SA Express of South Africa is to introduce the first of six Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) series 200B ERs later this year to enable it to replace turboprops on the longer routes on its regional network.
The Johannesburg-based airline, which is the regional partner of national carrier South African Airways (SAA), will receive the six aircraft from the C$179 million ($130 million) deal between August this year and May 1998.
SA Express started flying in April 1994 with the first of 12 de Havilland Dash 8 turboprops, and the carrier has now established itself within South Africa's so-called "Golden Triangle", linking Capetown, Durban and Johannesburg. SAA possesses a 20% shareholding in the airline.
The 50-seat CRJs will be deployed on the long, thin, routes which are beyond average distances flown by turboprops, such as those of Johannesburg-Walvis Bay (1,420km/770nm) and Capetown-Walvis Bay (1,280km).
Source: Flight International
