Switzerland’s G5 Executive says it will be the first commercial operator of a G550 when the aircraft arrives in late 2003. Said ceo Peter Fried: “The 6,800nm range and a 20 per cent larger cabin plus larger baggage compartment are the highlights of this type. The aircraft will come with the same cabin layout as our GV but all seats will be fully berthable. The aft cabin can be converted into two divan beds.”

The company’s existing GV is currently in renovation and will be operational again by the end of December with a completely new interior and paint. The aircraft will also receive several upgrades in computer software for entertainment and communication equipment. Said Fried: “As far as the passengers are concerned, she will present herself as a practically new aircraft.”

Both the G550 and GV will be priced equally. Fried said: “Prices will remain very competitive in the long-range and mid-range sectors. In particular, one-way rates are our best selling flights and you should always ask us for quotes on these routes, even if you feel the GV is too expensive.”

In further company news, G5 Executive has been appointed by the US government as a certified operator, into the visa waiver programme. This is designed to reduce the burden for passengers to apply for a US visa when travelling there on a private jet.

G5 Executive also operates an Embraer Legacy for its customers, which will soon undergo some changes. Said Fried: “The intro-duction of the Legacy this year was a great success and the aircraft has proved to be a lot of aircraft for the money.

“Passengers very much enjoy travelling on her and despite minor problems in the early days of operation, the aircraft is very reliable.

“The Legacy will undergo several upgrades to its interior in November and in early 2003, it will get new, more powerful engines. After that, she will have her full performance spectrum and shall be able to carry 13 – 14 passengers maximum or eight passengers at a maximum range of 3,000 miles.”

G5 Executive is currently evaluating whether it is going to introduce a second Legacy in 2003 in exchange for its HS 125-800.

“Our Hawker will undergo a complete interior and paint renovation this December or January,” said Fried. “She will also receive new engines and several electronic upgrades. A sat-com will also be installed.”