Scottsdale, Ariz., September 15, 2003 — Commuter Air Technology today
announced a significant new order from Rio Grande Air of Albuquerque, N.M.,
for four CATPASS 250 airplanes.
The addition of the four new aircraft will pave the way for Rio Grande to be
named the official airline for the state of New Mexico.
It is also paving the way for Commuter Air Technology to pursue similar sales
in
other states, company officials said. “We are delighted about our partnership
with
Rio Grande Air and are confident that this concept will work equally well for
other
states,” said Sam L. Jantzen, Jr., vice president of sales and marketing
for the
company.
Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for late this year. The CATPASS
250 is a
Beech King Air 200 equipped with a special package of 18 enhancements. Some
of the CATPASS enhancements are designed to increase rate of climb and cruise
speed, improve payload and decrease fuel burn. Others will provide more
baggage space, or a smoother and shorter takeoff and landing.
The CATPASS 250s are ideally suited for Rio Grande Air, a trans-regional airline
that has partnered with the state to support the economic growth of New Mexico,
according to William D. Hildebrand, vice president and director of operations
for
the airline. The nine-passenger CATPASS 250s will offer first-class legroom
and
first-class quiet to those who fly for business and pleasure.
Rio Grande Air flies daily and averages 100 flights a week. The new airplanes
will enable the airline to add routes, to locations such as Artesia, N.M., Gallup,
N.M., Telluride, Colo., and Phoenix, Ariz., as well as 10 employees.
Nearly 100 CATPASS 250s have been delivered worldwide to satisfied clients
who are reaping the benefits of higher performance, improved reliability and
lower operating costs.
Founded in 1985, Commuter Air Technology is a product development driven
company that provides quality aircraft enhancements for a full range of King
Air
products. The enhancements enable aircraft to do more while operating more
effectively and efficiently.
Rio Grande Air was founded in 1994 to provide charter services to Taos, N.M.
The company currently offers scheduled airline services to Taos, Alamogordo
and
Albuquerque, N.M., as well as on-demand charter services.
# # #
A color rendering of the new aircraft is available.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Amundsen., Commuter Air Technology, (480) 998-1235
scatp@aol.com
www.commuterair.com
Timothy Wooldridge, CEO, Rio Grande Air, (505) 737-0505
info@riograndeair.com
www.riograndeair.com