Prestige jet enhances vip transport solutions with addition of legacy 600 aircraft to its fleet.

Prestige jet enhances vip transport solutions with addition of legacy 600 aircraft to its fleetAnother step towards fleet of ten by end of 2008Second Legacy 600 set to arrive third quarter

Abu Dhabi-based Prestige Jet's ambitious expansion programme remains on track with the addition to its fleet this week, of an Embraer Legacy 600. The private jet company aims to operate ten aircraft by the end of the year, which is ahead of previous announced expansion plans.According to Managing Director, Faris Deeb, the Legacy 600 was chosen because it complements the company's four other aircraft operating out of Al Bateen City Airport on the outskirts of the UAE capital. As part of the expansion programme a second, similar aircraft will join the fleet late in the 3rd quarter, while discussions with manufacturers and other aircraft providers are also at an advanced stage."Demand for our aircraft is growing at a very rapid pace and in the first quarter of 2008, utilisation of the airline's fleet of four dedicated aircraft on average ran at 30 per cent above target," he said. "With a busy summer period around the corner and to be able to offer the widest range of VIP transport solutions, the Legacy 600 adds another dimension to our fleet offering. It has the right mix of range, economy and reliability, with a very comfortable and spacious cabin." The Legacy 600 immediately entered operations from Al Bateen. It cruises at a speed of up to Mach 0.80 and offers a range of 3,250 nautical miles (6,019 km) with eight to thirteen passengers and NBAA IFR reserves. This range, bolstered by superior passenger and luggage capacity, enables customers to fly nonstop from the Gulf to Europe or the Far East.Deeb adds that one of the most significant customer benefits is that it offers distinct cost advantages when travelling with 12 or more passengers."Its capacious cabin is on par with the space offered in super-midsize jets such as Gulfstream or other bigger aircraft," he says, "but the price per hour is a lot less than one would pay for the next category. This makes it a very cost -effective proposition, especially when combined with an exceptional payload capacity.The Legacy's baggage compartment is 240 cubic feet (6.8 cubic meters), one of the largest in the industry. "As families from the region are not renowned for travelling light this is a real plus," quips Deeb. "The luggage compartment can be accessed in flight for greater passenger convenience, through the voluminous 92-cubic-foot lavatory - an attribute often overlooked. The lavatory also contains a generous wardrobe closet, ideal for in-flight clothes changing.The Legacy 600 provides premium comfort and privacy for customers and their passengers in three different seating areas: forward club seating; centre dining and meeting table; and a semiprivate aft cabin that includes a divan which converts to a queen size bed for sleeping comfort on long haul flights."The aircraft also has a full-size galley for hot and cold meals, a full-breadth aft lavatory, wardrobe and storage cabinet, and an entertainment system with DVD players and satellite telecommunications. High Speed Data (HSD) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) capability allows passengers to browse the Internet, access e-mail and transfer files," says Deeb."The aircraft will be a valuable addition to our fleet and I am confident customers with high loads will be impressed by the value for money aspect of the Legacy 600," concludes Deeb. "I once heard it described as being built like a truck and riding like a Rolls-Royce - very much in keeping with our five star, yet highly flexible and functional service."

[c] 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)