| The use of private business jets will triple over the | | | | By 2017, these twin-engine aircraft are expected to log |
| next decade, driven by the introduction of relatively | | | | 9.6 million flight hours, up from an estimated 3 million last |
| inexpensive "microjets," the Federal Aviation | | | | year, the agency added in its annual forecast of |
| Administration predicts. | | | | aviation activity. |
| The arrival of these very light jets could make | | | | The agency predicted that 100 very light jets would be |
| corporate planes affordable to more companies and | | | | operating by the end of 2006, with the number |
| air-taxi services at smaller airports more viable | | | | growing by 400 to 500 aircraft each year after that |
| financially. (The jets cost as little as $1.5 million, | | | | and reaching nearly 5,000 by 2017. The General |
| compared with $2.4 million for the cheapest corporate | | | | Aviation Manufacturers Association's projections are |
| jets.) All that means more options for fliers. But in the | | | | similar; it says the industry is likely to produce 350 to |
| process, beleaguered commercial airlines could lose | | | | 500 very light jets a year, with a maximum of perhaps |
| high-paying customers. | | | | 870. |
| The first of the new jets, the Eclipse 500, is expected | | | | "If the microjet and air-taxi phenomena are successful, |
| to be certified by the agency after a safety review | | | | it could mean great new travel choices," says Gerald |
| and is likely to be flying this year. The FAA said last | | | | Bernstein, a partner in the Velocity Group, an aviation |
| week that it expects these jets to be popular enough | | | | consultancy. |
| to drive up use of privately operated jet aircraft by | | | | But not everyone accepts the FAA's predictions. |
| more than 10 percent a year over the next 12 years. | | | | |