Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
Miami, Florida:Analysis reveals age of US business aviation fleet and key reasons to upgrade aircraftGreater fuel efficiency, better onboard technology and lower operational costs are seen as key reasons for a company to upgrade its current business aircraft according to a new survey commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) of senior executives from large US businesses whose companies own or lease business jets Analysis of industry data by ACJ reveals the average age of business aircraft in the US is 18.5 years. In 11 states, the average age is 20 years or more. Newer aircraft would offer better fuel efficiency, advanced technology and lower operational costs.
ACJ TwoTwenty. “Our analysis shows that a significant number of business aircraft in the US are older, and many of their owners will be looking to replace them with newer, more efficient models,” said Sean McGeough, VP Commercial ACJ for North America. He added, “The level of innovation and development in the larger business aircraft segment has been staggering, and this bodes well for this market.” In another survey of US-based business aviation financiers and brokers, 85% said they expect to see purchases of large, heavy business jets increase over the next five years.
Fort Worth, Texas:Modern Aviation to acquire American Aero at Fort WorthModern Aviation has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the membership interests in FW American Aero, LLC at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW) from an affiliate of Keystone Group, L.P. Modern Aviation CEO Mark Carmen said, “We are excited to have American Aero join the Modern Aviation family and expand our presence to the high growth DFW area. "American Aero has distinguished itself among FBOs by being the first in the world to earn a Stage 3 International
American Aero operates on a 31-acre FBO campus with 247,000 square feet of hangar and office space, and the largest open ramp on the field of more than 11 acres. Its 8,600 sq.ft. FBO was designed to maximize safety, efficiency, and comfort for flight crews and passengers.
San Diego, California:Air Center San Diego: KSDM’s new FBO providerThere’s a new premier provider of FBO services in California as Air Center San Diego acquired San Diego Jet Center’s FBO assets at Brown Field Municipal Airport (KSDM) on April 10th. The acquisition includes all FBO facilities, including the main terminal building out of which Air Center San Diego has begun providing FBO services. Air Center is committed to enhancing its presence on the field by constructing a state-of-the-art facility, slated for completion in late 2025. Ground has already been broken on the project.
Situated at the east end of the taxiway, the new facility will comprise a 14,400-square-foot FBO terminal and a 74,000-square-foot hangar complex, offering many upgraded amenities for FBO services on the airfield. The terminal will feature spacious seating areas, conference rooms, a well-equipped kitchen and dining area, and more. The hangar complex will be able to accommodate aircraft up to a G650. While Air Center proceeds with the facility upgrades, it will retain the seasoned team from San Diego Jet Center. Many of these team members exceed 20 years of experience with the FBO and have established a reputation for providing upstanding customer service to the area’s clientele.
Melbourne, Florida:Eve Air Mobility names KAI as supplier for eVTOL pylonsEve Air Mobility has named Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), as supplier for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft’s pylons. Pylons are a key component of the airframe that provide support for the aircraft’s electric power units and eight lift propellers.
“KAI has an excellent reputation for quality, technology and business performance supplying numerous aerostructure components for a variety of aircraft including Embraer’s E-Jet E2 model,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve. “We are excited to have KAI join a strong and diverse list of suppliers who will work with us to supply components from prototype through production.” During the past 30 years, KAI has supplied major aerostructure components to global aircraft manufacturers, including Embraer for its E-Jet E2 model. The agreement marks KAI’s formal entry into the advanced air mobility (AAM) market. |
So far this month (1st-14th April), global bizjet sectors are 6% ahead of comparable last year, trailing 2022 by 5%, 34% ahead of 5 years ago, according to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today.
United States In Week 15, 51,779 business jet sectors were flown in the United States, 2% more than the previous week, 4% more than Week 15 in 2023. So far this year (1st January-14th April 2024), US bizjet activity is 1% ahead of last year, 5% below 2022, 29% ahead of comparable 2019. So far this month (1st-14th April), US bizjet departures are 6% ahead of 2023, 7% below 2022, 33% ahead of 2019. A number of operators are seeing all-time peaks in activity, notably Netjets, Flexjet, flyExclusive and Jet Aviation.
