BAE Systems Displaying The ABJ For The First Time Next Week

The ABJ, an RJ70 delivered in late 2008 to Bulgaria Air after conversion at Inflite Engineering Services at London-Stansted Airport, will make its public debut at the Dubai Air Show next week.

The aircraft is operated on behalf of the airline's parent company, the Varna-based diversified industrial group TIM.

The aircraft is available for executive charter. This summer, it was used by the rock band "Santana" on their European tour. Heads of State are also using the ABJ and recently the ABJ flew the President of Moldova on a return flight between Kishinev and Athens. International business people are also regular users, particularly Bulgarian and Russian executives and in August a Saudi Prince charted the aircraft to fly himself and his family from Athens to Riyadh.

According to Bulgaria Air Senior Pilot Valeri Dimitrov, the ABJ has proven very popular. "Our VIP passengers really like the interior of the cabin, its high ceiling, the space inside, the finish, the capabilities of the Bang & Olufsen entertainment system, and the positioning and luxury of the sofas and seats," he said.  "We have flown our Prime Minister several times, the President of Bulgaria, many foreign dignitaries including one of the Gulf State Royal Families, not to mention our Company owners. Everybody is very impressed with the aircraft, and with the luxurious interior."

Sales of the Avro Business Jet continue to grow, with the latest being the aircraft sold to the Gill Group of the UK for its newly formed 'in house' flight department. The aircraft will be converted to a 46-seat executive shuttle configuration and will enter service in the second quarter of 2010.

Currently one ABJ is under conversion at Inflite Engineering Services. This is a late model Avro RJ100 (file photo above) which is destined for the Presidential Flight of Abu Dhabi where it will operate alongside the existing RJ70.

FMI: www.baesystems.com