And why would Aer Arann put the aircraft on their AOC?
They wouldn't put the "aircraft" on their AOC, but they would have to put the TYPE on their AOC in order to operate it (or allow Nex to operate it). To do that, they have to put in place a training capablity and associated quality system, engineering capability and associated quality system, and have key 146-qualified staff in place to oversee standards for aircrew, cabin crew and engineers. They could POSSIBLY farm out the AOC stuff to someone else, but the fact is that there aren't many people still operating it in the First World. Cityjet wouldn't do it (because their owners won't let them), and that really only leaves only one possibility - and that airline has dealt with Nex before - and it ended in tears.
If they did put the type on their AOC, they wouldn't need Nex - all Nex have is one doggy old 146 with a lightweight (and limiting) undercarriage. There are plenty of 146's out there for lease or sale at very cheap prices.
Plus the percentage percapita accruing from any charter,schedule.wetlease.
and in these difficult times,would be a good bonus
They did that last year with Nex, and the return for the less-than-full flights wouldn't even come close to covering the cost of setting up the 146 on their AOC, even spread over a few years. Aer Arann didn't even bother trying to do it again this summer, so they can't have been too impressed with last year's performance.
How long will the 146's with cityjet be kept in service
AFAIK they are all either parked up or sold.
One thing is for sure, there is no word on the streets that Nex are looking for crews, so nothing can be happening anytime soon. The 146 pilot community is pretty small these days and word usually gets around pretty fast, particularly if the agencies are involved.