British Aerospace Asset Management (BAeAM) is stepping up its marketing efforts to meet increases for corporate variants of its four-engined BAe 146 regional airliner. "There is a lot of demand for this aircraft from the business community and we plan to place up to two aircraft a year," says BAeAM.
With more than 200 146s in airline service, the company believes some aircraft will become available as carriers upgrade their fleets. "The 146 Series 100 and 200 models will be targeted at the corporate market. We expect a cascade of aircraft through our company portfolio and third party brokerage service," adds BAeAM.
The Hatfield, UK-based company has sold more than 10 aircraft in corporate and VIP configuration, including to the Queens Flight (No 32, Royal Squadron).
Most recently the company sold an aircraft to the UK Formula One Administration, which uses it to shuttle personnel between European Grand Prix circuits, and to US entrepreneur W A Moncrief. BAeAM is also talking to with three US corporate customers.
"The aircraft is aimed at customers who want a Chapter [Stage] 3 aircraft with medium range and good airfield performance. As it is an airliner it can be configured in two roles and seat up to 70 passengers," says BAeAM.
The company is also eyeing a potential market to replace about 250 Stage 2 jets, including the BAC One-Eleven, earlier versions of the Boeing 727 and 737 and the Gulfstream II.
BAeAM has identified two completion centres, Canada's Innotech-Execaire Aviation and the UK's Trace Aircraft Completions, which designed and installed interiors for the Moncrief and Formula One aircraft.
The company is also planning to introduce at the end of August a low utilisation maintenance programme for corporate customers, which will reduce the maintenance costs for operators which fly fewer than 500h a year.
Source: Flight International
