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News Archive 2011
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 2011.
Aegean-Olympic merger blocked
European antitrust regulators have blocked the proposed merger between Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air because it would create a "quasi-monopoly" in the Greek domestic market. Although the two airlines offered to give up some take-off and landing slots, the European Commission found this remedy inadequate as Greek airports are not slot-constrained. Aegean currently operates four Avro RJ100s. Two others were phased out in late 2010 in response to poor economic conditions, along with four Boeing 737s and two ATR72s.
[2011-01-12]
CityJet adds London City-Firenze
CityJet began service on a new route London City Airport to Firenze, linking two city-center airports. Service officially began on January 10, but several services had already been flown during the Christmas holiday season. On January 19, a formal ceremony was held to mark the new route, with Avro RJ85 EI-RJU (msn E2367) being greeted with a water cannon salute. During the ceremony, EI-RJU was officially named 'Amerigo Vespucci', after the Florentine explorer. The route is served with a daily roundtrip except on Saturdays; it is the longest route from London City.
[2011-01-20] |
Basel to lose Swiss flights to London City
Beginning on March 27, Swiss' 3 daily Avro RJ100 flights from Basel to London City will be replaced by flights to Heathrow operated by Star Alliance partner British Midland International with Airbus A319s. BMI will also replace Swiss' two daily flights to Manchester, also operated with RJ100s. The move further reduces Swiss presence at the base of its predecessor, Crossair.
[2011-01-21]
Titan adds an Avro RJ100
Titan Airways has purchased former BA CityFlyer Avro RJ100 G-CFAA (msn E3373) from BAE Systems. Continuing Titan's tradition of giving aircraft registrations with comic-book sounds, and having run out of "ZAPs", she has been registered in the "POW" range as G-POWF. She will initially replace BAe 146-200QT G-ZAPO (msn E2176) on the Ministry of Defence contract, but will later be available for charter. Next winter, she is likely to be used for flights to Sion by Titan subsidiary Snowjet, offering increased capacity on the popular route. G-CFAA had been the last RJ100 to leave BA CityFlyer's fleet. After handback maintenance, she was returned off-lease to BAE Systems, and was stored at Kemble. She was delivered to Stansted on January 27, and registered to Titan on the following day.
[2011-01-29]
BAe 146 operations for NRT end
It has now been confirmed that BAe 146 operations by Gabon's Nationale Régionale Transport (NRT) ended soon after the collapse of African Airline Investments (AAI). AAI had been operating BAe 146-300 ZS-SOP (msn E3187) on behalf of the Gabonese airline. Like other AAI 146s, ZS-SOP had been operated under the AOC of Lanseria-based Airquarius. With AAI defunct, NRT offered to cover the crews' salaries if they continued flying, which they did. After ZS-SOP returned to Lanseria for a C Check on November 30, however, NRT reneged on the deal, and so the 146 did not return to Gabon.
[2011-01-31]
Cobham buys two BAe 146s
Australia's Cobham Aviation Services has exercised its options to buy two BAe 146s that it has been leasing from BAE Systems. The two 146s are series 100 VH-NJR (msn E1152) and series 300 VH-NJN (msn E3217). Both have been in Australia for almost two decades, VH-NJR having first been leased by National Jet Systems (as Cobham was then known) in 1992, and VH-NJR in 1994. Both were operated on behalf of QantasLink for many years; they are now operated on mining industry 'fly in fly out' flights.
[2011-02-02] |
Star Perú adds a ninth BAe 146
StarPerú is adding another BAe 146 to its fleet -- its ninth example of the type. The airline purchased former Eurowings series 200 G-BTKC (msn E2184 ex D-AEWF) from BAE Systems. She is currently being prepared for delivery at Bacău, where she has been in storage since May. StarPerú currently operates two series 100s, three series 200s, and two series 300s. Another series 200, OB-1948-P (msn E2156), is at Lima awaiting certification from Peruvian civil aviation authorities.
[2011-02-02]
BAE Systems revamps support offerings
At its media briefing in London, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft announced that it is revamping its JetSpares program and that it is working on a long-term maintenance program for the Avro RJ that would allow the aircraft to keep flying for at least another 20 years. The JetSpares program offers spares support at a fixed fee per flying hour, giving airlines certainty over their operating costs. At present, 115 aircraft from 18 operators are enrolled in the program. With many operators seeking 'one-stop shop' solutions, BSRA has revamped the JetSpares program, now dubbed JetSpares 2020, as part of a Total Support package that extends coverage to additional elements beyond the traditional airframe components supported by the company. The package now includes five elements -- Airworthiness Support, Spares and Logistics Support, JetSpares 2020, Technical Support and Modifications -- with individual operators taking the elements that return best value to them. To better serve new operators in more distant regions, BSRA is also developing regional support networks, notably in Africa. In parallel, BSRA is also seeking to extend the existing Supplementary Structural Inspections Document (SSID), which covers the BAe 146, to also cover the Avro RJ. Applying the SSID to an aircraft extends its airframe life to 60,000 cycles. The SSID complements the existing Corrosion Protection and Control Programme (CPCP) which already provides an infinite calendar life for airframes over twenty years. Sean McGovern, Business Director-Support said: "We are investing heavily in this programme as we believe there is a strong future for the Avro RJ. Our overall aim is to keep the aircraft current and competitive and to ensure that operating costs are kept to a minimum."
[2011-02-02]
Swiss extends Avro RJ100 leases
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft announced at its media briefing that Swiss had entered into leases on six Avro RJ100s in late 2010. The six aircraft involved -- HB-IYV (msn E3377), HB-IYU (msn E3379), HB-IYT (msn E3380), HB-IYS (msn E3381), HB-IYR (msn E3382), and HB-IYQ (msn E3384) -- are former BA CityFlyer that the Swiss airline had leased from the British airline in 2006. With BA CityFlyer ending its own Avro RJ operations and Swiss still needing the aircraft, BAE Systems bought back the aircraft from the banks and bondholders and then leased them directly to Swiss. The length of the lease was not stated, but Swiss is due to begin replacing its RJ100s with Bombardier CS100s in 2014.
[2011-02-02]
 | | BAe 146 OO-MJE displays the new Korongo Airlines colors (Keith Burton) |
First Korongo BAe 146 painted
The first BAe 146-200 for Korongo Airlines, OO-MJE (msn E2192), was painted in the airline's full colors at Southend. Korongo Airlines is being established by Brussels Airlines in partnership with Georges Forrest International (GFI) and Congolese investors. OO-MJE had been intended to join AirDC, an earlier effort by Brussels Airlines to establish an airline in the DRC, and had been painted in that airline's full colors. She had been in storage at Brusselles since that project was abandoned. She underwent a C-Check in preparation for new assignment, emerging in mid-January for a flight test on January 17, still wearing AirDC colors but now without titles. She was then ferried to Southend for painting on January 26, returning to Brusselles on February 1. She is now scheduled to be used on Brussels Airlines' European routes pending her departure for Lubumbashi, which is tentatively scheduled for late March.
[2011-02-02] |
Air National grounded again
New Zealand's Air National, whose fleet includes a BAe 146, was grounded again on February 2, for the second time in a year. The airline had briefly stopped flying last September after its flight operations and training manager abruptly resigned. This time the grounding was imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), for what it called "an appalling history of non-compliance with minimum safety standards." The harsh language came after erroneous training records were found during an audit -- possibly "falsified", in the CAA's view. Though the airline denied the allegations and noted that it had been operating for twenty years without serious incident, the CAA imposed a ten-day grounding. Air National appealed the decision to the High Court, which ruled that the suspension should be lifted as the airline had responded satisfactorily to issues the CAA raised. But the decision was stayed pending an appeal by the CAA, keeping the airline on the ground. On February 7, the Court of Appeal reversed the lower court decision, thus keeping the suspension in place until February 11. Air National's BAe 146-200, ZK-ECO, is currently parked at Auckland Airport along with several of the airline's other aircraft.
