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BlueSky Business Aviation News | 17th October 2024 | Issue #768

Features STACK aero WINGX Britten-Norman

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Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news

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Melbourne, Florida:

Eve Air Mobility secures $88m from BNDES to finance eVTOL manufacturing

Brazil’s National Development Bank approves financing to support Eve’s manufacturing facility in São Paulo.

Eve Air Mobility has secured an $88m loan agreement with Brazil’s National Development Bank (BNDES) to fund the development of the company’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft production facility in Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Under the BNDES Mais Inovação program, the financing reinforces BNDES’ commitment to supporting innovative projects and Eve’s advancements in fostering decarbonization and the urban air mobility (UAM) industry.

Eve Air Mobility secures $88m from BNDES to finance eVTOL manufacturing

"We are profoundly grateful for the continued support and confidence that BNDES has shown in Eve as we advance in our mission to reimagine mobility through efficient and sustainable urban flight experiences," said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve.

This financing will be instrumental in setting up our eVTOL manufacturing facility, which will be not only the first of its kind in Brazil but also powered by clean, renewable energy, aligned with our commitment to sustainability."

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Toronto:

Skyservice breaks ground in Napa, California

Construction commences on new gateway to Wine Country and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Skyservice Business Aviation has broken ground on a 60,000-square-foot FBO and hangar complex at the Napa County Airport (APC).

"We are thrilled to begin construction of our new private jet center in Napa," commented Skyservice President and CEO Benjamin Murray.

"Napa is a truly remarkable region in the United States, celebrated for its exceptional wines, culinary mastery and luxurious accommodations. Now is the ideal moment to connect the local business aviation community with a private jet center that aligns with the esteemed reputation of this region."

Skyservice breaks ground in Napa, California

The 15-acre land parcel will include a luxury FBO facility, roof-top restaurant available for casual dining, events and parties, office space, a 40,000-square-foot hangar and nine-acre ramp. The hangar is designed with 28-foot-high doors that can accommodate the latest Bombardier, Dassault, and Gulfstream jet models while also serving the needs of the general aviation community at the airport.

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Las Vegas, Nevada:

Pilatus collaborates with F/LIST to debut new Natural Oil wood veneer finish

Environmentally friendly varnish to be showcased on Pilatus PC-24 mock-up at NBAA-BACE.

F/LIST, a pioneer in innovative cabin solutions, and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd are showcasing a Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet cabin cross-section at this year’s NBAA-BACE 2024 to highlight the potential for using sustainable materials in aircraft interiors.

Located on the Pilatus static exhibit, AD-115, the intricate mock-up features existing F/LAB bio-based materials alongside the latest addition to the portfolio, the new plant-based F/LAB Natural Oil varnish, as Pilatus emphasizes the importance of sustainability within the cabin.

F/LIST and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd display a biobased mock-up from the PC-24 jet.

The transparent F/LAB Natural Oil minimizes the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment while enhancing the grain and beauty of wood veneers. A subtle matt sheen and tactile finish highlight the natural patterns and whorls of the surface. The oil finish is engineered for durability with scratch and stain-resistant qualities, enabling regular usage with minimal maintenance.

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Cypress, Texas:

Jackson Jet Center boosts Paragon Network’s presence in the Pacific Northwest

Paragon Aviation Group has added Jackson Jet to its prestigious Paragon Network, expanding the network's presence in the Pacific Northwest.

Located in Boise, Idaho, Jackson Jet is known for its exceptional customer service, modern facilities, and its innovative US Customs Reimbursable Services Program (RSP), which has quickly gained popularity among international travelers.

Jackson Jet Center boosts Paragon Network’s presence in the Pacific Northwest

A standout feature of Jackson Jet is its US Customs RSP, a unique offering that allows customers to schedule US Customs inspections outside of normal operating hours at no extra cost. By covering these fees, Jackson Jet delivers convenience and significant savings to its international clients, making it a preferred FBO in the region.

In addition to this service, Jackson Jet provides competitive weekly fuel pricing, ensuring that customers benefit from both high-quality service and cost-effective solutions for their aviation needs. As a full-service FBO, Jackson Jet Center offers a comprehensive suite of services, including refueling, hangar, and an Authorized Service Center for Textron and Cirrus, all delivered with a dedication to excellence.

