International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 United States: GAMA presents 2018 year-end aircraft shipments and billings 'First year since 2013 that we’ve seen all segments up in deliveries' - CEO Pete Bunce. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2018 year-end results at its 'State of the Industry' press conference yesterday (20th February). GAMA Chairman and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. President Mark Burns announced that globally, airplane shipments increased 4.7 percent, to 2,443 units in 2018. Airplane billings increased 1.5 percent, from $20.2bn to $20.6bn. Worldwide rotorcraft shipments rose 5.4 percent, from 926 to 976 units. Rotorcraft billings decreased slightly, by 0.7 percent. Notable from these numbers is piston airplane deliveries increased by 5.0 percent, to 1,139 units. Turboprop airplane shipments increased to 601 units. Business jet deliveries improved, from 677 to 703 units.
United States: JETNET releases 2018 pre-owned aircraft market analysis December and year-end bizjet, turboprop, piston, helicopter, airliner market information. JETNET LLC's analysis of key worldwide trends across all pre-owned aircraft market sectors, compares December 2018 to December 2017, as well as 2018 year-end versus 2017. Most market sectors are showing lower inventory for sale in the comparison of 2018 to 2017, except for Piston Helicopters. Also, there were fewer full-sale transactions in 2018 compared to 2017, except for Business Jets and Fixed Wing Pistons, where retail transactions were up 2.1% and 19%, respectively. The Fleet For-Sale percentages for all market sectors, except for Piston Helicopters and Commercial Turboprops, were lower in the December comparisons, with Business Jets and Piston down the most (.9 and .8 percentage points, respectively). Across all market sectors, JETNET is reporting 9,198 full retail sale transactions for 2018.
United States: G650ER sprints from Singapore to San Francisco Gulfstream's ultralong-range G650ER has again demonstrated its performance prowess in a city-pair record connecting Singapore and San Francisco - a distance of 7,475 nautical miles/13,843 kilometers - in 13 hours and 37 minutes. The G650ER departed Singapore’s Changi Airport at 10:58 a.m. local time December 18, 2018, crossing the Pacific to arrive in San Francisco at 8:45 a.m., local time. Flown at an average speed of Mach 0.87.
The Singapore to San Francisco sprint marked the final leg of the seven-record journey.
 Deanna Harms, executive vice president, at Greteman Group, a marketing communications agency in Wichita, the Air Capital. Ever feel like you have more information but less ability to put it to use? You’re not alone. We hear that from clients large and small. Most of the time that comes from not being selective in the data being monitored. Data can feel like an information firehose, impossible to drink. You want to channel the stream and adjust the spigot to fill your cup with only the good stuff. The goal: convert data into wisdom that drives action.
Refine Your Review Carve out think time. If you’re always meeting, always talking, always reacting, you cannot plan. Start by focusing on your desired outcomes, then reverse engineer the path that gets you to the goal. At every step, there should be a metric that can lead to insights and aha moments. Hit a wall? Brainstorm with others. The group is smarter than the individual. Every time.
Brazil: Embraer's Sorocaba Service Center performs first complete Legacy 600 renovation The Embraer Executive Jets Service Center in Sorocaba, Brazil, has performed the first complete renovation of a Legacy 600 business jet. The used aircraft was purchased by a South American customer who chose to customize the whole aircraft with a new interior, systems upgrades and a new paint scheme. The aircraft, built in 2006, received new seats, carpets, ceiling material, side panels as well as a new varnish hue for all the furniture. The galley received new flooring and the divan and curtains now have new fabrics. The service team also performed an overhaul of the landing gear and the installation of ADS-B Out (Automatic navigation and aircraft tracking data transmission technology), along with a GPS upgrade.
Vietnam: Vietnamese CAA meets international safety standards The FAA has announced that Vietnam complies with international safety standards and has been granted a Category 1 rating under the agency’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. A Category 1 rating means Vietnam’s civil aviation authority meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for personnel licensing, operations, and airworthiness. With the Category 1 rating, Vietnamese air carriers that are able to secure the requisite FAA and DOT authority can establish service to the United States and carry the code of U.S. carriers. The FAA had not previously assessed Vietnam’s civil aviation authority for compliance with ICAO standards.
