News Release Contact: Mike Turner 316.676.8674 316.516.4158 Cell
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News Release Contact: Mike Turner 316.676.8674 316.516.4158 Cell www.raytheonaircraft.com Raytheon Aircraft Company Increases International Presence WICHITA, Kan., (Nov. 8, 2005) – Increasing economies, a growing transportation infrastructure, and airline deregulation have boosted general aviation sales around the globe. In 2004, Raytheon Aircraft Company’s (RAC) international sales as reported were $376 million or 16 percent of sales; Year-to-date September 2005, Raytheon Aircraft Company’s international sales are 29 percent of total. The company’s main focus for growth is centered on Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. “Our strategy is simple, pairing the highest quality products with world-class service and support is why our international market share continues to grow,” said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Raytheon Aircraft Company. “Making customers your number-one priority translates, no matter what language you speak or what country you are in.” Product Upgrades Through 2005 Just announced at the National business Aviation Association (NBAA) Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Fla. in November, 2005, the Hawker Horizon is now the Hawker 4000. Designed to be the world leader in the super-midsize category, the Hawker 4000 offers an outstanding combination of range, speed and cabin size. The airplane has true coast-to-coast non-stop range under nearly any expected wind situation. Six passengers can be carried over 3,000 nautical miles at a Mach 0.82 cruise speed and four passengers can be carried over 3,300 nautical miles at cruise speed of Mach 0.75. With respect to field performance, the 4,509 foot Takeoff Field Length (ISA, SL, MGTOW) for the Hawker 4000 is nearly 15 percent better than the original guarantee, and this impressive number is the best in the super-midsize class. Climb rate for the Hawker 4000 - More - RAC International Sales Release – Page 2 is exhilarating, going from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 13 minutes. Once at altitude the Hawker accelerates very quickly to its maximum cruise speed of Mach .84. Also announced at NBAA was the Hawker 850XP. The aircraft is an evolution of the highly successful Hawker 800XPi with Raytheon Aircraft Company designed winglets. The Hawker 850XP is part of a strategically planned sequence of upgrades for the entire fleet of RAC produced airplanes that began with the Hawker 400XP in May of 2003. Winglets for the Hawker 850XP were developed by RAC enabling a conservative 100 additional nautical mile range to the aircraft. The Hawker 850XP will be available with the same improvements found in the Hawker 800XPi announced at the 2005 European Business Association Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland in May, 2005. The improvements feature an upgrade to the existing Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, and a new interior and cabin management system. In addition to these enhancements, the Hawker 850XP comes standard with a class-leading 5-year warranty on the airframe, engines, and avionics. Also announced at EBACE was the Beechcraft Premier IA. The Premier IA features a totally redesigned interior, avionics enhancements, as well as several systems’ improvements as part of the planned evolution of the Beechcraft Premier I, the largest and fastest single-pilot jet in the world. The Beechcraft Premier IA also comes standard with a 5-year warranty. The new Beechcraft King Air C90GT was introduced in July 2005. An evolution of the popular Beechcraft King Air C90B, the King Air C90GT delivers a 25-knot increase in max cruise speed and up to a 50% reduction in the time needed to reach its certified ceiling of 30,000 ft. FAA certification of the Beechcraft King Air C90GT is scheduled for Q4 of 2005, with customer deliveries slated for December 2005. European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) and other international certifications are expected to begin immediately thereafter with initial completions by mid 2006. European Market With a 23 percent market share, RAC has made certification of all Beechcraft and Hawker products a top priority and is continuing to invest in obtaining European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for its full range of aircraft. RAC’s largest - More - RAC International Sales Release – Page 3 European customer, NetJets® Europe, is currently operating both the Hawker 800XP and the Hawker 400XP. Both aircraft have recently been certified for steep approach operations from London City Airport, providing greater operational flexibility for our customers. Recent Hawker 800XPi sales to the United Kingdom, Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy means that new Hawkers will be seen in every corner of Europe. African Market Half of the General Aviation aircraft operating in Africa are Beechcraft or Hawker products. In 2005 alone, five new aircraft have been sold including two Hawker 800XP’s, a Hawker 400XP, a Beechcraft King Air B200, as well as a Beechcraft King Air C90B. Asia-Pacific Market Beechcraft and Hawker products command a 51 percent share of the total business turbine market in Asia, with increasing market share in countries like China, India, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand. Beechcraft and Hawker products also boast a 39 percent market share in Australia. There are over 400 Beechcraft and Hawker business aircraft flying in Asia-Pacific and Australia today. The closest competitor trails by more than 200 aircraft. Recent sales of Hawker 800XPs and Beechcraft King Airs to Reliance, Bajaj/Bharat Forge, and Hero Honda (three of the largest businesses in India) indicate that business leaders rely on the mission versatility and durability, for which Beechcraft and Hawker brands are known. A number of Beechcraft King Airs are also used by the Indian government for various transportation and special-mission operations. In addition, Indamer operates an Authorized Service center (ASC) in Mumbai, servicing Hawker 800XPs, Hawker 400XPs and Beechcraft 1900 airliners as well as all Beechcraft piston aircraft. Latin American Market - More - RAC International Sales Release – Page 4 RAC has a 32 percent share of the Latin American marketplace. Beechcraft and Hawker products are well suited to the region’s rugged terrain. Their combination of quality, versatility and durability make them the ideal choice for business aviation needs. International Sales and Support Structure Sean McGeough, regional vice president of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa, leads international Beechcraft and Hawker sales from his new office in Geneva, Switzerland. Steve Porte, vice president of international support, manages all international Authorized Service Centers and field service representatives from his office in Milan, Italy. “Beechcraft and Hawker products and support are renowned throughout the world. As a result, the company continues to realign its sales teams and customer support organization to meet the growing needs of the international market,” Schuster concluded. Raytheon Aircraft Company designs, manufactures, markets and supports Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft for the world’s commercial and military markets. ### - More - RAC International Sales Release – Page 5 NOTES TO EDITOR: For a full listing of Raytheon Aircraft Company’s international authorized service centers, visit www.raytheonaircraft.com, click on “Service and Support” and select “Authorized Service Centers.” International company representative contact details: - Ted Farid – Wichita, Kansas, 316.676.2546, [email protected] - Sean McGeough – Geneva, Switzerland, 41 (0) 22 717 0621, [email protected] - Steve Porte – Milano, Italy, 316.619.2082, [email protected] .