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This page contains an archive of news items relating to the BAe 146, Avro RJ, and Avro RJX regional jetliners built by BAE Systems, from January 2005.
| Index | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| January 2005 |
Discovery ends scheduled operations
Czech travel agency Discovery Aviation suspended scheduled operations on January 4. The airline cited problems at its Kunovice Airport base as the main reason for the suspension. The company says it intends to resume scheduled services in March; in the meantime, it will concentrate on charter flights. Flightline and WDL Aviation had been operating BAe 146s on Discovery's behalf during December. Flightline ended its operation on December 23, and WDL early in January. The 146s were to have been replaced with a pair of former Turkish Airlines Avro RJ100s operated by Flightline, but these aircraft are in any case not yet available due to the need to repair some corrosion damage. [2005-01-15]
Flybe ends London City operations
Exeter-based Flybe ended services at London City on January 10, when they transferred their last remaining route, to the Isle of Man, to EuroManx. Flybe's predecessor Jersey European first served London City in 1999, when they took over CityJet's route to Dublin. In subsequent years, the airline built up a substantial operation at the airport. Indeed, the ability to operate at the airport was a major consideration in their selection of the Avro RJX as a replacement for their BAe 146s. British European, as the airline was known from mid-2000, continued to build services. Although Dublin was dropped in early 2001, other routes were added. In the summer of 2001, the airline served Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Belfast City, and Jersey. Poor results on individual routes and changes in their strategy led Flybe to gradually reduce their presence at the airport, until only the Isle of Man route remained. EuroManx are using wet-leased ATR42s on the route, pending delivery of two former Azzurra Air Avro RJ70s. [2005-01-15]
Over a year after Lufthansa announced its intention of re-aligning its regional operations under the Lufthansa Regional brand, the first Avro RJ85s of CityLine have been repainted. They now sport large 'Lufthansa Regional' titles under the window, with smaller 'Operated by CityLine' titles above. They retain the standard Lufthansa tail logo. CityLine operates eighteen RJ85s. Eurowings' eight BAe 146s (four series 200s and four series 300s) are also to be brought under the Lufthansa Regional brand, but none have been repainted to date. Lufthansa is understood to be negotiating with BAE Systems for several additional 146s for operation by Eurowings and Air Dolomiti. [2005-01-15] |
Controversy over Blair's use of Royal BAe 146
British Prime Minister Tony Blair is facing criticism over his use of a Queen's Flight BAe 146 for personal vacation travel. Blair and his family used a BAe 146 of RAF No.32 (The Royal) Squadron to fly to Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh resort in late December. The Prime Minister and other government officials are entitled to use the aircraft, but must repay part of the costs when a trip is not solely for official business. Mr Blair's office argued that the trip included official business, as he met with President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, the King of Jordan, and the King of Bahrain, and that security considerations precluded the use of commercial flights. Mr Blair paid the equivalent of a commercial fare for the flight. Opposition politicians are questioning, however, what they see as a pattern of tacking on a token item of official business to holiday trips to justify use of the aircraft. Other government ministers have also made frequent use of No.32 Squadron's aircraft, including the Foreign Secretary, the Defence Secretary, as well as the Environment and Culture Secretaries and the Chancellor. An investigation, led by Sir Peter Gershon, is currently being conducted of the cost-effectiveness of No.32 Squadron. [2005-01-15]
Filipino airline Asian Spirit is negotiating with BAE Systems to acquire four BAe 146s. The aircraft would likely include two series 100s and two series 200s being returned off-lease by Australia's National Jet Systems. Although negotiations have not yet concluded, one of the aircraft concerned was noted at Adelaide in early January already painted in full Asian Spirit colors. Asian Spirit already operates BAE Systems aircraft, in the form of two ATPs. The airline operates scheduled services throughout the Philippines from Manila. It is owned and operated by a cooperative of its employees. [2005-01-15] |
Swiss plans more fleet cuts
Swiss has announced a further round of cutbacks aimed at staunching continuing losses. The latest cut, announced on January 18, will see "at least 13 regional aircraft" leave the fleet. The specific aircraft to be cut apparently will depend on negotiations with other airlines to take over most of the airline's routes from Basel as well as several from Geneva. Swiss' four RJ85s and fifteen RJ100s have so far been spared from the cutbacks that have slashed the Swiss fleet, but some of them may well be affected this time -- particularly the smaller RJ85s. [2005-01-20]
The Bahrain Defence Force has taken delivery of former Azzurra Air Avro RJ85 EI-CNK (msn E2306) as A9C-HWR. The aircraft had been stored at Exeter since late 2003, when Air Malta repossessed the four RJ70s and three RJ85s it had leased to Azzurra Air for non-payment. After maintenance work, she was flown to Norwich on January 6 for painting, and then departed Norwich on January 20. She joins RJ85 A9C-BDF (msn E2390), delivered in 2001. [2005-01-23] |
