News
11/21/07 - Grob Aerospace builds on early sales success of its spn light jet in expanding Middle East market
Grob Aerospace is making its debut at the Dubai Air Show, 11-15 November, (Chalet A8) and aims to build on its early success, having secured initial orders from Middle Eastern operators for its versatile spn light jet earlier this year. At the EBACE Show in May, strategically significant orders were placed by two Abu Dhabi-based operators, Prestige Jets and Falcon Aviation Services, who committed to two and four aircraft, respectively.
The spn’s rugged field performance, combined with its generous comfortable cabin and large passenger door, impressive payload-range and economics, positions it as the ‘luxury SUV’ of the business aircraft fraternity. These characteristics are proving to be key selling points for Middle Eastern operators, the manufacturer acknowledges.
Rugged performance is driving interest
Grob Aerospace CEO, Niall Olver said, “The Middle East business aviation market has experienced exceptional recent growth of almost 20% compared to last year. We expect the spn to play an important role in satisfying the growing demand for jets that can reach airfields that others can not. The viability of light jets as a valuable business tool is becoming increasingly recognised in the region, offering operators greater flexibility”. He added: “We see the spn as a game-changer for the region. As the only Part 23 aircraft with an APU, it is the entry level ‘Light Jet’ for the Middle East, whose clientele want a cabin they can stand up in.”
Customer support for the spn in the Middle East has been further enhanced by service partner, ExecuJet’s Middle East investment in new facilities at Dubai International Airport, including a new Fixed Based Operation (FBO) which was inaugurated in February this year. ExecuJet, which is also the exclusive sales representative of the spn in the region, provides customers with a full suite of aviation services embracing aircraft maintenance, aircraft management and aircraft charter. It is also a distributor for Bombardier Business Aircraft in the region.
70 sales logged to date for spn
Grob Aerospace comes to Dubai 2007 with some 70 sales of the spn under its belt. The raft of orders received through 2007 has come from primarily corporate customers across Europe, the USA and the Middle East.
Niall Olver added: “The market is responding so well to the spn that we are exceeding our present sales targets and are confident we will meet, or exceed, our goal of delivering 400 aircraft over the next decade. Production at our facility in Tussenhausen Mattsies in Germany is gearing up to produce 40 aircraft in the first full year of production. This can easily be doubled to 80 for a modest investment.”
About the spn
The spn boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and one pilot, the aircraft can fly non-stop 1,800 nm (3,334 km / 2,071 mi). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 mł) – by far the largest among light business jet, as well as a large passenger door.
Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft (914 m) at maximum take off weight, it can operate out of fields traditionally the domain of a turboprop; even out of unimproved runways (gravel or grass).
The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation, and is equipped with an avionics suite more advanced than that of any other aircraft in its class. Honeywell’s integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust.