BA returns to fray at City Airport with 11 jets

British Airways took the dogfight over East London to new levels today after it announced the £240 million acquisition of 11 new state-of-the-art jets for City Airport.

After arch-rival Air France became the biggest operator at the Docklands terminal by buying VLM, the British flag carrier - a late convert to London City - is fighting back.

BA said it is buying six 86-seater Embraer 170s and five Embraer 190s capable of carrying up to 100 passengers.

The aircraft made by the Brazilian specialist jetmaker Embraer have become known as E-jets, among the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world.

The new aircraft are to replace ageing British Aerospace-made Avro RJ aircraft.

The Embraer 170 is reckoned to be 56% more fuel-efficient, while a revolutionary fuselage design means passengers can be housed four abreast.

The aircraft will be flown on routes to Scotland, Ireland and Europe.

"This significant investment in new aircraft further demonstrates BA's commitment to services into and out of London City for our customers," said Peter Simpson of BA's CityFlyer operation.

BA exited the regional jet business for the most part last year, offloading its heavy loss-making operation to FlyBe.