Tesna orders 30 planes
 

Note: it is a "memo of understanding" - these aren't firm orders!

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Tesna orders 30 planes

10Feb02

IN a vote of confidence that its takeover of beleaguered Ansett will go ahead, the Tesna group has agreed to buy 30 Airbus planes and has taken an option on another 10.

The move was announced today in a statement issued by French aircraft manufacturer Airbus Industrie from its Toulouse headquarters.

The company said Tesna had signed a memorandum of understanding in Toulouse today, under which it agreed to buy 30 A320 and A321 airliners, with delivery to begin later this year.

Based on an earlier figure, the initial airbus purchase would cost Tesna some $2.5 billion.

But today's statement provided no details of the cost of the purchase nor whether there was a get-out clause should the Tesna takeover of Ansett not proceed.

A Tesna spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.

A spokesman for Ansett administrator Mark Korda said Mr Korda believed the move reflected Tesna's confidence that the deal would go ahead.

"Mr Korda regards the Airbus announcement as a reflection of the confidence and commitment of the Tesna group to finalising the deal just as soon as possible," he said.

Airbus said it would provide all training and field support service for the new aircraft in Australia.

They would enable Ansett to expand its domestic schedule, the company said.

Tesna co-chairman Solomon Lew said: "I have confidence that this acquisition provides the basis for Ansett to grow and prosper in an extremely competitive and growing market."