BRITISH Regional Airlines is to acquire up to 10 new jetaircraft.
The British Airways franchise airline has ordered five new Embraer 145 aircraft, with options on a further five.
If it takes up the options it will have a 25-strong fleet of the 49-seater aircraft .
The first five will be delivered by the end of 2002.
Chief executive Terry Liddiard made the announcement last week while taking delivery of the carrier’s tenth Embraer in Brazil.
Five more arrive in the next nine months.
The jets will replace British Regional’s fleet of turboprop aircraft, giving the airline the opportunity to fly further distances to open new routes.
The carrier will also lease part of the order to BA mainline services.
The new aircraft will be configured in two classes on routes to mainland Europe.