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Miami, Florida:

US family offices focus more on using their business aircraft for philanthropic causes

The vast majority of U.S. family offices expect their business aircraft to be used more to support good causes over the next three years.

A survey commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) of US-based family offices who own or lease business aircraft reveals that 87% are open to using them for charitable and humanitarian purposes.

In terms of how they do this, 77% say they support local or national charities by providing them with some access to their aircraft, and 44% say they support the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), a US-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients access the best treatment by arranging free travel on corporate aircraft. Some also provide access to their aircraft during a crisis situation such as humanitarian relief or emergency evacuations.

For those US-based family offices interviewed that don’t currently make their aircraft available for good causes, half said it was because they have not appointed anyone to manage this, and 30% say it is because they don’t have enough spare capacity to start using their aircraft for this purpose.

However, of those interviewed who don’t currently make their aircraft available for charitable and humanitarian causes, 39% say they hope to start doing this within the next two years, and 54% say they hope to do so in the next two to three years.

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People

AXIS Aviation Europe

Kerstin Mumenthaler

Kerstin Mumenthaler

Leading aircraft management company AXIS Aviation has announced the promotion of Kerstin Mumenthaler to Managing Director, AXIS Europe AG, to spearhead and lead the overall daily operations of the company.

Previously, Mumenthaler held the position of Accountable Manager, AXIS Aviation. The move comes as part of a change of structure for the company within Europe which sees the EU European commercial business being managed through the company’s AXIS Austria AOC and the San Marino AOC.

Mumenthaler will report directly to Niall Olver, chairman, AXIS Europe AG, and sit alongside Joerg Sabitzer who will now head commercial activities and Elis Lefteris heading Finance. She will oversee Austria and San Marino, with the Switzerland entity for Part NCC aircraft only.

Before working for AXIS Aviation, Mumenthaler was the founder of aim4safety, where she used her knowledge of safety management tools to implement advanced safety protocols to streamline operations.


Jetcraft

Anna Gulbas

Anna Gulbas

Jetcraft, the global leader in business aircraft sales, acquisitions, and trades, has announced the appointment of Anna Gulbas as Sales Director, marking the final piece of its newly-structured EMEA sales team.

Gulbas will oversee the Italian, Scandinavian, Eastern European, and Baltic regions, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and regional expertise to Jetcraft’s European clients. Prior to joining Jetcraft, Gulbas worked with leading European business aviation companies, developing a strong reputation for delivering tailored solutions to clients and driving growth in her regions.

Pascal Bachmann, SVP Sales, EMEA, says: “Europe continues to be critical for Jetcraft, with sustained demand for business aviation. Anna’s deep understanding of the market, combined with her dedication to exceptional client service reinforces our commitment to meeting the needs of this region. We’re confident our customers across Europe will benefit from enhanced insights and Jetcraft’s world-class service as we continue to expand our presence.”

Gulbas’ appointment follows the recent transition of Sean O’Leary to Regional Vice President for the East Coast US.

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WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Hurricane Milton subdues Florida bizjet activity

  WINGX Global Market Tracker
In Week 41 (7th–13th October), there were 73,121 global bizjet departures, 3% more than the previous week, although 3% fewer than Week 41 in 2023, and compares to 76,524 bizjet sectors in the busiest week of the last 12 months, week 26 2024.

According to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today, the four-week trend for business jet flights is also down 3% compared to last year, the year-to-date trend 2% below last year.

Worldwide, Super Midsize and Ultra Long-Range fleets are the only aircraft segments flying more than last year. Bizliner activity has fallen the most compared to last year, departures down 12% year on year.

North America

In Week 41, there were 53,371 bizjet departures departing North American airports, 2% fewer than Week 41 in 2023. Despite hurricane Milton, US activity rebounded 5% compared to Week 40. In hurricane-affected Florida, the dip in bizjet activity was 18% compared to W41 last year.

Most cities in Florida saw subdued activity in Week 41, although there were actually pockets of YOY growth in Tampa, Sarasota and Fort Myers. Elsewhere in the US, California activity remains in the doldrums; despite 3% growth compared to W41 last year, the four-week trend is 3% below last year. There is better news in Texas, activity in W41 5% ahead of last year, raising the 4-week trend to 1% growth compared to last year.

full report


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Fort Worth, Texas:

Embraer's $70m investment in new Fort Worth commercial jet MRO will create 250 skilled aviation jobs

Embraer has announced the expansion and investment in the United States of its maintenance, repair and overhaul services network to support the growing fleet of E-Jets with the opening of a new Embraer owned service center at the Perot Field Alliance Airport, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Rendering of Embraer's MRO at Perot Field Alliance Airport, Fort Worth.

