BAE Systems is predicting a fourfold increase in the number of BAe 146/Avro RJs operating in the Gulf region within the next six months.
Andy Whelan, sales executive for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, says: "Until recently, there were four BAe 146/Avro RJs operating in the region - two RJ85s with the Bahrain defence force, a VIP-configured RJ85 and RJ70 with luxury charter operator Royal Jet and the Amiri Royal Flight of Abu Dhabi, respectively - but new business won by BAE Systems together with other transactions by third parties means that up to 15 aircraft will be operational by [the middle of] next year."
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New owners include Palm Aviation of Abu Dhabi, which has acquired the seven BAe 146-300s previously operated by China Northwest Airlines. Delivery of the first aircraft, which is understood to be VIP configured, is earmarked for delivery at the end of next year.
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BAE has also sold a VVIP Avro RJ100 to an undisclosed customer for delivery in January 2008, while the Dubai Air Wing has acquired three RJ85s, previously operated by Mesaba Airlines in the USA.
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The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of next year and will deployed in a variety of roles including VVIP transport, says Whelan.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
