Maersk Air's Birmingham, UK, division is close to selecting a new 50-seat regional jet to replace its BAC One-Elevens.
Maersk Air, which operates services under franchise to British Airways, flies a network of services to various European destinations. Its fleet includes three 86-seat One-Eleven 500s and three 123-seat Boeing 737-500s, as well as three British Aerospace Jetstream 31s and one 41.
"We are evaluating the Canadair Regional Jet and Embraer EMB-145, to replace our One-Elevens," says Flemming Knudsen, Maersk Air UK's managing director. "We have held talks with the manufacturers, and a decision is expected in the imminent future," he adds.
Knudsen says that deliveries of the new aircraft should begin in 1998 "during our summer season". He adds that an order for at least three to four aircraft, and "probably more", is anticipated.
Two of the airline's three One-Elevens are owned, and the other leased, while the 737s are leased from the airline's Danish parent.
"A fourth 737-500 will be added in the 1997 fourth quarter," says Knudsen. The airline will sell the two One-Elevens it owns when the replacements arrive.
The other aircraft is leased from European Air Charter.
Source: Flight International
