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Private Air New York | Winter 2014/2015
83
Airbus CEO, Allan McArtor, is
confident the supersonic jet will
happen. "It is long overdue,"says
McArtor. "We should be flying
supersonic business jets by now. We
want to be ahead for the future and
we don't want to read that someone
else is doing it." Billionaire investor
and Aerion Chairman, Robert M.
Bass noted, "is puts us solidly
on track toward our objective of
certifying the world's first supersonic
business jet in 2021. Needless to say,
we are thrilled with the resources
Airbus Group will bring to the
program."
In addition to the combined
technological forces from both
companies, Aerion credits newly
designed wings for reducing overall
drag by up to 20% and allowing for
a longer range while consuming
less fuel. Additionally, the AS2
will be made mostly of carbon fiber
composite materials, further reducing
weight while adding great strength
and durability. e supersonic jet will
boast a cabin 30 feet in length and
capable of seating up to 12 passengers
comfortably in a business-style
setting that is also designed to sleep
four for overnight flights. e cost of
the AS2 is currently slated to be close
to $100 million.
Engineers from the Airbus Defense
and Space Division will work with
Aerion at its base in Reno, NV
providing technical and certification
support. is is familiar ground for
Airbus and a shot at redemption since
retiring its Concorde supersonic jet,
ending an era of speedy, comfortable
air travel. By any stretch, this won't
be your average rocket landing on an
asteroid trip, but a supersonic flight
that may have you sipping tea in
London within a few hours.
AVIATION
