Hawker Beechcraft hit the jackpot today with a $50 million order for its Hawker 800XPR business jet by private jet membership and on-demand charter company XOJet.
The order includes seven 800XPRs to be delivered this year, with options for an additional five aircraft next year. The aircraft will include the normal upgraded Honeywell TFE731-50R engines and Hawker Beechcraft winglets that are part of the XPR package, as well as XOJet paint, interiors and Wi-Fi installations. Hawker gained US Federal Aviation Administration certification for the twinjet in August.
"For us to get that kind of backing on this program really gives us momentum on the 800XPR program," said Brian Howell, vice president of aftermarket sales and business development for Hawker Beechcraft. "The XPR really fits their mission and operating cost targets. Based on the growth of their business, it was time to take on a third model." XOJet has a fleet of Cessna Citation Xs and Bombardier Challenger 300s.
Howell says XOJet did not elect to sign up for Hawker's maintenance program for the aircraft, but that does not rule out the option later. "The order is step one of a five-step process with XOJet," says Howell. "Both sides comprehend a bigger relationship is brewing."
Source: Flight Daily News
