India-based BJETS orders 10 Hawker Beechcraft 4000 business jets worth $330 million

Geneva, Switzerland: Hawker Beechcraft has announced 40 firm orders for its next-generation composite business jet, the Premier II at the ongoing EBACE 2008. It also said it was awaiting confirmations for another 30. The aircraft is an update of the Premier 1A, which is the first, and so far the only, all-composite business jet in certified service.

The Premier II has more power, longer range and a bigger payload than the current model. First flight of the new model is expected next April with deliveries scheduled for 2011.

Meanwhile, in a significant development, the company also announced the sale of 10 of its top-of-the-line Hawker Beechcraft 4000 models, with options for five more to India-based fractional and block charter company, BJETS. The order is valued at $330 million. Hawker says the 4000 is the the world's most advanced super-midsize business jet.

According to the company, the new order complements the previously announced existing BJETS order for the purchase of 11 Hawker 900XP and nine 850XP business jets - a total of 20 new Hawkers for their fractional fleet throughout India and Southeast Asia.

The Hawker 900XP and 850XP were derived from the world's most popular midsized business jet lineage, the Hawker 800 series.

''BJETS' new service is forging the way in fractional ownership in the Indian and Southeast Asia region. We're delighted to once again provide them the best aircraft in the industry for their private jet travel services,'' said Brad Hatt, president, commercial aircraft, at Hawker Beechcraft. ''The fact that BJETS has chosen the Hawker 4000 for their customers is a significant endorsement for the aircraft.''

BJETS is a private company that provides innovative business aviation services to corporations and high net-worth individuals in Asia. Offering their services in India and Southeast Asia, the emerging fractional and block charter company is based in Mumbai and Singapore, with a flight operations centre based in Hyderabad, India.

''There were several key factors that led to BJETS choosing the Hawker 4000,'' said Mark Baier, CEO, BJETS. ''Its advanced design, first-class performance and exceptional cabin surpassed the standards we expect for our customers. HBC's unmatched commitment to customer service and support makes them an outstanding partner as well.''

In 2007 India grew to become the third largest geographic region for sales of HBC products behind the United States and Brazil. Hawker aircraft are supported in the region by the recently-opened InterGlobe Hawker Beechcraft Authorized Service Centre in Delhi.

The Hawker 4000, a super-midsized aircraft with long-range features and benefits, has enhanced situational awareness and flight management systems backed by real-time system monitoring and status. The airplane comes standard with dual IRS (Inertial Reference System) and auto-throttle that are ideally suited for trans-continental operations. Avionics and utility systems are fully integrated, and advanced composite material construction provides for lower part count, enhanced reliability and lower life-cycle costs.