The very light jet segment got a bit more crowded early last month when Westport, Conn.-based startup Avocet Aircraft and Israel Aircraft Industries publicly announced a partnership to develop a six- to eight-seat (including pilot) twinjet. The $2 million (complete) ProJet is the sixth serious very light jet contender to enter the scene since Eclipse launched its Model 500 twinjet in June 1999, sparking competition in the form of the Cessna Citation Mustang; Safire Jet; Adam A700; and Diamond D-Jet. (A seventh contender could be the HondaJet.)
What makes Avocet a serious contender and sets it apart from other startups in this segment is its relationship with an established aircraft manufacturer, in this case IAI. Because of IAI’s relationship with Gulfstream as a builder of the G100, G150 and G200, Avocet was required to receive the Savannah, Ga. manufacturer’s approval, which was granted. It was not disclosed if Gulfstream was invited to take part in the ProJet program.
