Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
US Airways Express carrier Chautauqua Airlines is seeking manufacturer proposals to roll over its entire fleet of 32 Jetstream 31 and Saab 340 aircraft, but is bucking the industry trend and looking for turboprop rather than turbofan-powered replacements.
The Indianapolis-based airline last month issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a 19/30-seat turboprop to replace its 19 Jetstream 31s and 13 Saab 340s. "We would like to go to a single turboprop type to complement our regional jets," says Chautauqua's new chief executive Bryan Bedford.
Among the options being considered are standardising the turboprop fleet around the British Aerospace 31/32 or Saab 340 or replacing both aircraft with a new type such as the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia, Fairchild Dornier 328 or Raytheon Beech 1900.
As the former chairman of Northwest Airlink carrier Mesaba, Bedford built up a fleet of over 70 Saab 340 turboprops while other regional operators switched to jets.
Chautauqua is taking delivery of 10 Embraer ERJ-145s and through its parent company Wexford Management holds options on either 20 more 50-seat jets or the smaller ERJ-135. "Our mind is open to anything that makes a profit," says Bedford, but adds: "Our whole jet programme is tied into US Airways and what happens with their pilots."
US Airways' current pilot scope clause agreement limits the Express carriers to 35 jets. Chautauqua's ERJ-145s already account for 10 of these aircraft and Mesa's CRJ-200 fleet the remainder. US Airways is attempting to renegotiate the scope clause deal and has issued its own RFP for up to 400 new regional jets (Flight International, 25-31 August).
Source: Flight International
