The journey from San Antonio, Texas was carried out at an average speed of 476kt. The flight marked a record distance for any aircraft under 20,000lb gross weight in a 24-hour period. Including fuel stops, the trip took 20hr.
It was piloted by Action Aviation chairman Hamish Harding, who says: “The aircraft handled beautifully throughout the long flights. It was a joy to fly, and the fact that the SJ30 has a sea level cabin all the way up to 41,000ft meant we were not as tired from the effects of jet lag as we would have been in any other business jet. Also, with a maximum ceiling of 49,000ft the SJ30 can get above most en-route weather or headwinds.”
The SJ30 has had its fair share of trouble and delays, but with new investment from Action Aviation production funding has been secured. Action Aviation has 159 of the type on order. Key to the jet’s speed is its fighter-like 32 degree wing sweep.
“The Middle East is a strong territory for the SJ30. The aircraft represents great value for money at its $7 million price tag for a 2,500nm and 486kt aircraft. There is really nothing else out there in the marketplace today that offers this capability in a light jet,” says managing director Mike Creed.
“Routes like Dubai to Moscow, Dubai to the Seychelles, and Dubai to anywhere in India are all possible with the SJ30. Single-pilot certificated, it boasts a comfortable cabin with seats that recline to form a fully flat double bed.”
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Source: Flight Daily News
