Incentive Program Encourages Early Orders

Buy a brand new propeller-equipped Piper now... and plan ahead to move into the world of jets. That's the word from Piper Aircraft, which announced at last week's AOPA Expo 2006 the company is offering substantial incentives on purchase of its upcoming PiperJet to customers who buy a factory-new Piper 6X/6XT, Saratoga HP/TC, Seneca V, Mirage, or Meridian before December 31, 2006.

For those who purchase a factory-new Meridian between now and the end of the year, Piper will provide a $100,000 credit toward the purchase of a PiperJet. For those who buy a factory-new Piper 6X/6XT, Saratoga HP/TC, Seneca V or Mirage between now and the end of the year, Piper will provide a $50,000 credit toward the purchase of a PiperJet.

The credit will apply provided customers place their orders for the PiperJet within 12 months of their qualifying purchase.

"To date, sales of the PiperJet have been brisk, with scores of deposits already placed," said James K. Bass, President & CEO of Piper Aircraft. "We’re very pleased with the response and encourage people to sign up now."

For incentives on any aircraft other than the PiperJet, Piper will offer a credit of $50,000 toward the purchase of any factory-new Piper aircraft of greater value than those purchased by customers who buy a factory-new Piper 6X/6XT, Saratoga HP/TC, Seneca V and Mirage between now and the end of the year. The credit will apply provided customers place their orders within 24 months of their 2006 year-end purchase.

Piper representatives say the new program is in keeping with the company's long-standing practice of encouraging and helping its customers move safely through the Piper model lineup.

Priced from $2.199M (in 2006 USD with a CPI-W escalator), the PiperJet will provide unbeatable value while delivering Piper’s legendary uncompromising standards. Capable of reaching a cruising speed of 360 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 35,000 feet, the PiperJet will accommodate six passengers -– with an option for either a seventh seat or enclosable lavatory.

"The PiperJet breaks the mold in offering an unparalleled blend of performance and luxury," Bass said in making the announcement. "In designing this revolutionary aircraft, we have assembled the finest team of engineers and designers and conducted an extensive consumer research effort to ensure that the PiperJet will be second to none. In effect, every measure has been taken to make sure that the PiperJet answers what our customers have told us they want and need in a jet, because at the end of the day, it’s not about being first to market, it’s about getting it right in the first place."

The PiperJet will be sold through a new network composed of five regional sales centers. They are: PiperJet East, PiperJet Southeast, PiperJet Midwest, PiperJet Southwest and PiperJet Northwest. In all, there are 14 offices operating nationwide to address the needs of PiperJet customers

The PiperJet dealer distribution network -– developed in collaboration with Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. -– is the result of a business alliance announced by Piper and Honda in July 2006. Piper and Honda formed the business alliance to collaborate on sales and service, and to explore opportunities in engineering and other areas within general and business aviation.

Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, FL.

FMI: www.newpiper.com