Regional Air Express (RAE), based at Muenster/Osnabrueck in Germany, has successfully completed the test flights with the new five-bladed propellers of MT-Propeller in Straubing, Germany.

RAE says: "The performance improves on the old four-bladed propellers and the maintenance costs are much lower due to the new materials. A significant reduction of vibration inside the cabin now delivers jet comfort with its new five bladed propellers."

EASA certification is planned for February 2009 with certification by CAA and FAA also expected soon. RAE says it will be the first operator of the Metro to convert its whole fleet of four aircraft to the new five bladed propellers.