Hawker 400 and Eclipse 500??

Question

My parents are in the aviation business and are looking for new airplanes for their fleet. Is the Hawker 400 worth the money? They operate mainly in arab countries and in Europe. What about the Eclipse 500 for short hops in and around Saudi Arabia. I am not comparing them, I am just curious if they are worth the money.

Answer 1

hi,

my dad is also in the airline business and flies the hawker 400.  he sais it is a great 2-4 hour flight plane. i have been looking on the eclipse 500, also a very nice smaller airplane.

if you are looking for a smaller jet have you looke at the cirus jet.  if not check it out at   www.the-jet.com             best of luck at finding a good bird.

Answer 2

I have been selling aircraft for 15 years. The first 12 years dedicated to business jets primarily.

The Hawker 400 (formerly the Beechjet and prior to that the Mitsubishi Diamond) has had a long history of performance and would be a reliable option with more room for the passenger. It will be more expensive to operate than the Eclipse but parts and maintenance will be easier to find in the Middle East considering that it is part of Raytheon.

The Eclipse is the first VLJ (very Light Jet) to successfully get of the ground (aside from the Cessna Mustang) and will have a cheaper operating cost than the HS400 and a lower acquisition cost as well (unless you get into a much older Beechjet). Parts will be more difficult to find given its more recent introduction into the market but there are companies that will support your operation and make sure you have the parts when you need them.

The Eclipse has done well in its short-run. The engines are so compact they can be literally taken off and carried by two people. It is a fantastic concept and the few fleet operators have done well so far.

In summary, your parents would be saving money being more entrepreneurial with the Eclipse. I believe a fleet of these aircraft would do well in the Middle East, provided you are lined up with the proper parts procurement program.

The HS400 will be a safe (as far as support) but more expensive way to go. If the hops they are planning to make are longer than 2 to 2.5 hours, then the HS400 may be a better option for your clientele just from the interior room perspective (just a bit more space makes a longer trip more comfortable). If the hops are under 2.5 hours, then you may be on to a great new venture with an Eclipse.

Let me know if I can answer anything else. Good luck.

Answer 3

google for problems on both.

Hawker 400 problems

Eclipse 500 problems