Cityjet

CityJet Airlines (ICAO: BCY) is an Irish regional airline that has evolved its business model significantly since its founding. Initially offering scheduled passenger services, the airline now primarily operates as a "wet-lease" provider for other major European airlines.

CityJet was established in 1992 as Business City Direct, commencing operations in January 1994 with flights between Dublin and London City Airport under a franchise agreement with Virgin Atlantic Airways. Over the years, it underwent several ownership changes, including a period under Air France, before being re-acquired by its original founder, Pat Byrne, and other investors in 2016. In October 2023, CityJet merged with Air Nostrum, forming the Strategic Alliance of Regional Airlines (SARA), where CityJet holds a 20% interest. Since 2018, CityJet has ceased operating scheduled flights under its own brand, focusing instead on providing aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI - wet-lease) services to other airlines.

The airline's headquarters are located in Swords, Dublin, Ireland. While London City Airport was a key operational base during its scheduled service era, its main operational hubs for current wet-lease contracts include Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, particularly for its services on behalf of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). CityJet's fleet is transitioning to a single type, consisting mainly of Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, with approximately 18-20 in active service, each designed to seat 88/90 passengers. It also operates some CRJ1000 jets. Historically, the fleet included BAE146/Avro RJ85s, Fokker 50s, Saab 2000s, and Sukhoi Superjet 100s.

Given its current wet-lease business model, CityJet's route network is determined by its client airlines, which include Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa. Its operations are therefore regional, primarily across Europe, fulfilling the schedules of its customer airlines. CityJet is not a member of major global airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld, but it is part of the Strategic Alliance of Regional Airlines (SARA) formed through its merger with Air Nostrum. When CityJet operated its own scheduled flights, it offered Economy and Business Class, later transitioning to a "CityPlus" premium economy product, providing amenities such as complimentary snacks and drinks.