With airline routes reduced due to Covid-19, many regional jets are now hangered by airlines which are willing to discuss sales for conversion purposes.
Flying Colours Corp has signed an agreement for the conversion of CRJ 200. The new client, a charter operator customer, anticipates using the aircraft to satisfy rising charter demand from corporate customers, sports teams, and music group tours, to strengthen its fleet portfolio at a time when business aircraft are in high demand.
The corporate shuttle interior will feature 29 seats, with six business jet seats and a divan at the front of the cabin and a further twenty seats configured airline style at the aft of the cabin. Gogo Avance connectivity will power passenger connectivity keeping travellers productive and entertained in flight. Further cabin comforts include storage at the fore and aft of the cabin for small suitcases and other carry-on items, as well as additional storage for small items including briefcases, purses, and laptops in the side ledges. A forward galley and aft lavatory also feature.
Externally a new fuselage paint scheme will be applied at the Flying Colours Corp. state-of-the-art paint shop in Peterborough. Each conversion made by Flying Colours Corp. is delivered with a two-year warranty, and maintenance is performed by Flying Colours as required. The CRJ conversion work will be performed at Flying Colours’ St. Louis, MO. and Peterborough. ON. Facilities.
Eric Gillespie, Flying Colours Corp. Executive VP said, “With airline routes reduced due to Covid-19, many regional jets are now hangered by airlines which are willing to discuss sales for conversion purposes. Business aviation needs an influx of available aircraft, and the airlines are looking to sell. The regional jet conversion provides an excellent choice for owners seeking a fully customized aircraft and we have seen more inquiries in the last six months than in the last few years. We can adapt the design to specific budgets, while delivering an as new aircraft, inside and out, for a competitive fee. In a market where good aircraft are hard to find, and new production aircraft waiting times are long, conversions provide an excellent solution for operators who want to quickly access aircraft.”
Flying Colours has extensive experience in the field and has already performed more than 30 regional jet conversions, along with some 15 green CRJ 200 VIP completions. Efficient re-entry into service is supported by numerous supplemental type certificates Flying Colours holds for this type. As the industry leader in CRJ conversions, Flying Colours has delivered aircraft in every possible configuration: corporate shuttle, VIP, medevac, special mission, multi-purpose and in Flying Colours Corp.’s own VVIP ExecLiner format.
