UK regional evaluates combination of Q400s and E-Jets to replace Dash 8s and ERJs
Flybe is evaluating fleet-mix options to enable it to replace the BAe 146s, Bombardier Dash 8 Q300s and Embraer ERJ-145s it has inherited through its takeover of BA Connect, as it looks to standardise its fleet on the Q400 and Embraer E-Jet.
The Exeter, UK-based airline was due to complete the acquisition of the regional arm of British Airways late last week. As part of the deal, Flybe is taking on BA Connect's four BAe 146s, seven Q300s and 28 ERJ-145s, which join the airline's existing fleet of eight BAe 146s, 29 Q400s and two E-195s.
Flybe is already midway through the retirement of its own BAe 146 fleet, and intends to phase out the BA Connect fleet by the end of 2009. The Q400 and E-Jet fleets will be expanded to compensate through the exercising of options.
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| Flybe's E-Jet fleet will be expanded through the exercising of its options |
However, the airline's director of fleet planning David Attenburrow says it is still evaluating what the mix of Q400s and E-Jets should be: "Our fleet of Q400s and E-195s is the best combination of aircraft types for Flybe's business model in our marketplace," he says. "As our network expands, we need to align the mix of turboprops and jets with the balance of opportunities on shorter and longer routes. Based on our current trading, within the jet fleet we are probably erring towards the larger jets."
He adds that while the airline's 14 firm orders and 12 options are for the 118-seat E-195, it is evaluating smaller models such as the E-190 and E-175 (which would seat around 80 and 100 passengers in Flybe's configuration) against the 78-seat Q400 for certain routes in the airline's expanded network.
Source: Flight International
