The Grob spn, which is preparing to make its US debut at the NBAA Show in Orlando next month, boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class.  With six passengers and single pilot, the aircraft can serve 1,800 nm (3334 km).  The region of Africa will also be interested in the aircraft’s suitability in the special mission roles, and the landing on unprepared runways. Featuring a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5m³), the Grob spn features a large passenger door and modular interior, making it well suited for dedicated cargo operations, 50/50 passenger and cargo splits, or air ambulance services.

Now well advanced in its flight certification phase, the Grob spn, which carries a price tag of €5.8 million, is on target for European EASA certification and US FAA certification during the third quarter of 2007.  Customer deliveries commence in the fourth quarter of 2007.  The first aircraft into Africa will be delivered in the first quarter 2008 and ExecuJet foresees a market for some 60 aircraft in the region within the next 10 years.  Grob Aerospace has already sold aircraft in Africa with a special focus on South Africa.

Since first flight of the original prototype in July 2005, the Grob spn has lived up to the designer’s expectations on performance, system development and flight envelope expansion.  It has demonstrated an improved landing distance at max weight, reduced by almost 10% to 2,670ft / 814m.

Early sales success for Europe’s newest light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics.  This includes being able to operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000ft (914m) at take off weight.  The Grob spn will also be certificated for single pilot operation, and is equipped with an avionics suite more advanced than that of any other aircraft close to it’s class.

With interest in business aviation across Africa continuing to grow, ExecuJet South Africa, the African continent’s leading business aviation sales and services company, will once again showcase its range of business aviation transportation solutions at the Africa Aerospace & Defence Airshow.

During the Show ExecuJet representatives will be on hand to discuss the Grob spn jet as well as a suite of business aviation services including aircraft management, charter, maintenance and flight and ground operations support through flight planning and FBO handling. ExecuJet South Africa is also the official Service Centre for Grob spn in Africa under its remit as the maintenance support partner for the aircraft in the region.

“The Grob spn will appeal to a broad customer base – as a versatile, land anywhere business jet; air ambulance, cargo, multi-mission transport,” commented Niall Olver, CEO, ExecuJet Aviation Group.”

About Grob Aerospace – 35 Years of Aviation History 

Grob Aerospace based in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents. Grob Aerospace was founded in 1971 and its history spans 35 years. The company maintains its own purpose built airfield that accommodates its headquarters, research, development, manufacturing and assembly facilities which were built in 1974.

About ExecuJet Aviation Group

Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the ExecuJet Aviation Group was established in 1991 with the objective of providing complete aviation solutions to the global business traveller.

Today ExecuJet is a truly global organization providing comprehensive and integrated aviation services and facilities through associate companies in southern Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Australasia.

ExecuJet’s African business is controlled by ExecuJet South Africa and managed from impressive offices and modern factory approved maintenance and operations facilities at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg, with satellite operations at Cape Town International Airport.

Grob spⁿ is named in recognition of its ‘Special performance; Superior payload and Single Pilot ability.  All are abbreviated to spⁿ – the SP to the “nth” degree.

Grob Aerospace has produced 3,500 composite aircraft during its 30 years of aircraft manufacture.  Aircraft types include the Strato 2C high altitude surveillance aircraft which boasts the longest on piece wing ever built, covering a span of 56 metres.
 

For further information contact:
Madie Werner
Regional Marketing Manager
ExecuJet South Africa
Tel:      +27 (0)11 516 2300
Fax:      +27 (0)11 516 2423
Mobile: +27 (0)82 855 1233
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Original Release