Dubai debutant Nextant Aerospace is confident of securing its first Middle East customer for the 400XTi conversion programme by the MEBA show next December.
The Cleveland, Ohio-based firm was launched three years ago to offer a remanufactured version of the out-of-production Beechjet 400A/XPs with new Williams FJ44-3AP engines and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics. “We effectively zero time the aircraft,” says president
Sean McGeough.
Nextant has sold 36 aircraft – 20% of the in-service 400A/XP fleet – “not bad in a market segment that has been challenged”, he says. The programme recently secured a 50-aircraft order from US charter broker TMC.
Despite the small number of Beechjet 400s in service in the Middle East, McGeough believes the aircraft’s $5 million price makes it a compelling option for those who want a business jet on a budget. The aircraft’s 2,003nm (3,710 km) range will see it reach New Delhi or Athens from Dubai.
“With continuous growth in trade and GDP, Middle Eastern governments and business leaders are looking for more time-efficient and cost-effective travel options,” he says.
Nextant is also showing at its chalet a model of the General Electric H80 engine that will power its latest offering, the G90XT, a remanufactured version of the King Air which it is offering in partnership with GE and Garmin, provider of the 1000 avionics suite. Launched at October’s NBAA business aviation show in Las Vegas, McGeough says deliveries are “less than a year away”.
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Source: Flight Daily News
