Arie Egozi/TEL AVIV
Israeli regional carrier Arkia hopes to finalise the selection of a replacement for its ageing de Havilland Dash 7 fleet by the end of the year, with the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 the mostly likely choice.
The 70-seat high-speed turboprop was recently demonstrated to the Israeli airline's management during a sales tour of the country. Israel Borovitch, Arkia's president, says that the airline has a requirement for an advanced regional aircraft to replace its fleet of nine 50-seat Dash 7s, and "...the Q400 suits our needs. We hope to make a decision soon."
It is understood that the airline hopes to finalise an initial order for two aircraft, plus additional options, by the end of this year. Arkia aims to introduce the new aircraft in 2001.
Arkia, which is Israel's largest private carrier, is aiming to establish itself as the country's leading regional airline, and was recently awarded its first international scheduled route rights with clearance to serve Amman, Jordan, from Tel Aviv. Services will begin next month.
The award of Amman rights comes as part of the Israeli Government's efforts to deregulate the country's air transport market. The airline hopes to benefit further from this effort, and win rights for other destinations such as Cairo, Cyprus, Athens and Crete.
Although Arkia began a fleet update during last year with the acquisition of three new 72-seat ATR 72-500s and has a fourth on order, Borovitch says that the airline needs a faster aircraft for its new Tel Aviv-Amman route and planned network expansion.
Source: Flight International
