<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AC_flyer:
I do agree that AC will likely need aircraft to replace the B747-400s. But will the A340-600 be required or could they look at smaller aircraft like More A340-500 or some used A340-300s. Boeing does have some A340-300s (from SQ) that they will like to place with airlines. So far Belgium Universal Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines have show interest in those used a340-300s. There was a time, AC was interested in acquiring them, but they shied away for some reason...
Considering the aviation market, it will be a tough call to acquire more newer aircraft. But at the same time, leasing companies will not mind leasing aircraft like the a340-600s or the A340-500s to airlines...</font>
Rumour has it that Iberia is backing out of four A340-600's, and Boeing gleeful. You can bet that Air Canada could get a deal right now on them
and magically make some 747's go away at the same time.
Like I said, I think Airbus wants to push high and low with Air Canada - the middle will sort itself out soon enough. The price guarantees on much of the Airbus product will start to expire in another year or two, which means Air Canada can pick up deals or Airbus will be putting soft money into deals to keep resale values high.