The price of Safire’s new twin-turbo, fan-powered jet will increase to $1.495 million for orders placed after the first flight of the prototype later this year.

At the current price of $1.395 million, the company has received 396 orders, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2006.

Robert Stangarone, Safire vp, marketing and public affairs, believes that the jet offers value for money despite the price increase.

“The Safire jet provides all

the comfort, performance and

utility of the $2 million-plus new generation light jets, but at a dramatically lower price point,”

he commented

“We’ve spoken to hundreds of customers and prospects over the past several months - both owner operators and fleet operators - and virtually every one is focused on the cost of achieving jet capability as their highest priority in making a purchase decision.”

Safire is hoping its jet will meet the emerging requirements of owner operators and is keen to highlight the support infrastructure it will provide. “We have set objectives for this year to announce a training partner, an insurance programme, a financing programme and a customer support programme,” said Stangarone.