LAS VEGAS, Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- NBAA -Aerion Corp., the leader in supersonic technology, and Flexjet LLC, offering travelers access to the world's most luxurious fleet of private jets, today announced that Flexjet has placed a firm order for 20 of Aerion's AS2 aircraft, which will be the first commercially available supersonic business jet. Flexjet becomes the inaugural fleet purchaser of the AS2.
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"Throughout its history, Flexjet has been on the leading edge of aviation technology, introducing advanced performance to our Owners. Today, we are proud to be at the forefront of the next revolution in business jets, supersonic travel. We are pleased to be the first fleet purchaser of the Aerion AS2 and to be able to offer supersonic, intercontinental flight capabilities to our Owners," said Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci.
The Aerion AS2 business jet has a top speed of Mach 1.5, which is 67 percent faster than the top cruise speeds of current or anticipated long-range subsonic jets. Carrying eight to 12 passengers, the AS2 has an intercontinental-capable range of 4,750 nautical miles at supersonic speed, saving three hours across the Atlantic versus subsonic aircraft and more than six hours on longer trans-Pacific routes. The three-engine jet, now under development by Aerion in collaboration with Airbus Group, will make its first flight in 2021 and enter service in 2023.
"We have examined Aerion's technology and the AS2's remarkable performance capabilities, and see them as potential game-changers for business travel. Aerion and Airbus Group are moving forward impressively with the AS2's development," added Ricci.
Aerion and Flexjet will work together to design stunning and unique interiors for the AS2, continuing the tradition of premium interiors such as those in Flexjet's recently launched Red Label fleet. Flexjet anticipates that many customers will, through its innovative Global Access program, use the AS2 in combination with other large-cabin Flexjet aircraft, taking advantage of the AS2's speed to meet especially demanding travel schedules, such as intercontinental round trips in a single day.
"Kenn Ricci, and all of the Directional Aviation companies he oversees, have proven themselves time and again to be industry leaders and innovators," said Aerion Chairman Robert Bass. "We share a passion for performance and for revolutionizing business aviation. This is indeed the beginning of a great relationship between our companies. I want to thank Kenn for his vision and his confidence in Aerion."
About Aerion Corporation
Aerion Corporation of Reno, Nevada, was formed in 2002 to introduce a new era of practical and efficient supersonic flight. Over more than a decade, Aerion has demonstrated advanced wing technology in conjunction with NASA and other leading aeronautical institutions. This research includes breakthrough work in the area of supersonic natural laminar flow, the key enabling technology behind the company's AS2 business jet. In 2014, Aerion entered into collaboration with Airbus Group to develop the Aerion AS2 Mach 1.5 supersonic jet. Engineering is underway with first flight planned for 2021 and entry into service in 2023. More information can be found at www.aerionsupersonic.com.
About Flexjet
Flexjet, LLC first entered the fractional jet ownership market in 1995, and celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2015. Flexjet offers fractional jet ownership and leasing. Flexjet's fractional aircraft program is the first in the world to be recognized as achieving the Air Charter Safety Foundation's Industry Audit Standard, and Flexjet is the first and only company to be honored with its 16th FAA Diamond Award for Excellence.
Flexjet's fractional program fields an exclusive array of business aircraft -- some of the youngest in the fractional jet industry, with an average age of approximately six years -- including their LXi Cabin Collection consisting of the Learjet 75, Challenger 350, the Embraer Legacy 450, Global Express and the Gulfstream G450 ,G500 and G650 business jets. In addition, the overall jet collection includes the Embraer Phenom 300, Challenger 300 and Challenger 605. Flexjet is a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies. For more details on innovative programs and flexible offerings, visit www.flexjet.com or follow us on Twitter @Flexjet.
