18 Nov 2008 | Ref. 285/2008
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BAE SYSTEMS TARGETS MIDDLE EAST FOR FURTHER AVRO BUSINESS JET SALES
Hatfield, Hertfordshire: BAE Systems has announced today at the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show in Dubai, that it has sold an Avro Business Jet (ABJ) to Casino Rodos.
The aircraft will be used to transport clients to and from the casino, based on the Greek island of Rhodes, and which has been ranked as one of the top ten casinos in Europe.
Mr Enrico Aidan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Casino Rodos said today: “Commercial airline schedules to Rhodes usually involve multiple flights and Casino Rodos wants to be able to offer its valued clientele the convenience and comfort of high quality personal executive transport to get to and from the casino”.
Casino Rodos is part of Queenco Leisure International Ltd which develops and operates casinos primarily in Greece and Romania. In addition, it has various complimentary businesses at its casino locations, such as hotels and restaurants.
Andy Whelan, Director Sales for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft said today at MEBA: “This latest Avro Business Jet sale is evidence that the market is converting its strong interest in the aircraft into firm business. Some six ABJs are planned for delivery in 2008 and we are in detailed sales discussions with several other customers which could lead to further deals before the end of the year.”
The aircraft, which is a BAe 146-200 (msn E2079), will be delivered early in the New Year and will be operated on behalf of Casino Rodos by GainJet, a Greek VIP aircraft charter, management and sales company based in Athens.
Conversion of the aircraft to its new executive configuration is being carried out at Inflite Engineering Services at London-Stansted Airport in the UK.
The new interior will seat up to 34 passengers in a full length undivided cabin with two Club-2 seats at the front, two divans and four Club-4 seats in the centre and two rows of four-abreast first-class seating at the rear. The aircraft will be equipped with a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment and communication system.
When not used on Casino Rodos business, the aircraft will be offered for executive charter and company shuttle operations for third parties.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
For further information contact:
David Dorman, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1582 488336 Fax: +44 (0) 1582 488447
Email: ddaviddorman@aol.com
Stephen Bethel, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384029 Mob: + 44 (0) 7793 426328
Stephen.bethel@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough,
Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605
Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947;
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
