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Business JetS Unveiled & Displayed At The Convention

NBAA 2010 reveals that the tide is turning, new aircrafts, surprise announcements and a general air of optimism made last years convention one of the best for years………

As Gulfstream new flagship, the G650, powered its way through the 700-hour flight test mark en route to FAA certification this year, archrival in the heavy corporate jet field, Bombardier, took the wraps off two new ultra-long range aircraft, the Global 7000 and Global 8000 to kick-start last years National Business Aircraft Associations (NBAA) annual convention and set the industry on what many analysts see as the start of the road to recovery.

And just to prove that the big corporate jets did not have the limelight to themselves, Cessna announced its upgraded citation Ten; HBC unveiled the Hawker 200; Piper announced its revamped Piper Jet complete with a new name, and Hawker Beech craft unveiled its new King Air 250 turboprop as new products, services and systems galore were revealed to the industry on the many stands in packed convention centre.

NBAAs president and CEO, Ed Bolen, said the highly successful show reflected its continuing value, even as the industry continued to confront a turbulent marketplace. "It has been a pretty challenging couple of years for business aviation," Bolen said."By almost any measure, our industry fell 25 to 40 percent over the past year."Bur Bolen had good news, too, citing participation by 1083 exhibitors, a number that topped the exhibitor count for the 2009 show; a sold –out static display of aircraft, with 93 aircraft at Dekalb Peachtree Airport and a waiting list for participation, and an attendee registration at 24206, up more than five percent for attendance at the close of the 2009 Convention.

"This year's convention clearly understood two facts," Bolen continued."First ,in spite of the challenges confronting business aviation in the past two years, people and companies are optimistic and forward-looking.Second,the convention continues to be a key part of that forward-looking vision, serving as the premier venue for bringing the industry together and advancing its interests."

Business aviation should begin its next period of expansion in 2012,according to the 19th annual Business Aviation Outlook issued by Honeywell Aerospace at NBAAs convention .About 11000 new business jets, valued at over $225-billion, will be delivered from this year through to 2020 ,according to the company's analysts."Despite a torpid recovery, there have been relatively few programme cancellations and delays," said Rob Wilson, president of business and general aviation for Honeywell."The pipeline of new high-value models supporting long-term growth remains strong. Our survey indicates that international demand will still remain significant and contribute to longer-term growth."

But in the short term, 2011 will likely be no better than last year, with an estimated 675 to 700 new business jet deliveries, according to Honeywell's survey."This year, operators outside North America have become more cautious about the strength and pace of the recovery," Wilson said."While they are still looking beyond the current economic climate and anticipating a return to improved business conditions, they have tempered near-term expectations and buying decisions, as reflected in the current delivery forecast."

New "Biggies"

But the big news was that of Bombardiers new corporate jets, the Global 7000 and the Global 8000.Bombardiers flagship Global aircraft family now uniquely covers the large, ultra long-range category with four aircraft models, the Global 5000,Global Express XRS, Global 7000 and Global 8000 jets."Bombardier commitment to innovation, ongoing investment in product development strategy and strength as the industry leader are key contributors to our overall success," said Steve Ridolfi, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft."These new aircraft are solid examples of Bombardiers foresight and visionary thinking. The Global 7000 and Global 8000jets will give our customers the ability to reach more destinations non-stop that ever before, delivering unprecedented levels of performance, flexibility, and comfort," continued Ridolfi.

The Global 7000 aircraft features a spacious four-zone cabin, the manufacturer claiming that this aircraft sets the benchmark for a new category of large business jets. With a volume of 74, 67 cu.m, passengers will have 20% more living space than the cabin of the current industry leader. The aircraft will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0, 90 and arrange of 7300 nm at Mach 0, 85. It will fly London-Singapore, New York-Dubai or Beijing –Washington non-stop with 10 passengers. Entry into service is scheduled for 2016.

The Global 8000 aircraft, according to Bombardier, will be able to fly further than any other business jet. It will feature a three-zone 63,32-cu.m cabin and a range of 7900 nm at Mach 0,85.It will connect Sydney-Los Angeles, Hong Kong –New York and Mumbai-New York non-stop with eight passengers. The Global 8000will reach a high-speed cruise of Mach 0, 90. Entry into service is scheduled for 2017.

Bombardiers new Global aircraft will feature an all-new high-speed transonic wing, designed to significantly optimize aerodynamic efficiency and emissions advantages, including reduced NOx emissions -50% below, the International Civil Aviation Organizations upcoming Civil Aircraft Emissions Protocol (CAEP-6) regulations-and an eight percent better overall fuel-efficiency target when compared to the Global Express XRS aircraft. Featuring a high-speed cruise of Mach0, 90, these aircraft are designed to outperform all others through a combination of range, fuel efficiency and balanced field length.

Cabin features common to both new aircraft include: maximum natural light through new enlarged windows, that provide approximately 80% more surface per window than on current Global aircraft; a generous baggage suite that is accessible during flight; a crew rest area equipped with "berth able" seating; a galley with optimized meal preparation and storage possibilities ; an innovative approach to cabin zones, giving customers more flexibility and choice when defining their floor plan and innovative design options that bring the comforts of home to the aircraft environment.

Both aircraft will also feature the most up-to-date version of the Global Vision flight deck and the advanced connectivity capability of a leading-edge cabin management system which Bombardier says will ensure the highest levels of convenience, comfort and control ever presented in a business jet.

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