International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 United States: Open letter from Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg Boeing Chairman, President and CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, sent an open letter to airlines, passengers and the aviation community on Tuesday afternoon (19th March), on the tragic losses of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610. The letter is published here in its entirety: "We know lives depend on the work we do, and our teams embrace that responsibility with a deep sense of commitment every day. Our purpose at Boeing is to bring family, friends and loved ones together with our commercial airplanes - safely.
Dennis Muilenburg "The tragic losses of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 affect us all, uniting people and nations in shared grief for all those in mourning. "Our hearts are heavy, and we continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board.
United States: Gulfstream docuseries explores Symmetry Flight Deck development Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has premiered the first episode of its all-new documentary, “Creating Symmetry,” a series that showcases the making of the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck - the industry’s most technologically advanced flight deck, currently in service on the clean-sheet Gulfstream G500. “Viewers can expect a captivating look into the extraordinary commitment and effort involved in developing a true clean-sheet design - something truly innovative,” said Jeannine Haas, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Gulfstream. “The series features a host of past and present industry leaders, all of whom went to great lengths to revolutionize aircraft technology.”
The Symmetry Flight Deck features electronically linked active control sidesticks, the most extensive use of touch-screen technology in the industry, and Gulfstream’s third-generation Enhanced Flight Vision System.
United States: Gulfstream reinforces commitment to sustainable jet fuel with first sale to customer Long Beach facility begins sales of environmentally friendly fuel. Gulfstream has announced its first sale of sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF) to a Gulfstream operator. The customer, a US-based multinational corporation, purchased 20,000 pounds of SAJF from Gulfstream’s Long Beach, California, facility for its Gulfstream G550. “This sale is a direct result of our efforts to increase the visibility and availability of sustainable alternative jet fuel for our customers,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. “We are committed to helping promote increased use of SAJF throughout the industry. We’ve been using the fuel since 2016 with our corporate, demonstration and Flight Test fleets, and we’re now proud to offer it to operators as well. We look forward to the day this fuel is commonplace in our industry and we are all doing our part to reduce emissions worldwide.” Gulfstream announced at a recent SAJF event, Business Jets Fuel Green: A Step Toward Sustainability, at California’s Van Nuys Airport, that it would offer SAJF this year to customers using its Long Beach facility. The SAJF is available earlier than expected. Also, Gulfstream will start using it on large-cabin aircraft completions flights departing from Long Beach Airport.
United States: NBAA welcomes nomination of Steve Dickson as FAA Administrator National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen released a statement on Tuesday's nomination of Steve Dickson to the position of administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration: “Steve is a leader whose comprehensive understanding of our national air transportation system, and the efforts underway to keep building a ‘Next Generation’ system, are second to none,” Bolen said. “NBAA has worked closely with Steve for many years, and we welcome his nomination.”  Steve Dickson | Delta Air Lines A longtime Delta Air Lines captain, Dickson served as the carrier’s senior vice president of global flight operations across six continents, involving training, technical support, staffing, scheduling, quality assurance and regulatory compliance for more than 13,000 pilots. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and former F-15 pilot. “We look forward to working with Steve in support of the continuing modernization initiatives that ensure America’s aviation system remains the world’s best,” Bolen continued.
Women in Aviation: Women in Aviation International Cheers for 30 Years The 30th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference accomplished its goal to Connect. Engage. Inspire at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California, on March 14-16, 2019. This conference marked 30 years since WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian hosted 150 people for the first conference in Prescott, Arizona, hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the nearby Sheraton Hotel. “No one knew what to expect at that first conference, but after a weekend of networking, it was clear there was a need for an event where women in the aviation industry could interact,” says Dr. Chabrian. “Soon, the conference became an annual event, and in December 1994, Women in Aviation International was established as a professional, non-profit organization.” A highlight of every conference is the induction of women into WAI’s International Pioneer Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include: Leanne Caret, executive vice president of The Boeing Company who serves as president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security unit; Mary Golda Ross, the first known Native American female engineer and the first female engineer in the history of Lockheed and one of the 40 founding engineers of the renowned and highly secretive Skunk Works.
