Yes we did. But basically from what I heard within STAR alliance and LH in the last few weeks, AC has joined LH, OS and SK in looking for aircraft to seat pax in the 70-120 pax classes. This happened a few weeks ago.

LH is basically looking to replace their cancelled Fairchild Dornier Aircraft. And it seems they may be looking for replacements for their 737-300s and 737-500s.

For 70 seat aircraft CRJ700s are being considered

For 90 seat aircraft CRJ900s are being considered

For 100 seat aircraft, A318-100s and B717-200s are considered

For 120 seat aircraft, A319-100s and B717-300X (Latter is being pushed at Boeing) are considered.

Embraer's ERJ 170/175/190/195 I believe were not in the running. But things may have changed after a big order cancellation of Embraer jets from Swiss.

With regards to AC, I suspect they will likely be looking at 20-40 aircraft total as replacements. And will likely be ordering what the other STAR carriers will be ordering. But at the same time, I doubt AC will order the B717-300X if LH pushes for them and orders them.

I do believe AC will order RJs. Likely even the 70 seat variety as well. But For the 90/100 seat aircraft AC will likely look at the CRJ900, B717-200 and the A318-100 and likely order 1 of them as replacements for their B737-200.

Anyway with the B747-400 expecting to be sold off/retired will it mean advancing the delivery dates of the A340-600s?

Wonder if the AC fleet structure will look this in the future:

50 seats CRJ 100/200
70 seats (If needed CRJ700 replaces some Bae146 ajnd replaces the 90/100 seat category)
90/100 seats CRJ900/B712/A318 replaces B732s and Bae 146s
120/130 seats A319
140/150 seats A320
160/170 Seats A321
180-230 seats B763ERs (For domestic and international)
260-280 seats A343 very long haul
A345 Ultra long haul
A333 Transatlantic
310-340 seats A346


[This message has been edited by AC_flyer (edited 04-02-2003).]

[This message has been edited by AC_flyer (edited 04-02-2003).]