FAI Aviation Group’s Global Express Project Pearl starts new life in USA - with Planet Nine

FAI Technik GmbH, the expanding German MRO supplier and part of FAI Aviation Group, has completed the sale of its award-winning, refurbished Bombardier Global Express Project Pearl to an undisclosed private US buyer.

The aircraft, previously flying as D-AFAL, has been re-registered as N822VP, under the management of leading Part 135 charter and management company Planet Nine, based at Van Nuys, California.

The sale was overseen, including pre-buy and inspection in Guernsey, by Cayman Islands, Dubai and UK based Aircraft Trading, a pre-owned Bombardier aircraft specialist, headed by Nicholas McHaffey, who has collaborated with FAI for several years. He acted on behalf of the private A-list celebrity buyer, liaising closely with Planet 9’s Co-founder Matt Walter. Financing and administration were processed by London’s The Air Law Firm.

A team from FAI Technik helped ready the aircraft for sale, undertaking minor interior refreshments.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Aircraft Trading and Planet Nine to transition our stunning aircraft to a new home in Los Angeles," said FAI Technik’s Managing Director Michael Axtmann. "Project Pearl is a beautiful aircraft, its interior a tribute to the professionalism of our engineers at our MRO division FAI Technik working to the vision of designer Tim Callies. It will continue to be a highly desired aircraft for private trips and third party charter.”

“We are honored to take on this outstanding Global Express into our managed aircraft fleet for a long-standing client. Thank you to all the parties who worked hard to get this transaction completed,” said Matt Walter, Co-founder of Planet 9.

Following 10,000 manhours of work, the Global Express entered service with FAI in autumn 2020 and has successfully completed 800 hours of charter operations all around the world. It has been lauded around the world by guests flying on business and leisure. FAI Technik scooped the Innovation in Engineering Category at the 2021 Middle East Aviation Awards for its work on the aircraft.

The aircraft’s custom interior was designed by FAI’s design partner, award-winning German design specialist, Tim Callies.

With an all-new cabin and latest cabin management and entertainment systems, the Global Express offers VIP seating for 12 passengers in two tone grey leather. A further two three-seat sofas are upholstered in anthracite Armani fabric. The interior also features stylish heated grey-white marble stone flooring in the galley and VIP toilet areas which matches the granite countertops of the galley and bathroom. Galley appliances include a wine cooler, coffee maker and oven. Its striking customised exterior paint scheme was also designed by Tim Callies.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 3rd February 2022 | Issue #639

Share this article