International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 United States: GAMA testifies before Congress on impact of the partial US government shutdown General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Pete Bunce testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee on Wednesday (13th February) about the impacts of the 35-day partial US government shutdown on the FAA functions and operations, as well as on the general aviation manufacturing and maintenance industry. “GAMA recognizes that these impacts go far beyond our critical part of the aviation industry,” Bunce said. “We appreciate and respect the work of all federal employees, especially those working to promote the safety, security and economic health of the aviation system, and realize how difficult this recent period has been for the federal workforce and those who contract and partner with the federal government.”  Pete Bunce. Bunce also recognized the work of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in enacting a five-year FAA Reauthorization bill into law last year, which included certification reforms that are critical to the industry’s advancement. He also applauded the leadership of Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Larsen and stated GAMA’s vigorous support for the Aviation Funding and Stability Act of 2019.
United States: NBAA supports bill to continue FAA funding in event of government shutdown The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed legislation to continue funding the Federal Aviation Administration during a government shutdown. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-4-OR) and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Rick Larsen (D-2-WA) introduced the bill, which allows the FAA to continue to be funded out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. “Aviation is among the nation’s most regulated industries, requiring oversight and a host of services from the FAA,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “This bill would help ensure that aviation - a key component in the nation’s economy and transportation system - will avoid a potentially harmful disruption in the event of a government shutdown.” United States: JSSI Business Aviation Index reports flight activity surges in 2018 4.9% increase in flight activity across the globe in 2018. Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the leading independent provider of maintenance support and financial services to the aviation industry, has released the JSSI Business Aviation Index for the fourth quarter of 2018 and reports year-to-date growth of 4.9 percent and an increase of 4.7 percent over the same period in 2017. The index tracks utilization of approximately 2,000 business aircraft worldwide and reports average flight hours flown on a monthly basis by region, industry and cabin type.
“Despite the dramatic market swings that defined the end of the year, flight hours were up significantly for both the quarter and the year, contributing to 2018 being one of the strongest years in a decade,” said Neil W. Book, president and CEO of JSSI. “We have seen flight activity increase worldwide and a growing demand for private travel.”
 Shae Blevins, digital strategist, at Greteman Group, a marketing communications agency based in Wichita, KS, the Air Capital. Best Social Channels for Business Aviation Companies of all sizes and industries struggle to determine which social channels are best for their business. Company goals, overall content marketing strategies and available tactics play their respective roles in how you use social media, but your target audience determines which channels should be in your wheelhouse.
We’ve served business aviation clients across the spectrum - B2B, B2C and not-for-profit - for 30 years. Here are our select channels with a few strategies for how you can activate each to make it work for you. The Standard Three Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are recognized as the standard three social channels companies use to reach their audience and generate social engagement.
Brazil: Embraer delivered a total of 181 jets in 2018, of which 91 were executive jets (64 light and 27 large) and 90 were commercial aircraft. The deliveries were within the outlook ranges for the year of 85 to 95 for the commercial aviation market, while business aviation market deliveries were below the 105 to 125 outlook, as recently disclosed by Embraer during its recent meeting with investors and analysts at the New York Stock Exchange. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Embraer delivered 36 executive jets (24 light and 12 large) and 33 commercial jets. As of December 31, the firm order backlog totaled USD 16.3bn.
Canada: Canadian “Dragon” to Present Keynote Address at CBAA 2019 W. Brett Wilson, father, entrepreneur, philanthropist and business aviation enthusiast will open the Canadian Business Aviation Association’s (CBAA) annual convention and exhibit as the Keynote Speaker on Wednesday, July 10th in Calgary, Alberta. Wilson is best known for being a “fan-favourite” on CBC’s hit reality TV show Dragons’ Den where he established himself as the all-time lead deal-making “dragon.” He has built extensive holdings in the power, hydrocarbon, real estate, cannabis, agriculture, sports and entertainment industries. His business and philanthropic leadership have brought him considerable recognition including the Order of Canada (2011) and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit (2012).  W. Brett Wilson. His keynote is a highlight of what promises to be a high-energy, high-impact event. Taking place from July 9th-11th during the Calgary Stampede, CBAA 2019 will feature critical topics, not-to-be-missed session and a static and exhibit featuring about 60 vendors and 20 aircraft.
