General UK Airline News

Some recent UK airline news for you all:

Air 2000 – B757 G-OOBA was taken out of storage at Filton and has begun flying for the airline again as of 22/02/02. Another A321 is expected within the next month – registration unknown.

Airtours International – Confirmed full name change to MyTravel Airways will be on 01/05/02 – In time for the Summer season.

British Airways – Another 2 B757’s (G-BIKM/G-BMRD) were withdrawn from service on 28/2/02. G-BIKM is stored at LHR, while G-BMRD has been ferried to Lasham. Both will be converted to freighter config for DHL in due course. Noted at EMA today was B757 G-BIKC, fully converted and in full DHL colours.

British European – Are not very happy about the ill fated RJX project – Unknown if BAe Systems will stick to their word and deliver the a/c to BE. The carrier will keep the small CRJ fleet in service until a suitable 146 replacement can be found. The Dash 8 is winning favour with the carrier, but they are seeking a jet replacement rather than turboprop.

British World – Were supposed to be starting flight ops again during March using 737 and 757 equipment. Unsure as to what exact date they will start ops.

European Aviation – Took delivery of ex BA 747-236 G-BDXG on 01/03/02.

GB Airways – The switch to Airbus products continues and B737-400 G-OGBA has recently been returned to the lessor.

Maersk Air UK Ltd – The Birmingham based BA franchise carrier has taken B737-500 G-MSKA out of service. It is currently sitting at BHX engineless. The leading edge slats have also been removed – Unsure as to the fate of the machine. The next CRJ (a -200LR) is due this month and will be registered G-MSKV.

Notes regarding BA fleets at LGW, MAN and BHX – As most of you will know, BA will take the 16 Citiflyer RJ100’s out of LGW and will split them between BHX and MAN. Early indications are that BHX will get the majority (12) and MAN will get the other four. Four or five MAN based 737-500’s will transfer to LGW. MAN services will then be split using a mix of B737-500, ERJ-145 and RJ100. The eight Airbus A319’s based at BHX will transfer to LHR. This large reshuffle of aircraft will happen very soon. A Citiflyer RJ100 was noted at EMA today conducting crew training for BHX services.