Rendering of Embraer's MRO at Perot Field Alliance Airport, Fort Worth.

In partnership with the City of Fort Worth, Denton County and the State of Texas, Embraer expects to begin operations in an existing hangar in the beginning of the second quarter of 2025, while building a second hangar that should be concluded by 2027.

With the new facilities, Embraer’s capacity to serve the E-Jets customers will increase by 53% in the US. The investment will reach up to $70m and is expected to create approximately 250 new aviation jobs in Texas.

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Elevating Data

Getting better all the time

By Catherine Buchanan, Director of Business Development, STACK.aero

  Catherine Buchanan

In the latest column from STACK.aero Catherine Buchanan, Director of Business Development, outlines the value of adopting evolving digital platforms to stay ahead in business aviation.

I wrote this column last week on an iMac. When I started writing, it was a great machine: intuitive, responsive, with useful tools, effective cybersecurity, and rich in software that enabled me to create a hopefully thought-provoking article.

It’s a platform I trust to deliver results, and I’ve been impressed by its performance since the first day I logged on. This week, thanks to updates, it’s even better. It has new features, promises greater productivity, more easily accessible functionality, and improved security.

Brokers have to manage immense amounts of data so need intuitive platforms.

When I purchased it a few years ago, it changed how I worked by immediately delivering what I needed with multiple applications easily accessed from a simple user interface. I also knew that there would modifications and new features added regularly.

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Global Insight by WINGX


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Melbourne, Florida:

Satcom Direct confirms first SD Plane Simple Ku-band terminal Gulfstream G600 production installation

Satcom Direct's advanced technology Plane Simple Ku-band tail-mount terminal is now available through Gulfstream for Gulfstream G650, Gulfstream G650ER, Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 production aircraft.

Satcom Direct confirms first SD Plane Simple Ku-band terminal Gulfstream G600 production installation

The first G600 equipped with the advanced tail mount connectivity system has been delivered, and additional Gulfstream aircraft installations are already in progress.

The milestone builds on the successful rollout in the aftermarket sector of the SD Plane Simple Ku-band terminal, which entered commercial service in February 2023 and is now flying on over 150 aircraft worldwide.

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Worldwide:

TAG Aviation adds nine aircraft to global fleet

TAG Aviation has announced the expansion of its global fleet with the addition of nine exceptional aircraft, including a Dassault Falcon 6X, a Bombardier Challenger 650 and a Gulfstream G500 in Europe; and a Bombardier Global 6000, a Gulfstream G550 and four Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft in Asia.

TAG Aviation adds nine aircraft to global fleet

The Falcon 6X and three of the Global 7500 aircraft are brand new aircraft with delivery scheduled in early 2025 and one pre-owned Global 7500 has already been delivered.

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Opinion

Numbers don’t lie: The indisputable economic impact of private aviation

By Kyle Patel, President & Founder of Bitlux.

  Kyle Patel

Bitlux President and Founder, Kyle Patel, shares his vision on how private aviation’s activity impacts job creation, innovation, technology and local economies.

Recently, we’ve seen growing incidents of activists and pressure groups deliberately defacing articles in protest attempts.

Last month, two women were charged with criminal damage after two private jets were sprayed with paint at London’s Stansted Airport.

They were protesting on behalf of ‘Just Stop Oil’ and trying to confront the private aviation industry, but not in a vastly appropriate manner, and were accused of aggravated trespass and interfering with national infrastructure.

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

VIP Completions and ARRCC unveil uniquely refurbished Dassault Falcon 7X

VIP Completions, providers of custom aircraft completions and refurbishment services, and ARRCC, a leading interior design and décor studio, have unveiled the spectacular interior of a completely refurbished Dassault Falcon 7X.

VIP Completions and ARRCC unveil uniquely refurbished Dassault Falcon 7X

Acquisition of this aircraft was brokered by VIP Completions’ sister company SmartJets, a leading turnkey aircraft dealer-broker.

This project is exceptional because it redefines the boundaries of aircraft interior design.

