A high-performance but economical business aircraft designed in the UK will be manufactured soon in the United Arab Emirates after an agreement between the Gulf Aircraft Partnership and the Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Co. (Gamco) is finalized. A model of the Kestrel JP100 displayed on the Gamco stand (W402) features a low-wing, Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B-powered single-engine design clearly derived from the Farnborough F1, development of which began in 1999.

Originally planned as a new concept in business aviation, the Kestrel sets out to provide the optimum balance between high speed, comfort, utility and affordability. Offering a maximum cruise speed of 350 knots, a 3,100 fpm rate of climb carrying four passengers and an IFR range of 1,500 nm, the Kestrel will have direct operating costs significantly below $1 dollar per nautical mile.  

Capable of operating into small airports as well as small sand, gravel or grass landing strips, the Kestrel can be flown to destinations denied to the majority of business jets. Autonomous operation will be eased by the glass cockpit avionics including synthetic terrain maps and enhanced vision systems.

If the production agreement is successfully concluded, it is possible that a prototype Kestrel could be built next year, with certification and first deliveries following in 2007. Gamco has considerable experience in providing maintenance repair and overhaul of both civil and military aircraft, so manufacture should be within its capabilities.

Indeed, the importance of the Kestrel program is the prospect of Abu Dhabi becoming a source for a locally built business aircraft capable of reaching Cairo, Mumbai or Baku within three hours flying time from the UAE.