Air Transat and Thomas Cook Sign 7 Year Aircraft Exchange Agreement

[gonnabeapilot]

Looks like Transat has taken a page out of Sunwing's book to swap aircraft back and forth across the Atlantic with a long-term European partner. Good to see as it appears to be a well thought out approach that should help Transat right-size its fleet and remain a healthy competitor in the Canadian market. I don't think it will surprise anyone but this is also the first official mention I have seen that Transat plans to phase out its 737s and move to an all Airbus fleet.

Transat A.T. Inc. continues its fleet reconfiguration, signing an agreement with Thomas Cook
PR Newswire
Oct. 2, 2017, 07:00 AM

"Our fleet will eventually consist solely of Airbus aircraft, which will mean a more harmonized travel experience for our customers as well as lower operating costs," says Jean-Marc Eustache, President and CEO  

MONTREAL, Oct. 2, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Transat A.T. Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of a seven-year agreement with Thomas Cook Group Airlines for the exchange of aircraft on a seasonal basis. Under the terms of the agreement, Thomas Cook will make available every winter to Air Transat a number of narrow body Airbus A321s and will receive at least one wide-body Airbus A330-200 in return. This will enable both companies to manage and utilize their fleet more efficiently.

Full article: http://markets.businessinsider.com/news ... 1002913577

[TFTMB heavy]

We have had a few different partnerships for aircraft swapping, wet and dry leasing options for the last few years. This new chapter is in line with the plan to replace the 310 with 321LR and move to an all Airbus fleet. In a few years we will all be flying the two types in the fleet (320 family and 330).

[rudder]

Great move for AT. No mention of pilot swapping so one can presume no wet lease arrangements.

[TFTMB heavy]

Once we are settled into the new fleet I doubt there will be any swapping. As for now we do have some wet/damp leasing both ways.