CROSSAIR is to enhance its network from regional UK airports with the introduction of jet aircraft.
The Swiss airline has placed a multi-million pound order with Embraer to virtually replace its fleet.
The first aircraft to be replaced from the current fleet will be Saab turboprops used on services to Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham.
Crossair expects to start taking deliveries of the new jets later this year. They will replace the 49-strong current fleet of Saabs.
Sales manager UK and Ireland Trevor Manwaring said the order will give UK customers a quicker flight and greater levels of comfort than turboprops. “There is definitely a question of us being able to save time. In the long term we will be able to increase frequencies as turn-around times will be shorter,” he said.
Manwaring said Crossair will benefit commercially from the move to Embraers as they are considered to be very economic.
“This is a significant and substantial order for Crossair to give us an all-jet fleet as soon as possible,” added Manwaring.
The majority of Crossair’s 81 aircraft will be replaced by the Embraers.
Avro RJ jets used on London City and some regional UK services will be replaced by 70 and 108-seater Embraers. This will slightly increase capacity into the UK from Switzerland.
Smaller Embraers have been ordered to take over from the turboprops.
MD-80s used to serve Heathrow from Crossair’s Euro airport hub at Basle at peak times will be retained in the near future, but they too are expected to be replaced by newer jets.
Manwaring said the efficiencies and adaptability of the Embraers will allow Crossair to enhance its growing Basle hub from UK passengers.
“We will be able to increase connections to southern Europe to develop the hub as a base serving secondary cities,” he said.
Manwaring said Crossair’s involvement in the Qualiflyer group will be improved this year as the airline builds on existing synergies with the 10 partners.
Crossair’s order for Embraers is the Brazilian firm’s second big contract this month following the $420m deal with British Airways franchise carrier Brymon Airways (Travel Weekly June 7).