Spring confirms use of 737NGs for Japanese operation

Spring CFO Johnny Lau, speaking at CAPA's Financing the Asian Revolution conference in Macau, stated (07-Sep-2012) the carrier will use Boeing 737NGs for its Japanese operation. Noting that Spring has "been satisfied with the Airbus service in China", Mr Lau said Spring expects Boeing's longer history in Japan and deeper penetration than Airbus will yield operational advantages. "If you want to find pilots, engineers, all kinds of support, Boeing seems to be a better choice," Mr Lau said. Spring in Aug-2012 took delivery of its 33rd A320 and Mr Lau affirmed Spring still intends to nearly double that figure by having 60 A320s in mainland China by 2015. Spring's pending IPO will raise funds for the fleet expansion, but Mr Lau cautions any brakes to be applied will come not from Spring but rather the Chinese Government, which must approve aircraft orders. [more - CAPA Analysis]