AIR NOSTRUM may acquire a small fleet of regional-jet aircraft to enable it to expand its European network. The Spanish regional carrier, based in Valencia, flies seven leased Fokker 50s on a network of scheduled routes, within mainland Spain and to the Balearic Islands.
Two more Fokker 50s will be added this year, and the airline is planning to expand its network into neighbouring France, serving southern points and Biarritz.
Air Nostrum chairman Carlos Bertomeu has revealed that various regional-jet types are now being evaluated, and it is envisaged that three aircraft will be introduced from early 1998.
Although the Embraer EMB-145 and Canadair Regional Jet are the leading candidates, the 50-seat Saab 2000 high-speed turboprop is also under consideration.
The new aircraft will supplement the existing fleet, being used to operate longer sectors from Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia to points in south and central Europe.
Air Nostrum, which was formed in 1994, reported a loss of some Ptas1.2 billion ($10 million) in its last fiscal year. A break-even result is expected in 1998.
Source: Flight International
