Selvin,
I link the chronology of these announcements on InspecTech's web site. The bolding in these announcement and their implications is my hunch.
inspectech.net
June 11, 2001 -- Ashville, OH -- InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. president Jim Lang was on the winning team again, this time with NetJets Senior VP Peter Mirabello, Cessna Aircraft Company VP Art Warner, and Ameritech Engineer Kent Kovach. This round saw an impressive 13-under-par score of 58 to take first place in this longstanding NetJets company tournament at Cook's Creek.
"Today started off looking like it was going to be a rain-out," said Lang, "but then the clouds cleared and the course dried up, causing just a minor delay." "We had 11 birdies, an eagle, and the remainder in pars to get this score. We are really happy to have won, and we had a great time playing together and getting to know each other," Lang explains. "Our conversations will continue well beyond the 18th hole," he states.
Unfortunately, so ends the "tour" for the time being. Lang's next tournament scheduled for Friday, June 15th has been pre-empted by a meeting that he is conspicuously silent about. We'll pick up on the golf activity when he gets back from this meeting. Maybe he will share some information, too...
inspectech.net
InspecTech Aero Service Receives Order from Executive Jet Fleet Operator to Purchase SPD "Smart" Cabin Windows for Aircraft
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, June 19, 2001 -- InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. has received a purchase order from an executive jet charter fleet operator for replacement of existing cabin inner windows with fast-responding Suspended Particle Device (SPD) windows, a light-control technology invented by Research Frontiers Incorporated (Nasdaq: REFR) of Woodbury, NY. The order is for the first aircraft in the world to have these new “smart” windows installed. Purchase order options are in place to retrofit the remainder of this operator's fleet at their next opportunity.
"We have been meeting with vendors and other Research Frontiers licensees over the past weeks to assemble the supply chain," stated Jim Lang, President of InspecTech Aero Service, Inc., "and now we can confidently and swiftly respond to the many inquiries we've received from major airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and fleet operators for this cutting-edge technology."
Engineering is underway for this and other expected orders at the same time, according to Alex Martinez, head of engineering and new product development for InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. "Due to the ongoing certification of our projects at the FAA, coupled with our in-house FAA Designees, certification of these smart windows will be fast-tracked. After this approval we will be able to accommodate virtually any U.S. or Bilaterally certificated civil aircraft," notes Martinez.
He plays golf w/NetJets executive. He has to back out of next tournament due to meetings. Hints at something to be announced and announces first order for SPD windows.
I am hoping that Executive Jet is the customer in the order announcement. They have just ordered aircraft. I suggest you browse around their web site. They were bought by Warrent Buffet in 1998 and provide jets to many of the CEO's of Fortune 100 companies. This will be an incredible marketing opportunity for SPD technology. Keep your fingers crossed!
netjets.com
Executive Jet, Inc. Orders Additional 100 Aircraft for NetJets Fractional Aircraft Ownership Program
WOODBRIDGE, NJ May 1, 2001 – Executive Jet, Inc. has ordered 50 super mid-sized Galaxy aircraft with an option for 50 more from General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) for the company’s NetJets® fractional aircraft ownership program. Total value of the order, options and maintenance services is approximately $2 billion.
In the last month alone, Executive Jet has ordered over $3.65 billion worth of aircraft to meet the growing demand of its NetJets fractional aircraft program.
“We plan to introduce the first Galaxy business jet into the NetJets program in the second quarter 2002,” said Richard T. Santulli, Executive Jet’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The Galaxy purchase is an example of Executive Jet’s commitment to continually offer the best aircraft in the world to meet the varying needs of our NetJets owners.”
Mr. Santulli continued, “Our successful partnership with Gulfstream and the associated experience with its excellent aircraft services and support finalized our decision to the purchase the Galaxy aircraft.”
Bill Boisture, General Dynamics executive vice president and president and chief operating officer of its Gulfstream Aerospace unit said “Executive Jet’s order represents a major endorsement of the Galaxy business jet and signals Executive Jet’s intention to be first to market in the super mid-size fractional ownership business.”
NetJets programs are tailored to an individual’s or company’s needs, offering aircraft ownership at a fraction of the cost. NetJets allows individuals and businesses to buy a portion of a specific aircraft based on the number of actual flight hours needed and then contract for NetJets to manage their fractional interest. No matter how many aircraft a company might own because of scheduled or unscheduled maintenance, NetJets provides guaranteed worldwide availability, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, as well as the best trained pilots and the most safety assured focus in business aviation to meet the flying requirements of NetJet owners.
Executive Jet is the world’s largest operator of private business jets. Mr. Santulli revolutionized the business aviation industry in 1986 when he introduced the NetJets fractional aircraft ownership program. The popularity of NetJets has surged over the last decade. Today, Executive Jet manages 345 aircraft, with more than 596 aircraft on order. In 2001, NetJets will fly more than 200,000 flights for NetJets owners to more than 92 countries.
In the last six years, Executive Jet has ordered 941 new aircraft for the NetJets fractional ownership program totaling more than $17 billion. This represents more than 40 percent of the total business aircraft ordered. To date, NetJets orders and options for Gulfstream aircraft have reached 88, comprising 40 Gulfstream IV-SPs flying today with 16 more on order. In addition, 32 Gulfstream Vs have been ordered with two in operation today and five more scheduled for this year.
NetJets dominates the fractional aircraft ownership market. In the first quarter of this year, Executive Jet took delivery of its first Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and Gulfstream V (GV) for its NetJets program. Both the BBJ and GV will be used to connect the continents. The BBJ seats 18 passengers, has a flight range up to 6,000 statute miles and offers nearly three times the space of existing corporate jets. The GV is the world’s most technologically advanced intercontinental business jet aircraft. Capable of routinely flying 6,900 statute miles with 8 passengers and a crew of 4, the GV cruises up to 51,000 feet and is capable of flying nonstop from London to Beijing, Chicago to Tokyo, Washington, D.C. to Tel Aviv or L.A. to Milan. The GV seats up to 14 passengers.
Executive Jet, a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company, is the largest provider of fractional aircraft ownership offerings in the world through its NetJets programs. NetJets programs are available in the U.S., Europe and Middle East, with plans underway for NetJets™ Asia and NetJets™ South America.
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