Mark Hannant
The newest competitor in the long-range business jet market makes it regional debut at Asian Aerospace 2000.
The Galaxy intercontinental business jet flew into the show as part of its first demonstration tour of Asia and the Pacific Rim.
Having received certification in December 1998, the first Galaxy was delivered in January this year.
The demonstration aircraft on display here has s standard eight-place, long-range interior configuration. The cabin can be configured for up to 18 passengers.
Costing approximately $18 million, the Galaxy has been carefully positioned both in price and size to fill the gap between the traditional mid-size products and the large business jet category, where prices range from $22-$44 million.
Galaxy chief executive officer Brian Barents is confident there is a market for an aircraft of this category. "With approximately 2,800 mid-size jets in operation today, at an average aircraft age of 17 years, the Galaxy business jet is well positioned to meet the trade-up requirements of current mid-size aircraft operators."
Advanced wing technology, developed on Galaxy Aerospace's other aircraft the Astra, allows the business jet to hit cruise speeds of up to 470kt (870km/h). Its maximum range is 3,620nm (6,700km).
Barents says it is the only business jet available for less than $22 million that can fly Paris to New York non-stop.
And he's confident that the Asia-Pacific region offers good sales opportunities. "The Galaxy opens an all new segment in terms of range capability, cabin size and affordability. It is therefore well suited to the needs of growing companies in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as a variety of special missions and head-of-state applications."
That is reflected in the Fort Worth-based company's much higher profile at this year's show. "Two years ago, during our first appearance in Singapore, flight testing of the Galaxy had barely begun, we had only recently moved to temporary quarters in Fort Worth and our presence at the air show was rather modest. Today we are here with a significantly expanded chalet and staff, and a certified Galaxy, an outstanding new headquarters facility in Forth Worth and a strong backlog for our products."
Source: Flight Daily News