Bangor International Airport Brian Veneziano Brian Veneziano has been appointed as the new Assistant Director at Bangor International Airport, bringing extensive operational experience to this senior role. His appointment follows more than 20 years with the Maine Army National Guard, where he held a number of positions - from Aviation Company Commander, responsible for the training, maintenance, sustainment and combat operations of 15 aircraft and 155 soldiers deployed to Iraq, to HR manager. For three years, as State Army Aviation Officer, Veneziano directed the Maine Guard’s aviation programs, ensuring the safe operation of aircraft and responsible for aviation related occupational health and safety compliance and managers’ internal control program inspections. TAG Aviation (UK) .jpg "Stuart Stevenson") Stuart Stevenson TAG Aviation (UK) Ltd has announced the appointment of Stuart Stevenson as Head of Compliance and Safety, to be based in Farnborough, UK. In this important role, Mr Stevenson will head up a team comprising Compliance, Safety and Flight data specialists and hold overall responsibility for overseeing the company's regulatory compliance, as well as ensuring the promotion and effective management of the Safety Management System, the safety policy and safety culture within TAG (UK). Before joining TAG Aviation in 2018 as Deputy Head of Compliance and Safety, Mr Stevenson garnered extensive aviation-based engineering experience working for British Airways, latterly serving as Area Manager for BA’s Engineering Line Maintenance department where he oversaw 15 European Line Maintenance Stations and then as Ground Operations Manager for Terminal 5, managing over 300 staff. |
Switzerland: The Swiss government officially took delivery of its Pilatus PC-24 on Monday (18th February). Ordered in 2014, the brand-new Super Versatile Jet replaces a business jet supplied by a North American manufacturer, previously used for government flights.
Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation, took delivery of the PC-24 at a simple handover ceremony held in Berne. The Swiss Air Force will operate the aircraft for the Swiss government. The government jet sports a modern, white-grey livery with striking Swiss cross on the tail fin plus the words 'Swiss Air Force'. The aircraft serial number is 121, indicating that it is the 21st PC-24 to come off the production line. The military registration is T-786.
United States: First ever BBJ Max 8 arrives at Comlux for cabin completion Further to green delivery from Boeing back in December 2018 - and followed by exterior paint work - Comlux has announced the arrival of the first ever cabin completion on the first worldwide BBJ Max 8 at Comlux Completion, Indianapolis. Comlux is planning to deliver the aircraft to its US-based owner before the end of the year.
The cabin interior of the first BBJ Max 8 is designed by New York based architect, Peter Marino, FAIA, the principle and founder of Peter Marino Architect, a 160 person firm. Widely credited with redefining modern luxury through equal emphasis on architecture and interior design, Marino’s work includes award-winning residential, retail, cultural, and hospitality projects worldwide.
Switzerland: Jet Aviation adds second BBJ1 to its EMEA charter fleet Jet Aviation has added a second Boeing B737 (BBJ1) to its fleet of managed aircraft in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), effective immediately. The BBJ1 is based in Western Europe and is available for charter service. Managed by Jet Aviation’s aircraft management and charter business in Malta, the Boeing BBJ1 has been added to the company’s Maltese AOC.
“We are thrilled to expand our fleet for charter customers,” says Claudio Peer, senior director Aircraft Management & Charter Sales, EMEA & Asia. “This airliner-type private jet is ideally suited to customers who enjoy premium comfort and the latest technology for long-range flights.”
Australia: RUAG Australia certified as EASA Part 145 maintenance organization European-registered commercial and civil aircraft operating in Australia can now benefit from RUAG Australia's component MRO services and line support, following the company's recent European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) Part 145 maintenance organization approvals.
Component landing gear. “RUAG excels in the areas of optimized component services, aircraft availability and reduced life cycle costs,” says Terry Miles, General Manager Operations, RUAG Australia. “We are now able to apply this considerable experience to benefit operators of private and commercial aircraft that are registered in Europe and flying in Australia, both domestically as well as regionally.”
