Crossair is now half way through the process of making the engine modifications needed to improve unsatisfactory dispatch reliability on its AI(R) AvroRJ85/RJ100 fleet in a bid to (Flight International, 16-22 October, 1996).
President Moritz Suter confirms that the Swiss regional airline has had "serious problems" with the AlliedSignal Engines LF507 turbofan powerplant, forcing the engine manufacturer to spend $30 million on solutions now being introduced as engines are serviced.
Crossair is still pursuing unspecified compensation from Aero International (Regional) for its loss of revenue which was caused by large numbers of flight cancellations and for the cost of leasing aircraft to cover services.
Fritz Grotz, Crossair's general manager technical and operations, says that the engine's dispatch reliability is "far below" expectations, averaging 98.2% in 1996, but that modifications should take that up to 99% this year. Engines on the whole fleet should be modified by the end of 1998.
The changes include a new No 2 bearing package, and a modified peri-seal at the connection between engine and pylon. They also include a modification to the hydro-mechanical unit controlling fuel flow into the engine. AlliedSignal has redesigned the entire high-pressure-turbine bearing package as a result of the troubles, which centred on oil leaks from the faulty high-pressure turbine seal, which sometimes led to the loss of the No 2 bearing.
Suter says that discussions have been dropped on a take-over by Crossair of 23 RJ85s which are in service with Delta Air Transport, the regional subsidiary of Swissair partner Sabena. Suter says that the proposal was too complex and risky. Crossair has already taken over Swissair's 100-seat operations and the group's Balair/CTA charter businesses.
Source: Flight International
