BOEING 727-200 Specifications: Registration: ZS-PVX Region: World Aircraft Category: Heavy Jet Home Base: South Africa Range: 8000 km Cruising Speed: 880 km/hr Crew: 3 Flight Crew Cabin Attendants: 3 to 8 Accommodation and Passengers: Double State Room with queen bed, 2-place divan and entertainment system. The en-suite bathroom comprises shower, basin, toilet and bidet. | 4-place Executive Lounge/Private Office with entertainment system. | 14-place Executive Salon with entertainment system. | 18 place aft business class seating area. | Crew rest area, comprising 3-place divan and 4 seats, with own restroom and galley. | 6 additional crew jump seats. Pressurised Cabin: Yes Galley: Two, one forward in crew rest area and the main galley aft of seat sections. Restrooms: Four in total. Entertainment Systems: Air Show/CD/DVD Satellite Phone: Yes Travel Times (assuming average winds): Johannesburg - Dubai 6600 km 7hr35 Johannesburg - Dakar 6850 km 7hr55 Johannesburg - Tripoli 6730 km 7hr45 Johannesburg - Khartoum 4730 km 5hr30 Johannesburg - Cairo 6400 km 7hr20 Johannesburg - Mumbai 7040 km 8hr00

What can you expect from Paramount Aircraft Maintenance ? Everything you require from an industry leader …….. well-equipped facilities, highly trained, safety-conscience personnel, and leading-edge capabilities. Plus all the advantages of a network including regional access, consistent quality and professionalism. But there is much more to us than nuts and bolts, avionics and hot sections, refurbishments, modifications and aircraft enhancements. We’re also about the kind of exceptional customer service that creates trust and develops relationships that keep you coming back. Above all, customer satisfaction is the number one benchmark upon which we measure our success. Plus, when you bring your aircraft to one of our facilities, you will benefit from the resources, expertise, and experience of our entire network. We believe you’ll appreciate what happens when you put yourself in the right hands. PAM's business model / concept surrounds the provision of maintenance and ground related services and support which extends to our third party customers as well as our owner operated aircraft. This service and support is with respect to business aircraft maintenance services- mandatory periodic inspections, component replacement and repairs, avionics management troubleshooting, specialist type related services, plus a host of general maintenance tasks. We specialising in large body aircraft airframe maintenance, and support certain Boeings plus Gulfstream’s. Our workshops are equipped with the latest maintenance and equipment. Our technicians are factory trained and our maintenance policy allows only the use of genuine new or used traceable parts. Our maintenance shop is located at Lanseria Airport, a hangar we co-share with Fortune Air. We also provide the necessary infrastructure needs to support this process, ranging from maintenance tracking, planning and administration, stores / procurement thought to management. This support offers our business model the right value adding capabilities; focus on procurement of specialist parts and services etc. plus the correct skills to ensure we meet market trends and requirements. Maintenance services include broad based project skills designed to manage and oversee complete aircraft refurbishment/ modifications and maintenance visits. Paramount Aircraft Maintenance at Lanseria has established a team whose primary focus it is to align its offer with the needs of our customer’s requirements through the use of coordinated business tools. The goal is to offer our clients professional customer relations and support service, with the highest technical standards, strong management, and a dedicated, well-qualified resource base. In terms of the service cycle the complete project objectives will be met, and the billing will be based on an approved estimated work scope, variations to the original scope and any additional work highlighted but not included in the original scope. Full details of all broad work tasks, along with a cost breakdown, are included in our proposals. Communication remains a focal point of the new team, equally so is the interaction and value this creates by offering our customers one contact point. We offer a wide variety of services - this assistance ranges from line and major maintenance and can be catogrised as follows: 1. AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE Our passion is to exceed our customer’s expectations by consistently delivering superior quality service. With a work environment that inspires high individual and team performance, your aircraft will be in good hands. As experts in routine maintenance, we are an ideal choice for all of your aircraft service requirements. We maximize our maintenance expertise to minimize your downtime. An aircraft on the ground is not productive; therefore, our factory-trained service technicians work quickly and professionally by keeping you informed of the aircrafts progress and responding to your individual needs. 2. AIRFRAME MODIFICATIONS & UPGRADES To keep up with the latest technological advances and mandated operational requirements, PAM has a dedicated team with the expertise to handle modification requirements for any regulatory authority. From a feasibility study to a complete system installation, whatever system requirements you have, our professionals are always prepared for advances in technology. 3. DETAIL COMPONENT MANUFACTURE & REPAIR Where we do not have this capability the organisation has created a network of speciality shops which have the capabilities to manufacture and repair detail components as well as repair major aircraft sub assemblies. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the shops have the ability to meet most one off and batch component manufacture projects, in addition to major structural repairs and sub assemblies including flaps, ailerons, elevators, rudders and wings. Through various aircraft projects, our high level of expertise, professionalism and customer focus this enables us to meet your individual requirements. 4. TECHNICAL RECORD MANAGEMENT Entrust your aircrafts technical records to our computerized maintenance tracking system which is specifically tailored to provide fast and reliable information to assist in forecasting budgets and ground-times. For airframe, engines and APU, our system enables inspection and component control to be managed effectively. Much of this support is carried out in conjunction with leading industry SP’s. 5. DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL AOG SUPPORT Corporate aircraft of today are renowned for reliability and offer a maximum degree of technical perfection. If your aircraft however does requires service or repair at a remote location, we will dispatch dedicated “road teams” to attend your aircraft. So what can you expect from us is relatively simple…… a company you can trust with a commitment of doing things right the first time. You want people who are skilled at keeping your aircraft operational, while updating you of its status, as well as providing exceptional service. And you expect a network of well equipped facilities with leading edge capabilities. The people at Paramount Aircraft Maintenance are dedicated to meet and exceed your expectations and this is our commitment to you: To be the force you can trust – simply put being the best. Although PAM's maintenance division specialise in Gulfstream products, we are also certified to repair and maintain a comprehensive range of other business jets and utility aircraft. In line with PAM policy and procedures, our maintenance operation complies with the world's most stringent regulatory requirements. We are committed to providing the highest levels of service excellence and quality workmanship, ensuring that our aircraft perform efficiently and reliably at all times. We have South African CAA authority to operate, AMO 1082. Should you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us. We trust this meets with your requirements and look forward to a successful relationship. AIRCRAFT REMARKETING SERVICES Volo provides innovative and flexible remarketing services to clients. Complete arrangements for storage, maintenance, remarketing, sale arrangement, insurance and delivery can be accomplished by Volo. These capabilities gives our customers an exclusive advantage as well as significant cost savings. Our comprehensive remarketing campaigns which accommodates both buyer and seller make perfect sense. We offer buyers the following remarketing services: - Aircraft handling, parking, maintenance & storage. - Aircraft delivery, ferry and export services. - Aircraft Insurance - Records storage and management. - Maximum exposure through all major aircraft media

