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News Archive 2007
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 2007.
 | | CityJet's first Avro RJ85 at Dublin on December 23 (Michael Kelly) |
First CityJet Avro RJ85 enters service
CityJet took delivery of its first former Mesaba Avro RJ85 in late December. RJ85 EI-RJP Clare Island (msn E2363 ex N529XJ) was ferried from Norwich to Dublin on December 22. She then returned to Norwich for her formal acceptance on January, before positioning to the airline's Paris CDG base. She flew her first service in January 8, operating AF5100 to Zürich.
[2007-01-09] |
 | | Air One Avro RJ70 SE-DJZ at Roma Fiumicino (Aldo Bidini) |
Air One begins Rome-London City flights
Air One began scheduled services from Roma Fiumicino to London City on January 8. Like the airline's Milano Linate service, the Rome service is flown by an Avro RJ70 operated by Transwede. For this purpose, Transwede took delivery of another former airBaltic RJ70, G-CDOF (msn E1225 ex YL-BAN), as SE-DJZ. She was ferried to Eindhoven on January 3 for painting into Air One colors, and then on to Rome on January 6. Unlike SE-DJX (msn E1223), she is in full Air One colors. The Rome service is flown twice daily on weekdays, and once daily on the weekend. Transwede will add another RJ70 by the end of the month, to begin operations from Genova and Torino to London City.
[2007-01-09] |
Irish start-up plans BAe 146 operations
A new Irish airline, FlyU, is planning to start operations from Waterford using a BAe 146-200. The airline is currently recruiting key personnel.
[2007-01-11]
Air One postpones Genova/Torino-London City flights
Despite starting to advertise the routes, Air One has postponed starting scheduled services from Genova and Torino to London City until March 27. Flights on the route were to have started on January 29.
[2007-01-14]
 | Former Flybe BAe 146-200 G-JEAJ, currently stored at Kemble,
will be one of the first new freighter conversions (Michael Brazier) |
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Re-Launches BAe 146QT Freighter
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has announced a formal go-ahead for its re-launched BAe 146QT (Quiet Trader) freighter conversion programme. BAE Systems sees a promising future for the BAe 146QT, as the type is fully capable of meeting planned Stage 4 noise limits. As a freighter, the 146QT would have a payload of 10-12 tonnes, filling a gap between the 8 tonne payloads of the larger turboprop freighters and the 15- tonnes of Boeing 737 conversions. During the 1980s, one series 100, thirteen series 200s, and ten series 300s were converted to QT freighters by Pemco World Air Services of Dothan, Alabama. A further five series 200s were converted to QC convertible freighters. All remain in service with TNT Airways, Pan Air, Mistral Air, and Titan. BAE Systems is currently negotiating with several Romanian aerospace companies to undertake the new conversions. BAE Systems is already collaborating with Romaero on ATP freighter conversions. Conversion will involve installation of a large, 3.32x1.93 metres, upward-opening freight door in the rear fuselage, an E-class interior, a freight handling system, 9G forward restraint, and a loadmaster seat. The 200QT will have a maximum bulk payload of 11,670kg (25,730lbs) or a maximum containerised payload of 10,630kg (23,435lbs) based on carrying 6.5 108 x 88 inch containers, while the 300QT will have a maximum bulk payload of 13,265kg (29,245 lbs) or a maximum containerised payload of 12,065kg (26,600 lbs) based on carrying 7.5 108 by 88 inch containers. Two BAe 146s that have recently been returned off-lease by Flybe, G-JEAJ (msn E2099) and G-JEAK (msn E2103), will be the first to be converted. BAE Systems expects them to be ready for delivery in mid 2008.
[2007-01-31] |
 | BAe 146-300 VH-NJN is one of the aircraft whose lease was extended
(Carsten Bauer) |
National Jet Systems extends BAe 146 leases
Australia's National Jet Systems (NJS) has extended the leases on four BAe 146s. The company is using the aircraft on support contracts to the mining and resource industry in Western Australia. NJS currently operates fourteen BAe 146s and one Avro RJ70. The aircraft whose leases were extended are series 100 VH-NJR (msn E1152), series 200 VH-NJG (msn E2170), and series 300 VH-NJL (msn E3213) and VH-NJN (msn E3217).
[2007-01-31] |
First Avro RJ painted in Brussels Airlines colors
SN Brussels Airlines has repainted its first Avro RJ, OO-DWL (msn E3361), in the colors of Brussels Airlines -- the name it will adopt after it completes its merged with Virgin Express on March 25, 2007. OO-DWL sports the revised version of the new logo, with fourteen dots. As originally painted on an Airbus A319, the logo consisted of thirteen dots, which upset some superstitious people.
[2007-01-31] |
 | Titan BAe 146-200QC G-ZAPN departs Eindhoven sporting her new
colors (HansAir) |
Titan Airways paints first BAe 146 in new colors
Titan Airways has painted its first BAe 146 in its new "Moon and Stars" colors. BAe 146-200QC G-ZAPN (msn E2119) arrived at Eindhoven for painting on January 20 and was left on January 27.
[2007-01-31] |
National Jet contract for Barrow Island extended
National Jet Systems (NJS) has signed an extension to its contact to transport personnel from Perth to Barrow Island on behalf of Bristow Helicopters. The contract calls for NJS to use a BAe 146-300 on the service, replacing the smaller series 200 used so far.
[2007-02-03]
 | | Impression of an Avro RJ85 in Pyrenair colors (Pyrenair) |
New Spanish airline plans Avro RJ operations
A new Spanish airline, Pyrenair, is planning to start operations from Huesca, in northeastern Spain, to Madrid and Barcelona. The airline is hoping to operate two Avro RJ85s on the route. The service would be aimed at businessmen heading to the capital and at skiers looking to quickly reach ski resorts in the Pyrenees. Other potential destinations include Palma de Mallorca and Paris. The company was formed on December 13, 2006, by local business interests.
[2007-02-07] |
Second BAe 146 joins Taban Air fleet
A second Hemus Air BAe 146 has joined the fleet of Iranian start-up Taban Air. Series 300 LZ-HBG (msn E3146) was ferried from Sofia to Teheran on February 9, joining LZ-HBD (msn E3141) who has been flying in Iran since last November.
[2007-02-15] |
CityJet expands London City services
BAe 146 and Avro RJ operator CityJet is planning a major expansion of its services from London City Airport. Beginning on March 26, CityJet will start adding services from London City to Genève, Madrid, Milano Linate, Nice, and Zürich. CityJet already flies from London City to Paris Orly and Dublin. Like CityJet's other services, all the new services will be operated on behalf of Air France, in a new network dubbed "CityJet for Air France." Additional services will be flown to Belfast Harbour, Dundee, and Edinburgh in cooperation with ScotAirways, bringing to ten the number of destinations in the CityJet for Air France network. With up to seventy daily flights, London City will become Air France's largest hub outside Paris and Amsterdam.
[2007-02-16]
Tyre failure closes down London City
A CityJet BAe 146 operated on behalf of Air France burst its tyres on landing at London City on February 20, blocking the runway and closing the airport for most of the day. BAe 146-200 EI-CZO (msn E2024) was landing at 08:35, after operating AF5020 from Paris Orly. Several tyres burst when the brakes were applied, and the aircraft came to rest near the end of the runway. None of the 55 passengers and five crew on board were injured. With the runway obstructed, the airport had to be closed and inbound flights diverted to other airports. It took most of the day to recover the aircraft from the runway. The airport finally re-opened at 17:05.
[2007-02-20]
 | | Impression of a BAe 146 in Ka'an Beel Air colors (Ka'an Beel Air) |
New Mexican airline plans BAe 146 operations
A new Mexican airline, Ka'an Beel Air (KBA), is hoping to start operations with BAe 146s on services linking tourist destinations on the Yucatan peninsula. The airline is being established by hotel and tourist operators in Cancún. It takes its name from the Mayan word for "skywalker". Possible destinations include Chichen-Itzá, Cancún, Chetumal, Cozumel, Mahahual, and Mérida.
[2007-02-27] |
TAM Bolivia receives its first BAe 146
The Bolivian Air Force has taken delivery of its first BAe 146. Former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-200A FAB-100 (msn E2080 ex N290UE) was delivered to Grupo Aéreo de Transporte 71, also known as Transporte Aéreo Militar (TAM), on February 19. Bolivian President Evo Morales, Vice President Alvaro Garcia, and Minister of Defence Walker San Miguel took part in the inaugural flight from La Paz to Cochabamba and back. A ceremony was held at Cochabamba's Jorge Wilstermann Airport in which President Morales baptized the 146 with a bottle of champagne. FAB-100 is one of two BAe 146s that TAM is acquiring from broker Tronos, under 60-month lease-to-buy arrangements. She arrived still wearing the dark blue bottom fuselage and engines of her United Express color scheme, but with a white top fuselage. She will initially be flown by foreign pilots until Bolivian pilots have been trained. Her introduction into service means that there is once again a BAe 146 in airline service in the western hemisphere.
