Meridiana has begun replacing its four BAe 146s with leased 132-seat Airbus A319s as part of a long-term transition to an all-Airbus fleet. The A319 pictured was previously operated by now-defunct carriers Sabena and Algeria's Khalifa Airways. Meridiana has operated its 84-seat 146s from its Florence, Italy base due to the airport's short runway, but work carried out by Airbus last year has enabled the A319 to operate there. The airline says it intends to eventually replace the rest of its fleet, which comprises 17 Boeing MD-80s, with A319s and A320s.
Source: Flight International
