Starfish Aviation Order Includes Freedom, Independence Jets

Spectrum Aeronautical, LLC announced this week a new fleet order for its upcoming S.33 Independence and S.40 Freedom jet aircraft. Illinois-based Starfish Aviation has ordered an undisclosed number of both aircraft, in a deal valued "in the nine-digit range," according to Spectrum president Austin Blue.

Blue noted Starfish selected Spectrum's equipment following in-depth evaluations to find the right aircraft to fit their operations. "Starfish has a program that is well suited to today's dynamic and demanding transportation marketplace," Blue said. "The Freedom and Independence will perform very effectively for them."

"The S-40 is a truly amazing aircraft," added Starfish president Ken Ross. "With capabilities and cabin comfort similar to a Citation XLS+, but with operating costs more comparable to a light jet, it will truly delight our customers."

In addition to his role at Starfish, Ross is also president of North American Jet Charter Group, an on-demand charter operator that currently operates a fleet of five Eclipse 500 aircraft, in addition to a Lear 35 and King Air turboprop. Ross serves as Chairman of the Personal Air Transport Alliance (PATA), a national alliance of air taxi operators, aircraft manufactures, contractors and vendors.

Like North American, Starfish will be based at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in Wheeling, IL.

Spectrum Aeronautical has operations in Spanish Fork, UT and in Carlsbad, CA. The privately-held company is developing the eight-place Freedom S.40 midsized jet, scheduled for certification in late 2009, and also the seven-place Independence S.33, for which the company targets certification sometime in 2010.

FMI: www.starfish.aero, www.spectrum.aero