Air Safaris Need to get to a five star lodge anywhere in Africa? We can not only get you there, but we have just the aircraft to get you there in comfort and style! Fortune Air operates a fleet of aircraft like the PC12 and the Socata TBM 700 that can get you to the more rural destinations on your itinerary. These aircraft are well known for their speed, comfort and the capability to land on shorter dirt strips, thus making them ideal for flights into Africa.

For those who expect excellence, only the Bell Helicopter 222 can live up to your expectations. . They epitomize excellence in every aspect and detail: * Sleek, aerodynamic design. * Incredible comfort and a smooth, quiet ride. * Performance and reliability. * All weather capability * Maximum speed 130 Knots * Luxuriously appointed productive cabin, featuring leather seats and tasteful amenities * Seats six (6) with superior leg, head and shoulder room * Baggage carrying capability comparable to the size of two large sedan trunks Quite simply, the Bell 222 is one of the best executive styled helicopters in the skies today. While carrying corporate executives and affluent passengers across congested cityscapes, the outstanding versatility of the Bell 222 performs each task as if it was built for it. The spacious cabin of the Bell 222 was clearly designed with passenger comfort in mind. With ample headroom and legroom to easily accommodates six executives, this superb aircraft serves the corporate world with distinction. Crafted for the discriminating few who understand the subtle differences between merely getting there and arriving, the 222 offers much more than any conventional helicopter.

Cargo Fortune Air is the ideal cargo partner. We have the resources to help you with cargo movements across the globe, having capacity to shift up to 100 tons per rotation. We makes use of a wide variety of cargo aircraft, offering flexibility for tailored solutions that including aircraft with backloading capabilities.

Experience With our 5-Star onboard experience, we exceed our clients' expectations by providing them with unparalleled comfort and first class service complemented by our gourmet cuisine. Our personalised onboard experience is sculpted to cater for your specific needs so that from take-off to landing, you and your guests will experience first-hand our world renowned South African hospitality, gourmet cuisine and wines from the top estates around the world in comfort and luxury. With our exceptional onboard service, your in-flight experience will become a benchmark for your future travel experiences!

Fleet Our fleet comprises the following aircraft. Click each aircraft name for detailed specifications.

