MAERSK AIR is examining various options for the renewal of its 50-seat Fokker 50 turboprops, which include the acquisition of a regional-jet type.
The Copenhagen, Denmark-based airline, a division of one of world's largest shipping companies AP Moller, operates seven leased Fokker 50s alongside its fleet of Boeing 737-300s and -500s.
The airline has already begun replacing the Fokkers on some routes with the 737-500, and recently returned two of the turboprops to the lessor. These have since been placed with the airline's partner, Estonian Air.
According to Maersk Air's senior vice-president commercial Jorn Eriksen, the remaining Fokker 50 leases are due to expire over the next three years, and the airline must decide if and how the turboprops should be replaced.
"We could completely phase out turboprop operations as the [Fokker] leases expire. However, we are also looking at another turboprop type for the smaller domestic routes," says Eriksen, adding that discussions are in progress with various regional manufacturers.
Eriksen believes that a 50-seat jet-powered airliner could offer the airline advantages. "The regional jets are an option, and would be better for our longer, thinner, routes," he says.
While a decision on the new aircraft is not imminent, Eriksen says that the subject will have to be examined within the next 12 months as more Fokker 50 leases are set to expire.
Source: Flight International