BAe 146-300 G-BPNT (msn E3126) of Flightline, who was damaged Florence on May 29, 2004, has returned to service. She encountered severe wind shear while attempting to land. The crew initiated a go-around, but the rear of the fuselage struck the ground. The aircraft went around the circuit and landed safely. Although the crew (who were the only ones aboard) were not injured, G-BPNT suffered substantial damage to her rear pressure bulkhead, and repairing it took considerable time. She was finally ferried back to Southend on December 18, and returned to service a few days later, in what seems to have become Flightline's official livery of white fuselage with large titles. [2005-02-01] |
| February 2005 |
Asian Spirit leases four BAe 146s
Filipino airline Asian Spirit is leasing four BAe 146s from BAE Systems. The first aircraft are two series 100s being returned off-lease by Australia's National Jet Systems. The first of them, VH-NJZ (msn E1009) was delivered on January 20. The second, VH-NJY (msn E1005) will follow shortly. They will then be joined by two series 200s in 2006. [2005-02-01]
The first of two former Azzurra Air Avro RJ70s has been painted in the new colors of Isle of Man-based EuroManx. The aircraft, EI-CPJ (msn E1258), had been in storage at Exeter since late 2003, when owner Air Malta repossessed Azzurra Air's fleet for non-payment. Following overhaul, she was flown to Norwich for painting into EuroManx's colors. She departed Norwich on February 2. EuroManx is planning to lease two RJ70s. Start of operations has been delayed, however, by the lack of an operating certificate: EuroManx has hitherto operated solely as a vendor of tickets on flights operated by other airlines. While awaiting delivery of its RJ70s, EuroManx has wet-leased a variety of aircraft to operate its main route from the Isle of Man to London City Airport, including most recently Flightline's BAe 146-200 G-DEBE (msn E2022). [2005-02-07, rev. 02-26] |
Minden Air converts BAe 146 to fire tanker
Minden Air has taken delivery of a former Air Wisconsin Bae 146-200, N606AW (msn E2033), and begun converting her to the fire tanker role. In late 2004, Minden Air tested a BAe 146-100 for possible use as a fire tanker, with very good results. The 146 will have a tank assembly installed inside the main cabin and louvered "bomb bay" doors installed in the forward cargo compartment, an arrangement similar to that used in the company's two Lockheed P-2 Neptune fire tankers. The usual payload would consist of Phos-check, a red-colored chemical fire retardant used in fire-suppression efforts. The retardant is typically dropped ahead of an advancing fire. Manufactured in 1985, N606AW had spent her entire life to date with Air Wisconsin, operating on behalf of United Express. In the process, she accumulated over 37,000 hours and 53,000 cycles. She operated her last United Express service on January 21, and was ferried to Minden three days later. Conversion to fire tanker began on February 4. [2005-02-10]
NJS to operate QantasLink 717s
National Jet Systems (NJS) has been selected by Qantas to operate the Boeing 717s it is to transfer to its QantasLink operation. The 717s, currently operated by Qantas' low-cost subsidiary JetStar, will replace the BAe 146s that NJS is currently operating on QantasLink services. NJS competed with JetStar for the contract. NJS pilots offered pay and other concessions to help win the contract. NJS will start receiving the eight Boeing 717s beginning in July 2005, gradually replacing the 146s on routes in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. However, two 146s will remain until at least December 2006. NJS will also continue to operate several 146s on its own account, as well as three 146 freighters on behalf of Australian Air Express. [2005-02-10]
Italian regional airline Air Dolomiti has chosen the BAe 146 to grow into the 100-seat market. The airline plans to acquire five BAe 146-300s to replace its Bombardier CRJs regional jets. The 146s will be configured with 99 seats, providing a substantial increase in capacity over the 48-seat CRJs, helping to cater for the airline's growth - it carried 20% more passengers in 2004 than in the previous year. Feeding the network of parent Lufthansa will remain Air Dolomiti's main activity, but the 146s also give it the option of serving leisure markets and longer routes. The airline hopes to receive the first 146 in April, allowing services to begin in May. Additional examples would follow at regular intervals. This would not be the first time that a BAe 146 has operated for Air Dolomiti. Flightline flew BAe 146-200 G-OZRH (msn E2047) on Air Dolomiti's behalf in the summer of 1988. [2005-02-15] |
Jazz retires its BAe 146s
Air Canada Jazz retired its last BAe 146 on February 15. The move, announced last summer, is part of the re-organization plan of parent Air Canada. Air Canada has ordered Bombardier CRJ700s and CRJ705s and Embraer 175s and 190s to renew its regional jet fleet. Jazz operated ten series 200s which had been previously operated by predecessors AirBC and Air Nova. The 146s are currently parked at Calgary and Halifax pending their return to BAE Systems. [2005-02-20]
Titan has painted BAe 146-200QT freighter G-ZAPR (msn E2114) into a stunning new blue and silver color scheme. This is the fourth major color scheme worn by the airline's 146s. Titan operates three BAe 146-200QC convertible freighters in addition to pure freighter G-ZAPR. [2005-02-27] |
| March 2005 |
Latvian airline airBaltic has retired its three Avro RJ70s and returned them off-lease to BAE Systems. airBaltic has been building up a fleet of Boeing 737-500s, taking advantage of favorable lease rates, and now has seven examples of the type. YL-BAN (msn E1225) was the first RJ70 to leave the fleet, being withdrawn from service in January and then flown to Exeter for maintenance prior to being handed back to BAE Systems. YL-BAK (msn E1223) followed in February. YL-BAL (msn E1224) operated the airline's last RJ70 service, on March 5. All three are being advertised for lease by BAE Systems. [2005-03-12] |
