JMCAirlines is poised to make a multimillion pound investment in new long-haul jets.
The charter carrier is in talks with Boeing to buy two B757-300s, the new larger-capacity version of its existing B757s.
The single-aisle aircraft will join JMC’s fleet for summer 2001.
Thomas Cook’s in-house carrier will be able to configure the aircraft with 289 seats in an all-charter format or with 243 seats by introducing a business-class product. JMC’s current B757s seat 235 customers.
JMC is looking at bringing in a premium product, as other charter carriers have done, for summer 2001 (Travel Weekly November 29).
The B757-300 is suitable for European destinations, North Africa and the US, with one stop.
JMC Airlines managing director Terry Soult said:”The 757-300 is the top economic performer with the lowest operating cost and highest reliability in its class. It is being considered strongly as a future addition to our fleet.”
Soult said a decision on the aircraft will be made shortly. He is also looking at adding B767s or Airbus A330s into the JMC fleet to replace DC-10s.
JMC is currently combining the Flying Colours and Caledonian Airways fleets to roll out one brand on March 27.
Other airlines believed to be considering the B757-300 include Britannia Airways and Monarch Airlines. The Thomson carrier already has 22 B757s and Monarch seven.