British Midland has taken delivery of the first Embraer jet aircraft in a ten aircraft order worth $200 million. The 49 seat aircraft will go into service on the airline’s Leeds Bradford to Paris route on 29 June 1999.

The new aircraft type supports British Midland’s strategy to enhance its short-haul regional operation. A second aircraft is scheduled for delivery at the beginning of July and will operate on the airline’s East Midlands to Dublin route and on off-peak services to Glasgow and Amsterdam.

At the time of placing the order, Sir Michael Bishop, chairman, British Midland, said: “The Embraer 145 has the flexibility to offer our Diamond EuroClass business service in a two-class cabin. It also has a range of over two and a half hours flying time, this enhances greatly our capabilities to serve and develop a network of regional services to Europe’s major cities.”

British Midland selected the EMB-145 aircraft following a rigorous and detailed evaluation, believing that it provides the best overall option for its requirements. The twin jet aircraft will be powered by the Rolls-Royce AE3007, made in the company’s Indianapolis facility.

——-