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CALC delivers first A320 to Spring Airlines
June 2nd 2017
Hong Kong-headquartered China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC) got a foot in the door with China’s Spring Airlines at last. Read More » The aircraft lessor delivered its first aircraft, an A320ceo, to Shanghai-based Spring in late May.
Spring has signed for four A320ceo on long-term lease from CALC. The three remaining single aisle aircraft will be delivered to the budget carrier within the next six months.
Mike Poon, CALC CEO, said: “Spring Airlines’ business model is widely recognized across the industry. We are honoured to have formed this partnership with Spring Airlines and are grateful for the confidence the airline has placed in our strength and professionalism. The cooperation marks an important step that CALC has taken towards developing its top-tier airline client base in the country, and shows our strong support for the rapid development of China's private airlines.”
Established in 2004, Spring was the Mainland’s first private LCC. At press time, Spring’s fleet totalled 70 aircraft; its network comprised 162 domestic and international routes.
Spring is considering its first long-haul low-cost flights in 2018, the airline’s deputy general manager, Jonathan Hutt, has told the CAPA consultancy.
Spring’s ‘foreign hand’ said there was a "good business case" for the LCC to launch long-haul operations, but it first required a “very strong network” to do so cost efficiently, as well as conveniently, for passengers.
Hutt said the airline was “open” to exploration of interline and feeder agreements with other budget carriers along the lines the model Ryanair and Norwegian are launching in the European summer.
Spring wants to expand as fast as is possible, regulatory obstacles continue to slow its ascent, said Hutt, particularly the acute shortage of slots at some of the carrier’s main operating bases, including its Shanghai hub.
Spring has a Japanese subsidiary based at Tokyo’s Narita, Spring Airlines Japan, an all B737-800 operator.
