Airbus deny letter of intent has been signed for 30 aircraft (200 words)

Published: 12/21/2000

It appears that the news that Aeroflot had signed a letter to buy 30 aircraft from Airbus may have been a little premature. The office of the French Prime Minister released the news of the signing of the letter of intent during a visit to France by the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov on the 18th December during which a number of aerospace agreement had been discussed. Airbus and Aeroflot however, quickly refuted the story, denying any such deal. Undoubtedly if Aeroflot could get 30 Airbuses on preferential terms they would be more than happy to have them. Whether they could operate them profitably at this point is another matter and there is also the small matter of the increasing opposition from the aerospace industry and airlines, to Aeroflot continuing to being given preferential advantage in the importation of foreign aircraft without the offsetting orders and deliveries for Russian producers. The misinterpretation by Jospin's office is however, understandable, given that the Russians were actively seeking contracts the new A-3XX and may have sweetened the potential deal by suggesting they could possibly be big buyers of Airbus's products.

Article ID: 2262