[2011-02-08]
BAE Systems ends speculative 146QT conversions
BAE Systems has decided not to do any more speculative conversions of BAe 146s to QT freighters. The economic crisis has hit the freight market badly, substantially reducing demand for regional freighters. Although one series 300QT was placed with Cobham Aviation Services in 2010, a series 200QT converted in 2008 remains unsold. At the same time, BAE Systems has found it less difficult than anticipated to place passenger aircraft. As a result, future conversions will only be made against firm orders. The QT conversion program was relaunched in 2007, with conversions being undertaken by Aerostar in Bacău, Romania.
[2011-02-15]
 | | Brussels Airlines RJ85 OO-DJK arrives at Bacău (Iulian Bogdanel) |
First Brussels RJ85 leaves fleet
The first Avro RJ85 to leave Brussels Airlines' fleet, OO-DJK (msn E2271), departed Bruxelles for Bacău on February 21. After hand-back maintenance, she is scheduled to be ferried directly to the United Kingdom. OO-DJK is the first of five RJ85s that the airline will return off-lease to BAE Systems this year, although a sixth whose lease is also ending will be retained for the time being. OO-DJK's departure reduced Brussels Airline's Avro RJ fleet to 13 RJ85s and 12 RJ100s. The airline is adding four Airbus A319s and two A320s this year.
[2011-02-28] |
Virtual Italian airline plans BAe 146 operations
Start-up Italian airline SkyTrain is planning to begin operating BAe 146s on services from the southern Italian airport of Reggio Calabria, using BAe 146s leased from Greece's Astra Airlines. SkyTrain is a virtual airline, with flight operations being contracted to other airlines. Since first announcing its plans in mid-2010, however, many proposed start dates have come and gone. The proposed routes have also changed over time.
[2011-02-28]
Allegiance Air shuts down
South Africa's Allegiance Air appears to have shut down in January. The Lanseria-based airline, which provided BAe 146s to other airlines on an ACMI basis, lost two major contracts last year. In March it pulled three 146s from the Republic of Congo, where they had been operating for Air Congo, after continuing disputes with its Congolese partners. Two of these same aircraft then went to work for East African Safari Air Express in Kenya, but that airline suspended all flights in November. At the beginning of this year, only two of Allegiance Air's 146s were gainfully employed: ZS-SDX (msn E2046) with Cronos Airlines and ZS-AAY (msn E2044) with Comores Aviation International. Its three other 146s, ZS-AAX (msn E2092), ZS-AAZ (msn E2039), and ZS-PZY (msn E2051), have all been in storage at Kruger Mpumalanga since mid-2010. ZS-AAY returned to Lanseria on January 31, while ZS-SDX is believed to be still in Equatorial Guinea.
[2011-02-28]
Comores Aviation tries again
Comores Aviation International is trying again, with a third South African BAe 146 operator. The airline first leased series 200 D6-BJH (msn E2030) from African Airline Investments in late 2008, then later switched to Allegiance Air, who provided series 200 ZS-AAY (msn E2044) in November 2010. However, ZS-AAY returned to South Africa following Allegiance's shutdown in January 2011. Comores Aviation has now leased series 300 ZS-SMO (msn E3169) from Fair Aviation/Bionic Aviation. She departed Lanseria for Moroni on February 11.
[2011-03-01]
RAF BAe 146 takes part in Libyan evacuations
A BAe 146 from the Royal Air Force's No.32 (The Royal) Squadron took part in Operation Deference, the effort to evacuate British citizens from Libya, where the government has responded violently to popular demands for reform. BAe 146 CC.2 ZE701 (msn E1029) was positioned to Malta on February 24, staging through RAF Lyneham. She joined a task force which also included two Lockheed C-130s, several Boeing Chinook HC.2 helicopters, and two Royal Navy ships, HMS Cumberland and HMS York. The C-130s and ships carried out the bulk of the evacuations, but on February 26 ZE701 flew into Tripoli to extract the staff of the British Embassy.
[2011-03-05] |
Air Libya BAe 146 survives Benghazi fighting
Air Libya's BAe 146-300, 5A-DKQ (msn E3191), appears to have survived the fighting around Benghazi's Benina International Airport. The 146 is visible, apparently undamaged, in video shot at the airport on March 6. The airport has been the scene of fierce fighting between forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi and anti-government protesters. Benghazi has been the center of the uprising against Qaddafi's rule, and has come under repeated attack by government forces. The airport's runways were bombed by the Libyan Air Force to prevent the airport being used.
[2011-03-10]
Air National gives up
New Zealand's Air National has relinquished its AOC, giving up its fight to return to the air. The airline has been grounded since early February. The initial 10-day grounding, imposed for what the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) called "an appalling history of non-compliance with minimum safety standards", was extended twice. Air National had appealed the grounding, but it was upheld by the Court of Appeal. On March 10, Air National chief executive Jason Gray sent a letter to the CAA surrendering its AOC, even as it accused the CAA of working to put the airline out of business. Air National had operated New Zealand's largest charter fleet, including a BAe 146-200, ZK-ECO (msn E2130), which is currently parked at Auckland Airport along with several of the airline's other aircraft.
[2011-03-12]
Korongo BAe 146 operates enthusiast flight
A group of Belgian aviation enthusiasts took a flight on Brussels Airlines's BAe 146-200 OO-MJE (msn E2192), which has been painted in Korongo Airlines colors. OO-MJE is being used on regular Brussels Airlines routes as she awaits her departure to the DRC. Attracted by the opportunity to fly on this exotic bird, readers of the Belgian aviation site Luchtzak.be approached Brussels Airlines and a flight was arranged. The group flew on the aircraft to Praha and back on March 12. The flight was then followed by an airside visit of Brussels Airport.
[2011-03-15] |
New BAe 146 for BAE Systems Corporate Air Travel
BAE Systems Corporate Air Travel is trading in its long-serving BAe 146-100, G-BLRA (msn E1017), for a larger series 200, G-BTVT (msn E2200 ex D-ACFA). The former Eurowings 146 has been in storage at Southend since being returned off-lease to BAE Systems in June 2010. She was ferried to Norwich on February 21 for painting into BAE Systems' corporate colors, emerging on March 13. She was re-registered as G-TYPH, reflecting her future use as a support aircraft for deliveries of Typhoon jet fighters. Once G-TYPH enters service, G-BLRA will be withdrawn from use and is likely to be scrapped.
[2011-03-15] |
 | | TNT 146QCs OO-TAY and OO-TAZ at Exeter (Brian Turnham) |
TNT switches BAe 146 maintenance contract to Flybe
TNT Airways switched its BAe 146 maintenance contract from KLM Engineering at Norwich to FlyBe Engineering at Exeter at the start of the year. KLM Engineering has been maintaining TNT's 146s for over 10 years. Loss of the contract is forcing cutbacks at the firm, with as many as 50 jobs potentially being cut. The first TNT 146s to use Flybe's services were the airline's two 146QCs. OO-TAY (msn E2211) arrived at Exeter on January 6 and departed on January 9, when she was replaced by OO-TAZ (msn E2188), who later departed on January 27.
[2011-03-15] |
Eznis Airways to add Avro RJ85s
Mongolia's Eznis Airways is planning to add two former Lufthansa Avro RJ85s. The airline signed a letter of intent to purchase the aircraft with BAE Systems, for delivery in May and June. Eznis currently operates four SAAB 340Bs on services to domestic destinations and on two international routes, to towns in neighboring China and Russia. The RJ85's ability to operate from gravel strips was an important factor in its selection, as many of the destinations served by the airline have unpaved strips. Lufthansa Technik Switzerland will provide technical services for the RJ85s.
[2011-03-18]
Jagson Airlines stillborn?
India's Jagson Airlines plans to begin scheduled regional operations appear to have been stillborn. The airline has received a no-objection certificate from the government, but the permit expired without it starting operations. Jagson had purchased forner Royal Jet Avro RJ85 G-CFZM (msn E2299 ex A6-RJE). The RJ85 was painted in the airline's full colors at Kemble in anticipation of a December 2010 start-up. She remains in storage at Kemble.