[2007-05-10]
BA-Flybe deal finally concluded
After numerous delays, Flybe's takeover of BA Connect was finally concluded on March 5. The two airlines had hoped to complete the deal before the end of 2006, but sorting out details such as BA Connect's pension fund took much longer than expected and numerous deadlines came and went. Approval from the Office of Fair Trading was secured on February 7. Just a few days later, however, the process took a step back when BA Connect cabin crew narrowly voted against transferring to Flybe. Nevertheless, talks continued and finally culminated in an agreement on February 28, although some last-minute glitches delayed its announcement until March 5. Although the company is now owned by Flybe, flights will continue under the BA Connect name until March 25, when they will begin to operate as Flybe. British Airways will retain BA Connect's fleet of Avro RJ100s, which it plans to operate through a new company, BA CityFlyer, on routes from London City. Flybe will take over BA Connect's four BAe 146s (one series 100, two series 200s, and one series 300), as well as its Embraer 145s and Bombardier Dash 8s. However, the airline has announced its intention to retire all the inherited aircraft as rapidly as possible, so as to standardize on the Bombardier Q400 and Embraer 195. Delays in the delivery of the latter may mean, however, that BA Connect's 146s, as well as Flybe's own examples, will remain in the fleet for some time. Flybe intends to continue operating most BA Connect routes, but has already announced plans to terminate many that are unprofitable. This will include closing the entire Bristol base.
[2006-03-05]
 | | Impression of a BAe 146 in VLM colors (VLM) |
VLM to introduce a BAe 146
Belgian airline VLM is planning to introduce a BAe 146. The airline will wet-lease series 300 G-BPNT (msn E3126) from Flightline to operate four of its ten daily services between London City and Rotterdam. With its operations centered on London City, VLM has long been thought a likely candidate to operate the 146. However, the airline had hitherto prefered to rely on increasing frequency with its Fokker 50s to meet rising demand. With ten daily return flights between the two cities, however, it had exhausted that option. The 92-seat 146 will allow the airline to increase capacity. Use of the 146 will be assessed at the end of the year; if it proves successful, the airline may then add several more examples, both to increase capacity on current routes and to add new, longer-range destinations. To ensure the 146 is attractive to VLM 's business travel market, it will be configured with 5-abreast seating at a 32-inch seat pitch. The 146 will be delivered to VLM once it has completed a C check and been painted in the Belgian airline's colors, and should enter service on April 16.
[2007-03-05] |
Romavia adds a second BAe 146
Romanian airline Romavia has added a second BAe 146 to its fleet and extended to lease on its current example. Romavia operates charters and some scheduled services, and provides state and governmental flights for the Romanian Presidency and Government. The airline received their first 146, series 200 YR-BEA (E2227) in April 2005. Initially intended primarily for use on passenger charters, she has frequently been used for governmental duties, usually with "Romania" titles replacing the airline's name, and the national flag replacing the logo. Adding a second 146 will allow the scheduled charter program to be reinstated. Romavia's second 146 is former Centavia series 200 YR-BEB (msn E2220 ex G-BVMT/YU-AGM). She had been in storage at Kemble since the Serb airline's collapse in November. She was ferried to Southend on January 19 and prepared for delivery, and then flown to Bucuresti on March 6.
[2007-03-09]
Club Air to restart
Verona-based Club Air has announced that it intends to resume operations in April, with new owners and new management. The airline ceased operations on December 12, 2006, after Italian civil aviation authority ENAC withdrew its operating certificate. As in the past, Club Air will focus on services from Italy to eastern Europe, with flights from Verona to Bucuresti, Bacău, Cluj (Romania), Chisinau (Moldova), Pristina (Kosovo), and L'Viv (Ukraine). Bucuresti will also be served from Firenze and Torino. Except for the Torino-Bucuresti route, all had been served by the airline in the past.
[2007-03-10]
BA CityFlyer announces London City expansion
BA CityFlyer, the new company formed by British British Airways to operate the former BA Connect Avro RJ100s, has announced a major expansion on routes from London City. New services to Glasgow and Zürich, each served four times a day, will begin on March 26 and an extra round trip to Edinburgh will be added. The airline will thus increase its operations from 144 to 250 flights a week. British Airways is also rumored to be considering buying VLM, the busiest airline at London City, so as to acquire additional slots at the airport.
[2006-03-14]
 | | BAe 146-200 G-JEAJ arrives at Aerostar's plant in Bacău (BAE Systems) |
Aerostar selected as 146QT conversion contractor
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has announced that it has selected Aerostar of Bacău, Romania, as the prime contractor for the re-launched BAe 146QT freighter conversion program. Aerostar will be responsible for assembly of the large freight door, and for manufacture and installation of the E-Class cargo interior kit. Other Romanian aerospace firms will also participate in the program, notably Avione Craiova S.A., who will manufacture the large upward-opening freight door under sub-contract to Aerostar. The first BAe 146 to be converted, former Flybe series 200 G-JEAJ (msn E2099), was flown to Bacău on March 13. She is expected to be ready in early to mid-2008. She will be marketed by the BAE Systems Regional Aircraft's Asset Management team.
[2007-03-22] |
 | | Airlink BAe 146-200 G-JEAV after painting at Norwich (Michael Burdett) |
South Africa's Airlink adds BAe 146s
South African airline Airlink is planning to lease three BAe 146s from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. The BAe 146 was selected over the Fokker 100. The first aircraft for Airlink, former Flybe series 200 G-JEAV (msn E2064), was painted at Norwich on March 16. She will eventually become ZS-PUL. Another former Flybe series 200, G-JEAW (msn E2059), will follow as ZS-PUM. Airlink is in negotiations with the government of Botswana to take over Air Botswana, which operates two BAe 146-100s. Cargo airline Safair was the only previous operator of the BAe 146 in South Africa.
[2007-03-24] |
 | | Brussels Airlines RJ85 OO-DJW in a transition scheme (Robin Bamps) |
Brussels Airlines takes off
SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express formally adopted the Brussels Airlines name for their merged operations on March 25, 2007. Brussels Airlines operates six 84-seat BAe 146s, fourteen 82-seat Avro RJ85s, and twelve 97-seat RJ100s. Several have already been painted in the new airline's colors. The others have been re-branded by the simple expedient of blanking out the "SN" portion of the old airline's name and substituting a small version of the new airline's logo.
[2007-03-25] |
BA Connect-Flybe transition completed
Flybe completed its takeover of BA Connect on March 25. Although Flybe has owned BA Connect since February 28, flights had continued under the BA Connect name until March 24. Flybe's takeover of BA Connect brings with it three BAe 146s -- two series 200s and a series 300 -- but Flybe has announced its intention of retiring them as soon as possible. BA Connect's sole series 100, G-MABR (msn E1015), was withdrawn from use and flown to Exeter for storage on March 24.
[2006-03-25]
Flightline BAe 146 once again flies for Jet2
Flightline is once operating on behalf of low-cost airline Jet2. Like last year, BAe 146-300 G-FLTC (msn E3205), is doing the honors. The 146 is used primarily on the route from Newcastle to London Gatwick, which Jet2 started flying on March 25, a few days after British Airways abandoned it. G-FLTC has been adorned with numerous ads for the new service over the basic Jet2 color scheme.
[2007-03-26] |
 | BAe 146-300 EC-JVO at Alicante on her delivery flight to CAM
(Manuel Marin) |
Mali airline leases a BAe 146
Spanish airline Orionair is leasing one of its two BAe 146s to Compagnie Aérienne du Mali (CAM). Formed in April 2005, CAM flies domestic services from Bamako to Kayes, Mopti, and Tombouctou, and regional services to Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), and Conakry (Guinée), as well as a longer-range service to Paris. Series 300 EC-JVO (msn E3179) was ferried to Birmingham on March 27, where she had the Malian airline's titles and logo applied, then departed on delivery to Mali on March 30, transiting via Madrid and Alicante. She will be the second 146 to operate in Mali, after a hiatus of almost 20 years. Mali's government was among the first customers for the 146, taking delivery of series 100 TZ-ADT (msn E1009) in October 1983. She was used for VIP flights, as well as for scheduled services by the then national airline, Air Mali. Financial difficulties led to the 146 being returned to BAe in 1988.
[2006-03-31] |
Another former Ansett BAe 146 is cut up
The number of remaining former Ansett BAe 146s at Melbourne Tullamarine continues to dwindle. BAe 146-300 ZK-NZN (msn E3177) was the latest to be parted out, on March 22. That leaves three 146-300s still in storage at Tullamarine: ZK-NZK (msn E3190), ZK-NZL (msn E3175), and ZK-NZM (msn E3173).
[2007-03-31]
 | | Belle Air BAe 146-300 LZ-HBF landing at Verona (Aldo Messina) |
Belle Air leases a BAe 146
Another airline has joined the ranks of BAe 146 operators. Albanian low-cost airline Belle Air is wet-leasing BAe 146-200 LZ-HBF (msn E3159) from Hemus Air, replacing a Fokker 100 wet-leased from Montenegro Airlines. She entered service on March 23. Hemus Air is providing both flight and cabin crew. Formed in May 2005, Belle Air began operations in March 2006. It operates primarily to Italy, with services from Tirana to no less than 16 different Italian destinations.
[2007-04-02] |
 | | CityJet Avro RJ85 EI-RJO displays the new colors (Gordon Stretch) |
New colors for CityJet Avro RJs
The latest Avro RJ85 to be delivered to CityJet has been painted in a new color scheme to mark the launch of the "CityJet for Air France" network centered on London City Airport. Avro RJ85 EI-RJO Inis Mor (msn E2352 ex N527XJ) was delivered from Norwich on April 2, and entered service the next day. While all but one of the airline's BAe 146s and all previously delivered RJ85s wear full Air France colors and titles, EI-RJO sports an overall white color scheme with a red flash on the tail and CityJet titles. A small Air France KLM logo on the lower front fuselage is the only evidence of the parent company.
