13 Jun 2005
BAE Systems regional aircraft business completed a successful year in 2004 placing 25 Jetstreams and is now well on its way to meeting the 2005 goal of 30 aircraft transactions with new deals announced recently.
All these transactions emphasise the versatility of the aircraft and are from a wide variety of customers in different parts of the world in various configurations.
Among the transactions are:
- Proflight of Zambia has become a new Jetstream 32 customer with the delivery of one purchased aircraft (msn 824) in May. Established in 1991, Proflight has been flying an all piston fleet using Piper Chieftains for its tourist schedules in the safari industry. The addition of a new shareholder last year prompted the formation of Proflight Commuter Services, a turbine scheduled operation. While a number of aircraft types were evaluated, the Jetstream 32 was selected for its operating economics. The 19-seater was refurbished at Corporate Flight Management in Smyrna, Tennnessee.
“Proflight’s Jetstream 32 will be the first of its type in Zambia, and we hope that we will see more J32s in Central Africa soon,” said Tony Irwin of Proflight. - Tamir Aviation, the first Israeli operator of the Jetstream, bought and took delivery of a Jetstream 32 (msn 860) in May. The 19-seater will be used by Tamir for both domestic and short distance overseas flights.
- Kystfly, a 100% owner of Coast Air of Norway, has contracted to buy a second Jetstream 32 (msn 864) which was delivered in May and a third aircraft (msn 879) for delivery in October. Established in 1975 Coast Air also flies four Jetstream 31s for small charter groups.
- O’Connor Airlines of South Australia has purchased the three Jetstream 32EPs (msns 851, 853, 859) that it uses on scheduled routes from its base Mt Gambier to Adelaide and Melbourne and from Adelaide to the industrial centre of Whyalla.
- SARPA (Servicios Aereos Panamericanos S.A.) of Colombia received two Jetstream 32s in May (msn 849, 905) and will take delivery of a third aircraft (msn 870) in October. For over 25 years SARPA has enjoyed exclusive helicopter charter arrangements with the oil industry in Medellin, Colombia and today SARPA operates from five satellite locations, offering both fixed wing and helicopters. Besides these oil contracts SARPA has branched out to serve other industries in the country and already has five Jetstreams in its fleet.
- Corporate Flight Management (CFM) of Smyrna, Tennessee is leasing an additional Jetstream 32 (msn 862) to fly a US Government contract for the Federal Aviation Administration based out of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The aircraft is configured with 14 airliner seats.
CFM also recently reached agreement with BAE Systems to lease purchase another Jetstream 32 (msn 874) in 12-seat configuration. Scheduled for delivery in October, CFM plans to lease and sell the aircraft to a Christian music group called the “Newsboys”. The aircraft will be used to transport the group and its instruments throughout the southeastern United States while on tour.
Operating a total of 18 aircraft, including eight Jetstreams, Corporate Flight Management is the largest Jetstream fleet operator outside the airline environment offering a variety of corporate shuttle services. - South African Airlink has agreed lease extensions on two of its 15-strong Jetstream 41 fleet (msn 41034, 41035).
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, submarines, fighting vehicles, 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 over 13 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
For further information, please contact:
David Dorman, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1582 488336 Fax: +44 (0) 1582 488447
ddaviddorman@aol.com
www.regional-services.com
