CONTINENTAL EXPRESS has signed a $105 million contract with Raytheon Aircraft for 25 Beech 1900Ds. Initially, the 1900Ds will be operated by GP Express, flying as Continental Connection, until Continental Express concludes negotiations with its pilots, expected "within the next few weeks", according to the airline's president, Jonathan Ornstein.
The order marks a dramatic turn-around for the US airline, which suffered a $50 million loss in 1994, but expects a $30 million profit this year. Ornstein says that, in April alone, the company made more than $3 million. Aircraft deliveries will begin during the third quarter of 1995 and continue through mid-1996.
Raytheon also used the Regional Airline Association convention venue to hand over Skyway Airlines' fifteenth 1900D. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based airline is a subsidiary of Midwest Express Airlines. Other delivery announcements included the 75th 1900D to the Mesa Air Group, and the ninth 1900C to US cargo operator Ameriflight. The first of two 1900Ds planned for operations in India has also been delivered, to Gujarat Airways, a new commuter offering connections from its base of Vadodara. The second aircraft will be delivered later this year.
Raytheon Aircraft president Roy Norris confirms speculation that Raytheon intends to launch a new aircraft later this year, but declines to be specific. "We intend to stay in the 19-seat market, and remain a market leader in that field, but we also intend to go beyond that and expand into niche markets," he says. The 30- to 40-seat market is already crowded, but the success of 50-passenger jet airliners indicates that jet-powered aircraft are in demand, he adds.
At the National Business Aircraft Association's convention in September, Raytheon will unveil a new aircraft design, aimed mainly at the business market, but with commuter applications as well, which Norris says, will be "revolutionary and extremely low-cost".
Source: Flight International