[2011-03-30]
 | Aegean RJ100 SX-DVC arrives at Manchester for repainting
(Shaun Connor) |
Sky Wings to take over Aegean RJ100s
Aegean Airlines has sold its four remaining Avro RJ100s to Greek charter operator Sky Wings. The transaction was arranged by Skyworld Aviation and Prisma Aviation Services. Sky Wings is also acquiring a large package of spare parts and tooling. Aegean will provide training and maintenance support to Sky Wings during the phase-in period of the RJ100s. Aegean used the RJ100s to begin scheduled services, placing an initial order for two in 1999. Its fleet eventually grew to six examples. The airline has since grown considerably, through internal growth and through mergers, and is now the largest airline in Greece by number of passengers, with a large fleet of Airbus A320 family airliners. However, poor economic conditions in Greece and the rejection of its proposed merger with Olympic Airways are leading it to trim its fleet. Two of the RJ100s intended for Sky Wings have recently been withdrawn from use. SX-DVC (msn E3358) was ferried to Stansted for maintenance on February 7, continuing on to Manchester for painting on March 9. She returned to Greece, now painted all white, on March 15. She was pressed briefly back into service, operating several flights between March 16 and 21, before being parked. Sistership SX-DVD (msn E3362) flew her last service on February 25, and was ferried to Stansted on March 9, and then on to East Midlands on March 24. She returned to Greece on April 1, and was parked at Athens. The remaining two RJ100s, SX-DVA (msn E3341) and SX-DVB (msn E3343), will continue operating for Aegean for a few more months before being delivered to Sky Wings.
[2011-04-19] |
MDLR restart efforts continue
MDLR Airlines is proceeding with its efforts to resume operations. The airline, which had operated three Avro RJ70s, suspended operations in October 2009 while being investigated for several safety violations. The airline has now purchased one of the RJ70s it had been leasing, VT-MDN (msn E1252), which has been in storage at Bacău. According to reports in the Indian press, MDLR has hired former IndiGo executive Shakti Lumba. The airline would apparently operate under the Jet Sapphire brand name, initially using the same three RJ70s that MDLR had been using, and then adding more aircraft. Despite a policy of encouraging the establishment of regional airlines, no such airlines are currently operating in India. As a result, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has relaxed the requirements. Regional airlines will now have two years, rather than one, to reach a fleet size of three aircraft, and five years, rather than two, to reach a fleet size of five aircraft. The DGCA is also re-thinking the policy that limits regional airlines to flying to just one of the country's four regions.
[2011-04-20]
Ex-Ansett BAe 146 broken up
Former Ansett BAe 146-300 N9070L (msn E3147) was broken up at Hurn, beginning in early April. She had been acquired by EAAC managing director Trevor S. Whetter in late 2005, along with N9086L (msn E3135), and ferried to Hurn in March 2006. She had been in storage at Hurn since. Useful parts were removed during 2010, but N9070L lingered on. The breakers finally caught up with her, however. Her tail was cut off on April 1, and her wings followed a short time later. N9086L had already been broken up in June 2009.
[2011-04-30] |
Aegean Aviation ends Avro RJ100 operations
Aegean Airlines has ended Avro RJ100 operations after 12 years. The airline's two remaining RJ100s flew their last services on May 2: SX-DVA (msn E3341) on flight AEE455, from Kalamata to Athens, and SX-DVB (msn E3343) on flight AEE407, from Kerkyra to Athens. These two RJ100s had been the airline's first aircraft. Both were delivered in April 1999, and used to launch scheduled services. Aegean then acquired additional examples, eventually building up the fleet to six. Of these, two were returned off-lease to BAE Systems in 2010, and two more were withdrawn from use earlier this year. The latter two have been sold to Sky Wings, along with SX-DVA and -DVB.
[2011-05-05]
Atlantic Airways flies for BA CityFlyer
BA CityFlyer contracted Atlantic Airways to operate an Avro RJ85 on its behalf, to cover for the late delivery of an Embraer 190. E-Jet deliveries have been delayed by a shortage of General Electric CF34 engines, which require some parts built at a factory in Japan that was affected by that country's massive earthquake. Atlantic Airways RJ85 OY-RCE (msn E2233) positioned to London City on May 2, and entered service the same day, with a roundtrip to Glasgow.
[2011-05-15] |
Cabin fume study finds no evidence of danger
A study of cabin fume events conducted by Cranfield University found no evidence that fume events in airliner cabins cause danger to the crew or to passengers. The study, contracted by the United Kingdom's CAA and the Committee on Toxicity, measured air samples on a series of regular flights on five aircraft types: the BAe 146, Boeing 757, and Airbus A319, A320, and A321. Samples were taken during specific phases of all flights, and anytime fume events occurred (38 such events took place during the program). The samples were analyzed for the presence of volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and particles. Some neurotoxins were found, but at levels well within acceptable standards for the workplace or the home.
[2011-05-15]
New Ghanaian airline to operate BAe 146s
New airline Starbow is planning to operate two BAe 146-300s on domestic services within Ghana. The airline's first BAe 146, former Eurowings series 300 G-UKSC (msn E3125 ex D-AEWM) was rolled out at Southend on May 18 after painting by Air Livery. Starbow's livery was designed by Dutch company Lila Design Associates. It features billboard sized titles in light grey on a white fuselage, while the tail, the engine pylons, and the underside of the main wings and horizontal stabilizer are painted violet-blue. The tail also features a logo based on Ghana's national colors of green, yellow, and red. Ghana. She is expected to become 9G-SBA upon delivery.
[2011-05-20] |
New ABJ design presented at EBACE
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft and Design Q continued their tradition of unveiling new design concepts for the Avro Business Jet (ABJ) at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) show in Genève. The new design, dubbed the ABJ 'Elegante', is aimed at customers "who appreciate the space and grandeur of the larger VIP aircraft but require a regional product for everyday use". The Elegante features a large dining area that can also be used as a work area. BAE Systems estimates a fully converted ABJ would cost about US$12-15 million -- much less than the cost of new-build aircraft offering similar capacity.
[2011-05-20] |
Cello ABJ takes the Queen to Ireland
Cello Aviation scored a considerable coup when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II chartered BAe 146-200 G-RAJJ (msn E2108) for her state visit to Ireland. G-RAJJ carried H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the official party from Northolt to Dublin's Casement Aerodrome on May 17, where they were greeted by a guard of honor. G-RAJJ brought the Royal party back to England on May 20, then positioned back to the airline's base at Birmingham. The Queen and the Royal family have traditionally used aircraft from No.32 (The Royal) Squadron, including their BAe 146s, for such trips. In recent years, however, they have increasingly turned to commercial charters as a result of the limited availability of 32 Squadron aircraft (due to their use in support of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns) and to the decision by the government to substantially increase the rates at which their use is billed to the Royal family.
[2010-05-21]
Air Botswana takes delivery of BAe 146 ... Again
It was deja vu all over again at Air Botswana, as it took delivery of BAe 146-100 A2-ABF (msn E1160) for the third time. The airline had first leased A2-ABF from 1991 to 1994, and then again from 2005 to 2009. She has been at Southend since, awaiting conversion to ABJ configuration by Inflite Engineering Services. She departed Southend on May 20, routing initially through Athens.
[2011-05-25] |
Hemus BAe 146 returns from Iran
Bulgaria Air's BAe 146-200 LZ-HBZ (msn E2103) returned from Iran in late May, and rejoined the airline's own fleet. She had been flying for Taban Air since September 2009. A series 300, LZ-HBD (msn E3131) remains on lease to the Iranian airline.
[2011-05-26] |
BAE Systems sells Asset Management business
BAE Systems has agreed to sell its asset management business and its portfolio of BAe 146s and Avro RJs to New York-based Fortress Investment Group for US$187 million. The sale includes BAE Systems' entire portfolio of regional aircraft, including 107 BAe 146 and Avro RJs, as well as 44 turboprops (ATPs and Jetstream 32s and 41s), for a total of 151 aircraft, as well as responsibility for aircraft being managed on behalf of third parties. The asset management business currently has 16 lease customers in 11 countries. Since it was founded in 1993, it has concluded over 1800 lease, sale, and other transactions worth more than US$3.1 billion. BAE Systems is retaining the support and engineering activities of BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. "We believe this business will have a promising future and that we have found a buyer with the resources and expertise to support the growth of this activity," said BAE Systems Regional Aircraft managing director Alan Fraser. The sale is subject to regulatory approval; it is expected to close in the third quarter of 2011.
