Dubai: A UAE-British joint venture is set to start manufacturing business aircraft, named 'Kestrel', in Abu Dhabi this summer, a top Gulf Aircraft Partnership (GAP) told Gulf News yesterday.
Gulf News first reported the initiative during the Dubai 2005 Airshow.
A prototype of the aircraft, which will have a price tag of $2.5 million (Dh9.1 million), will be displayed at the two-day Middle East Business Aviation (Meba) conference starting on January 31 in Dubai.
The four-seater Kestrel made its first flight on July 29, 2006.
The commercial deliveries of the certified aircraft are expected in 2009.
The UK's Farnborough Aircraft Corporation Ltd (FACL) and Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company's (Gamco) have started developing the Kestrel. "We hope to put the first aircraft on the production line this summer at the Gamco facility," Richard Blain, commercial director of FACL, told Gulf News.
Some of the carbon composite and metal parts for the aircraft were made in Abu Dhabi by Gamco and are incorporated in the prototype.
"With direct operating costs falling well under $1 per statute mile, the Kestrel is a valuable and cost effective proposition to charter operators, corporations and governments seeking to increase productivity and flexibility," he said.
The Kestrel is a single engine turboprop providing flexible travel at speeds in excess of 650kmh for journeys of up to 2,800km.
It has the refinements and luxury of a light jet, with a standard luggage bay.
By Saifur Rahman
© Gulf News 2007
