Thanks everyone for the info, here's the full article:
Flight International 16-22 April, David Fullbrook in Singapore
East Timor Air to start Flying in May with Australian route
East Timor Air (ETA) will start flying in May, linking East Timor with Darwin using
commuter turboprops which it aims to upgrade to Boeing 737s next year as
its network across the region grows.
A Raytheon Beech 1900C will be introduced on flights to Darwin from Dili before
East Timors's independence from UN administration on 20 May, perhaps from 1 May,
says Vincent Aviation Managing director Peter Vincent.
New Zealand based Vincent Aviation owns 45% of ETA, with East Timorese
businessman Jerry Desousa taking an equal share. The rest is held by East Timor's
government. Vincent Aviation is providing the 1900D, a Rheims F406, and running
ETA's operations.
A leased Cessna Caravan is expected to be added in June, linking Dili, the capital,
with the Oecussi enclave; Bacau, a former Indonesian air force base and now
East Timor's major international airport; and Suai, the country's other major town.
Strong demand will enable another Beech to be added on a short lease in a few
months. Later this year Vincent hopes traffic levels will warrant larger aircraft.
A Bombardier Dash 8 is a favourite as support infrastructure is good in Australia,
says Vincent. Regional jets are another alternative.
"I think everybody wants a 737 with the country's flag on the tail. But we prefer
to take things cautiously, going up in steps", says Vincent, who is eying the 737-300
and possibly the 737-700. Strong freight demand will make the Airbus A320 a
serious contender.
Larger aircraft will fly to Bali, with a Singapore leg added later. Flights to Cairns,
Brisbane and Sydney are also possible.
Investors in South-East Asia are standing by to chip in if funds are needed. One
is offering a Boeing MD-82 for an 80% stake.