Jet Aviation  Norbert Ehrich Jet Aviation has announced the appointment of Norbert Ehrich, former VP Sales for Jet Aviation Flight Services South East US and South America, as its new Vice President Flight Services EMEA and Asia, effective immediately. Ehrich succeeds Jürg Reuthinger, who retired at the end of 2018 after more than 35 years of dedicated service. In his new role, Ehrich is responsible for overseeing operations of Jet Aviation’s aircraft management and charter business throughout EMEA and Asia. He will also draw on his experience in the US to strengthen alignment between regional operations. Ehrich has relocated to Zurich, Switzerland and now reports directly to Stefan Benz, SVP Operations EMEA. A near 30-year Jet Aviation veteran, Ehrich began his aviation career in the Marketing department at Jet's Corporate Headquarters, then in Palm Beach, in August 1992. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from Florida Atlantic University and is fluent in German, English and Spanish. |
United States: Gulfstream G500 earns innovation award for setting new safety standards Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has received a 2019 Business Intelligence Group (BIG) Innovation Award for the advanced technology introduced on the high-performing Gulfstream G500. The Business Intelligence Group seeks out and rewards those with vision, creativity and persistence, all hallmarks found in the world's leading companies and individuals.
The G500 earned the award for its influence on worldwide travel thanks to the introduction of the Symmetry Flight Deck and the safety advancements it brings to the business-jet industry. The new Gulfstream innovations feature 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: MSB Aerospace celebrates first year of production in Savannah MSB Aerospace LLC, the US-based division of Montreal-headquartered precision engineering business MSB Design, is celebrating the first year of production at its Savannah, Georgia facility. Opened late in 2017 to better serve the US market, the facility has quickly ramped up to manufacture customized, precision-engineered products for the business aviation sector. To date, the operation has produced a variety of bespoke crystal, china and flatware stowage inserts (CCF), more than 50 single and dual pedestal hi-lo tables, personal device holders, and a collection of MSB’s innovative up-lit glass holders.
The first hammered metal-look glass racks were manufactured at MSB Aerospace LLC in Savannah. When production began in Savannah, MSB Aerospace LLC employed nine people. Today the staff numbers 22 with more recruits anticipated to join in the next six months.
United Arab Emirates: Falcon Aviation wins Saudi GACA accreditation for maintenance Falcon Aviation, a leading business aviation services company in the UAE, has been awarded new accreditation to handle business jet and regional aircraft MRO at its UAE bases by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Falcon Engineering MRO, Dubai. “This is a significant endorsement for Falcon Aviation to be recognised by GACA and we look forward to delivering the same high level of service and support to customers of Saudi-registered aircraft that we provide to our UAE and international customers,” said Director of Engineering Nicolas Tejera. “We are looking forward to welcoming Saudi operators and private owners here in the UAE,” he said.
United States: Stuart Jet Center guests benefit from addition of customs Operators flying to Stuart Jet Center at Witham Field (KSUA), South Florida, are now benefitting from the convenience of US Customs for streamlined international travel.
“We’ve been continuously increasing our amenities and services to better support a diverse group of operators,” said Dan Capen, president of Stuart Jet Center. “Adding a customs facility on the airport field is a major step to accommodating more needs, particularly for international operators looking for reliable, quality FBO services in South Florida. The addition of customs will be great for the airport, the community and those who visit us.” The 3,210 square foot US Customs facility at Witham Field is the first intermodal clearance facility of its kind in Florida, processing international travelers arriving in Martin County by air and sea.