Air Botswana to add another BAe 146
Air Botswana has announced that it intends to add another BAe 146 to its fleet. Air Botswana currently operates a series 100, delivered in 1989, alongside three ATR42 turboprops. The BAe 146 is used on the longer, more tourist oriented routes from Maun to Johannesburg and, since last November, Cape Town. The airline is considering adding several new routes, and the additional 146 will help it serve them, as well as providing backup capacity when its current example is undergoing maintenance. [2005-03-12]
Exeter-based Flybe is planning to add several former THY Turkish Airlines Avro RJ100s to its fleet, to replace its existing BAe 146-200s and -300s. The first two aircraft are G-JEBU (msn E3234) and G-JEBV (msn E3236). Both are currently undergoing maintenance prior to delivery to the airline. G-JEBV was recently painted in Flybe colors at Norwich. [2005-03-20] |
The first BAe 146-300 for Italian airline Air Dolomiti was rolled out from the Sprayavia paintshop at Norwich on March 21. The aircraft, series 300 G-BUHC (msn E3193) still carries her British registration. She was formerly operated by Dan-Air, Flightline, Air UK/KLM uk/buzz, and Aer Lingus. Air Dolomiti announced its intention to acquire five BAe 146-300s to replace its Bombardier CRJs regional jets in February. [2005-03-21] |
SN Brussels to code-share with Axis Airways
SN Brussels Airlines and Axis Airways will jointly fly a service from Brussels to Paris Charles de Gaulle from May 1. Axis will use their BAe 146-200QC convertible freighter on the route. [2005-03-24]
Lufthansa to buy Swiss
Lufthansa will buy financially-troubled Swiss under a plan approved by the boards of the two airlines and shareholders representing more than 80% of the Swiss share capital. Lufthansa will initially acquire 11% in a newly-established Swiss company, AirTrust. This share will be increased to 49% once antitrust clearance has been received, then to 100% once air traffic rights have been secured. Swiss will continue operating under its own brand, but coordinate operations closely with the German airline. The combined group will have the world's largest Avro RJ fleet. CityLine operates 18 Avro RJ85s (under the Lufthansa Regional brand), while Swiss flies four RJ85s and 15 RJ100s. In addition, Lufthansa subsidiaries Eurowings and Air Dolomiti both operate BAe 146s or will do so shortly. [2005-03-24]
The first Mesaba Avro RJ85 has been painted in the new colors of Northwest Jet Airlink. Northwest adopted the new colors two years ago, but has been repainting aircraft only as they come due for painting anyway. As Mesaba's RJ85s are relatively new, they are only now appearing in the new colors. N501XJ (msn E2208) was the first RJ85 to be repainted, emerging from the paintshop at Greenville, Mississippi, on March 22. Her first revenue flight in the new colors was NW3472, from Northwest's hub at Memphis, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama. Mesaba operates 35 RJ85s on Northwest's Airlink services. [2005-03-24] |
Several former KLM uk BAe 146-300s have been rolled out at Filton in Lufthansa Regional colors, in anticipation of a lease to German airline Eurowings. Eurowings has been negotiating with BAE Systems to lease several BAe 146-300s, as part of a broader deal with the Luthansa group which will also see Air Dolomiti taking several examples of the type. Air Dolomiti is wholly-owned by Lufthansa, while Eurowings is 49% owned. The aircraft being prepared for Eurowings include G-UKSC (msn E3125, shown at right) and G-BTTP (msn E3203). [2005-03-31] |
Flybe's contract to operate franchise flights on behalf of Air France has come to an end. Flybe, then known as Jersey European, first started flying for Air France in 1996. The arrangement gradually grew, until Flybe had no less than three French bases for its flights: Paris (CDG), Lyon, and Toulouse. A changing number of 146s was used on the routes. More recently, however, Air France has decided to consolidate its franchise flying with wholly-owned subsidiary CityJet, while Flybe wanted to focus its energies on its growing low-cost service network. As a result, the franchise was gradually wound down, until only the Birmingham-Paris route remained. On March 27, this route was also transferred to CityJet. [2005-03-31] |
| April 2005 |
Lufthansa Regional boosts BAe 146 fleet
BAE Systems has signed several major leases with airlines of the Lufthansa Regional group. Under the agreements, Eurowings will receive six additional BAe 146-300s, and Air Dolomiti will receive five BAe 146-300s. Both airlines are wholly-owned by Lufthansa. Eurowings, who already operates four BAe 146-200s and four 146-300s, is scheduled to receive its first new series 300 in mid-April, with the rest following at regular intervals through September. All six were previously operated by KLM uk/buzz. Air Dolomiti will use its five BAe 146-300s to replace its Bombardier CRJs. Deliveries will also begin in mid-April and run through September. All five were previously operated by Aer Lingus, though some were also used by Flightline last fall. The lengths of the leases were not stated. In an accompanying transaction, CityLine has sold three of its Avro RJ85s to BAE Systems and leased them back. Coming from one of Europe's main airline groups, these transactions represent a major endorsement for the BAe 146/Avro RJ family. [2005-04-06]
United drops Air Wisconsin
