Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Air Transat shops for new fleet
Brent Jang
Transat A.T. Inc. plans to replace its fleet of aging Airbus planes, entering talks with both Airbus SAS and rival Boeing Co.
The Montreal-based tour operator currently operates four 362-seat Airbus A330s and a dozen 259-seat A310s, but is seeking to drop those planes, which have an average age of nearly 15 years, in favour of a single-model fleet.
Transat's subsidiary, Air Transat, has its eye on the Airbus A350 XWB (extra wide-body) and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Air Transat chief executive officer Allen Graham said in an interview yesterday.
"I would love to have one fleet type to do all the missions," Mr. Graham said.
He said Transat would reap the benefits by switching to newer planes because they will be more fuel-efficient, and the use of only one model would reduce maintenance costs. Under one scenario, Transat's A310s could be phased out by 2012. The Airbus A350 is slated to enter service in 2013.
Transat expects to choose between European-based Airbus and Chicago-based Boeing in late 2008 or early 2009, with plans to buy some planes but likely lease the majority.
Other aircraft on Transat's shortlist include the Boeing 767 and a reconfigured A330 that would have fewer than 300 seats because that is the top range of passenger capacity being targeted in future. "Both Boeing and Airbus are pitching new and used planes to us," Mr. Graham said.
On potential new competitors, he said Transat is taking a wait-and-see attitude on NewAir & Tours, a fledgling firm backed by four former WestJet Airlines Ltd. executives. Calgary-based NewAir's Nov. 6 licence application says it plans to use McDonnell Douglas MD-80s as the initial platform for launch, but sources say Boeing 737s could enter the picture, too.
In a shorter-term retrofit, Transat intends to create more legroom on its existing planes by removing some seats in mid-2008.
Mr. Graham added that Transat is weathering red-hot jet fuel prices, having successfully hedged most of its winter fuel requirements at lower costs. But he remains concerned about high landing fees at Canadian airports and security charges.
He made the comments on the eve of Transat's 20th anniversary today. The parent company's chairman and CEO, Jean-Marc Eustache, co-founded the tour operator with Philippe Sureau and Lina De Cesare, who are senior Transat managers.
The first flight departed Montreal for Acapulco on Nov. 14, 1987.
Air Transat shops for new fleet!
Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, North Shore
They might make the choice to go with Airbus?
But I hope they go for the 787-8 & 787-9. It would be ideal for both primary & secondary routes.
Fill it up to the max capacity, which they are so good at doing.
If they go with the A350XBW, they will most probably go with the 800 series. The 900 & 1000 is just too big at max capacity.
But I hope they go for the 787-8 & 787-9. It would be ideal for both primary & secondary routes.
Fill it up to the max capacity, which they are so good at doing.
If they go with the A350XBW, they will most probably go with the 800 series. The 900 & 1000 is just too big at max capacity.
Asking a pilot about what he thinks of Transport Canada, is like asking a fire hydrant what does he think about dogs.
You been reading too many Airliners magazines in Chapters again? 
Ok.....so I have!
The best is ATW magazine, which you can't at the store. You need to order it or to http://www.atwonline.com
It gives great coverage of the global civil/aviation industry.
If Transat wants to increase capacity, they can go with the 787-10 or A350-900?
The best is ATW magazine, which you can't at the store. You need to order it or to http://www.atwonline.com
It gives great coverage of the global civil/aviation industry.
If Transat wants to increase capacity, they can go with the 787-10 or A350-900?
Asking a pilot about what he thinks of Transport Canada, is like asking a fire hydrant what does he think about dogs.
-
tellyourkidstogetarealjob
- Rank 5
- Posts: 390
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:11 am
- Location: Cascadia
Ya.....o.k there buddy! I must be talking some other language or something?tellyourkidstogetarealjob wrote:Go on, ICEMAN, confess: I bet you know a few words of Klingonese, don't you?
You see it's about airplanes....wooooooooow???
Have you heard of them before?
Asking a pilot about what he thinks of Transport Canada, is like asking a fire hydrant what does he think about dogs.
Given TS' retrenchment of some of the 330s back to 310s to match demand and fleet more closely, they may be cautious about going to the 350 which is essentially a 333/772 replacement, since Airbus are offering nothing between A321 and A358.
The 787-8/9 would a good fit to replace the existing fleet but would mean a complete replacement of Airbus knowledge and experience - not unprecedented in an airline but not easy either.
The 787-8/9 would a good fit to replace the existing fleet but would mean a complete replacement of Airbus knowledge and experience - not unprecedented in an airline but not easy either.
-
TFTMB heavy
- Rank 7
- Posts: 704
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 9:58 am
Boeing expertise
Air Transat has operated 737's, 727's and 757's in the past, should not be a problem transitionning to the 67 or dreamliners if required.
