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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

China Eastern orders 60 A320s

China Eastern Airlines (MU) has ordered 60 Airbus A320s. The aircraft, valued at $5.4 billion at list prices, will be used to expand the airline’s domestic services. Delivery is scheduled between 2014 and 2017, according to the carrier’s statement released by the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Earlier this year, the Shanghai-based carrier sealed a $5.94 billion deal for 20 Boeing 777-300ERs (ATW Daily News, April 30). The 777s, which are scheduled to be delivered between 2014 and 2018, will operate on the Sino-US routes.
“Although domestic and international market demand has declined this year compared with last year, we expect to see gradual recovery in market demand starting from next year, and thus we need to prepare for it beforehand,” a company insider said.
The carrier said it plans to open new routes from Shanghai to Amsterdam and San Francisco, Calif. by 2015.
Separately, MU said it would sell eight Bombardier CRJs and 10 Embraer regional aircraft worth CNY1.54 billion ($245 million) to optimize its fleet structure and reduce operating costs. MU GM Ma Xulun said earlier the carrier plans to cut its 20 fleet types in half by 2015.

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