German regional Eurowings has deferred a decision on the replacement of its ageing British Aerospace 146 fleet until next year in light of the current economic climate. Meanwhile, the Lufthansa subsidiary is in talks with its parent as the major carrier looks to downsize in the post 11 September crisis.
Dortmund-based Eurowings originally planned to decide on a 10 replacements for its 10-year-old 146s this year, but Karl- Friedrich Mueller, senior vice-president network management marketing and sales, says: "In these times it's wise for a pause before you undertake major investments."
Eurowings "had a dream of a family concept from 50- to 100-seats", says Mueller, but several regional aircraft manufacturers have rethought their family concepts. "Until 2003/4 no-one really offers a 90- to 110-seater that is suitable," he says, adding that on some routes the regional needs more than 100 seats. Eurowings is evaluating various options, with one of these being the BAE Systems RJX as an interim solution, which would provide continuity with the 146s and offer compatibility with the Avro RJs operated by sister Lufthansa CityLine.
Eurowings is in "deep discussions" with Lufthansa on which routes the regional can take over following the post-11 September grounding of some of the major's Boeing 737s, says the regional. It would "keep these markets alive on a smaller scale".
The carrier's integration with Lufthansa was cleared by the German competition authority in return for dropping some routes. German regional European Air Express (EAE) says it will take over former Eurowings services from Munich to Dortmund and Paderborn from 28 October. EAE has dropped Mönchengladbach-London Luton services to launch the new routes with its three ATR 42-300s. Two ex-Eurowings ATR 42s will be added next year.
Source: Flight International