[2007-04-03] |
Club Air restart postponed
The re-start of Verona-based Club Air has been pushed back to early May.
[2007-04-05]
SAS to start new London City route
Evidently pleased with the results of its services from Copenhagen and Stockholm (Arlanda) to London City, SAS has announced its intention to start a third route to the Docklands Airport. A twice daily service to Oslo (Gardermoen) will commence on August 28. Like the Stockholm service, it will be operated by Transwede using an Avro RJ70.
[2007-04-07]
Latest BAe 146 for Eurowings delivered
Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings has taken delivery of the latest BAe 146 it has leased from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, D-AEWF (msn E2184), boosting its fleet of the type to fifteen -- five series 200s and ten series 300s. The new addition is former National Jet Systems/QantasLink VH-NJJ. She was ferried from Kemble to Nüremberg on April 3.
[2007-04-10] |
 | | VLM BAe 146 G-BPNT at London City (Richard Vandervord) |
VLM begins BAe 146 operations
Belgian airline VLM introduced BAe 146-300 G-BPNT (msn E3126) on lease from Flightline on its busy London City to Rotterdam route on April 18. The 92-seat 146 will operate four of the airline's ten daily services between the two cities. G-BPNT was painted in full VLM colors at Norwich on April 12, then returned to Southend before being ferried to Rotterdam on April 13. She has been christened Spirit of Rotterdam. Should she perform well, VLM is considering adding more 146s. Johan Vanneste, Managing Director of VLM Airlines, indicated that the airline is currently assessing the feasibility of introducing jet services on a further six of its existing routes from London City Airport, while a further 20 destinations, all over 500km from London City, are also being evaluated.
[2007-04-18] |
 | | Former Air Wisconsin BAe 146 G-CDPF at Southend (Tony Best) |
Another BAe 146 is cut up
Another BAe 146 has come to the end of the road. Air Salvage International (ASI) began parting out former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-300 G-CDPF (msn E3132 ex N614AW). After being withdrawn by Air Wisconsin, she was ferried to Southend in September 2005. Hopes that she might find a new home were not realized, however, and were further set back when she suffered damage in a gale in January 2007. Dismantling is expected to take about three weeks, after which the remains will be transported by road to ASI's facilities at Lasham Airfield for storage and further parts removal.
[2007-04-19] |
Lufthansa places regional jet order
Lufthansa has announced a long awaited order to begin the renewal of its regional fleet. The airline had ordered Fairchild Dornier 728s, but that manufacturer's bankruptcy ended that plan. Instead, Lufthansa has been accumulating BAe 146s and Avro RJs. Lufthansa Group airlines currently operate no less than 62 examples of the BAe 146/Avro RJ family -- CityLine operates eighteen Avro RJ85s, Eurowings fifteen 146-200s and -300s, Air Dolomiti five 146-300s, and Swiss twenty-four RJ85s and RJ100s. The airline's Supervisory Board approved an order for 30 Embraer 190s and 15 Bombardier CRJ900s. Deliveries will begin in late 2008. The Embraer 190 order replaces the long-delayed Swiss order for 15 Embraer 170s and 15 195s. No details were given as to how the new jets will be deployed. Introduction of the 100-seat Embraer 190s, in particular, is likely to cause problems with the Lufthansa pilots' union. Even if the newly-ordered aircraft were to replace 146/RJs one-for-one, they would not be enough to fully displace the 146/RJs. Moreover, neither the 190 nor the CRJ900 is currently approved for operation at London City.
[2007-04-19]
Second WDL BAe 146 flies for LTU
WDL Aviation is flying BAe 146-200 D-AMGL (msn E2055) on services from Düsseldorf on behalf of LTU to cover for maintenance on BAe 146-300 D-AWBA (msn E3134), who normally operates these flights.
[2007-04-19] |
 | | Fordair Avro RJ100 G-OFMC landing at Southend (Peter Fox) |
Fordair Avro RJ100 enters service
Flightline began operating former Turkish Airlines Avro RJ100 G-OFMC (msn E3264 ex TC-THM) on a twice daily weekday shuttle between Southend and Köln on behalf of Fordair, the flight department of car manufacturer Ford. G-OFMC had initially been registered G-CDUI, but this turned out to be a singularly inappropriate registration for an aircraft used by a US auto company, as "DUI" is widely understood to mean "driving under the influence" -- driving drunk!
[2007-04-20] |
 | | Avro RJ70 G-CDNB became VT-MDM (Richard Vandervord) |
MDLR Airlines begins operations
After several delays, new Avro RJ operator MDLR Airlines began operations on April 27, with a round trip from Chandigarh to Delhi. The early morning departure and late afternoon returns are timed to allow a full day of work in the capital. The initial schedule will be extended to Ranchi on May 3 and then to Kolkatta on May 16. The flight will then retrace its steps, arriving back at Chandigarh at 18:40. The airline is also planning to fly to Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, and Bhavnagar. MDLR has taken delivery of two former Turkish Airlines RJ70s. VT-MDL (msn E1229) arrived on February 1, and VT-MDM (msn E1230) on April 24. They are configured with a two-class cabin. Unlike many new entrants, MDLR is a full-service rather than a low-cost airline. It has made much of the fact that it serves purely vegetarian food on board. The airline plans to acquire several more Avro RJs -- possibly RJ100s. Indian regulations require all airlines to have a minimum fleet of five aircraft within a year of receiving their scheduled operator permit.
[2007-04-29] |
Scare for TAM BAe 146 VIP passengers
Members of the Bolivian Constituent Assembly got a scare when the Transporte Aéreo Militar (TAM) BAe 146 that was to carry them aborted her takeoff. BAe 146-200 FAB-100 (msn E2080) was accelerating for takeoff from Tarija's Oriel Lea Plaza Airport when she ingested a bird into one of her right side engines. The pilots aborted the takeoff and taxied back to the terminal. The incident would have been routine but for the presence on board of the President of the Constituent Assembly, Silvia Lazarte, and 86 other members of the Assembly and its staff. They are on a city-by-city tour of the country to gather views on reforming the country's constitution. A TAM Hercules came to pick them up pending a thorough examination and possible repairs to FAB-100's engine.
[2007-05-10]
Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight Avro RJ70 delivered
The former Azzurra Air Avro RJ70 A6-LIW (msn E1267 ex A6-RJK) departed Basel on delivery to the Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight on April 18. She has been at Basel since November 2005 for installation of a luxurious VVIP interior, and had initially been registered A6-RJK.
[2006-04-30] |
WDL BAe 146 flies for Flybe
Fresh from her recent stay with LTU, WDL's BAe 146-200 D-AMGL (msn E2055) is now undertaking some flying for Flybe. Flybe has been short of crews due to the departure of many former BA Connect crew prior to the merger, and the need to train the remainder in Flybe procedures.
[2007-05-03]
MDLR Airlines runs into regulatory trouble
Avro RJ operator MDLR Airlines has been instructed to cease scheduled flights by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). MDLR began operations on April 27, with a daily roundtrip from Chandigarh to Delhi. The service was extended to Ranchi on May 15, and will soon be further extended to Calcutta. The airline is only licenced to operate charters, however. Despite the warning, MDLR continues to take bookings on its website. MDLR flies two Avro RJ70s, VT-MDL (msn E1229) and VT-MDM (msn E1230).
[2007-05-17]
Airlink BAe 146s enter service
South African airline Airlink has placed its first two BAe 146s into service. The two former Flybe series 200s were ferried to South Africa in the second half of April. G-JEAW (msn E2059) left Southend on April 21, routing via Faro, Las Palmas, and Dakar. After her arrival, she was re-registered ZS-PUM. G-JEAV (msn E2064) followed on April 29, becoming ZS-PUL. They entered service in mid-May, on Airlink's twice-daily flight from Johannesburg to Ndola, Zambia, and on a new three times a week flight to Harare, Zimbabwe.
[2007-05-20] |
 | | Former Air Wisconsin BAe 146 G-CDPF at Lasham (Ian Haskell) |
End of the road for BAe 146 E3132
The sad remains of former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-300 G-CDPF (msn E3132 ex N614AW) are now at Lasham, having been stripped of useful parts by Air Salvage International (ASI). She was partly dismantled at Southend and then moved by road to Lasham for further parts removal.
[2007-05-20] |
 | | Transwede Avro RJ85 SE-DJN at Eindhoven (HansAir) |
Transwede acquires two Avro RJ85s from Swiss
Swedish airline Transwede has acquired two Avro RJ85s from Swiss. The first, Avro RJ85 SE-DJN (msn E2231, ex HB-IXG) was ferried from Basel to Malmö on May 10, following her withdrawal from service by Swiss. She was then flown to Eindhoven, where she was painted in full SAS colors but without titles. She then returned to Malmö. SE-DJN is due to replace Avro RJ70 EI-COQ on the SAS route from Stockholm Arlanda to London City. EI-COQ is due to be returned off-lease to Air Malta.
