Dubai Air Show: Flight of fancy

The new G-21 Super Goose is being offered to multi-millionaire businessmen who are bored with their super cars and want something with a bit more speed than their yachts.

At $3.2 million (Dh11.8 million) for the base model, buyers can customise the plane to their hearts' content with internet connection, seating and on-board entertainment.

According to Triple S Aviation, an aircraft consultancy firm set up at Dubai Airport Free Zone in September 2008, the first prototype Goose will debut in December. Landon Studer, General Manager of the family business that was originally founded in Texas, said that despite the downturn people were still interested in buying private planes.

"The Goose is really unique and unusual. It's the first seaplane being offered to private individuals in the Middle East," he said. "Once people see it in action, I think we will see more interest."

Landon spoke to XPRESS during the Dubai Airshow this week. "The market is tough in the US at the moment, but people here have plenty of money and are prepared to spend. But they want only the newest jets and won't even look at second-hand. They want the newer Gulfstreams that can reach London or Paris."

As for the challenges faced in setting up their Dubai office, he said: "It took us six months to get all the paperwork done before we could even open our doors."

The landing rights on waterways in the UAE were also complicated, he added.

"Unlike in the US where people can land and take off almost anywhere, the UAE's complex land and water ownership meant it wasn't clear who needed to get the permission," Studer said.

Cost of fancy flying

11.8 million dirhams is the cost of G-21 Super Goose

During the 2009 Dubai AirShow, Airbus won commitments worth over $5.3 billion (Dh19.4 billion) for 33 aircraft. The commitments include $3.6 billion (Dh13.2 billion) firm orders for 15 aircraft and $1.7 billion (Dh6.2 billion) mou agreements for 18 aircraft.