Emma Kelly/LONDON
UK freight specialist Air Foyle is evaluating 100-seat aircraft for the expansion of a passenger activities, following the loss of a TNT cargo contract next summer.
The company is also finalising the re-organisation of Ireland's CityJet, in which it recently purchased a controlling stake.
Air Foyle Passenger Airlines (formerly Air Foyle Charter Airlines) is looking to acquire two 100-seaters to operate inclusive tour charters from the UK. The group's new managing director, John Jones, says the airline is evaluating the British Aerospace 146, Fokker 100 and the "expensive option", the Boeing 717, with the Fokker the favoured candidate.
The expansion of passenger operations will coincide with the end of Air Foyle's 13-year contract operating eight BAe 146 freighters for TNT. From May, the express package company will operate the 146s under its own air operator's certificate (AOC).
The move is a natural progression for Air Foyle, says Jones. "We have the structure in place, all we have to do is find the aircraft." Air Foyle provides AOC services to Norwegian low-cost airline Color Air, which operates three Boeing 737-300s, with a fourth due next month, and Air Scandic, operating two Airbus A300B4s. The Color Air contract runs for another year, while the Air Scandic contract expires in three years.
Foyle has spent the last four months refocusing the activities of Dublin-based CityJet - in which it has a 50.01% stake - around the expansion of franchise and wet lease activities for Air France. The fleet - five 146s and two Saab 2000s - will grow by three more 146s over the next 12 months. It is eyeing commercial opportunities in Ireland.
Source: Flight International
