Many 'Very Light Jet' (VLJ) manufacturers are reporting increasing demand for in Europe, according to the US-based Forecast International. It believes up to 650 VLJs could be delivered in Europe within 10 years.

Raymond Jaworowski, senior aerospace analyst, Forecast International reports: "They and are strengthening their customer sales and support networks in the region."

He adds: "The level of the European share of existing VLJ orders and options varies by aircraft and manufacturer. For instance, European customers account for about seven percent of the total Eclipse 500 order book. Europe also represents about 30 per cent of Cessna Mustang sales to date, and about 15 per cent of the Adam A700 order book.

"Embraer has also had success in Europe with its Phenom 100 VLJ, including a European fleet launch order from Swiss on-demand charter operator JetBird for 50 Phenom 100s plus 50 options which could be used for either Phenom 100s or 300s."

But North America will be the main market for VLJs for several years.

Jaworowski told EBAN: "The European VLJ market will not be as large, but it will be important. Europe does pose some challenges for VLJs, particularly in such areas as airport access as well as regulations (in many European countries) requiring two pilots for commercial flights. The latter could be a key economic point for nascent European air taxi operations."

Forecast International predicts that about 4,355 VLJs will be delivered in the 2006-2015 time period. Of these, approximately 10-15 per cent may go to European customers.