Adam Aircraft has announced the Adam A700 business jet. Said a company spokesman: “An affordable business jet fills a huge void in the aviation market.

“There are approximately 20,000 cabin-class twin and turboprop aircraft that are step-up candidates for the A700.

“The A700 business jet will facilitate access to thousands of close-in community airports and avoid the delays of the airline hub-and-spoke system.”

The A700 is capable of 340 knots and offers a large, private, aft lavatory.

Seating for two pilots and four passengers is provided. The spokesman said: “Certified to fly at 41,000 feet, the A700 will be able to fly above most unfavourable weather, offering the pilot and passengers a smooth, safe ride.”

The introductory price of the A700 will be $1,995,000. An initial deposit of $10,000 will secure a preferential price and preferred delivery position for future customers.

Adam Aircraft anticipates the first flight of the A700 in the second half of 2003 with first customer deliveries in late 2004.

The Adam A700 will be powered by Williams International FJ33 fanjet engines rated at 1,200 pounds of thrust each. According to Gregg Williams, president: “The Williams International FJ33 is derived from the well-proven FJ44 that has accumulated over a million hours in business jet and trainer service.

The FJ33 met its design thrust and low fuel rate specifications on its very first run and is well along in its certification program.”

Duncan Aviation, who is assisting US-based Adam Aircraft with the interior, says it designed the A700 cabin to be functional, yet comfortable and aesthetically pleasing: “Our design team performed design upgrades, including the addition of the aft lavatory,” says Robert Duncan, chairman of Duncan Aviation.

“Our upgrades integrate well with the existing cabin design, while delivering the form and function

for which Duncan design has become known.”

On the flight deck, the A700 will have a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and several large, flat panel displays will offer primary flight display (PFD), navigation and communication. In addition, advanced instrumentation such as airborne weather, traffic awareness, and terrain displays will enhance pilot situational awareness and safety.

Rick Adam, founder and ceo of Adam Aircraft, said: “We are very proud of this extension to our product line. Our A500 twin piston product is selling well and we anticipate its first deliveries in

mid-2003.

“The addition of the A700 business jet to our product line gives our customers a growth

path and will attract new customers to the company.”