At Just Pounds 800,000 the Very Light (on the Pocket) Jets

By OLIVER LLOYD

THE aviation industry is poised to launch a new highperformance executive aircraft that could cost less than a million pounds.

Experts predict the new aircraft known as very light jets and which travel at 400mph and cost less than Pounds 800,000 could revolutionise business travel.

The aircraft seat five or eight passengers in a BMWdesigned 5ft- wide cabin.

They have high-tech engines that drink less fuel than a commercial jet, enabling them to fly non-stop for 1,200 miles. They can comfortably fly from London to eastern European cities such as Bucharest and Vienna.

Operating costs range from Pounds 140 to Pounds 420 for each flight hour, depending on the model.

Fixed annual insurance, maintenance, flight safety bulletins, satellite weather, electronic navigation data and approach charts are available for Pounds 18,737.

Pilots can be hired full time for about Pounds 45,000 a year or on a daily rate of Pounds 400, according to London Executive Aviation.

That means taking five people from London to Bucharest and back on a very light jet, including operating costs and pilot hire for two days, would cost Pounds 1,840. A flexible business-class return ticket with British Airways to the same destination is currently Pounds 1,199.

But are the very light jets such a bargain? And will the major carriers be left behind as frequent business flyers start whizzing around in their own affordable jets?

Richard Haring, a consultant accountant who specialises in the leisure industry, says not.

‘For all the pros of owning your own plane, not many entrepreneurs and firms need the hassle,’ he says.

‘There are always likely to be unforeseen extra costs in the long term, and it is worth noting that one would have to book 839 flexible business-class fares to Bucharest and back before seeing a return on such an investment. In my opinion, these new planes have only marginally expanded a niche market.’ But manufacturers Cessna, Eclipse and Embraer have nearly 5,000 orders from businesses and individuals.

Vern Raburn, Eclipse’s founder, said: ‘We’re going to offer the service where the airlines don’t.

‘Airlines and makers that have been around for decades have the attitude that if it hasn’t been done before, it can’t be done, it won’t be done, or it shouldn’t be done.’ And despite opposition from environmental groups and some air traffic officials who are concerned over increased fuel emissions, the aircraft are on course to win regulatory approval in June.