China Airlines (CAL) yesterday dismissed media speculation that it was planning to split the purchase of aircraft to replace its fleet of 12 Airbus A300-600Rs between Boeing and Airbus.
CAL spokesman Roger Han (
"Buying two different types of aircraft would not be cost-effective because it wouldn't enable us to simplify our fleet," Han told the Taipei Times.
China Airlines, majority owned by a government-run foundation, has been mulling the purchase of new planes as it moves to complete modernization of its fleet of aging aircraft before the end of this year.
As of July 18, CAL had simplified its fleet to four types of planes: B747-400s, B737-800s, A340-300s and A300-600Rs.
Under CAL's plan, it would replace its 12 Airbus A300-600Rs with either Boeing B-777s or Airbus A330s at a cost of between US$1.6 billion and US$2 billion.
Despite strong lobbying efforts from both Boeing, which is based in the US, and Airbus, a European consortium, CAL officials said the options are still under evaluation.
"Our main criteria in choosing our planes are technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness," Han said.
However, earlier reports said that CAL was considering purchasing the planes from Airbus because the price was lower.
As to reports that Boeing is willing to cut its price by 30 percent to win the contract, CAL officials said they have not been notified of any such offer.
Vice Minister of Transportation and Communications Tsai Duei (蔡堆) said yesterday that since both Boeing and Airbus are well-established companies, CAL should be able to make the decision which would be most beneficial for its business.
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