Hopes To Announce Latest Customer At NBAA 2008

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft says interest in the Avro Business Jet (ABJ) is at an all-time high, and to continue its promotional activities the company is exhibiting at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, October 6-8.

The Regional Aircraft team led by Stewart Cordner, Deputy Vice President Sales and Marketing, is co-located with the Platform Solutions Division of the BAE Systems Electronics and Integrated Systems business on booth No 1881. Attending with Cordner will be Art Rink from Regional Aircraft’s Herndon, VA office, who will be spearheading the ABJ marketing and sales campaign in the Americas.

"Sales of the Avro Business Jet have taken off in the past 12 months driven by the combination of the aircraft’s exceptionally spacious 'walk around' cabin which offers customers a wide choice of bespoke customization opportunities, competitive pricing, operational performance, and early availability," said Cordner. "The latest news is that we have sold an additional aircraft into this market and we are hopeful of making an announcement at NBAA. We are also in detailed discussions with several other operators, which could lead to further success over the coming months."

There are now some 23 BAe 146/Avro RJs in service, or being converted for a variety of VIP/Executive roles -- some six percent of total production of the aircraft.

The latest aircraft nearing completion is the RJ70 for Bulgarian operator Hemus Air, which is the first aircraft to incorporate an interior created by leading UK design consultancy Design Q and being converted by Inflite Engineering Services at London-Stansted Airport.

"This interior has the real 'wow' factor and shows what can be achieved when a cutting edge design house works closely with an owner to identify and interpret his lifestyle into an aircraft interior," Cordner said.

BAE Systems has identified three different market sectors for the Avro Business Jet. These are for private use, for business/corporate and corporate shuttle applications and also for executive charter roles.

The Avro Business Jet is the brand name applied to both BAe 146 and Avro RJ aircraft of all variants that are in use for a variety of corporate aircraft applications.

FMI: www.regional-services.com/