With some 40 letters of intent (backed by refundable $250,000 deposits), Aerion announced its backlog sits north of the $3 billion mark for its proposed supersonic business jet, projected to cost $80 million each. Company Vice Chairman Brian Barents is even more bullish on the prospects for the jet now than he was 30 months ago when a study showed a demand for 300 aircraft over 10 years. At the EBACE show in Geneva, Barents cited increased market interest in China, India and Russia-markets not considered in the earlier study. Aerion continues discussions with aircraft manufacturers and has reached a deal with Pratt & Whitney for use of its developmental JT8D-219 engine flat-rated to 19,600 pounds of thrust. Certification of the supersonic business jet is expected in 2014.
Aerion Orders Break $3 Billion
Key Takeaways:
- Aerion has secured over $3 billion in backlog for its $80 million supersonic business jet, based on 40 letters of intent with refundable deposits.
- The company is increasingly optimistic about market demand, particularly from new markets like China, India, and Russia, which were not included in earlier studies.
- Aerion has partnered with Pratt & Whitney for the JT8D-219 engine and expects the supersonic business jet to be certified by 2014.
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