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Bembridge, UK:

Britten-Norman secures investment to boost Islander production

Britten-Norman, the UK’s leading manufacturer of utility aircraft, has successfully completed its second funding round, securing significant capital from Northern Ireland based Beechlands Enterprises. The investment will accelerate production of the iconic Islander aircraft and transform aftermarket business.

Britten-Norman Islander

Britten-Norman will scale manufacturing operations in the UK up to eight aircraft a year in phase one. Manufacturing will be focussed primarily on the unleaded piston version of the Islander, with around 20% of aircraft being delivered as turboprops.

As part of the company’s focus on manufacturing, it will invest in more advanced manufacturing tools and machinery, enhancing component production capabilities. These upgrades will help reduce lead times, increase output, and improve overall cost and efficiency.

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Lebring, Austria:

AXIS Flight Simulation and Propair Flight to set new industry benchmark with virtual and mixed reality pilot training solution

Advancing the future of flight training, full-flight simulator manufacturer AXIS Flight Simulation is putting cutting-edge virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) technologies at the forefront of pilot training, collaborating with software development studio Propair Flight.

Seamlessly blending traditional and forward-thinking training methods to provide an unparalleled learning experience, the partnership will combine AXIS' industry-leading ISO 9001-2015 and EASA/FAA Level D certified simulators with Propair's advanced VR and MR integration to bring a new level of value to the training industry.

Christian Theuermann and Peter Kesmarki.

Christian Theuermann and Peter Kesmarki.

“At AXIS, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation training,” says Christian Theuermann, member of the executive board, AXIS Flight Simulation. “Our partnership with Propair marks a significant leap forward in creating immersive experiences, setting new industry standards by integrating VR and MR capabilities into our wider offering to provide the next generation of training solutions."

Broadening its product portfolio by utilising technology from Propair - an independent company within the AXIS group - AXIS will leverage analytics-driven virtual environments to empower pilots and instructors with actionable analytics and personalised training.

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Dublin:

ACIA Aero Leasing signs contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada for 10 new PW127M engines

Engines will support ACIA’s fleet of leased ATR aircraft operating around the globe.

ACIA Aero Leasing, a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services, has signed a contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada for the purchase of 10 new PW127M engines.

The programme will include the swap out of existing engines and will ensure that ACIA Aero Leasing can fully serve its existing and growing ATR customer base. Deliveries will commence in 2025. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

PW127M engine

PW127M engine.

“We have made this substantial investment decision to ensure we can offer our customers the most attractive pre-owned ATR solutions in the market,” said Neil Du Preez, Senior Vice-President, Technical & Asset Management of ACIA Aero Leasing.

“This purchase gives us and our customers access to critical PW100 engine inventory as the industry continues to experience supply chain issues.”

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United Kingdom:

BBGA: Fourteen UK airfields now trail blazing electric aviation

The British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) is championing innovation stemming from general aviation.

Did you know? we now have 14 airfields around the UK with resident electric-powered aircraft.

Fairoaks Airport in Chobham, Surrey, has just become the latest to receive a Pipistrel Velis Electro, the only electric aircraft to date certificated for passenger flight by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

The leased aircraft has joined Synergy Flight Training from UK Distributor NEBOair. It is operating in collaboration with sustainability solutions pioneer 4AIR, a Flexjet sister company and BBGA member.

Glen Heavens, CEO, Synergy Flight Training and Adam Twidell at Fairoaks Airport.

Glen Heavens, CEO, Synergy Flight Training and Adam Twidell, Furure of Flight and Pipistrel Velis Electro pilot, Flexjet UK, at Fairoaks Airport.

Synergy Flight Training and 4AIR are partnering to bring a new era of decarbonised flying, enabling future pilots to be trained on fully electric aircraft in the South of England, mirroring operations at SaxonAir Aviation Training at Norwich Airport.

Fairoaks and Norwich Airports join Duxford Airport, home of the British clean-tech innovator Faradair; Great Oakley Airfield; Humberside Airport, home of Eastern Airways; Old Buckenham Airfield, Popham Aerodrome, RAF Cranwell, Redhill Aerodrome, Rochester Airport, Sibson Aerodrome, Shipmeadow and Wickenby Aerodrome, in having resident Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft, with charging supported by NEBOair.

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RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, UK:

Award Winning Partnership

32 (The Royal) Squadron and Centreline, a Pula Aviation Services company, were honoured with the prestigious 1 Group Whole Force Award at the 1 Group Industry Awards held at RAF Waddington.

