19 Nov 2003
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has signed an agreement with Philippine domestic airline Asian Spirit for the long-term lease of two 68-seat ATP regional airliners. Delivery of the first aircraft will take place in December 2003 with the second following in 2004.
Asian Spirit was set up by a team of experienced former Philippine Airlines management, as an employee co-operative, following deregulation of the local air transport industry.
Operations commenced in April 1996 and Asian Spirit provides scheduled domestic services from its base at the capital Manila, linking to some 18 destinations across the country.
The airline envisages that the ATPs will be acquired to replace a proportion of older 60-seat Japanese-built YS-11 turboprops, for continued route expansion and to provide additional peak travel time frequencies during the busy October- May period of the year.
In addition to the lease contract, Asian Spirit has also signed a MACRO contract with Regional Aircraft. MACRO provides operators with a fixed rotable component maintenance cost that includes comprehensive spares support for a single fixed rate per aircraft flight hour.
About BAE SYSTEMS Regional Aircraft:
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft is responsible for Customer Support, Engineering and Asset Management activities, covering a world-wide base of 160 customers operating over 1,100 aircraft in addition to managing a trading and leasing portfolio of some 350 aircraft.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
