Van Nuys, California-based Part 135 charter and management company Planet Nine has added refurbished Bombardier Global Express Project Pearl to its managed fleet following its purchase by an undisclosed private US buyer. It took delivery from Germany-based MRO supplier FAI Technik. The aircraft, previously flying as D-AFAL, has been re-registered as N822VP.

“We are honoured to take on this outstanding Global Express into our managed aircraft fleet for a longstanding client. Thank you to all the parties who worked hard to get this transaction completed,” says Planet Nine co-founder Matt Walter.

Following a multi-million-euro refurbishment project involving 10,000 man hours of work, the Global Express entered service with FAI in autumn 2020 and successfully completed 800 hours of charter operations around the world. FAI Technik scooped the Innovation in Engineering Category at the 2021 Middle East Aviation Awards for its work on the aircraft. A team from FAI Technik helped ready the aircraft for sale, undertaking minor interior refreshments.

The aircraft's exterior paint scheme and custom interior were designed by German design specialist Tim Callies. It was given an all-new cabin and the latest cabin management and entertainment systems, and offers VIP seating for 12 passengers in two tone grey leather. A further two three-seat sofas are upholstered in anthracite Armani fabric. The interior also features stylish heated grey-white marble stone flooring in the galley and VIP toilet areas, which matches the granite countertops of the galley and bathroom.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Aircraft Trading and Planet Nine to transition our stunning aircraft to a new home in Los Angeles," comments FAI Technik managing director Michael Axtmann. "Project Pearl is a beautiful aircraft; its interior is a tribute to the professionalism of our engineers at our MRO division FAI Technik, working to the vision of Tim Callies. It will continue to be a highly desired aircraft for private trips and third party charter.”

The sale was overseen, including pre-buy and inspection in Guernsey, by Cayman Islands, Dubai and UK-based pre-owned Bombardier aircraft specialist Aircraft Trading, headed by Nicholas McHaffey. He acted on behalf of the private A-list celebrity buyer, liaising closely with Planet Nine's co-founder Matt Walter. Financing and administration were processed by London's The Air Law Firm.