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This page contains an archive of news items relating to the BAe 146 and Avro RJ regional jetliners, from January to December 1999.
| Index | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| January 1999 |
National Jet Systems buys stake in CityJet National Jet Systems of Australia has bought almost 50 per cent of Irish airline CityJet, for about I£6 million (about US$6 million).
1998 a successful year for BAe-AMJ
BAe Asset Management-Jets (AMJ), the BAe 146 jet sales and leasing arm of
British Aerospace, had another successful year in 1998, achieving sales and lease transactions valued at around US$238 million.
Aegean Aviation orders Avro RJ100s
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has announced an order for two Avro RJ100s, with an option for two more, from Aegean Aviation of Athens, Greece. Deliveries of the two aircraft on firm order are scheduled for April and May. The airline is planning to use the RJ100s on domestic flights from Athens to Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania, and Rhodes. Services are scheduled to begin in June 1999. Aegean Aviation was formed in 1988 as an executive air taxi operator. It is a subsidiary of the Th. Vassilakis Group, a diversified Greek Company with interests ranging from the Hertz car hire franchise in Greece to distributorships for SAAB and SEAT. The Group also owns Goldair Handling, which was established to take advantage of the liberalization of passenger and aircraft handling in Greece. The addition of new shareholders from the shipping and banking sectors is expected to increase Aegean's capital to ten billion drachma (about US$35 million). Aegean's RJ100s will be configured with 100 seats in a business class layout. This sale brings the Avro RJ orderbook to 152 aircraft.
| February 1999 |
New name for Malmö Aviation
Swedish BAe 146 operator Malmö Aviation has changed its name to Braathens Malmö Aviation to reflect its acquisition by Norway's Braathens. Operations are being integrated with those of Braathens Sverige (formerly Transwede).
British Aerospace announces Avro RJX
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has announced that will begin to offer a new version of the Avro RJ, the Avro RJX, to airlines.
British Aerospace unveils new house colors
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has unveiled a new livery for its prototypes and demonstrators. The new livery, created by BAe Regional Aircraft's in-house team, in co-operation with Strung Design House of Ontario, Canada, uses specially-developed paint mixes of blue and silver, begin with a deep blue on the lower fuselage, blending seamlessly to a metallic silver on the upper fuselage, and then returning to blue at the top of the fin. The doors have the opposite pattern, so as to emphasize the ability to make fast turnarounds at busy airports offered by the Avro RJ's two passenger doors. The aircraft type is displayed at the rear of the fuselage in large characters. BAe's fleet of development aircraft will be repainted at the company's Aircraft's Surface Finishing Centre at Woodford during down-times in their flying schedules.
Mesaba to begin Avro RJ services from Memphis
Mesaba Airlines, which operates Avro RJ85s on behalf of Northwest Airlink, will begin regional jet services from Northwest's hub at Memphis. Service to Cincinnati will begin on March 1; to Huntsville and Wichita on April 4; and to Fayetteville on May 15. Mesaba has now received 20 of 36 Avro RJ85s on order. Northwest has also recently placed an order for 54 Canadair Regional Jet 200LRs from Bombardier.
National Jet acquisition of CityJet collapses
CityJet's board has rejected an offer a E4.4 million (US$3.7 million) offer from National Jet Systems (NJS) for 60 percent of the airline, even though NJS had already paid part of the purchase price to CityJet. NJS had planned to drop several of the routes operated by CityJet, including the Dublin-London City and Dublin-East Midlands routes, leading to the layoff of at least 100 of the airline's 350 staff. Rumors suggest that NJS's planned acquisition of CityJet was part of a plan to create an Italy-based carrier to operate on behalf of British Airways, much as NJS already operates on behalf of QANTAS Airlink in Australia. Had the deal proceeded, it would have been hampered by European Union (EU) regulations prohibiting non-EU nationals from holding a majority stake in an EU airline. Reports in the Irish press suggest that efforts were being made to sidestep this regulation by placing an 11 percent share with an EU national, who would have later sold it to NJS once the necessary approvals had been received.