Fortune Air Management and Consulting For the aviation fraternity we provide a variety of services from assisting with the sourcing of the aircraft, to operating this as well as their flight department, through to providing value added services, like country clearances, through to overseeing shop visits and refurbishments - MANAGE your asset, making sure of the fit OPERATE - ensuring the correct processes, SOP's, from crew selection MAINTAINING - from assessment through to scheduled shop visits COST ANALYSIS budgeting to managing MOTIVATE to make strategy everyone's job Fortune Air offers a comprehensive package of services, Including consultation, negotiation & acquisition, customization/outfitting and pre&post acquisition support with certain aircraft specialization. Focusing on a particular market segment creates a broader and deeper pool of knowledge than can otherwise be tapped at the more generic consultancies or aircraft brokerages. Fortune Airs independence and specialization in this field greatly benefits any acquirer or either new or pre-owned aircraft in this category. CONSULTATION * Comparative analysis of aircraft performance and operating parameters. * Uncompromising client guidance, with accurate and timely communication of market intelligence. * Impartial and focused evaluations and accurate appraisals of particular makes/models with reference to historical sales and present offerings. NEGOTIATION & ACQUISITION * Access to non-market information ensures optimized aircraft selection and advantageous pricing. * Guidance on pre-purchase inspection strategy, advice on offer/contract technical language and other related documentation. * Negotiated warranty terms and conditions for new aircraft deliveries. CUSTOMIZATION * Knowledgeable and practical advice during every phase of interior refurbishment/upgrade or initial outfitting. * Personalized troubleshooting by an industry veteran ensures premier quality and timely fault-free delivery. * Solid working relationships with all major industry-leading refurbishment specialists and associated vendor networks. PRE&POST ACQUISITION SUPPORT * Screening and hiring of all flight department personnel, advice on manning levels and flight department structure. * Guidance on charter operations and provider affiliation. * Assistance with vendor negotiations; insurance, hangar, fuel contracts etc. * Flight department policy / procedures consulting and monitoring. Putting theory into practice - actively managing the processes, measurement of the actual contribution, integration of disciplines all leads to successful core execution E-FLIGHT OPS · E-Flight-Ops is of the tools that we have created to manage these processes · E-Flight Ops is a virtual operations room providing solutions for all phases of flight. · As information is the key to a successful operation, the main purpose of the program is to provide the operator with all the relevant information to manage a successful and legal, Charter operation where safety is one of the key aspects. · E- Flight Ops manages this information and provides the operator with the tools and guidance to achieve operational success. · E-Flight Ops assists the Operator in managing the four major phases of a charter operation. These four phases have been created into virtual Managers for each individual phase. These four phases are: * Booking Manager * Preflight Manager * Dispatch (live Aircraft tracking) * Post flight Manager As all four systems interact and exchange information, each manager complements the other. E-Flight Ops also provides the operator with a unique Reporting and Alert system that will provide the operator with crucial information to insure a reliable and effective operation.

GULFSTREAM II SP Specifications: Region: Africa Aircraft Category: Large Jet Home Base: South Africa Range: 5250 km Cruising Speed: 820 km/hr Crew: 2 Flight Crew Cabin Attendant: 1 Passengers: ZS-LOG 14 ZS-TPG 11 Maximum Altitude: 43000 ft Pressurised Cabin: Yes Galley: Yes Restroom: Yes Entertainment System: Air Show/CD/DVD Satellite Phone: Yes Travel Times (assuming average winds): Johannesburg - Abidjan (Ivory Coast) 5000 km 6hr35 Johannesburg - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) 4150 km 5hr30 Johannesburg - Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) 2460 km 2hr55 Johannesburg - Khartoum (Sudan) 4730 km 6hr00 Johannesburg - Lagos (Nigeria) 4500 km 5hr45 Johannesburg - Nairobi (Kenya) 2950 km 3hr30

Helicopter Services A range of helicopter transport services...

Fortune Air is a world class Johannesburg-based aircraft operator dedicated to providing a quality service to meet your air travel requirements. We pride ourselves on exceptional service through maintaining the unsurpassed standards of safety and excellence that define our organisation. With more than 40 years of aviation experience we are able to provide a level of service excellence that would exceed any expectations. With a fleet of 5 company-owned aircraft and access to a wide variety of other aircraft and helicopters we offer comprehensive charter possibilities. Our services include VIP Travel, Air Safaris, Large Aircraft Charter, Cargo Services and Air surveillance.

Larger aircraft charters We offer a variety of solutions for larger groups. These include large carriers such as the world-renowned Boeing 737 and Boeing 727 and the more nostalgic DC4's. Our aircraft are ideal for large incentive groups.

