FLEXIBLE JETS
Bombardier Flexjet has launched a block charter card called Flexjet 25, which is designed to offer travel-by-the-hour on Learjet 45, 60 and Challenger 604 business jets in 25h, 30h and 35h chunks. The Flexjet 25 card is available in four price levels for each aircraft type based on a preset number of travel days a year. Flexjet continues to offer its standard 25h card, launched in 2003 with Delta Air Elite, which is also a Flexjet 25 operating partner.
OFFSHORE ORDER
Bond Offshore Helicopters has ordered two Eurocopter EC225 Super Pumas, with an option to acquire three more of the type as it prepares to expand its offshore operation in the North Sea and internationally. The privately owned UK-based company is due to take delivery of the first two helicopters in the second quarter of 2008, swelling its Super Puma fleet, which includes seven earlier AS332L Mark II models, to nine aircraft.
PRODUCTION BOOST
EADS Socata is increasing production of the single-turboprop TBM 850 to accommodate a record order backlog of more than 50 aircraft. The company will deliver 42 aircraft this year and has 32 orders already in hand for 2007.
SKYWATCH SELECTED
L-3 Avionics Systems SkyWatch HP collision-avoidance system and Stormscope WX-500 lightning sensor have been selected by Garmin and Executive Beechcraft for their King Air upgrade with G1000 integrated flightdeck.
MAVERICK JETS
Maverick Jet is planning to develop two jet-powered aircraft. They are the $1.25 million certificated Solo Jet, which is expected to fly at 472kt (875km/h) at 31,000ft (9,500m) and the twin-engined experimental SmartJet, which will have a maximum speed of 290kt at 22,000ft and be priced at around $900,000.
LOCKER APPROVAL
Raisbeck Engineering has certificated an enlarged nacelle wing locker for the Beechcraft King Air family, capable of carrying 270kg (600lb) of cargo.
Source: Flight International