Sydney, Australia:Luxaviation completes ExecuJet Sydney FBO renovationLuxaviation Group has announced the completion of a comprehensive refurbishment of its passenger lounge and reception area within the ExecuJet Sydney FBO. In cooperation with Coco Republic Interior Design, accomplished in the design and decoration of homes, hotels, hospitality and development projects, ExecuJet Sydney FBO has crafted a warm and welcoming vibe within the lounge.
The space now boasts contemporary elements such as muted grey occasional chairs, tan leather sofas, and suede accent stools, all thoughtfully arranged around a central stone bar, offering a refined environment for passengers and crew alike.
Sandpoint, Idaho:Daher increases Kodiak production capacity at SandpointDaher’s Aircraft Division has announced the startup of increased production capacity for its Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900 multi-role utility aircraft at the company’s manufacturing and final assembly facility in Sandpoint, Idaho Speaking at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division, provided the stepped-up production targets for Kodiak aircraft in 2024: an increase to 25, compared to the total of 18 during 2023.
Parallel production lines for the final assembly of Kodiak aircraft from Stage 3 to Stage 6 are now operational at Daher’s Sandpoint, Idaho production facility. “Kodiak’s well-earned reputation as the legendary ‘go anywhere’ utility aircraft has been further enhanced since Daher’s 2019 acquisition of the product line, and its popularity continues to grow - with a current two-year order backlog,” Chabbert told reporters at a press conference. “The production enhancement announced today responds to the strong demand across the customer base - from private owners/operators to government agencies and special mission operators for applications such as wildfire suppression, environmental monitoring, law enforcement and medical evacuation.”
Luxembourg:Fifth Citation CJ4 Gen2 joins Luxaviation fleetDemonstrating their commitment to meeting diverse travel needs, Luxaviation Group has recently acquired their fifth Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft within a span of two years, solidifying their position as the current largest operator of Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft in Europe. The CJ4 Gen2 fleet, which was initially introduced with the purchase of the first aircraft in July 2022, is primarily based in Belgium and operates across Europe and to destinations within northern Africa.
Ward Bonduel, CEO of Luxaviation Belgium (left), with Lannie O'Bannion, SVP Global Sales & Flight Operations, Textron Aviation. Additionally, Luxaviation Belgium has received approval for its Citation CJ4 gen2 owners and SkyClub members to fly into Saint Tropez La Môle Airport, offering enhanced travel options for SkyClub members and owners.
Friedrichshafen, Germany:Savback debuts at AERO Friedrichshafen with newly won Swedish certification for Konner’s ultra-light K1-S19 helicopterSavback Helicopters, the independent helicopter and fixed-wing sales specialist and exclusive sales distributor of the Konner family of helicopters in seven countries, is making its debut at AERO Friedrichshafen, April 17th to 20th. The Sweden-based brokerage is also taking the opportunity to court customer interest for a brand-new Airbus Helicopters’ H160 medium utility helicopter and a light utility H125, both in its inventory.
Savback’s participation at the Show coincides with Sweden’s Civil Aviation Authority awarding certification for Konner’s K1-S19 turbine helicopter - in the ultra-light regulations category (under 600kg MTOW). Significantly, the helicopter’s 250 shp turbine engine is complemented by a 100 shp electric motor.
Lakeland, Florida:Cessna Caravan family soars past 25 million flight hoursTextron Aviation's legendary Cessna Caravan turboprop family has surpassed 25 million flight hours, reinforcing the Caravan as the most produced single-engine utility turboprop of all time Conceived as a rugged utility aircraft with low operating costs, the Cessna Caravan was designed for use in remote areas with extreme weather changes, mountainous terrain and rough landing conditions.
The aircraft’s versatility became renowned in all corners of the world, and the Caravan continues to see wide use in global markets by a variety of customers, including government agencies, law enforcement and militaries, air ambulance operators, freight haulers, corporations and humanitarian organizations.
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 London:IADA broadens global connections covering US, UK, Ireland, Dubai, Isle of Man and AfricaThe International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has expanded its worldwide presence by adding another international business aircraft dealer, two products and services members and forming a reciprocal relationship with the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA). The newest IADA-Accredited aircraft dealer is Oriens Aviation, active in the UK and Ireland.