LEARJET 25C Specifications: Registration: ZS-NYG Region: Africa Aircraft Category: Light Jet Home Base: South Africa Range: 2460 km Cruising Speed: 830 km/hr Crew: 2 Flight Crew Passengers: 5/6 - depending on flight details Maximum Altitude: 45000 ft Pressurised Cabin: Yes Satellite Phone: Yes Travel Times (assuming average winds): Johannesburg - Cape Town (South Africa) 1270 km 1hr40 Johannesburg - Harare (Zimbabwe) 980 km 1hr20 Johannesburg - Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) 2460 km 3hr10 Johannesburg - Lusaka (Zambia) 1195 km 1hr40 Johannesburg - Windhoek (Namibia) 1150 km 1hr35 Johannesburg - Maputo (Mozambique) 475 km 0hr45

Long term leases Fortune Air offers long term placement of aircraft (ACMI) in any region worldwide. Well experienced management and crew offer a fluid and efficient service in the following aspects: Corporate: Gulfstream GII or B727 for VIP state travel or for the discerning businessperson/ company. Commuter: Cessna 208, Beechcraft 1900, MD82, B737 for domestic and regional commuter operations. Relief: Cessna 208, DHC6, Beechcraft 1900, Embraer 120 for all relief type operations. Deployment guaranteed with minimal lead times.

Flavour, Finesse & Refinement – FORTUNE AIR We pride ourselves for providing the world’s discerning traveler’s with the most sophisticated level of service in private air charter. Our expert team ensures that charters are professionally handled from start to finish. You our valued client can choose to travel in total privacy to and from 5000 airports around the world. Our VIP configured aircraft ensures that discretion remains the better part of valour. The comforts deliver a warm intimate space that looks and feels like home. Our desire for perfection defines what we can achieve when we dare to dream. Our aircraft have been inspired by the mystique of Africa and the warmth of her beauty, the eclectic mix of traditional style with the elegance of Parisian chic, results in a balance and calm, which can only be described as Afro-luxe. Enjoy 5-Star dining at 35 000 feet, with an exquisite five course meal offering a medley of tantalizing delights such as caviar, lobster, mezzas and the finest chocolates. Complementing our delectable menu is a selection of fine wines & Champagnes. Bon Appetit!

Operations Fortune Air is a world class aircraft operator that sets the pace for the market by ensuring that all flights are planned, dispatched and monitored with impeccable safety and efficiency. At Fortune Air, we provide our clients with a 24 hr operations department and quick response to your flight requests. Our friendly and capable operations staff will ensure that your first class experience begins from the moment the booking is made. Your safety is our primary concern and this motivates the stringent operational systems that we have in place. With state of the art computerised operations systems, we will manage your flight from the moment that the booking is confirmed till you disembark safely at your destination, operating to highest standards of safety and in accordance with CAA legislation. All our aircraft are fitted with GPS satellite tracking systems, which enable our operations department to track all movements of our aircraft on a live map.

Services VIP services Air Safaris Larger aircraft charters Cargo

VIP services We strive to provide a service with an added individual touch that fulfils the requirements of each of our clients.We combine our fleet of VIP aircraft with a dedication to providing service with a personal touch to provide a superlative offering drawing clients of status, the likes of heads of state and government officials.Our VIP services range from long range VIP jets to executive helicopters such as the Bell 222.