Manassas, VA. Fifth consecutive Diamond Award for Chantilly Air Chantilly Air's maintenance team has been awarded the FAA's prestigious Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Training for the fifth consecutive year. One hundred percent of Chantilly Air’s maintenance technicians were required to exceed training requirements provided by the FAA to meet the award criteria. Led by Director of Maintenance Jeff Windham at it's Manassas, VA., headquarters, the company’s Part 145 Repair Station team services airframes and engines of most major turbine aircraft manufacturers including Bombardier Learjet, Cessna, Gulfstream, Falcon and Hawker Beechcraft, as well as piston and turbo-prop aircraft such as Piper, Twin Commander and King Air.
“We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service through each of our aviation business offerings," said Chief Operating Officer Tim Sullivan, "especially as we expand our business to be a fixed base operator in the next year.”
GLOBALJET Services  Chris Phillips GLOBALJET Services Inc., a leader in on-location aviation aircraft, avionics, safety, and professional development training, has recently hired Chris Phillips as their Learjet Program Manager to expand their highly skilled instructional staff. Chris comes to GLOBALJET with over thirty years’ experience in the aviation industry. His strengths and capabilities include instruction, maintenance, avionics, and management. He has extensive knowledge in various aircraft types including Citation, Lear, Falcon, King Air, Challenger and Embraer. Chris holds certificates for A&P and Inspection Authorization. |
 Brazil: Embraer CEO to step down at the end of April Embraer chief executive and president, Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva, will step down from his role on April 22nd - the end of his current two-year elected term. The announcement comes three weeks after Embraer shareholders approved a joint venture with Boeing. The agreement will give Boeing 80 per cent control over Embraer’s commercial aircraft operations, positioning Boeing to better rival Airbus in the market for jets with up to 150 seats.
Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva. "Paulo Cesar idealized the partnership with Boeing and led the negotiation process of the transaction that will bring Embraer and Brazil to a much more competitive and prominent level in the global aviation industry," said Alexandre Silva, Chairman of the Board.
Flying Colours is in expansion mode which means we are seeking a lot of recruits for the 100+ roles created, and honestly, it’s a challenge. It is not just our challenge it is the industry’s challenge. I’m regularly having discussions with others in the sector who also struggle to find the right people for the right roles. The gap between supply and demand grows. We see experts retiring, yet it remains a challenge to attract young talent. We’re also competing with other sectors, particularly digital services.
It is imperative we attract the right people with the right skills, who fit with our corporate culture, are prepared for life in the dynamic business aviation environment and are willing to learn and work hard. It goes with a huge number of rewards, beyond just the annual salary. But in a globalised sector the talent supply is strained, there are only a finite number of candidates with the right skill sets. So what can companies do to improve the chances of attracting the right talent?
Shanghai: Air Charter Service expands Far East operations with new Shanghai office Leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has invested further in its Asian operations, by opening a new office in Shanghai.
ACS's Shanghai team Speaking on the announcement, Stephen Fernandez, ACS’s APAC Regional Director, said: “Shanghai was a natural choice for our second office in mainland China. The city is the largest in the country, as well as the richest, and is a major business hub for many industries. It houses China’s main stock exchange and has the world’s largest port, so we believe that there is a large market for our passenger and cargo aircraft charter services here.
France: Quest Kodiak commits to Fly Courchevel 2019 A new Quest Kodiak 100 Series II is joining this year’s Fly Courchevel, which runs March 30–31 at the Courchevel Altiport in the French Alps. The free annual event features exciting aerial aerobatics, demonstrations and exhibitions, along with food and fun.
Serving the Courchevel ski resort, the Courchevel Altiport is one of the most demanding airports in the world. Surrounded by ski slopes, the Altiport has a difficult approach with a short runway. The runway is only 537 meters, with a steep upslope of 18.6%.
United States: Planet Nine Private Air places fourth Falcon 7X into service Planet Nine Private Air (“P9PA”), the Van Nuys, California based private charter operator and aircraft management company, has announced the addition of its fourth ultra long-range Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft to its Part 135 certificate. The aircraft, registration no. N996MS, is a low-time aircraft with less than 500 hours flown. It is offered with the distinctive Planet Nine 14-seat luxury executive interior, with Wi-Fi and IFE from Swift Broadband.
