tomccoll
12-11-2006, 04:04 PM
http://www.metroairvirtual.com/images/metnewsdesk2.jpg
http://www.metroairvirtual.com/images/MetroA319_Marketing.jpg
DETROIT, 11th December 2006 -- In a shocking announcement, MetroAir Virtual Airlines today announced a shift in strategy from a predominantly-Boeing fleet with the announcement of an offer placed with Airbus for twenty (20) A319 aircraft with options for twenty (20) more. No word has yet been heard from Airbus regarding the viability of MetroAir’s offer, however an official response is expected later this week. The basic details of MetroAir’s offer can be accessed by clicking the link below:
Click below to view the MetroAir A319 Purchase Offer:
http://www.metroairvirtual.com/files/Library/MetroAir Offer to Purchase (A319 - 20+20).pdf
It’s no surprise that MetroAir has been in the market for new aircraft. Last month, the airline began a full-time market study to plan out the future of MetroAir’s middle-range fleet, currently maintained by Boeing 737-series aircraft. As time and specifications whittled away the choices, it became clear that the airline had set the stage for a classic competition between the world’s two largest aircraft producers – Boeing and Airbus. With eyes on the Boeing B737-7NG and the Airbus A319, a total study was completed using both operational and manufacturer specifications.
“While the actual formulas needed and used to complete a full competitive analysis were extremely complex, the ending results were less than spectacular.” said MetroAir CEO Mark McCoy. “Boeing’s 737-7NG and Airbus’ A319 were more than equally matched – only seasoned professionals could see the minor differences that set the aircraft apart. With Boeing at near maximum production capacity and producing a slightly less-efficient aircraft in the -7NG, our choices quickly became clear. The Airbus A319 is the best product to carry MetroAir into the future.”
In the end, MetroAir Virtual Airlines has chosen to complement the airline’s growing fleet with brand-new Airbus A319 aircraft, powered by IAE V2522-A5 engines. “While small, the advantages of the Airbus over the Boeing in this segment were enough to push our interest away from the B737-7NG." said Chief Operations Officer Tom Collins. The Airbus A319 offers a fantastic package for MetroAir. Quicker turnaround times, greater cargo flexibility and overall operational costs that surpass any potential commonality issues has made the decision to make this offer one in which we have every confidence.”
Currently the airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-200Adv aircraft with an average age of 25 years old, and Boeing 767-200 aircraft with an average age of 24 years old. MetroAir’s Bombardier Dash-8-Q200 and Boeing 737-7NG aircraft are flown on dry-lease terms, and are not owned by the airline. The fate of the currently leased B737-7NG’s is unknown, however it is expected that they will remain with the airline for some time yet. “By replacing our aging fleet with brand-new Airbus A319 aircraft, we intend to eventually reduce our total average fleet age to less than 7-10 years old, increasing reliability and efficiency abroad." said Mike Charves, VP of Operations. "This is just one more sign of the successful momentum here at MetroAir. It’s an exciting time to be an employee of one of the biggest up and coming airlines." said Matthew Calsada, HR Manager for MetroAir.
Further news on MetroAir’s offer with Airbus is expected within the week.
http://www.metroairvirtual.com/images/MetroA319_Marketing.jpg
DETROIT, 11th December 2006 -- In a shocking announcement, MetroAir Virtual Airlines today announced a shift in strategy from a predominantly-Boeing fleet with the announcement of an offer placed with Airbus for twenty (20) A319 aircraft with options for twenty (20) more. No word has yet been heard from Airbus regarding the viability of MetroAir’s offer, however an official response is expected later this week. The basic details of MetroAir’s offer can be accessed by clicking the link below:
Click below to view the MetroAir A319 Purchase Offer:
http://www.metroairvirtual.com/files/Library/MetroAir Offer to Purchase (A319 - 20+20).pdf
It’s no surprise that MetroAir has been in the market for new aircraft. Last month, the airline began a full-time market study to plan out the future of MetroAir’s middle-range fleet, currently maintained by Boeing 737-series aircraft. As time and specifications whittled away the choices, it became clear that the airline had set the stage for a classic competition between the world’s two largest aircraft producers – Boeing and Airbus. With eyes on the Boeing B737-7NG and the Airbus A319, a total study was completed using both operational and manufacturer specifications.
“While the actual formulas needed and used to complete a full competitive analysis were extremely complex, the ending results were less than spectacular.” said MetroAir CEO Mark McCoy. “Boeing’s 737-7NG and Airbus’ A319 were more than equally matched – only seasoned professionals could see the minor differences that set the aircraft apart. With Boeing at near maximum production capacity and producing a slightly less-efficient aircraft in the -7NG, our choices quickly became clear. The Airbus A319 is the best product to carry MetroAir into the future.”
In the end, MetroAir Virtual Airlines has chosen to complement the airline’s growing fleet with brand-new Airbus A319 aircraft, powered by IAE V2522-A5 engines. “While small, the advantages of the Airbus over the Boeing in this segment were enough to push our interest away from the B737-7NG." said Chief Operations Officer Tom Collins. The Airbus A319 offers a fantastic package for MetroAir. Quicker turnaround times, greater cargo flexibility and overall operational costs that surpass any potential commonality issues has made the decision to make this offer one in which we have every confidence.”
Currently the airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-200Adv aircraft with an average age of 25 years old, and Boeing 767-200 aircraft with an average age of 24 years old. MetroAir’s Bombardier Dash-8-Q200 and Boeing 737-7NG aircraft are flown on dry-lease terms, and are not owned by the airline. The fate of the currently leased B737-7NG’s is unknown, however it is expected that they will remain with the airline for some time yet. “By replacing our aging fleet with brand-new Airbus A319 aircraft, we intend to eventually reduce our total average fleet age to less than 7-10 years old, increasing reliability and efficiency abroad." said Mike Charves, VP of Operations. "This is just one more sign of the successful momentum here at MetroAir. It’s an exciting time to be an employee of one of the biggest up and coming airlines." said Matthew Calsada, HR Manager for MetroAir.
Further news on MetroAir’s offer with Airbus is expected within the week.