Air Nostrum has selected the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) for its fleet expansion and concluded a deal with Bombardier for up to ten aircraft.
The Spanish regional airline, based in Valencia, has placed a firm order worth C$153.5 million ($108 million) for five CRJ-200ERs, with options on a further five. The airline will start CRJ operations at the end of the month with aircraft on interim lease. These will be replaced by the new aircraft from the second quarter of 1999.
Air Nostrum began a commercial partnership with Iberia during 1997, and operates regional services under franchise to the national carrier. The CRJs will be incorporated into the franchise business, replacing larger jets now operated by Iberia on some of its low density, medium haul routes.
The airline operates 16 Fokker 50s and four Aero International (Regional) ATR 72s. The introduction of the CRJs, along with more turboprops, will see the fleet grow to 27 aircraft by mid-1999.
Source: Flight International