New IADA-Accredited Dealer Oriens Aviation offers Pilatus business jets. Newly IADA-Verified Products and Services members are Jetquity, with headquarters in Dubai, UAE, and Martyn Fiddler Aviation, located on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. The AfBAA promotes business aviation on the African continent. “All of these international relationships are key to IADA growing as a global player in the business aircraft resale space,” said IADA Executive Director Wayne Starling. “The global IADA collaborative, formed by our dealers and the professionals from many disciplines who support the resale of biz aircraft along with reciprocal associations, has become a powerful force for the industry,” he added.
Austria:INCAS selects AXIS Flight Simulation to deliver King Air FFSAXIS Flight Simulation, a leading provider of flight training solutions, has been selected by the National Institute for Aerospace Research (INCAS) to supply one Beechcraft King Air C90GTx Level-D full flight simulator (FFS), due to be delivered to its research facility in Strejnicu, Romania. For this programme, AXIS Flight Simulation performed a full flight test campaign which captured comprehensive aircraft flight data to be used for model development.
Designed for special purpose and turboprop aircraft, the Beechcraft King Air C90GTx FFS comes equipped with a state-of-the-art XT6 visual system from RSi to ensure a highly immersive experience. It also features a VanHalteren motion system, further enhancing the realism of flight simulation. INCAS’ work contributes to EU policymaking under the FlightPath 2050 vision and Horizon Europe programme. AXIS Flight Simulation will support INCAS to research performance indicators such as pilot response and the real time of handling of aircraft aerodynamics, with the goal of optimising procedures and lowering operating costs.
Friedrichshafen, Germany:Air bp launches new customer portal at AERO FriedrichshafenAir bp returns to AERO Friedrichshafen this week (17th-20th April, Stand A5-305) with the launch of its new customer portal for general aviation customers, myairbp. The portal will consolidate services, enabling Sterling card customers to easily check prices, order fuel, manage their Sterling cards and view their invoices and accounts all in one location.
In addition to having an overview of what is due and when, customers can view taxes and fees; select their preferred unit of measure and currency; amend or cancel fuel release orders; and raise a query. myairbp can be used on any device. Laszlo Filep, Continental Europe general aviation account manager, Air bp, said: “We’re delighted to be back at one of the world’s leading general aviation shows in its 30th year and launch myairbp so that our customers can manage their Air bp account all on one platform. This enables a more customer friendly and highly efficient service. myairbp is continually being enhanced to improve the experience, so we encourage customers to let us know if they have any feedback.”
Douglas, Isle of Man:Isle of Man private jet centre set to be repositioned as regional sustainable aviation hubWork has commenced in earnest at the only dedicated private jet terminal at Ronaldsway Airport, Isle of Man, as a private group embarks on plans to modernise and expand the FBO facility - originally built in 2015 - to bring it in line with some of the world’s leading FBO’s. Megacorp Aviation Ltd, which also owns business aircraft for charter, and with bases at Douglas, Isle of Man and London Biggin Hill Airport, is bringing in a dedicated aviation team to realise plans to create an aviation technology park there. This will double the existing Jet Centre hangar space from 20,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet and create up to 20 further jobs for the Isle of Man.
The new flagship private terminal will include new offices and an enhanced business centre which is being developed alongside a 10-bedroom boutique hotel for passengers and crew. Passengers will additionally have access to a dedicated concierge service. The enhanced Private Jet Centre will include a host of sustainable features, including the ability to calculate and offset carbon emissions (with a proprietary carbon calculator); access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and recycled apparel for all employees at the Jet Centre, as well as crew.
