AROUND 3,500 NEW business jets worth $42 billion will be sold between 1995 and 2005, according to AlliedSignal's annual executive-aircraft outlook, which notes that 25 new or derivative business jets are in development.
Between 1,300 and 1,600 new turbofan-powered business aircraft are forecast to be delivered over the next five years, about two-thirds to North American users.
"Fleet growth in North America has re-started after many years of stagnation," says Bob Choulet, AlliedSignal's strategic-planning senior vice-president, who predicts that growth will continue at around 3.3% a year through to 2005.
Asia is still the fastest growth region and, although overall numbers are low, "...there will be robust fleet growth in Asia with a doubling of aircraft [to around 50] by 2005", says Choulet.
Of the total projected sales to 2005, around 1,200 are expected to be made up of light, high value, new types such as the Learjet 45 and Cessna Citation Excel and Bravo. A sales surge led by new types, including the Cessna Citation X, Israel Aircraft Industries Galaxy, Bombardier Challenger 604, Dassault Falcon 2000 and 50EX, Hawker 1000 and Learjet 60, will add another 700 sales.
Around 650 sales are also expected in AlliedSignal's medium category. This includes new types such as the Raytheon Hawker 800XP and the Astra SPX. The balance is made up by heavy types, which include the Gulfstream IV and the new Falcon 900EX.
Source: Flight International
