier opted for the A319/320 over the rival next-generation Boeing 737-600/700/ 800 series after three-months of evaluation and negotiations. The airline had earlier ruled the McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 and MD-95 out of the running.
It is expected to announce a firm order shortly for a mix of eight A319/A320s. The airline wants to take delivery of the first aircraft towards the end of 1998 to replace its six 737-300s and two leased Fokker 70s. SilkAir is also expected to take options on at least four more aircraft, including the larger A321 version.
Key factors in SilkAir's decision are thought to be aircraft range and capacity. The airline wants to extend its existing 4h operating endurance by another 60-120min to open up new, longer-range destinations in Asia. At the same time, the carrier wants the flexibility to add extra capacity to newer routes as they develop.
It is understood that a final announcement will be made once an engine is selected. The airline is caught between ordering the CFM International CFM56-5 engine, providing support commonality with SIA's CFM56-powered A340s, and the International Aero Engine's V2500-A5, which has already been ordered by associate joint venture Singapore Aircraft Leasing (SALE) for its A320/321s.
Ordering the same airframe and engine as SALE, would give SilkAir the financial ßexibility to lease some of its A320s or A321s from the SIA/Boullioun leasing company. SilkAir already leases six of its eight aircraft and has said in the past that any new aircraft could be acquired through a mixture of purchases and leases depending on its tax situation.
Source: Flight International
