19 Jul 2004
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has won significant orders totalling over 4 million in the first half of 2004 for its modifications business. The orders cover a wide range of both mandatory and enhancement modifications and have been received from some of Regional Aircrafts major fleet customers.
Currently the modifications team receive over 800 customer modification requests a year and the team provides a total service package that embraces everything from initial evaluation of the design concept through to full coordination of design modifications, project and vendor management, kit procurement and delivery and the capability to offer repair and inspection parties and JAR 145 embodiment working parties.
During this period orders have been won from the following customers:
- Swiss has bought a range of avionics upgrade packages for its fleet of 11 Avro RJ100s and four RJ85s, covering the fitment of Mode S, EGPWS, FMS, ELT and PRNAV. The RJ100 fleet will be fully fitted by August 2004, with the RJ85 fleet due to be completed in line with maintenance downtimes early in 2005. Swiss has also ordered ACARS from Regional Aircraft. The engineering work has been completed for this and scheduling of kit deliveries is being programmed, again to fit in with the customers maintenance programme in 2005;
- SN Brussels has ordered Mode S and RVSM packages. The Mode S upgrade will be fitted on all the carriers Avro RJ and BAe 146 fleet and the first aircraft was completed in June. The RVSM modification applies to the RJ fleet and all aircraft were completed in June;
- Eurowings has selected Mode S, EGPWS, ELT and QAR from Regional Aircraft and has also opted for a BAE SYSTEMS working party to install the upgrades at Nuremburg , which started in June;
- FlyBe has ordered EGPWS from Regional Aircraft for its fleet of 12 BAe 146-200/300s and the upgrade programme is half completed. The airline has also placed a recent order for QAR;
- TNT has ordered Mode S from Regional Aircraft for its fleet of 19 BAe 146-200/300QTs with deliveries starting in July;
- NJS has selected the Regional Aircraft solution to meet the Class D to Class C fire extinguishing system in the baggage bay on 16 aircraft to date. The airline has also ordered EGPWS for 12 aircraft.
It is this total service package that is becoming increasingly attractive to customers, many of whom possess significant design and engineering skills in their own right. The fact that so much of this business has been won against stiff competition from other providers is a testimony to the regard in which the customer community holds the product integrity and competitiveness of the Regional Aircraft solutions.
Note to Editors:
Mode S transponders have been mandated for several years worldwide. Elementary Mode S mandatory from March 31, 2003 with completion by March 31, 2005 in six European countries. Enhanced Mode S mandatory from March 31, 2005 with completion by March 31 2007 in three European countries.
EGPWS Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System mandated with compliance at various dates in 2005, depending on jurisdiction
FMS Flight Management System Not mandated, but Collins FMS offered for Avro RJ customers to satisfy PRNAV requirements.
ELT Emergency Locators Transmitter transmitter capable of transmitting on 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz mandated across Europe by December 31, 2004.
PRNAV Precision Area Navigation not mandated yet but some airports may limit the operation of aircraft that are not PRNAV approved.
ACARS ARINC Communications Address and Reporting System not mandated but available as a customer option.
RVSM reduced Vertical Separation Minimum mandated across Europe since January 24, 2002. Will come into effect in North America on January 20, 2005 to allow a new 1,000 ft (replacing 2,000ft) separation between flight levels from 29,000 ft to 41,000ft.
QAR Quick Access Recorder to assist in satisfying Flight Data Monitoring requirements in Europe due January 1, 2005.
Class D - current BAe 146/Avro RJ cargo bay configuration with no fire detection or suppression
Class C cargo bay fire protection,which provides an integrated fire detection and suppression system for passenger airliners. Mandated by the FAA in USA and CASA in Australia.
About BAE SYSTEMS Regional Aircraft:
Systems Regional Aircraft is responsible for Customer Support, Engineering and Asset Management activities covering a world-wide base of 160 customers operating over 1,100 aircraft in addition to managing a trading and leasing portfolio of some 350 aircraft.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufacturers and supports military aircraft, surface ships, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
