ZAS Z-Aviation Services of Egypt is to acquire two spns. The agreement was signed by Niall Olver, ceo of ExecuJet Aviation Group, and Sherif Zarkani, founder and president of ZAS Z-Aviation Services. The spns will be delivered in 2009. Options on a further two spns have been taken for delivery in 2010, confirms Omar Zarkani, md of ZAS Z-Aviation Services.

"We selected the spn because it is an efficient, flexible and cost effective aircraft, easy to operate and suitable for our region and beyond. It also offers a generously sized cabin. We will fly the aircraft in a six and eight seat layout, featuring the stylish cabin and cockpit designed by Porsche Design Studio," adds Sherif Zarkani.

Omar Zarkani says the spn boasts an impressive range and payload. With six passengers and single pilot, the aircraft can serve 1,800 nm (3,334 km). The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft. – the largest in the light business jet class by a fair margin, and it has a large passenger door, he says. "For example, requiring a balanced field length of just 3,000 ft. (914 m) at maximum take off weight, the spn can operate out of fields traditionally the domain of a turboprop; even out of unimproved runways."

The spn will also be certified for single pilot operation and is equipped with Honeywell's integrated all-glass cockpit, while two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust. The spn carries a price tag of €5.8 million. ZAS Z-Aviation Services, established in Egypt in 1976, expanded in 1982 by forming the sister company ZAS Airline of Egypt. It became the only non-government and first private operator in the region with a fleet of more than 25 aircraft.