Last year was an important one for the business-aircraft fraternity, with several landmark events, including roll outs, first flights and certification approvals. There were also some important new-aircraft developments.
The main focus of attention during 1996 was again the large-cabin, long-haul market. Bombardier kicked off flight-testing of its Global Express in October, while Gulfstream completed certification of the GV at the end of the year and delivered the first aircraft to its completion centre. The GV will enter service with its first customers by the middle of 1997, about 12 months ahead of its Canadian rival.
Although it does not compete in the ultra-long-haul market, Cessna still has the most complete business-aircraft line-up. Product developments continued, with two new models being delivered, and flight-testing of a third progressing towards certification. The company's largest model, the high-speed Citation X, was certificated in June, and the first aircraft was delivered two months later. Meanwhile, the latest variation on the Citation II theme, the Bravo, was delivered during February 1997. Flight-testing of the Excel is also gathering momentum,
Product-line expanded
With the first Falcon 50EX having just been delivered, Dassault's Falcon family now includes four products. Dassault also completed certification and deliveries of the latest Falcon 900, the EX, in 1996.
Deliveries of the Bombardier's other new product, the Learjet 45, had been due before the end of 1996, but these have been delayed until mid-1997. Six aircraft are now in flight-test.
Sino-Swearingen began flying the enlarged -2 version of the SJ30 light business jet in late 1995, at the same time that VisionAire started to fly its novel single-turbofan Vantage. Both aircraft should be certificated by the end of 1998.
The Premier I light business jet, which is Raytheon's first new model since the amalgamation of Beech and Hawker, will have its first flight in July, while the Israel Aircraft Industries Galaxy will have its first flight towards the end of this year. Israviation's first ST-50 single-turboprop prototype is also scheduled to fly soon.
The most significant new Raytheon product of 1996 is the Hawker Horizon medium-sized twinjet. This will be the company's new Hawker 1000-sized offering from 2000. Raytheon is also thought to be planning a go-ahead announcement for the larger Premier II during 1997.
Fraction Stations
The fractional-ownership business took further strides around the world in 1996, although it is yet to prove itself outside North America. The market leader is US-based Executive Jet Aviation (EJA), with its NetJets programme.
During the year, EJA placed the largest ever single contract for the Cessna Citation, with a $600 million deal for 45 aircraft, as well as a top-up deal with Gulfstream for nine GIV-SPs and two Gulfstream Vs. Meanwhile FlexJet, the AMR Combs/Bombardier joint-venture programme, committed for two Global Expresses and 25 Learjet 45s during 1996.
In 1996, EJA launched a European arm as the second stage of its Global NetJets plan, and is examining opportunities in China and South America. Similar fractional-ownership schemes have been established in other countries.
Source: Flight International