[2011-05-30]
WDL BAe 146 flies for Skywork
WDL Aviation is operating BAe 146-200 D-AMGL (msn E2055) on behalf of Swiss airline SkyWork. She was ferried from Köln to SkyWork's base at Bern's Belp Airport on May 31, wearing SkyWork's titles and logo on the tail, and operated her first service, SRK119 to Berlin, on the following day. She will also be used on charter flights to holiday destinations. The lease is initially for one month, but may be extended. Last year the airline had named the Bombardier CSeries as its preferred aircraft, given its combination of range and short-field capabilities. At the time, it had commented that it had also tested the BAe 146 with "very positive" results, but that the type did not have sufficient range for the airline's plans to operate longer-range operations to destinations such as the Canary Islands.
[2011-06-01] |
Malmö Aviation to replace Avro RJs with CSeries
Malmö Aviation will replace its fleet of Avro RJs with Bombardier CSeries aircraft. The airline will receive five 110-seat CS100s and five 130-seat CS300s, with deliveries beginning in 2014. A firm order for the aircraft was placed through Braathens Leasing, which like Malmö Aviation is part of the Braathens Aviation Group, and options were also taken on another 10 CSeries aircraft. The CSeries' ability to operate from the restricted airport at Bromma was one of the primary criteria for the selection. Malmö Aviation currently operates 12 Avro RJs: one RJ70, two RJ85s, and nine RJ100s. Swiss will also be replacing its Avro RJ100s with CS100s.
[2011-06-01]
Sky Wings begins Avro RJ100 operations ... in Ukraine
Greece's Sky Wings began Avro RJ100 operations in late May, but not over the sunny Aegean. Rather, the airline's first former Aegean Airlines RJ100 began flying on behalf of Khors Air on flights within Ukraine, from Kiev's Zhuliany Airport to Kharkov and Lviv. On June 14, an Athens-Kiev service will also be introduced. RJ100 SX-DMC (msn E3358) was ferried to Kiev on May 20, and sistership SX-DMD (msn E3362) joined her on June 2. Sky Wings is also due to receive two more former Aegean RJ100s, SX-DMA (msn E3341 ex SX-DVA) and SX-DMB (msn E3343 ex SX-DVB). Khors Air owns 49% of Sky Wings.
[2011-06-05] |
 | | Freedom Air BAe 146 ZS-SOV at Wonderboom (Michael Flebbe) |
Freedom Air acquires a BAe 146
South Africa's Freedom Air has acquired one of the BAe 146s orphaned by the collapse of African Airline Investments (AAI) last last year. At the time, series 200 ZS-SOV (msn E2077) had been operating for Cronos Airlines in Equatorial Guinea, under the AOC of Lanseria-based AirQuarius. She returned to Lanseria in January, and was offered for sale through AirQuarius. Following a C Check in May, she was purchased by Freedom Air, who exhibited her at the Wonderboom Airshow on June 12. Lanseria-based Freedom Air operates charter flights with a variety of aircraft, ranging from light single-engine piston aircraft to corporate jets. The BAe 146 is their largest aircraft.
[2011-06-15] |
Albanian adds a BAe 146-300
Albanian Airlines has acquired former Eurowings BAe 146-300 G-BTTP (msn E3203 ex D-AEWQ) from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft as ZA-MAN. She was flown from Bucuresti's Baneasa Airport, where she had been stored since last October, to Tirana on June 15. ZA-MAN is configured in a six-abreast, 98-seat all-economy class layout. She joins Albanian's two current BAe 146s, series 200 ZA-MAL (msn E2054) and series 300 ZA-MEV (msn E3197). The airline uses its 146s primarily on routes to northern Italy, as well as on charters to a variety of regional destinations.
[2011-06-17] |
New company to remarket Bulgaria Air 146s
Berlin-based Cordner Aviation Group, a new company founded by BAE Systems veteran Stewart Cordner, has won an exclusive mandate to remarket Bulgaria Air's fleet of BAe 146s, as well as their VIP-configured Avro RJ70.
Bulgaria Air is planning to replace its BAe 146s with Embraer 190s. The airline recently signed a lease agreement for three 190s for delivery in 2012. Bulgaria Air operates three BAe 146-200s, four -300s (one of which is currently flying for Iran's Taban Air), and an Avro RJ70 in VIP configuration. Cordner Aviation Group has developed the "MultiJet" concept to highlight the unique capabilities of the BAe 146 and Avro RJ. It is partnering with several other firms: Design Q to design interiors; Inflite Engineering to undertake modifications and maintenance; and Cello Aviation to manage aircraft. The Group is also remarketing five Avro RJ85s and two BAe 146QCs on behalf of other operators.
[2011-06-17] |
Blue1 to phase out RJ85s
Finland's Blue1 has announced a plan to phase out its five remaining Avro RJ85, focusing its fleet entirely on the Boeing 717. The airline will also concentrate on routes in the the Finnish and Nordic markets. Blue1 built up a fleet of seven RJ85s and two RJ100s when it was still known as Air Botnia, but later reduced its fleet to five RJ85s (though these were supplemented by two more leased from CityJet in 2009-10). The phase out of the RJ85s will begin in August.
[2011-06-18]
Vincent Aviation takes over Air National BAe 146
New Zealand's sole BAe 146, series 200 ZK-ECO (msn E2130), is now being operated by Vincent Aviation. The 146 had been parked at Auckland Airport since its previous operator, Air National was grounded in early February over safety violations. Air National eventually surrendered its AOC. Vincent Aviation is owned by Peter Vincent, a former Ansett New Zealand 146 captain. The airline operates a variety of aircraft, including Reims Cessna F406s, Beech 1900s, and Bombardier Dash 8s, on charters and long-term contracts. Many are based in northern Australia. ZK-ECO was formally registered to Vincent Aviation on June 23, but had already flown on Vincent's AOC on June 7, when a church group had chartered a large number of aircraft.
[2011-06-25]
 | | Eznis Airways Avro RJ85 JU-9909 at Kemble (A J Best) |
First RJ85 delivered to Eznis Airways
Mongolia's Eznis Airways took delivery of the first of two former Lufthansa Avro RJ85s it is acquiring from BAE Systems. RJ85 JU-9909 (msn E2257 ex D-AVRD/G-CGTP) departed on her delivery flight on June 23 following maintenance at Kemble and painting at Norwich. The aircraft has been modified to allow operation on unpaved runways. The modification provides protection from debris to the lower fuselage, landing gear, undercarriage fairing panels, and lower beacon, together with the installation of more durable antennae and a nose wheel guard fitted between the tyres to deflect debris being thrown back to the fuselage. The modification was installed by Chevron, at Kemble. The airline's second RJ85 will be D-AVRE (msn E2261), who is currently at Kemble being prepared for service. She will become JU-9915 upon delivery. Eznis also signed a three-year 'Total Support' package with BAE Systems, covering JetSpares as well as ongoing Continuing Airworthiness and Technical Support.
[2011-06-28] |
StarPerú adds BAe 146QT freighter
StarPerú is adding a BAe 146QT freighter to its growing fleet of BAe 146s. The airline purchased Titan Airways' series 200QT G-ZAPR (msn E2114) under a deal arranged by BAE Systems Asset Management. The QT will be the airline's first freighter, and will bring its BAe 146 fleet to 10 examples, including two series 100s, five series 200s, and two series 300s. G-ZAPR flew her last service for Titan -- from Stansted to Belfast International and back -- on June 11.
[2011-06-29]
Tanzanian airline acquires a BAe 146
Tanzania's Air Zara International has given a home to one of the BAe 146s orphaned by the shutdown of Allegiance Air early this year. The Dar es Salaam-based airline acquired series 200 ZS-AAY (msn E2044). She had been stored at Kruger Mpumalanga since shortly after Allegiance's collapse. Tanzania will be the fourth country that ZS-AAY has operated in since arriving in Africa in 2008, initially as TN-AIE. She flew for Air Congo in Congo-Brazzaville as TN-AIC from 2008 to March 2010, then for East African Safari Air Express in Kenya from September to November of 2010, as ZS-AAY, and finally for Comores Aviation International in the Comoros Islands, from late November 2010 to January 2011. She was ferried to Dar es Salaam on June 12.