United Airlines has announced that Air Wisconsin will stop flying for United Express in 2006. Last fall, United issued a request for proposals to replace the 70 regional jets that Air Wisconsin has been flying in the United Express network. The move was part of a series of efforts by bankrupt United to reduce its costs. Air Wisconsin was also invited to bid for the contract. The airline balked, however, at the low rates that United was offering. As a result, United will contract SkyWest and GoJet to take over the services. The bulk of Air Wisconsin's fleet is expected to transition to flying for US Airways Express; Air Wisconsin's parent recently invested US$125 million in US Airways. A major question mark hangs over the airline's BAe 146 fleet, however. US Airways (then known as USAir), once operated the BAe 146 in its mainline fleet, after taking over PSA in 1988. Under the terms of its contract with its pilots, no type operated by the mainline can ever be used on the Express network. The departure of the BAe 146s will also open a major hole in United's network, as the BAe 146 is the only jet allowed to operate the lucrative route to the Aspen ski resort. [2005-04-09]
Romanian airline Romavia is to lease a former Meridiana BAe 146-200 from BAE Systems. The aircraft, G-BVMS (msn E2227), was recently rolled out from Sprayavia's paintshop at Norwich. Bucharest-based Romavia has a long history of operating British-built aircraft, having flown BAC One-Elevens for many years. [2005-04-11] |
Flybe abandons RJ100 lease plan
Exeter-based BAe 146 operator FlyBE has decided not to proceed with a plan to lease six former THY Turkish Airlines Avro RJ100s. The airline had signed a memorandum of understanding with BAE Systems to take the aircraft, and two had already been painted in their colors in anticipation of the leases srarting prior to the busy summer season. The RJ100s would have given Flybe additional capacity, as well as improved range from restricted runways such as that at its Southampton hub. [2005-04-17]
SN Brussels and Virgin Express merger cleared
Competition authorities in Belgium and the European Union have cleared the merger of Avro RJ and BAe 146 operator SN Brussels Airlines and low-cost operator Virgin Express. Both will become subsidiaries of SN Airholding. The two airlines will remain separate, but routes and timetables will be harmonized beginning from this summer's schedule. SN Brussels Airlines carried 3.2 million passengers in 2004. SN Brussels operates 14 Avro RJ85s, 12 RJ100s, and 6 BAe 146-200s. [2005-04-17]
EuroManx begins Avro RJ operations
After many delays, EuroManx finally took delivery of the first of two former Azzurra Air Avro RJ70s. EI-CPJ (msn E1258) arrived at the Isle of Man's Ronaldsway Airport on April 17 in pouring rain. Later that day, she re-positioned to Galway. She then entered service the following day from Galway to London City and return. EI-CPJ and sistership EI-CPK (msn E1260) have been ready for delivery for some time, but have remained in storage at Exeter. The delays have been due to EuroManx's lack of an Air Operators Certificate (AOC). EuroManx's Avro RJs are being operated by Austrian AOC holder ULL14. [2005-04-24]
Flightline is operating its VIP-configured BAe 146-300, G-BPNT (msn E3126), on charter flights for Range Rover. [2005-04-24] |
Atlantic Airways, the airline of the Faroe Islands, is adding another BAe 146, boosting its fleet of the type to four. The airline is leasing former Malmö Aviation series 200 msn E2115 as OY-RCW. The airline flies scheduled services from its base at Vagar to Copenhagen, Billund, Reykjavik, Aberdeen, and Stavanger, and seasonally to Oslo and London. The addition of a fourth BAe 146 will enable it to increase frequencies to Copenhagen, Billund, and London and its oil industry charters. The airline started operations in 1987 with a single BAe 146, and has gradually built its fleet over the years. Approaches at Atlantic's base at Vagar require flying down a fjord then making a dogleg onto a short runway, conditions under which the BAe 146's capabilities shine. [2005-04-27] |
Northwest renews Mesaba Avro RJ contract
Mesaba has reached a new agreement with Northwest Airlines to continue operating 35 Avro RJ85s under the Northwest Airlink banner. Mesaba's current contract to operate the RJ85s was due to expire in April 2007. It will now be extended under the new 10-year agreement with Northwest. The agreement between the airlines also extends Mesaba's contract to operate 65 Saab 340s and includes a new contract to operate at least 15 new Bombardier CRJs. [2005-04-30]
"The Divine Ms M" flies on BAe 146
The BAe 146 seems to be a popular mount for touring musicians. This time it was BAe 146-200 VH-YAD (msn E2097) of National Jet Systems, who was chartered for Bette Midler's concert tour of Australia from late March to early April. She made a number of flights during April, carrying Ms Midler and her cast and crew between concert venues in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Flights were several days apart, with VH-YAE returning to Brisbane for its normal operations (contract flying for the mining industry and ad hoc charters) in between. [2005-04-30]
| May 2005 |
Titan flies for ScotAirways
ScotAirways will wet-lease a BAe 146 from Titan to boost capacity on its Edinburgh to London City route. The jet service, which will complement the airline's current Dornier 328 services, will begin on May 9, departing from Edinburgh at 07:50 and returning from London City at 17:15. Titan will use the 146 for other services during the day. [2005-05-01]
WDL Aviation is operating BAe 146-200 D-AMGL (msn E2055) on behalf of Air Nostrum, giving the Spanish airline additional capacity on its Iberia Regional services during the summer season. This is the third time that Air Nostrum has brought in 146s to complement its fleet: Earlier leases included WDL's BAe 146-300 D-AWBA (msn E3134) in 2000, and Titan's BAe 146-200 G-ZAPL (msn E2030) in 1997. [2005-05-06] |
Another airline is joining the roster of BAe 146/Avro RJ operators. After being dormant for several years, Swedish airline Transwede Airways AB is planning to resume operations using a former Azzurra Air Avro RJ70 leased from Air Malta. The RJ70 was recently rolled out in the airline's colors at Malmö's Sturup Airport, following maintenance by Malmö Aviation. She is configured with 82 seats, and will be used on charter flights. The airline has their head office and operational base at Göteborg's Landvetter airport. They received their Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and their Operating License on March 29. [2005-05-07] |