Suit over BAe 146 cabin fumes allowed to proceed
A court in Perth, Australia, has allowed a former Ansett flight attendant to proceed with a suit against the airline for negligence and loss of income for chronic illnesses she says were caused by years of exposure to toxic fumes in on-board air. The former flight attendant, Judy Cullinane, reported getting ill during a BAe 146 trip from Perth to Darwin and Cairns in November 1997, and has been unable to work since. In 1996, Ansett formed a "BAe 146 Odor Inquiry Committee" to investigate complaints of reports of mid-air illness or fumes triggering attacks of nausea and discomfort in crew members. It found some evidence that fumes in the cabin could cause short-term irritation, but no evidence that they were toxic and could cause long-term damage. Another Ansett flight attendant, Alyssia Chew, has filed a similar suit. The court's 26 February ruling only indicates that sufficient loss of income has occurred to justify a suit, and does not rule on the merits of the case. A similar suit, filed over cabin fumes on MD-80s operated by Alaska Airlines, is underway in the USA.
| March 1999 |
BAe Asset Management wins new remarketing contract
In the wake of its successful re-marketing of BAe 146s on behalf of FBM Jet Engine Support (five ex-Thai BAe 146-300s) and IMP Group of Canada (three ex-Air Atlantic BAe 146-200s), British Aerospace Asset Management (BAeAM) has won a new re-marketing contract. The new contract is for two BAe 146-200 owned Hubbell Incorporated of the USA. The two aircraft involved (E2028 and E2034) are currently on lease to US Airways, who is sub-leasing them to Debonair. The head leases to US Airways expire in February and August 2000. The two BAe 146s are being offered for sale only.
Aer Lingus adds BAe 146-300 and extends leases on current fleet
Aer Lingus has taken delivery of an additional BAe 146-300, and extended the lease on three series 300s it is already operating. The new aircraft is E3129, formerly operated by Jersey European. Aer Lingus will use her to expand capacity on its regional routes to UK destinations, where demand for jet service is high. This latest delivery brings Aer Lingus Commuter's BAe 146 fleet to eight (six Series 300s and two Series 200s).
Debonair and Flightline operate BAe 146s for Lufthansa
Debonair began operating five BAe 146s on behalf of Lufthansa on March 28, when the summer timetable went into effect. All five aircraft are to be based in Münich. Four will operate two daily roundtrips each to Birmingham, Manchester, Toulouse, and Helsinki, while the fifth will operate a roundtrip to Brussels and one to Marseilles on weekdays, followed by flights to Amsterdam, Marseilles, Vienna, Milano (twice), and Manchester on weekends. In addition, Flightline will operate a single BAe 146-200 on Lufthansa services from Düsseldorf to Birmingham, Nice, Helsinki, and Budapest.
Swissair Express expands BAe 146 services
Swissair Express has expanded its BAe 146 services and added Flightline as an operator. Since 28 March, Flightline has been operating a BAe 146-200 on two daily roundtrips from Zürich to Stansted. This aicraft is operated in full Swissair Express colors with Flightline flight and cabin crews. The agreement with Debonair has also been expanded. A second Debonair BAe 146-200 is being used to operate four daily roundtrips from Zürich to Turin, also since 28 March, supplementing the 146 currently serving Bologna and Venice. A third Debonair BAe 146 will soon be added to allow an expansion of services from Zürich to Venice from three to four times daily and to Bologna from once to three times daily. Swissair Express services carry 5000-series Swissair flight numbers. They are being operated on a code-share basis with SAir Group member Air Europe spa. SAirGroup acquired a 45 percent share of Air Europe in October 1998. A previous codesharing agreement with Air One has now been discountinued.
Debonair purchases BAe 146
Debonair made its first aircraft purchase on 31 March, when it bought a BAe 146-200 which it had been sub-leasing from US Airways, with financing provided by Finova Capital Ltd. Debonair is considering purchasing more of the aircraft it is currently leasing, as well new additions to the fleet. Debonair currently operates 12 BAe 146s (10 series 200s and 2 series 100s). It also uses a Boeing 737-300 wet-leased from AB Airlines. The airline plans to add the Boeing 737-300 to its Air Operator Certificate and use it for longer routes, while continuing to use 146s on shorter routes and on contracted services for Lufthansa and Swissair Express.
| April 1999 |
Aegean Aviation adds to Avro RJ100 order
Athens-based airline Aegean Aviation has placed an order for an additional Avro RJ100, just six weeks after placing an initial order for two RJ100s. Aegean Aviation's pilots are currently undergoing training in the UK, in anticipation of the delivery of the first two RJ100s, scheduled for late April. Scheduled services are set to begin on June 1, linking Athens with Thessaloniki (four times daily), Rhodes (two times daily), Heraklion (three times daily), and Chania (two times daily). The third RJ100 will be delivered in late September, and will be used to develop additional routes in the recently deregulated Greek market, including services from Corfu. Aegean Aviation's RJ100s will be configured in a two class, 100-seat layout. The order brings sales of the Avro RJ family to 153 aircraft.
