BAE Systems Regional Aircraft is stepping up marketing of a VIP version of the BAe 146/Avro RJ regional jet as it responds to increased demand for the aircraft, dubbed the Avro Business Jet (ABJ).
Abu Dhabi-based luxury charter provider Royal Jet last month acquired its first VIP Avro RJ85 under management "which should heighten the aircraft's visibility within the Middle East charter market", says Regional Aircraft sales executive Andy Whelan. He adds that another aircraft is earmarked for delivery to a private customer by the end of the year.
Regional Aircraft says there are 14 aircraft in corporate or VIP service, three of which have been placed during this financial year.
Whelan says a typical VIP version of the four-engine aircraft is between 10 and 15 years old and is an ideal replacement for the many ageing second-generation airliners used in corporate and VIP service, including the Boeing 727, McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and BAC One-Eleven. "These aircraft are becoming more difficult to support and are invariably noisy compared with the BAe 146/Avro RJ, which is Chapter 4 compliant," he says.
The company is considering working with design houses to develop up to four standard interiors, including a quick change cabin incorporating passenger and VIP configurations.
Source: Flight International
