Deal With Asia Pacific Jets Represents First In The Asian Market For The Aircraft

Multiple-plane orders are often a sign that a company has gotten their business model right, and if that's the case here, Nextant Aerospace is hitting its stride with an order from Asia Pacific Jets for 10 of its re-manufactured 400XT aircraft. All 10 Nextant 400XT aircraft will be delivered over a period of three years, with a portion outfitted as 400XT air ambulances and others as normally outfitted 400XT business jet aircraft. Asia Pacific Jets also will serve as a sales agent in Asia for the 400XT, and has announced a new partnership with Hong Kong-based AirMed Asia, a subsidiary of AirMed International.

The first two of the 10-aircraft order will be delivered by the end of 2012, a timeframe aligned with the opening of a new Singaporean base that Asia Pacific Jets and AirMed Asia are launching later this year through a strategic partnership. Utilizing its strong operational background, AirMed Asia will coordinate maintenance and warranty support for Nextant Aerospace in the region, providing 400XT owners with exceptional post-delivery product support.

“We are proud that Asia Pacific Jets has selected the Nextant 400XT, and to see the aircraft begin service on the Asian continent,” said Kenneth C. Ricci, chief executive officer of Nextant Aerospace. “With more than 15 400XT aircraft now in operation across the globe, feedback from operators has been outstanding. We are elated that the aircraft is performing so well for its owners, and look forward to introducing this groundbreaking aircraft – with its unprecedented combination of value and performance – to additional markets around the world.”

Jeffrey Tolbert, the chief executive officer of AirMed International, added, “We know based on our extensive experience flying the Beechjet 400A/XP as an air ambulance that the aircraft provides great versatility for air medical services. The Nextant 400XT will offer AirMed Asia and our partners at Asia Pacific Jets everything we like about the Beechjet, and everything one would expect from a brand-new light jet, but at a fraction of the cost. This includes range that will enable nonstop flights from our Singapore base as far west as Mumbai, India, and as far north as Shanghai, China, along with the absolute lowest operating cost basis in its class.”

The Nextant 400XT uses a remanufactured Beechjet 400A/XP airframe that is enhanced with new, state-of-the-art technology including the Williams FJ44-3AP turbofan engine, the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite, advanced electronics, including high-speed wireless Internet service, and new interiors.

The resulting aircraft has a 2,005 nautical mile range and 400 knot cruising speed. The company says it offers a 30 percent reduction in operating costs over the Beechjet 400 A/XP, fuel efficiency improvements of 20-30 percent, depending on the length of the flight segment, significantly reduced carbon emissions and noise compliance that exceeds Stage IV requirements. The 400XT is available at a cost about half that of competing “clean-sheet” designs.

The 400XT is considered to be a new type in the Aircraft Bluebook. Further options include additional avionics features, and an optional seating configuration that allows for the most leg room of any light jet in production without sacrificing seating capacity.

(Photos from file)

FMI: www.nextantaerospace.com