(Tuesday, August 3, 2004) - While the EAA AirVenture convention is primarily known as a sport aviation event, a noticeable sampling of jet aircraft manufacturers, with ties to the air charter and fractional industry, was evident during the show. The number of jets exhibited during the event clearly demonstrated that business aviation continues to be an attractive alternative to commercial air travel.

Eclipse Aviation stole part of the show at this year's convention held from July 27 to August 2 in Oshkosh, Wisc. The jet manufacturer was on hand to make several newsworthy announcements, including those with an emphasis on interior design. In an effort to cater to the executive market, Eclipse announced it is offering its E500 interior in four paint schemes and two stylish editions. A variety of striping schemes are now available to complement each of the interior editions. President and CEO Vern Raburn explains the jet was designed with the air taxi market in mind. "We wanted provide a platform which the public could access for efficient and economical air transportation," he says. Raburn also reassures the jet's FAA certification process is still on track, despite the recent setbacks resulting from the company's change in engine supplier. "The reliability of the Pratt & Whitney powerplants will ensure our certification process remains on schedule," Raburn says.

Cessna Aircraft Company was on hand to display its CJ3 jet and Cessna Caravan line. However, the aircraft's new baby brother, the Citation Mustang, was the focus of this year's exhibit. Slated for a 2005 first flight, the Mustang promises to be Cessna's answer to the emergence of light jet aircraft designs being developed for charter, fractional and air taxi missions. Philip Michel, Cessna's Vice President of Marketing, explains the Mustang is marketed to challenge the Eclipse E500 jet, among others. "We are confident the Mustang will compete successfully with its competitors," he says. Like the E500, the Mustang is tailored as an option for those fractional operators who desire a smaller aircraft platform.

Leaving no opportunity to be overshadowed by its competitors, Adam Aircraft displayed its A700 twin-engine jet during AirVenture. Rick Adam, founder and CEO of Adam Aircraft, displays confidence in his aircraft design, which is currently undergoing the FAA certification process. "The jet has met, and on occasion, even exceeded all of our limitations," he says. Like Eclipse and Cessna, Adam Aircraft is poised to enter the fractional and air charter market, which is experiencing a period of growth in light of the US economy slow but steady recovery.