Story ID: 383 Hemisphere Chinese name
Textron Aviation: Help Us Name The Hemisphere
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Textron Aviation set up WeChat survey to solicit a Chinese name for newest business jet in development.
Word Count: 212
Textron Aviation is eying a potential strong market in China for its latest in-development business jet, the Hemisphere, which will become the largest aircraft in its product line and provide long-range capability. And to position the aircraft in the country, Bill Schultz, Textron Aviation senior vice president of business development for China, is inviting input on a Chinese name.

“The Hemisphere is an English name. We need your help to identify a good Chinese name,” Schultz said on Monday at ABACE 2016. Textron has set up a survey poll at its Chinese WeChat account, Textron1104, to enable input on the name.

Textron Aviation (Chalet 9) announced plans for the Hemisphereduring last fall’s NBAA Convention in Las Vegas, providing initial details of the company’s first entrance in the large-cabin business jet market. The company has outlined plans for an aircraft with 4,500 nm (8,334 km) range, a flat floor and a cabin crosses section of 2.62 m (102 in). Schultz said the goal is to provide an aircraft that has “best in class” operating costs and performance. The range will connect Beijing to Dubai and Hong Kong to Moscow, he said.

While remaining quiet still on further details, Schultz said the aircraft remains on track for first flight in 2019.