Poste Italiane test flight at Shannon

Shanair

One of seven former Greek operated Boeing 737's at Shannon did a test flight today after maint & paint with Shannon Aerospace. Previously flown by Aegean as SX-BGV it has been painted in the smart new Poste Italiane colours. The test flight took it out off the west coast for two hours. It will be operated for Poste Italiane by Mistral Air and will have Irish registration EI-ELZ.

Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/shanair/

Plowman

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Shanair

Many aircraft on lease to Italian carriers are flown on the Irish register even with Alitalia. Mistral Air currently operate 3 x B737-300's and 2 x ATR42's on the Irish register. I am not sure of the exact reason but I believe is tied up with legal reasons that protect the acess of of leasing companies to their aircraft in the event of lease default. Maybe someone else can clarify more exactly.

Su Campu

Meridiana (Sardinian airline of the Aga Khan) also have a lot of EI-reg planes.

Shanair

There are also two ex Chinese B737-36N's on maintenance with Air Atlanta that were painted in Air Italy colours at Shannon by Eirtech Aviation and have US registrations taped on but will be delivered as EI-IGR & IGS. One did a test flight on Saturday - see pic at the link below

Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/shanair/

Plowman

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Shanair

As does Avia Nova - Aeroflot used to also as did KD Avia till they went bust. Most western airliners in use with Russian carriers are not registered in Russia but have VP/VQ- marks.