newstodate.aero
Sep 8, 2006 (newstodate): Atlantic Airways welcomes the planned extension of the runway at Faroe Islands' Vagar Airport that will spur the carrier's evaluation of its future aircraft fleet.
Atlantic Airways currently operates a fleet of six BAe 146-200/Avro RJ100 aircraft and does not currently need to add more capacity to serve its traffic program.
-We have evaluated both Boeing and Airbus alternatives, and I do not see any need for aircraft exceeding the size of Boeing 737/A319, says Magni Arge, Atlantic Airways CEO.
-From a technical, operative perspective, the choice of aircraft is rather simple. But from a business perspective the issue is much more complex.
-Introducing larger-capacity aircraft in a small market like the Faroe Islands with only 50,000 people will easily lead to a corresponding decrease in frequencies that might be tolerated by the economy segment, but not by the business travel segment. In a competitive market this might benefit other operators.
-Also smaller aircraft require only 2,000-2,500 flight hours to remain economically viable, while larger new aircraft will require 3,000-3,500 hours in the air. This would then lead us to develop a new business model that includes e.g. charter operations as well to make operations sustainable.
-Experience tells us that in business there is a sharp edge dividing plus and minus. We must be very careful when intefering with a succesful business model, says Mr Arge.
Atlantic Airways currently operates a fleet of six BAe 146-200/Avro RJ100 aircraft and does not currently need to add more capacity to serve its traffic program.
-We have evaluated both Boeing and Airbus alternatives, and I do not see any need for aircraft exceeding the size of Boeing 737/A319, says Magni Arge, Atlantic Airways CEO.
-From a technical, operative perspective, the choice of aircraft is rather simple. But from a business perspective the issue is much more complex.
-Introducing larger-capacity aircraft in a small market like the Faroe Islands with only 50,000 people will easily lead to a corresponding decrease in frequencies that might be tolerated by the economy segment, but not by the business travel segment. In a competitive market this might benefit other operators.
-Also smaller aircraft require only 2,000-2,500 flight hours to remain economically viable, while larger new aircraft will require 3,000-3,500 hours in the air. This would then lead us to develop a new business model that includes e.g. charter operations as well to make operations sustainable.
-Experience tells us that in business there is a sharp edge dividing plus and minus. We must be very careful when intefering with a succesful business model, says Mr Arge.