European Aviation Air Charter (EAAC) has purchased five ex-British Airways Boeing 747-200s, one of which will be used to fly Formula 1 motor racing teams to Grand Prix.
The UK flag carrier accelerated the phase-out of the Rolls-Royce RB211-powered 747 Classics following the US terrorist attacks, and Bournemouth-based ad hoc charter carrier EAAC has continued its opportunistic purchase policy with the acquisition of five aircraft. The airline, which has Formula 1 team European Minardi as a sister company, previously purchased BA's entire BAC One-Eleven 500 fleet and some of Sabena's Boeing 737-200s for its charter and leasing business.
"We will offer the 747s for ad hoc charters and for airline back-up services," says European Aviation managing director Trevor Whetter. "We are looking at re-configuring one of the aircraft into an all-business class layout which would seat around 200 passengers," he adds.
The five aircraft are 22-24 years old, and the airline says it expects to fly at least three of them. "Two aircraft require significant investment for them to be operated and we are currently evaluating that," says Whetter.
One 747 will be reconfigured for use on services from the UK to "long- haul" Grand Prix races in Brazil, Japan, Malaysia and the USA. "We carry around 40 Minardi personnel and will offer seats to other teams, press, sponsors etc," says Whetter.
Source: Flight International