AirFoyle buys CityJet
London Luton-based AirFoyle has bought a controlling stake in Dublin-based CityJet for over US$6.8 million. Both airlines are BAe 146 operators, with AirFoyle flying eight series 200QTs and 300QT freighters on behalf of TNT and CityJet flying seven series 200 passenger aircraft on its own routes and on behalf of Air France. Despite this commonality, CityJet and AirFoyle do not plan to combine services. For CityJet, this is the latest of a series of matches with other carriers. An agreement by Australian airline National Jet Systems to acquire CityJet fell through earlier this year. This deal would apparently have led to development of an Italy-based BAe 146 British Airways franchise operation. Earlier, CityJet had been part-owned by Swedish airline Malmö Aviation, who had helped rescue the Irish carrier from bankruptcy. The two airlines parted ways in late 1997 following disagreement over business plans. Even earlier, CityJet had begun life operating codeshare services for Virgin Atlantic.
CityFlyer returns for another Avro RJ100
London Gatwick-based CityFlyer has placed its third repeat order for Avro RJ100s, by signing an agreement for an additional aircraft. When it is delivered in Spring 2000, this latest aircraft will bring CityFlyer's RJ100 fleet to eight. CityFlyer currently operates five RJ100s on British Airways franchise routes, with two more aircraft scheduled for delivery in July and August. The airline also has an option on a ninth RJ100, which it seems likely to take up as it progressively replace smaller turboprops. This latest order brings sales of the Avro RJ to 154 aircraft.
TNT to establish its own airline
TNT announced that it would establish and operate its own cargo airline company, to be called TNT Airways, to operate its carrier fleet. The new airline will be based in Liège, Belgium, where TNT's state-of-the-art air cargo hub, the TNT European Express Centre, is located. It will replace the current arrangement whereby TNT's aircraft are operated on its behalf by a variety of European operators. TNT's fleet includes 18 BAe 146QTs (11 series 200QTs and 7 series 300QTs), eight of which are operated by AirFoyle, six by Pan Air, one by Mistral Air, and two of which have recently returned to Europe following the end of a lease to Philippines-based Pacific East Asia Cargo. These will all be consolidated into TNT Airways as the contracts with each operator come to an end. TNT Airways is scheduled to begin operations in late 1999 and to be fully operational by 2002. TNT's air network moves 1,400 tons of express cargo weekly and serves 50 airports every night throughout Europe.
| May 1999 |
BAeAM looking for more BAe 146 brokerage business
Having secured long-term leases or outright sales for the bulk of its BAe 146 portfolio, British Aerospace Asset Management (BAeAM) is seeking additional third-party brokerage opportunities to leverage its strong knowledge of the regional airliner market in general and of the BAe 146 market in particular. Since its formation in 1993, BAeAM has secured over 250 lease transactions and more than 40 aircraft sales, reducing its initial portfolio of 118 BAe 146s to only 78 aircraft. In the latest transaction, BAeAM sold three series 300s to ANZ Investment Bank for just over $40 million. The aircraft remain on lease to Aer Lingus. BAeAM has already concluded two third-party brokerage deals, placing five ex-Thai series 300s with Jersey European on behalf of FBM Jet Engine Support and three ex-Air Atlantic series 200s with Debonair on behalf of IMP Group. It is currently re-marketing two series 200s on behalf of Hubbell Incorporated. No less than 14 potential customers have requested firm offers for the aircraft; final negotiations to select the winning bid are expected to start shortly.
Air Wisconsin contracts for BAe 146 upgrades
Pioneer BAe 146 operator Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (AWAC) has contracted for a series of upgrades to its fleet of BAe 146s, including a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) modification package and installation of underfloor hold Fire Protection Systems. The US$4 million contract makes Air Wisconsin the lead customer for an upgrade program designed by BARA and BAeAM to keep the BAe 146 abreast of the latest airworthiness regulations. The FDR modification package responds to changes mandated by the US FAA for all transport aircraft registered in the USA, in response to the limitations encountered in understanding several accidents on aircraft equipped with older FDRs. The FDR modification package for the BAe 146 is based on the FA2100 MADRAS (Modular Airborne Data Records/Acquisition System) from L3 Communications of Sarasota, Florida. The installation of underfloor hold fire protection system was likewise mandated in response to recent accidents, and must be completed on all aircraft operating in the USA by 18 March 2001. BAe has selected the a system from Kidde Graviner for installation in BAe 146s. In addition, BAe has also developed a weight upgrade package for early-build BAe 146-200s in conjunction with Messier Dowty Aerospace. This package increases the maximum take-off weight from 89,500lb to 91,200lb; the maximum landing weight from 77,500lb to 78,900lb; and the maximum zero-fuel weight from 73,500lb to 75,000lb. As a result, the payload increases by up to 1,500lb and the range by up to 140 nautical miles. Air Wisconsin has several aircraft in its fleet that are potential candidates for this improvement, and is currently evaluating it.
