09/18/07 - spn breaks into US fractional market
Sale of 25 aircraft to PlaneSense®
Grob Aerospace announced today that PlaneSense, one of the five largest US fractional ownership programs, managed by Alpha Flying Inc., has confirmed an order for 25 spn business jets. The deal introduces the spn to a broad base of corporate and individual owners who, through PlaneSense, take a share in the fleet at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership.
The first spn light jets will join the PlaneSense fleet towards the end of 2008. Aircraft for PlaneSense will be configured with a six-passenger Executive interior designed by Porsche Design Studio, with a large galley upfront and enclosed lavatory at the rear of the cabin.
The new fleet of spn jets at PlaneSense will complement the current fleet of 30 Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and will enable a significant expansion for Alpha Flying. PlaneSense was first launched 12 years ago to offer aircraft fractional ownership with a regional focus throughout the Eastern USA.
PlaneSense President and CEO, George Antoniadis, is a graduate of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland and holds an MBA from Harvard University. After having worked for McKinsey & Company, Antoniadis founded Alpha Flying in 1992 then created the PlaneSense program in 1996.
“Looking at the expansion of PlaneSense and with owners and potential owners wishing to fly more quickly over longer distances, we determined the versatile spn best suited our needs. Its 3,000 ft balance field performance and ability to operate from unimproved airfields, coupled with its large cabin, excellent economics and business jet speed up to 41,000ft were key criteria,” acknowledged George Antoniadis.
“PlaneSense owners told us they wanted an aircraft that would shorten flight times to Florida, the Bahamas and the Midwest while opening up as a destination. Because PlaneSense share owners have become accustomed to the time savings realized by operations into smaller general aviation airports, a twin jet with short field characteristics was high on our list of priorities. The spn fulfills all of our needs!”
“We are extremely pleased to announce the first signing of a fractional ownership customer and especially proud it is PlaneSense, one of the largest and highly regarded programs in the USA,” said Grob Aerospace CEO Niall Olver. “All of us at Grob Aerospace Inc, near neighbors at , are looking forward to working with George and his team to help them prepare for a smooth service introduction next year.”
Two years’ production sold to date
Since its public debut at the Paris Air Show in 2005, Grob Aerospace has secured in excess of 70 orders – or the equivalent to two years’ production - for the spn, taking non-refundable deposits from customers in North America, Africa, Europe and the. spn customers are attracted not only by the aircraft’s ability to land on short, unpaved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, but its elegant and spacious cabin and large passenger door.
About the spn
The spn boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and one pilot, the aircraft can fly non-stop 1,800 nm (3,334 km / 2,071 mi) with NBAA IFR reserves. The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m³) – by far the largest among light business jet, as well as a large passenger door.
Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, it can operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop. At maximum takeoff weight, the spn requires just 3,000 ft (914 m).
Although the spn will be certificated for single pilot operation, all PlaneSense Program flights will be conducted with two fully qualified pilots. The aircraft will also be certified for single pilot operation and is equipped with one of the most advanced avionics suites amongst the aircraft in its class. Honeywell’s Primus Apex integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust.
Grob Aerospace – Over 35 Years of Aviation History
In business for over 35 years, Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Switzerland but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies Germany that accommodates its manufacturing and assembly facilities. Grob Aerospace established a wholly-owned subsidiary to provide a complete, world-class ownership experience to North American customers. The Grob Aerospace Inc. central base in the United States is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the site of the former 4,500-acre Pease Air Force Base, converted to commercial use in the early ‘90s. The company also maintains regional sales offices and factory-authorized service centers throughout the United States.
www.grob-aerospace.com
About PlaneSense
PlaneSense was launched in 1996 at the regional aircraft fractional ownership program focusing on the Eastern USA. Today, PlaneSense flies 30 Pilatus PC 12 aircraft under FAR 91 subpart K. This fleet will exceed 50 in 2010. In the past 12 months PlaneSense has flown over 20’000 accident free flights, up over 30% from the previous year. The number of owners in the program has grown over 25% in the same period. PlaneSense boots a very high level of customer satisfaction, manifested by a churn ratio of under 10%. Currently based at Manchester, New Hampshire, PlaneSense plans to move into its new purpose built facility at Portsmouth, New Hampshire in October this year. The welcome addition of the spn will further strengthen PlaneSense’s position as a leading aircraft fractional ownership program in the USA.
www.planesense.aero
For further information contact:
Elisabeth Palander Alison Chambers / Celia Turner
Grob Aerospace AG Emerald Media
+41 44 876 56 82 +44 1962 736600
elisabeth.palander@grob-aerospace.ch alison@emeraldmedia.co.uk
Patricia A. Reed
Alpha Flying, Inc. / PlaneSense
+1 508-420-8953
preed@alphaflying.com
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