VLJ Demand Falls Short in Rolls-Royce Report

The VLJ boom might very well not take over the world. Demand for the GA industry's smallest aircraft falls behind the push for medium- and large-size jets, according to the 2008 Rolls-Royce forecast.

Roughly 79,000 engines are needed over the next 20 years for an estimated 39,000 new business jets, the report said. Of the new business aircraft to enter the market, 40 percent are expected to be medium- or large-size jets, according to Rolls Royce. Projected growth for very light jets represents 7,500 deliveries for the same period.

Demand for new business aircraft is particularly strong in non-U.S. markets.

Rolls-Royce is developing the BR725 engine which will power the new Gulfstream G650. The RB282 engine has been launched on the new Dassault super mid-size jet.