Flexjet going supersonic; firm signs on to buy Aerion’s Mach 1.5 business jet
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
New private jet aims to re-inject supersonic speeds into commercial aviation
Concept of Aerions AS2, capable of flying at speed 67 per cent greater than current planned business jets. PHOTO: Aerion
Aerion Corp. has announced the fractional jet company has penned a firm order for 20 of Flexjet’s AS2 aircraft, which is slated to become the first commercially-available supersonic business jet when it hits the market in 2023.
“Throughout its history, Flexjet has been on the leading edge of aviation technology, introducing advanced performance to our owners,” the company’s chairman, Kenn Ricci, said. “Today, we are proud to be at the forefront of the next revolution in business jets, supersonic travel.”
Aerion’s AS2 will have a top speed of Mach 1.5—67 per cent faster than the top cruise speeds of current long-range business jets. Under development in collaboration with Airbus, the jet will carry 12 passengers, and has a range of 4,750 miles at supersonic speed.
“We have examined Aerion’s technology and the AS2’s remarkable performance capabilities, and see them as potential game-changers for business travel. Aerion and Airbus Group are moving forward impressively with the AS2’s development,” Ricci added.
The AS2 is scheduled to make its first flight in 2021, with deliveries to airlines following two years later. Flexjet is Aerion’s first fleet purchaser for the new aircraft.
