Skepticism Persists

Safire Aircraft President and Chief Executive Officer Camilo Salomon told a gathering of news media at NBAA that the company is on track for first flight of the new-generation Safire Jet next summer, followed by FAA certification and deliveries in 2006.  He said the company's "realistic, low risk approach" is the key to providing the performance, comfort and utility of higher priced aircraft at a price of under $1.4 million.

Salomon made his remarks at the company's first-ever press conference, which was held at the 56th annual National Business Aviation Association gathering in Orlando this week.

"It is widely accepted that there's a significant market emerging for this type of aircraft," he said, "and based on surveys we've conducted, and other market analyses, we believe we can capture at least one-third of the market."

The Safire Jet is expected to fill the emerging requirements of owner/operators, air taxi, air charter, fractional, corporate, priority cargo, training and government/military operators world wide.

The aircraft will be powered by twin Williams International FJ33-4 turbofan engines rated at 1100 pounds of thrust each. The FJ33 is expected to be certified at 1500 pounds of thrust by the FAA well in advance of the Safire Jet first flight, "enhancing the company's ability to meet its certification goals," Salomon said.

For the certification program, Safire will build two flying prototypes plus one static test article and one fatigue test article. They will be assembled at the company's 50,000 sq. ft. development center at Opa-Locka, Florida. The site will also serve as the flight test center for the program. 

"We are taking a realistic approach in building our company," Salomon said. "We have included in our business plan a provision to grow our capability quickly should the market develop faster or larger than our expectation."

Salomon also said the company recently closed on another round of funding, further stabilizing the program well into the certification phase.

"The company holds orders for more than 300 aircraft and expects that number to increase significantly by the time deliveries begin in 2006," said Robert Stangarone, Safire's vice president, marketing and public affairs.

"We've spoken to hundreds of customers and prospects over the past several months - both owner operators and fleet operators - and virtually every one is focused on the cost of achieving jet capability as their highest priority in making a purchase decision. We believe our price point gives us a significant competitive advantage," Stangarone said.

"Not only do we have to provide the airplane, but we have to provide the infrastructure to properly support it, so we have set objectives for next year to announce a training partner, an insurance program, a financing program, a customer support program, and all the other elements necessary to provide the infrastructure that's so essential in this industry," he said.

FMI: www.safireaircraft.com