HC Deb 09 April 1973 vol 854 c190W
Mr. Sheldon

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a list of all airline companies with current options on Concorde.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

The Chinese National Airline has placed a preliminary purchase order for three Concordes, and Iranair has signed a letter of intent for two aircraft with an option on a third. In addition, the following airlines hold options at present:

Eastern Airlines 6
Lufthansa 3
Air India 2
Middle East Airlines 2
Japan Airlines 3
Qantas 4
Braniff 3

Following the recent decisions by some airlines not to convert their delivery reservations into firm orders, earlier places are now available for other airlines. The manufacturers are accordingly informing those airlines still holding options that in future delivery positions will be offered as orders are placed, and that they may amend the terms of their options if they wish.