VERO BEACH, Fla., June 15, 2011 – Piper Aircraft Inc. is conducting a global PiperJet Altaire Supplier Symposium here this week as the company moves forward on certification of the single-engine business jet program that calls for first flights of conforming test articles in 2012.
Certification and first deliveries will occur in 2014. Aerospace suppliers represented at the June 16 sessions event include Castle Metals, Garmin International, Kollsman, L-3 Communications, Millennium Concepts, PCI – Goodrich Cabin Systems, PPG Aerospace, Triumph Aerospace, and Williams International.
“As the company is building up to first flight of the conforming PiperJet Altaire test articles next year, this is a good time to get the supplier base together as we will soon be marking important program milestones,” said Piper Vice President Engineering Michael Hinderberger. “Briefings and breakout sessions will give our supplier partners valuable program highlights that will assist them in meeting their commitments to this on-schedule program,” he added.
Symposium Topics
The supplier symposium will cover design and production reviews, Garmin avionics and Williams engine information along with a marketing overview. In addition to Hinderberger, Piper senior leadership including President/CEO Geoffrey Berger, and Executive Vice President Randy Groom, VP Operations Simon Caldecott, and Chief Engineer Simon Atwell are participating in the symposium.
Piper Altaire maximum range is targeted at 1,300 nautical miles with a maximum cruise speed planned at 360 knots. The airplane is planned to fly 1,200 nautical miles with a payload of 800 pounds. Price point for the Piper Altaire is $2.5 million, with a typically equipped aircraft priced at $2.6 million. The Piper Altaire costs an average of 25 percent less to operate per hour than comparable production very light jets.
The Altaire has dynamic crew and passenger seats for increased safety and comfort. The airplane also has comfortable club seating in the spacious cabin with an optional seventh seat located across the aisle from the entry door.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla. A global force in aviation, Piper offers efficient single-engine and twin-engine trainer, personal and business aircraft. Piper Aircraft designs, manufactures, sells and supports the strongest and broadest single-engine product line in the industry, from high-performance pistons to turboprops to the world’s most fuel-efficient seven-person business jet, the PiperJet Altaire. With economical acquisition and operating costs, Piper airplanes deliver the best value available today and into the future. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
