LONDONDERRY, N.H.,
Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- PlaneSense(R), the fractional
aircraft ownership program managed by New Hampshire-based Alpha Flying, Inc.,
has announced it will enhance its current fleet of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops in
2008 with the Grob spn light twin jet. Alpha Flying has placed 25 firm orders
and options for the new aircraft.
PlaneSense's successful business model for regional operations created by
founder George Antoniadis in 1996 capitalizes on the PC-12's superb cabin
size, extremely efficient economics and exceptional short-field performance,
allowing flights into thousands of smaller airports not served by the major
airlines or most private jets. PlaneSense currently focuses its services east
of the Mississippi.
"As we looked at the future of PlaneSense," says Antoniadis, "we
understood that some of existing and potential owners want to move up to an
aircraft that could cover distance more quickly. While our owners are
completely satisfied with the cost savings of the PC-12, the need surfaced to
add an aircraft that could shorten flight times to Florida, the Bahamas and
the Midwest, while opening up Bermuda as a destination. Since PlaneSense share
owners have grown accustomed to the time savings realized by operations into
smaller general aviation airports, we needed an aircraft that would be the
'PC-12 of the jets.' The Grob spn fits that bill exactly, with its large,
comfortable cabin, 3000-foot balanced field performance, ability to operate
from unimproved strips, comparatively inexpensive operating costs, and
business jet speed up to 41,000 feet."
Grob Aerospace is known for its innovative designs and multi-decade
experience of manufacturing carbon fiber airframes. Built with cutting-edge
German carbon fiber composite engineering and enhanced aerodynamics, the spn
delivers operating costs lower than any other business jet in its class. It is
powered by two Williams FJ44-3A turbofan engines with a projected maximum
cruise speed of 415 kts and NBAA-IFR range of 1,800 nm. The spn is also the
first light business jet to fly with the enhanced Honeywell Primus Apex
integrated avionics system in an ergonomic, Porsche-designed all-glass cockpit
environment that reduces pilot workload.
The Grob spn brings to the light jet class a new synergy of comfort and
technology. The Porsche Design Studio engineered a spacious, modern cabin for
the spn. Passengers will appreciate the elegance of luxury materials
throughout and the largest windows of all the light jets. Because of the
cabin-cross section, the spn offers more head and shoulder room to its seated
passengers than any other jet of its class. The PlaneSense configuration
offers six-passenger executive seating with an enclosed rear lavatory and a
comfortable galley in the front.
The spn is slated to begin service in the PlaneSense fractional ownership
fleet soon after it receives FAA certification in mid-2008. "We expect to see
a more versatile PlaneSense with the addition of the spn, and a continuing
steady growth in the PC-12 fleet," Antoniadis says.
Pricing and program details to be announced in the near future. For more
information on either the new PlaneSense fractional program Grob spn twin jet
or the existing Pilatus PC-12 turboprop, visit http://www.planesense.aero or
call 800-603-5937.
Photo of PlaneSense President and CEO George Antoniadis
(Photo Credit: Martin Berinstein):
http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2007-PlaneSense-Antoniadis.jpg
Photo of a Grob spn twin-jet aircraft:
http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2007-PlaneSense-spn.jpg
Press Contact:
Pat Reed, Vice President of Sales
preed@alphaflying.com
800-603-5937
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information,
visit http://www.ereleases.com.
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