NBAA Convention News
PUBLICATIONS Tuesday 10.30.12 ORLANDO
®
Vol. 45 No. 27
www.ainonline.com
Beechcraft exits jet market by Kirby J. Harrison Hawker Beechcraft is moving ahead with restructuring during Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and in a press conference here yesterday HBC chairman Bill Boisture made it clear the new Beechcraft Corp. that emerges in the first quarter of next year will focus
on the turboprop and piston aircraft lines. The future for the business jet line is somewhere between murky at best and grim at worst, with production already shut down. Negotiations came apart in early October that might have seen
the jet line, reportedly along with the rest of HBC’s civil aircraft assets, sold to Superior Aviation Beijing. Boisture attributed the failed acquisition to a number of factors, including the challenges of conducting negotiations across cultural and
language barriers, as well as a requirement for approval of the deal by both the Chinese and U.S. governments. While Superior Aviation Beijing’s $1.79 billion bid has fallen through, Boisture said HBC is now revisiting half a dozen other bids that came in at the same time with an eye to selling the business jet line. With the new Beechcraft Corp. exiting the jet business,
Continued on page 125 u
Dassault reveals successor for Falcon 2000LX by Mark Huber Dassault Falcon is introducing yet another new version of its popular supermidsize twin. The Falcon 2000LXS combines the range and amenities of the Falcon 2000LX with the short-field capabilities of the Falcon 2000S. The new aircraft is expected to cost $500,000 more than the 2000LX (2012 $) and gain certification in 2014 when it replaces the 2000LX. As on the 2000S, the LXS features forward edge wing slats to reduce Vref speeds and takeoff and landing distances. Preliminary estimates indicate the 2000LXS will Continued on page 125 u
Cessna intros sophisticated Sovereign
CY CYR
by Curt Epstein
Getting ready for business NBAA expects some 25,000 visitors and 1,000 attendees to arrive in Orlando this week for the association’s 65th annual convention. Many of those exhibitors increased their presence at the static display this year at Orlando Executive to increase their interaction with customers.
For a market that company president and CEO Scott Ernest describes as remaining soft, Cessna is continuing its product development schedule. During the company’s press conference here yesterday he announced that the Wichita airframer has launched a new version of its midsize Citation Sovereign, and invited show attendees to visit the new aircraft, which has been under development for the past year-and-a-half, at the static display. Three of the upgraded Continued on page 125 u
Chinese Market
Airplanes
Safety
Industry
Government
Operator Reports Bizav Growth
VIP Version of BBJ Max Coming Soon
Risk Assessment Key To SMS Utility
Honeywell Predicts $250B in Deliveries
User Fee Threat Remains
Traffic has increased 13 percent at Hongqiao Airport since last year, according to Shanghai Hawker Pacific, and current users are the best advertisers for potential users. Page 21
Boeing Business Jets announced plans for a VIP version of its re-engined 737 Max, with deliveries planned for the 2017 and 2018 time frame. Immediate orders are not anticipated. Page 23
Until operators use the flight risk assessment tool more effectively, they are not making the most of the benefits a safety management system has to offer, says one insider. Page 79
Anticipating a sluggish recovery, company analysts expect deliveries in the short term to remain stable, with growth to return by mid-decade and coinciding with new product development. Page 22
As expected, the battle over user fees is not over, as the government eyes a peruse fee on fixed-wing turbine aircraft. GA reps have made the industry’s position on the issue clear in Washington. Page 17
Now
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