by sn26567 on 28 Feb 2013, 19:11
Jetairfly investing in a fleet adapted to provide more comfort and direct flights to passengers
The first of two new Jetairfly E-Jets E190 landed in Brussels
In 2013, the optimal occupation of an aircraft is paramount to an airline if it is to be profitable, offer sharp prices and continue to invest.
In recent years, Jetairfly, the second Belgian airline, has analysed the Belgian market of air transport. One of the main findings is that the small size of the market may lead to a smaller offer, the introduction of compulsory stops at foreign airports (triangular flights) or reduced frequencies.
One possible solution is to adapt the fleet to the market, a policy currently adopted by Jetairfly. By adding two relatively small regional jets (112 passengers) to its fleet, Jetairfly allows the traveller to travel Belgian directly with an attractive frequency to destinations that attract fewer passengers because of their size or market.
Today, the first of these two Jetairfly E-Jets (Embraer E-190) landed at Brussels airport. Mid-March, a second unit will join the fleet. From Tuesday, March 5, this modern commercial aircraft will connect Brussels to a series of destinations that previously were often combined(*). Thanks to the characteristics of the E-Jet, Jetairfly will open new routes from Brussels, lessening the business risk.
(*) Alicante, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Almeria, Corfu, Zante, Naples, Catania, Ajaccio, Palermo, Tirana, Pristina ...
In the segment of regional jets, the twin-engine E-Jet aircraft manufacturer Embraer is among the global top. After Boeing and Airbus, Embraer is indeed the third manufacturer in the world. The Jetairfly E-Jet is the first Belgian aircraft of this type. For Embraer, it is a world first, because Jetairfly will be the first airline using this type of modern aircraft for tourist flights.
This expansion is part of the continuous renewal policy of the Jetairfly fleet which will host three new Boeing 737s (February-April). The average age of the medium-haul fleet Jetairfly amounts to only four and a half years.
With 112, 148, 189 and 257-seat aircraft, Jetairfly has a diversified fleet which allows it to best meet market demand. Furthermore, it optimises the occupancy rate of its aircraft, which contributes to the achievement of the lowest carbon footprint of our country.
Jetairfly is the second largest Belgian airline. This summer, it will fly a fleet of 21 aircraft for a network connecting 105 airports through 163 routes. In Belgium, it serves the airports of Brussels, Charleroi, Liège and Ostend. In addition, it has other bases: Lille (France), Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir (Morocco).
The E190 E-Jet: the most modern technology of regional jets
The E190 is the most advanced aircraft in the category of passenger jets with a relatively small capacity of about 100 seats.
The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer is the global market leader for regional jets and the third largest passenger aircraft in the world after Boeing and Airbus.
The E190 uses the latest technology and is equipped with the most recent safety technology.
"Fly-by-wire" technology, power consumption, better in-flight performance, reduced workload for pilots, better protection in difficult flying conditions.
The state of the art navigation system allows high accuracy during flight phases of takeoff and landing. Thanks to this, the E-Jet aircraft is producing less noise for residents close to Brussels Airport and other airports, with a reduced sound projection and footprint.
It can take off and land in difficult conditions (CAT 3 weather minima).
Suitable for flights to and from airports with a runway too short e.g. for the Boeing 737.
At this time, 900 E190s are in active service; this E-Jet has amply proved its qualities. 1000 of them have been ordered in total (including the 900 already mentioned).
The E190 flies faster than a turboprop, with a time saving of about half the duration of the flight.
The Jetairfly E-Jet is the first aircraft of this type acquired by a Belgian airline. This is the first E-Jet in the world for a leisure airline. This type of aircraft is now used by legacy carriers for their regional flights.
Numbers and specifications
• Length: 36.24 m • Empty weight: 27 720 kg
• Wingspan: 28.72 m • Max. take-off weight: 47 790 kg
• Tailheight: 10,57 m • Max. landing weight: 43 000 kg
• Largest cabin width: 3,01 m • Max. fuel: 13 000 kg (16,250 l.)
• Largest cabin heigth: 2,0 m • Payload: 13 080 kg
• Cruise speed: 860 km / h • Reach: 3330 km (1800 Nmi)
• Cruise altitude: 12,500 m • 2x General Electric CF34-10E5, 18,500 pounds
• Take-off speed: 270 km / h
• Landing speed: 235 km / h
Comfort
The E-190 offers the comfort of a large airliner model in a relatively small area.
E-Jet Jetairfly has 112 seats, divided into four rows of seats (2 - corridor - 2). All passengers therefore have either a window or an aisle seat. In addition to the extra comfort, it also improves the speed and efficiency of boarding and disembarking.
Legroom: 29'', a large space with slim seats.
A single class: economy.
Service level with the 3 members of the cabin crew for 112 passengers (1 per 38 passengers)
Less noise than in the cabin of the previous generation of regional jets, both in air and in approach. Compared to turboprops, the E-Jet does not vibrate and noise in the cabin is clearly reduced.
Route-opener, more direct flights
Due to its smaller capacity, the Jetairfly E190 will allow to open new routes with a reasonable commercial risk.
Frequency of flights improved: for destinations that attract fewer passengers because of their size or market trends, the smaller jet can offer a good frequency of flights.
For the same reason, an increase in direct flights to relatively smaller destinations reduces the number of triangular flights combined.
Examples:
Jetairfly destinations that will be served directly: Alicante, Malaga, Palma, Almeria, Corfu, Zakynthos, Naples, Catania, Ajaccio, Palermo, Tirana, Pristina ...
higher flight frequencies, eg. to Malaga, where Jetairfly goes anyway every day, even with a flight on Friday morning and Friday evening (total frequency of flights to Malaga this summer Jetairfly: 15 per week).
Flights to Olbia (Sardinia) and Bastia (Corsica) were once operated on behalf of Jetairfly by a small external company. Connecting these destinations with the Jetairfly E-Jet, we offer passengers the same level of comfort and service as in other flights of our company.
Reduced ecological footprint
The ecological footprint of the lowest category aircraft of regional jets.
The average consumption rises from 3 to 3.2 liters per passenger per 100 kilometers, which is very little when you consider the number of passengers on board relatively low.
Device quieter (outside) than other regional jets.
Noise minimised for residents around airports, with a lower noise level and a limited sound projection, which can be explained by the more modern engine technology and a modern navigation system, providing a high accuracy during the phases of takeoff and landing.
Employment
Crew consists of two pilots and three cabin crew members.
In the first instance, 24 pilots fly with the two E-Jet Jetairfly. Training began in February.
In the end, 24 teams will be trained to E190: 24 commanders and 24 first officers.
Integration of two E190s creates employment for 60 staff members in Jetairfly.
Tec4Jets provides maintenance and support
The aircraft maintenance company Tec4Jets, a subsidiary of TUI Travel Belgium, obtained an extension of its competencies from the Belgian aviation authorities. In addition to caring for Boeing 737, Boeing 767 and Airbus A320, Tec4Jets can now perform line maintenance, the general maintenance and AOG support the E-Jet, for both Jetairfly and third party airlines . To do this, Tec4Jets has a skilled labour, parts, tools and sheds.
For this purpose, the company has trained 14 technicians and 8 administrative staff. Technicians followed five weeks of theoretical training concluded with an examination and a week of trials.
Press release February 28, 2013, translated by sn26567