Fortune Air’s one of a kind Boeing Super 27
Mark Mansfield
Fortune Air’s one of a kind Boeing Super 27 Mark Mansfield reports The last 727 to roll off the Boeing production line has been redefined into an executive haven that takes luxury to new heights. Upgraded from a standard 727 to a Super 27 VIP, the aircraft personifies the essence of style and sophistication. With a passenger capacity of 45 and all the creature comforts of been at home, business travel takes on a whole new dynamic. The VIP configuration of the Super 27 ensures that discretion remains the better part of valour. The private suite consists of a bedroom and a bathroom with shower so that the executive can arrive at any destination worldwide refreshed and relaxed. The private suite is a home office that can easily accommodate up to four delegates in a private meeting and has full worldwide satellite telecommunications connectivity. This ensures that business needs are met instantly. To meet the needs of an executive travelling with a full compliment of staff, comfortable, spacious leather seating can accommodate an entourage of up to 18. In addition no ground support is required as the aircraft has its own stairs making it completely self-contained. With two onboard galleys, sufficient capacity exists to prepare Haute Cuisine for all passengers. 2 x JT8D-217 and 1 x JT8D-17 engines power the Super 27. It has winglets and a maximum range of 3800nm (7000KM) and a average speed of 515mph (825kph). The impact of the Super 27 over the standard 727-200 includes: runway required to take off is reduced by 20%; an improvement of fuel saving of 15%; stage 3 compliant; reduced engine emissions and time to climb reduced by 23%. The aircraft was modeled on Air Force 1 with section 1 at the back for security and media personnel, section 2 in the middle for ministers and section 3 in the front for the VIP delegates. World famous interior designer, Steve Falke, redesigned the interior and was the biggest interior refurbishment done in Africa by local company Cape Interiors. The `super 27 forms part of Fortune Air’s aircraft fleet which currently is made up off; 2 x Gulfstream II SP, 1 x Learjet 25, 1 x Pilatus PC12, 1 x Seabird Seeker, 1 x Bell 222 helicopter and 1 x Hawker 700 as well as the already mentioned Super 27. The aircraft has never seen commercial service, has flown only 4500 hours and 3000 cycles. Major shops including its designated repair shop, Jet Aviation, and Lufthansa Technik have maintained it. Converted to a Super 727 with winglets in 2000 and as already mentioned, meets stage 3 compliance. On July 24, 1990, Valsan received an STC for the first retrofit of the outboard engines of a Boeing 727 with Pratt & Whitney -217 engines. When the STC was purchased by Goodrich, the “Valsan modification” became know as the Super 27-200 with a designation of “RE”. the 27-200 modification achieved a noise attenuation level of 5.1db below stage 3 noise by replacing the number 1 and 3 engines with JT8D-217C engines, each providing 22 000lb thrust, while retaining the centre engine a -17 engine with 16 000lb thrust. Optional winglets and a flap droop system were added to give the aircraft superior cruise performance and substantially increased stability at high altitudes. The aircraft is RVSM equipped, TCAS II. The upgraded cockpit instrumentation includes a Triple Universal UNS-1F flight management system and EGPWS. Super 27-200 serial number 22825 is a late model 727-200 Advanced with a Boeing auxiliary fuel tank system. It was delivered new in July 1982 and placed in service in 1983 after undergoing a VIP conversion. The aircraft is one of the last 26 727-200 Advanced built. It is one of only eight aircraft, which have undergone the very expensive Super 27-200 re-engining program. The 45-passenger VIP interior just completed a refurbishment in August 2008. The Head of State layout features a forward lounge or crew rest area, a state room suite consisting of a master stateroom and a private lavatory that is accessible from both adjoining rooms, a private office, a large main salon, and a an area for staff. The aircraft additionally features three additional lavatories and two galleys. The entertainment system transmits to wireless headsets throughout the aircraft via three separate audio channels that carry sound from two DVD players and an iPod. The forward entry features a closet, crew lavatory and flight attendant seating. New bulkhead surfaces, floor covering, and recovered flight attendant seat in beige leather. Directly behind the entry closet is a thee-place divan with close off for crew rest. There is a new custom designed ‘giraffe’ design carpeting, new beige leather bulkhead treatment. The leather seats and divan have also been recovered. Opposite the crew rest area is a forward galley with convection and microwave ovens, and sink. Directly behind the forward galley is a small lounge with four first class seats designed to accommodate passengers, bodyguards, or flight attendants. The room can be closed off forming an elegant passage to the private suites and main passenger area. The lounge has new leather seats and divan, resurfaced bulkheads and headliner and two 10.4” LCD monitors. The master stateroom features Accordia windows, a queen-sized bed, and bedside table. A two-place divan is located at the aft bulkhead, so that the VIP need not leave the stateroom for take off and landings. The stateroom has its own entertainment system. The master lavatory features a circular shower with gold hardware, toilet and bidet, in addition to a spacious vanity with marble countertop and gold hammered sink. Aft of the lavatory is a private sitting room with a master desk/work area, four VIP chairs and an entertainment centre. The room can be used as a ladies lounge, private conference room or could be converted into a second bedroom. The main salon features Accordia windows and has adjustable conference and executive seating for up to 14 passengers. On the right side of the main salon is a lounge area with an adjustable coffee table surrounded by four executive seats. A new 42” flat screen monitor has been installed on the forward bulkhead. The aft cabin contains 18 coach seats in beige leather. The aft galley has two convection ovens and a refrigerator. Fortune Air is based at Lanseria International Airport and is Part 127, Part 135 and Part 121 compliant. The company prides itself on exceptional service through maintaining the unsurpassed standards of safety and excellence that defines its organization. Fortune Air services includes; VIP travel, air safaris, large aircraft charter, cargo services and air surveillance.
01/04/2009


