BAE targets Middle East private jet market

Speaking this week at the Middle East Business Aviation exhibition in Dubai, BAE sales director Andy Whelan said the jet had been chosen by three Gulf governments for their regional VIP air transport requirements, in addition to other clients who operatd the aircraft. He went on: “We intend to build on this strong position and are in detailed discussions with several customers which we hope will lead to further deals in the near future.” The most recent deliveries into the region have been to the Bahrain Defence Force, which took delivery of one in April after conversion at Inflite Engineering Limited at London-Stansted Airport. Two other BAE jets are already in service with the Force. In addition, the Dubai Air Wing accepted its first jet in the summer after conversion to executive configuration by Avmax in Calgary, Canada. A second currently under conversion for delivery later this year. The third government to have chosen the Avro Business Jet (ABJ) is Abu Dhabi. Whelan says a combination of factors is attracting buyers to the ABJ with performance, price and cabin size being key. “These unique aircraft can be acquired for regional airliner prices, which represents exceptional value for money.” Derived from its regional aircraft heritage, the aircraft has been designed to operate on its own from remote airports. There are a number of modifications available off the shelf to satisfy the corporate user such as unpaved runway kits, and forward and rear airstairs. “One ABJ has recently been flying into and out of dirt and grass airfields in Africa with elevations of 6,000 feet and runway lengths of 3000ft,” added Whelan. BAE said it has experienced an upsurge of interest in the ABJ in the past year. Recent commitments by governments, high net-worth individuals, companies and charter organisations means that there are now around 25 ABJs either in service or under conversion for this market.