Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Royal Brunei to lease 777-200's from Singapore Airlines

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) has confirmed that it will lease six Boeing 777-200ER aircraft from Singapore Airlines to replace its 767-300ERs.

The two carriers signed the lease agreement today, says RBA, adding that the 777s will help it renew its fleet and expand its operations.

"In addition to a higher passenger and cargo capacity than the 767s, the 777s' improved product will enhance RBA's ability to grow its revenue base," says RBA.

The airline said earlier this month it is in talks with SIA to lease 777s, and was expecting to finalise a deal soon.

RBA's first 777 is expected to arrive on 26 May, and the airline will operate the first flight to London via Dubai during the third week of June.

The remaining five aircraft will arrive between June and September, adds the carrier.

Each aircraft will be configured with 30 business class and 255 economy class seats. The 777s will be equipped with RBA's in-flight entertainment system with individual screens and video and audio on demand, says RBA.

"The support that Royal Brunei Airlines received from Singapore Airlines brought this partnership beyond a pure lease. Under the lease terms, selected support programmes provided by Original Equipment Manufacturers to SIA are also provided to RBA to cover the aircraft engines, auxiliary power unit and other selected components," says RBA's CEO Robert Yang.


(Ghim-Lay Yeo / Air Transport Intelligence News-Flightglobal)

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