Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
Toronto, Canada:Hybrid eVTOLs will transform air ambulances in IrelandAnalysis shows medical emergency transfer times across 230 km can be cut by nearly three hours compared with ambulances and by nearly 30 minutes compared with helicopters.Switching to hybrid electric Vertical TakeOff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft will transform air ambulances in Ireland dramatically reducing transfer times for patients and cutting costs for operators, analysis from Horizon Aircraft shows. Hybrid eVTOLs, which have a flight range of up to 800 km with fuel reserves, can cover all of Ireland using existing helipads and analysis shows they are up to two-times faster and are 50% more cost efficient with almost twice the range of twin engine helicopters.
Horizon Aircraft, the leading hybrid eVTOL aircraft developer, says speed is essential with medical evacuations and transfers and the ability to reach hospitals faster will save lives. Data shows a 230 km transfer from Letterkenny University Hospital to Dublin Hospital would take 35 minutes in the Cavorite X7, compared with nearly an hour in a helicopter and as long as three-and-a-half hours by road in an ambulance. The cost per mile for the Cavorite X7 would be 74% cheaper when compared with a twin helicopter for the 230 km journey, Horizon Aircraft says.
Henderson, Nevada:AEROCOR launches type rating training program for Beechcraft Premier I/IAAEROCOR has announced the addition of the Beechcraft model 390 Premier I/IA to its offerings of in-aircraft pilot training.Initial classes will be held for initial type ratings and the company plans to add recurrent training in the near future. The new program will meet the growing need for training options and instructor availability in the Premier space by providing a fully customized and flexible training experience tailored to the unique needs of each student.
“The release of this program is a game-changer for the Premier community,” said Jens Personius, AEROCOR’s Training Manager. “By providing in-aircraft training, we’re delivering an experience that is not only personalized but also more practical, helping students gain real-world proficiency that’s invaluable for safe and effective operation of Premier aircraft.” The new program is designed with student convenience and efficiency in mind, featuring seamless online scheduling and industry leading instructor availability.
Zurich, Switzerland:ELITE Simulations installs ELITE S812 FNPT II/AATD at Skyborne Airline Academy to support US expansionELITE Simulations, a leading provider of advanced flight training devices, has announced the installation of its S812 FNPT II/AATD simulator at Skyborne Airline Academy in the United States.The installation, which forms part of Skyborne's US expansion and fleet renewal, brings a more powerful and realistic training tool to its growing aviation training operations. Skyborne Airline Academy, known for its commitment to providing world-class pilot training, selected the ELITE S812 FNPT II/AATD for its unparalleled realism, versatility, and advanced features. The installation represents an important step in modernizing Skyborne’s training infrastructure to meet the needs of the next generation of airline pilots.
Next-generation training technology The ELITE S812 FNPT II/AATD is a state-of-the-art flight simulator designed to offer highly realistic training experiences. Featuring a convertible configuration for Single Engine Piston (SEP) and Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) aircraft, the S812 FNPT II/AATD simulator is equipped with both Glass Cockpit and Analog Cockpit configurations, allowing Skyborne to simulate a broad range of aircraft systems and operations.
Dallas, Texas:Atlantic Aviation acquires Ferrovial VertiportsAtlantic Aviation has acquired Ferrovial Vertiports from Ferrovial, a leading global infrastructure company.The acquisition advances Atlantic Aviation’s commitment to leading the industry in the creation of sustainable infrastructure to support advanced air mobility (AAM) operations by incorporating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) infrastructure expertise into its recognized leadership in the FBO industry.
Vertiports are specified areas for eVTOL aircraft, which are powered by electricity, to takeoff, hover, and land in urban, suburban, and rural environments, improving connectivity between regions and offering a more sustainable transportation option with reduced emissions. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Aviation, Ferrovial Vertiports will immediately begin to operate under the name VertiPorts by Atlantic. The leadership team of the newly acquired business will continue its industry leading role in the development of various locations for eVTOL operations to connect communities in multiple regions across the United States. The company will apply proprietary methodology to determine the best locations for additional vertiport locations nationwide.