Australia: All-new Gulfstream G600 to make Australian debut Avalon Airshow Gulfstream's newest aircraft, the class-leading, award-winning Gulfstream G600, will make its Australian debut at the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition from Feb. 26 to March 3 in Geelong, Victoria. Joining the Gulfstream G600 on static display will be the high-performing Gulfstream G550 and the four-living-area, flagship Gulfstream G650ER.
“The Asia-Pacific region continues to be one of our strongest international markets, demonstrated by tremendous regional fleet growth in the past decade,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We are particularly excited to showcase our newest aircraft, the award-winning, clean-sheet Gulfstream G600, as part of its Australian debut.
Puerto Rico: Jet Aviation acquires full ownership of San Juan FBO Jet Aviation has acquired full ownership of the San Juan FBO at Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico, a provider of premium business aviation services at one of the most convenient US points of entry for international flights.
The company has been operating the San Juan FBO under a management agreement with the previous owner, Pazos, since March 2017, when the FBO was rebranded as Jet Aviation. A new, larger hangar will open in the first quarter of 2019 to replace the one destroyed by the Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Brazil: Russian Helicopters begins certification of Mi-171A2 helicopter in Brazil The Russian Helicopters holding company, part of State Corporation Rostec, and the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) have delivered technical and operational documentation for the Mi-171A2 helicopter to the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency. Brazilian aviation authorities will decide on the certification of the helicopter for the local market based on its application.
“Brazil is our long-time partner and one of the key countries in South America for the promotion of Russian helicopter products," said general director of Russia Helicopters Andrey Boginsky. "Mi-171A1 helicopters have been successfully operating in the country for more than 10 years, and I am sure that the new helicopter will soon also have the opportunity to earn a positive reputation.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems: FlightSafety teams with Praxis to deliver UAS flight training FlightSafety International will deliver Unmanned Aircraft Systems practical flight training in conjunction with Praxis Aerospace Concepts, Inc. “Our Unmanned Systems Training program developed in conjunction with Praxis, will help commercial operators achieve the highest levels of safety and proficiency,” said Ray Johns, Co-CEO, President, Government and Manufacturing. “As a global leader in aviation training with more than six decades of experience, FlightSafety has the capability to develop and deliver the most comprehensive UAS training available. We appreciate and value the expertise Jonathan Daniels and his team at Praxis bring to this important new program.”
UAS training will initially be offered in the Las Vegas area and at several FlightSafety Learning Centers in the United States.
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 United Kingdom: Oriens Aviation expands into Pilatus PC-24 sales and support Oriens Aviation has signed an agreement with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd to extend its exclusive UK and Ireland Authorised Pilatus Centre at London Biggin Hill Airport to the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, effective immediately. In readiness, it is ramping up tooling and sending engineers to Stans, Switzerland for training to add the twin-engined jet to its Part 145 MRO approvals. It expects to achieve this by the end of the third quarter.
“We are delighted to be widening our partnership with Pilatus with the new PC-24 and looking forward to creating a sales centre showcase at our Biggin Hill home,” said Oriens Aviation CEO Edwin Brenninkmeyer
United Kingdom UK government extends airports' drone-restriction zone The UK government has announced new legislation to extend the ‘no-fly’ zone around airports, banning drones from flying within 5km of runways. The new exclusion zone will be increased by several kilometres, including banning drone flight within 5km of runway ends. The enlarged zone will better protect the UK’s airports from those misusing drones, and will come into force on 13 March 2019. Work to progress a new Drones Bill is also underway and will be introduced in due course. It will give police officers powers to stop and search people suspected of using drones maliciously above 400ft or within 5km of an airport - helping them to tackle disruption such as that seen at Gatwick Airport in December. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: The law is clear that flying a drone near an airport is a serious criminal act. We’re now going even further and extending the no-fly zone to help keep our airports secure and our skies safe. Dr Rob Hunter, Head of Flight Safety at pilots union BALPA - which has been calling for an extension to the exclusion zone - described the new rule as a “significant improvement” to air safety around airports.