| June 1999 |
Avro RJ competitors make strides
While BAe Regional Aircraft completes final design on the re-engined Avro RJX in anticipation of a formal launch decision, competitors have poached two of its high-profile customers. In April, Lufthansa announced it would order 60 Fairchild 728JETs, with 60 more on option (Lufthansa's regional subsidiary CityLine had earlier ordered 10 CRJ-700s from Bombardier as an interim measure). In June, Crossair became launch customer for Embraer's new regional jet family, with 30 orders for the 70-seat ERJ-170 and 30 for the larger, 108-seat ERJ-190-200, an order that may also pave the way for other SAirGroup members such as SABENA. First deliveries of the 728JET are scheduled for the spring of 2002. The ERJ-170 is scheduled to enter service in late 2002, with the ERJ-190-200 following in early 2004, although many analysts see both schedules as optimistic. Meanwhile, Bombardier's new 70-seat CRJ-700 made its first flight on 27 May. A launch decision on the larger BRJX remains pending.
BAe completes preliminary design review of the Avro RJX
BAe Regional Aircraft announced during the Paris Airshow that it had completed a Preliminary Design Review of the Integrated Powerplant System (IPPS) for the Avro RJX, covering the AS977 engine, nacelle, and pylon installation. The review was undertaken by a joint team from BAeRA, AlliedSignal Engines, and GKN/Westland (who build the pylons for the engines). The design goal is a 12,000-hour minimum on-wing life and extensive on-wing maintenance capability. To achieve this, the engine installation and nacelle are designed to provide easy access for maintenance, with a target of allowing replacement of engine Line Replacable Units (LRUs) in 15 minutes. A high proportion of composites will be used in the new, elongated nacelles. Modifications to the pylon have been kept to a minimum to allow the AS997 to be retrofitted to existing aircraft. Changes include revised engine mounts (to meet the new pick up positions), provision of a higher capacity ECS precooler (resulting from temperature and pressure changes in engine bleed) and minor aerodynamic changes to suit the longer nacelle length. The AlliedSignal AS900 is scheduled to make its first run in July. In addition to continuing work on the new engine installation, the RJX project team is also finalizing the specification for the RJX as a whole. Possible changes to cockpit instrumentation are still being reviewed, though the goal is to maintain a common type rating for the Avro RJ and RJX fleets. The RJX is scheduled to enter service in mid-2001, assuming a decision is made to proceed.
National Jet to establish Italy-based British Airways franchise
Australian airline National Jet Systems (NJS) is preparing to start an Italian subsidiary to operate British Airways franchise flights. Few details have emerged so far on the new airline, which will apparently operate five former Uni-Air BAe 146-300s. NJS personnel were reported to be in Taiwan in late June, preparing to take delivery of the aircraft, while flight and cabin crew are reported to be flying with CityJet to familiarize themselves with European operations. National Jet had earlier planned to use its aquisition of Irish airline CityJet as a vehicle for beginning operations in Italy, but that approach was thwarted when the deal fell through.
| July 1999 |
CityFlyer acquisition cleared, subject to cap on slots
British Airways' acquisition of CityFlyer has been given the go-ahead by the UK's Trade and Industry Secretary. British Airways' UKP75 million (US$118 million) deal to acquire CityFlyer, announced in November 1998, had been challenged by competing airlines, who claimed it would lead to British Airways dominating London Gatwick airport, where CityFlyer is based. The UK's Competition Commission (CC) found that giving British Airways control of CityFlyer would be likely to harm competition, so approval of the transaction is contingent on British Airways agreeing to a cap on its hourly Gatwick slots with the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT). CityFlyer operates Avro RJ100s and ATRs on British Airways franchise flights from Gatwick. It recently took delivery of its sixth Avro RJ100, and is expecting two more in the near future. CityFlyer is the second largest airline operation at Gatwick, and has the second largest holding of take off and landing slots, after British Airways. CityFlyer will continue to operate independently of parent British Airways.
| August 1999 |
CityJet expands Air France relationship, faces competition from Aer Lingus
Irish airline CityJet has announced that it would be relying more heavily on Air France for its sales and marketing. Air France took a 25% equity stake in CityJet earlier this year, and much of CityJet's flying is on Air France's behalf. At London City, ground operations will be taken over by Jersey European, who also fly on Air France's behalf. CityJet chief executive Pat Byrne stated that six additional aircraft will join the airline's fleet over the next 18 months. Separately, Aer Lingus is thought likely to introduce services from Dublin to London City on competition with CityJet beginning this autumn.
