Aircraft Orders:

VLM (Belgium) are moving closer to making a decision on introducing a regional jet to their fleet after many years consideration. A key requirement is an aircraft that is certified for London City Airport. Embraer have both the 135 and 170 that will be able to operate at London City Airport. VLM are interested primarily in the 170. An order should be announced within months.


Fleet Plan News:

Air Moldova (Moldova) are set to operate their first Western jet aircraft. They are to lease an ex Ansett Australia Airbus A320.

Airline Start-Ups:

Turkish Airlines (THY) (Turkey) are planning to launch a new domestic low cost airline called TurkJet. Turkish Airlines (THY) are evaluating Boeing's 717-200 and may place an order for up to ten. Contact details are:

c/o of Turkish Airlines (THY)
Genel Yonetin Binasi
Ataturk Havalimani
Yesiloky
Istanbul
Turkey

Telephone: 90-212-663-6300
Fax: 90-212-663-4744


Other News:

Boeing has confirmed that due to airline requests it is likely to offer two competing engine manufacturers on the 7E7. All of the 'big three' engine manufacturers view the 7E7 as a must win competition. General Electric and Rolls-Royce remain favourites to win. Pratt and Whitney are the only manufacturer offering a new engine design.