Bahrain 2012: Comlux takes punt on Superjet

He said: “We believe the Superjet will do what it says it will do and that the technology will work well immediately. It is an excellent fly-by-wire aircraft. We are willing to take a SuperBet on it.”

The SBJ offers a spacious and ultra quiet cabin of 118m³ (4192ft³ ), and a range of approximately 4,300nm, thanks to its additional fuel tanks.

Last year Comlux became the launch customer for the corporate jet with a $200 million order for two of the type, plus options for two more. The result of a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi Holding, the commercial version entered service in April 2011.

Comlux America will outfit the executive cabin and has become the first approved SBJ completion centre.

The Indianapolis entity has gone from strength to strength since Comlux acquired it in 2008. It now has approvals from both Airbus and Boeing and has won the completions order from Airbus for the first VIP version of the Airbus ACJ321.
 
Gaona explained: “One of the problems with the completions industry is getting work done on time because of the highly specialised supply chain. If one part is late it can delay work for weeks. We have shops that can cater for all the elements on site. Very few places in the world are able to offer what we will be able to offer with the new hangar.”

The company is exhibiting on home turf at the show and has brought an Airbus A320 ACJ to the static. Comlux also hopes to display its newly outfitted Boeing 767 BBJ, but the aircraft is proving extremely popular with the local charter market, so may not be available. 

Comlux Middle East opted to set up shop in Bahrain rather than one of the neighbouring countries because of its proximity to Saudi Arabia – the biggest charter market in the region.