Hello all concerned SM customers,

Anton is very much aware of this situation. It is just as frustrating for him as for you. Unfortunately there are things in the production process that can not be changed unless the prices will drastically increase.

SM uses different fascilities to produce the jets. All of wich are sub contracted. When 1 of these lines are waiting for parts from another line the problem starts and escalates. Landing gears are produced in batches of 100 for obvoius reasons due to high costs of CNC work. If jet no 101 are sold there is a huge problem because SM have to order another 100 sets of LG for 1 customer. When a new jet are produced, 100 sets of LG have to be ordered. This makes huge planning and sometimes delays not even SM could forseen. I know it is a management issue and got nothing to do with customer problems. But maybe some will understand better.

Anton has send out mail to customers waiting for Viper that LG will be ship from Taiwan via EMS. The rest of jet incl installed air tubing and gear doors will be shipped (all hope) before chinese new year.

Most of the delays are due to LG not in stock or painitng factory gearing up for custom paint jobs and other painting lines have to halt. There is only 1 painitng factory and to do a custom job set back production by at least a week. If we rush the painting and make mistake it costs 1000's to rectify. So not easy to do neatly and correctly and fast.

I agree that better comunication is needed. I can not see that the situation will change soon because of the back lock and popularity of certain models. BUT... I can not remember ONCE of customer not receiving what he paid. I do remember 100's of free parts shipped world wide to customers if SM at fault or not. Customers do not have to pay 100% before shipping. SM accepts 50% before shipping and rest when shipped. The only problem is the double bank costs for both parties. SM will never produce a jet if customer not pay 50% upfront. And in certain cases we had customers changing colors on jets after placing and paying order which did not do anybody any good. SO please accept SM apologies and trust us that we are working 24 hours to solve these issues. The wait will be worth it.

Regards

Morne