[2011-06-30]
TNT BAe 146QT transferred to Pan-Air
Express freight company TNT has transferred one of the BAe 146QTs operated by TNT Airways to sister company Pan Air Líneas Aéreas. Series 300QT OO-TAA (msn E3151) operated her last service for TNT Airways on June 4, from Liège to Münich and back. She was transferred to Panair as EC-LMR a week later. EC-LMR is Pan-Air's first series 300QT; she joins the airline's six series 200QTs.
[2011-06-30] |
Atlantic Airways ends flying for BA CityFlyer
Atlantic Airways operated its last service from London City on behalf of BA CityFlyer on June 29. BA CityFlyer contracted Atlantic Airways to operate an Avro RJ85 on its behalf in early May, to cover for the late delivery of an Embraer 190. Atlantic Airways first provided RJ85 OY-RCE (msn E2233) on May 2. On May 23, however, she was replaced by RJ85 OY-RCD (msn E2235), who in turn was replaced by RJ100 OY-RCC (msn E3357) on May 30. OY-RCE then returned on June 6.
[2011-07-02]
WDL BAe 146 ends Skywork flying
WDL Aviation BAe 146-200 D-AMGL (msn E2055) positioned back to Köln on July 1 following the completion of her work on behalf of Swiss airline SkyWork. She had been flying from Bern's Belp Airport for the last two months, primarily on charter flights to holiday destinations. D-AMGL, on the other hand, did not get a holiday. The Skywork titles and logo were removed, and she was pressed right back into service flying a series of flights for Air Berlin.
[2011-07-02] |
 | | Neptune BAe's 146 tanker T-40 makes a test drop at Missoula (Bill Moss) |
Neptune resumes BAe 146 air tanker tests
Neptune Aviation has resumed testing the Tronos BAe 146 air tanker, series 200 N146FF 'Tanker 40' (msn E2049), at its base in Missoula, Montana. An initial series of tests in August 2010 had fallen short of the Interagency Air Tanker Board's standards with respect to line lengths for the higher coverage levels. Modifications were made to the drop tank outlets over the winter in an effort to improve results. The tests involve multiple passes over a test grid established on the southern side of Missoula International Airport, with drops being made from each of the four drop tanks individually and in combination.
[2011-07-14] |
Air Libya BAe 146 flies to mountain airstrip
Libya's rebel Transitional National Council put the short-field capabilities of Air Libya's BAe 146 to good use on July 12, when the used her to fly oil and finance minister, Ali Tarhouni, to an improvised airstrip in the Nafusa mountains in western Libya. The route links rebel forces in the area to the main rebel areas in the eastern part of the country. The airstrip consists of a stretch of mountain highway near Rhebat. Reuters quoted the commander of the local rebel forces as saying it was the third time the landing strip had been used. Air Libya's Series 300, 5A-DKQ (msn E3191), has been flying a variety of flights from Benghazi. On July 6, for example, she flew a group of injured children to Malta for medical treatment. Her livery has been supplemented with a small tri-color Libyan flag, which the rebels have adopted to replace the all-green flag instituted after Muammar el-Qaddafi took power.
[2011-07-17]
Tronos procures more BAe 146s for tanker conversion
Lessor Tronos has acquired two more BAe 146s with an eye to converting them to air tankers, assuming the current trials of series 200 N146FF 'Tanker 40' (msn E2049) at Missoula prove successful. The two 146s are both former Flybe series 200s. G-JEAY (E2138) had been in storage at Bacău since February 2008. She was registered to Aircraft Holdings Network on June 30, 2011, as N18FF, and departed Bacău on July 8, stopping briefly in Southend before beginning the trans-Atlantic crossing. She arrived at Tronos' base in Summerside on July 9. G-JEAX (msn E2136) is still in storage at Bacău, having been there since October 2007. She is due to be ferried to Summerside at the end of August.
[2011-07-16] |
Falko takes over BAE Systems Asset Management
BAE Systems has completed the sale of its asset management business and its portfolio of 143 regional aircraft, including its BAe 146s and Avro RJs. A new company, Falko Regional Aircraft Ltd, was created to take over the business with the backing of New York-based Fortress Investment Group. BAE Systems will continue to provide support and engineering for the aircraft.
[2011-07-16]
First Starbow 146 delivered
New Ghanaian airline Starbow took delivery of the first of two BAe 146-300s. Former Eurowings series 300 9G-SBA (msn E3125 ex G-UKSC/D-AEWM) departed Southend on July 13, routing via Algiers. The airline's second aircraft, G-UKHP (msn E3123 ex D-AEWL), is due to follow next month. She was ferried from Bacău to Southend on June 9, and has been painted into Starbow's colors by Air Livery.
[2011-07-17] |
Venezuelan airline to operate Avro RJ85s
Venuezuelan airline Línea Aérea Mérida Internacional de Aviación C.A. (LaMia) is planning to obtain several Avro RJ85s from CityJet. A first example, RJ85 EI-RJL (msn E2349), was rolled out in full LaMia colors from the Air Livery paintshop in Norwich on July 21. EI-RJL had been in storage at Norwich since September 2010, when she was returned off-lease by Blue1. LaMia is a joint venture between the Merida state government and private investors. It had attempted to start services in 2010 with an ATR72, but failed to obtain an operating licence. Mérida's Alberto Carnevalli Airport is tightly hemmed in by mountains, requiring special procedures. It has not had scheduled service since 2008, following the crash of a Santa Bárbara Airlines ATR42.
[2011-07-22] |
Another BAe 146-300 for Mahan Air
Iran's Mahan Air has added another BAe 146 to its fleet. Series 300 G-BTZN (msn E3149) of Aviation Capital Solutions had been sold to the Ukraine, departing Manston on December 17, 2010. She was noted parked at Kiev Borispol in February, still wearing basic Air Dolomiti colors. The registration was cancelled on March 8. She was then noted at Tehran on June 18, still in basic Air Dolomiti but now registered UR-CIL. By July 7, she had been painted in full Mahan Air colors. Mahan already operates two other BAe 146-300s: EP-MOB (msn E3212 ex EX-27001) and EX-27000 (msn E3216), both of which were previously with China Northwest and then China Eastern.
[2011-07-24] |
BAe 146QT freighter delivered to StarPerú
Former Titan Airways BAe 146-200QT G-ZAPR (msn E2114) was delivered to StarPerú as OB-1978-T. She departed Stansted on July 21 and arrived in Lima three days later. She will now have to receive her certification from the Peruvian civil aviation authorities -- a process that is likely to take several months.
[2011-07-29] |
 | | FAAM BAe 146ARA G-LUXE at Halifax (FAAM) |
FAA BAe 146ARA studies emissions from forest fires
FAAM's BAe 146-301ARA G-LUXE (msn E3001) is operating out of Halifax as part of a study of the emissions from North American forest fires. The campaign, dubbed BORTAS, is a collaboration between several science organisations based in the UK, Canada, and the USA. The 146ARA positioned to Halifax on July 13, via Horta in the Azores and St. Johns. The first science flight was conducted on July 15. She is scheduled to remain in Halifax until August 2. BORTAS was initially scheduled for the summer of 2010, but the need to retain the 146ARA in the UK in case of Iceland's Eyjafjallajoekull volcano should erupt again resulted in the campaign being postponed.
[2011-07-29] |
Romavia resumes BAe 146 operations
Romanian BAe 146 operator
Romavia has rejoined the ranks of BAe 146 operators. The airline had ended its loss-making commercial operations in October 2010 and returned its pair of BAe 146-200s (YR-BEA msn E2227 and YR-BEC msn E2062) off-lease to BAE Systems. The airline has now once again taken YR-BEC on lease, now from Falko. YR-BEC, who had been stored at Bacău as G-CEVF, thus regained her Romanian registration at the end of July. She has been painted in a new color scheme with tail colors based on the Romanian flag. She will be used primarily for government flights, but is also available for charters.
[2011-08-05] |
Falko introduces its management team ...
