British World Airlines (BWA) is considering launching franchise operations in 1998, as it introduces the first of two recently acquired 68-seat British Aerospace ATP turboprops.
The Southend, UK-based airline specialises in leasing, aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) operations, as well as providing an air-operator's-certificate (AOC) service. BWA's chief executive Robert Sturman says that the airline is in discussion "with a major continental European scheduled airline", about the setting up of a franchise operation in 1998 using the ATPs.
The two ATPs, which are among five unsold aircraft completed in 1993, but never delivered, are configured for the quick-change passenger/freight role to replace BWA's three remaining Vickers Viscounts. Ireland Airways has also leased one of the aircraft.
BWA is taking the ATPs on five- year leases from Aero International (Regional) (AI(R)), with five-year extension options. "We ultimately envisage a fleet of ten ATPs, and are in discussion with AI(R) for two remaining aircraft," says Sturman, adding that more used ATPs would be leased from BAe Asset Management-Turboprops. The airline, which is expanding its operations with the acquisition of Sydney-based corporate operator Australian Jet Charter, has just began operating a 360-seat Lockheed L-1011 TriStar on its AOC for Classic Air, newly created to provide back-up services, such as standby aircraft, to airlines. BWA already provides its AOC service for Luton's Debonair.
BWA has also sought route licences on behalf of one potential client to operate services to Las Vegas, Nevada, from London Gatwick and Manchester with either a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 or a Boeing 747. A second deal is being discussed with UK-based tour operator Sunsail to operate two Boeing 737-800s leased from General Electric Capital Aviation Services on charters.
Source: Flight International
