CEO Boisture Cites Ongoing Economic Pressure In 'Slowing' The
Program
The news from Washington continues to be about a slow recovery,
but try telling that to the folks working on the Hawker 200 light
jet program, who with the rest of the company got some unwelcome
news from top management.
Hawker 200 Unveiled At NBAA 2010
Granted, the announcement could have been much worse. Hawker
Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture said in a letter sent to "Fellow
Hawker Beechcraft Employees" last Friday and forwarded to ANN
Tuesday that he was putting the brakes on development of the Hawker
200.
The letter reads, in its entirety:
"As you are aware, our industry is
facing one of the most challenging markets in its history. The
light jet segment has been particularly hard hit. Most
manufacturers have made difficult decisions and are hopeful for a
timely recovery. Unfortunately, economists and third-party industry
analysts agree the timing of that recovery remains
uncertain.
Our Hawker 200 light jet continues
to meet or exceed all performance objectives in the flight test
program and market acceptance has been impressive. The
aircraft’s substantially higher cruise speeds, lower fuel
consumption at high speeds, and the fact that it has the largest
cabin cross section of any light jet have made it popular among
discerning buyers.
However given the fragile, global
economic situation and its impact on the current and forecasted
light jet segment, we have determined that the prudent management
decision is to slow the pace of the completion of the Hawker 200
certification program until indicators reflect a healthier light
jet market.
It is important to note that we
are at a natural pause point in the program. Development testing is
nearly complete, the transition to certification flight testing has
begun, and we are well positioned to continue from this point when
the time is right.
The Hawker 200 is important to the
future of our company. We will take this opportunity to verify the
value proposition of the aircraft in light of additional new
technology that may be applicable to this already dominating
platform. This could result in a benefit to current order holders,
as well as future buyers.
I think it’s also important
to inform you that despite the difficult light jet market other
segments are showing some stability. As a result of those
indicators, we are increasing our turboprop and jet aircraft
production rates to meet market demand for 2012.
Thank you for your ongoing
commitment and dedication to producing the finest business,
military and special mission aircraft available.