Air Berlin is in the early stages of evaluating large regional jets but has yet to scope out the size of any requirement or set a deadline for making a selection.
Germany's second-largest carrier introduced 76-seat Bombardier Q400s to its fleet last year but is looking at 100-seat jets that could be used to launch new routes, plugging the gap between the turboprop type and the low-fare carrier's smallest mainline jets, which are the 136-seat Boeing 737-300 and 144-seat Airbus A319.
"We are looking at several [regional jet types]," said Air Berlin chief executive Joachim Hunold, speaking in Vienna on 26 May at an event to mark the entry into service of the first Niki 104-seat Embraer 190.
Air Berlin holds a 24% stake in Niki, established by former racing driver Niki Lauda in 2004. "We went to Moscow two weeks ago to look at the Superjet 100," says Hunold. "It looks to be a very good aircraft." With regard to the E-190, he adds: "We are anticipating data from Niki - we'll see what the best choice is."
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© Andrew Doyle/Flight International |
Source: Flight International