Fortune Air Boeing 727
John Miller
Fortune Air Boeing 727 A further VIP Boeing 727 has now entered the African and Middle East charter market. In September, Lanseria-based Fortune Air received a certificate of airworthiness for what must be the lowest time example of its type in existence. With a mere 4500 hours on its airframe and 2000 cycles, the 727 has spent its entire life as a presidential jet with a 45 seat interior configured for VVIPs and their entourages. Moreover, the aircraft has received fastidious care including a highly desirable Vaslan/Rohr engine upgrade to stage III compliancy. Once the personal aeroplane of the President of Nigeria, the Boeing 727 – Super 27, has led a cosseted life, which shows in its lack of airframe blemishes and general condition. The new owner, following an interior refurbishment, aims to maintain the jet in top shape and offer it to government departments and high value corporate clients. The Boeing is also ideally suited to touring sports teams. The aircraft joins a worldwide fleet of some 60 727s with corporate interiors. Fortune Air is not new to business jets. The company already operates a pair of top quality Gulfstream GIISPs, a Bell 222, Hawker 125-700 and a Pilatus PC12. The company also has a new Bell 428 helicopter on order. Fortune Air was formed 12 months ago following an amalgamation of aircraft management specialist, PLC Aviation and the aircraft owner. Fortune are building an online charter infrastructure that will manage operations using a wide database of aircraft owners including their own. The aim is to provide high quality but inexpensive rates with aircraft completed to the highest interior standards. One niche sector of the market that has been identified is a current growing demand for long range, large cabin VIP jets. The Boeing 727 is positioned well in this respect due to its interior layout and long range. Fortune Aviation say the aircraft will fly 3,800 nautical miles with its Boeing-installed tanks in the aft and forward baggage bays. This range means Johannesburg-Dubai can be flown non-stop. The interior refurbishment has matched similar exterior work with the 727 receiving a new paint scheme. The owner is partial to African interior themes but wanted to achieve the restful and natural finish found on his two Gulfstreams. This led to a commission for international award winning interior designer, Stephen Falcke. Stephen has established a firm reputation for devising interiors for private homes, boutique hotels and corporations. His work has won the Andrew Martin Designer of the World and several other acclaimed awards. Now based in South Africa, Stephen has found favour amongst a growing niche of top quality hotels wanting to provide a locally themed flavour for their high net worth clients. The Boeing’s interior is thus fashioned with soft and light coloured leather chairs and a giraffe-schemed carpet extending throughout the aeroplane’s entire cabin. Overhead panels are also in light colours and provide a spacious atmosphere to the interior. The 727 is a -200 version with a cabin extended by 10-feet. Certified to carry up to 189 passengers in its high-density passenger configuration, the cabin is now configured for 45. Two restrooms occupy the rearmost cabin area and are situated next to a full width rear galley. The kitchen has high capacity facilities with a full sized refrigerator capable of providing for both the primary cabin passengers as well as the entourage. A separate cabin area is located next to the galley and has seating for 18 passengers in a single central aisle and three-row configuration. A bulkhead separates this area with the 727’s main lounge. The main lounge offers a variation of club seating and a three-place couch. The seating arrangement provides for a ‘grouped’ full width swivelling six-chair layout at the forward semi-bulkhead position. This area provides immediate access to the large screen high definition video screen. The aft section of the lounge offers double club seating with a work/dinner table and the divan. TV and video audio requirements are satisfied with Sennheiser HDR140 cordless headsets. Four further displays are located at various points in each cabin. The lounge area is the central focal point for the Boeing with armchairs, fabrics, overhead and side panels finished in matching colours. Mechanical draw-downs over the windows provide a shield against high intensity in-flight sunlight and to darken the cabin when passengers prefer to sleep. Fortune Air’s Boeing cabin layout will attract government and corporate delegates who will use flight time to conduct business. Ahead of the lounge area is a private ‘working’ office, ideal for small-group discussion away from the rest of