Story ID: 
Hawker kicks off EBACE sales tally
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Hawker Beechcraft achieved the first new aircraft sale at this year’s EBACE show when Jordanian charter operator RayaJet and its sister company Ayla Aviati
Word Count: 152
Hawker Beechcraft achieved the first new aircraft sale at this year’s EBACE show when Jordanian charter operator RayaJet and its sister company Ayla Aviation Academy signed a contract yesterday evening for a Premier II. This will be the first aircraft of its type operating in the Middle East.The $7.4 million Premier II was announced at the 2008 EBACE show and is an upgraded version of the existing Premier IA, with 20 percent more range, increased payload and higher cruise speeds. According to Hawker Beechcraft, the Premier II is on track to complete U.S. certification in the second quarter of 2010, followed by European approval.RayaJet and Ayla Aviation Academy signed a strategic alliance last year and plan to merge this year. RayaJet is a charter/management, handling and catering company, and Ayla Aviation provides pilot training in the Middle East. The Jordanian companies are expected to make more news here in Geneva today.