By Victoria Moores in London
Air France-KLM feeder CityJet is expected to detail a planned acquisition of 23 British Aerospace Avro RJ85s, formerly operated for Northwest Airlines by regional carrier Mesaba, within a few days.
Irish-based CityJet operates 19 BAe 146 regional jets, comprising 17 146-200s and two 146-300s.
A source close to the carrier says that CityJet will “formally confirm” its acquisition of 23 Avro RJ85s “later this week”.
The aircraft are being secured as a combination of leases and purchases, says the source, and will be used to “roll over” CityJet’s present 146 fleet.
Although the aircraft were all formerly part of Northwest regional affiliate Mesaba’s fleet, CityJet has not dealt directly with either Northwest or Mesaba.
It is unclear when the first aircraft will join CityJet’s fleet as the source says that “quite a lot” of modification work is needed.
This story originally appeared on Air Transport Intelligence, Flight's premium 24h news and data service.
Source: Flight International
