Flight Options Press Release

Flight Options' Utilization of BlackBerry Devices Equals Success

LAS VEGAS (October 11, 2004) - Flight Options, LLC, a leading provider of fractional shares in business aircraft and an affiliate of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), has seen increasing enhancements to its communications process between the company’s 1,000 crewmembers and its operations team since the implementation of BlackBerry Wireless devices six months ago.

“We are committed to making the necessary investments, whether it be in maintenance, fleet or technology that ensures the highest levels of service are being attained for our owners,” said John Nahill, chairman and chief executive officer, Flight Options, LLC.  “These investments make us the smart choice for our owners’ and members’ travel needs.”

“Our flight crews have embraced the usage of the BlackBerries,” said Michael Scheeringa, chief operating officer.  “We are in full roll-out for this project, and the communication between our staff at our headquarters and those team members on the road has been streamlined, thus increasing our levels of owner and member satisfaction.”

“With the development of the Wireless Operations Gateway (WOG), crewmembers now have real time access to their current flight schedule, aircraft maintenance information and travel arrangements,” said David Davies, chief information officer, Flight Options, LLC. 

All information is up-to-date, real time communication. Flight crews are able to transmit information regarding their flight status and trip details instantaneously to the Operations Control Center.  This data allows Flight Options’ operations team to update scheduling information and to ensure optimum service levels are being achieved. 

“Higher service levels are the real benefit from the BlackBerry implementation,” added Scheeringa.  “We are able to effectively manage our schedules and adjust appropriately to make sure the needs of our owners and members are being met.”

Other benefits since the deployment include: the elimination of 5,000 faxed pages per week, the reduction in long distance charges by nearly 50% and as the fleet size increases, more effective management of flight information.  Additionally, enhancements are continually being made to the system.  Crewmembers have the ability to submit FAA documentation and other reports from their wireless device.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Flight Options, LLC is the industry leader of private jet travel solutions. The company offers the complete spectrum from fractional ownership, leasing and membership options and has received the prestigious ARG/US Platinum Safety Rating twice. The Flight Options fleet of more than 215 aircraft includes the world’s largest fleets of King Air’s, Beechjet 400A’s and Hawker 800’s. The fleet also includes the CitationJet, Hawker 400XP, Citation V, Citation 650, Falcon 50, Citation X, Challenger 601, Legacy and Gulfstream IV. More information at www.flightoptions.com.

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