South Africa’s Pegasus Universal Aerospace, pioneer of the Vertical Business Jet (VBJ®) Pegasus One, has named Robbie Irons as its Chief Executive Officer. In this new role, he will help lead product development and lend strategic support to Founder and Chairman Dr Reza Mia as the business seeks to secure investment.
Robbie Irons brings decades of solid international aviation experience to the Johannesburg, SA-based start-up, spanning senior roles previously with ExecuJet in Lanseria in both business development and aircraft sales. He took responsibility for the firm’s aircraft sales activity in Africa in 2009.
“As general aviation evolves, I am excited to become actively involved with the innovative Pegasus One,” said Robbie, who was with Dr Reza in EBACE in Geneva for the programme’s international debut. The two have been friends for many years. “I am delighted Robbie has agreed to come on board. Having him as a partner is a major asset,” he commented.
Work has started to build a full-scale VTOL demonstrator to show in Europe in 2020.
The all-composite airframe Pegasus One is being targeted for completion within 18 to 24 months of FAA certification from its Johannesburg, SA facility. Options to establish alternate full production facilities are also being explored in the USA and / or Europe.
Pegasus One is designed to deliver speed, comfort and style to travellers looking for transportation between busy urban airports, small and unpaved landing areas, yachts and regular helipads, amongst others. Other applications include serving the oil and gas industry and medevac.
Pegasus is targeting a 4,400 km range from runway take-off or 2,124 km in VTOL with a planned cruise speed of 796 km per hour. The aircraft will feature six to eight seats with power provided by two 2,300 shp turboshaft engines.