Firefighting BAe 146 delayed
Certification issues have delayed the entry into service of a fire fighting version of the BAe 146. Minden Air is converting a former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-200 to the fire fighting role with the assistance of BAE Systems. They had hoped to have the new tanker in service in time for this summer's fire season, a schedule made all the more pressing by the forced retirement of most of the US heavy air tanker fleet over safety concerns. It now appears that the 146 tanker will not be ready until the 2006 fire season. Part of the delay is due to engineering issues, but most is due to certification issues. A fire tanker version of the BAe 146 would have to be certified by both the FAA and the US Forest Service. [2005-05-08]
As planned, British Airways CitiExpress has begun retiring its BAe 146s. Series 200 G-MIMA (msn E2079) was the first to leave the fleet. She flew her last revenue service (BA4328 from London Gatwick to the Isle of Man) on May 3, and was then ferried to Stansted and stood down. CitiExpress inherited five BAe 146s from British Regional Airlines and Manx: one series 100, three series 200s, and one series 300. Under the latest BACX re-organization plan, all five are to be retired by April 2006. In the meantime, series 100 G-MABR (msn E1015) has taken over the Gatwick to Isle of Man service that G-MIMA had been flying. [2005-05-10] |
Eurowings has begun to take delivery of the six former KLM uk/buzz BAe 146-300s it is leasing rom BAE Systems. The first, D-AEWP (msn E3165), arrived on April 29, and entered service soon thereafter. The aircraft are painted in Lufthansa Regional colors, but cannot carry the airline's titles because of restrictions in Lufthansa' contract with its pilots. [2005-05-10] |
Mesaba began operating Avro RJ85s into Washington's National Airport on May 2. The service, operated on behalf of Northwest Airlink, comes in from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the morning. A roundtrip is then operated to Detroit before the return leg to Grand Rapids in late afternoon. The RJ85 is the only four-engined jet ever to have operated at Washington National. [2005-05-10] |
Flightline's VIP-configured BAe 146-300, G-BPNT (msn E3126), is flying in support of the concert tour of rock band U2, and has received a special paint scheme. [2005-05-15] |
Italian airline Club Air had added a former Azzurra Air Avro RJ85, EI-CNJ (msn E2300), to its fleet. The addition gives the airline a rather eclectic fleet, as it already operates two early build series 200s (E2012 and E2014, originally built for Air Wisconsin), a mid-production series 200 (E2066, originally built for Presidential), and two of the last series 200s (E2204 and E2220, originally built for Meridiana. [2005-05-15] |
BAE Systems offers BAe 146 life extension and other upgrades
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft introduced a Life Extension Programme for the BAe 146 to allow it to continue operations for at least another 20 years. The Programme includes two new manuals, the Corrosion Protection and Control Programme (CPCP), and the Supplementary Structural Inspections Document (SSID). The CPCP covers corrosion; it is applied when airframes reach 20 years and introduces an indefinite calendar life. The SSID covers fatigue; it is applied once an airframe reaches 40,000-50,000 cycles (depending on the variant), and extends life to 60,000 cycles. BAE Systems is working to further increase this to 80,000 cycles. BAE Systems Regional Aircraft also introduced a flightdeck upgrade for early-build, pre-EFIS BAe 146s. The modification package replaces some electromechanical indicators with LCD Flat Panel electronic displays. The installation provides most of the advantages of EFIS at a fraction of the cost. About 138 aircraft are potential candidates for the upgrade. Eurowings and Air Dolomiti are the first customers for the upgrade, with contracts for six and three aircraft, respectively. BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has won a wide variety of modification contracts in the past year, from National Jet Systems, TNT Airways, Swiss, Ansett Engineering Services, SN Brussels Airlines, Malmö Aviation, British Airways CitiExpress, CityLine, and the Bahrain Defence Force. [2005-05-22]
BAE Systems considers re-launching BAe 146QT freighter conversions
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft is examining the possibility of re-launching the BAe 146QT passenger to freighter conversion. 29 146s were converted during the 1980s by installing a large upward-opening freight door in the rear fuselage -- 1 series 100QT, 13 series 200QTs, and 10 series 300QTs pure freighters, and five 200QCs convertible freighters. Most pure freighters are operated by TNT Airways and its subsidiary Pan Air Lineas Aereas, with others flying for Australian Air Express and one former Ansett aircraft in storage. The convertible freighters are being flown by Titan and Axis Airways. BAE Systems expects to decide by the end of the year whether a new conversion program would be viable. Several possible conversion centers are being evaluated. Pemco World Air Services of Dothan, Alabama, who carried out the earlier conversions, has decided not to participate in future 146 conversions, but is working with BAE Systems to transfer its know-how. [2005-05-22]
