*** Singapore airlines wants 20 Boeings

SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore Airlines has ordered 10 Boeing 777-200 aircraft and has options to buy 10 more planes in a deal with a total value of about $4 billion. The planes will replace Singapore Airline's existing fleet of Airbus A310-300s, the airline said Wednesday. The airline said the 20 aircraft, to be delivered between 2003 and 2009, will be used mainly on regional routes, but will be suitable for longer routes if required. As with previous orders, it expects to finance the purchase largely from its cash flow, but added that if necessary, the airline "will consider borrowing or leasing." The airline is phasing out its A310-300 fleet, with 13 still in operation. The last A310 aircraft will be retired from the operating fleet in 2006. The airline operates 91 aircraft, comprising 777-200s and -300s, 747-400s, A340-300s and A310-300s.

Thought you might be interested.

Daniel