BBJ2 to Start First Public Transport Charters Soon
The first Boeing BBJ2 available for luxury long-range Public Transport
category charter is expected to gain UK CAA certification, and
120 minutes ETOPS approval, by early October. The aircraft, owned
by Multiflight of Leeds International Airport, should then be
fully operational in November. Approval for 180 minutes ETOPS
is expected within eight months of the start of operations.
The BBJ2 has already amassed around 150 flight hours, including
a one-stop trip to Tahiti. It was recently shown to representatives
of the British government and foreign heads of state during a
two-day event at TAG's Farnborough Airport facility near London.
According to Multiflight managing director Steve Borrowdale, "Interest
was keen and we hope that bookings will come from it."
The BBJ2's 17-seat luxury interior was completed by Lufthansa
Technik (LHT) in Hamburg and boasts very quiet cabins, according
to Multiflight chairman and founder of Pace Microtechnology plc,
David Hood. It enhances the LHT/Pace cutting-edge sound systems
aboard the aircraft, he says. The interior, which includes a double
bed, came in nearly 4,000 pounds lighter than originally estimated.
Multiflight Spending Money on Ground as Well
Multiflight Handling Service has recently been contracted by Leeds
Airport authority (the second fastest growing airport in the UK
by passenger numbers-up 36% year on year) to operate all of the
airport's south-side corporate and general aviation handling, flight
training and engineering activities.
To meet demand and improve facilities, Multiflight is investing
$14.25 million on two new hangars, refurbishing a third, and spending
$1.75 million on a new FBO terminal and offices. The new passenger/flight
crew terminal is due to open in early 2004; a new fuel farm is
due to be handed over to the company on October 17
The two new hangars, which are scheduled to be operational by
December, will have a combined floor area of 6,300 square meters,
and be capable of housing four BBJ2-sized aircraft. "The
second hangar will probably be rented to an airline maintenance
company," Borrowdale told Show News. A dedicated taxiway
and ramp is already in operation at Multiflight's south-side location.
