According to eTNW, South Africa’s Airlink will retire its last seven remaining Jetstream 41s, which will gradually be replaced by ERJ-135s, resulting in an increase in capacity and reduced flying time to several destinations.
The turboprops are used to operate flights connecting O.R. Tambo International, Phalaborwa, Polokwane, Richards Bay, Maputo (Mozambique), Durban King Shaka, Nelspruit, Bloemfontein, East London, and Port Elizabeth aiports.
“The intent is to replace operational aircraft on a one-for-one basis with additional Embraer ERJ135 aircraft,” said Airlink CEO Rodger Foster. “The net result will be an increase in capacity of 28% on flights where the J41 is replaced by the ERJ135.”
The J41 is a 29-seat turboprop aircraft whereas the ERJ135 is 37-seat regional jet and the AvroRJ85 is an 83-seat regional jet. Airlink’s fleet includes 12 ARJ-85s, 14 ERJ-135s, and one ERJ-145.