International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 NBAA-BACE: Textron and NetJets strike deal for more than 300 aircraft Textron Aviation and NetJets have announced fleet agreements for the option to purchase up to 175 super-midsize Cessna Citation Longitude aircraft and up to 150 Cessna Citation Hemisphere aircraft. NetJets has operated a fleet of nearly 500 Cessna Citations since 1984, and this agreement could increase the fleet to more than 800 aircraft over the next 10 to 15 years. The option to purchase the Hemisphere distinguishes NetJets as the launch customer for Textron Aviation’s revolutionary, clean sheet large-cabin aircraft.
NetJets Longitude “We are proud to expand our relationship with NetJets once again through this significant milestone for the Citation Longitude and Citation Hemisphere,” said Scott Donnelly, Chairman, President and CEO of Textron Inc., speaking at the annual National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. NetJets confirms delivery schedule for Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft. US Flight Activity: Q4 and 2018 Holiday business aircraft activity forecast ARGUS International has released its Q4 and 2018 Holiday Business Aircraft Activity Forecast. Reviewing year over year flight activity and number of flights (December 22—December 31), TRAQPak predicts that December 31, 2018 may post the largest year over year increase at 9.4%, and TRAQPak data indicates that the Thanksgiving 2018 travel period may post a total increase of 1.1% over 2017. The busiest day of the period is expected to be November 25, 2018 with an expected total of 10,591 flights.
United States: GA Industry announces event to reaffirm commitment to sustainable alternative jet fuel A coalition of international aviation organizations has announced an upcoming event to reaffirm the general aviation industry’s commitment to advancing the development and adoption of Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF). The event - Business Jets Fuel Green: A Step Toward Sustainability, scheduled for January 17, 2019 at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Southern California - will demonstrate that SAJF can become a mainstream, drop-in alternative for today’s general aviation aircraft. Jet fuel blended with SAJF will be available for use across the airport during the event, as operators fuel up and fly with the sustainable product - VNY’s four FBOs have collaborated to participate in this initiative. VNY ranks as one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, serving a diverse mix of businesses, charter companies, government operators and others. In 2017, it recorded a total of 231,323 aircraft movements. Canada: Flying Colours Corp increases North American footprint with largest expansion yet North American MRO and completions business Flying Colours Corp. has announced it is adding more than 140,000 square feet to its North American footprint as it continues its ambitious expansion and embarks on its largest infrastructure growth to date. Plans are currently being finalized for the groundbreaking of a brand-new hangar by the end of fall 2018 at the Peterborough, ON. facility. The additional hangar, the fourth at Flying Colours Peterborough headquarters, is needed to provide additional capacity for completions, refurbishment and heavy maintenance work scopes on large jet airframes. United States: Silver Air opens Teterboro base New operations base serves East Coast clients with global-reaching GV. Private jet management and charter company, Silver Air, has officially opened its East Coast base of operations at Teterboro Airport (TEB) with a world-class Gulfstream GV jet now ready for charter. “Teterboro is one of the most popular airports for private jet travellers out of Manhattan and other New York and New Jersey locations," said Chuck Stumpf, Silver Air President of Business Development. "Our GV will support cross-country and international flights. It’s perfect for corporate and leisure travel to Europe and other far-reaching destinations." The new Teterboro location is the latest in Silver Air’s expanding footprint across the US, with operations based in Southern California, Northern California, Texas and now New Jersey. United States: Latest Harris Poll survey reaffirms importance of business aviation to companies and communities The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has joined with the National Business Aviation Association to release the findings of the latest survey conducted by The Harris Poll demonstrating the value of business aviation in providing safe, efficient transportation to companies of all sizes, particularly those located in smaller communities with little to no commercial airline service. “The Real World of Business Aviation: 2018 Survey of Companies Using General Aviation Aircraft,” represents a statistically valid representation of the use of business aircraft.
United States: FAA announces $40.9m for new tower at GSO The Federal Aviation Administration is investing $40.9m in infrastructure for Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC. The Agency is building a new, 180-foot-tall Air Traffic Control Tower. The new control tower will accommodate up to eight positions for air traffic controllers in a 550- square-foot tower cab. A 15,650 square-foot base building will anchor the new tower. It will house the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) with up to 10 radar positions for air traffic controllers. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art automation and communications systems. The base building also will include administrative offices and a training classroom.
