GULFSTREAM MILESTONE
Gulfstream has rolled out its 200th G550/G500 business aircraft since the large-cabin types were launched in September 2002. The first G550 was delivered a year later and the G500 in May 2004. The G550/500 fleet totals 172 aircraft and recently exceeded 200,000 flying hours.
NORTHERN LIGHT JET
Bombardier has delivered the 100th Learjet 40XR light business jet to Grand Rapids, Michigan-based operator Northern Jet Management. The aircraft will join three more 40XRs and one superlight 45XR in Northern Jet's shared ownership programme.
BRAZIL BUYS E-190S
Embraer has sold two 190 airliners to the Brazilian government. The VIP-configured aircraft will be used to transport the country's president and senior government officials and will be operated by the Special Transportation Group of the Brazilian air force.
CONTRACT LANDING
Canada's Héroux-Devtek has been selected by Bombardier to supply the landing gear for the new Learjet 85 business jet. Under the terms of the agreement, Héroux-Devtek will design, develop, fabricate, assemble, test and deliver landing gear structure and actuation for the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B-powered mid-size business jet, the first all-composite aircraft to be built by a major manufacturer.
AIRSHARES ACQUISITION
Airshares Elite which operates a fleet of managed Cirrus SR22 G3 piston singles has acquired "exclusive" aero club iFly. The purchase will extend Airshares Elite's penetration in the southern California market while greatly expanding the network of iFly's Los Angeles and San Diego-area members, says Airshares Elite, which will replace the IFly Cessna 350s, formerly Columbia 350s, with the SR22.
ONE CONTRACT
One Charter has clinched its first management contract from an owner of an Eclipse 500 very light jet. The aircraft will be operated on a private basis until it receives European certification for commercial operations, says the Fairoaks, southern England-based company.
Source: Flight International