before the usual mis-informed rumours start, here is the latest (edited) staff announcement:
[quote] STAFF NOTICE
. .British European cancels RJX plan
Following the decision to close the RJX programme, as announced on 27th November 2001 BAE SYSTEMS Aircraft Services Group has held a series of discussions with British European, one of its two launch customers.
In the absence of any new orders for the RJX since March 2001 and given the fact that the aircraft is no longer being offered directly to the market, British European was reluctant to accept the risks associated with an “orphan” fleet. These risks are principally associated with the lack of fleet commonality, the cost for in service support and the prospects for the eventual remarketing of the aircraft.
“Whilst we are sorry that the RJX delivery programme has now been cancelled, we are satisfied that this was the only realistic option facing British European. The RJX would have given us a common jet fleet (in line with our declared strategy) however, our existing 146 fleet is delivering exceptionally high standards of reliability and comfort to our customers and will continue to do so for many years to come” said Jim French, Managing Director.”
“The relationship between British European and BAE SYSTEMS is a long standing relationship and I have every confidence that both organisations will continue to work together to ensure that the 146 fleet will continue to provide an excellent standard for service to our customers. “
“Clearly, the industry is still going through a period of significant uncertainty and change and the cancellation of this order will provide us with the opportunity to re-evaluate our fleet plans for the future and to ensure that our business remains highly competitive in today’s marketplace. “
British European has been a BAE SYSTEMS customer since 1994. The airline currently flies 17 BAe 146 jets (six –300 Series, eight –200s and three –100s.) In addition, British European Aviation Services at Exeter, UK, undertakes major checks and structural repairs on the 146 and Avro RJ Series for the airline and third party operators.
. .Jim French. .23rd January 2002
. . <hr></blockquote>
...so there you go.
Important to note that
no decisions have been made yet about future fleet plans, so, no, we aren't getting 717s, nor Jungle Jets, or more CRJ bizjet derivatives. Neither are we going all-Q400.
OK, let the gossip commence...
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