Turkish Airlines signs major lease extension deal for Avro RJ fleet

BAE SYSTEMS Regional Aircraft and Turkish Airlines (THY) have signed a major lease extension deal covering the carrier’s entire fleet of 12 Avro RJ regional airliners.

This important fleet decision confirms the continuing role of the nine Avro RJ100 and three RJ70 aircraft in THY's fleet planning for several years and is the third lease extension since the fleet was originally delivered between 1993 and 1996.The Avro RJs will continue to be used on domestic routes within Turkey and will also fly to neighbouring countries on regional services.

The fleet decision demonstrates the continuing key role being played by the BAe.146 and Avro RJ fleets in Europe with its very difficult market conditions in the face of intense competition from new generation regional jets. The combination of 70-110 seat capacity, outstanding passenger appeal and revenue generation capabilities combine with excellent airfield performance and environmental characteristics to give regional airlines a competitive and highly flexible product.

Around 390 Avro RJ and BAe146 airliners are in service with over 50 operators worldwide.

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BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around £13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.