PERSONAL jets zooming around the sky have been a staple of science fiction since Brave New World and, after many false starts, the industry may finally be ready for take-off. The Federal Aviation Authority in the United States is days away from certifying the Eclipse, the first of a new breed of light jet.

These aircraft, which seat six, are the jet equivalents of the propeller-powered runabout, such as the Cessna — but their vastly superior performance could open many more opportunities. The Eclipse has capabilities similar to those of a Gulfstream private jet, but it costs about a tenth of the price. The backers of the Eclipse hope that this will create a sustainable market for air taxis.

Eclipse, which is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the first into this market, but others are set to follow. Honda is developing its own light jet and there are rumours that Toyota may begin its own project, lending weight to the idea that the skies may become the roads of the future.

Andrew Broom, a spokesman for Eclipse, said: “This isn’t about competing with the low-cost carriers or flying people from Heathrow to Paris. It’s about giving people an option to fly to and from small communities and private airfields. These services will come at premium prices, but will be much cheaper than the private air travel that currently exists.”

Eclipse has taken orders for 2,500 aircraft and expects to sell about 1,000 a year. The aircraft can fly at 400 knots, twice as fast as most prop models, and has a ceiling of 41,000ft (12,500 metres), versus 12,000ft for a prop aircraft. It will cost slightly more than $1.5 million (£800,000).

Hampson Industries, the British-based manufacturer, is supplying components for the Eclipse. Howard Kimberley, its finance director, said: “Given the unpleasantness of airport security, many businessmen will find the idea of taking a trip on a private jet very attractive. Until now, that has been an expensive proposition, but light jets could revolutionise this market.”

The market for private air travel has expanded greatly because of the security crackdowns at airports that have taken place since the terrorist horrors of September 11, 2001.

NetJets, which is owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, is spending $1.1 billion on 24 private jets for the European market. Businesses can buy a share in NetJets’ aircraft, which gives them access to private air travel without the cost of owning and maintaining a jet.

Doug McVitie, of Arran Aerospace, said: “We have had many false starts with this idea of air taxis, and they have never worked because the performance either hasn’t been there or they cost too much for anybody other than CEOs. The Eclipse and NetJets could be the ones to finally open this market up.”

NEW CONCEPT

It has a range of 1,125 miles (1,810km), which from London would take it as far as Athens

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