Aviation Partners prepares to upgrade remainder of GII fleet with revolutionary Blended Winglets.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 1996--

45 systems installed to date;

50 shipsets to be flying by first quarter 1997

"Our goal is to transform the remaining 150 Gulfstream II's into Blended Winglet enhanced IISPs by the year 2000," says Aviation Partners Inc. CEO Joe Clark.

Since first availability in 1993, Aviation Partners' unique Blended Winglet System for the GII has given renewed life and productivity to the grande dame of the Gulfstream fleet. After a flurry of initial orders from such well-respected flight departments as Mirage Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Motorola, the word was out.

This revolutionary patented(a) Blended Winglet System was effecting a block-change in the performance and efficiency of the legendary GII. Range and fuel efficiency were boosted in excess of 7 percent, handling qualities were improved, safety margins were augmented and the IISP offered the aesthetically pleasing profile of a modern aircraft.

More of a curiosity on FBO ramps than anything else in the early days, Blended Winglets Performance Enhanced GIIs quickly became mainstream. Today you're as likely to see an IISP at a major corporate aviation center as a straight-wing GII.

"We reached the turning point in our program earlier this year," says Clark. "With so many operators flying IISPs, and every one of them vocal in their support of Blended Winglet Performance benefits, sales just took off. We actually sold out production for 1996 and have had to renew our capacity to meet future demand."

IISP operators represent a broad range of top corporate flight departments in North America, Europe and Africa and include the US Presidential fleet.

More than just good looks

While Blended Winglets update and enhance the profile of the entry level Gulfstream product, IISP operators justify their investment quantitatively. The current price of the system is $457,000 installed. Orders placed by Dec. 31, 1996, will be protected from an anticipated price increase in 1997.

"Winglets make a difference," says Owners

"I like the looks of the winglets but that's not why I bought them," said IISP owner John Travolta. "I bought them for range and to make my GII a more viable airplane. Having that extra 30-minute range lets me pretty well guarantee nonstop operations from Bangor to LA, Bangor to Paris and LA to Hawaii."

"We often fly our IISP up to 100 hours a month on charter," says Clay Lacy Aviation CEO, Clay Lacy. "There's no better value in a large-cabin corporate jet today. When equipped with Blended Winglets, the GII is an even better investment and a real money maker."

"Winglets make our GII a valuable and cost-effective aircraft for our long haul missions," says Sequent Computer System Chairman and CEO Casey Powell. "Investing in winglets saved us from the much more expensive option of trading up to a GIIB or a GIII."

Advanced Winglet-Technology Leader

"One of the high points in our marketing program was capturing the world speed record from LA to Paris in 10 hours, 36 minutes last year aboard an IISP," says Vice President of Marketing Dick Friel. "However, what I find most gratifying is that all of our operators enjoy marked enhancements in performance, and expanded mission capability, each and every day on varied flight profiles."

Come to Static Display area No. 76 at the Orlando Executive Airport to meet Joe Clark, Clay Lacy and Dick Friel. Learn how Blended Winglets will improve the margins of safety, performance, capabilities and value of your Gulfstream II.

"Anything you can do to enhance the value of an aircraft by improving its performance is a wise investment," says Clark. -0-

(a) Patent No. 5348253

CONTACT: Aviation Partners Inc., Seattle

Joe Clark or Dick Friel

Corporate Headquarters:

206/762-1171, FAX: [phone]