This is one in an ongoing series of articles on Winglets that will summarize past airlines and other operators of CRJ aircraft that are no longer in existence.
British European Airlines
- IATA Code: BE
- ICAO Code: BEE
- Callsign: JERSEY
- Originally Jersey European
- Renamed FlyBE in late 2002
- Number of CRJs Operated: 4
British European CRJ Routes
Jersey European was formed in 1979 and introduced its first jet, the BAe146 in 1993 on routes from London to Belfast City and the Channel Islands. The airline won several awards including Best UK Regional Airline. In 1999, the airline purchased the CRJ and Dash 8 and changed its name to British European in June 2000. The airline’s name was shortened to Flybe in July 2002. Four CRJs were ordered in 1999 and entered the fleet in 2000 and operated on a limited number of routes. When the airline’s name was changed, a decision was made to rationalize the fleet and remove all types except for the Dash 8s which continue to operate with the airline. For a short period of time, the CRJs operated in Air France colours with small British European titles. Upon the retirement of the CRJs, a deal was struck with JetKonnect of India which took all four CRJs.
Airports Served By CRJs
- BHD – Belfast City Airport, United Kingdom
- LBA – Leeds-Bradford, United Kingdom
- BHX – Birmingham, United Kingdom
- BRU – Brussels, Belgium
- NCL – Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- EDI – Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- CRJs were also used as standby aircraft or flew extra sections
CRJ Fleet
British European operated a total of four Canadair Regional Jets in its fleet. All aircraft were delivered new from Bombardier and all examples were taken on by JetKonnect of India when they left the fleet:
MSN 7345 G-JECA (To VT-SAQ) CRJ-200ER
MSN 7393 G-JECB (To VT-SAR) CRJ-200ER
MSN 7434 G-JECC (To VT-SAS) CRJ-200ER
MSN 7469 G-JECD (To VT-SAU) CRJ-200ER
British European CRJ-200ER MSN 7393 G-JECB
(Photo by: Steve White)
British European CRJ in Air France Colours
CRJ-200ER MSN 7345 G-JECA
(Photo By: Ken Meegan)