Construction will begin in early 2019, and the FAA expects to commission the facility in early 2022. The new tower will allow air traffic controllers to manage flights safely and efficiently at North Carolina’s third busiest airport. Greensboro Tower controlled 84,600 flights, and the TRACON handled 155,000 radar operations in the 12 months ending on Sept 1st, 2018.
Inmarsat  Kai Tang Global mobile satellite communications provider, Inmarsat, has announced the appointment of Kai Tang as Senior Vice President of Business and General Aviation. Kai is an experienced satellite communications professional with industry expertise ranging across government, maritime and aviation. During his seven years at Inmarsat, he has held the role of Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Operations for Inmarsat’s US Government Business Unit, and also played a key role within the company’s Global Xpress development programme. Kai will be responsible for Inmarsat’s ground-breaking portfolio of connectivity services for the business aviation industry, including its global, high-speed Jet ConneX inflight Wi-Fi solution. In addition, he will oversee next year’s business aviation launch of the European Aviation Network (EAN), the world’s first inflight broadband that combines dedicated satellite coverage with a complementary LTE-based ground network. Prior to joining Inmarsat, Kai was the Divisional Director for Navy Shipboard Satellite Communications, as well as airborne and expeditionary programmes, such as Navy VIP Aircraft Communications and the Joint Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) project for The Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIEDDO).. |
NBAA-BACE: Embraer surprises NBAA-BACE with announcement of two new aircraft: The Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 "The most disruptive and technologically advanced aircraft in the Midsize and Super-midsize categories" Embraer unveiled the new Praetor 500 midsize and Praetor 600 super-midsize business jets in a surprise announcement on the eve of NBAA-BACE this week.
The new Embraer Praetor 500 “The Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 are the disruptive aircraft for the entrepreneur, for the pioneer, for the innovator,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Praetors are aircraft certainly in keeping with their name, leading the way in redefining the characteristics of what a midsize and super-midsize aircraft deliver to the market. The introduction of these aircraft support our vision of fascinating our customers and providing them with superior value and the best experience in the industry.”
NBAA-BACE: Affinity will power the Aerion AS2 supersonic business jet with first flight in 2023. At a joint press conference with Aerion Corporation at NBAA-BACE, Orlando, GE Aviation announced that it has completed the initial design of the first supersonic engine purpose-built for business jets.
This new engine class, revealed today as GE’s Affinity turbofan, is optimized with proven GE technology for supersonic flight and timed to meet the Aerion AS2 launch.
One Hour to London: a Dog’s Tale How ‘Ivanka’ Trumped the time it takes to get from Oxford to London. London Oxford Airport has enlisted the talents of canine supermodel ‘Ivanka’ to highlight that car journeys from London Oxford Airport to London’s West End are achievable in under 60 minutes.
‘Ivanka’ - played by Iraida, the supermodel ‘Gucci Poochie’ Afghan hound - is the star of a three-minute film directed by Liz Moscrop and the GearupTV team, which also features stunt drivers, a BMW Mini, a Porsche and some unconventional use of the Oxford Airport runway. United States: Jet Aviation expanding US FBOs from coast to coast Jet Aviation is expanding and renovating its FBOs in New Jersey, California and Texas. “Our customers will soon find new or renovated facilities from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Van Nuys, California, and at Dallas, Texas, in between,” said David Paddock, senior vice president and general manager, Regional Operations USA.
'Cosy Chic' Boston/Bedford FBO refurbishment now complete United States: Comlux completes 11th VIP BBJ cabin interior Comlux Completion and Service Center based in Indianapolis, have accomplished their 11th VIP interior outfitting on a BBJ aircraft for a private customer based in the Far East.
