18 Oct 2007 | Ref. 331/2007
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Avro RJ
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has signed a long-term lease with Spanish charter carrier Orion Air for one BAe 146-200 (msn E2108). The aircraft, which is configured in a 94-seat, six-abreast layout, was delivered in mid-October.
The aircraft joins two BAe 146-300s that Orion Air acquired last year and which it uses on Spanish domestic and European routes.
Created by the Tradeland group, which is an international cement and clinker business, Orion Air operates from Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia and has its key business with Spanish tour operators, travel agencies, sports clubs and professional groups. These entities are serviced by up to nine Spanish charter operators, most of whom use airliners in the 150+ seat category. By focussing on serving mid-size companies using its 100-seat equipment, Orion Air has carved out a useful market niche.
It also operates on behalf of some airlines, which are looking to outsource regional point-to-point operations within Spain so they can focus on higher capacity routes. Regional traffic is growing in the country due to rising economic growth and regional development programmes. A significant number of medium-sized Spanish cities have airports with shorter runways and where a 100-seat jet with excellent performance can deliver the required capacity levels.
Orion Air is working towards obtaining its AOC later this year. Currently operations are conducted through the AOC of Flightline Barcelona, which is another company owned by the Tradeland group. Maintenance is carried out by established BAe 146QT operator, Pan Air in Valencia and Madrid.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15 billion (US $27 billion) in 2006*.
*On a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings Inc for the whole of 2006
For further information contact:
David Dorman, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1582 488336 Fax: +44 (0) 1582 488447
Email: ddaviddorman@aol.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
331/2007
