Livemercial aims to deliver business jet comfort at an airline operator's cost by converting small airliners to VIP configurations.
The company's aviation arm, Livejet, has brought the first of its commercial-turned-corporate aircraft to NBAA.
The modified Dornier 328Jet, which began its life in service with Skyway Airlines as a part of Midwest Connect, began flying as a corporate and private aircraft in July after completing an extensive 16-month conversion to a business jet.
The Valparaiso, Indiana-based company believes the 328Jet is ideal in this configuration, as it is able to offer a Gulfstream-sized cabin, plus an airframe built for high cycles and low downtime.
Mathis accomplished his goal with the 328Jet that he expects to fly about 500h a year, with an hourly operating cost under $2,000 per hour, compared with an estimated $4,000 per hour with the Gulfstream GIV, with a comparable size cabin.
Mathis expects that the 328Jet will fly about 500h a year, with an hourly operating cost under $2,000 per hour, compared with an estimated $4,000 per hour with a Gulfstream GIV, with a comparable size cabin.
The aircraft, originally built to carry 32 in a single-class economy class configuration, now carries just 12 in the business aircraft layout that includes a large divan and 10 recliner seats.
As an internet technology and marketing company founded in 2003, Livemercial set out to diversify its portfolio and driven by Mathis's passion for aviation.
Livemercial says the 328Jet on display at NBAA is for sale.
Brian Halaschak, president of Livemercial network, says Livejet plans to acquire and modify at least two 328Jets.
Source: Flight Daily News
