Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) is investigating replacing its Fokker 100 fleet with either the Embraer E190-E2 or Airbus A220-100.
In a memo to staff, VARA Executive GM Nathan Miller said: "We have narrowed down the potential replacement aircraft for our F100s to either the Embraer E190-E2 or Airbus A220-100. These are new-generation aircraft providing superior performance compared to the F100, lower fuel consumption and emissions through the employment of geared turbofan engines, enhanced customer product and improved operational performance."
Mr Miller told staff that "in 2021, VARA undertook a review of various options to replace the F100s, which now have an average fleet unit age of 30 years. The outcome of the review identified the Boeing 737-700 as a suitable replacement option for the majority of the network, however, some airports we operate into are unable to accept the B737-700 due to aerodrome compatibility. To be able to continue to service our customers in these locations, we retained a small number of F100s."
"As VARA has grown, and gone from strength to strength, we have earned the right to consider whether there is a better solution for the remaining lines of flying which really require a 100-seat aircraft. The Western Australia charter market is the biggest charter market in Australia, with the most vigorous competition being in the 100-seat segment, so we need to ensure we can provide a great solution for our charter clients with this requirement."
Mr Miller said that the airline foresees an opportunity for at least four new aircraft based in Perth, commencing mid-2025.
"These aircraft will predominately operate charter activity, along with some RPT activity in shoulder periods where charter activity is low (Friday and weekends). If we go ahead with either of these aircraft, this will be the first time that the WA 100-seat charter market has had new aircraft, since the days of Ansett, which would be great for our business and great for our clients," Mr Miller said.
"Ultimately, our Board will make the decision on the business case for these aircraft, so it’s important that we can make a strong and clear case for the investment. An essential part of that process is ensuring we consult with all of our key stakeholders – that includes our VARA team members, customers, aircraft manufacturers, clients and unions. We will commence these discussions in the coming days, as we look to understand how we can provide ongoing opportunities for our people while remaining competitive within the 100-seat segment of the charter market," Mr Miller said.
L3Harris Technologies has successfully conducted the first flight of its all-digital electronic warfare (EW) suite, Viper Shield, on a single-seat…
Princess Anne, the United Kingdom’s Princess Royal, has officially opened a new electro-optics facility at Thermoteknix, a company based in…
The French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement / DGA) has entered into a 24-month contract with Airbus Defence…
In December 2024, Integrated Surveillance and Defense (ISD), in partnership with the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Indonesian…
Veridos will once again supply the technology for identifying participants at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), scheduled to take place…
Rheinmetall has secured a major contract to advance the digitalisation of the Bundeswehr’s communication infrastructure. The company, through its subsidiary…
Lufthansa Group has begun the integration of ITA Airways into its network, with several key benefits now available to passengers.…
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) is set to receive six Rafale fighter jets from France in 2026, Air Chief Marshal…
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has retired its fleet of C-130H Hercules aircraft after 60 years of service.…
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-16 Block 70 fighter jet to Bulgaria, marking a significant advancement in the country’s…
BIRD Aerosystems has received a follow-on order for the company's Aeroshield missile protection system, which includes the SPREOS (Self Protection…
The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $383 million contract modification to continue the development of the next generation…
Cohort plc, an independent technology group, has completed the acquisition of EM Solutions, an Australian company specialising in satellite communication…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has outlined plans to acquire four new frigates to strengthen its fleet, with preparations underway…
Aselsan, Türkiye’s leading defense company, signed export contracts worth over 1 billion USD in 2024, a record high figure in…
L3Harris Technologies' Chief Financial Officer Ken Bedingfield, 52, took over as President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, effective Monday. He succeeds Ross Niebergall,…
ZeroAvia has reached consensus on the Certification Basis relating to its 600kW electric propulsion system (EPS) with the Federal Aviation…
ASQS, a provider of integrated safety and quality management software for the aviation industry, has appointed Florian Lis-Srajer as Deputy…
As Tehran and Moscow continue military cooperation, Iran has acquired advanced Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia to bolster its military…
Israeli company Smartshooter has unveiled its latest counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution: Smash Dome. The lightweight, portable, and adaptable solution supports both…
The Israeli ministry of defence is evacuating a new shopping list submitted by Morocco. Israeli defence sources said that the…
Sentrycs has introduced HORIZON, an AI-driven counter-drone system designed to detect a wide range of DIY drones, including those that…
Terma has signed a contract with Swiss aerospace and telecommunications company SWISSto12 to supply key equipment for the HummingSat project,…
The first of the two Airbus-built new generation SpainSat satellites, SpainSat NG-I, has been successfully launched on a Falcon 9…
Embraer has begun accepting applications for its Social Tech Careers programme, a free technology training initiative designed for women and…
A renaming ceremony was held at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard on Wednesday (Jan. 29) for two Multipurpose Combat Ships / Pattugliatore…
Switzerland-based JEKTA, the manufacturer of the zero-emissions PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft, has formed two new strategic partnerships to enhance its…
The Hungarian Ministry of Defence and EDGE, a prominent advanced technology and defence group, have signed a letter of intent…
Boom Supersonic has announced the successful first supersonic flight of the company's XB-1 demonstrator aircraft at Mojave Air & Space…
BlackSky Technology Inc. has signed a seven-year contract worth over $100 million with a long-term strategic partner in the international…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.