Romanian authorities start talks with aircraft producers to replace Tarom’s fleet

Romania’s Transport Ministry has already had talks with large aircraft producers such as Boeing and ATR, and will negotiate with Airbus, Embraer, and Bombardier to replace in the future the whole fleet of the state-owned airline Tarom, said transport minister Sorin Buse. Meanwhile, the authorities consider renting two large ATR aircraft that would provide greater flexibility to the existing fleet, reports local News.ro. The privatization is just the last among other options for a company that has recorded nine consecutive years of losses, the minister added. Boeing and Airbus are considered for providing high-capacity aircraft whereas Embraer, ATR, and Bombardier are considered for small capacity airplanes. In the last years Tarom representatives have repeatedly said that it was necessary to replace the company's fleet. Tarom airplanes have an average age of over 15 years, which significantly increases the maintenance and operating costs. In recent months, some Tarom flights have registered big delayswhile others have been cancelled due to technical problems. Tarom recently decommissioned its two Airbus 310 aircraft, which had been bought in 1992 and gave up some routes, including Dubai. The company now has a fleet of 22 aircraft from three producers: Airbus, ATR, and Boeing. editor@romania-insider.com