Falko Regional Aircraft Ltd, which took over BAE Systems' asset management business and its portfolio of regional aircraft in July, introduced its management team at a media event on August 4. All are current or past Asset Management employees, including Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Barnes, Executive Vice President Paul Stirling (who has headed the Asset Management business for the past 10 years), Chief Financial Officer Martin Brennan, Executive Vice President Treasury Mark Hughes, Executive Vice President Portfolio Strategy James Greenstreet, and Chief General Counsel Sarah Dichlian. Mr Barnes, Mr Stirling, and Ms Dichlian were part of the team that established what was then known as the Asset Management Organisation in 1993. Falko will continue the strategy of selling assets when appropriate, leasing assets where possible and extending leases with key customers. The portfolio that Falko took over includes 103 jets -- including 89 BAe 146s and Avro RJs -- and 40 turboprops, with 14 lease customers in 11 countries, making Falko the world's second largest regional aircraft lessor. "The BAe 146/Avro RJ, which make up the bulk of the value in the portfolio, are wonderful products with a long life ahead of them," said Mr. Barnes. He added: "They are reliable, have great performance and utility and because of their low acquisition or lease costs have competitive economics in a variety of different market sectors." A long-term agreement has been signed with BAE Systems for the provision of a comprehensive range of support and engineering services for the BAE Systems-built aircraft in the Falko lease portfolio.
[2011-08-05]
... and announces first deals
At its launch event, Falko Regional Aircraft Ltd announced several new deals involving BAe 146s, including the sale of a series 200 to Indonesia's Aviastar Mandiri and of two series 300s to Ghanaian start-up Starbow, and the lease of a series 200 to Romania's Romavia. The series 200 for Romavia (msn E2062) and the first series 300 for Starbow (msn E3125) have already been delivered; the second series 300 for Starbow (msn E3123) and the series 200 for Aviastar (msn E2227) should be delivered in the coming weeks.
[2011-08-05]
Blue1 prepares to phase out Avro RJ85s
Finland's Blue1 is preparing to phase out its five Avro RJ85s so as to standardize its fleet on the Boeing 717. All five RJ85s are scheduled to be withdrawn from service in September. One, RJ85 OH-SAL (msn E2392), has already lost her titles and logo during a maintenance visit to Exeter in July.
[2011-09-05] |
Another Comorean airline opts for a BAe 146
Moroni-based Inter Iles Air has leased BAe 146-300 ZS-SMO (msn E3169) from Fair Aviation. The 146 was ferried to Dzaoudzi airport on August 3 and started services soon thereafter. She is initially being used on inter-island flights serving Moroni, Anjouan, Pemba, and Nosy Bé. Eventually, the airline plans to begin services to Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. ZS-SMO had previously been on lease to Comores Aviation International, replacing a series 200 that had been used earlier. The series 300 proved too large for Comores Aviation, however, and they replaced her with a Fokker F28 leased from AirQuarius in May. She represents a considerable step up for Inter Iles, which had only operated Cessna 207s and 404s since it was established in 2008. [Additional details on BAe 146 operations in the Comores would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[2011-08-10]
 | | 'Quansair' BAe 146 at Timaru (Hayden Brown) |
Vincent Aviation BAe 146 gets movie role
Vincent Aviation BAe 146-200 ZK-ECO (msn E2130) has landed a movie role. She was painted with "Quansair" titles for filming of several scenes of a new movie, Mister Pip, starring Hugh Laurie. On August 15, she flew to Timaru, which was standing in for the Australian outback town of Mt Isa. The weather proved uncooperative, however, with near-zero temperatures and overcast skies -- a far cry from the 30C temperatures usually experienced in Mt Isa.
[2011-08-19] |
 | | Impression of Kaltim's "Superjet BAE 146" (Kaltim Airlines) |
New Indonesian airline to operate BAe 146 "Superjet"
A new airline is planning to operate a BAe 146 on services within and from Indonesia's East Kalimantan province. Kaltim Airlines is planning to use a BAe 146-100 leased from Penas Airlines, along with two Cessna 208B Grand Caravans leased from Prime Air. The 146, which the airline refers to as a 'Superjet BAE 146', will initially be used on three times a week service from Jakarta to Balikpapan and on to Berau and Tarakan in the northern part of the province. Kaltim is being set up with support from the provincial government. Embarassingly, the 146 failed to show up for a ceremonial first flight from Balikpapan to Berau and Tarakan on August 17, Indonesia's Independence Day, as she was delayed at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. A Grand Caravan was substituted and the flight only went as far as Samarinda. No date has yet been announced for the start of regular services.
[2011-08-20] |
 | | Impression of the MultiJet Surveyor (Cordner Aviation Group) |
Corder offers MultiJet Surveyor to mining sector
Cordner Aviation Group (CAG) is offering a conversion of the BAe 146/Avro RJ tailored to the specialized needs of the worldwide mining, exploration, and energy market sectors. The conversion, dubbed MultiJet Surveyor, includes installation of a gravel kit allowing for operation from unpaved landing strips and modifications to the cabin that reduce operating empty weight by about 700kg (1,541lb), increasing performance and reducing fuel use. A quick-change (QC) cabin design would allow for rapid configuration changes, including, as needed, a VIP section or a Medevac cabin. Company President Stewart Cordner is enthusiastic about the Surveyor's potential. "The 146s and Avros are not strangers to mining and energy exploration and in fact have earned high marks over the years in operations worldwide," he said. "So what we are doing now is building on a proven basic platform and greatly enhancing it based on our extensive customer needs analyses and using new technologies now available to us. Considering their fuel efficiency, low acquisition and operating costs, and a 60,000-hour lifespan barely touched, they have to be the best bargains in the air." Cordner hopes to place three or four such conversions every year.
[2011-08-25] |
Korongo Airlines still awaiting approvals
Korongo Airlines, the Congolese airline being set up by Brussels Airlines in partnership with Georges Forrest International (GFI), is still awaiting final approval from the country's authorities. In the meantime, a second BAe 146-200 has been painted in the airline's colors. OO-DJJ (msn E2196) had been in storage at Brusselles Zaventem since 2008, still in the colors of stillborn AirDC. She was ferried to Norwich on August 12, and returned to Brusselles in Korongo colors on August 18. Like her sistership OO-MJE (msn E2192), she will be used on regular Brussels Airlines routes while awaiting their transfer to Africa.
[2011-08-30] |
 | | Impression of Namib Air Express' BAe 146 (Namib Air Express) |
New Namibian airline to operate BAe 146s
A new airline is planning to operate two BAe 146s on services from Namibia's capital, Windhoek, to South African destinations. Namib Air Express, which advertizes itself as "Namibia's first low-cost airline", is planning to launch services to Johannesburg in mid-September, with Cape Town being added later. The airline will be based at Windhoek's close-in Eros Airport. It is managed by Eros-based Bay Air Aviation. The 146s will presumably be leased from one of South Africa's operators of the type. This is the second attempt to launch services from Eros Airport using BAe 146s. In 1999, another Namibian start-up, QuickJet, had proposed to operate flights from Eros airport, using a BAe 146-100 leased from Air Botswana, but that effort proved stillborn.
[2011-09-01] |
 | | OH-SAJ after operating Blue1's last RJ85 service (Janne Pakarinen) |
Blue1 withdraws its Avro RJ85s from service
In keeping with its announced intention of focusing its fleet on the Boeing 717, Finland's Blue1 has withdrawn all five of its remaining RJ85s from service. OH-SAK (msn E2389) and OH-SAO (msn E2393) both flew their last services on August 31, OH-SAL (msn E2392) on September 1, and OH-SAP (msn E2394) and OH-SAJ (msn E2388) on September 2. OH-SAJ Pyhäselkä flew the very last Blue1 RJ85 flight, KF804 from Brusselles to Helsinki, landing at 23:25L. She was greeted by a small gathering of ground and flight crew, and a warm "Thank you" for its service. Blue1 was the last airline to take delivery of new-build Avro RJs, including the last production RJ85, OH-SAP. All five RJ85s have been parked at Helsinki, as they are not, in fact, due to be returned off-lease until 2014.
