Business Express has become the first US regional carrier to declare its hand for a 30-seat regional jet, signing an order for 20 Embraer RJ-135s, and 40 options, in a total package worth around $810 million.
The first aircraft are scheduled for delivery in October 1999 and will follow at a rate of one a month. Under its accelerated schedule, Embraer expects to roll out the ERJ-135 on 13 May and fly it for the first time in July. Deliveries are planned to begin a year later to launch customer Flandre Air of Belgium.
Business Express chairman Bob Martens says that the aircraft will be used to expand the route network, which it operates on codeshare with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines. The carrier operates a fleet of 40 Saab 340 turboprops, which carried some 1.4 million passengers in 1997.
Although Embraer has already signed 28 firm orders for the aircraft from Flandre and US lessor Wexford Management, Business Express is the first of the US feeder airlines to make a selection.
With major requirements coming from American Eagle and Continental Express, there are close to 200 orders for 30-seat regional jets in the offing, with Embraer and Fairchild Dornier, offering its 328JET, fighting head to head.
Embraer is emphasising commonality, given the success of its 50-seat ERJ-145. "For 50-seat operators, there would be major advantages in having the 37-seater," says president Mauricio Bothelo.
US regional Trans States Airlines has confirmed an order for nine ERJ-145s and options on 18. First delivery is expected in April. Some aircraft are for use on possible new services from Chicago O'Hare Airport.
Source: Flight International
