Fairchild Dornier's insolvency has prompted Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA) to order 25 additional Bombardier CRJ200s to replace the 32 Fairchild Dornier 328JETs on order for its United Express operation. The US regional airline expects the 328JET order, and 80 options, to be formally terminated as part of Fairchild Dornier's insolvency proceedings.
Fairchild Dornier says it "regrets this decision, since the 328JET would have been the better choice", but admits its current insolvency proceedings mean that the 328JETorder carried a "potential risk".
The 30 328JETs in ACA's Delta Connection fleet are not affected. The airline says it could still take delivery of more aircraft if Delta Air Lines decides to expand the operation. Delta Connection is looking to replace seven Comair Embraer EMB-120s at Orlando - ACA is proposing 328JETs.
Dulles, Virginia-based ACA has revised its agreement with United Airlines to reduce the number of regional jets required for its United Express operation from 128 to 121, reflecting the larger capacity of the 50-seat CRJ. As the CRJs are delivered over the year beginning April 2003, ACA will retire its remaining BAe Jetstream 41 turboprops, leaving the airline with an all-jet fleet by April 2004.
Source: Flight International
