Singapore Airlines yesterday said it signed letters of intent to sell eight of its 28 747-400s to two airlines but is unable to disclose the buyers or the price of the aircraft because of contractual confidentiality.
The 747s will be converted to Special Freighters under a new passenger-to-freighter conversion program being developed by Boeing, SIA said. Five are scheduled to be delivered in 2006, two in 2007 and one in 2008.
SIA’s fleet currently consists of 83 aircraft comprising 28 747-400s, 52 777s and three A340-500s. It has 20 aircraft on firm order, including eight 777s and two A340-500s, which will enter the fleet later this month, as well as 10 A380s. In addition, it holds options for 45 aircraft.–LF
By: greekdude1 - 17th April 2004 at 23:43
Originally posted by Tempest
Did they think the A343’s were that bad that they had to get rid of all them??
All reasons stated above are valid. Basically, SQ’s use of the A343 was for the ‘thinner’ Euro-routes that didn’t justify 747 usage. They were unhappy with the performance of the A343’s because they got subsequently better performance out of the 777-200ER. Already having a sizeable fleet of non-ER 772’s and 773, they decided to go in that direction. Indeed EK has taken up those examples (I was under the impression one or two wound up with Air Tahiti Nui, BWIA, or something) and not taken up any penalties from Airbus, as was was being threatened about a year or so ago.
By: Bhoy - 17th April 2004 at 11:28
yeah, ‘small’ RB211’s. The same engines as on 767-300’s, Tristars and 747-400’s… (well, not quite the same variant, but they’re all RB211’s. :drool: )
By: Tempest - 16th April 2004 at 23:41
damn, busted:)
But it does have small RR’s, I’m sure of it.
Mr non-plane spotter exposed:D
By: wysiwyg - 16th April 2004 at 20:05
757 doesn’t have Trents.
By: Tempest - 16th April 2004 at 11:26
To slow? They seemed pretty fast when I was sitting in one of them:)
They were also quite new as well.
I think it was those underpowered dinky little CFM engines that battled in the hot conditions. Imagine if the 343 came with the RR Trents on 757. That would be perfect.
By: wysiwyg - 15th April 2004 at 20:36
Good job they hadn’t tried using 767’s then!
By: green320 - 15th April 2004 at 13:44
Originally posted by Tempest
On a related subject, as I’m sure everyone knows, SIA unloaded their entire fleet of 20-odd A340-300’s some years ago in exchange for 777’s. Did they think the A343’s were that bad that they had to get rid of all them??
They have gone to EK. I don’t think they were that bad, just that they wanted newer aircraft as the 343s aren’t the newest aircraft around.
By: Airline owner - 15th April 2004 at 13:36
Ren you might get 747 people
By: Tempest - 15th April 2004 at 10:47
On a related subject, as I’m sure everyone knows, SIA unloaded their entire fleet of 20-odd A340-300’s some years ago in exchange for 777’s. Did they think the A343’s were that bad that they had to get rid of all them??
By: Ren Frew - 15th April 2004 at 07:24
Just think how many backpackers you could get in one, all hanging onto roof straps ? :rolleyes:
By: Bhoy - 15th April 2004 at 02:51
and why would Backpackers xpress want Freighters? :rolleyes:
By: EAL_KING - 15th April 2004 at 01:40
backpackers xpress are said to be buying 2 747-400 from singapore airlines it says in airliner world magazine may 2004 issue
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April 15, 2004 at 1:35 am