BRYMONAirways has ordered jet aircraft for the first time in order to launch new European routes.
The $420m deal with Embraer of Brazil for up to 21 ERJ145s is timed to meet network expansion plans next summer. New services expected to be announced include flights to Germany, Scandinavia and Switzerland, as exclusively revealed in Travel Weekly on February 10.
Birmingham and Bristol will be the first to have the 50-seaters based at their airports when deliveries start next year. The wholly owned British Airways subsidiary refused to say what the new services would be.
Managing director Gareth Kirkwood said:”A number of our existing routes, together with others we are currently exploring, will benefit from the introduction of the jets. The speed of the aircraft will also give us more flights in a day.”
The order is for seven aircraft, with an option on a further 14. The options can be converted to the 70-seater version of the aircraft if Brymon needs extra capacity.
Existing Dash turboprop aircraft will remain in Brymon’s fleet, with some being replaced over time.
Once aircraft arrive at Birmingham, Brymon and BA partner British Regional Airlines will operate services to mainland European cities jointly.
This move is part of BA’s strategy of launching more regional flights to European destinations while scaling back short-haul flights from Heathrow and Gatwick.
In preparation for the new aircraft, Brymon is to take on 140 new pilots, cabin crew and engineering staff. The airline currently has 600 staff based around the UK.
Brymon has appointed Don Yule to be its first commercial manager for Scotland. He will be responsible for the airline’s business from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh to UK and European destinations.