Airbus wins CSA mid-range aircraft contract

Airline Industry Information, Oct 15, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Czech national carrier Czech Airlines (CSA) has announced that it has chosen European aerospace company Airbus to supply 12 new mid-range aircraft for its fleet.

The move is another blow to the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing in its battle over new orders with its France-based rival. CSA's 43-strong mid-range fleet had until now been dominated by 28 Boeing 737 aircraft.

A spokesperson for CSA said that the board's decision was unanimous despite the company's evaluation model putting Airbus at a disadvantage. The contract is worth CZK10-20bn to Airbus and will see CSA take delivery of three A320 and two A319 aircraft in the first half of 2005 on operating leases until the 12 new aircraft are delivered between 2006 and 2008, reports Reuters.

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