[2007-05-25] |
Third Airlink BAe 146 being prepared
The third BAe 146 for South African airline Airlink is being prepared at Norwich. Former CityJet BAe 146-200 EI-CSL (msn E2074) was painted in Airlink's colors at Norwich. She had been ferried to Norwich in January and returned off-lease (despite a lease extension having been signed a few months earlier). EI-CSL will operate for Airlink for about six months, and then be replaced by series 200 EI-CWA (msn E2058).
[2007-05-25] |
Club Air restart postponed again
The latest announced date for the restart of Verona-based Club Air has come and gone without the airline taking to the skies. Club Air announced in March that it intended to resume operations, and since then a series of start dates have come and gone. The latest announced date, June 1, is still proclaimed by a large banner on the airline's website. Flights only seem to be available for dates beginning in July, however, so that may be the new target date. In the meantime, the flight schedule shown on the airline's website has evolved on an almost daily basis. The eastern Europe flights that had been Club Air's bread and butter in their previous life are now scarce, with Romania completely absent from the schedule.
[2007-06-02]
Kurdish Airline to fly a BAe 146?
A new airline being started by Iraqi Kurdish interests, Mesopotamia Air, is apparently planning to operate a BAe 146. Former Atlantic Airways BAe 146-200 OY-RCZ (msn E2041), who was recently returned off-lease to Tronos, was seen at East Midlands on June 1 wearing Mesopotamia Air titles and tail logo. Mesopotamia Air is planning to fly regional services from Sulaimaniyah Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as services to Europe. They had announced plans for an April-May start-up. OY-RCZ, however, departed East Midlands for Canada, suggesting that the lease may have fallen through.
[2007-06-02] |
Brussels Airlines plans African BAe 146 operation
Brussels Airlines is planning to establish an airline to operate within Africa, and transfer its six BAe 146-200s to them. The new airline, tentatively called Pan-African Airlines, would be registered in Mauritius, but operate primarily in Rwanda, Burundi, and neighboring countries -- the so-called "Great Lakes" region. Flights would link regional capitals with each other and to Brussels Airlines' long-range services to Europe. Mauritius was chosen as the legal home of the new airline because of its JAR certification standards. SN Brussels Airlines had earlier won a tender to take over and re-organize Cameroon Airlines in cooperation with local investors, and had planned to transfer the BAe 146s there, but the plan fell apart when the government decided to re-open the tender after receiving an apparently more attractive offer from an American investment group.
[2007-06-03]
 | Flightline BAe 146 G-FLTC flying for Swiss
(Olav Rhensius / Propfreak Collection) |
Flightline BAe 146 to fly for Swiss
Flightline began operating BAe 146-300 G-FLTC (msn E3205) on behalf of Swiss on June 4. G-FLTC ended her lease to Jet2 on May 31, and was then ferried to Southend for removal of Jet2 titles and reconfiguration to 99 seats. She then positioned to Zürich on June 3, so as to be ready to begin service on Monday, June 4. She is flying the three times daily Zürich-Birmingham roundtrip, as LX420/1/2/3/4/5. This route was previously flown by one of the airline's Avro RJ85s, but two of the airline's four examples of the type have now been sold to Transwede. G-FLTC will fly the route until the end of October. This is the second time that Flightline operates for the Swiss national airline. Between 1999 and 2001, Flightline operated three series 200s mainly on routes to Italy and a series 300 on routes to the UK as Swissair Express. In other Flightline news, the airline has returned series 200 G-TBIC (msn E2025) to lessor TBI for onward sale. The size of the fleet remains un-changed, however, as series 200 G-OZRH (msn E2047) was returned off-lease by CityJet on May 22. G-OZRH is currently based at Aberdeen on the Integrated Aviation Consortium oil support contract, covering for series 200 G-FLTA (msn E2048), who is currently undergoing a 'C' check.
[2007-06-04] |
BA CityFlyer to keep Avro RJ100s
BA CityFlyer has decided to keep two Avro RJ100s that had been due to return off-lease to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. RJ100 G-BXAR (msn E3298) had been returned to BAE Systems in late March, and G-BXAS (E3301) had been due to follow. The airline intended to replace them with some of the former Mesaba RJ85s currently stored at Marana, but decided that modifying them for use in Europe would have been more expensive than simply keeping its existing leases. The airline will thus keep G-BXAS and take G-BXAR back.
[2006-06-08]
CityJet Avro RJ deliveries continue
Deliveries of former Mesaba Avro RJ85s to CityJet continue. The latest to arrive, EI-RJN (msn E2351 ex N526XJ) was ferried from Norwich to Paris Charles de Gaulle on May 18, wearing the new CityJet colors first worn by EI-RJO (msn E2352). Other recent deliveries include EI-RJI (msn E2346), which arrived on May 4. As the RJ85s arrive, the airline is returning BAe 146s off-lease. G-OZRH (msn E2047) was returned to Flightline, while EI-CSL (msn E2074) and G-MIMA (msn E2079) were returned to BAE Systems.
[2007-06-08] |
PRISMA auctions former Club Air BAe 146s
PRISMA Aviation Services is selling two former Club Air BAe 146s at auction. The two 146s, I-TERB (msn E2012) and I-TERV (msn E2014), have been in storage at Southend since last fall. The company is soliciting bids for the 146s, either together or individually, and either with or without engines. Bids are due by June 30, with a decision expected soon thereafter.
[2007-06-08]
 | | Air Wisconsin BAe 146 N609AW in storage at Kingman (Snorre - VAP) |
Former Air Wisconsin BAe 146s head south
Two former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-200As that had been stored at Kingman, Arizona, have been ferried to Mexico for painting prior to use by a new operator. N609AW (msn E2070) was ferried in late May, with N610AW (msn E2082) following after some windscreen damage had been repaired. The identity of the new operator is not yet known.
[2007-06-08] |
TAM Bolivia receive their second BAe 146
Bolivia's Transporte Aéreo Militar (TAM) took delivery of a second BAe 146 under a lease-to-buy arrangement with lessor Tronos. Former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-200A FAB-101 (msn E2041 ex N290UE) departed from Summerside on Prince Edward Island on June 6. E2041 had most recently been on lease to Atlantic Airways as OY-RCZ, and had then been scheduled to go on lease to new Iraqi Kurdish airline Mesopotamia Air, but that lease fell through.
[2007-06-08]
 | | Braathens Aviation Avro RJ85 SE-DJN (John Barlow) |
Braathens Aviation created
Per G. Braathens, owner of Swedish Avro RJ operators Malmö Aviation and Transwede, has organised his aviation-related businesses as Braathens Aviation. The new corporate group includes six companies: Malmö Aviation, Transwede, Braathens Technical (which offers maintenance services), Braathens Training (which offers training and type ratings), Braathens Leasing (which owns two Avro RJ85s), and Branova (a provider of IT services to the aviation industry). To mark the occasion, Avro RJ85 SE-DJN (msn E2231), which Transwede recently acquired from Swiss, has been painted with temporary Braathens Aviation titles. Adoption of the Braathens name became possible after SAS, which bought Braathens airline in 2001, renamed the airline SAS Norge.
[2007-06-11] |
WDL BAe 146 now also flying for Air-Berlin
Air-Berlin's acquisition of LTU has affected the BAe 146-300 that LTU has been wet-leasing from WDL Aviation. Series 300 D-AWBA (msn E3134) has been operating for LTU since November 1, 2006, on flights from Düsseldorf to Roma and Lisboa. As Air-Berlin is taking over some of LTU's routes, such as Düsseldorf-Roma, D-AWBA is now flying for both airlines. As a result, the LTU titles have been removed, resulting in a rather anonymous livery.
[2007-06-12] |
 | | Sol Airlines BAe 146 N610AW at La Romana (Tadeu Fessel) |
New Dominican Republic airline to use BAe 146s
The operator of two former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-200As that were recently ferried to Mexico is now known to be Sol Airlines, a new airline being established in the Dominican Republic by Brazilian investors. Sol Airlines will be based at La Romana, on the southeastern coast of the island. They hope to operate as many as ten BAe 146s on domestic and regional flights, as well as Boeing 767s on long-haul services. The first 146, series 200 N610AW Marco Costa (msn E2082), was ferried from Mexico City to La Romana on June 10. N609AW (msn E2070) should follow shortly. The 146s will be configured with a two-class cabin. No date has been announced for the start of services. The Dominican Republic was recently classified as a 'category 1' country under the US FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, indicating that the country meets ICAO safety standards and allowing Dominican airlines to operate services to the USA.
[2007-06-13] |
Orionair BAe 146 returns from Mali lease
BAe 146-300 EC-JVO (msn E3179) was ferried via Las Palmas to Valencia on May 29, returning to Orionair from her lease to Compagnie Aérienne du Mali (CAM).
[2006-06-15]
MDLR continues to expand its network
As planned, Indian Avro RJ70 operator MDLR Airlines extended its service to Kolkatta on June 12. The flight is an extension of its service from Chandigarh to Delhi and Ranchi. MDLR has indicated that it plans to make Kolkatta into a second hub, adding services to Port Blair, Goa, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar.
