13 Aug 2003
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft and Finnish airline Air Botnia have signed an agreement for the long term operating lease of two Avro RJ85 and two Avro RJ100 jetliners (E2393, E2394; E3386, E3387).
A member of the SAS Group, operating more than 80 daily flights to/from five cities in Finland to Stockholm, Gothenburg, Oslo, Copenhagen, Brussels and Dusseldorf, Air Botnia already successfully operates five Avro RJ85s. These aircraft were acquired from November 2001 onwards to meet buoyant demand on its network, particularly from the countrys vibrant telecommunications sector.
As part of the new lease agreement, Air Botnia has agreed to extend its lease commitments on the existing Avro fleet for a further substantial period.
Deliveries of the four new Avro jetliners will take place in November 2003. The Avro RJ85s will be configured in an 84-seat, 5-abreast, layout to meet the demands of the airlines passengers, more than 50% of who are business travellers. The Avro RJ100s will be configured to carry 99 passengers in a similar standard of comfort.
The airline plans to utilise the four new aircraft to increasing capacity on existing routes. The flight schedules from Helsinki to Copenhagen and Stockholm will be further improved together with Air Botnias non-stop routes to other European destinations.
The acquisition by Air Botnia of these four aircraft marks the completion of the Avro RJ manufacturing programme and underlines the success of BAE Systems Regional Aircraft in its new role as a strong service and support company and aircraft portfolio servicer.
These final four aircraft will bring the total of BAe 146 and Avro RJs delivered to 390, in service with over 50 operator's world-wide. In Europe the BAe 146/Avro RJ is the most numerous jetliner in service with airlines belonging to the European Regions Airline Association and some 200 aircraft fly with 30 operators. Its low noise characteristics, excellent economics, passenger appeal and strong service and support from Regional Aircraft means that it will remain in front-line airline service for several decades.
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 in 80 countries, 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, manufacturers 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 100,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly owned and joint venture companies.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
