CityJet is in talks to take 23 RJ85s formerly operated by Mesaba to replace it’s 19 146s (17x 200s and 2x300s). I’ve always had a soft sport for the 146/RJ family, but at the end of the day many of the 146s are now getting long in the tooth.
By: EIDW Spotter - 13th July 2006 at 12:53
C/S on RJ85’s
Will they all be in Air France c/s or will some be in the CityJet colour scheme?
Hopefully the latter
By: rdc1000 - 13th July 2006 at 12:33
It’s confirmed..
CityJet confirms 23-strong RJ85 acquisition
Graham Dunn, London (13Jul06, 10:46 GMT, 240 words)Air France-KLM’s Irish subsidiary CityJet has confirmed it has completed a deal to acquire 23 BAE Systems Avro RJ85 aircraft formerly operated for Northwest Airlines by regional carrier Mesaba.
The aircraft have been acquired from BAE Systems and US-based financial underwriters and securitisation specialists MBIA in an investment the airline values at $221 million.
The first of the aircraft, which can seat over 100 passengers, will enter the fleet in November and all 23 will be in service by the middle of next year.
CityJet currently operates a fleet of 19 British Aerospace 146-200/300s and says the new Avro RJs will replace its older aircraft – some of which have been in service with the carrier for more than 12 years.
The order also allows for some expansion of the fleet, but the airline has not given a precise breakdown of the aircraft earmarked for renewal and expansion.
“The phased introduction of the new aircraft from November 2006 represents significant investment not only in fleet replacement, but also in the company’s future,” the airline says.
“All the new deliveries are part of the same production family and with a younger airframe will deliver substantial savings on maintenance costs. The close relationship of the new aircraft type to the 146 currently operated allows the airline to dovetail its introduction into the existing fleet.”
Dublin-based CityJet carried 1.5 million passengers in 2005, generating an 18% increase in turnover to €254 million ($324 million).
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
By: gary o - 11th July 2006 at 12:44
An irish avation magazine also speculated about 2/3 of the RJ85’s being prepared at norwich about a month ago,although it didn’t mention any delievery dates or problems :confused:
By: jethro15 - 11th July 2006 at 10:50
Great stuff, many thanks. Just got to wait now for the confirmation announcement
By: rdc1000 - 11th July 2006 at 10:45
Where did you get the a/c numbers involved from? . Just that It’s a little higher than I first heard
Taken from ATI this morning….
CityJet to acquire 23 ex-Mesaba Avro RJ85s
Victoria Moores, London (10Jul06, 18:08 GMT, 137 words)Air France-KLM subsidiary CityJet is expected to detail a planned acquisition of 23 Avro RJ85s, formerly operated for Northwest Airlines by regional carrier Mesaba, within a few days.
Irish-based CityJet operates 19 British Aerospace 146 regional jets, comprising 17 146-200s and two 146-300s.
A source close to the carrier says that CityJet will “formally confirm” its acquisition of 23 Avro RJ85s “later this week”.
The aircraft are being secured as a combination of leases and purchases, says the source, and will be used to “roll over” CityJet’s present 146 fleet.
Although the aircraft were all formerly part of Northwest regional affiliate Mesaba’s fleet, CityJet has not dealt directly with either Northwest or Mesaba.
It is unclear when the first aircraft will join CityJet’s fleet as the source says that “quite a lot” of modification work is needed.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
By: jethro15 - 11th July 2006 at 10:38
This deal has been talked about for quite a while now, but I did hear last week that there are/were problems with the proposed leasing agreements. I believe that the first 3-4 a/c are already at Norwich, but their omward destination although assumed is yet to be confirmed
If anyone can find confirmation that this deal is finalised, please let me know
Where did you get the a/c numbers involved from? . Just that It’s a little higher than I first heard
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July 11, 2006 at 10:08 am