newstodate.aero
Jun 03, 2009 (newstodate): Serb carrier JAT and Airbus are now to meet again to solve the long-overdue problem with the eight Airbus A319 aircraft ordered many years ago, pre-paid, but never delivered.
In 1998, the Serb government inked a contract worth USD 400 million with Airbus for purchase of eight A319 aircraft and paid USD 23 million up front.
JAT later attempted to sell the undelivered aircraft to other airlines, but failed as the purchase price was highly unattractive. The carrier is therefore still bound by the agreement and has so far not been able to recover its pre-payments.
An Airbus delegation is now in Belgrade to negotiate a solution in light of the carrier's plans to replace its ageing fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.
A solution to the problem would obviously clear the road for Airbus to compete on even terms with Boeing in the coming tender for new aircraft to the Serb carrier.
In 1998, the Serb government inked a contract worth USD 400 million with Airbus for purchase of eight A319 aircraft and paid USD 23 million up front.
JAT later attempted to sell the undelivered aircraft to other airlines, but failed as the purchase price was highly unattractive. The carrier is therefore still bound by the agreement and has so far not been able to recover its pre-payments.
An Airbus delegation is now in Belgrade to negotiate a solution in light of the carrier's plans to replace its ageing fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.
A solution to the problem would obviously clear the road for Airbus to compete on even terms with Boeing in the coming tender for new aircraft to the Serb carrier.