Translated from Dutch:
http://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/news/?ID=13899
PARIS – Manufacturers of regional planes like Bombardier and Embraer do not have to count on large orders from Air France-KLM. This was declared by vice-president Leo van Wijk today at the presentation of the annual result in Paris. “Real innovative planes are not really present at the market”.
Air France-KLM is currently renewing its long haul fleet. For instance KLM replaced its 747-300s with 777-200s. The 767s are being replaced as well. Air France is also replacing its 747-300s, albeit with 777-300ERs. KLM confirmed today they would add a few 777-300ERs to their fleet as well. The order for this stretched 777 replaced an existing order of 777-200.
Air France and KLM are looking for a replacement in the regional fleet. A good succesor for our current fleet – mostly BAe146s, F70s and F100s – has not been found though. “We want planes that are truly innovative”, explains Van Wijk. “This means lighter materials, new engines. Comparable to what Boeing is doing with its 787. We do not see this development in regional planes yet.”
Waiting
Van Wijk does not exclude a small order of planes that are available now. “But that would be for limited expansion”, he explained to Luchtvaartnieuws. “When we are talking about replacing the whole regional fleet, then we will have to wait at least 3 to 5 years. By that time there will probably be a plane building capable of filling the Air France-KLM demands.CEO Jean-Cyril Spinetta announced earlier today that there is limited interest for both the 787 and the A350 from AF-KLM. “I am very interested in what adaptations Airbus will add to the A350. EADS will have to make clear statements as to the capabilities of the plane. At the moment we do not know enough of the A350. From Boeing too we require more information about the 787. Only when we have all data from both manufacturers will we be able to take a good choise.”
Between the lines you cnould read from Spinetta’s statements that it is not a matter of if, but a matter of when AF-KLM will get the A350 or the 787. A fast decision is unlikely though. Spinetta: “the high petrol prices forces airlines to constantly look for planes that safe money. Fuel consumption is one of the most important reasons to choose a plane type. But with the current AF-KLM fleet we can handle quite nicely for now. We are fortunately not in a position where our planes are in need of urgent replacement. So we are looking with interest to Airbus and Boeing.”
Cool, a few 777-300ERs. According to some sources there will be four of them, but no confirmed sources. That was rather inevitable though.
I find the regional fleet replacement more interesting as this is where real choices have to be made. In particular the statement that more planes of “current offering” could be ordered for limited growth. This would probably imply the E170 as one of the AF regionals has already ordered them.
By: tenthije - 19th May 2006 at 15:31
Ow I like there Fokker aircraft be sad to see them go 🙁 And Im a Fokker fan and this is the only airline that has every type off fokker flying for them.
James
Not the F60 though, only four were made and they are all with the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
By: Manston Airport - 19th May 2006 at 14:38
Ow I like there Fokker aircraft be sad to see them go 🙁 And Im a Fokker fan and this is the only airline that has every type off fokker flying for them.
James
By: SHAMROCK321 - 19th May 2006 at 10:21
2009!!!!
Just goes to prove that those little Fokkers are as tough as any other plane flying around at the moment.
By: frankvw - 19th May 2006 at 07:04
I just hope they’ll replace the 744s soon, or at least refit them.
By: Richard Taylor - 19th May 2006 at 06:59
In the regional jet market, not exactly a lot of choice (if you’re looking for new planes).
More or less Embraer v Bombardier, & my money’s on the former.
CAn’t see Fokker (or Rekkof as they are called now) returning – lots of talk about it, nothing concrete.
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May 18, 2006 at 9:21 pm