Page 31 - AAA MARCH-APRIL 2012 Online Magazine

DEALS

WhO’S buyINg WhAT

SINO-AfRICAN ETIhAd

Etihad Airways is aiming to expand into
China, offering Africa flights as a sweetener.
Described as “critically important”, the
airlines’ new route to Nairobi – and planned
extensions to both cargo and pax flights
to Nigeria – will help increase numbers
between East Africa and Asia. “We expect to
see strong loads (from Africa) to China,” said
James Hogan, Etihad CEO.

WINgS AIR buyS to Sumatra and Kalimantan. Pak Rusdi MERPATI gOES SINA
Kirana, Wings Air Chairman, said the ATRs
ATR 72-600S will play a major role in the development PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines (MNA),
of aviation services across Indonesia, Indonesia’s state-run airline, plans to
Indonesia’s Lion Air has made more offering new routes at low rates to an expand its fleet up to 75 planes over the
ripples with its latest record-breaking increasing part of the population. “With next five years with ARJ 21-700s from
signing. Subsidiary Wings Air’s recent the ATRs, Wings Air is also contributing to China’s COMAC. The two organisations
order for ATR 72-600s, taking its fleet to develop business opportunities … and to signed an MOU for purchase of 40 ARJ 21-
60 in total, makes it the largest operator develop tourism in regions like Java, Bali 700 planes, and MNA President Director
of ATRs in the world. Made up of 20 ATR and Nusantagara,” he said. Kirana added Sarjono Djony Tjitrokusumo explained
72-500s and 40 ATR 72-600s, Wings Air’s the ATRs are perfectly adapted to the that delivery of the planes is scheduled
fleet will reach full strength by the end of Indonesian short-haul market and allow to commence in 2014 through 2017.
2015. The US$610 million deal will expand Wings Air to: “connect communities, even Ten are expected to be delivered each
its domestic routes across the country in remote areas as well as contributing year. The 100-passenger aircraft cost
from Ambon to Sulawesi and Papua. to the preservation of the environment US$30million each, and are to be built by
Plans are in hand to develop new routes thanks to their very low CO2 emissions.” AVIC International Holding Corporation/
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of
China. Part of the contract stipulates
that the Indonesian aviation industry,
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), would
fit local components during the plane’s
final build stages. Financing is through
Chinese financers.

AIRShOW fLIES hIgh

Singapore Airshow defied talk of a
slowdown in the industry and region,
with a record attendance for the February
AIR ASTANA uPS bOEINg fLEET industry bonanza. “Singapore Airshow
Representing the single largest order for Air Astana. Boeing is feeling fuzzy 2012 has been a success for everyone,”
commercial airplanes in Kazakhstan, flag about the deal too, according to Marty asserted Jimmy Lau, Managing Director
carrier Air Astana has placed an order for Bentrott, vice president of sales for Middle of Experia Events, organiser. Despite
four Boeing 767-300ERs and three Boeing East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing some hassles with entrance routing and
787-8s. The order is valued at US$1.3billion Commercial Airplanes. “We are extremely a labyrinthine exhibition floor plan, some
at current list, making this the largest order pleased that Air Astana has partnered 145,000 visitors and attendees passed
for commercial aircraft in Kazakhstan’s with Boeing to participate in the region’s through the well-manned security gates
history. “Our decision to order the Boeings growing air transport market. We are over the six days. “We set a new record for
is part of Air Astana’s long-term growth confident that both the 767-300ER and the the value of deals,” added Lau. He noted
strategy to expand and modernize our 787 Dreamliner will play an important role that over 70% of exhibitors have already
fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient as Air Astana continues with its expansion booked for next year’s event, which will
airplanes,” said Peter Foster, president, plans,” he asserted. run from 11-16 February 2014.
WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM MARCH / APRIL 2012 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS 31