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Post by tagron on Jan 2, 2014 9:49:56 GMT
JOTA Aviation have just announced they are recruiting type rated Captains and First Officers for BAe 146. Does anyone know what is afoot ?
Previous references to JOTA have appeared in both the Cargo and Business Aviation threads. As their operations appear to encompass both passenger and cargo charter I thought it might be appropriate to start a new thread.
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Post by Thames Gateway on Jan 2, 2014 11:24:58 GMT
Good luck to them, that will be quite a step up from King Airs. I'm sure there is still a fair bit of experience around and about the airport from previous 146 operations...
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Post by wetlanding on Jan 4, 2014 8:26:17 GMT
The old flightline BAe 146 has been on there stand for a few years now maybe this will be put back into service with them? but will need work to convert it to a freighter.
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Post by tagron on Jan 4, 2014 10:35:13 GMT
I believe the BAe146 and the RJ series are a common type rating with only differences training so it could equally be an RJ series they are planning to operate. Certainly there is no shortage of these aircraft in long term storage at various locations not just SEN. I would imagine their owners would be more than happy to achieve a sale or lease so the terms might be very favourable.
I would also guess that for JOTA to embark on this step up in the scale of their operation they must have some worthwhile contract work already lined up.
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Post by tagron on Jan 12, 2014 21:32:10 GMT
It appears to be an RJ85 according to the summary in latestpilotjobs.com, which gives the base as "south east England" and "Experience of varied commercial charter operations is advantageous."
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Post by tagron on Jan 18, 2014 10:49:12 GMT
JOTA have announced in the past week that they now have a Learjet 60 available for charter.
The photo of a Learjet on their Twitter page appears to have been taken at SEN with the Inflite hangar in the background (can anyone confirm ?) so it looks as though it has been delivered already.
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Post by tagron on Jan 23, 2014 1:26:01 GMT
JOTA are now advertising widely for cabin crew for their BAe146/RJ operation. This is the text from one such advert which I am reproducing verbatim as it gives the best idea so far of what is planned.
< As part of its continued expansion Jota Aviation invites applications from experienced Cabin Crew for our new BAe146 charter operation. With its operating base at Southend our BAe146 will be flying exclusive ad hoc charters throughout Europe with both executive standard 96-seat and VIP 50-seat interior configurations available to offer to our corporate and airline customers.
To ensure we commence operations with the highest level of service, you will be an experienced cabin crew professional who is used to providing an exceptional level of customer service and a minimum of two years experience, ideally including business and first class. You will be an excellent communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills as you will be representing Jota to our exclusive clientele. Knowledge of a second European language would be an advantage plus willingness to be part of an enthusiastic team with a flexible attitude to work.
If you believe you meet our criteria and would like to discuss the opportunities we offer, please send your CV to cabincrew@jotaaviation.com >
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Post by expressflight on Jan 24, 2014 9:53:02 GMT
That's quite a step change for JOTA and I hope they have drawn their plans carefully before launching into that market. Good news for SEN though if it works out well. It would seem it must be either an RJ100 or 146-200; I wonder if the parked Ford RJ might be coming to end of its lease period soon and be available to JOTA.
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Post by tagron on Jan 27, 2014 6:01:02 GMT
From reports published elsewhere it appears likely to be a BAe146-200, notwithstanding the mention of RJ and RJ85 in some of the recruiting adverts. It sounds like a currently operational aircraft, not one they have to recover from storage. But I do wonder how readily they will convert from 50 seat to 96 seat configuraion, and vice versa - or is there another aircraft already planned ?
I see that they have had a BAe146 Project Manager in place since October with what appears to be relevant experience including many years with BAF/British World, and whom I suspect Expressflight may know.
As regards the Ford RJ, according to G-INFO its registation status changed on 17/4/12 from Ford Motor Company (chartered) to Trident Jet Dublin (owned).
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Post by expressflight on Jan 27, 2014 8:41:40 GMT
I did hear the other day that it will be an ex Flightline 146-200 that has been in storage for some time, which doesn't really seem the best choice on the face of it when reliabilty will be a prime consideration but I'm sure they know what they are doing. Who is the Project Manager that you mention Tagron?
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Post by tagron on Jan 27, 2014 10:47:30 GMT
But am I right in thinking that the only remaining ex Flightline aircraft are the Ford aircraft and the one referred to by wetlanding, both of which are -300s. The latter aircraft, G-FLTC, according to G-INFO, was registered to E3205 Trading Ltd as owner on 5/3/09. The company title is derived from the manufacturer's serial number of the aircraft.
Now this gets interesting. The registered address of E3205 Trading Ltd is Hangar 2, Aviation Way, Southend Airport. And the registered address of Jota is.....Hangar 2 Aviation Way, Southend Airport. Coincidence ?
The Project Manager is George Burton. And I too would hold reservations about the potential reliability of aircraft brought back from long term storage.
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Post by tagron on Feb 19, 2014 10:33:54 GMT
The Learjet apparently is Irish registered, the owner or operator (not sure which) being Airlink Airways Ltd which uses the trading name of Private Sky. The Private Sky website lists its bases as London, Moscow and Shannon. Click on London and it comes up with London Southend Airport.
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Post by tagron on Mar 3, 2014 11:29:17 GMT
I am hearing that the ex-Flightline 146 referred to above has been receiving maintenance attention, including reinstallation or replacement of engines. Its last ARC expired in October 2009, and presumably it has not flown since Flightline ceased operations. I can't say for sure that this the Jota aircraft, though it looks increasingly likely.
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Post by airportman on Mar 3, 2014 13:01:59 GMT
My information is that the Bae146 concerned is Ex.GOZRH which is at Manston at the moment & the registration will be GSMLA the aircraft has been seen there all white with a Blue & Red tail and a smile painted around the lower fuselage below the nose hence the registration a suppose !
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Post by tagron on Mar 3, 2014 20:55:35 GMT
That's an interesting development because it was reported in various sources that the former G-OZRH went to Manston under US registry a year ago to become an "engine test bed", whatever that means. Certainly it was cancelled from the UK register as transferred to the USA. All rather curious and I doubt we shall find out the real story !
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