It seems Singapore Airlines are liking the A330’s it operates. So much so, they’re leasing another 15 of them, due for delivery between 2013 and 2015.
The new aircraft will replace some of the existing Boeing 777’s that are used for regional and mid-haul services – covering Asia, Australia and Middle East.
They currently operate 19 on the type on 5 year short leases (and extendable), which if they all are operated will take the fleet to 34 aircraft.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong say that:
“Together with the additional [Airbus] A380s that we are taking delivery of this year, as well as A350s and 787s on order for the years ahead, the lease of the A330s is consistent with our longstanding policy of operating a young and modern fleet.”
No plans have been announced for what is to be done with the older 777-200 fleet. With the long haul Low Cost Carrier Singapore Airlines have announced, they could go to them… or they can sell them on like they did to Royal Brunei….
From a passenger viewpoint, the A330’s whilst smaller than a 777-200, tend to be more comfortable as they are normally arranged in a 2-4-2 arrangement down the back and a 2-2-2 arrangement in the front of the aircraft (thus the maximum people you have to ask to go to leave your seat is 1 no matter where you are sat in the aircraft).
