SWISS, the new Swiss intercontinental airline, has taken delivery of its 25th Embraer RJ 145, thus completing the renewal of the section of the fleet comprising aircraft of up to 50 seats. The aircraft in question is also the 600th ERJ 145 to be produced by the Brazilian manufacturer.
The acceptance of the last of the 25 aircraft, ordered by the former Crossair, represents an important milestone in the continuing SWISS fleet renewal programme. With this twinjet aircraft, SWISS can fly to more distant destinations such as Helsinki and Seville at jet speeds. Travellers appreciate the shorter flight times and considerably improved comfort of the ERJ 145, compared to the earlier turboprops. It is therefore a welcome forerunner to the larger aircraft in the Embraer fleet. The introduction of the Embraer 170 and 195 will begin in Spring 2003 and will probably be completed in 2006.
The 25th ERJ 145, like its predecessors, was flown in stages from San José dos Campos in Brazil to Basel. Refuelling stopovers were made in Natal, Brazil, Sal, in the Cap Verde Islands and Casablanca.
The first phase of the fleet renewal has succeeded well. Crossair took delivery of its first ERJ 145 in March 2000. One year later, it put its 12th aircraft, into operation the 400th to be constructed by Embraer. Now, with its 600th aircraft delivered, the Brazilian manufacturer has effectively demonstrated the commercial success of these regional jets.
To date, the SWISS Embraer 145 fleet has logged 69,000 flight hours and 55,000 cycles (takeoffs and landings). The introduction of the new aircraft was carried exactly according to plan and was virtually problem-free.. This applies also to the technical maintenance and to operations. The SWISS Technik centre in Basel will, after completion of the expanded facilities, also maintain ERJ 145s from other airlines. CROSSCAT, the training centre for European personnel, based at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, is already training not only SWISS pilots, Cabin Attendants and mechanics, but also those of other airlines and on various aircraft types. |
