Composite Bizjet Finally In Customers' Hands

It's one special delivery everyone involved were pleased to finally see come to fruition. Hawker Beechcraft announced the first delivery of its flagship Hawker 4000 super-midsized business jet Wednesday, to customers Gary and Donna Hall, one week after the composite-bodied bizjet received final certification from the FAA.

"This is not only a truly significant moment in Hawker Beechcraft’s history, but also a landmark day for general aviation as we begin delivering the world’s most advanced business jet -- our flagship Hawker 4000," said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of HBC. "We are ushering in a new era for general aviation as the Hawker 4000 is first in its class and the first in the world. I am delighted to present the first Hawker 4000 to Mr. and Mrs. Hall as they -- along with our large number of Hawker 4000 customers worldwide -- will enjoy this revolutionary aircraft and benefit from our commitment to superior customer support."

As ANN reported, the Hawker 4000 earned final type- and- production-certifications from the FAA last week, clearing the way for deliveries to commence. Those certifications came following a 10+ year development process, which included extensive re-working of the initial batch of production planes even after the FAA issued its first TC for the 4000 in 2006.

The Hawker 4000 is constructed of advanced composite material. Its fuselage features a 72-inch standup cabin with a 77.5 in. width. A flat floor runs the entire length of the aircraft, leading to a large 88.5 cubic ft. baggage area, accessible during flight through the cabin, or on the ground through an exterior door.

The aircraft’s interior is a standard eight-place configuration with fully-articulating executive seats in double club format. The standup cabin’s interior is fully customizable with a wide variety of materials and cabin finishes available.

HBC says Hall is a businessman who travels regularly between Joplin and Las Vegas. He and his wife decided to purchase their first new aircraft, a Beechjet 400A, several years ago. They have been dedicated customers ever since, purchasing a second Beechjet 400A and then a Hawker 800XP, which is their current aircraft.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com