United Kingdom: Inflite The Jet Centre acquires Excellence Aviation Expands into Bombardier Global and Challenger MRO, CAMO and aircraft management. Inflite The Jet Centre, part of the Inflite group of companies, based at London Stansted Airport, has announced the acquisition of Bombardier Challenger and Global Express specialist Excellence Aviation Services. The purchase includes Excellence Aviation Services Ltd, its Part 145 organisation and CAMO, as well as Excellence Aviation Ltd, its Part NCC aircraft management business. With fresh investment and a dedicated home within Inflite’s 250,000 sq ft hangar space, Excellence Aviation Services’ line station activity will expand to offer full base maintenance at Stansted for Challenger and Global Express aircraft.
United Kingdom: VistaJet partners with Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow for 2019 F1 Championship VistaJet has announced its partnership with the Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow team as its Official Supplier of private jet travel. With the tight schedule of the race calendar and often only days between Grands Prix, VistaJet will support the team to optimize their travel and transfer times throughout the 2019 Formula One season.
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow SF90 In an industry where speed and efficiency are fundamental, the Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow team will further utilize time off track to arrive in optimum condition. Having raced competitively with Ferrari for many years and as an official driver in the FIA World Endurance Championship, WEC, VistaJet’s Founder and Chairman Thomas Flohr knows the demands of racing and the intense focus required to perform under such pressure.
 Ever had a catering disaster at 30,000ft? Paula Kraft, founder and President of Atlanta, GA-based Tastefully Yours Catering has all the answers. I regularly get asked questions about how to fix a catering mistake, a food source’s error, how to create something that was omitted from the catering order, or even how to repair something over cooked or undercooked. I really love the challenge of finding the solutions. Since this comes up frequently in conversation, in emails - and even late night trans Atlantic calls from flight attendants asking what something delivered by their local food source might be used for - I felt it might be fun to let you in on some of my solutions to cooking and seasoning challenges.
The most common question is, ‘what happens if the food is overcooked or undercooked?’ Undercooked seems simple enough right? Well, if you’ve reheated a steak (or any meat for that matter), pulled it from the oven (or the microwave), and sliced it to find that it’s raw, what do you do?
Ukraine: CAAi-led consortium to support aviation oversight development in Ukraine CAA International (CAAi), the technical cooperation arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), is to lead a consortium appointed by the European Union, to support the sustainable development of civil aviation and the civil aviation administration system in Ukraine. The programme aims to harmonise Ukraine’s aviation regulatory framework with EU standards and lay the foundation for a safe, efficient and secure air transport system. The consortium brings together technical expertise from the UK CAA, and two Spanish organisations, AESA (Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency), the Spanish National Aviation Authority (NAA), and FIIAPP; the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies. This consortium will support the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine (SAAU) in developing new regulatory frameworks for Air Operations and Flight Crew Licensing.
EASA certifies Bombardier Global 7500 GAMA testifies before Congress on impact of the partial US government shutdown JSSI Business Aviation Index reports flight activity surges in 2018 Best Social Channels for Business Aviation. Shae Blevins, digital strategist, at Greteman Group. A Walk on the Wild Side. Paula Kraft, founder and President of Atlanta, GA-based Tastefully Yours Catering.
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| A little piece of Wichita lands in London |
| London Biggin Hill Airport leads Europe with 11 on-site MROs. |
London Biggin Hill is continuing to celebrate Textron Aviation’s arrival at the airport with a new livery for the OEM’s line maintenance station now in place.
Textron Aviation’s presence cements the airport’s position as the UK’s leading business aviation hub. The facility provides line maintenance support to customers for all Citation, Caravan, King Air and Hawker aircraft, including the Citation Longitude, Textron Aviation’s largest ever jet.
Andy Patsalides, marketing manager, London Biggin Hill Airport says: “A little piece of Wichita, Kansas has landed in London, and we’re delighted to unveil this new livery, which will direct customers to Textron Aviation’s on-site facility.
“As the only airport in the capital to demonstrate consistent business aviation growth during 2018, we’re now handling more movements than ever before. Therefore, it is vital to our success that we continue to provide any service that may be required by our visiting or home-based aircraft. We now have the largest collection of MRO facilities of any airport in Europe, with 11 companies servicing almost any make and model of business jet. We’re looking forward to further demonstrating our capabilities to the increasing number of travellers choosing our airport as the gateway to London.”
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