Successful first run for the AlliedSignal AS900
AlliedSignal's new AS900 turbofan engine successfully completed its first run in early August. The AS977 version of the 7,000-lb thrust AS900 has been selected to power the proposed new Avro RJX regional airliner. Twelve test engines will be used in the test program, with certification planned for the first quarter of 2001.
KLM uk reduces domestic services
KLM uk is undertaking a substantial restructuring of its operations. Domestic UK services are to be reduced or eliminated, while flights to Amsterdam to provide feed to parent KLM will be increased. Cuts on routes flown by the airline's BAe 146s include the elimination of Aberbeen-Stansted (from 12 September), Edinburgh-London City, Manchester-London City, and Jersey-Stansted (from 30 October). On routes to Jersey, KLM uk has arranged for British Regional Airlines to take over, while Jersey European will operate the Edinburgh-London City route. There are rumors that KLM uk may dedicate some of its aircraft, possibly including some of its BAe 146s, to a new low-cost subsidiary (currently code-named "K2") that would operate from Stansted.
Air Zimbabwe to drop routes to Kariba
Loss-making Zimbabwean national airline Air Zimbabwe is seeking to have another airline take over flights from Harare and Victoria Falls to the popular tourist destination at Kariba. Currently, Air Zimbabwe operates its single BAe 146 to Kariba, whose runway is too short for the airline's Boeing 737s. Air Zimbabwe had earlier abandoned services from Kariba and Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, for which the 146 had proved too large. The 146 had been used to operate the Hwange routes after the airline disposed of its Fokker 50s (ironically, these routes had for many years been the province of another British four-engined airliner, the Vickers Viscount). Airlines approached to take over the Kariba services include Cessna Caravan operator Air Zambezi (which already competes with Air Zimbabwe from Harare to Kariba, and which took over the Hwange-Victoria Falls route after Air Zimbabwe pulled out) and new entrant Air Link. They would operate the service with their own aircraft, in which case the BAe 146 would presumably be disposed of. Although the 146 formally belongs to Zimbabwe's Air Force, which uses her for VIP flights, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is widely thought to dislike the shorthaul 146 as insufficiently prestigious and to be shopping for an A319CJ.
New Namibian airline to operate BAe 146
A new Namibian airline, QuickJet, is expecting to begin BAe 146 services from Windhoek's close-in Eros Aerodrome to Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa before the year's end, taking advantage of last year's amendment of the Air Services Act, which liberalised airline services in the country. QuickJet, which is being formed by Namibian businessmen with financing from a South African bank, was registered on 20 July. It is reported to be in talks with British Airways and South Africa's Comair to operate as a British Airways franchise carrier. To allay concerns about the noise impact of operating a jet from an airport located in a residential area, the airline took Transport Minister Hampie Plichta, officials from the Directorate of Civil Aviation and the Namibia Airports Company, and members of the media for a test flight on former Air Botswana BAe 146-100 A2-ABD on 16 August.
| September 1999 |
Crossair to place an RJ100 on stand-by
Exasperated by the ATC delays that are plaguing Europe, Crossair will place one of the two new Avro RJ100s it is expecting this fall on stand-by at its Basel "Eurocross" hub. The RJ100 will be crewed and ready to go at all times, to substitute for aircraft delayed in the system and avoid further 'knock-on' delays to connecting flights. A SAAB 2000 will also be kept on stand-by. The airline stated that the costly move was the only way to provide an acceptable service to its passengers, given what it called the "lamentable" state of the air traffic control systems. Crossair will use the other RJ100 it is scheduled to receive for route expansion. In other schedule news, an MD-80 will replace the RJ100 used for London Heathrow-Basel flights, while an RJ100 will take over the Basel-Barcelona route from a SAAB 2000.
VLM said to acquire Avro RJ85s
Flight International is reporting that Belgian airline VLM is planning to acquire two Avro RJ85s to initiate jet services. Antwerp-based VLM currently flies Fokker 50s on services from London City to Antwerp, Rotterdam, Münich (Munchengladbach), and Luxembourg, and from Rotterdam to Manchester, Jersey, and Guernsey. VLM had hoped to acquire Fokker 70s, but plans to re-open the Fokker production line have fallen through. The airline also considered the Fairchild 728JET, but it would not have been available in time.
SAM to return Avro RJ100s
Colombia's wretched economic conditions are forcing SAM Colombia to return its fleet of nine Avro RJ100s to BAe. SAM has been flying its RJ100s on an intensive domestic schedule linking outlying Colombian cities with Bogota, as well as to regional destinations, since 1994. However, economic conditions in Colombia have significantly reduced demand for air travel. The economy is expected to experience negative growth this year, for the first time since the 1930s. The Colombian peso has already been devalued twice in the last year, and further devaluations are expected. Continuing threats from guerilla groups have also significantly affected travel within the country, especially after they hijacked an Avianca Fokker 50 in April and took its passengers hostage. SAM and BAe Asset Management have agreed on a schedule for the return of the RJ100s. The first aircraft arrived at Woodford on 2 September, and a second on 20 September. The rest of the fleet will follow, with the last arriving in February 2000. BAeAM is negotiating with several airlines interested in acquiring these aircraft, including Braathens Malmö Aviation.
Aer Lingus to begin London City services
Aer Lingus will begin services from Dublin to London City on 1 November. Four flights will be operated every weekday, with reduced services on weekends, using 100-seat BAe 146-300s.
KLM uk BAe 146s to buzz around Europe
KLM uk has announced the launch of buzz, its new low-cost airline brand. Like KLM uk, the new airline will be based at London Stansted and it will use eight BAe 146-300s drawn from KLM uk's current fleet. buzz is scheduled to begin flying in early 2000, initially to Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Vienna, and Lyon. All but the latter two are existing KLM uk routes which buzz will take over. buzz will offer basic, low fares flights, with optional additional services available on a pay-as-you-go basis, and at least three daily services to each destination. Travel will be ticketless. The eight KLM uk 146s allocated to buzz services will be taken out of service on a rolling basis beginning in late September, to be refurbished and re-painted in buzz's yellow, purple, and lime green livery. Two BAe 146s will remain in KLM uk service, to operate the routes from London City.
Labor strife at Ansett NZ
Labor strife all but grounded Ansett New Zealand in the second half of September. On 16 September, the airline locked out its BAe 146 and Dash 8 pilots after they refused to sign a new contract offered by management. The contract would increase flying hours, cut allowance payments, and reduce pilot numbers by 35. The lockout culminates a period of growing turmoil marked by a series of strikes. With only four of the airline's pilots accepting the new contract, Ansett NZ was forced to reduce its weekly schedule from 100 to only 18 services, with some destinations being dropped entirely. The airline's schedule had already been hit by a wave of delays and cancellations in early September, when pilots called in sick after receiving the lockout notices, citing high stress levels. Despite the disruptions to its services, Ansett NZ is refusing to negotiate with the pilots union and has advertised, through an employment agency, for replacement crews. Many see the airline's cost-cutting moves as part of an effort by Ansett NZ owner News Corporation to make the airline more attractive to potential buyers.
Mesaba to expand seasonal services to Aspen
During the upcoming ski season, Northwest Airlink operator Mesaba will complement its Minneapolis-Aspen service with a new Memphis-Aspen service. Flights from Memphis to Aspen will begin on 5 February 2000 and run until 1 April, with a single weekend flight in each direction. Minneapolis-Aspen service begins on 18 December and also runs until 1 April 2000, with two daily non-stops on weekdays and three on weekends. Both services will be flown with Avro RJ85s, who are the only jets allowed into Aspen's restricted runway.
Debonair grounded
Luton-based BAe 146 operator Debonair entire fleet was grounded on 30 September after it ran out of cash. The low-cost airline has struggled during the three years since it began services in 1996, managing to turn a profit only once, in the last quarter of 1998, despite high load factors. In the first quarter of 1999, Debonair reported a £2.2 million loss. Although the company at first said it would continue to operate, all 12 of its aircraft are grounded -- most at Luton. Accounting firm Deloitte & Touche have been called in as receivers, and are in talks with possible buyers. Virgin, Lufthansa, and Swissair have been mentioned as possible buyers -- Debonair had been operating five BAe 146s on behalf of Lufthansa and three on behalf of Swissair Express. Both Lufthansa and Swissair are scrambling to find replacement aircraft.
BAe announces repeat orders for Avro RJ100s
Satisfied customers come back for more, and BAe was able to announce two repeat orders for Avro RJ100s at the European Regions Airline Association meeting in Paris.
Airworthiness Directive mandates ALF502 modifications
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD 99-15-06) mandating changes to the ALF502 engines installed on the BAe 146. The AD
requires that an improved fan core inlet anti-ice system be installed at the
next shop visit, but no later than the end of 2002. The modifications are intended to solve the problem of uncommanded reduction of engine thrust ("rollback") and loss of
thrust control in icing conditions. An earlier AD (AD 96-14-09) had imposed restrictions on flights above 26,000 feet in icing conditions as a means of avoiding this problem. Although some operators advocated simply retaining this restriction, which is seldom constraining on the relatively short flights BAe 146s tend to operate, the FAA decided to mandate the more permanent solution. The modifications basically involve fitting parts developed for the later LF507 engine, which is fitted on the Avro RJ and on some late-build BAe 146-300s, and which is not subject to the rollback problem. The FAA estimates the modifications will cost US$75,000 per engine. Although the AD is only binding on US-operated 146s, other aviation authorities usually follow the FAA lead on such issues.
| October 1999 |
BAe describes RJX plans
The new Avro RJX is making steady progress towards its expected service entry in mid 2001. British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Senior Vice President Jeff Marsh, speaking at the 1999 European Regional Airline Association meetings, expressed optimism that launch customers will soon be secured for the RJX. Aircraft serial number 376 has been selected to serve as the first RJX prototype, and serial number 378 as the second. Current plans call for the first to be an RJX-85 and the second an RJX-100, though the order can be changed as late as the end of the year, depending on customer interest. Assembly of aircraft 376 will begin in April 2000, and she should make her first flight by mid-year. The flight test program should then take about 8 months, allowing the RJX to enter service well before any of its competitors. The Avro RJ order book currently stands at 152, of which 137 have been delivered.
Low-speed wind tunnel tests of Avro RJX completed
BAe Regional Aircraft has completed low-speed wind tests of the new Avro RJX design, and confirmed that it would retain the type's extraordinary shortfield performance.
Debonair aftermath: Flightline and British Midland pick up the pieces
Efforts to sell grounded Debonair as a whole have failed. Several airlines were approached as potential buyers, including Lufthansa and Virgin Express, but no agreement was reached.
Braathens Malmö to acquire former SAM RJ100s
Swedish airline Braathens Malmö Aviation is set to acquire the nine former SAM Colombia RJ100s, which are being returned off-lease to BAe due to poor economic conditions in Colombia. The aircraft will supplement and replace Braathens Malmö's current fleet of BAe 146-200s, providing greater capacity. Earlier, Malmö had negotiated to acquire China Northwest's fleet of BAe 146-300s, but the deal fell through. Several former SAM aircraft are now at Avrotec in Woodford for overhaul. Braathens Malmö is scheduled to receive the first on 5 November, and plans to place it in service on 15 November, replacing the airline's sole Boeing 737. Two more RJ100s will arrive by year's end, and all nine should be in service by next July. Braathens Malmö crews are currently undergoing simulator training with Turkish Airlines in Istanbul.
Ansett NZ resumes flying after pilots give in
Ansett New Zealand, which had been reduced to flying a minimal schedule in the second half of September after locking-out its pilots, is slowly resuming services. The pilots, who had been refusing to sign a new contract, capitulated on 14 October after it became clear the airline would be able to replace them, thanks in part to the availability of former Debonair crew. The new contract increases flying hours and cuts allowance payments. Reductions in pilots numbers are also expected. Full resumption of service was delayed by the need to obtain union ratification of the new contract (achieved on 24 October) and then by the need to re-train many of the pilots, who had lost currency during the monthlong lockout. The victory is a pyrrhic one for Ansett NZ, which has admitted its losses during the strife far exceed the estimated savings the new contract will bring.
| November 1999 |
Aer Lingus starts London City services and expands BAe 146 operations
Aer Lingus inaugurated services from Dublin to London City on 1 November, offering four daily flights with BAe 146-300s on weekdays. To cater for this expansion, two additional BAe 146s are being wet-leased from Flightline, freeing up some of Aer Lingus' own aircraft for the City flights. The two Flightline aircraft bring Aer Lingus BAe 146 fleet to 10. The Irish airline has also been mentioned as a possible launch customer for the improved Avro RJX. Aer Lingus' new London City has attracted a legal challenge from incumbent CityJet, who had previously flown the route un-opposed (most recently in collaboration with Jersey European). CityJet has accused the State-owned airline of trying to run it out of business, a charge that Aer Lingus denies.
KLM uk prepares for buzz
KLM uk is preparing for the spin-off of its BAe 146 operations into new low-cost operator buzz. Aircraft are being cycled through Norwich for repaint in buzz's basic yellow and purple color scheme, albeit without titles, and then placed back in KLM uk service. In December, the aircraft will return to Norwich in turn for final painting prior to initiation of buzz services on 4 January. The airline began accepting reservations on 31 October, and is offering promotional fares on flights from January through March. The eight former KLM uk 146-300s will be supplemented by two Boeing 737s.
Southern Australia to add another BAe 146
QANTAS regional carrier Southern Australia is planning to acquire an additional BAe 146, bringing its fleet to three. The new aircraft will enable the airline to increase services to Tasmania. Beginning next April, an additional Sydney-Hobart service will be operated, with the aircraft overnighting in Hobart, as well as a new daily service between Hobart and Melbourne. The new services are in reaction to plans by Ansett affiliate Kendell to introduce Canadair Regional Jets on services to Tasmania.
Avro RJ parts to be made in South Africa
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft has contracted with South Africa's Denel Aviation for the supply of rudder and aileron parts for the Avro RJ. Denel Aviation will initially supply 18 rudder and aileron sets a year, and will be sole supplier of these parts for the entire Avro RJ program, including the RJX. The deal is part of the offset program for South Africa's order of Hawk trainers and Gripen fighters.
Braathens Malmö faces financial problems
Swedish airline Braathens Malmö Aviation is anticipating a loss of US$24 million in 1990. As a result, the airline is planning to reduce its workforce, close unprofitable routes, and concentrate its operations at Bromma Airport. BAe 146 routes expected to be cut include Malmo-London City, Arlanda-Lulea, and Bromma-Lulea. Most are to be discontinued on 29 November, except for Malmo-London City which will be served until 10 January 2000.
Fuel tank contamination affects former SAM RJ100s
Inspection of the Avro RJ100s being returned to BAe by SAM Colombia has revealed some corrosion in the wings. This is thought to have resulted from microbiological contamination of the fuel, which can occur in climatic conditions such as are found in Colombia. BAe alerted SAM, who grounded the three RJ100s they still had in service (four have already been returned to BAe, and two more had been withdrawn from service pending their return to England), causing considerable disruption to their services. As a precaution, BAe issued an All Operators Message informing them of the problem and drawing their attention to the inspection and maintenance practices necessary to avoid such contamination. The problem has also delayed deliveries of the reconditioned aircraft to Braathens Malmö Aviation. Initial deliveries are now expected in early 2000.
British Midland BAe 146 operations delayed
British Midland's efforts to restart the services formerly operated by Debonair on behalf of Lufthansa continue to be delayed by difficulties in transferring the leases of the aircraft involved. As a result, British Midland is considering other options, including leasing some of the BAe 146s that Braathens Malmö Aviation will be returning to BAe-AMJ when it receives Avro RJ100s. An early 2000 start-up is now envisaged, initially with two aircraft, to be increased to five a month later.
BAe is now BAE Systems
British Aerospace (BAe) changed its name to BAE Systems following its merger with Marconi Electronic Systems. Within BAE Systems, Regional Aircraft and Asset Management are no longer considered separate units or division, but rather some of BAE Systems' activities and programmes. Both report to Managing Director Mike O'Callaghan.
Aegean Aviation buys Air Greece
Greek Avro RJ100 operator Aegean Aviation has bought competitor Air Greece. The buyout is part of a larger deal between Aegean's owner, the Vasillakis Group, and Air Greece's owner, shipping company Minoan Lines, which will also see a capital injection in Aegean Aviation. Air Greece operates Fokker 100s and ATR72s, so some fleet rationalization can be expected. Aegean recently took delivery of its third Avro RJ100 and is expecting a fourth in December.
New Ansett freight routes in Northern Territory
Ansett Australia Cargo began operating a dedicated BAe 146 freighter service from Melbourne and Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin on 30 November. The service will be operated four days a week, routing Darwin-Alice Springs-Melbourne every Monday to Thursday, and Melbourne-Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin every Tuesday to Friday. The service will be operated by BAe 146s throughout December, but may be changed to an alternative aircraft in January.
| December 1999 |
FR Aviation buys National Jet Systems
FR Aviation Limited (FRA) has agreed to buy Australian BAe 146 operator National Jet Systems group for AUS$62.0 million. FRA specializes in surveillance operations and the provisions of specialized equipment to government and military users, and was particularly interested in NJS' contract to operate maritime surveillance services for the Australian Customs Service. If the deal is approved by government authorities, it will be completed in February 2000.
THY extends RJ100 leases
Turkish flag carrier Turk Hava Yollari (THY) has extended the leases on five of its nine Avro RJ100s. The aircraft concerned are the first five RJ100s delivered to the airline. THY uses its 13 Avro RJs (four RJ70s and nine RJ100s) to operate domestic services. The RJs are the only aircraft in THY's fleet capable of operating from several airports in the airline's regional network. THY recently introduced a "wave system" of flight schedules at Ankara, with four flights a day to regional cities. Utilization of THY's RJs averages over eight hours a day.
Braathens Malmö retains London City route
Swedish airline Aviation has decided not to discontinue its Malmo-London City service. Instead, service will be reduced to one daily roundtrip, except for Friday and Sunday which will receive three daily roundtrips. In other news, it now appears that Braathens Malmö will not receive the first former SAM RJ100s until April 2000.
Meridiana expands Florence-Amsterdam service
Italian airline Meridiana will add a second daily roundtrip from Florence to Amsterdam. The BAe 146 and Avro RJ are the only jets allowed to operate at Florence.
Continue to January 2000 news.
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