SN Brussels Airlines has decided to retain its fleet of BAe 146s and Avro RJs. The airline had been examining options to replace the type on its shorthaul European services. After an extensive study of the available options, however, it concluded that keeping the Avro RJs was the most cost-effective solution. The airline has agreed a sale and leaseback transaction with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft covering 23 of its 26 RJ85s and RJ100s. BAE Systems Regional Aircraft will acquire the aircraft in stages over the next five years and lease them back to SN Brussels Airlines. The other three RJs are on operating leases until 2009. The airline also operates six BAe 146-200s. [2005-05-22] |
| June 2005 |
FlyBE has selected the Embraer 195 to replace its fleet of BAe 146s, placing an order for 14 examples of the 195, with another 12 on option. Deliveries of the 195s are scheduled to begin in August 2007. Flybe has long been seeking a replacement for its BAe 146s. In 2001, when it was still known as British European, it had placed the launch order for the Avro RJX-100. BAE Systems' abrupt cancellation of the RJX later that year forced it to re-open its search. Earlier this year, Flybe looked set to lease several former Turkish Airlines Avro RJ100s, but this time it was the airline that abruptly cancelled the deal. The reasons for that cancellation are now evident. As launch customer for the Embraer 195, Flybe undoubtedly received very attractive terms from Embraer. The 195 will provide Flybe with both greater range and greater capacity, but it does have limitations as a BAe 146 replacement. It will not be able to operate into London City, nor even into Guernsey. The Embraer 195 had originally been launched by Crossair as a replacement for its Avro RJ100s. That order looks very unlikely to ever be delivered, however, as Crossair successor Swiss has repeatedly postponed it. [2005-06-10] |
Mesaba Avro RJ85 suffers cracked hydraulic line
An Avro RJ85 operated by Mesaba on behalf of Northwest Airlink suffered a cracked hydraulic line on June 10, dousing some passengers with hydraulic fluid. The aircraft, RJ85 N530XJ (msn E2364), was landing at Oklahoma City when the line ruptured, causing hydraulic fluid to spray in the passenger cabin. The crew stopped the aircraft on the runway and ordered a full evacuation. Two passengers suffered minor injuries. [2005-06-15]
| July 2005 |
NJS begins shift to 717s
National Jet Systems has begun to receive the Boeing 717s that are to replace its BAe 146s on QantasLink services. The 717s are being transferred from Qantas' low-cost subsidiary, JetStar. The 717s will gradually replace the 146s, with the last of the latter scheduled to leave the QantasLink fleet in late 2006. NJS will continue to operate 146s on its own account, primarily for mining industry support flights. The 146 is the only jet capable of serving many airstrips in Western Australia. NJS also operates three 146QT freighters for Australian Air Express. [2005-07-04]
Asian Spirit adds another BAe 146
Filipino airline Asian Spirit has agreed to lease an additional BAe 146 from BAE Systems. The former National Jet Systems series 200, msn E2034, was delivered on July 7. This lease is an addition to the previously-announced deal for four 146s. Asian Spirit's Executive Vice President, Jack Po, indicated that the additional capacity was needed to meet the increased demand stimulated by the introduction of the jets. Asian Spirit has also decided to retain the ATP it is leasing. [2005-07-10]
ScotAirways has ended its BAe 146 services between Edinburgh and London City Airport. The daily round trip had been flown on its behalf by Titan, using series 200QCs G-ZAPK (msn E2148) and G-ZAPO (E2176). [2005-07-15] |
Azzurra redux?
Hemus Air is operating a BAe 146 on behalf of Romanian start-up Blue Air. Blue Air, based at Bucarest's Baneasa airport, is the first Romanian airline to adopt the low-cost model. It has been set up by former managers of Italian Avro RJ operator Azzurra Air, who acquired some of that airline's assets ('azzurra' means blue in Italian). [2005-07-20]
Southend-based Flightline began operating a BAe 146 on behalf of Italian start-up Air Sal - Linee Aeree Campane. Air Sal is based in Salerno. The 146, former Air Wisconsin series 200 G-FLTD (msn E2042), was ferried from Southend to Milano Malpensa on July 21. She will initially be used for charters, but the airline also plans to start scheduled services to destinations in Italy and nearby countries. [2005-07-31] |
| August 2005 |
BACX to reduce Avro RJ100 fleet
British Airways CitiExpress has once again changed its fleet plans. Three of the BAe 146s that were to have been withdrawn will now stay, while six Avro RJ100s will leave the fleet. This will give the airline a fleet of ten RJ100s (five flying from Birmingham, four from London City, plus a maintenance airframe) and three BAe 146s (one each at Manchester, the Isle of Man, and Inverness). [2005-08-15]
Swiss to focus regional fleet on Avro RJ
Swiss will drop its SAAB 2000s and ERJ 145s and focus its regional fleet on the Avro RJ fleet, which will be boosted with an additional six RJ100s. The airline currently operates four RJ85s and fifteen RJ100s. One of the current RJ100s will leave the fleet, however, eventually giving the airline a total 24 RJs. The airline's order for thirty Embraer 170s and 190s is tehcnically still on the books, but initial deliveries have been once again pushed back, and are now set for 2008. Swiss' technical services division in Basel has recently signed agreements to maintain Avro RJs belonging to Lufthansa and Blue 1. [2005-08-28]
WDL Aviation has adopted a new color scheme for its BAe 146s, with large titles and a new logo. BAe 146-100 D-AWDL (msn E1011), who is currently flying on the Airbus shuttle service between Hamburg and Toulouse, illustrates the new colors. [2005-08-28] |
| September 2005 |
Regional Embraer 190 order no threat to CityJet BAe 146s
