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nomess
8th Mar 2024, 04:30
Hmmmm. Testing the waters I think.

VARA) intends to replace its aging Fokker 100 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/aircraft-data/100)s with either Embraer (https://www.ch-aviation.com/airlines/EMB) or Airbus Canada (https://www.ch-aviation.com/airlines/ACZ) aircraft types, according to the Airline Ratings outlet, citing a memo to employees written by the carrier's executive general manager, Nathan Miller.

“We have narrowed down the potential replacement aircraft for our F100s to either the E190-E2 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/aircraft-data/290) or A220-100 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/aircraft-data/221). These are new-generation aircraft providing superior performance compared to the F100," the memo reads.

The Virgin Australia (https://www.ch-aviation.com/airlines/VOZ) (VA, Brisbane International (https://www.ch-aviation.com/airports/169)) subsidiary currently operates a fleet of six A320-200 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/aircraft-variants/A320200)s and six F100s, primarily on closed charter fly-in-fly-out routes within Western Australia. The Airbus (https://www.ch-aviation.com/airlines/AIR) jets are leased, while the Fokkers are company-owned. According to ch-aviation fleets (https://prosubscription.ch-aviation.com/fleets-advanced/) data, the average age of the F100s is 31.3 years.

Miller said that VARA canvassed replacement options for them three years ago, ruling out larger types such as the B737-700 (https://www.ch-aviation.com/aircraft-variants/B737700) because they were too big for several airports it operates to. He added that he now foresees around four new aircraft entering the fleet from mid-2025.

"The Western Australia charter market is the biggest charter market in Australia, with the most vigorous competition being in the 100-seat segment," the memo reads. "If we go ahead with either of these aircraft, this will be the first time that the Western Australia 100-seat charter market has had new aircraft since the days of Ansett Australia (https://www.ch-aviation.com/airlines/AN), which would be great for our business and great for our clients."

ch-aviation understands that mid-2025 is the earliest date and is subject to several variables, including aircraft availability.

Duck Pilot
8th Mar 2024, 05:30
They had E-Jets years ago, stupid idea to get ride of them.

dijon moutard
8th Mar 2024, 06:00
Hmmmm. Testing the waters I think.

First of all VARA (ex Skywest) has its own AOC and been around for over fifty years .

While it’s owned by VA its run as a seperate business entity etc

Any new aircraft will be on its own AOC .

Both aircraft use the new P&W GTF Engine .

Both Airbus & Embraer will fight for this sale to achieve a WA presence in the largest charter market in Australia .

Cheers
Buddy