Czech airline drops interest in new long-haul aircraft

The Czech airline CSA has said it has given up plans to buy new long-haul aircraft and might even sell its current four Airbus 310 planes. Earlier, the carrier had sounded out both Boeing of the United States and Europe's Airbus about the purchase of new aircraft. But, a spokeswoman said on Friday intentions had changed. CSA,

majority-owned by the state, will decide whether to sell its existing four Airbus aircraft by next summer. The planes are currently used on scheduled routes to New York, Toronto, Montreal and Dubai, as well as on charter flights. Their sale will not necessarily mean that CSA will abandon its long haul routes. The carrier can decide to lease long haul planes instead.

This year the airline expects to post a full-year loss of around 500 million crowns (the equivalent of around 23 million dollars). It is hoping to return to profit in 2008 following major restructuring.

Author: Jan Velinger