-Boeing had the inside track to win Spirit Airlines’ order for new aircraft to replace its MD-80 fleet but lost out to a more aggressive and sincere Airbus campaign, Spirit President and CEO Jacob Schorr said yesterday.
In an Air Transport World online article, Schorr said Spirit was predisposed to order 737 next generation aircraft for growth and to replace its 32 MD-80s. Spirit recently ordered up to 85 Airbus 320 family aircraft.
Airbus pursued the negotiation “with greater seriousness and diligence,” Schorr said at the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading 21st annual meeting in Hollywood, Fla., adding that at one point he “thought the Airbus salesman worked for Spirit.”
Over time, Spirit became convinced that the A320 family offered significant competitive advantages over the 737NG and Boeing reportedly did not submit a final competitive offer. Spirit signed firm MOUs for 35 aircraft comprising 29 A319s and six A321s, with options for 50 more. All are to be powered by IAE V2500s.
By: MSR777 - 3rd April 2004 at 13:23
From what I’ve read over the past few months it might be unfair to pummel the poor Boeing salesman too much. I think the problems are much further up the ladder. Great news for Airbus though!
By: Bmused55 - 3rd April 2004 at 10:59
I smell Bullshi!t
Boeing had said form the outset they were not interested in Spirits fleet renewal plans. Boeing as a huge backlog on the 737NG series as it is and would have been able to start delivering untill 2 or 3 years for spirit.
Inane drivel, thats all this is
By: Hand87_5 - 3rd April 2004 at 10:18
Well, that’s weird announcement , and I guess that the Boeing salsman will have his butt kicked!!!
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April 3, 2004 at 5:55 am