BNJ Charter could start this year as ShareJet plans BBJ operation in Asia
NetJets is expected to begin proving flights of the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) around the US by the end of this month as a prelude to the potential start of charter operations later this year.
Boeing says the go-ahead for charter flights will "depend on what the demand is", adding that two BBJs currently in completion at Lufthansa Technik will be candidates for the operation.
Boeing and NetJets hatched the joint charter venture to offset poor sales of shares in the NetJets BBJ fleet, five of which are currently available.
To date, NetJets has sold only a single one-eighth share worth $6.1 million.
"It's a lot less than we anticipated, but we are still very committed," says Boeing. Details of the operation, designated BNJ Charter, were revealed recently when the US Department of Transportation tentatively approved the application to start Part 135 operations (Flight International, 27 August-2 September).
Plans for operations of a further BBJ have emerged in Asia, where Japan-based aviation sales company Nissho Iwai and Guam-based ACI Pacific (ACIP) have teamed to operate a US-registered aircraft in the region under the brand ShareJet. ShareJet plans to lease the first BBJ and could offer services by the end of November.
Boeing, which has delivered 72 BBJs (52 in service), is also studying improvements, including a lower cabin altitude of 6,500ft (1,980m) instead of the standard 8,000ft. The aircraft will be FANS-1 navigation capable by March.
Airbus, meanwhile, still expects to deliver between six and eight Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJs) a year despite the downturn.
Source: Flight International