the aeroplane’s occupants. This is laid out in a four-chair double club arrangement. The small office is equipped with its own TV/video screen as well as its own desk. Meals can also be taken in this area using a fold-out table. It is served by a private bathroom that includes a shower unit. The central ‘private suite’ is located on the right hand side of the jet with a full-length corridor on the left side linking the rear and forward areas. The fully equipped central bathroom also serves the Boeing’s single and sizeable bedroom, which is also themed to the same standard as the main cabin areas. Strip down lighting as well as LED lights in the ceiling provide a warm ambiance and a large sofa is positioned against the bathroom bulkhead. Ahead of the private suite is a seven-chair cabin that can be used alternately for either crew or passengers on shorter legs. This cabin is served by its own restroom and galley and comprises of two rows of paired business-class chairs and a three-place divided couch along the left hand side of the aircraft. On longer flights, it provides a welcome comfort zone for cabin attendants and cockpit crew if sectors challenge flight and duty requirements. The 727 ‘Super 27’ jet is one of several converted to embrace US and European Stage III noise regulations. This special model is the result of a US Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that replaces the two pod powerplants with a pair of 20,000lb st Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217 engines. The centre 14,500lb st JT8D-17 engine remains. The Dash-217 powerplants were originally developed for the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series and make a significant and popular improvement in the 727’s already highly acclaimed performance. The JT8D is one of the most prolific (and profitable) turbofans in circulation. The engine is derived from the company’s original US Navy-motivated JT8, which never saw commercial service. The JT8D was designed for the Boeing 727 and in the early seventies, looming environmentalist calls for lower emissions and noise led to the Dash-200 models. Retaining the JT8D’s high pressure spool, the Dash-200 benefits from an enlarged bypass duct, increased pressure ratio and a 12-lobe internal mixer at the exhaust section that forces a mix between the fan and primary streams. The mixer and sound absorbing fan shroud make a considerable reduction in noise. The installation is highly popular amongst pilots and operators for its extra power and reduced fuel consumption. Like many older converted commercial airliners, the 727 is sensitive to weight. Standard fuel for both the early 727-100 and -200 versions is 7,174 US gallons although Boeing, ever keen to accommodate airline demands, offered an optional 506 US gallons additional capacity. Last off the line models had an 8,090 US gallon capacity and this could be pushed even further to 36,000 kgs with the specially adapted baggage bay modular auxiliary fuel tanks. Maximum takeoff weight for the Super 27 version is 209,500lbs – up by 19,000lbs from a standard model. In practice, the Super 27 will reach 3,800 nautical miles provided no more than eight passengers are carried. 25 passengers restricts the range to about 3,400 nautical miles and 45 passengers would mean a fuel stop between Johannesburg and Dubai under most conditions. This range is however, considerable and allows for a one-stop flight between the UAE and America’s east coast. Long range capability is aided by the Super-27’s 41,000 feet ceiling although it will take some time to get to the upper 30’s flight levels after a lot fuel has been burned off. Fortune Air say the STC reduces fuel consumption by up to 15-percent. The aircraft is also fitted with Quiet Wing winglets, which add a significant seven-percent range increase. The three-crew flight deck remains substantially the same as an original 727. However, RVSM compliant altimeters and avionics have been fitted along with a modernised dual Delco Carousel IV inertial navigation system. The aircraft also has three Universal Flight Management Systems. Boeing 727 crews prefer to operate from runways with a minimum length of 6,500 feet. At lower weights, the aircraft will fly in and out of 5,000 feet runways depending on density altitude. The aircraft has established a reputation for its remarkable runway performance and the Super-27 modification has provided an effective reduction in takeoff distance by 20-percent. With its long range obviating the requirement for expensive tech-stops and having a range to position to Dubai and then fly direct to most destinations in West Africa, Europe and many Asian destinations, Fortune Air’s Boeing is set to become extremely busy.
01/04/2009