The Air France-KLM group has long mooted a substantial order to replace the varied types operated by their regional affiliates, but the recent order for 6 Embraer 190s by Air France affiliate Régional Airlines does not mean such an order is imminent. CityJet operates a substantial fleet of BAe 146s on Air France regional services, and has been studying possible replacements for some time. An Air France-KLM spokesman indicated that no substantial order would be placed before the 2010-2012 period, by which time a greater range of choices should be available. In the interim, CityJet is said to be considering leasing some Avro RJ100s. [2005-09-15]
Northwest misses payments to Mesaba
Financially-troubled Northwest Airlines has failed to make a US$18.7 million payment due to Mesaba. Mesaba operates feeder services under the Northwest Airlink banner. Its fleet includes 35 Avro RJ85s. [2005-09-15]
Hemus Air to increase BAe 146 fleet
Bulgarian BAe 146 operator Hemus Air has announced its intention to acquire four additional 146s. The airline is negotiating with ANZ Bank to acquire four series 300s to supplement its current three series 200s. [2005-09-15]
Bankrupt Northwest threatens to drop Mesaba Avro RJs
Northwest Airlines, which recently filed for bankruptcy, has advised Mesaba that it intends to reject the leases on its 35 Avro RJ85s. Northwest leases the RJ85s from various financial institutions, and sub-leases them to Mesaba, who operates them under the Northwest Airlink banner. Under Chapter 11, bankrupt companies can terminate contracts and leases with the court's permission. Northwest has directed Mesaba to park nine RJ85s by October 31, and the remaining 26 by December 20. Mesaba has also been told to park ten of the 65 Saab 340s it operates on Northwest Airlink services, and that it would not be receiving 13 un-delivered Bombardier CRJs. Some analysts speculate that the move is intended to put pressure on lessors to agree to lower lease rates. Mesaba's contract to operate the RJ85s had only recently been extended as part of a broader 10-year agreement with Northwest. [2005-09-26]
Two Avro RJ100s of SN Brussels Airlines are being used to promote the latest album of comics character Asterix. OO-DWH (msn E3340) sports a large picture of Asterix while OO-DWE (msn E3327) depicts his companion, Obelix. [2005-09-28] |
Irish BAe 146 operator CityJet has leased former British Airways CitiExpress series 200 G-MIMA (msn E2079). After painting with Air France titles at Norwich, she was delivered on September 1. Like the rest of CityJet's fleet, she is operated on behalf of Air France. [2005-09-28] |
| October 2005 |
Swiss will transfer its Avro RJ fleet to a newly-created subsidiary, Swiss European Air Lines. The new airline will continue to fly under the Swiss brand, but will have its own management and operating certificate. Swiss currently operates four Avro RJ85s and fifteen RJ100s, but will increase its RJ100 fleet to 24 by next summer. Swiss has been under pressure from new owner Lufthansa to cut its costs. An earlier plan to shift the regional fleet to a low-cost subsidiary to be called Swiss Express was abandoned in 2003. [2005-10-13] |
EuroManx restructures, ends scheduled Avro RJ operations
Ailing EuroManx has received a working capital injection of UKP12 million from Corporate Jet Services, trading as Club328, allowing to restructure its operations. From October 1, the airline has focused its operations on its routes from the Isle of Man to London City Airport, Manchester, Liverpool, Dublin, and Belfast City. It is standardizing its operations on its Dornier 328s and Bombardier Dash 8s. The two Avro RJ70s have been withdrawn from scheduled services, and are being offered for charters. [2005-10-15]
Mesaba files for bankruptcy protection
Mesaba has announced that it is filing for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Mesaba's entire fleet flies under the Northwest Airlink brand. Northwest, which itself filed for bankruptcy in mid-September, has missed several payments to Mesaba, and has indicated it will drastically reduce its future flying. The cutbacks will likely include Mesaba's entire fleet of 35 Avro RJ85s. [2005-10-15]
| November 2005 |
Swiss European takes off
Swiss' new regional subsidiary, Swiss European Air Lines, began operations on November 1, after it received its operating licence from the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation. The new airline takes over Swiss's four Avro RJ85s and fifteen RJ100s as well as it eight remaining Embraer 145s. The latter are scheduled to be withdrawn by next summer, however, while the Avro RJ fleet will grow to 24 with the addition of six former British Airways CitiExpress RJ100s and the withdrawal of one of the airline's own RJ100s. Swiss European will continue to fly under the Swiss brand, in full Swiss colors, but will have a small "Operated by Swiss European Air Lines" sticker. [2005-11-02]
Faroe Island-based BAe 146 operator Atlantic Airways has added former a Swiss Avro RJ100, msn E3357, to its fleet as OY-RCC. Built in 1999, she was delivered to Crossair in September of that year and later transferred to Swiss. After painting at Norwich, she was flown to Atlantic Airways' base at Vagar on November 1. She is configured with 97 seats, compared to 83 seats on the airline's BAe 146-200s. The RJ100 replaces BAe 146-200 OY-RCW (msn E2115), which was returned to BAE Systems on October 31. [2005-11-05] |
Aspen looks for BAe 146 replacement
With both Air Wisconsin (operating as United Express) and Mesaba (operating as Northwest Jet Airlink) scheduled to withdraw their BAe 146s and Avro RJ85s from service, Aspen is scrambling to find replacement jet service. The last Air Wisconsin BAe 146 flight from Aspen is scheduled to operate on April 17, 2006. Northwest has not announced a date for its final service, but is said to have assured Aspen that it would honor all bookings through the ski season. That would require Mesaba to continue to operate RJ85s into March 2006, well beyond the December 20 date on which Northwest has instructed it to park its last RJ85s. [2005-11-10]
