Due to the popularity of BAE Systems aircraft in Africa, the company is intending to develop a regionalised African strategy to support the growing numbers of its commercial aircraft in operation in the continent.
Sean McGovern, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft director for business support says: “We have decided to regionalise our support to provide a more responsive service to African operators. We are looking to work with local industry to help support repair and overhaul facilities for components to ensure more convenient access for African operators and continued competitive operating costs and reliability. We are also exploring the possibility of setting up a regional spares centre."
Currently four South African carriers fly the BAe 146/Avro RJ regional jet. Nigel Benson, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft Director Sales for Sub-Saharan Africa, says: "The time is right for the BAe 146/Avro RJ in Africa. The aircraft's combination of exceptional hot and high airfield performance, competitive economics and affordability makes it ideally suited for regional operators seeking to expand jet services.