[2007-06-20]
RAF signs up for LCD flightdeck upgrade
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft's LCD flightdeck modification for early-model BAe 146s has won a royal seal of approval. The UK Ministry of Defence has contracted for the flightdecks of the two BAe 146 CC2s operated by No 32 (The Royal) Squadron to be upgraded. The first aircraft will be modified in early 2008, with the second following by the beginning of 2009. Although the RAF has announced its intention to procure two new aircraft to replace the 146s on Royal and Ministerial transport duties, the 146s remain in heavy demand for military transport and communication duties. One aircraft has been based in the Middle East, supporting British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. To date, nine 146s operated by Eurowings and Air Dolomiti have received the LCD flightdeck upgrade. BAE Systems has been asked to prepare quotations for several more operators.
[2006-06-20]
New competitors at London City
Two new jetliners received clearance to operate at London City Airport, threatening the BAe 146/Avro RJ's dominance at the airport. The 146/RJ accounts for 44% of daily scheduled departures and 62% of daily scheduled seats. Airlines currently operating 146/RJs into London City include BA CityFlyer, CityJet for Air France, Flightline (operating for VLM), CityLine (operating for Lufthansa), Swiss, and Transwede (operating for Air One and SAS). Until recently, the 37-seat Embraer ERJ 135 and 80-seat Fokker 70 were the only other jetliners certified to use the airport, though neither has made more than token appearances there. Now both the 100-seat Airbus A318 and the 70-seat Embraer 170 have been certified to fly the steep approach into the airport.
[2006-06-21]
Club Air to hub at Ancona
Club Air is planning to base its fleet at Ancona's Falconara Airport. The airline signed a three-year agreement with the airport's management agency, Aerdorica, to operate 85 weekly flights from Ancona to four domestic destinations (Catania, Napoli, Roma Fiumicino, and Palermo), and eight international ones (Paris, L'viv, Sofia, Pragu, Athens, Tirana, Basel, and Pristina). Club Air will also take over management of virtual airline Evolavia, who offer low-cost flights from Ancona. In previous years, Club Air had been among the airlines operating services on behalf of Evolavia. Services are expected to begin in August, if the airline receives its AOC back from ENAC. Club Air had earlier begun operating some services by using aircraft chartered from other carriers, but have now ended those services until they are able to operate them directly.
[2007-07-01]
Atlantic Airways flies BAe 146 for Irish tour operator
Nex Aviation began operations on July 1 with a flight from Galway to Faro. The Irish start-up flies from Waterford and Galway to Faro, Malaga, and Bordeaux on behalf of Irish tour operator Slatterys Sun. Routing is in a 'W' pattern, with flights originating in Galway and returning there in the evenings. Flights to Faro, for example, are routed Galway-Faro-Waterford-Faro-Galway. Each destination is served twice a week. Former Flightline BAe 146-200 G-TBIC (msn E2025) is being used. She is currently being flown on Atlantic Airways's AOC, as Nex have not yet received their own. Services had been scheduled to start on June 22, but delays in obtaining the necessary authorizations forced a postponement, with Titan covering some services in the interim. The current schedule will be flown until September, at which point other destinations will be served. The airline was initially to be known as FlyU. [2007-07-05]
|
Druk Air sells BAe 146s
Bhutanese airline Druk Air has sold its two BAe 146-100s to a European company. The airline had parked its two 146s in 2005, following delivery of new Airbus A319s, although they had occasionally been placed back into service at times of high demand. The un-named buyer has paid a non-refundable deposit on the two aircraft, and will take delivery by September.
[2007-07-05]
Hemus Air adds another BAe 146
Bulgarian BAe 146 operator Hemus Air has leased former Flybe series 200 G-JEAK (msn E2103) from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft to provide additional capacity during the summer. She had been in storage at Kemble since April, and scheduled to be the second freighter conversion in the relaunched QT program. She was delivered to Sofia in early July, and placed in service as LZ-HBZ, still wearing basic Flybe colors.
[2007-07-07] |
Romavia adds scheduled service to Nüremberg
Romanian BAe 146 operator Romavia began scheduled services from Bucuresti to Nüremberg via Cluj on July 6. This is the airline's third scheduled route, having earlier begun services to Strasbourg and Tel Aviv, both of which are served twice a week. Series 200 YR-BEB (msn E2220) operated the first service to Nüremberg. The airline is hoping to add two more destinations in Europe by year's end.
[2007-07-07] |
G-BXAR back in service with BA Cityflyer
BA CityFlyer has placed Avro RJ100 G-BXAR (msn E3298) back into service. She had been returned off-lease to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft and stripped of her colors, but CityFlyer had ultimately decided to retain her and sistership G-BXAS (E3301) rather than replacing them with former Mesaba RJ85s. She re-entered service on July 9, with British Airways titles applied over an all-white fuselage.
[2007-07-15] |
 | | Club Air Avro RJ85 I-CLBA at Verona (Eric Cesa) |
First Avro RJ85 re-delivered to Club Air
Club Air have finally received their first aircraft, suggesting that they are close to resolving the problems with their AOC. Avro RJ85 I-CLBA (msn E2300 ex EI-CNJ) was ferried to Verona on July 12. She had been in storage at Exeter since the airline suspended operations in December 2006. She flew a test flight on June 7 in anticipation of returning to Italy, but in the event did not do so until this month. Avro RJ70 EI-CPK (msn E1260) is also being readied for a return to service.
[2007-07-15] |
Pilot shortage hampers Brussels Airlines operations
A shortage of pilots is preventing Brussels Airlines from flying all of its aircraft, with several BAe 146s and Avro RJs reported as being parked. The airline has lost many experienced pilots, partly as a result of higher pay offers by competitors (often combined with lower tax bills than in Belgium), and partly due to unhappiness with cost-cutting moves within Brussels Airlines that have increased flightcrew workloads.
[2007-07-29]
 | | Club Air Avro RJ85 I-CLBA in the airline's new colors (Eric Cesa) |
Club Air resumes operations
After many delays, Club Air finally resumed operations on August 1, after ENAC rescinded the suspension of the airline's AOC. At present the airline's fleet consists of a single Avro RJ85, I-CLBA (msn E2300), who recently received a new paint scheme. She was ferried from Verona to Ancona on July 26 in anticipation of service start. The first day of operations proved a rocky one, with many services running late. The flight to Tirana proved particularly embarassing, having to divert to Skopje after being refused authorization to land in Albania. Some of the Italian passengers were able to arrange ground transportation from Skopje, but the Albanian passengers were denied entry into Macedonia as they lacked proper documentation, and had to return to Italy, along with the remaining Italian passengers. The flight was finally able to reach Tirana on the following day, once appropriate authorization had been received. Passengers loads have generally been very light -- not surprising, in light of the uncertainty over the date of the airline's return to the skies.
[2007-08-03] |
MDLR adds another RJ70
Indian Avro RJ70 operator MDLR Airlines has signed a lease with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for a third Avro RJ70. The airline's latest RJ70, to be delivered by the end of September, will allow them to add new services linking Delhi with Jaipur and Surat. Like the airline's two current RJ70s, the new example will be configured with six business class and 64 economy class seats.
[2007-08-10]
 | | Club Air Avro RJ85 I-FASI (Eric Cesa) |
Club Air receives second Avro RJ
Avro RJ70 I-FASI (msn E1260 ex EI-CPK) rejoined the Club Air fleet on August 15, still wearing the airlne's old colors. She had been in storage at Exeter since the airline suspended operations in December 2006. Her new registration is based on the name of the President of airline's board of directors, Dr Umberto Fassi.
[2007-08-17] |
ScotAirways joins CityJet for Air France
ScotAirways's scheduled routes from London City are being absorbed into the CityJet for Air France network. From September 3, all ScotAirways services will be operated under the CityJet brand, and ScotAirways' Do 328s will be painted in CityJet for Air France colors. The close cooperation between the two airlines has seen CityJet BAe 146s and Avro RJ85s regularly flying ScotAirways' services between London City and Edinburgh since this spring.
[2007-08-20]
 | Swiss Avro RJ100 HB-IYU at Düsseldorf a few days
before her accident (Sascha Dunkhorst) |
Swiss Avro RJ100 damaged at London City
Avro RJ100 HB-IYU (msn E3379) of Swiss was damaged in a landing accident at London City on August 18, striking her tail on the runway. None of the 93 passengers and crew on board were injured. The extent of the damage is being assessed.
[2007-08-20] |
New Indonesian airline to operate BAe 146s
A new Indonesian airline, PT Linus Airways, has signed lease agreements with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for two BAe 146-200s. The two aircraft, G-CEIJ (msn E2204 ex I-FLRU) and G-BVMP (msn E2210 ex YU-AGL), will be delivered before the end of the summer. Both are former Meridiana aircraft, with one having since flown for Club Air and the other for Centavia. Linus Airways plans to fly from Jakarta to destinations in eastern Indonesia, including Medan, Palembang, Pekan Baru, Batam, Semarang, and Tanjug Padan. Linus is short for Lintasan Nusantara, which means 'bridge across the archipelago'. The airline had originally been formed in 2004, and had already been considering using BAe 146s or Avro RJs at the time. Talks were held with BAE Systems, but even though an MOU was signed nothing came of it. Instead, a Boeing 737-200 was procured, but as the airline did not have an AOC this aircraft sat un-used at Jakarta's Halim airport. Having finally received its AOC, the airline is now ready to try again. The airline will configure its 146s with 98 seats in a single-class. Maintenance will be provided by PT Indo Pelita Air Service, which also maintains Pelita Air Service's VVIP-configured Avro RJ85.
