BAE Systems Regional Aircraft is rolling out its LCD flightdeck upgrade to the two BAe 146-100s operated by the UK Royal Air Force's No 32 Royal Squadron.
The modified flightdeck, which updates the aircraft's analogue flight instruments to an electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS) standard will be fitted to the squadron's first aircraft early next year, and to the second in early 2009 "at the latest", the company says.
The modification was developed in response to a request from Lufthansa. Two of the carrier's regional subsidiaries, Air Dolomiti and Eurowings already operate a total of nine BAe 146s that have been converted to the system. "We are now producing quotations for several more operators," says Sandy Dalling, LCD project manager for Regional Aircraft, adding: "The seal of approval we have now obtained from the RAF is a real boost to the programme."
Meanwhile, the company has won a new customer for its Jetstream 41: Colombia-based EasyFly has leased four. And the division has also signed a new lease with Eastern Airways for 11 of the type, which it had previously subleased from BA Connect.
Regional Aircraft is also planning to deliver the last three of Argentina-based Macair's six aircraft order for the purchase of Jetstream 32s by the end of the third quarter. The company has signed contracts for 19 of the aircraft with 10 customers so far this year.
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Source: Flight International