Malmö, Sweden:Web Manuals' Amelia pioneers introduction of AI for flight manualsFinding crucial information in flight manuals is now faster and more intuitive than ever with Web Manuals’ ground-breaking artificial intelligence-enhanced search, pioneering the use of AI for pilots’ manuals. The AI-powered search tool is the first feature of Web Manuals Amelia AI, launched this week. Designed with pilots and crew in mind, users can pose questions to Amelia to get descriptive answers from within their manuals, helping them quickly make safe and well-informed decisions while avoiding costly diversions and delays. Amelia can, for instance, help pilots understand if there are any applicable safety notices or bulletins that are relevant to the flight procedure that they are working on. The pilot gets a summarized response based on the manuals along with sources referencing relevant content from the documents. The system seamlessly integrates natural language processing that can speed up the research work to understand the cause of aircraft faults, assisting pilots when making airworthiness decisions to avoid delays and cancellations.
Farnborough, UK:SD equips first delivered Dassault Falcon 6X with 'nose-to-tail' connectivitySwitzerland-based charter provider CAT Aviation AG has selected Satcom Direct to equip the first Dassault Falcon 6X to enter service with a suite of connectivity solutions. The 'nose-to-tail' portfolio of solutions includes a flight-deck communication datalink delivered through the SD FlightDeck Freedom service and a dual cabin connectivity service that optimizes Iridium voice capabilities in parallel with Jet ConneX, the high-speed broadband service connected with the Viasat Global Xpress constellation.
The customized solution meets the particular needs of CAT Aviation and ensures passengers can remain productive, entertained, or relaxed during flight. The Zurich-headquartered charter operator already optimizes SD as its preferred connectivity supplier. SD’s international presence also allowed it to support CAT Aviation in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Dassault Aircraft Services facility during the aircraft interior completion. France:Pioneering Meteorological Research from the SkiesWith a specially modified ATR 42, the French public unit for airborne research, 'SAFIRE', conducts groundbreaking experiments in the sky to collect vital information on meteorological phenomena. Acquired in the early 2000s, SAFIRE’s ATR 42 underwent an extensive two-year transformation, where significant modifications were made, making it the only ATR of its kind.
The aircraft is an airborne research facility, providing invaluable insights into meteorological processes.
Venice, Italy:FOSAA, new amphibious aviation conference, makes a splashThe organisers of the debut Future Opportunities for Seaplanes and Amphibious Aviation (FOSAA) conference - Quaynote Communications and Arena Group - are marking its first successful event with proverbial water cannons, following the meeting of industry stakeholders in Venice on March 20th. The inaugural event confirmed the pent-up demand for an industry conference devoted to the resurging seaplane and amphibious aviation sector, as it attracted commercial stakeholders from across the industry and the world. The one-day event welcomed delegates from Asia, Europe and the USA, bringing together the burgeoning industry under one roof in a dedicated environment. Clear themes emerged through the moderated panels, presentations and discussions as sector entrepreneurs and experts demonstrated a determination to bring amphibious aviation out of the aerospace shadows and into the mainstream sector.
AutoFlight delivers first electric air taxi to customer in Japan NBAA welcomes ARC recommendations addressing aviation mental health NBAA’s updated Management Guide: The flight plan for today’s workplace leaders
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First E-Jet converted to transport cargo aircraft makes its debut
The first E190F, a converted jet from passenger transport to freighter (E-Freighter), has successfully completed its first flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
The Embraer team flew the E-Freighter jet for around two hours, carrying out a complete evaluation of the aircraft, which will continue testing before entering operation. The aircraft belongs to Regional One, a leasing company from the United States.
“The E-Freighter program opens a new business opportunity for Embraer, meeting e-commerce’s growing global demand for cargo transport and matching the high-tech E-Jets family to an unbeatable operational performance,” says Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer. “We are very pleased with E190F’s and E195F’s fast progress during the testing period. These jets will be important tools for our customers and allow them to work with more agile and decentralized deliveries.”
The first flight is part of a series of evaluations that Embraer is conducting before the E-Freighter jets enter into operation. The aircraft has already been successful in both ground pressurization and cargo loading tests.
E-Jets converted to freighters will have over 50% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than narrowbodies. If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg for the E190F and 14,300 kg for the E195F.
Launched in 2022, the E190F and E195F Passenger to Freight Conversions (P2F) program involved a global network of more than 40 suppliers and more than 600 employees that dedicated more than half a million hours to the E-Freighter.
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