Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Under Consideration

Which one is the best one... and for what price? That's the question higher-ups at Geneva-based international business aviation operator PrivatAir are currently mulling over, as the company announced at EBACE2006 that it is at an "advanced" stage of evaluating options, both from Airbus and Boeing, for its next aircraft purchase.

PrivatAir -- which, since 1977, has built its operation on offering corporate airliners -- is considering both the Airbus A350 and Boeing's 787, for delivery in the early part of the next decade.

"PrivatAir has always been on the forefront of business aviation," said Greg Thomas, CEO of PrivatAir. "We were the first commercial operator of the Boeing Business Jet, and the first to implement a scheduled operation with the long-range Airbus A319. Our long-standing relationships with both manufacturers enable us to objectively evaluate the best aircraft on a case-by-case basis."

In addition to its BBJ (above) and A319 airliners, PrivatAir's fleet of over 40 aircraft includes turboprops, light jets, and heavy business jets. PrivatAir expects the new aircraft -- whatever type they may be --- will offer its customers greater range than its current offerings provide.

FMI: www.privatair.com, www.boeing.com, www.airbus.com