Arrow Stage Lines has expanded its fleet to include three new, more compact 2019 MCI J3500 coaches. Arrow, based in Omaha, Neb., is one of the Top 10 charter and tour operators in the U.S. and was among the first to place an order for the smaller coach.

The new model is derived from the larger J4500 coach and rounds out the new MCI J-Series family. It runs 35 feet in length with a 33-foot turning radius, offering top maneuverability with added space efficiency.

“Our customers enjoy these new 35-foot MCI models,” Alex Busskohl, Arrow’s Corporate Operations and Marketing Specialist and fourth-generation leadership of this family run business. “They make the same luxury, top-of-the-line coach statement as our J4500s. And we’re very glad MCI now offers a smaller size coach.”

The new J3500 features best-in-class legroom and baggage capacity. Arrow ordered its new J3500 coaches with 40-seat passenger capacity for additional legroom. The model also comes in a standard 42- or maximum 44-seat configuration — with leatherette seating by Amaya and MCI’s optional variable lighting package that allows operators to customize the interior look of its coaches to suit clients’ brands and preferences. 

Arrow has already rolled out the new compact coaches as part of its 250-coach fleet which includes 102 MCI J4500s and a total of 15 35-foot coach models including those from other manufacturers.

The company works to track and analyze its data to improve overall operation and marketing. Busskohl adds that fuel efficiency is an important metric as fuel is the largest operational expense in a fleet Arrow’s size. Noting, that the J3500 is making important strides in fuel efficiency.

Arrow continues to expand, currently, it operates 12 facilities. It also just won a shuttle contract with Arizona State University requiring 25 coaches and launched Arrow Nationwide Ground Logistics.