BRAZIL'S TAM-Transportes Aereos Regionais has ordered five Cessna Citation Ultra light business jets for delivery between February and May 1997. Four of the aircraft will be used to fly passengers overbooked on flights with the regional airline's Fokker 50s and 100s. One will be used as a personal aircraft by TAM chairman Rolim Amaro.
TAM says that it deliberately overbooks flights to maximise its load factor. "In the event that the flight is over-sold, the new Ultras will accommodate our remaining passengers with first-class service. The Citations will be standing by with pilots, flight attendants and catering," says the TAM chairman.
When the aircraft are not being used to support the airline, they will be used as part of the company's air-taxi service.
They will also be put into service as demonstration aircraft - TAM is also Cessna's sales representative in Brazil.
Source: Flight International