Boise, Idaho:Western Aircraft surpasses $2bn in aircraft salesWestern Aircraft, a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup, celebrated a significant achievement in late December as its aircraft sales team surpassed $2bn in total sales.This accomplishment underscores the company's success since becoming a Pilatus dealer in 1996. “All of us at Pilatus Aircraft are proud of the Western Aircraft sales team’s achievement of this major milestone,” said Tom Aniello, vice president of marketing for Pilatus Business Aircraft. “Since joining the Pilatus Authorized Sales and Service network in 1996, Western Aircraft has perennially been one of the top dealers in the world for PC-12 and PC-24 business aircraft. "They have established strong relationships supporting our mutual customers and do an outstanding job representing the high standards of the Pilatus brand in the northwestern United States.”
Western Aircraft Boise Sales Team 1998. In addition to Pilatus aircraft, the Piper product line has been another significant contributor to the achievement. Western Aircraft is also an authorized sales and service center for Piper.
TITAN Aviation Fuels Kathy MossTITAN Aviation Fuels has announced that Kathy Moss will join the company as Vice President, Global Business Development, effective March 2025.Kathy brings extensive experience in working with FBOs and global handlers, driving innovative marketing initiatives, collaborative strategies, and customer-focused solutions to support the business and general aviation industry. Throughout her career, Kathy has been a dedicated advocate for FBOs, handlers, and aviation professionals, leveraging her expertise to enhance customer service training, implement value-added programs, and execute strategic marketing plans. Her efforts have consistently delivered impactful results for FBOs, handlers, flight departments, and operators worldwide. In her new role at TITAN Aviation Fuels, Kathy will focus on fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring the delivery of exceptional value and service to FBO partners. Her leadership and vision will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of TITAN’s offerings, while addressing the evolving needs of customers across the aviation industry. |
In Week 2 of 2025 (6th January-12th January), 59,330 bizjet departures were recorded globally, which were flat compared to Week 2 of 2024, according to WINGX weekly Global Market Tracker published today.Part 91K and 135 bizjet activity recorded 30,536 global departures, which was a 5% increase vs W2 2024. In the last 4 weeks, global bizjet activity is 4% ahead of comparable last year, Part 91K and 135 performing even better in the last 4 weeks, departures 9% ahead of last year. Post-US election (Nov 6th 2024-Jan 12th 2025), bizjet departures in the US are up 3.5% YOY, contrasting with 1.5% decline in the first 10 months of the year. North America In North America, bizjet activity was also flat W2 2025 when compared to W2 2024, although Part 91K and 135 activity was 6% ahead. Demand weakened in Texas, departures down by 5% compared to last year, while activity in Florida grew 11%. Focusing on the United States, the bizjet activity this month (Jan 1st-Jan 12th) is 2.2% behind last year.
Savannah, Georgia:Gulfstream Customer Support opens new service center in MesaFacility adds jobs and enhanced fleet support in Arizona.State and local dignitaries, together with community partners and Gulfstream employees, gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to formally welcome customers to the new Mesa Service Center in Arizona.Gulfstream has invested more than $130m in the 225,000-square-foot/20,908-square-meter MRO facility, which was originally announced in 2021.
To meet customer demand ahead of Mesa Service Center’s completion, Gulfstream opened a facility and began offering service in 2022, adding more hangar space in the fall of 2023. Mesa Service Center can accommodate up to 13 large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft simultaneously with the capability to support maintenance and avionics services, inspections and drop-in support for all Gulfstream models. This is in addition to Gulfstream’s existing Mesa west campus, which can hold up to 10 large- and mid-cabin aircraft.
Boca Raton, Florida:AI-powered aviation: Bitlux leverages in-house tech to streamline training, onboarding, and scalability plansIn an industry known for precision and time efficiency, Bitlux, a leading private aviation charter company based in Florida, has set a new standard by using its in-house AI technology to enhance the company’s training and onboarding processes.
