GLOBAL MILESTONE
Bombardier has delivered the first Global 5000 business jet to be operated by a customer in mainland China following the delivery of the super-large aircraft at Beijing-based Reignwood Group. The multinational sport, mining and property management company will use the VIP-configured aircraft to transport Reignwood golf club members between its international resorts.
RIZON MOVE
Middle East charter and management company Rizon is to centre its Gulf operations at its new Qatari headquarters where it is building a new 11,150m2 (120,000ft2) hangar and fixed-base operation at the Emirates' Doha International Airport, scheduled to open in March 2010. As part of the strategic move Rizon says it has reduce the size of its Bahrain and Sharjah offices.
FLEET EXPANSION
German operator FAI Rent-a-Jet has added a sixth Bombardier Learjet 55 to its fleet bringing the total Learjet line-up to eleven - including two Learjet 35As and three Learjet 60s. The mid-size aircraft - serial number 61 registrations D-CFAI - will be dedicated to air ambulance duties and is equipped with an additional fuel tank extending its range by up to 540km (300nm).
ORDER BOOK OPENS
Stratos Aircraft has begun accepting deposits for the Stratos 714 personal jet and has simultaneously launched an assurance deposit programme, which assures buyers that their deposits will be held in escrow, and can be refunded at any time.
RATE CUTS
Jet Republic has slashed the hourly rate for its light cabin Jet Card programme from €652 ($925) to €561 per person or €99,000 for a 25h light jet card. The Lisbon, Portugal-based company says "the reductions have been made possible because Jet Republic has been able to pass on the benefit of newly negotiated prices from its suppliers".
Source: Flight International
