CityFlyer Express is negotiating with BAE Systems to more than double its Avro RJ fleet, as it prepares for the possible transfer of routes from British Airways at London Gatwick.
CityFlyer, a regional subsidiary of BA, is at the centre of a plan by its parent to restructure its short-haul operations, which could see eight domestic and European services transferred from October (Flight International, 11-17 January).
The airline operates seven Avro RJ100s. Three more 100-seat jets will be delivered in the second quarter, but CityFlyer confirms that if the move goes ahead it would require "a significant expansion of its fleet, with up to 12 more regional jets being acquired".
Sources suggest that the airline has chosen the Avro RJ and is close to an order for 12 aircraft, although the airline insists it is "looking at various aircraft options". If the route transfers go ahead the new aircraft will be required before the end of this year.
BAE is moving forward with its Honeywell (formerly AlliedSignal) AS977-powered RJ-X programme, despite not having secured any launch orders. Although production of the first two RJ-X airframes is under way, the new model will not be available for delivery until July next year. As CityFlyer needs aircraft sooner, sources suggest the airline could order a mix of the present model and RJ-Xs.
Source: Flight International
