Looking For OEM To Produce, Certify Plane

They have the design... they apparently have the market interest... now, Aerion Corp. needs someone to build its Supersonic Business Jet.

Aerion representatives told ANN Tuesday since opening the order book at the Dubai Air Show just a few weeks ago, Aerion has secured Letters of Intent for its SSBJ from customers in markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. These commitments already exceed more than $1.5 billion dollars, based on a per aircraft price tag of $80 million.

"Considering our marketing effort has barely begun, this is a tremendous validation of the aircraft's appeal," said Aerion Vice Chairman Brian Barents.

As ANN reported, Aerion elected to begin taking orders through Zurich-based ExecuJet Aviation Group in November, due to what the company termed strong customer interest and advancing discussions with potential OEM partners. The company expects to recruit an OEM manufacturing partner by 2008 which would lead to certification and service entry by 2014.

"We are well placed to help identify future prospects for this exciting supersonic jet, drawing on our geographical reach and broad client base, which embraces a 100 strong business aircraft fleet," said ExecuJet CEO Niall Olver. "Based on the homework we did prior to entering into this agreement with Aerion, we are not surprised at the number of people coming forward. This is just the tip of the iceberg."

The Aerion supersonic business jet was formally unveiled in October 2004. The SSBJ is designed to cruise at speeds up to 1.15 Mach over land without producing a boom on the ground, and at speeds up to 1.6 Mach in other areas.

FMI: www.aerioncorp.com