[2011-09-05] |
BAe 146 3, Cows 0
BAe 146-200 PK-BRF (msn E2210) of Indonesia's Aviastar Mandiri escaped serious damage when she hit a herd of cows that had wandered onto the runway at Labuan Bajo as she landed. PK-BRF was operating for TransNusa on the Kupang-Ende-Labuan Bajo-Bali route on September 14 with 44 passengers and 6 crew on board. Three of the cows were killed, and the 146 suffered some minor damage to the nosegear.
[2011-09-21]
 | | Starbow BAe 146 9G-SBB at Accra's Kotoka International (Paul Morley) |
Starbow begins services
New Ghanaian airline Starbow operated its first service, from Accra to Kumasi, on September 26. In addition to twice daily flights to Kumasi, Starbow is planning to launch daily flights to Takoradi and Tamale. Longer term, Starbow's Co-Chief Executive Officer, Dr Brock Friesen, has stated that the airline plans to extend its network to many towns within two-and-a-half hour flying time from Accra, offering at least two daily flights on each routes. The airline operates two BAe 146-300s, 9G-SBA (msn E3125) and 9G-SBB (msn E3123). Both are configured with eight business class and 86 economy class seats. 9G-SBA was delivered on July 13, and 9G-SBB followed on August 17. Two of Starbow's competitors, Antrak Air Limited and CTK Network Aviation Limited, are suing the airline and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), claiming that Starbow's Air Carriers Licence is invalid. Starbow was founded in 2007 as Aero Surveys Ghana Limited and then rebranded first as Air Shuttle and then, following a change in ownership, as Starbow Airlines. However, the lawsuit claims that the Licence originally issued to Aero Survey was non-transferable. Starbow denies the allegations, indicating that it had followed proper procedures in securing a renewal of its licence following the management change. The lawsuit is pending before the Industrial and Labour Division of Ghana's High Court.
[2011-09-29] |
Atlantic RJ85s fly for Blue1
Although Blue1 retired all their Avro RJ85s at the beginning of September, the type has not disappeared from the airline's network, as an Atlantic Airways RJ85 has been wetleased to cover some routes. RJ85 OY-RCE (msn E2233) arrived in Helsinki on September 6, and entered service the following day. OY-RCD (msn E2235) took over on September 24. Although all five of Blue1's own RJ85s remain parked at Helsinki, the airline no longer has any crews for them, as they have all entered training for the Boeing 717.
[2011-09-29] |
A new PNG airline considering Avro RJ85
Travel Air, a new low-cost airline being established in Papua New Guinea, has expressed interest in adding an Avro RJ85 to its planned fleet of Fokker 50s. The airline has received the first two of a planned six Fokker 50s, and hopes to start services soon from its base in Madang. The airline's launch has not been without controversy, with allegations of corruption swirling about a subsidy it received.
[2011-09-30]
Tanzanian BAe 146 operation falls through
BAe 146-200 ZS-AAY (msn E2044) is back at Lanseria, after her proposed operation for Tanzania's Air Zara International apparently fell through. She had been ferried to Dar es Salaam on June 12, but then apparently sat idle at least through the end of July. In late August she was noted flying to Kigoma, adorned with a map of Africa in Tanzania's national colors on her tail; it is not known if she was operating for Air Zara, or whether more than one flight was undertaken. On September 18, she was ferried back to Lanseria. [Additional details on BAe 146 operations in Tanzania would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[2011-09-30] |
Tronos BAe 146 air tanker gains interim approval
Her latest tests having proven satisfactory, Tronos' BAe 146 air tanker, series 200 N146FF 'Tanker 40' (msn E2049), won interim approval from the Interagency Air Tanker Board on September 24, making it the first new airtanker to be approved by the US Forest Service in nearly 30 years. On September 29, she left Neptune Aviation's base at Missoula to fight fires in Texas, under an interim contract through December 22. She made her first operational drop on September 30, on a wildfire in Kirbyville County. If this real-world test proves successful, Neptune intends to convert at least 11 BAe 146s into tankers, to replace its ageing Lockheed P2Vs.
[2011-10-01] |
 | | Interior of the ABJ Q concept (Falko) |
Fifth ABJ design presented at NBAA
Falko and Design Q will present the fifth and final design concept for the Avro Business Jet (ABJ) at the National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition (NBAA) to be held from October 10 to 12. The new design is dubbed the ABJ 'Q' in honor of the 'Q' character in the James Bond movies. It offers a contemporary living and working space for its owner, in contrast with traditional business jet interiors, and is bristling with technology and gadgets that are discretely concealed in the beautifully crafted furniture but available at a moment's notice.
[2011-10-05] |
Cordner to remarket First Kuwaiti BAe 146
Cordner Aviation Group has won an exclusive agreement to remarket First Kuwaiti Trading and Construction's BAe 146-200 RP-C2997 (msn E2178). The company has been using the 146 since 2008 as a company shuttle, carrying staff, engineers, managers, executive officers, and clients between major construction projects throughout the Middle East. As these projects have now been completed, the company is offering the 146 for sale. She recently underwent a major maintenance check and avionics upgrades to meet ICAO/EU operations, and has had installed an overhauled landing gear certifiable for unpaved runway operations.
[2011-10-14]
Politics hampers LaMia takeoff
The launch of Venuezuelan airline Línea Aérea Mérida Internacional de Aviación C.A. (LaMia) is being hampered by political opposition. One member of the National Assembly, in particular, has launched a myriad accusations against the airline and the municipal authorities that support it -- accusations that both have strongly rejected. As a result, the National Civil Aviation Institute (INAC) has yet to issue an AOC to the airline. In frustration, LaMia withdrew its personnel from Mérida's Alberto Carnevali Airport in mid-September. Delivery of the airline's first RJ85 has thus been delayed. EI-RJL (msn E2349) left Norwich for Dublin on September 8 in anticipation of her ferry flight to Venezuela, but she remains parked at Dublin. The airline's second RJ85, EI-RJM (msn E2350) was recently rolled out in full LaMiA colors at Norwich, and then test flown. Like EI-RJL, she is a former CityJet example, and had been in storage at Norwich. LaMia's third RJ85, EI-RJV (msn E2370), on the other hand, was until recently active with CityJet. She was ferried to Norwich on August 22, and is currently being painted.
[2011-10-14] |
North Cariboo to operate a BAe 146
After several years' absence, the BAe 146 will once again be used commercially within Canada. North Cariboo Air has acquired former Jazz series 200 C-GRNT (msn E2140). C-GRNT has been in storage at Calgary since June 2005. A sale to Mexico's Ka'an Beel Air (KBA) fell through in 2008. In 2010 she was sold to Canada's Avmax, but plans to operate her for Axmax subsidiary Regional 1 airline also fell through, and she remained in storage at Calgary. North Cariboo plans to base her at Calgary and use her primarily in support of the oil sands industry. The airline has also acquired C-FBAV (msn E2121) for use as a spares source. Like C-GRNT, C-FBAV has been in storage at Calgary since 2005.
[2011-10-20] |
Lufthansa CityLine continues to wind down its Avro RJ fleet
CityLine continues to gradually retire its Avro RJ85s, which it operates for Lufthansa Regional. Seven had already been retired by the end of 2010 (D-AVRL msn E2285; D-AVRC msn E2251; D-AVRF msn E2269; D-AVRD msn E2257; D-AVRE msn E2261; D-AVRI msn E2270; and D-AVRK msn E2278). One more was retired in March (D-AVRO msn E2246), three this summer (D-AVRM msn E2288; D-AVRG msn E2266; and D-AVRH msn E2268), and one in October (D-AVRN msn E2293). All thirteen of the RJ85s that are on lease from Falko will be returned by the end of 2011, while the other five are advertized for sale.
[2011-10-30] |
Namib Air Express launch delayed
Opposition from Namibia's national airline, Air Namibia, has stymied Namib Air Express's plans to launch low-cost services from Windhoek's close-in Eros Airport to South African destinations using leased BAe 146s. The original early September start date was pushed back to mid-October, but that date has also fallen through. The airline has declared its intention of persevering in its efforts and is seeking to to rally support from the public through its Facebook page.
