MONTRÉAL, Canada, August 1st, 2007—SkyVenture’s newest and most advanced wind tunnel only existed on paper, until now.
Montréal businessman Alain Guerin recently purchased SkyVenture’s first 14R1400 model, a 14-foot diameter, 1400hp recirculing tunnel.
This project is one of many firsts. It’s the first SkyVenture in Canada. It’s the first 14-foot recirculating tunnel. It’s the first 1400hp tunnel. It’s the first 14R with a new generation cylindrical flight chamber, as opposed to its octagonal predecessors. With the latest and greatest technology and four 350hp fans, the 14R1400 model will be the most energy efficient vertical wind tunnel ever built.
The $6 million USD project is planned to break ground in the fall, followed by below-ground installation of the 100-foot-long plenum foundation. SkyVenture will deliver the major structural components early in 2008. The tunnel’s 70-foot-tall frame will be installed in the following months, with the grand-opening planned for April of 2008.
Alain Guerin, the 56-year-old principal owner, is a Chartered Accountant and former professor at the University of Québec in Montréal and currently owns and operates several businesses, including his own accounting firm. As a licensed skydiver, Alain does not fit the typical accountant image. At the beginning of his skydiving career, Alain like so many other aspiring skydivers had difficulty progressing through his certification program.
“I needed a way to hone my skills in a safe, stress-free environment, and every answer I found pointed to SkyVenture,” says Guerin.
SkyVenture’s patented design creates simulation almost indistinguishable from actual free fall, making it the choice for skydivers of all skill levels and disciplines. Operators love them because the wall-to-wall airflow virtually eliminates the danger of falling off the column of air – a problem prevalent in primitive wind tunnel designs.
Alain is partnered in this venture with fellow Chartered Accountant Pierre Beaudoin. Together, with the support of private shareholders they originally considered seven sites for their tunnel, all in greater Montréal. They have recently narrowed the seven locations down to three and are moving forward with negotiations.
“This tunnel is sure to be successful when located in a city as vibrant and active as Montréal,” says SkyVenture VP Trevor Thompson.
SkyVenture Montréal will be built in a shopping venue near movie theatres, restaurants, and other family entertainment, and not far from downtown Montréal, the second largest city in Canada.
“Our mission is to provide the Québec market with the most advanced, efficient, safe, reliable, powerful and realistic skydiving simulator in the world,” says Guerin. “More specifically, to become the most sought-after, fun, exhilarating experience for the local population, the tourism industry, corporate-groups and skydiving enthusiasts.”
About SkyVenture, LLC:
SkyVenture is the world’s largest and most experienced designer and builder of vertical wind tunnels. It has sold twenty-five VWTs in nine different countries across the globe. SkyVenture’s wall-to-wall airflow, multiple overhead fans and other unique technologies provide the safest and most accurate freefall simulation possible. These technologies are protected by multiple patents in 32 countries worldwide.
Contact:
SkyVenture: Trevor Thompson, 512.674.9200, Trevor@skyventure.com
Potential Franchisees: info@iFLYfranchising.com
Interested Investors: InvestorRelations@skyventure.com