Cobham expands fleet with RJ100s

Avro RJ and BAe 146 jetliners from BAE Systems are to provide the vital air transport links to service Chevron Australia operations in the north-west of Western Australia including the offshore Gorgon project being developed by Chevron.

The multi-billion dollar project to develop offshore gas fields is due to begin production in 2015.

In a multiple contract signing ceremony in Perth, Cobham Aviation Services Australia inked a A$170 million six-year contract with Chevron Australia to provide a regular shuttle service between Perth and Barrow Island to transport oil exploration workers to the massive project.

Supporting agreements were signed between BAE Systems Regional Aircraft and Cobham to lease two Avro RJ100s for this operation.

In addition, a long-term lease extension was signed on a BAe 146-300 which is already operated by Cobham on the route.

The first of the two RJ100s will be delivered to Cobham in early 2010 and will be configured in a 99-seat layout, introducing new levels of comfort and amenity, as well as ample baggage space, to cater to the needs of passengers travelling to and from Barrow Island.

The second RJ100 is due in 2011. Eventually Cobham will dedicate a fleet of five jets to the contract – two RJ100s and three BAe 146s.