BAE Systems Regional Aircraft this year will deliver six more of its corporate-configured, four-engine Avro RJs for a variety of business and government operations. Some 23 of the rebranded Avro Business Jets are already in service or undergoing conversion from their original role as regional airliners, with much of the work being done by Inflite Engineering Services at London Stansted Airport. This accounts for around 6 percent of total Avro RJ series production.

During the third quarter, Bulgaria’s Hemus Air will take delivery of a converted RJ70 that it will operate on behalf of its parent company, the Varna-based industrial and financial group TIM. The new interior, designed by Design Q of the UK, features new cabin lighting and double club-four executive seating and dining and divan area, with a separate 12-seat business-class seating cabin for support staff.

First Kuwaiti Trading & Contracting is taking an older BAe 146-200 (from which the Avro RJ was derived) that it will use as a corporate shuttle to carry company personnel in support of construction projects in the Middle East and Asia.

In early May, the Bahrain Defence Force took delivery of an Avro RJ100 configured in a VIP layout in the forward cabin consisting of two club-four positions with tables, two “lay-flat” seats and two three-seat sofas and tables. In the mid-cabin area there is a dressing area and lavatory. There are 34 airline seats in the rear cabin.
Similarly, the Dubai Air Wing has acquired two RJ85s for government duties. One is being converted into a full VIP layout for delivery later this year.

Finally, an undisclosed European operator has purchased an RJ70. It is anticipated that this aircraft will be offered to the European executive charter market and as a corporate shuttle.