[2007-08-24]
Air Tahoma to convert BAe 146 to freighter
Air Tahoma, a cargo airline based in Columbus, Ohio, is planning to convert a BAe 146-300 to freighter for their worldwide freight operations. The airline has acquired former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-300A N616AW (msn E3145). They will be modifying her themselves, having made their conversion plans prior to the relaunch of the BAe 146 freighter program, and have obtained the necessary technical data from BAE Systems. The conversion should be completed by May 2008. If the 146QT proves successful in Air Tahoma's services, the airline may modify several more.
[2007-08-24]
Eurowings to link London City with Berlin
Eurowings will launch a new service from London City to Berlin Tegel on January 14 on behalf of Lufthansa Regional, using a BAe 146-200 configured for 98 seats. The route will be flown two times a day at first, and then increase to three times a day in March.
[2007-08-31]
 | | Avro RJ85 SE-DJN now flies the Stockholm-LCY route (John Barlow) |
SAS adds Oslo-London City
As scheduled, SAS began a twice daily service between London City and Oslo (Gardermoen) on August 28. The service is operated by Transwede, using Avro RJ70 SE-DJP (msn E1254 ex EI-COQ). The RJ70 was switched to the Oslo route after RJ85 SE-DJN (msn E2231) took over the Stockholm (Arlanda) to London City route on August 13.
[2007-09-01] |
 | | Avro RJ70 G-CDNC in MDLR colors at Norwich (Michael Burdett) |
Third Avro RJ70 being readied for MDLR
The third Avro RJ70 for Indian airline MDLR Airlines was seen at Norwich on September 2 being readied for delivery. Like both of the airline's two current RJ70s, she is a former Turkish Airlines example. G-CDNC (msn E1252) had originally been built for US airline Business Express, but that airline's bankruptcy led her not to be taken up and she was sold to THY in May 1996. She was returned to BAE Systems in August 2005, and had been stored at Kemble since October of that year.
[2007-09-03] |
 | All passenger equipment and services are being stripped out from E2099's
fuselage to bring it back to a clean hull (BAE Systems) |
Conversion of first new BAe 146 Freighter progresses
Conversion of the first BAe 146 for the re-launched BAe 146QT (Quiet Trader) freighter program is proceeding on schedule. The prime contractor, Aerostar, has received EASA Part 135 approval for the BAe 146, allowing work to begin. The first converted aircraft, former Flybe Series 200 G-JEAJ (msn E2099), is at Aerostar's facilities in Bacău, Romania, having her interior stripped out to bring her back to a clean hull, ready to start the conversion process. At the same time, subcontractor Avioane Craiova has established a manufacturing cell with two jigs for the Large Freight Door. Avioane Craiova expects to deliver three sets of kits of parts for QTs to Aerostar by February. Conversion of E2099 is expected to be completed in early to mid-2008.
[2007-09-06] |
New Zealand start-up KiwiJet chooses Avro RJ100s
New Zealand start-up Kiwijet has announced that it intends to lease four Avro RJ100s from BAE Systems for low-fare operations. Formed in May, Kiwijet initially planned to operate 140-seat Boeing 737-300s, closely following the Southwest Airlines model. When this proved too ambitious, the airline switched its plans to the much smaller 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145. However, the ERJ 145 proved too small for the planned services. Moreover, the airline were unable to secure examples of the LR model, which they would need to operate into regional airports in New Zealand. They have thus now turned their attention to the RJ100, which would give them both the size and the capability they are looking for. Current plans call for an initial fleet of four aircraft to be based in Christchurch, linking Auckland, Hamilton, Invercargill, Nelson, and Palmerston North from November. No agreement has yet been reached with BAE Systems, however.
[2007-09-12]
Skyways Avro RJ100 lease ends
Avro RJ100 SE-DSO (msn E3221) is once again flying for Malmö Aviation, after spending a year flying on behalf of Skyways. She was flown to Eindhoven in early September to be repainted in Malmö's colors, and then returned to service.
[2007-09-12]
Brussels Airlines BAe 146s to fly in Congo
Brussels Airlines has announced that they are forming a joint venture with Hewa Bora Airways to operate a new airline in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The as yet un-named airline would operate domestic and regional services, and offer connections to Brussels Airlines' flights to Europe. Operations would begin in January 2008, initially with two BAe 146-200s and a Boeing 737 supplied by Brussels Airlines. Brussels Airlines would own a 49% share of the new airline through its wholly-owned Mauritius-based subsidiary, Pan African Airlines, with Hewa Bora owning the balance. Brussels Airlines have long been looking for ways to increase its presence in Africa. In 2006, while still known as SN Brussels Airlines, they had won a tender to form a new airline in Cameroon to take over from bankrupt Cameroon Airlines. Plans called for several of the airline's BAe 146s to be used in the new operation. That deal was later rescinded by the government, however, and awarded to another investor (who eventually failed to come through, leaving the country without an airline). Brussels Airlines have also been involved in the bidding to set up a new airline in Rwanda. Significantly, none of the airline's six BAe 146s have yet been repainted in the new colors, whereas almost all of their Avro RJ85 and RJ100 sisters have.
[2007-09-13] |
 | | (TAER Andalus) |
New Spanish airline to operate BAe 146s
A new Spanish airline, TAER Andalus, is planning to operate BAe 146s from Córdoba, in Andalucía, to points within Spain and northern Africa. A single aircraft would be operated beginning in April 2008, and then joined by a second in June, eventually building up to a fleet of four. The airline is a joint venture between local firm Transportes Aereos Espejo and BAe 146 operator Pan Air Lineas Aereas, who would operate the 146s on TAER Andalus' behalf. Córdoba has been without scheduled passenger service for many years, as the airport's 1,380m (4,528 ft) runway is too short to accomodate most jet aircraft. This length poses no problem for the 146, however. The proposed destinations for TAER Andalus' services include Barcelona, Valencia, Valladolid/Leon, the Canary and Balearic Islands, and Tanger, Rabat, and Casablanca in Morocco. Charters to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy would also be operated.
[2007-09-14] |
 | | Swiss Avro RJ100 HB-IYU is barged across the Dock (Sean O'Shea) |
Damaged Swiss Avro RJ100 floated off from London City
The Swiss Avro RJ100 that was damaged in a landing accident at London City on August 18 was placed on a barge and floated across to the Royal Albert Dock, where a temporary hangar is being erected so that she might be repaired. RJ100 HB-IYU (msn E3379) suffered substantial damage when she struck her tail on the runway.
[2007-09-23] |
 | | Orionair's 146 EC-JVJ lands at Gatwick on a Flybe flight (Allan Huse) |
Orionair flies for Flybe
Spanish airline Orionair is operating BAe 146-300 EC-JVJ (msn E3195) on behalf of Flybe. The lease began on September 1, and is scheduled to last until the end of October. She replaces WDL Aviation's BAe 146-200 D-AMGL (msn E2055), which had been flying for Flybe since the spring.
[2007-09-27] |
 | Three of the BAe 146s destined for KBA are among the eight ex-Jazz
146s that have been in storage at Calgary (Google Earth) |
Quest Mexicana to lease four BAe 146-200s
A new Mexican start-up airline, Quest Mexicana SA de CV, has signed leases with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for four BAe 146-200s. Quest Mexicana will be based in Cancún, on the Yucatan peninsula, and operate as Ka'an Beel Air (KBA). The airline is being established by the Lomas Travel group of companies, which owns hotel resorts, water and land sports marinas, tour operators, and vehicle hire operations. Initial services will focus on the 'air bridge' between Cancún and Cozumel, and on 'one-day tours' bringing cruise ship passengers to destinations such as Chichen-Itzá. Later, flights to other Central American countries where the Mayan culture flourished, such as Guatemala, might be offered. Further growth may also see the airline providing links to the United States. The four former Jazz (and, previously, Air Nova) 146s will be delivered between October 2007 and February 2008. The four aircraft concerned (msns E2130, E2133, E2139, and E2140) have been in storage since February 2005, three at Calgary and one at Kemble. Should the airline's growth plans be realized, additional aircraft would likely be needed. KBA will be the second operator of the BAe 146 in Mexico. AVIACSA operated a BAe 146-100 and two 146-200s from 1990 to 1992.
[2007-09-27] |
Asian Spirit to focus on BAe 146-100s
Philippines airline Asian Spirit has indicated that it plans to add two more BAe 146-100s to its fleet, one to provide increased capacity and one to replace a series 200. Asian Spirit currently operate two BAe 146-100s (RP-C2994 msn E1005 and RP-C2999 msn E1009) and one -200 (RP-C2997 msn E2178). The additional 146 would allow the airline to defend its share of the lucrative route from Manila to Caticlan, gateway to top resort island Boracay, against increased competition from Seair, Cebu Pacific, and Air Philippines. Because of Caticlan's short runway, only the 146-100 can be used there, and even then with only 60 passengers. Replacing the airline's current series 200 with a series 100 would give it a more homogeneous fleet that could more easily be redeployed if needed. At one point Asian Spirit was negotiating with Druk Air to acquire that company's two parked 146-100s. The airline's series 200 has been advertized for sale by PRISMA Aviation since the beginning of September.
