EBACE Show News - May 20, 2008 - (Page 14) EBACE 2008 Jet Deliveries Up 40% in Quarter, Says GAMA, But U.S. Pistons Soften Deliveries of new business jets rose 40.8% in the first quarter, reports the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, continuing a trend to likely result in another record year for business jet shipments and billings. Manufacturers delivered 297 new business jets in the first three months of 2008, compared with 211 in the same period last year. During all of 2007, manufacturers delivered 1,138 business jets, a 28.4% increase over the 886 shipped in 2006. With nearly 300 business jets delivered in the first quarter, a new record this year seems well within reach, particularly since manufacturers are experiencing multi-year order backlogs and many are attempting to ramp up production rates to meet customer demand. Total industry billings for the quarter were up 16.1% to $5.3 billion, “an all-time high for the first quarter,” GAMA said, driven by the big boost in jet deliveries. Despite the strong showing by the business jet segment, GAMA said first-quarter shipments overall were down 7.5%—from 844 last year to 781 in the quarter just ended—because of slowing sales of pistonpowered aircraft. Piston deliveries fell from 554 a year ago to 399 in the most recent period, a 28% decrease. Shipments of turboprop models were up slightly, from 79 to 85. “It is apparent…that current uncertainty in the U.S. economy is having an effect on some of the offerings in the piston spectrum of aircraft,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. He noted that 67% of piston-powered aircraft deliveries in 2007 were to the North American market, “making this segment the most susceptible to softness in the U.S. economy.” But he added that as international markets continue to expand, “we see more capability to insulate manufacturers from the economic dynamics of any one specific region.” Despite slowing piston sales, Bunce said the first quarter’s overall industry billings “remain impressive. The trend of increasing market share occurring outside of North America continues for most manufacturers.” —David Collogan Two AW109 Powers Delivered to Turkey Kaan Havacilik of Turkey recently took delivery of its first two AgustaWestland AW109 Power helicopters. The helicopters are configured with six-seat and exclusive five-seat Elite VIP/ corporate transport interiors. The six-seater will be operated by leading Turkish oil, shipping and construction company Halikarnas. AgustaWestland (Booth 7550) has experienced significant growth in the Turkish commercial helicopter market in recent years and has a longstanding presence in the country through its products and its commercial and industrial relationships with Turkish companies. Cirrus Group Snags 328Jet VIP Upgrade 328 Support Services GmbH has secured a VIP conversion contract for a Dornier 328 with Germany’s Cirrus Group. Work starts this month at 328 Support’s Oberpfaffenhofen, Munich, facilities, with completion scheduled for the end of August. The airplane’s 32-seat passenger cabin will be transformed into a 12-seat VIP layout with DeCrane seats, a new large galley, individual TV monitors to all VIP seats, onboard satphone and a large toilet area with dressing room. “We are delighted to be working with the Cirrus Group, one of the 328’s largest European customers,” said Ray Mosses, 328 Support Services’ newly promoted head of sales. AAC Delivers 10th Luxury ACJ Dallas Love Field-based Associated Air Center has delivered its 10th Airbus ACJ completed with a luxury interior. The airplane is also the first FAA-registered, U.S.-based ACJ. “We developed this luxury aircraft from design to completion,” said AAC evp Patrick Altuna. “The VIP interior is a contemporary design, with a color scheme of blues, browns, creams and other rich shades that are similar to the customer’s personal DC-9.” The aircraft features exotic, hand-polished wood veneers, plush seating and carpeting, dining and lounge areas, a spacious master bedroom and master lavatory with shower and storage closets. Mid-Continent Hardens Electronics With new FAA requirements for flight critical electronic instruments now in place, Mid-Continent Instruments has responded with updated certifications on three popular products. Its 4200 series two-inch attitude indicator, 4300 series Lifesaver three-inch attitude indicator and MD420 emergency power supply all have received FAA approval for higher levels of HIRF and lightning protection. The FAA set new requirements in response to the potential vulnerability of aircraft electrical systems against the increasing use of high-power radio frequency transmitters. AMAC Bizav Site for EuroPort Basel Newly founded specialist business aircraft maintenance and outfitting company AMAC Aerospace Switzerland AG (Booth 651) has acquired a 35-year concession for a 450,000-sq-ft site at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg to build three hangars with integrated workshops and offices in the new south zone. The largest hangar, scheduled for completion in 2009, will accommodate widebody airliners, while the other two will be able to accommodate Airbus ACJs and Boeing BBJs. When the development and extension work is complete, the company plans to begin operations this fall. Gulf Coast Installs Aspen EFD1000 Pro Gulf Coast Avionics of Lakeland, Florida, has completed one of the first installations of an Aspen EFD1000 Pro panel-mounted glass cockpit primary flight display. The installation was made in Gulf Coast president Rick Garcia’s own Piper Seneca II. In making the announcement, Garcia said, “We are pleased to have been able to make one of the very early installations of this exciting product in a certified general aviation aircraft. It is a truly innovative and affordable product that brings a new level of technology, electronic flight information and situational awareness to general aviation pilots. 14 May 20, 2008 www.aviationweek.com/shownews http://www.aviationweek.com/shownews
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