Atlantic Airways to fly from the Shetlands to London
Faroe Island-based BAe 146 and Avro RJ operator Atlantic Airways will fly a twice-weekly service from Sumburgh in the Shetlands to London Stansted next summer. The service, which will originate at the airline's base in Vagar, in the Faroe Islands, will start on June 23, 2006, and end on September 4. [2005-11-15]
Northwest begins to park its Avro RJ85s
Mesaba has begun parking part of its Avro RJ85 fleet. Mesaba operates the RJ85s on behalf of Northwest Jet Airlink. Northwest Airlines, which is under Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection, has received court approval to reject the leases on the aircraft, and has instructed Mesaba to park them. Nine RJ85s were flown in to storage at Marana-Pinal Airpark in Arizona in early November. [2005-11-15]
Asian Spirit BAe 146 damaged in landing accident
Asian Spirit's recently delivered BAe 146-200, RP-C2995 (msn E2034 ex VH-NJW), was damaged when it went off the runway at Catarman, on the island of Samar, on November 14. She was arriving from Manila on flight 6K 587 with 32 passengers and 6 crew members. She apparently aquaplaned on touchdown and over-ran the runway, coming to rest in a muddy rice field. None of the passengers were injured. [2005-11-16]
The last former Ansett BAe 146 to be stored at Melbourne's Essendon airport was flown out on September 27. Series 300 ZK-NZH (msn E3137) had been parked at Essendon since February 22, 2002, along with several other former Air New Zealand and Qantas New Zealand BAe 146s which had been returned to Ansett's administrators. During her stay at Essendon, she suffered damage to the No 4 engine pylon in a storm that hit the airport on September 2, 2002. The ferry flight from Essendon to Melbourne Tullamarine, which was conducted under a special flight permit issued by the New Zealand CAA, took a scant 11 minutes. [2005-11-16] |
OzJet takes off, sans BAe 146s
After a long gestation period, Australian start-up OzJet finally took to the skies on November 29. Although the airline had intended to begin service with BAe 146s, its current fleet consists of Boeing 737-200s provided by parent European Aviation. European Skybus, another airline owned by OzJet owner Paul Stoddart, has entered into lease-purchase agreements for two former Ansett BAe 146-300s, ZK-NZG (msn E3135) and ZK-NZJ (msn E3147), but no plans to place them into service have been announced. [2005-11-30]
Avro RJ joins Royal Jet fleet
Another Avro RJ is heading to the Gulf states in VIP configuration. Abu Dhabi-based charter carrier Royal Jet has acquired former Azzurra Air Avro RJ70 EI-CPL (msn E1267) as A6-RJK. The airline specializes in luxury private charters. The RJ70 will complement Royal Jet's two Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) and two Gulfstream G300s. It will be fitted with 30-40 seats in a corporate configuration. E1267 has been in storage at Exeter since the collapse of Azzurra Air in late 2003. [2005-11-30]
| December 2005 |
Northwest Avro RJ85s return from the desert
In a surprise development, two of the nine Avro RJ85s that Mesaba recently parked have returned to service. N503XJ (msn E2310) and N510XJ (msn E2323) had both been parked at Marana-Pinal Airpark in Arizona in early November, but were both ferried back in late November and placed in service on behalf of Northwest Jet Airlink. Bankrupt Northwest Airlines, which is under Chapter 11 bankruptcy court protection, has received court approval to reject the leases on its 35 Avro RJ85s. It instructed Mesaba to park nine by October 31, and the remaining 26 by December 20. There has been speculation, however, that this was primarily an effort to negotiate lower leases. The most recent moves may lend credence to this view, as does the fact that the airline's schedule continues to show services as being operated by RJ85s throughout the spring. [2005-12-05]
EU investigates Lufthansa takeover of Eurowings
The European Commission is investigating possible anti-competitive effects of Lufthansa's takeover of majority control of Eurowings. Lufthansa, which already owned 49% of Eurowings, recently agreed with majority shareholder Albrecht Knauff in November agreed to take over the majority of voting rights in the regional airline. [2005-12-10]
Air Botswana has leased a BAe 146-100 from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, doubling its fleet of the type. The airline's 'new' 146, A2-ABF (msn E1160), was in fact built for Air Botswana in 1990 and delivered in 1991. When the airline's ambitious regional expansion plans collapsed, it took advantage of a buy-back option to return the aircraft. In the intervening years, she flew for CityJet, Mistral Air, and National Jet Systems. She was ferried back from Australia in October, and after maintenance at Kemble was delivered to Air Botswana on December 17. She will allow the airline to increase frequency on services from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Maun, in northern Botswana, which serves as the gateway to the tourist destinations in the Okavango Delta. Air Botswana also signed a JetSpares 'spares by the hour' support agreement covering both BAe 146s. [2005-12-23] |
Swiss gets first CitiExpress Avro RJ100
Swiss European Air Lines has taken delivery of the first of six former British Airways CitiExpress Avro RJ100s. RJ100 HB-IXR (msn E3282) was flown to Basel on December 21 after being painted in Swiss at East Midlands. As G-CFAF, she had operated her last British Airways service on November 28. G-CFAD (msn E3380) and G-CFAH (msn E3384) should follow in January, G-CFAB (msn E3377) and G-CFAC (msn E3379) in February, and G-CFAE (msn E3381) in March. Once all have been delivered, Swiss European will have twenty RJ100s. [2005-12-23]
Continue to January 2006 news.
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