Take off for the fractional jet firm’s large-cabin, long-range fleet renewal plans.
NetJets Europe’s Global 6000 has made its maiden voyage through Europe. This marks the take-off of NetJets’ fleet renewal plans, of which Bombardier aircraft play a major part.
The debut NetJets Signature Series Bombardier Global 6000 landed in Cascais, Portugal on February 23 ready to join the NetJets Europe’s fleet. The aircraft is part of the largest private jet order in aviation history. Parent company NetJets Inc. is seeking to take delivery of up to 670 new aircraft with a total value of $17.6 billion over the next decade.
The arrival of the Global 6000 is the first of the landmark 2011 NetJets order for 50 Global family aircraft and 70 options. Two Global 6000s have already been delivered to the US operating division, while the Global 5000, 7000 and 8000 are on the way.
Alongside the Globals, the company’s fleet will see the addition of the Cessna Citation Latitude and Bombardier Challenger models – including the 300 Series and 605 – in the coming decade, with the Embraer Phenom 300 also due for arrival in 2014. The fleet renewal sees the company focussing significantly on large-cabin, long-range operations. While the fractional jet ownership firm still offers small aircraft options, such as the 7-seater Cessna Citation Bravo, demand for their long-range fleet, such as Gulfstream G550s, has increased.
The Global 6000 boasts an ultra-long-range of 13 hours, 7,111sm, and a top speed of 560mph, allowing clients to travel further, faster. London to Shanghai, Paris to Miami, Moscow to New York – with long-range capabilities like these, the aircraft is ideally suited to European firms and individuals looking to expand and do business in high-growth markets in the BRIC economies and beyond.
The Global 6000 has clearly been designed with business travel in mind. Thanks to the $250,000 invested on each aircraft in extra sound-proofing, this is the quietest jet in its class. Its 400ft² cabin accommodates up to 14 passengers, while it’s pressurized at 51,000ft to feel like 5,700ft, meaning a less tiring journey for those onboard.
On the 13-hour journeys that this aircraft is capable of, rest and relaxation are key. The jet’s sleek, contemporary interior features seats that can morph into beds to accommodate up to seven passengers, as well as a lounge area that can be set aside as a private bedroom. NetJets have decided to purchase the Global 6000 without its shower option, allowing for a superior baggage capacity – 8 briefcases, 12 large suitcases and 2 set of skis instead.
While Netjets Europe’s first two Global 6000s’ shares are sold out – the second G6000 is expected to be delivered in the coming months; shares in the third Global 6000, which will be delivered later this year, are selling fast.