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DATE:23/02/10
SOURCE:Air Transport Intelligence news
Southern Air’s new CEO seeks to acquire more 747-200s
By Brendan Sobie
Southern Air continues to look to acquire additional Boeing 747 Classic freighters even as the US cargo carrier begins operating new Boeing 777Fs.
Southern Air new chief executive Daniel McHugh says the carrier has been taking advantage of the significant drop in the value of used aircraft and engines over the last year by closing several transactions for 747-200Fs and General Electric CF6s. He says Southern, which now has 12 747-200s and three 747-300s in its active fleet, continues to be on the hunt for more 747 Classics and CF6 engines as more become available.
He says Southern specifically is looking for 747-200 and 747-300 freighters that were previously operated by "good airlines with exemplary maintenance records". He says Southern has a strong preference for GE-powered 747s although it does have some Pratt and Whitney-powered 747s in its fleet.
McHugh says Southern in 2009 acquired multiple 747-200s, some of which were added to its active fleet while others were parted out. McHugh says Southern also acquired several CF6s last year, explaining "the game is engines" as the carrier tries to keep its total fleet size at about 15 aircraft by replacing engines and aircraft as they reach the end of their useful service lives.
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