Jets Will Be Used In European Fleet

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and NetJets Europe have reached an agreement for the purchase of 32 Hawker 4000 aircraft for NetJets’ global fractional fleet in Europe. The Hawker 4000 will be NetJets Europe’s entry-level stand-up cabin aircraft with a flight attendant for Europe.

Total value of the contract, including a maintenance agreement, exceeds $700 million, with deliveries commencing in 2008 and continuing through 2016. As Aero-News reported, NetJets Inc. also signed a contract in December 2005 for the purchase of 50 Hawker 4000 aircraft for its US fractional fleet.

"The Hawker 4000 is truly a remarkable aircraft, exceeding all expectations," said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. "The Hawker 4000 is ideal for European customers with direct flights easily achievable to Russia, North Africa, and the Middle East. Given the safety, quality and service NetJets is known for, the fact that they would choose the Hawker 4000 for their European customers is an important endorsement for the aircraft."

"Our customers in Europe have been asking us for an entry-level stand-up cabin aircraft," said Mark Booth, chairman and CEO, NetJets Europe. "The Hawker 4000’s innovative design, quiet cabin and superior performance, as well as HBC’s commitment to customer service and support, were key factors in choosing the airplane. Their Hawker facility in Chester, UK provides the professional and quality service we require to meet our customers’ expectations."

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation's UK service facility supports the entire Hawker product line. Focused on European general aviation, commercial and UK Ministry of Defense customers, the facility has expanded to become HBC's international sales and demonstration headquarters.

Customer deliveries of Hawker 4000s are slated to begin later this year. After several delays, the super-midsize business jet earned FAA type-certification last November.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com, www.netjets.com