North American general aviation fractional ownership company OurPlane has narrowed its choice of very light jet to the Diamond Aircraft D-Jet and Eclipse 500, both scheduled for certification in 2006. A decision will be made in the next couple of months, says the London, Ontario-based company, leading to a potential order for up to 15 aircraft.
The strategy coincides with a $4 million deal between OurPlane and Cirrus Design for 10 SR22-G2 high-performance, four-seat piston singles, bringing the operator's total fleet to 25 aircraft.
"We have established ourselves as the pioneer of general aviation fractional ownership with 120 customers and 15 aircraft so far," says OurPlane chief executive Graham Casson. "Our aim now is to apply this success to the very light jet market."
Casson suggests the addition of very light jets will provide a move-up option for existing customers and widen the programme to non-pilot owners and small businesses that travel extensively.
Deliveries of the SR22-G2s will begin at the end of May. The aircraft will be distributed among OurPlane's bases in Canada and the USA . "We have eight locations and plan to add four more US bases this year," Casson says, with Dallas, Texas joining this month. The company also plans to launch a similar operation in Australia in 2006-7, Casson says.
Source: Flight International
