Hawker Beechcraft announced a massive order for 32 Hawker 4000 aircraft to NetJets’ global fractional fleet in Europe earlier this afternoon. This is the first sale of the former Hawker Horizon in Europe.
The Hawker 4000 will be NetJets Europe’s entry-level stand-up cabin aircraft with a flight attendant. Total value of the contract, including a maintenance agreement, exceeds $700 million, with deliveries starting in 2008 and continuing through 2016.
The US-arm of NetJets Inc also signed a contract in December 2005 for the purchase of 50 Hawker 4000 aircraft for its US fractional fleet.
“The Hawker 4000 is a remarkable aircraft, exceeding all expectations,” says Brad Hatt, Hawker Beechcraft’s president, commercial aircraft. “The aircraft was designed with fractional ownership in mind. It is ideal for European customers with direct flights easily achievable to Russia, North Africa, and the Middle East. Given the safety, quality and service NetJets is known for, the fact that they would choose the Hawker 4000 for their European customers is an important endorsement for the aircraft.”
Speaking at the show, Mark Booth, NetJets Europe chairman and chief executive, said: “Our customers have been asking us for an entry-level stand-up cabin aircraft. The Hawker 4000’s innovative design, quiet cabin and superior performance, as well as HBC’s commitment to customer service and support, were key factors in choosing the airplane. Their Hawker facility in Chester, UK provides the professional and quality service we require to meet our customers’ expectations.”
On display from Hawker will be a Hawker 4000, Hawker 850XP, Hawker 400XP and a pre-owned Hawker 1000. On the Beechcraft side, the exhibit will include a Beechcraft King Air 350, King Air C90GT and Baron G58.
Constructed of advanced composite material, the Hawker 4000 fuselage features a 1.83m (6ft) stand-up cabin with a 1-96m width. A flat floor runs the length of the aircraft, leading to a large baggage area. The baggage compartment is accessible on the ground through an exterior door or during flight through the cabin. An eight-place interior configuration is standard with fully-articulating executive seats in double club format.
Customer deliveries of Hawker 4000s will begin later this year. Flight testing of natural icing encounters is now complete. Serial number seven is in paint and will be transitioning to Little Rock for interior completion and delivery preparation by late May. Serial number 18 is in fuselage mate and serial number 23 is just starting on the production line.
NetJets Europe is the largest operator of Hawker Beechcraft types on the continent with a fleet of 53 aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
