Fairchild Aerospace is hoping to clinch the first order for its Envoy 3 business jet, a derivative of its 328JET regional airliner, by the end of the month.
The long-awaited deal comes more than six months after the US company secured a 25-aircraft order from launch customer Flight Options for its larger Envoy 7. The Envoy 7, a 728JET derivative is lined up for certification and first delivery in 2002.
Although the 328JET has been certificated, the Envoy 3 has yet to gain full approval for its corporate interior. "We only have the turboprop as a demonstrator at the moment," says Fairchild. "Once we have secured this [Envoy 3] deal, we will set aside slots on the production line. We plan to secure interior certification and first delivery next year."
Sales of the $13 million Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B-powered Envoy 3 have been slow to take off, its $11.9 million 32-seat corporate shuttle stablemate simulating greater interest.
Source: Flight International
