Hondajet orders
Honda says it received "well over 100 individual customer orders" for the HondaJet at October's National Business Aviation Association convention, where it launched sales of the light jet at an introductory price $3.65 million, with deliveries to begin in 2010. Four Piper dealers will sell the HondaJet in the USA - Cutter Aviation, Des Moines Flying Service, Flightline Group and Intermountain Air.
A319s for boutsen
Monaco's Boutsen Aviation has ordered two A319 Airbus Corporate Jetliners for delivery to undisclosed customers in May and September 2008. The CFM56-powered aircraft will have VIP interiors based on Airbus's Prestige concept. Boutsen's website says it also has eight Embraer Phenom 100s on order for 2009-10 delivery.
Hot upgrade
General Electric has secured a launch customer for its CF34 engine modernisation programme for the Bombardier Challenger 601, which upgrades the hot section to enable operators to move from a 3,000h hard-time inspection cycle to on-condition maintenance with an average 9,000h before the first unscheduled shop visit. The upgrade lets operators join a per-hour service plan, says GE.
Off-peak savings
CitationShares has introduced a fractional scheme, Citelines, that allows owners to cut costs by flying on non-peak days and combines all management and operating costs into one annual payment. It offers 365-, 350-, 335- or 320-days-a-year availability.
Service centre
Landmark Aviation has been named an authorised service centre for the Grob SPn light jet and super mid-size Embraer Legacy 600, and is developing support for Snecma's planned Silvercrest business-jet engine. Duncan Aviation has been authorised to service the Legacy and Embraer's Phenom 100 and 300.
Source: Flight International
