By Rebecca Rayko,
AWN Editor

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Embraer ERJ-145 launch customer Continental Express ordered 11 more of the 50-passenger regional jets at RAA 2000. The orders are converted options previously announced by the carrier.

CoEx is continuing its refleeting program in order to grow service from its Houston, Newark and Cleveland hubs. The airline intends to go all-jet in a few years' time, and has taken delivery of 61 ERJ-145s to date.

CoEx has ordered 161 ERJ-145s and 50 ERJ-135s. It holds options on another 39 ERJ-145s and 25 ERJ-135s.

Fairchild's launch customer for the 348JET, Skyway Airlines, announced a follow-on order for five additional 328JETs, five 428JETs, plus options for three 328JETs.

The $165 million-plus order for the Midwest Express Connection carrier includes option conversions for the 428JET.

Skyway currently operates five 328JETs, and the additional 32-seaters will arrive beginning next year. The 428JETs will begin delivery in 2003.

Fairchild also had some success with its Metro line.

Alta Flights bought nine used Metro 23s from Fairchild Aerospace, it was announced last week at RAA 2000. The Canadian charter operator and lessor plans to lease the 19-seaters, which were previously operated by Chinese regional Hainan Airlines. Hainan recently traded in the Metro 23s in favor of the 328JET.

Another leasing deal came from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. Corporate Airlines, a Tennessee-based commuter, leased five 19-passenger Jetstream 32Eps. The aircraft will be based in St Louis and operate as Trans World Express.