§ 9. Mr. Dewarasked the Minister of Aviation how many options have been purchased for Concord airliners; by what organisations; at what cost; and on the basis of what forecast price per aircraft.
§ Mr. MulleySixteen aircraft have been reserved for B.O.A.C. and Air France. Options on a further 36 aircraft have so far been taken out by other airlines, as follows: —
Pan American 6 T.W.A. 6 American Airlines 6 Qantas 4 Japan Airlines 3 Continental Airlines 3 Sabena 2 Middle East Airlines 2 Eastern Airlines 2 Air India 2 These options are the subject of separate agreements between the manufacturers and the individual airlines. As they have been concluded at different times and in varying circumstances, the details naturally differ, and it would be a breach of commercial confidence if I were to say what the options cost or on what forecast prices they are based. The estimate of cost at present being quoted in connection with options is $16 million—or about £5.7 million.
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