“We are proud to be placing into service our fourth Falcon 7X just ahead of our first anniversary in June,” commented Matt Walter, Co-founder and Head of Business Development. “Our customers, whether flying for business or leisure, are attracted to the layout and quiet cabin of the 7X. With our sharp focus on operational reliability, we are steadily building up a strong base of returning clients.”
France: TBM 930 sets New York-Paris speed record Two TBM pilot-owners - Dierk Reuter and Phil Bozekset - have set a new world speed record between New York and Paris aboard a TBM very fast turboprop aircraft. Flying the TBM 930 owned by Reuter, they crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 8 hours and 38 minutes with an average speed of 364 kts., taking off from Westchester County Airport (KHPN) north of New York City, and landing at the historic Le Bourget Airport (LFPB) near Paris - where Charles Lindbergh landed after his pioneering transoceanic crossing.
Pilots Phil Bozek (left) and Dierk Reuter on the eve of the flight. The TBM 930 beat the previous 325.2-knot record in the C1e category (turboprop aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight under 13,200 lbs./6,000 kg. as established by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale), which was held since 1985 by the renowned test pilot, Chuck Yeager, on a twin-engine airplane.
United States: 400 lives saved: BRS whole aircraft parachute rescue system achieves historic milestone BRS Aerospace has documented the 400th and 401st life saved as a result of deploying the company's whole aircraft parachute rescue system, a notable milestone in aviation safety. The whole aircraft parachute rescue system provides peace of mind to thousands of pilots, passengers and their families.
"This milestone and all of the lives saved is a testament to Boris Popov, who conceived the idea and whose vision for the company he founded overcame initial resistance to the very idea of aircraft parachutes from some naysayers," said BRS President/Director Enrique Dillon. "The concept's legacy are the pilots and passengers who survived to continue to live fruitful lives and the thousands of families who have enjoyed added peace of mind when their loved ones fly."
Philippines: Metrojet breaks ground on new Philippines maintenance facility Hong Kong-based Metrojet Limited, a business aviation service provider with presence throughout Asia Pacific, has commenced the building of its regional expansion project - a state-of-the-art business aviation parking and maintenance facility in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines - planned to be operational in Q2 2020.
The 26,000m2 facility has been designed to provide a world class customer experience whilst maximising safety and productivity in all activities. With over 7,100m2 of hangar floor space, the facility can typically accommodate up to 10 long range business jets and up to a maximum of Boeing Business Jet or Airbus Corporate Jet. |
 Belgium: Luxaviation takes delivery of first Challenger 350 to Belgium Luxaviation Group, one of the largest business aircraft operators worldwide, now operates the first Challenger 350 aircraft delivered to a customer in Belgium. This new addition to the Benelux market joins Bombardier’s robust business aircraft fleet in Europe. Bombardier’s more than 600 aircraft in service in the region represent the largest share of the industry’s total European fleet.
“We are very pleased that Bombardier’s best-selling Challenger 350 business jet has joined Luxaviation’s fleet of aircraft,” said Christophe Degoumois, VP Sales, Europe, Russia and CIS, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With its impressive high-performance features, superior economics, unmatched cabin comfort and entertainment technology, the Challenger 350 aircraft is ideally suited for the European market.”
United Kingdom: Nick Weston appointed new BACA Chairman Nick Weston, CEO of Weston Aviation, was appointed Chairman of BACA - The Air Charter Association - at the Association's 467th meeting on March 14th. Weston succeeds Richard Mumford who has held the role since 2016, and formally began his new position immediately.  Nick Weston Speaking on his appointment, Nick Weston said, "I am delighted and honoured to be elected as the next Chairman of the Association. After being a member for nearly 25 years and having served both as Council Member and Deputy Chairman, I feel the time is right for me to take up the role of chair.
Europe: Qatar Executive qualifies for 'Top of the World' destinations Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways Group, can now fly to Samedan, Switzerland; Chambery, France; and Innsbruck, Austria. These destinations have a special designation as they require additional certification, including full flight simulator training, to prepare the flight crew for the mountainous environment. Executive Vice President of Qatar Executive, Ettore Rodaro, said: “We are very pleased to announce that Qatar Executive has enhanced its investment in additional crew training for our modern state-of-the-art fleet to serve these unique destinations, offering our highly esteemed VVIP clientele to fly directly into these ‘Top of the World’ destinations.
