“We have to change the entire aircraft fleet to harmonize it, and to reduce both the operating and maintenance costs. We look into many options, such as Boeing, Airbus and Embraer. What is important to us is what these producers can offer us to replace the entire aircraft fleet. We want new planes, which we could afford to finance through operating lease,“ Christian Heinzmann, CEO with Tarom told ZF.
According to the package offered by each aircraft builder, Tarom aims to equally replace the ATR planes currently used for national flights.
Tarom decision to renew the aircraft fleet was a result of the obsolete airplanes. It has a fleet of 23 Airbus, Boeing and ATR aircrafts, out of which more than half are over 20 years old.
“We are now working at the financial proposal to the Transport and Finance Ministry and then we will approach the Board and the general stockholders’ meeting to reach a final decision,“ said Heinzmann.
The company also plans to expand the renewal plan to intercontinental flights and to buy wide body planes to replace the current Airbus A310 ones.
According to market sources, the two Airbus A310 of Tarom fleet will be replaced with two A330-200, which is worth EUR209 million a plane. This type of plane is mostly used by Turkish Airlines and Air China.
Tarom was founded in 1954 and operates over 50 destinations.
In 2015, Tarom expects RON8 million losses and revenues of RON1.53 billion.
The company employs nearly 2,000 employees.
(English version by Manuela Panescu)