BAE systems targets middle east for further avro business jet sales
BAE Systems is targeting the buoyant Middle East market for near-term sales of its Avro Business Jet (ABJ) and is hopeful of concluding further business before the end of the year.
Speaking today at the Middle East Business Aviation exhibition in Dubai, Andy Whelan, Director Sales for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft said: “The ABJ has been chosen by three Gulf governments for their regional VIP air transport requirements, in addition to other clients who operate the aircraft. 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 ABJ deliveries into the region have been to the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) which took delivery of a VVIP RJ100 in April after conversion at Inflite Engineering Limited at London –Stansted Airport. This aircraft joined two RJ85s already in service with the BDF.
In addition, the Dubai Air Wing accepted their first RJ85 in the summer after conversion to executive configuration by Avmax in Calgary, Canada. The second RJ85 for the Dubai Air Wing is currently under conversion to a VVIP layout at Avmax and is due for delivery later this year.
The third government to have chosen the ABJ is Abu Dhabi where the Amiri Flight has one RJ70 and one RJ85. The VIP-configured RJ70 is operated by themselves and the executive charter-configured RJ85 is operated under management by Royal Jet.
Based in Kuwait City, First Kuwaiti Trading and Construction operates a BAe 146-200 as a corporate aircraft and they have retained the commercial airline interior.
Whelan states that it is a combination of factors that is attracting buyers to the ABJ with performance, price and cabin size being key. Whelan says: “these unique aircraft can be acquired for regional airliner prices, which represents exceptional value for money.
“The interior cabin dimensions are practically the same as the BBJ and so the ABJ lends itself admirably to bespoke interior configurations with several customers opting to re-fit their cabins with high-specification VVIP interiors. The four entry/exit doors and front and rear galleys allow for a split cabin which means that Principals can retain their comfort and privacy in the front cabin completely independent from their staff in the rear cabin. Many competitor aircraft only have one door at the front which prevents them from having a split cabin as this would contravene existing safety legislation.”
Whelan added: “Other advantages are the aircraft’s independence from ground support equipment and the two large underfloor baggage bays that can accommodate all the luggage needs of clients in either a private or corporate configuration.”
A further factor that makes the ABJ so appealing is that it is self-contained. 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.
“The aircraft’s outstanding airfield performance is renowned”, says Whelan “and this enables the ABJ to get in and out of difficult airports denied to other jets, but which are much closer to the end destination the client wants to reach and with the added advantage of more privacy. For instance, 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.”
BAE Systems 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.
