Besit-Air Besit
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| Founded | 1994 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced operations | 1994 | ||||||
| Ceased operations | 2001 | ||||||
| Hubs | Olbia | ||||||
| Key people | Italo Rosati chief executive | ||||||
Besit Servizi Aerei dba Air Besit is a defunct regional passenger and cargo airline based in Italy. It started as a groupage cargo airline and then entered the passenger scheduled market until flight operarations were halted in 2001.
History
Besit Servizi Aerei srl was founded in late 1980s to carry out essentially air taxi services. In 1994 relocated a branch in Olbia with the intention of transporting small groupage cargo, especially within the region. The fleet consisted of a single Cessna 421 Golden Eagle. Operations subsequently expanded to other Italian regions, and its success prompted the acquisition of larger aircraft.[1] Air Besit brand was used from early summer 1998.
The Fairchild Swearingen Metroliners entered service in early 2000. Around the same time, it was decided to launch regular passenger flights from Olbia Costa Smeralda airport to several mainland cities, especially given the increased demand for such services during the summer. Initially, a few experimental flights were conducted, followed by scheduled charter flights to Rome and Sicily.[1]
Demand seemed to be increasing further, and the company purchased two more aircraft, specifically an Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner SA-226 and an SA-227. Both aircraft, in terms of performance and internal capacity, seemed adequate to meet demand. However, the initiative's weaknesses were due to the highly seasonal nature of passenger traffic and the unpredictability of cargo flights.[1]
In 2001, flight operations ceased, and the company sought a potential buyer. This was evident in the Aeroservices of the ambitious Giuseppe Spadaccini. The SA-227s and related operations were transferred to Air Columbia, which later became TAI and finally ItAli Airlines.[1]
Fleet
Besit/Air Besit fleet consisted of the following aircraft:
| Aircraft | Total | In service | Struck off | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 421 | 1 | 1994 | 1995 | ||
| Swearingen SA-227 Metroliner III | 2 | 1998 | 2002 | operated with Air Besit brand | |
| Swearingen SA-227 Merlin | 1 | 2000 | 2002 | operated with Air Besit brand | |
| Swearingen SA-226 Metroliner IVA | 1 | 2000 | 2002 | operated with Air Besit brand |
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Pedde, N. (2007). Almanacco delle Linee Aeree Italiane 1947-2007 (in Italian). Roma: GAN. ISBN 978-88-89640-06-7.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
Further reading
- G. Endres (editor) & Air transport Intelligence, "World Airlines 2002", Flight International weekly magazine directory, Reed Business Information Ltd., U.K.
External links
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