[2007-10-03]
 | | Atlantic's new RJ85 just out of the paintshop (Shane Jones) |
Atlantic Airways buys two Avro RJ85s from Swiss
Atlantic Airways has bought Swiss' two remaining Avro RJ85s. The first, RJ85 OY-RCD (msn E2235 ex HB-IXK) was ferried from Basle to Norwich on September 28. She emerged from the Sprayavia paintshop all white with a SAS logo in a blue square on the fin -- a color scheme used by several regional airlines operating for SAS. She was then ferried to Vagar on October 6. RJ85 HB-IXH (msn E2233) should follow her later this year, as OY-RCE. Her delivery will bring Atlantic Airways's BAe 146/Avro RJ fleet to seven, including three 146-200s, two RJ85s, and two RJ100s.
[2007-10-08] |
Airlink takeover of Air Botswana halted
The Government of Botswana has halted the planned takeover of national carrier Air Botswana by South Africa's Airlink. Airlink had been named the preferred bidder in the privatization of Air Botswana by Botswana's Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA) in December 2006, and negotiations had been on-going since then. Under the plan, a new airline was to be established to replace Air Botswana, with Airlink holding 49.9% of the shares and the Government of Botswana the rest. The talks floundered partly over details of the proposed new airline (including the composition of its fleet and whether it would carry Botswana's flag), but primarily because of opposition from the parliament and even within the cabinet. Both Airlink and Air Botswana operate BAe 146s.
[2007-10-15]
OrionAir adds a BAe 146-200
Spanish charter carrier OrionAir has signed a long-term lease with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for a BAe 146-200. The aircraft, msn E2108, was returned off-lease by CityJet in June, and had been in storage at Stansted. She was flown to Norwich in late September for painting into Orion Air's colors, and then delivered to Madrid on October 12, still wearing Irish registration EI-CWD. She is configured in a 94-seat, six-abreast layout. She joins OrionAir's existing fleet of two BAe 146-300s.
[2007-10-19] |
 | | Avro RJ85 OH-SAO will be staying with Blue1 (Stefano Pagiola) |
Blue1 extends Avro RJ85 leases
Finnish regional carrier Blue 1 has signed long-term lease extensions with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft on four Avro RJ85s (OH-SAJ msn E2388, OH-SAK msn E2389, OH-SAO msn E2393, and OH-SAP msn E2394). While these four RJ85s will continue to fly for Blue1 well into the next decade, the three other RJ85s and two RJ100s that the airline operates will be disposed of. "Following an extensive fleet evaluation," explained Stefan Wentjarvi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue 1, "we are slightly reducing the size of our regional jet operation in favour of acquiring larger aircraft. However, the Avro RJ will continue to be our preferred regional jet solution for many years to come as the aircraft has served us well since introduction into service in 2001."
[2007-10-19] |
BA CityFlyer to lease two Avro RJ85s
BA CityFlyer has signed long-term leases with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for two Avro RJ85s. The two former Blue 1 aircraft (OH-SAH msn E2383 and OH-SAI E2385) will be delivered to BA CityFlyer in Spring 2008, joining the airline's ten-strong fleet of RJ100s. The smaller RJ85s will allow longer routes to be served from London City without the weight penalties that sometimes affect the larger RJ100s. BA CityFlyer currently operates 250 flights a week from London City.
[2007-10-19]
Brussels Airlines' Congo venture to be named AirDC
The new airline that Brussels Airlines is forming in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in cooperation with Hewa Bora Airways will be called AirDC. The airline should begin operating in early 2008, using two BAe 146-200s and a Boeing 737 supplied by Brussels Airlines. The airline's name is partly a play on words, as when it is said in French, "AirDC" sounds the same as "RDC" -- or DRC in French.
[2007-10-23]
Flybe denies BBC report
Flybe has denied a BBC report that some of its pilots and flight attendants had refused to fly BAe 146s because of fear over cabin fumes. The BBC report quoted one flight attendant as saying that "I will not get back on the 146 again" and a pilot saying that if he was asked to fly the 146 he would say "go take a walk". Neither was named. However, a Flybe spokeswoman denied that any pilots or cabin crew were boycotting the 146. Flybe is gradually drawing down its once numerous BAe 146 fleet as newer Embraer 195s and Bombardier Q400s are delivered. The airline is planning to withdraw from use all its 146s by by February 2008.
[2007-10-24]
Fly540 brings BAe 146s to Kenya
Another airline is joining the ranks of BAe 146/Avro RJ operators. Kenya's Fly540, a subsidiary of the Lonrho conglomerate, will add three BAe 146s to its fleet. The aircraft, two series 300s and one series 200, will be delivered by the end of the year. The source of the aircraft was not disclosed. The low-cost airline will use the 146s to expand its network from its operational base in Kenya to other hubs across sub-Saharan Africa. Fly540 began operating in 2006, using two ATR42s. The airline recently received authorization to operate to Southern Sudan and the DRC from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
[2007-10-25]
Air One ends Rome-London City flights
Air One ended services from Roma Fiumicino to London City on October 28. The service had been operated on its behalf by Transwede, using an Avro RJ70. Unlike the airline's successful service from Milano Linate to London City (which continues), the twice-daily Roma flight proved disappointing. The RJ70 will be re-deployed on Air One's domestic network.
[2007-10-29]
Aerocondor to add a BAe 146
Peruvian airline Aerocondor has announced a plan to add a BAe 146 to its fleet. Aerocondor operates services from Lima to eleven domestic destinations, using a diverse fleet that includes Boeing 737s, Fokker F27s and 50s, Antonov 24s and 26s, and various Beechcraft twins and Cessna singles. The airline is planning to use the 146 primarily on charters. The move is part of a US$5.5 million investment in new aircraft, which will also see another Boeing 737-200 and two Cessna 208 Caravans being added. The airline is planning to add two more BAe 146s by 2010.
[2007-10-30]
Club Air route confusion
Italian Avro RJ operator Club Air seems to be having some difficulties in settling on a route network. Since they resumed flying in August, they have announced many new routes, and then often dropped them after a brief time, or even before starting them. In June, they had announced a plan to operate a hub at Ancona's Falconara Airport, with flights to four domestic and eight international destinations, but by mid-September they were only flying on three routes (L'viv, Paris, and Tirana) with two others having been started but quickly cancelled (Catania and Pristina), and the others never even started. In mid-September, the airline then announced a busy schedule of flights from Reggio Calabria, to begin October 1, only to cancel them all on September 30. Other routes have had a similar on-off pattern. Not surprisingly, these frequent schedule changes have not resulted in high passenger loads. One flight, from Verona to Bari, carried a single passenger. Club Air currently operate one Avro RJ70 and one RJ85, but are planning to supplement them with leased MD-80s.
[2007-10-30]
 | | Brussels Airlines Avro RJ85 OO-DJX in hybrid colors (Airwim) |
Partial colors for some Brussels Airlines Avro RJs
Since its launch in late March, Brussels Airlines has been gradually repainting their fleet in their new colors, with aircraft following each other in the QAPS paintshop in Amsterdam. By the end of September, six of fourteen Avro RJ85s and ten of twelve RJ100s had been repainted. With the QAPS paintshop booked solid by other clients, however, the airline had to find another solution. Beginning in early October, it has been sending RJs to Norwich for painting by Sprayavia. However, these RJs have only been partially repainted, with the new tail colors applied while retaining the previous SN Brussels Airlines fuselage. To date, four RJ85s and two RJ100s have received this hybrid color scheme.
[2007-10-30] |
Former Crossair officials charged over RJ100 crash
Six former officials of Crossair have been charged by Switzerland's federal prosecutor with negligent homicide and causing bodily injury through negligence over the crash of Avro RJ100 HB-IXM (msn E3291) in November 2001. The RJ100 crashed near Bassersdorf, Switzerland, while approaching runway 28 at Zürich airport in poor weather. 21 passengers and three crew members lost their lives in the accident, and 7 passengers and 2 crew members survived. The crash report identified the main cause of the accident as the commander's decision to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of the standard VOR/DME approach to runway 28 without having the required visual contact to the approach lights or the runway, along with the copilot's failure to prevent him from doing so. Crossair itself was severely criticized in the report: the airline's failure to correctly assess and respond to problems in the commander's flying performance were identified as a contributing factor to the accident.
[2007-11-01]
 | | China Eastern's BAe 146s have been in storage since 2005 (DNA) |
Palm Aviation buys China Eastern BAe 146
Abu Dhabi's Palm Aviation is reported to have acquired the seven BAe 146-300s previously operated by China Eastern. These 146s had originally been delivered to China Northwest, and were absorbed by China Eastern when the two airlines merged in 2002. Unlike other 146s, they are fitted with LF507-1H engines with hydromechanical controls and so have better hot-and-high performance. They are also all fitted with EFIS flight controls. They have been in storage since 2005.
[2007-11-10] |
Dubai Air Wing buys three Avro RJ85s
Dubai's Air Wing has bought three former Mesaba Avro RJ85s. One will be configured as a VVIP aircraft, while the others will be used in a variety of roles. They are expected to be delivered in early 2008. Two other Gulf State governments already use Avro RJs: the Bahrain Defence Force operates two RJ85s and the Amiri Royal Flight of Abu Dhabi operates an RJ70.
[2007-11-10]
BAE Systems sells a VVIP Avro RJ100
BAE Systems has sold an Avro RJ100 to an undisclosed customer in the Middle East for use as a VVIP aircraft. The aircraft, which is currently in airline use, will be delivered in January 2008.