Kyle Patel. Under the direction of Kyle Patel, its President and CEO, the company has created the ‘Bitlux Assistant’, an AI-centric ecosystem that streamlines operations and enhances management productivity while optimizing different departments within the company.
Isle of Wight, UK:Evia Aero and Britten-Norman sign LoI for fifteen new Islander aircraft in boost for zero-emissions aviationEvia Aero, a pioneering German company dedicated to transforming European travel through sustainable and carbon-neutral aviation, has signed a letter of intent with Britten-Norman to purchase fifteen new Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.Delivery will commence at the beginning of 2027 and the aircraft will subsequently be converted to zero-emissions platforms powered by hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems.
Florian Kruse, CEO of Evia Aero (left) with William Hynett, Chief Executive, Britten-Norman. In addition to the aircraft purchase, the collaboration includes the redesigning of the Islander’s interior for a next-generation passenger experience. The new interiors will combine increased passenger comfort and functionality, as well as ensuring compatibility with sustainable aviation technologies.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida:VIP Completions converts Gulfstream G550 from business aircraft to air ambulanceVIP Completions, providers of aircraft completions and refurbishment services, have announced their latest project - the conversion of a Gulfstream G550 from business aircraft to medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) air ambulance.Upon completion earlier this summer, this aircraft immediately entered service and began flying life-saving missions.
This G550 is operated by Hatzolah Air, a non-profit provider of emergency medical air transport, staffed by more than 360 volunteer flight physicians, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers and case managers. Hatzolah Air is entirely funded by private donors and services are provided to patients and their families completely free of charge.
São Paulo, Brazil:Embraer delivers 75 aircraft in 4Q24, 206 total for the yearEmbraer delivered 75 aircraft in 4Q24 - 27% higher than in the previous quarter (3Q24) when 59 aircraft were delivered, and equal to the volume of the same period of 2023 (4Q23).For the full year, 206 aircraft were delivered in 2024 - 14% higher than the 181 recorded in 2023. With 31 deliveries in the last three months of the year, Commercial Aviation reached 73 new aircraft in 2024 (at the top of the revised 70-73 guidance range for the year, and inside the original 72-80 guidance). Meanwhile, Executive Aviation was responsible for another 44 jets in the quarter, and for the total of 130 deliveries in the year (at the midpoint of the original guidance). In comparison with 2023, growth in these business units was +14% and +13%, respectively. Defense & Security also surpassed the previous year's result with the delivery of 3 new C-390 Millennium in 2024 versus 2 in 2023.
Savannah, Georgia:Gulfstream delivers two more G700s to Qatar ExecutiveGulfstream has announced the delivery of two additional Gulfstream G700 aircraft to the growing Qatar Executive fleet.The two new aircraft, both delivered using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), increase the total number of G700 aircraft in the Qatar Executive fleet to six with an additional four scheduled.
“The unprecedented speed with which the team has been able to deliver this remarkable aircraft is a true testament to the quality and maturity of the G700 program,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Qatar Executive has been a long-standing, valued partner of Gulfstream for many years and we are pleased to continue that partnership by adding more of these exceptional aircraft to their growing fleet.”
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 Uzbekistan:JETEX to develop Uzbekistan's first FBODuring an official state visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Uzbekistan's Transport Minister, Ilhom Mahkamov, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with JETEX founder, Adel Mardini, to establish the country's first and only FBO.According to Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport, the project will be implemented at Tashkent-Eastern Airport, where JETEX will introduce world-class FBO services designed to meet the needs of VIP and CIP clients. This initiative represents a public-private partnership and aims to elevate the standards of business aviation in Uzbekistan.
The project is expected to boost Uzbekistan’s tourism industry while reinforcing Tashkent's status as a regional hub for luxury travel and business aviation. Additionally, it will create over 200 skilled jobs in the business aviation sector, contributing to the country’s economic growth and expertise in aviation services.
