Max Kinglsey-Jones/LONDON
Spanish regional operator Air Europa Express is evaluating the acquisition of a large number of regional jets to supplement its growing fleet of BAE ATP turboprops.
The Palma de Mallorca-based regional arm of Spanish private airline Air Europa operates a network of feeder flights throughout the Balearic Islands and to mainland Spain and Italy. The four-year-old carrier recently added its 17th ATP on lease from BAE Systems' Asset Management leasing arm, and would like at least two more immediately, but has so far failed to agreed terms with the lessor.
"We already needed the aircraft for this summer season - it is probably too late," says Air Europa Express director general Maro Hidulgo. "We will now rely on the Boeing 737s operated by our parent," he adds.
The ATPs have just begun operating twice-weekly scheduled services between Palma and Rome (a 2h sector) which Hidalgo hopes will become a daily service. The 64-seater is used on even longer charter flights from Palma to Italian destinations Genoa, Parma, and Turin, which are over 2.5h.
The airline is looking at its options to add regional jets to its fleet, with both 50 and 70-100 seaters under evaluation. Hidalgo says the airline is evaluating "all the types". Talks have been held with current regional manufacturers, such as Bombardier and Embraer, about new types, while second-hand aircraft, such as the Fokker 100 and the BAe 146, are also being studied.
"It is most likely that we will go for the larger aircraft, and we would like an initial fleet of three to four aircraft for next summer," says Hidalgo. He says that the airline has "learnt the hard way that rapid expansion does not pay", but he eventually anticipates a fleet of 25-30 regional jets.
Source: Flight International