 Paula Kraft - founder of Atlanta's Tastefully Yours Catering and the DaVinci Inflight Training Institute in Fort Lauderdale - discusses the trials, tribulations and science of preparing food at altitude. One of the most difficult concepts I try to convey to students is that all cooking and serving venues are not the same. You must adapt to the situation. Let me provide a few basics from a recent class I taught on the techniques of cooking at high altitudes. If you’ve ever experienced an unpalatable meal while flying - dry, hard, tasteless - your first thoughts go to the preparer. Before you blame the caterer or the flight crew, take a moment to consider that it’s really a matter of chemistry and physics, and a modicum of common sense. Cooking food at a high altitude requires special consideration and a bit of care and forethought. Most general aviation aircraft are pressurized to 5,000 or 6,000 feet. The thin air - less oxygen and atmospheric pressure - plays havoc with both the time and temperature of anything you cook. Meat, poultry and other proteins, when prepared at pressurized altitudes, require different cooking methods from those used at ground level. However, these principles are often overlooked when a flight crew member attempts to cook or reheat in the air. The results are dire.
Philippines: Philippines CAA increases user fees The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) has welcomed the increase of user fees by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The last increase of the user fees of the Philippine Government was 25 years ago and it is time that user fees are being adjusted to reflect the tasks CAAP must perform to uphold international standards of aviation safety. With the increase of user fees, CAAP can now hire additional Qualified and Trained Flight Operations and Airworthiness Inspectors and train them well to develop and improve systems in keeping with ever-evolving international safety standards. Such hiring and training can take place well ahead of the increase of users’ fees. CAAP can then implement the new users’ fees on a staggered basis as the new improved services and Qualified and Trained Personnel (QTP) come online and are made available for improved safety standards in the Philippines. AsBAA commented, "[We are] highly supportive of such staggered users’ fees and will support any CAAP endeavor for safer skies in the Philippines.
Switzerland: TAG Aviation introduces Aircraft Acquisition service Whether considering the purchase of a private jet for the first time, or for existing owners wishing to replace their current aircraft, the newly launched Aircraft Acquisition service from TAG Aviation will help guide prospective owners through the entire process when making important choices and decisions. TAG’s team will undertake a comprehensive acquisition analysis for every client to establish individual aircraft requirements and from there will evaluate the market and help to choose the most suitable aircraft type.
Saudi International Airshow debuts in Riyadh BBGA honours Penny Stephens with prestigious Michael Wheatley Award 400 lives saved: BRS whole aircraft parachute rescue system achieves historic milestone Forty Days of Lent has begun Paula Kraft, founder and President of Atlanta, GA-based Tastefully Yours Catering. Egis celebrates 50 years of dedication to aviation - by investing in the next generation of experts
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Up, up and away: Britain’s youngest pilot offered mentorship by easyJet
Britain’s youngest licensed pilot, sixteen-year-old Ellie Carter, has been offered a mentorship to help her fulfil her career aspirations by easyJet, the UK’s largest airline.
Ellie hit headlines in January 2019 after she became the youngest solo powered aircraft pilot in Britain. She also became the youngest solo glider pilot, after completing two six-minute flights on her 14th birthday.
easyJet has offered Ellie mentoring with Line Training Captain Zoe Ebrey, as part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to attract more women into the profession. Globally, women account for just one in 20 of the world’s pilots. easyJet is leading the industry with its recruitment drive with opportunities ranging from cadet pilots starting their career to experienced co-pilots and captains. easyJet is encouraging young people to aim high and think beyond stereotypes by championing female pilots of the future. The airline is on track for the target to ensure 20 per cent of all its new trainee pilots are women by 2020, with 15% of entrants in 2017 being female.
Ellie hit headlines in January 2019 after she became the youngest solo powered aircraft pilot in Britain.
New research by easyJet of 2,000 British parents and children aged six to 16 commissioned by Europe’s leading airline easyJet, revealed that over half (52%) of young girls would consider a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and over a quarter (27%) would consider a career as a pilot.
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