Brian E. Barents, Galaxy Aerospace

Galaxy Debuts the Galaxy in Asia

Singapore -- "When we launched Galaxy Aerospace in January 1997, we said we would fly the new Galaxy business jet in September of that year, achieve the first flight that December and certify the aircraft before the end of 1998. We achieved every one of those target dates."

Thus spoke Galaxy president and CEO Brian E. Barents on the occasion this week of his company's second Asian Aerospace appearance. His company's Galaxy jet is making its first demonstration tour of Asia and the Pacific Rim.

"Two years ago, during our first appearance in Singapore, flight testing of the Galaxy had barely begun, we had only recently moved to temporary quarters in Fort Worth (Texas) and our presence at the air show was rather modest," Barents said.

"Today we are here with a significantly expanded chalet and staff, with a certified Galaxy, an outstanding new headquarters facility in Fort Worth and a strong backlog for our products," he said.

That backlog is in excess of two years for an order book worth nearly $1 billion. The backlog for Galaxy's little brother, the Astra SPX, is nearly one year.

The flagship Galaxy has a standard eight-place interior. With a cabin height of 1.91 meters (7 feet, 3 inches) and 2.18-meter width (7 feet, 2 inches), it boasts an interior cross-section "comparable to traditional large-category business jets," the company says. Typical cruise speed is 0.82 Mach, or 470 kts. Range is 3,620 nmi IFR.

The Galaxy can seat up to 18 passengers if configured as a corporate shuttle, yet operating cost "is lower than some midsize jets," Galaxy says. "Acquisition is millions less than traditional large-cabin business jets."

The aircraft, Barents said, is "well suited to the needs of growing companies in the Asia/Pacific region, as well as to a variety of special missions and head-of-state applications." The aircraft "opens an all new segment," he said.

Galaxy Aerospace delivered the first Galaxy last month. The company says it will reach a delivery rate of three aircraft per month before mid-year, consisting of two Galaxies and one Astra SPX.