Diamond Aircraft Is In The Running

Just as OurPlane recently closed on a $4-million US deal to buy 10 more Cirrus SR22-G2 high-performance general aviation airplanes, its owner is already looking toward adding light jets to his growing fleet of aircraft. OurPlane Chief executive Graham Casson has hinted Diamond Aircraft is in the running for that high-value order.

"We are discussing with major manufacturers orders for a new light jet," Casson told the London Free Press. "We will be making a commitment to buy this year, likely sooner rather than later. I am very excited about the Diamond aircraft. If they can deliver on their promises it will be a tremendous product."

John Gauch, vice-president sales and marketing for Diamond, is confident it can deliver on those promises. The company's D-Jet is undergoing preparation for its first rounds of test flights, scheduled to begin later this year.

"We have had discussions with Graham and, hopefully, look forward to doing business with him," Gauch said. "We know we can deliver, but we have to prove it to the world. With these light jets coming in, it is proof of the common-sense revolution now going on for business pilots. They can get a new, advanced airplane for a fraction of the price. It makes business travel economical."

While Diamond seems to be on the top of OurPlane's list, the fractional operator is also reviewing the line of Cessna and Eclipse jets and expects an announcement within two months.

For now, Casson and his team will concentrate on positioning the recently acquired group of Cirrus SR22 G2s, which will be sent to nine locations, including Houston, which opened in January, and Dallas which opens next month. OurPlane has 11 offices across North America, including Toronto, Brampton, Calgary, Vancouver, New York, California, Texas and Connecticut. After this order, it will have 25 aircraft for its 100 customers.

“OurPLANE’s growth has been outstanding, this is our first of many large aircraft orders”, says Chuck Lerman, Vice President Sales. “The Cirrus aircraft are in high demand with customers looking for the great new comfort and luxury of the new glass panel avionics. All our fractional owners are proof positive that OurPLANE fractional ownership works well”.

OurPlane, which has 10 full-time staff with Casson working out of his London home office, posted sales growth of about 150 percent over 2002. That same year, the company was ranked 16th on Profit Magazine's list of 50 fastest-growing companies in Canada, posting sales of $1.2 million over 2001.

FMI: www.ourplane.com