The award highlights the unique partnership between 32 (The Royal) Squadron and Centreline, who jointly operate the Envoy aircraft for Fixed Wing Command Support Air Transport. This innovative model allows military and civilian pilots to collaborate under Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, ensuring rapid and flexible support for senior government and military leaders.

The award was presented by Mr. Simon Walton-Prince, representative of Raytheon, and was received by Wing Commander Sands, Officer Commanding 32 (The Royal) Squadron, Mr. Adam Lunn of Centreline, and Warrant Officer Henriques, 32 (The Royal) Squadron.

The relationship has been hugely successful, with Centreline leaning in to support well beyond its contractual obligations. As a result, 32(The Royal) Sqn has been able to respond to extremely short notice requests (as short as 3 hours between notification and wheels up). While occasionally subject to CAA inflexibility, Centreline have worked hard to push the envelope, managing to get permission to carry armed military protection teams, greatly expanding the operational capability of the aircraft.

The most telling demonstration of the increasing flexibility of the model was a mission into Libya in October 2023; a sortie that would have been unthinkable on Envoy’s introduction to Service just a year earlier.

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Events

NBAA-BACE:

NBAA to welcome collegiate aviation fraternity’s students and alumni to NBAA-BACE

The National Business Aviation Association is pleased to welcome members and alumni of the nation’s oldest collegiate aviation association to the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) being held in Las Vegas from October 22nd-24th.

NBAA and Alpha Eta Rho (AHP) share a commitment to recruiting, retaining and energizing the aviation workforce of the future, a top priority for the business aviation industry, which supports 1.2 million US jobs and $247bn in economic output.

“NBAA is deeply committed to investing in our industry’s next generation,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Alpha Eta Rho members have an enthusiasm for bringing their passion for aviation to rewarding careers in the industry. We are thrilled to have them with us at NBAA-BACE to network, learn and prepare for an exciting, fulfilling professional journey.”

To support future industry leaders, NBAA will provide Alpha Eta Rho students access to NBAA-BACE free of charge.

Members will be able to attend the NBAA-BACE Collegiate Connect program on October 24th. The program will kick off with a keynote address from US Rep. Dina Titus (D-1-NV) and other industry leaders, followed by a panel discussion where young professionals and seasoned management-level speakers will share their strategies for aspiring professionals.

Students will also have an opportunity to explore the NBAA-BACE exhibit floor and engage with those in their prospective career field, including airport business manager, flight attendant, pilot, scheduler, maintenance technician and marketing specialist.

“We appreciate NBAA’s support for AHP in helping fulfill our organization’s mission to develop the ‘Aviation Leaders of Tomorrow,’” said Alpha Eta Rho CEO Ben O’Brien. “We have aligned our long-term vision to partner with other aviation associations and thought leaders to help provide education and support to the aviation workforce of the future, and NBAA has embraced our vision.”


Stories you might have missed.

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And Finally

NBAA-BACE welcomes McLaren supercar lineup

The National Business Aviation Association has announced that world-renowned automotive company McLaren will showcase its fleet of powerful, innovative supercars on the NBAA-BACE static display at Henderson Executive Airport.

“Having these incredible cars alongside the world’s most advanced business aircraft will offer NBAA-BACE attendees a captivating look at what’s possible in engineering, technology and design, both on the ground and in the air,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are pleased to feature this new, exclusive lineup that provides an exciting look at the future of high-performance travel.”

The New GTS.

The New GTS.

Supercars planned for display adjacent to the aircraft at NBAA-BACE include The 750S Coup; The Artura Spider - New Hybrid Convertible Supercar; The New GTS; The 750S Spider - Convertible Supercar and The Artura - High-Performance Hybrid.

“We are thrilled to display McLaren at the most esteemed aircraft show in the world, NBAA-BACE,” said Tom O’Gara, owner, McLaren Las Vegas. “Aircraft and supercars share so many characteristics both in materials and design characteristics. McLaren is having a tremendous year in Formula 1 racing, and our line-up of vehicles continues to delight our most discerning customers. We look forward to showcasing the model line-up among the aircraft at NBAA-BACE.”

The aircraft display at 2024 NBAA-BACE will highlight the diversity of business aviation, from piston-engine airplanes, to long-range, large-cabin business jets, to helicopters. NBAA-BACE is taking place October 22nd-24th at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport.


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