I also bought two more HC50 slots after the event, for the £150k final retail discount. They’re up to 1200 orders (combined HX/HC) as of 1-2 weeks ago.
I don’t plan on accepting delivery of these. They are pure investment. I’ve already paid the deposits, which helps fund the certification efforts which will be long and expensive. I think there’s low technical risk, and medium time risk (read: it will take longer, but it will happen), which is fine by me. I will sell my slots to somebody in 5-10 years who wants to jump the 2-4 year queue for their business. The finance (holding) cost is around half the deposit but only a small percentage of expected profits.
I am essentially arbitraging the information asymmetry, my risk profile versus others, financial position and age/investment horizon.
Nobody is forced to buy anything. If you do your own research and you want one, get one. If you think it’s bull****, then buy my slots in 8 years. I’ll be happy to sell to you for a queue-jump premium above current retail price.