Jetsgo purchases 18 planes from American Airlines - Fokker 100s' 105 seats provide additional flexibility
MONTREAL, Feb. 5 /CNW/ - Jetsgo will more than double the size of its fleet with the purchase of 18 Fokker 100s from American Airlines.
"We will take delivery of the first seven planes immediately, with plansto have three in service by June 24," said Jetsgo president, Michel Leblanc."The balance are to be introduced every five weeks in Jetsgo's schedule. The Fokker 100s have a capacity of 105 seats and provide us with tremendous
additional flexibility in meeting the discount travel needs of Canadians."
The 18 Fokkers will join Jetsgo's 14 MD-83s with their 160-seat capacity, bringing the total fleet to 32 planes. The Fokkers operate with a five-person crew and will provide 650 additional jobs at Jetsgo once they are all in service. This will double Jetsgo's employee count to 1,300. "Even though we are introducing a second aircraft-type into our fleet, we
will maintain the same low seat mile cost, which is the best in the Canadian industry. In addition, we get the benefit of having over half our planes in the 100-seat range. This is important for Jetsgo's future plans," said Leblanc. "The purchase of these first seven planes is being paid from Jetsgo cash reserves."
The Fokker 100 is a full-size jet offering the economies of a regional jet. It has a 2,250 km-range, allowing it to fly existing Jetsgo routes such as Montreal-Orlando, Toronto-Sydney and Toronto-Fort Lauderdale. New routes
and destinations will be announced closer to the Fokkers' first anticipated flights in June.
The newly acquired Fokker 100s are certified for flight in Canada andoperate with two Rolls Royce TAY MK650-15 engines, have a typical cruising speed of 797 km/h and a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. The planes being acquired by Jetsgo were built between 1991 and 1993, complying with the
highest noise standards and providing a quiet cabin.
AI
