Project Phoenix has revealed its initial customers for the ‘CRJ-Phoenix’ – Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft that will be converted into VIP-configured regional jets seating 12-19 passengers.
The company says Dubai-based private equity firm Opus Capital has committed to two CRJ-Phoenix airliner conversions, with deliverers scheduled for September and November of next year for operation by ExecuJet Middle East. One aircraft will fly charters out of Dubai International Business Aviation Terminal.
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© BombardierThe Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft |
During the Dubai Air Show, where Ontario-based Project Phoenix, officially launched its conversion program, Kanyan Capital chairman, Asia and the Middle East Karthik Narayan signed letters of intent (LOIs) for the aircraft on behalf of Opus.
Another LOI was inked at the show by Ritz Pacific for Asian private jet operator.
“We had a terrific week at the Dubai Show. There is clearly a lot of interest in this program, especially from the buoyant Middle East market,” says Project Phoenix president Mike Cappuccitti.
A consortium made up partly of businesses run by former Bombardier executives, Project Phoenix aims to capitalize on demand for long-range business jets for which customers might otherwise have to wait years in order to obtain a delivery slot.
Together with its Montreal, Canada-based partner Aerospace Concepts, the company pledges to retrofit a CRJ200 - fitting long range fuel tanks if so required - within eight months. The cost per unit “will be ballpark $17.9 million for a baseline specification aircraft”, says Project Phoenix.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
