Paul Derby
A Dubai businessman hopes to steal a march on the aviation industry by setting up a worldwide network of Bell Boeing 609 tilt-rotors.
Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Sheikh Mejeren bought his first 609 at the Paris Show in June - and proceeded to buy a second here yesterday.
He then dangled in front of the Bell Boeing sales team the carrot of a potential multi-purchase deal stretching into the millennium.
He is interested in buying up to 15 of the type over the next decade. His 609 purchases are the first to come from the Middle East.
Sheikh Sultan says his Petroleum Tiltrotors International (PTI) business, which is in its infancy, will provide a unique service to the onshore and offshore oil and gas sectors thanks to his involvement with the tilt-rotor.
The PTI operation will be Dubai-based, but the long-term aim is to set up service hubs globally, each served by a minimum of two 609s.
An announcement of a 50/50 partnership between PTI and a prominent Dubai government oil and gas support company in the 609 venture will be made later this week, he adds.
Citing the speed and range capabilities of the 609 as the key to his decision, Sheikh Sultan says the opportunity to invest ahead of the competition is also crucial.
"I want to take the lead with the tilt-rotor and it's important for me to be in here at the start because I intend to take a big share of this market."
The craft's ability to take off and land like a helicopter, combined with the speed of a turbo-prop, make it ideal for the oil and gas industry, says Bell Boeing.
Maximum cruise speed for the aircraft, which commands a price tag of $8-10 million, will be 275kt (500km/h).
First deliveries of the 609 are due in 2001.
Source: Flight Daily News
