Geoff Thomas/DUBAI
One of the stars of the air display at Dubai 2000 has undoubtedly been the Czech-produced Ayres 7000 Regional Aircraft (née LET L-610) and yesterday at the show the manufacturer announced its first two sales.
The two aircraft - including the one in the display - have been sold for $17 million to African commuter airline City Connexion which is based in Burundi.
The twin-engined turboprop passenger aircraft, which is powered by two GE CT-7Ds, will be delivered in the first quarter of next year and will be used on routes between Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.
The deal was signed between Neil Robertson, chief executive of City Connexion, and Reinhardt Heyer, director of the Lugano-based Airlines Partners, which has the exclusive worldwide sales and marketing rights for the Ayres 7000.
Says Robertson: "I was visiting the show for the first time and had no intention of buying any aircraft. However, when I saw the Ayres 7000, I decided immediately to order two.
"We already operate four LET 410s plus 13 earlier aircraft from the same manufacturers and as we're so happy with them we've decided to upgrade within the family.
"With its 44 seats, the Ayres 7000 gives us increased capacity and with top grade Western avionics (a modern five tube EFIS-based Rockwell Collins suite) it meets our stringent standards. We may even operate them in 'combi' configuration with around 20 passengers and the remainder freight."
The Ayres 7000 is also in the running for two European military deals. Airline Partners has approached both the Swiss and German armies which have a requirement for 20 and 60 aircraft in this class over the next few years.
Source: Flight Daily News