Jota Aviation purchases Avro RJ85 from Falko

The Jota Group has purchased a second Avro RJ85 regional jet from Falko. The aircraft is an ex SN Brussels Airlines aircraft, and adds to Jota Aviation’s current BAe 146-200 and King Air turboprop fleet.

The aircraft was delivered on Friday, 8th January. The RJ85, (G-CHFE, MSN E2294 will be re-registered G-JOTR) will be reconfigured into a 95-seat layout on completion of a C check with Avalon Aero at Cranfield.  It should be ready to start commercial operations from the end of March, having been fitted with enhanced avionics, including TCAS 7.1 and PRNav which will allow it to operate at Amsterdam Schiphol and other important hub airports.

The Avro RJ85 has an extended range of 1,400 nm and Jota will be able to offer the charter and ACMI market an aircraft with up to four hours’ flying time. This covers all of the Mediterranean, Greek Islands, Morocco and other North African destinations. It is also approved for London City Airport operations.

“We are very pleased to have agreed terms with Falko on this aircraft.  We have built up a good working relationship with them over the past 18 months, with the acquisition of this RJ85 being the headline transaction.”

Andy Green, managing director at Jota said: “We are very pleased to have agreed terms with Falko on this aircraft.  We have built up a good working relationship with them over the past 18 months, with the acquisition of this RJ85 being the headline transaction. There are a number of synergies between the two companies which both parties are keen to nurture and develop.  It is low time in terms of airframe cycles and it is the right time for us to expand our charter and ACMI operations.”

“With over 12 months’ experience under our belt flying the BAe 146 and having built up a strong customer base, including British Airways and Ireland’s CityJet, we are confident about accepting a second jet,”added Green.

“With the new Avro we will be targeting the charter broker fraternity for group charters, conference and incentive work, plus, and importantly, Europe’s regional airlines for sub contract and ACMI work.”

Mike Sessions, commercial manager at Jota said: “With the new Avro we will be targeting the charter broker fraternity for group charters, conference and incentive work, plus, and importantly, Europe’s regional airlines for sub contract and ACMI work.”

Simon Dolan, CEO at Jota Group said: “This is a milestone day for Jota Aviation and I am personally very proud. The team has taken the business from very humble beginnings six years ago to a significant and reputable charter operator. It is testament to the relentless push for first class customer service that has been our DNA since Day 1.”

“As one of only 21 A licensed UK passenger airlines in the UK, Jota can rightfully sit amongst the largest and most respected operators in this country. There is a lot of consolidation in the air charter business, but we are sticking to our niche in a sector we have come to know well. Being independent and nimble means we can respond quickly to opportunities,” Dolan added.

“We are making an investment to ‘future proof’ our latest aircraft with modern avionics,” Andy Green noted, adding the intention for the future is for Jota Aviation to establish its own Part 145 maintenance at its base at London Southend on the BAe/Avro family.