Air Pac after Dream craft
Fijitimes.com.fj
AIR Pacific is spending $2.4billion to purchase three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in what is believed to be the largest transaction ever undertaken by a Fiji company.
Air Pacific chairman Nalin Patel said the aircraft will be delivered in 2016 and 2017.
"These are in addition to the five B787-9 Dreamliners purchased by Air Pacific for delivery in 2011 and 2012," he said. "The aircraft have a list price of $US580million ($F886.443m).
"This brings the total fleet order to $F2.4billion, the largest transaction ever undertaken by a Fijian company." He said that commitment showed the confidence of the airline in the future of Fiji's tourism industry and the overall growth of passenger and cargo business within the South Pacific over the coming decade. The first five B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to be delivered in 2011 and 2012 would replace their current fleet of two Boeing B747-400 and one Boeing B767-300ER aircraft and provide for forecast growth.
Mr Patel said the three additional aircraft would create around 160 new jobs for pilots, cabin crews, engineers and support staff in Fiji. He said the aircraft would be funded through cash flow and borrowings.
"A decision is yet to be taken on the ratio of the aircraft to be acquired by outright purchase and sales and lease back," he said.
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BJ