Straight off the drawing board, UltraJet LLC-a division of management
and charter company Jet Partners-has announced an order for 100
Avocet ProJet airplanes. Deliveries are due to start in January
2007, immediately after the ProJet is certificated.
UltraJet plans to use the ProJet to expand its membership-based
charter program. Jet users pay a membership fee and receive guarantees
of fixed charter rates and aircraft availability-eliminating the
uncertainty inherent in ad hoc jet charters. UltraJet already
operates a 14-airplane domestic fleet of Gulfstreams, Citations
and Learjets.
UltraJet director of business development Gary Hill tells Show news that the
company picked the Avocet because of Israel Aircraft Industries'
role in the project. "If they say that they're going to certificate
by the end of 2006, it'll be there." Another factor is that
the ProJet is being designed for high-utilization operations and
on-condition maintenance, ideal for a charter operation.
The $2 million Avocet will also mean lower charter rates. "Private
jets will no longer be the realm of just the wealthy," says
UltraJet chairman John DePalma "Personal, safe, efficient jet
transportation is clearly the evolution of air travel."