The luxurious cabin features a spacious executive compartment at the front, with four sets of Club-4. Instead of the traditional Hi/Lo tables, there are large pull out tables with easily attachable extensions newly designed and installed specifically for this aircraft. United States: Baker Aviation introduces new off-shore helicopter stowage fire containment option Baker Aviation, the Master Distributor for HOT-STOP ’L’ Fire Containment Kits, has introduced a new proactive fire containment solution for the off-shore helicopter industry that is used as a storage vessel during transport to and from drilling rigs. Supporting the proven HOT-STOP ‘L’ fire proof design and its capability to fully contain lithium battery runaways of powerful portable devices without the release of toxic smoke or flames, this new containment bag allows passengers to safely store multiple electronic devices during the flight and collect them upon arrival. This unique safe storage capability eliminates the threat of an on-board battery fire during the flight and allows easy transport of all passenger devices. United States: Air Elite expands service locations in Alaska and Greece Air Elite Network has welcomed two new members, JetSet Services and Great Circle Flight Services, to its global network of 72 independently owned FBOs. Great Circle Flight Services, a Ross Aviation FBO, is located at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Opened in 2005, Great Circle Flight Services has built a reputation for providing personal, attentive service to large business aircraft traveling between financial centers in the United States and Asia.
Great Circle Flight Services, Anchorage. JetSet Services is based at Athens International Airport (LGAV) and supports flights across 20 other main airports in Greece. JetSet Services offers bespoke VIP and handling services to their customers, as well as 24-hour operational assistance, airport lot coordination, PPRs, and landing permits. United States: David Davenport and Ray Johns succeed Bruce Whitman as co-CEOs of FlightSafety FlightSafety International has announced that David Davenport and Ray Johns will lead the company as Co-CEOs. David will also serve as President, Commercial, and Ray as President, Government and Manufacturing.
“We are honored and humbled to have been named to succeed Bruce Whitman,” said David and Ray. “We are thankful for his outstanding leadership and countless contributions to FlightSafety’s success during his 57 years of service. Together we will continue to embrace and promote the culture of customer service, quality, trust, caring, respect, and family he created at the company, and his commitment to enhance aviation safety around the world.” Switzerland: Pilatus PC-12 NG tops customer service ranking for 17th consecutive year Market demand remains strong for the Swiss single-engine turboprop, as the 1,600th PC-12 enters service and readers of Professional Pilot magazine rated its customer service tops in turboprops.
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd expects to deliver 80 new PC-12 NGs in 2018, extending the distinction earnt by this multifunctional aircraft of scoring the highest annual sales volumes of all turbine-powered business aircraft. |
 NBAA-BACE: Gulfstream G650 family surpasses 75 speed records Gulfstream's G650 family has now achieved more than 75 city-pair records, just a few weeks after the ultra-long-range aircraft demonstrated steep approach capabilities at London City Airport. “Even with more than 315 G650ER and G650 aircraft in service around the world, we continue to enhance the utility, flexibility and real-world performance of these already class-defining aircraft,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream.
G650 at London City Airport, UK. The G650 flew several takeoffs and landings in September as part of the London City Airport Operations and Control Department’s evaluation of the aircraft family’s steep-approach capabilities. New Palm Beach service center to create 50 jobs
NBAA-BACE: Global Jet Capital reveals importance of financing in driving shift to larger aircraft New analysis from Global Jet Capital, a global leader in financial solutions for business aircraft, has revealed the important role financing is playing in driving the growth in business aviation. Since the beginning of 2016, Global Jet Capital estimates that there have been over 8,600 new and used business aircraft transacted around the globe, with the value of financing used to support those purchases totaling almost $23bn. Notably, over 60% of that financing, some $14bn, has been towards acquisitions of new and used large/heavy aircraft. This financing has helped increase the proportion of larger aircraft within the global fleet. Since 2016 the total number of mid-sized aircraft around the world has fallen by 8%, or 415 planes. However, these aircraft have been almost exactly replaced in number by larger models as the heavy/large jet segment has grown by 419 aircraft, a 6% increase.
United Kingdom: Signature welcomes lifting of London night flight ban Signature Flight Support has welcomed the lifting of night time flight restrictions at London Luton Airport. The move has greatly improved access for customers departing in the late evening or arriving into Luton in the early morning hours, although Signature advises that runway maintenence at Luton on November 10, 11, 17 and 18 will result in closure between 0001L and 0530L. In addition, an upcoming restriction relating to aircraft exceeding QC1 standards, will make those aircraft ineligible for night-time slots during the summer of 2019. Signature’s comprehensive UK and Ireland network of FBOs however offers alternative choices during these periods.
