Full-Scale Mockup Of VLPJ Headed For NBAA In Orlando
Stratos Aircraft has received the first deposits for its new
Stratos 714 Very Light Personal Jet (VLPJ). The announcement comes
just as they send off the full-scale cabin mock up to Orlando,
Florida to be on display for the first time at this year's NBAA
Meeting & Convention October 20th-22nd.
Mr. Verson Pandian, owner of Cascade Air Charter in Bend,
Oregon, is the first Stratos 714 buyer to take advantage of the
fully-refundable Assurance Deposit Program that was just
introduced. This innovative new program assures buyers that their
deposits will be held in escrow, and can be refunded at any time.
The Assurance Deposit Program is designed to hold deposit funds in
an interest-bearing escrow account at Wells Fargo Bank where the
funds remain secure until applied to a progress payment made after
a formal aircraft purchase agreement has been signed.
"The 714 is an impressive aircraft and is like no other on the
market today," commented Mr. Pandian of Cascade Air Charter. "The
need for speed, performance and value drew me to Stratos and
knowing that I am not at risk with my deposit made me feel like the
Stratos team really understands my perspective. I am thrilled to be
involved with this innovative aircraft design at the ground level
and plan to use the 714 in my Part 135 charter business," added Mr.
Pandian.
The Stratos 714 was first introduced last year and is the first
VLPJ designed to bridge the performance gap between VLJ aircraft
and larger business jets. The aircraft is a clean-sheet
carbon composite design, optimized to achieve a cruise speed of
more than 400 knots, for over 1500 nautical miles including NBAA
IFR reserves, with 4 people seated comfortably and ample baggage
storage.
"We are excited to come to NBAA with the Assurance Deposit
Program in full swing and to provide NBAA attendees the opportunity
to see and experience the Stratos 714's spacious cabin," remarked
Kevin Jordan, Stratos Aircraft's Chief Sales Officer.
The Stratos 714 is designed to meet the needs of a growing
number of performance-driven aviators who demand more speed and
more range in an owner-flown turbine. A leading aerodynamics
company has validated the primary performance targets of the
Stratos 714 confirming its ability to fly 4 adults with baggage
1,500 nautical miles at 400 knots, with NBAA IFR reserves.
"We saw a niche in the market that was not being met and
are focused on filling this gap with the 714," commented Stratos
Chairman Michael Lemaire. "There are many piston and turbo-prop
owners that have the need for more speed and range but also want a
more efficient jet option with low acquisition and operating costs
in these challenging economic conditions. The 714 matches this need
and is the only aircraft that will give these pilots business jet
performance in a very light jet. We are excited to bring the 714
mock-up to this year's NBAA convention, especially since there is a
focus on the light business aircraft owner. We look forward to a
great show," added Lemaire.