[2007-11-10]
First Linus Airways BAe 146 arrives in Indonesia
The first BAe 146 for Indonesia's Linus Airways arrived at Jakarta's Halim Airport on November 7, having departed from Kemble on November 4. The aircraft, series 200 PK-LNJ (msn E2210 ex G-BVMP), was still wearing the full colors of previous operator Centavia, causing some confusion among the waiting media. The company's second 146, PK-LNI (msn E2204 ex G-CEIJ) should follow in a few days. Operations should begin in December.
[2007-11-10]
 | | Flybe's G-JEBC: Next stop, Indonesia (Ian Busby) |
Indonesian airline buys former Flybe BAe 146
Indonesian regional airline PT Aviastar Mandiri has bought former Flybe BAe 146-300 G-JEBC (msn E3189). The deal was arranged by Aircraft Leasing and Management (ALM). Flybe is disposing of its fleet of BAe 146s as it replaces them with Embraer 195s and Bombardier Q400s. The 146 will represent a substantial step up in size for Aviastar, whose current fleet consists of two DHC-6 Twin Otters.
[2007-11-25] |
BA CityFlyer to add LCY routes
Avro RJ operator BA CityFlyer will start four new routes from London City in the summer of 2008, but drop service to Milano Malpensa. Services to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Nice, and Warsaw will begin in May, bringing to ten the destinations the airline serves from London City. The Amsterdam service will operate four times daily, while the others will operate daily. BA CityFlyer currently operate ten RJ100s, and will shortly receive two former Blue1 RJ85s.
[2007-11-27]
 | | BAe 146 G-FLTD arrives in Santiago (Álvaro Romero) |
Aerovias DAP leases a BAe 146
Chilean airline Aerovias DAP has acquired BAe 146-200 G-FLTD (msn E2042) on a lease-purchase agreement from Tronos. The airline is planning to use her for flights to Antarctica. These have hitherto been operated with a Dash 7, but increased demand required a larger aircraft. This will not be the first time that 146s have operated to Antarctica. In 1990, a 146-200 operated by LAN Chile became the first commercial jetliner to land there. G-FLTD had previously been operated by Flightline. She departed Southend on November 26 and arrived at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport on November 30. She is due to continue on to Aerovias DAP's base at Punta Arenas in a few days, once importation formalities have been concluded.
[2007-12-01] |
Damaged Swiss Avro RJ100 leaves LCY
Swiss Avro RJ100 HB-IYU (msn E3379) was flown out of London City on December 3 after she was repaired. She had been damaged in a landing accident on August 18, when she struck her tail on the runway. On December 1 she was floated back to the airport from the Royal Albert Dock, where a temporary hangar had been erected so that she might be repaired, and then two days later she was ferried to Basel.
[2007-12-07]
Government to invest in Air Botswana
Botswana's government has announced that it will invest BWP100 million (US$17 million) to recapitalize Air Botswana, with the aim of improving their performance and preparing them for privatization. The move comes in the wake of the collapse of a planned takeover of the airline by South Africa's Airlink. Minister of Works and Transport Lesego Motsumi indicated that an experienced airline operator would be recruited to run Air Botswana on a management contract for two to three years. The airline's fleet would be renewed, with BAe 146-200s on short-term leases replacing the current pair of 146-100s pending a broader review of fleet requirements. Pilot compensation would also be increased in a bid to stop the flow of flight crew to other carriers. A shortage of flight crew has periodically led to flight cancellations and the need for expensive short-term leases from other carriers.
[2007-12-08] |
Labor trouble at NJS
Labor trouble at Australian airline National Jet Systems (NJS) is threatening to disrupt operations of its 11-strong BAe 146 fleet. The long-running dispute between the company and their pilots covers a range of issues, including compensation, work rules, and union representation.
[2007-12-15]
BAE Systems sells training unit
BAE Systems has sold its Woodford-based regional aircraft training business to GCAT Flight Academy for an undisclosed sum. The training centre provides training for flight and cabin crew and for maintenance technicians training on the BAe 146 and Avro RJ, as well as on the turboprop ATP and Jetstream 31/32. It has two full-motion BAe 146 flight simulators. The acquisition brings the number of training centers operated by GCAT to ten, and the number of flight simulators they operate to 56.
[2007-12-15]
Former Flybe 146 dunked
Former Flybe BAe 146-100 G-JEAU (msn E1035) has found a new career. She had been withdrawn from use in late 2003, and eventually parted out, with her hulk languishing at Exeter. Now her fuselage has been placed in the flooded Tidenham quarry, near Chepstow (Gloucestershire), site of the National Diving & Activity Centre (NDAC), to serve as an attraction to divers. She was trucked to the NDAC in July, then lowered into the water on December 17, along with two former Royal Air Force Wessex helicopters. G-JEAU lies at a depth of about 25m.
[2007-12-20]
MDLR Avro RJ70 in near-collision
An Avro RJ70 operated by Indian airline MDLR Airlines narrowly avoided a collision with a JetLite flight during takeoff from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on December 17. The MDLR RJ70 had taken off from runway 28/10, while the JetLite flight had departed runway 27/09 almost simultaneously. The two aircraft had only 900 feet vertical separation when their paths crossed over the village of Dwarka. As a result of this incident and similar ones in previous months, the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decreed that one of the two runways be used exclusively for arrivals while the other is used for departures.
[2007-12-22]
 | | (Atlantic Airways) |
Atlantic Airways holidays get-together
Christmas is a time for families to get together, and Atlantic Airways's BAe 146s and Avro RJs did just that, flying in to their home base at Vagar Airport. Although all seven 146s and RJs came together on December 23rd, one had to return to Denmark to cover for weather delays, leaving six aircraft to pose for a family picture on the ramp at Vagar on Christmas eve.
[2007-12-25] |
Air France-KLM buy VLM
Air France-KLM have announced that they have agreed to acquire VLM. The move will solidify Air France's position at London City, where subsidiary CityJet already has a major presence. Together, VLM and CityJet will hold almost half the slots at London City. VLM's fleet is composed of eighteen Fokker 50s, but they have also been experimenting with the use of a BAe 146, using series 300 G-BPNT (msn E3126) on lease from Flightline. As CityJet is a large user of RJ85s, it would seem likely that any future VLM jet requirements would be filled either by CityJet itself or by acquiring additional examples of the RJ family.
[2007-12-25]
MDLR obtains regional airline licence
Indian Avro RJ operator MDLR Airlines was awarded a regional airline licence by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The award frees the airline from the legal cloud under which they have been operating, as their previous licence only allowed unscheduled flights. The new regional airline licence, introduced this year, is aimed at stimulating links to second-tier cities, and is easier to obtain than a licence to operate nationwide. A regional airline is supposed to fly primarily within one of four regions in which the country has been divided (North region, in MDLR's case). Each region has a designated metro airport (Delhi, in the North region); regional airlines can serve the metro airport for their region, but cannot serve the metro airport of another region. It is thus unclear if MDLR will be able to proceed with their plan to link Delhi with Chennai (a metro airport in the South region). MDLR was in the second group of airlines to be awarded regional airline licences, along with Jagson Airline. Earlier, Chennai-based Star Aviation had received the first regional airline licence.
[2007-12-27] |
 | | Druk Air BAe 146-100 A5-RGD stages through Prestick (Damian McCoy) |
Star Peru acquires BAe 146s
Another Peruvian airline is adding BAe 146s to their fleet. Star Perú is reported has acquired the two Druk Air BAe 146-100s. Star Perú currently operate a fleet of Boeing 737-200s and Antonov 24 and 26s on domestic flights within Peru. They have been looking for a smaller jet able to fly into many currently under-served secondary towns such as Huánuco, Andahuaylas, Ayacucho, and Cajamarca. In March, Star Peru's Managing Director, Sergio Curti, had announced his intention to obtain two or three aircraft "of the BAE type, of latest technology, with 70 to 90 passenger seats" to serve regional routes. In early November, Star Peru received authorization to operate BAe 146s from the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). Druk air withdrew their two 146s from service in 2005 following the delivery of A319s, though one was pressed temporarily back into service during the high tourist season in late 2006. A sale to Düsseldorf-based Express-Airways fell through because of the expense of bringing the 146s into compliance with current European regulations. A5-RGE (msn E1095) passed through Europe on November 29, with A5-RGD (msn E1199) following on December 23.
[2007-12-28] |
Safair acquires Avro RJ85s
South African airline Safair is reported to have acquired six former Mesaba Avro RJ85s. Safair is no stranger to the BAe 146 series, having operated a series 100QT freighter and a 200QC convertible freighter between 1991 and 1995. The first RJ85 for the airline, N505XJ (msn E2313) left Marana in late November. N507XJ (msn E2316) followed in late December, transiting via Tenerife on December 26.
[2007-12-28] |
 | | BAe 146 N146BL at Lanseria (Omer Mees) |
BAe 146 delivered to Executive Turbine
Former CityJet BAe 146-200 N146BL (msn E2053 ex EI-CWC) was delivered to South Africa's Executive Turbine. She departed Norwich on November 7, arriving at Lanseria Airport outside Johannesburg a few days later. She is thought to be intended for Lonrho's Fly540.
[2007-12-31] |
Continue to January 2008 news.
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