 Brazil: Luxaviation Helicopters announces first Latin America partnership with Icon Aviation Luxaviation Group has announced a strategic partnership between its dedicated VVIP helicopter service Luxaviation Helicopters and Icon Aviation, a leading business aviation and rotorcraft operator in Brazil.
The partnership extends a safe and seamless helicopter service to Luxaviation customers within Brazil, as well as the use of Icon Aviation’s 12 VIP facilities. These are strategically located across the region, including at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo, Brazil’s foremost business aviation airport. HeliGroup launches world-first Airbus ACH135 Helionix for charter operations HeliGroup has launched their newly-delivered Airbus ACH135 Helionix into the charter market from their UK base at Wycombe Air Park, Buckinghamshire, UK. The latest generation twin engine luxury aircraft will serve the high-end charter market. The H135 includes a Helionix suite and full cream leather interior with carbon fibre trim, as well as the latest model fuel-efficient Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 engines.
HeliGroup is first operator to make the exceptional Airbus Corporate Helicopter (ACH) standard H135 Helionix available to customers worldwide for charter operations. Maldives: Universal Aviation Maldives to begin operations in November The worldwide ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation has announced that its newest location, Universal Aviation Maldives, will begin operations by the end of November 2018. Universal Aviation Maldives is headquartered at Velana International Airport (VRMM) and is a joint venture location with Inner Maldives Holidays, a multi-award winning travel company The Maldives will become Universal Aviation’s eighth location in the Asia-Pacific region. Universal Aviation Maldives main operation is located at the island of Malé, but the location also
Ireland: Gainjet Ireland takes delivery of the world’s first EJ-registered aircraft. There were double celebrations on Tuesday (16th October) at Shannon Airport. Gainjet Ireland, took delivery of a new jet which made history as the first aircraft in the world to be registered on the new Irish EJ aircraft register, administered by the Irish Aviation Authority. The registration comes almost 90 years to the day since the first ever Irish aircraft registration, EI-AAA, in October 1928. Established just three years ago and securing their AOC in June 2016, Gainjet Ireland, based at Shannon Airport, is a leading worldwide private jet charter operator and management company. The new aircraft, EJ-IOBN, an Embraer Lineage 1000 executive jet, joins Gainjet Ireland’s growing fleet of Boeing, Gulfstream, Challenger and Citation aircraft in the worldwide executive aircraft market.
Owner flights boost growth in September. The WINGX Report Industry mourns passing of aviation legend Bruce Whitman GAMA celebrates National Manufacturing Day with workforce development video series Gluten Free catering can be life and death. Paula Kraft, founder and President of Atlanta, GA-based Tastefully Yours Catering.
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Air BP fuels world’s new longest flight between New York and Singapore
On 12 October, Air BP fuelled the world’s new longest non-stop flight between Newark International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport. The flight covered a distance of around 16,700 km and a travel time of approximately 18 hours and 45 minutes.
The Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350-900ULR departed Newark at 10:45 EST on Friday (12th October), arriving at the airline’s hub in Singapore at 17:30 SGT on Saturday. The Jet A that was uplifted to fuel the flight was pumped from Air BP’s storage facilities in New Jersey to Newark International Airport’s fuel system. The flight covered a distance of around 16,700 km and a travel time of approximately 18 hours and 45 minutes.
Commenting on the achievement, Joe McGregor, North America Supply Director said: “We are proud to play our part in fuelling the world’s new longest non-stop flight and are delighted to be supporting Singapore Airlines as they expand their presence in the US. Air BP has helped to make aviation history for over 90 years, and through our ongoing investment in our US operations we are committed to continuing to innovate and lead in this space.”
Air BP is one of the largest fuel suppliers in the north-east USA, offering security of supply to customers such as Singapore Airlines, who have been working with Air BP for around 10 years.
With over 30 customers in the New York area airports (JFK, EWR and LGA) and at regional airports, including Albany Rochester and Buffalo, Air BP is continuing to invest in the expansion of its US network, with the latest addition being Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut.
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