Dubai, UAE:IAE and HADID partner to establish aviation academy in the UAEIntercontinental Aviation Enterprise (IAE), a holding company specialising in aviation investment, management and training, and HADID International Services (HADID), a global provider of international flight support and aviation services, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop a state-of-the-art aviation academy in the UAE.The Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA) will leverage IAE's expertise and HADID's global network and resources to meet the growing demand for world-class aviation training in the region. This partnership highlights both organisations' dedication to advancing aviation education and creating sustainable infrastructure to support the future of the aerospace industry. "We are thrilled to join forces with HADID to bring this vision to life. This partnership will allow us to expand the initial project's operational capabilities and enhance education and training programs," said Wissam Mehyou, CEO and Chairman of IAE. "Our goal is to set a new standard for aviation training - one that is efficient, responsive to the needs of regional and international students, and offers airlines and operators closer, high-performance training. "The IAA will not only support the Gulf's thriving aviation sector but also establish new benchmarks in training excellence for pilots, technicians, and aviation professionals."
Tarbes, France:Daher's Fly'in technology center: paving the way for the future of decarbonized aviationDaher has inaugurated its new technology center - called Fly’in - which is dedicated to sustainable aviationLocated at the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in southwestern France, this 2,100-square-meter center of excellence reflects Daher's commitment to more environmentally friendly aviation, and it marks a key step in the aerospace sector’s sustainable transformation. With Fly'in at Tarbes, Daher completes the establishment of its three technology centers in France, each dedicated to a strategic expertise, joining the Log'in facility at Toulouse for industrial logistics, and Shap'in at Nantes for advanced aerostructures. These innovation platforms exemplify Daher's ambition to transform its activities in addressing tomorrow's technological and environmental challenges.
Turkey:Baykar set to become new owner of PiaggioItaly’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has approved the sale of Piaggio Aerospace, the country’s aviation giant, to Baykar.The world’s largest UCAV company, Baykar outbid rivals from multiple countries in a competitive tender for the sale of Piaggio Aerospace, which was established in 1884. The company worked with Pragma Consulting on financial valuation during the process.
Piaggio Avanti Evo. Best known for producing P.180 Avanti business jets ('Ferrari of the skies') and aircraft engines, Piaggio also plays a strategic role in Italy’s defense industry ecosystem thanks to its MRO services, and is renowned for its contributions to Italy’s technological infrastructure over its 140-year history. Noting that the company’s relaunch was guaranteed with a clear and ambitious industrial vision, Italian Minister Adolfo Urso commented that "after six years of waiting, we are giving Piaggio Aerospace, a strategic asset for our country, a future with a long-term production perspective, safeguarding corporate complexes and workforce.” With this acquisition, Baykar is set to expand its influence in the European aviation market while preserving Piaggio’s historical legacy and enhancing its production capacity.
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AirX unveils striking new Challenger 850 livery
Malta-headquartered AirX, a prominent luxury private aviation operator and the second-largest dedicated charter company in Europe, has revealed its new livery, showcasing the first aircraft to be completed on its Bombardier Challenger 850, marking the start of a transformative fleet redesign.
This announcement underscores AirX's ambition to redefine private jet travel with unmatched style and innovation using a unique, cash-positive business plan. The new livery reflects AirX's ethos of sophistication, flexibility, and customer-centric luxury. Alongside its visually arresting exterior, the aircraft's upgraded interior features premium dark grey wood finishes, bespoke leather seating, and spacious configurations accommodating up to 16 passengers. This aircraft is tailored for mid-range flights, offering versatility for VVIPs, global brands, corporate executives, and government officials.
Fleet expansion - early talks show much interest for $100m - $250m investment for growth
| This launch is part of AirX's five-year growth strategy, bolstered by its inaugural external investment, which has completed series A, with further talks to add 25 aircraft to the fleet. With plans to expand its fleet significantly, AirX aims to cement its position as a global leader in private aviation, catering to discerning clients with aircraft such as the Embraer Lineage 1000 and Airbus A340. |  |
"Our new livery is more than just an aesthetic overhaul - it symbolises our growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences with one rule - it always has to make bottom line margins," said John Matthews, Chairman and Founder of AirX.
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