Flying in style with Fortune Air
Divan Muller
Flying in style with Fortune Air Text by Divan Muller “Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.” – Frank Lloyd Wright, influential United States architect (1869-1959) Fortune Air certainly delivers the ‘luxuries’, but does it deliver the ‘necessities’? The answer is ‘yes’… and much more. Super 27-200 Cornel Delport, CEO of Fortune Air, recently invited African Pilot to Lanseria International Airport in order to introduce the company’s ‘pride and joy’, a Super 27-200, to African Pilot readers. The Super 27 is much more capable than a standard Boeing 727, as we shall soon discover. Boeing produced the 727 from the 1960s to the 1980s. Before the introduction of the 737, the 727 was the best selling airliner in the world. It was also the first tri-jet aircraft type to enter commercial service. The combination of triple-slotted flaps and leading edge slats gave the 727 better slow speed landing and take off performance than contemporary aircraft. It is estimated that more than four thousand million passengers have flown in Boeing 727s. In 1990, a company called Valsan received an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) that allowed it to retrofit the outboard engines, whilst offering several other modifications. These upgraded 727-200s were called Super 27-200s. Fortune Air’s VIP airliner was built in 1982 as a Boeing 727-200. It is now one of only eight aircraft that have undergone the Super 27-200 upgrade. Incredibly, the aircraft has accumulated only 4 700 hours during its life. Before being acquired by Fortune Air, it had only one owner: the president of Nigeria. How does this Super 27 compare to a normal B727-200? Because of the upgrade, fuel burn is reduced by 20%. Required take off field length is reduced by 20%. There is also a 23% reduction in time to climb, less engine noise, improved hot and high performance and significantly less engine emissions. The most noticeable external difference is the presence of winglets. These winglets decrease the required fuel burn by a further 5-7% and increase the aircraft’s range by as much as 8%. The addition of four auxiliary fuel tanks gives the Super 27 an endurance of almost nine hours. Clearly, this is no ordinary airliner. From an aesthetic and performance perspective, Fortune Air’s Super 27 is simply stunning. Yet, all these statistics and numbers are quickly forgotten, as soon as one enters the aircraft. The African themed interior was designed by renowned designer, Steven Falco. Cape Aircraft Interiors refurbished the aircraft in 2008. It was the biggest refurbishing project ever undertaken by a South African company. The ‘Head of State’ layout provides space for 45 passengers. The master stateroom suite features a queen size bed, 32” LCD television monitor, an audio system with its own dedicated iPod channel and a lavatory with a circular shower, which is linked to a private office. The main salon provides executive seating for fourteen passengers and is also equipped with a 42” flat screen monitor and a 20.1” LCD screen. Towards the aft of the aircraft, seating is provided for eighteen additional passengers, such as an entourage or member of the media. The entertainment system transmits to wireless headsets throughout the aircraft. There are more crew rest areas, two fully equipped galleys and three lavatories, not counting the one inside the master stateroom suite. Throughout the aircraft, attention to detail is simple astounding. Various presidents and heads of state have had the privilege of flying in this astonishing aircraft. Fortune Air Cornel Delport, who holds a helicopter Private Pilot’s Licence and Commercial Pilot’s Licence on fixed wing aircraft, believes that it is time for a change in the aviation industry. He says that the industry needs younger people with fresh ideas. According to Cornel, that is the way Fortune Air is managed: by thinking out of the box, doing things differently and asking, “Why not?” The company’s unofficial slogan is, ‘Leading a new generation in aviation.’ He masterminded the development of Fortune Air’s flight operations software, called ‘E-Flight Ops’. The software is online and enables one to manage a fleet of aircraft, pilots, bookings and many other operational aspects from anywhere in the world. It is very flexible and enforces checklists and promotes safety. In fact, African Pilot was so impressed with the software package, that a separate article will soon be published on E-Flight Ops. Fortune Air obviously believes in being proactive and therefore has an excellent relationship with the Civil Aviation Authority. In addition to the Boeing Super 27, Fortune Air also operates two Gulfstream IIs. These aircraft have transported presidents, movie stars and world famous musicians. A Learjet 25 and Hawker 700 are also available for shorter VIP flights. A VIP flight can take place within two hours of it being requested. Fortune Air’s Bell 222, which has been used to fly celebrities such as Robbie Williams, has recently undergone an STC engine upgrade, meaning each engine now provides 750 SHP. Interestingly, the fleet also includes an unusual looking Seabird Seeker. It is currently undergoing trials as a vehicle tracking platform. It has an amazing endurance of seven hours and is available for aerial photography. A wide variety of other aircraft is also available for charter flights, ranging from small air safaris to hauling 100 tons of cargo. The contracts division efficiently manages long term leases and contracts and has been most active in United Nations and World Food Programme operations in Iraq and Africa. The company provides numerous management solutions, such as aircraft satellite tracking, maintenance tracking and asset and finance planning services. Fortune Air’s aircraft are maintained by its sister company, Paramount Aircraft Maintenance. It is a strategic asset which primary function is to provide 24 hour maintenance to aircraft that are owned or managed my Fortune Air. Gordon Robertson, who is also a director at Fortune Air, is Paramount Aircraft Maintenance’s Managing Director. The company is a registered Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO 1082) and is capable of performing A and B checks on airliners, such as Boeing 737s, whilst specialising in Gulfstreams. It can also conduct airframe modifications and upgrades and has the capacity to repair or manufacture components. Fortune Air evidently strives to be flexible, proactive, modern and, quite simply, different. In a sense, the company echoes the words of George Bernard Shaw, British playwright (1856-1950), “Some men see things as they are and say, ‘Why?’ I dream of things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” For further information, please contact Fortune Air at Tel: +27 (0)11 701 2312 or visit www.fortuneair.co.za
01/04/2009