Hi , a little more about the visit by Atlantic Star and the Avro RJ from St. Helena Local:
Last week’s rumours around town and on social media about Atlantic Star Airlines flying an aircraft to St Helena is now scheduled to arrive next week. The Aircraft used by Atlantic Star is an Avro RJ or more commonly known to some as a BAE 146.
The Journey will begin at Zurich in Switzerland then on to West Africa calling at Ascension Island for refuelling before the journey continues to St Helena. This Aircraft which is owned by Tronis Jet an approved Aircraft maintenance organisation based in Canada.
Tronis Jet is well known in the aviation world and owns over 20 BAE 146 type aircraft and specializes in the aircraft maintenance and aircraft rental. The Avero RJ/BAE 146 will be flown by two of Tronis jets most experience pilots along with key personnel on the flight deck from Atlantic Star Airlines, along with other aviation specialist who will be also be on board.
Atlantic Star Airlines who have been committed and is passionate about offering an Air Service to St Helena were schedule to make their first long haul journey from London to St Helena in May 2016 on a TUIFLY Boeing 747 aircraft but was unable to deliver the service due to the airport not been commissioned for commercial operations. Atlantic Star Airlines has always been committed to help find a solution to air access for St Helena.
The visit to the Island on this occasion is a non-commercial technical visit for Atlantic Star and Tronis jet. The crew will stay overnight on St Helena, accommodation and catering has been arranged to accommodate the visit before departing for South America.
The four engine turbo fan BAE 146/Avero RJ with some modifications ticks many boxes as a potential aircraft that could offer a service to the Island from Ascension Island and Cape Town to suit the constraints of the Islands airport.
The Aircraft type is owned by many civil organisations and private owners all over the world and is renowned for its landing and take-off performance in identical runway lengths and conditions similar to St Helena. Details of the exact accurate arrival times are not available yet however, it is hope that this along with other information will be released as soon as the itinerary planning is completed.
Captain Richard Brown from Atlantic Star is keen to meet with as many people on St Helena during his short stay, If time allows he is hoping to arrange a question and answer session in The consulate Hotel on the evening of his arrival.