Jota Aviation Expands Avro RJ Fleet

Jota Aviation’s recently delivered BAE Avro RJ100 (G-JOTS) was quickly contracted by Europe’s regional airlines Flybe franchisee Stobart Air and France’s HOP! since entering service four months ago, providing valuable supplemental lift. 
 
Now Jota’s management are at the ERA General Assembly in Athens to highlight availability from November, for ACMI and charter work. “We have been successful recruiting a full complement of RJ pilots and are actually looking to recruit more next quarter,” said CEO Andy Green, who is already eyeing the addition of a fourth RJ.  This aircraft has proved a great niche for us.  It is proven, popular with both regional and legacy airlines and hard to match for wide cabin comfort.”

 
G-JOTS, which arrived in May, immediately performed six months' flying - initially for Stobart Air out of London Southend Airport, supplementing scheduled services to Cologne, Lyon, Reus, Budapest, Venice and Perpignan.  Then it moved to Toulouse and Lyon flying domestic services including Nantes, Bordeaux and Nice, as well as Prague and Rome for the French regional carrier.  
 
The ex-Brussels Airlines aircraft (Serial Number E3355) which Jota purchased from Falko Aviation is Jota’s third BAE regional jet and its first Avro RJ100.  Configured with 97 seats in five abreast layout, the aircraft joins Jota’s Avro RJ85 and its original BAe 146-200. 
 
In the 100-seat market the Avro RJ mirrors the equipment size offered by many of Jota’s regional airline customers, and ERA member airlines, serving primarily business rather than leisure routes.  An important added bonus is that the RJ has STOL capabilities and can fly into adjacent London City Airport," adds Head of Commercial Mike Sessions.
 
Jota obtains UK Part 145 line maintenance approval for regional jets
 
Underlining its commitment to the Avro/146 family, Jota Aviation has just obtained UK CAA approval to undertake Part 145 line maintenance at its expanded Southend Airport facilities.  The certificate was awarded in May, just ahead of service entry for G-JOTS.
 
Last year Jota Aviation finalised the lease of a 23,000 sq ft hangar facility to house its own spares for its BAe 146/Avro RJ aircraft with the specific objective to look after all its line work.  Heavy maintenance on the regional jets will continue to be outsourced and this is currently handled by MRO partner Avalon Aero at Cranfield.
 
Jota is represented at the European Regions Airlines Association annual meeting in Athens this week by Andy Green, Mike Sessions and Kevin Callan, CFO.  They are looking forward to talking with operators about longer term ACMI requirements.