25 Orders & Options; Currently Flies PC-12s

New Hampshire-based fractional ownership program PlaneSense tells ANN it plans to add the Grob spn light twin jet to its current fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops in 2008. Alpha Flying, which operates the fractional program, recently placed 25 firm orders and options for the spn.

"As we looked at the future of PlaneSense," said company founder George Antoniadis, "we understood that some of existing and potential owners want to move up to an aircraft that could cover distance more quickly. While our owners are completely satisfied with the cost savings of the PC-12, the need surfaced to add an aircraft that could shorten flight times to Florida, the Bahamas and the Midwest, while opening up Bermuda as a destination.

"Since PlaneSense share owners have grown accustomed to the time savings realized by operations into smaller general aviation airports, we needed an aircraft that would be the 'PC-12 of the jets,' Antoniadis adds. "The Grob spn fits that bill exactly, with its large, comfortable cabin, 3000-foot balanced field performance, ability to operate from unimproved strips, comparatively inexpensive operating costs, and business jet speed up to 41,000 feet."

The composite-bodied Grob spn is expected to deliver lower operating costs than any other business jet in its class. It is powered by two Williams FJ44-3A turbofan engines, with a projected maximum cruise speed of 415 kts and NBAA-IFR range of 1,800 nm. The spn is also the first light business jet to fly with the enhanced Honeywell Primus Apex integrated avionics system in an ergonomic, Porsche-designed all-glass cockpit environment that reduces pilot workload.

The PlaneSense configuration offers six-passenger executive seating with an enclosed rear lavatory and a comfortable galley in the front. Passengers may enjoy the spn's windows, the largest of all light jets.

The spn is slated to begin service in the PlaneSense fractional ownership fleet soon after the company expects to receive FAA certification, sometime in mid-2008. "We expect to see a more versatile PlaneSense with the addition of the spn, and a continuing steady growth in the PC-12 fleet," Antoniadis says.

Pricing and program details to be announced in the near future.

FMI: www.planesense.aero