News Release

RAI Jets adds Beechcraft Premier I to aircraft charter fleet

RAI Jets, a Kalamazoo, MIchigan-based Part 135 operator and aircraft charter and management company, is pleased to announce the addition of a Beechcraft Premier I to its fleet. The light jet rounds out RAI Jets' existing fleet, which includes a turboprop, midsize and super-midsize jet. The Premier I is now available for aircraft charter for business or pleasure.

Initially introduced by Raytheon/Hawker Beechcraft (now a part of Textron Aviation), the Beechcraft Premier has established a reputation as a quality business jet since the first one was manufactured in 1998. The Premier I at RAI Jets is a 2005 light business jet and a preferred choice for corporate executives, private owners and charter operators.

"The addition of the Premier I to our fleet fulfills our mission to provide a full spectrum of aircraft to customers for their needs," said David Riley, director of operations at RAI Jets. "The Premier I jet is classified as a light jet, but it offers many advantages of much larger aircraft."

One of those advantages is a larger interior than other aircraft in its class. The cabin of the Premier I features a height of five feet, five inches and a width of five feet, six inches, just two or three inches short of the average cabin size for midsize jets. The ample headroom and shoulder space create a comfortable environment for up to six passengers. The Beechcraft Premier I interior is also designed with aesthetics in mind, with ergonomic seating, generous storage space and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

The Premier I also boasts an impressive speed for its light jet status. While most light jets don't surpass a top speed of 480 mph, the Beechcraft Premier I's two powerful Williams FJ44-2A engines give it a maximum cruise speed of 454 knots (523 mph). Because of its speed, the Premier I is preferred by busy business executives who want to cover as many miles as possible in a day and fly with their teammates in comfort.

Depending on flight conditions, the Beechcraft Premier I's range is approximately 850 nautical miles, allowing for non-stop flights between major cities, such as New York to Miami. The aircraft's advanced aerodynamics and design also help with velocity. With a high-strength composite fuselage that reduces weight and a "swept wing" design that contributes to aerodynamic performance, the Premier I gives passengers a smooth, comfortable ride.

The Premier I aircraft is also manoeuvrable enough to land at airports with shorter runways, making it a versatile choice for leisure trips to remote spots. Finally, the aircraft's clever engineering makes it a fuel-efficient choice in its class as well.

"We envision the Premier I will become one of our most requested aircraft because of its speed, luxury interior, fuel efficiency and versatility," said Riley. "We welcome it to the RAI Jets charter fleet."

RAI Jets offers aircraft charter, as well as aircraft management and maintenance. The company is headquartered at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO).