BAE Systems Regional Aircraft is exhibiting an Avro Business Jet (ABJ) for the first time at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) show in Geneva. Regional Aircraft is also exhibiting on Booth 190, alongside BAE Systems Electronics and Integrated Solutions and Schroth Safety Products GmbH.
Located in static park position No. 20, the ABJ is an RJ70 delivered in the last quarter of 2008 to Bulgaria Air after conversion at Inflite Engineering Services at London-Stansted Airport. Featuring an interior designed by Design Q of the UK, the aircraft is operated on behalf of the airline's parent company, the Varna-based diversified industrial group TIM. It is also available for executive charter.
"Over the past twelve months the pace of market success for the ABJ has accelerated with seven aircraft placed into the market in various corporate/VIP configurations," says Stewart Cordner, Vice President, Avro Business Jets for BAE Systems. "These recent commitments have been made by governments, high net-worth individuals and charter organisations. There is no doubt that the combination of a pre-owned airliner together with an innovative interior results in a strong, cost-effective contender for the larger business jet market and at a fraction of the cost and timescale of new production line aircraft."
Currently three ABJs are under conversion at two centres in the UK and Canada. Nearing completion at Inflite is a BAe 146-200 for Casino Rodos. This aircraft features a 34-seat interior in a full length undivided cabin with two Club 2 seats at the front, two divans and four Club 4 seats in the centre, and two rows of four-abreast first-class seating at the rear.
The next aircraft for conversion at Inflite is a late model Avro RJ100 which is destined for the Presidential Flight of Abu Dhabi where it will operate alongside the existing RJ70.
In Canada, work continues at Avmax in Calgary on the second RJ85 for the Dubai Air Wing which is being converted into a VVIP configuration featuring three separate cabins. This aircraft is scheduled for delivery mid-year.