-
tellyourkidstogetarealjob
- Rank 5
- Posts: 390
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:11 am
- Location: Cascadia
Yep, heard of 'em! They're big things that are very solid. Not just concepts on paper. Because you actually read about that "concept" shit I was lightly referring to you as a nerd.THEICEMAN wrote:
You see it's about airplanes....wooooooooow???
Have you heard of them before?
Aviation has a long history of aircraft that didn't live up to expectations. The list of ones that met or exceeded expectations is shorter.
Starting with failures: the A350. The thing never got off the drawing board and was scrapped and redesigned. They're well behind the 787 now and that aircraft is also a little behind production. Along with the fiasco of the A380 politics they are not setting a good track record for on time delivery.
You're suggesting they make purchasing decisions based on untried aircraft. Transat's not very big and can't afford a misstep. They're better sticking with proven designs.
Look, where not talking about some lame aircraft manufacturers here! Where talking about Airbus & Boeing who are investing billions into these projects!Aviation has a long history of aircraft that didn't live up to expectations. The list of ones that met or exceeded expectations is shorter.
Starting with failures: the A350. The thing never got off the drawing board and was scrapped and redesigned. Along with the fiasco of the A380 politics they are not setting a good track record for on time delivery
This is not like any other new aircraft projects! These projects are gonna be milestones in aviation history. It's gonna change everything!
Launch is for 2013 & it will be a different aircraft then the 787. You cannot compare them!
So what, a little re-design....still going to be a great aircraft!
Proof? 400 orders so far!
The A380 is not a failure! It's an amazing aircraft that has exceeded expectations during the test runs....put that on that short if you whish!
Very naive comment! How many worldwide have taken a big step towards the 787? By the time Transat would be able to get some, it will be 2013. By that time, the 787 would have been flying for 3-4 years. More then enough time to cancel orders!You're suggesting they make purchasing decisions based on untried aircraft. Transat's not very big and can't afford a misstep. They're better sticking with proven designs.
If 787 is as good as they say it is, then they have to make a giant leap forward. If their competitors enjoy lower cost, then it would be impossible to compete with A310s in your fleet!
You remind of the people who did not believe in the 737 project....Aviation has a long history of aircraft that didn't live up to expectations. The list of ones that met or exceeded expectations is shorter.
Grow up man! It's as easy as reading an article in an aviation magazine for fack sakes, it's not rocket science!shit I was lightly referring to you as a nerd.
Everybody has been talking about it......
You see, there are only two airplanes to examine???
(1 Beoing airplane + 1 Airbus airplane = 2 woooooow!)
Asking a pilot about what he thinks of Transport Canada, is like asking a fire hydrant what does he think about dogs.
-
tellyourkidstogetarealjob
- Rank 5
- Posts: 390
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:11 am
- Location: Cascadia
I was having a good natured poke at you. I didn't realize you were so hypersensitive.
So you consider the 350 redesign minor.
A380 is a huge success. Losing its' major courier customer and being grossly over budget is your definition of a success. As long as it works, who cares if it ever sells enough to pay for itself.
The most positive thing I can say about you is that you are a natural for airline management in a few years.
timbuck is right, this is off topic.
You're boring me, go argue with yourself somewhere.
What language are you trying to write?THEICEMAN wrote:....put that on that short if you whish!
Ordering aircraft isn't like leasing a new Ford. Cash changes hands years in advance.By the time Transat would be able to get some, it will be 2013. By that time, the 787 would have been flying for 3-4 years. More then enough time to cancel orders!
So you consider the 350 redesign minor.
A380 is a huge success. Losing its' major courier customer and being grossly over budget is your definition of a success. As long as it works, who cares if it ever sells enough to pay for itself.
The most positive thing I can say about you is that you are a natural for airline management in a few years.
timbuck is right, this is off topic.
You're boring me, go argue with yourself somewhere.
So why the replies?You're boring me, go argue with yourself somewhere.
referring to your short list of sucessful aircraft.What language are you trying to write?
Of course the A380 is going to be successfull. It's called the long run.....Airbus now claims 400 frames to break even. More like 450....So you consider the 350 redesign minor.
A380 is a huge success. Losing its' major courier customer and being grossly over budget is your definition of a success. As long as it works, who cares if it ever sells enough to pay for itself.
But are telling me that they won't be able to sell more the 500 A380s in the next 20 years?
Fed Ex & UPS orders were a very small part of the project. Not significant.
So what...the A350 is now re-designed & will be out for 2013...different aircraft to 787 & already has 400+ orders!
Boeing is extremely worried abou the A350!
Asking a pilot about what he thinks of Transport Canada, is like asking a fire hydrant what does he think about dogs.
-
Human Factor
- Rank 5
- Posts: 379
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 11:55 pm
- Location: Between a dock and a hard place.