[2011-11-01]
More BAe 146s make their way to Iran
Two more BAe 146-300s have made their way to the fleet of Iran's Mahan Air in defiance of sanctions on that country. Like series UR-CIL (msn E3149) before them, both are former Aviation Capital Solutions examples who arrived via the Ukraine. G-BSNR (msn E3165) had left Manston for Kiev Borispol on April 4, and been subsquently cancelled from the UK register on April 28. She is believed to be registered to Ukraine Mediterranean (UM) Air. She was noted at Tehran on September 2, now registered UR-CJJ, still wearing basic Lufthansa Regional
colors. In late October, she was joined by UR-CJM (msn E3129 ex G-BTXN). She had left Manston for Kiev on July 1, being cancelled from the UK register three days later, and registered to Bukovyna Aviation Enterprise. She arrived in Iran still wearing basic Air Dolomiti colors, but was quickly repainted into Mahan Air colors. Another former Aviation Capital Solutions series 300 may also be headed for Iran. G-UKRC (msn E3158) departed Manston for Tekirdag, Turkey, on June 3, 2010. Her UK registration was subsequently cancelled in March 8, 2011, as exported to Ukraine. She has not been reported since, however. The USA recently imposed sanctions on Mahan Air, accusing the airline of "secretly ferrying operatives, weapons and funds" on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps "to facilitate its support for terrorism."
[2011-11-05] |
Brussels Airlines denies abandoning Korongo project
Brussels Airlines has denied rumors that it intends to abandon its plan to establish an airline, Korongo Airlines, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The airline and its partner, Georges Forrest International (GFI), have already invested over EUR11 million in the project. Brussels Airlines will provide two BAe 146-200s and a Boeing 737-300 to Korongo. All three have already been painted in the Congolese airline's colors, but are flying on Brussels Airlines routes while awaiting their transfer to Africa. However, Korongo has so far failed to obtain an import licence for the aircraft from the Congolese authorities, despite fulfilling all the requirements that these have imposed -- requirements far in excess of those typically asked of other Congolese airlines. Disputes between Georges Forrest and Congolese President Joseph Kabila are rumored to be one of the causes of the "administrative difficulties" the airline is encountering.
[2011-11-05]
 | | RJ85 ZS-SSH following her landing (Alec Hogg) |
Airlink Avro RJ makes emergency landing
Airlink Avro RJ85 ZS-SSH (msn E2285) landed at Johannesburg with its nosewheel retracted on November 11, suffering minor damage. The crew reported nose gear problems soon after departing Johannesburg Tambo International on flight 4Z 8739 to Pietermaritzburg, and decided to return to Johannesburg. However, they did not get a gear down indication for the nose gear. They performed a low pass over the airport, and controllers confirmed the nose gear was not extended. Trouble shooting failed to resolve the problem, so the crew orbited to burn off fuel before finally returning two hours later to land on Johannesburg's runway 03R with the nose gear retracted. The aircraft landed safely at 21:20L, and was evacuated after coming to a stop. None of the 73 passengers and 4 crew on board were injured.
[2011-11-13] |
Starbow extends services
New Ghanaian airline Starbow has added two new destinations. The airline commenced operations on September 26, with a flight from Accra to Kumasi, which is now operated three times daily. It added a daily flight to Tamale in early November, and then a daily flight to Takoradi on November 8. By offering low fares and the only domestic jet service, Starbow has quickly secured a large share of the market.
[2011-11-14]
Vincent 146 there and back again
Vincent Aviation BAe 146-200 ZK-ECO (msn E2130) is continuing its movie career. The production company of the new Hobbit movies, being directed by Peter Jackson, chartered her to bring hundreds of members of the movie's cast and crew to Dunedin International Airport. The 146 operated several flights from Wellington and Taupo on November 10 and 11.
[2011-11-15]
StarPerú BAe 146QT freighter painted
StarPerú BAe 146-200QT OB-1978-P (msn E2114) had the airline's logo and titles applied on top of the colors of former operator Titan Airways. She is still awaiting her certification from the Peruvian civil aviation authorities, as is former Eurowings series 200 OB-1964-P (msn E2184). Once certified, the freighter will be used to support the oil industry and for charters.
[2011-11-17] |
Albanian Airlines grounded
Citing safety concerns, the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority revoked the operating certificate of Albanian Airlines on November 11, grounding the airline.
Albanian operated three BAe 146s: a series 200 (ZA-MAL, msn E2054) and two series 300s (ZA-MAN, msn E3203, and ZA-MEV, msn E3197). Albanian rejected the allegations of unsafe practices, and accused the Albanian authorities of acting to favor rival Belle Air, though this latter airline also had one of its aircraft grounded.
[2011-11-17]
Last Blue1 RJ85 leaves Helsinki
The last of Blue1's Avro RJ85s has left Helsinki. All five of the airline's remaining RJ85s were parked at Helsinki from early September, after they were withdrawn from service to make way for Boeing 717s. They have since gradually been ferried to the Kemble for continued storage. OH-SAK (msn E2389) left on October 14, OH-SAP (msn E2394) on October 17, OH-SAO (msn E2393) on November 7, OH-SAJ (msn E2388) on November 9, and finally OH-SAL (msn E2392) on November 25.
[2011-11-27] |
Cobham extends BAe 146QT and Avro RJ100 leases
Australia's Cobham Aviation Services has extended leases on Avro RJ100 VH-NJY (msn E3331) and BAe 146-300QT VH-NJZ (msn E3126). The original leases were with BAE Systems, but the renewals are now with Falko. Cobham operates 17 BAe 146s and Avro RJs.
[2011-12-06]
Kaltim Airlines fails to take off
Over three months after a ceremonial "first flight" Indonesia's Kaltim Airlines still hasn't launched regular services, having so far failed to obtain an AOC from the Ministry of Transport. The airline was planning to use a BAe 146-100 leased from Penas Airlines on a route from Jakarta to Balikpapan and on to Berau and Tarakan, while two Cessna 208B Grand Caravans leased from Prime Air were to operate local flights.
[2011-12-10]
 | | Neptune BAE 146 T-40 at the USFS base at Porterville (USFS) |
Neptune BAe 146 air tanker moves to California
With Texas' wildfires finally under control, Neptune Aviation's BAe 146-200 air tanker N146FF 'Tanker 40' (msn E2049), moved on to California on December 8, to help with some remaining fires there. She was based at the US Forest Service's (USFS) base at Porterville, and made her first drop on a fire southeast of Hollister on December 17. Tanker 40 is operating under an interim contract, on a Call-When-Needed (CWN) basis.
[2011-12-19] |
Snowjet resumes operations
Titan Airways subsidiary Snowjet resumed operations for the 2011-12 ski season with a flight to Sion on December 17, operated by BAe 146-200QC G-ZAPK (msn E2148). As in previous years, a BAe 146 is being used for flights to Sion, while Boeing 737s serve Chambéry and other destinations. Space on the flights is sold partly through tour operators and partly through seat-only sales to the general public.
[2010-12-19] |
QinetiQ to add Avro RJs
Defence contractor QinetiQ is set to acquire two Avro RJs to replace the BAC 111 and HS-748 Andover used at the Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) at Boscombe Down. The first will be former BA CityFlyer RJ100 G-BZAY (msn E3368), while an RJ70 will be added later. G-BZAY, who had been in storage at Kemble since Jun 2010, was ferried to Cranfield on December 16 to be prepared for QinetiQ.
[2011-12-20] |
South African BAe 146s find work
Two South Africa-based BAe 146s have recently found work in other countries. Freedom Air's BAe 146-200 ZS-SOV (msn E2077) was leased to Air Libya on an ACMI basis. She departed Wonderboom on December 10. Meanwhile, Fair Aviation's BAe 146-200 ZS-AAY (msn E2044) left Lanseria for a contract in Benin. [Additional details on BAe 146 operations in South Africa would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[2011-12-21]
 | | Freshly-painted North Cariboo BAe 146-200 C-GRNT (John Wester) |
BAe 146 painted in North Cariboo colors
BAe 146-200 C-GRNT (msn E2140) has been painted in the colors of new operator North Cariboo Air. After post-storage maintentance, she was ferried to Great Falls on December 9, and returned to Calgary on December 27. She will fly primarily in support of the oil sands industry, from North Cariboo's base at Calgary.
[2011-12-31] |
Continue to January 2012 news.
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