Utah-based Spectrum Aeronautical (booth 960) revealed today that it is planning a series of distribution, maintenance and training centres across Europe and South Africa for its recently unveiled Spectrum 33 very light jet. It says it is “in talks” with several potential partners and will be looking at a venue to house a main centre providing all four services.
Although the company remains tight-lipped about the centre’s exact location, sources say a likely site would be Luxembourg, home to its European headquarters. Spectrum also plans to create several training centres throughout the region.
Spectrum’s European chief executive Dr Stefano Sturlese refuses to be drawn on whether the company has plans to develop a new aircraft model, but says “let’s just say we have a superior production process and it would not be a huge leap of imagination to develop further aircraft from that technology”. He hinted that they would make further announcements with regard to a new model later in the year.
The robust Spectrum 33 made its maiden flight in January and the company believes it will prove popular across Europe and in South Africa because of its sturdy landing gear and airframe. With a total empty weight of 1,640kg (3,620lb), range of 3,240km (1,750nm), maximum cruise of 415kt (770km/h) and ceiling of 45,000ft (13,700m), the $3.65 million jet is due to enter service in mid-2008.
The company says it has a healthy orderbook for Europe and South Africa and has revised its projections for European sales upwards in light of recent market forecasts.
Source: Flight Daily News