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. The AUVSI TOP compliant courses will focus on standardization, professionalism and offer the highest quality training in the industry. They are built to ASTM International UAS standards as well as those of several other national aviation authorities throughout the world.
United States: Meridian adds Challenger 650 to fleet Meridian Air Charter has announced the addition of a new 2018 Challenger 650 (N562RT) business jet to its ever-growing managed fleet. The aircraft is based in West Palm Beach, FL, and conveniently serves our South Florida and New York City-area customers. This heavy jet is impeccably maintained both inside and out, and contains the modern amenities that discerning passengers require when choosing a business aircraft. It is immediately available for charter.
The aircraft is well-equipped with modern technology, including complimentary high-speed domestic Wi-Fi, inflight satellite phone system, Airshow moving maps and display, and a multimedia entertainment system with USB and iPad connectivity. Other essential amenities that are offered include a full galley with sink, microwave and convection ovens, coffee maker, and private lavatory with sink. The cabin is berthable and can sleep up to five people, making this aircraft an ideal option for both domestic and international trips
United States: Clay Lacy opens new maintenance facility at Van Nuys Clay Lacy Aviation has opened a new round-the-clock aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for its FAA Part 145 repair station at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. The facility provides light and heavy maintenance and repair services, avionics and cabin entertainment upgrades and installations, interior design, modifications and refurbishing, and 24/7 AOG support for the southwestern US.
Employing over 70 technicians, avionics experts, interior craftsmen and support specialists, the facility sits on 7.6 acres with a 66,000-square-foot hangar and 86,000 square feet of office and shop space. New features include an expanded parts and rotables department, interior design suite, battery refurbishment center, client office suites and conference room.
Canada: Flying Colours Corp celebrates thirty years of business Flying Colours Corp., the North American maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions business is celebrating thirty years of successful MRO and interiors operations. Launched as an aircraft painting business by current President, John Gillespie, the small start-up quickly developed into an aircraft sales business before evolving into a fully-fledged MRO and interiors business in 1989.
John Gillespie Founder and President of Flying Colours Corp. Since inception the privately owned, family run company has grown the business from a small hangar dedicated to painting turbo-props and small jets at Peterborough Airport to an international company known for its strong maintenance capabilities, creative cabin-interior design resulting in functional, yet stylish completions, refurbishments including Flying Colours branded CRJ ExecLiner, avionics expertise and ability to handle complex special mission projects.
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 Canada: EASA certifies Bombardier Global 7500 Bombardier's flagship business jet, the Global 7500, has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, validating the requirement for the aircraft’s operation in Europe. “We’ve transformed business aviation with the Global 7500 jet,” said Bombardier's Senior Vice President, Program Management and Engineering, Michel Ouellette. “With the longest range in the industry, the aircraft can connect more international cities nonstop, opening many destinations to our customers.”
The Global 7500 business jet earned its type certification from Transport Canada in September 2018, followed by the US Federal Aviation Administration in November 2018, both within only 24 months after the first flight of FTV1. The aircraft entered service in December 2018.
United Kingdom: Jet Exchange goes global with worldwide AOC Charter operator Jet Exchange has been granted a worldwide AOC, allowing it to operate globally. The Luton Airport-based business will use the AOC primarily for operations with its Challenger 604, which without refuelling can travel from the UK to New York and Kazakhstan. As part of the certification, the company also has specific approvals for operations to Svalbard in the Arctic Circle. Jet Exchange secured the new certification with the assistance of aviation experts Total AOC, who provided full management of the approval process.
Austria: Gulfstream opens Vienna sales office Expands European sales team. Gulfstream has announced the opening of its new Sales office in Vienna and new Sales team appointments in Europe, part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience. The Vienna Sales office is located in the exclusive Goldenes Quartier in the heart of Vienna’s historic first district. Based there are Matt Sandidge, regional vice president of Sales for Central and Eastern Europe, Greece, Turkey and Israel, and the recently appointed regional vice president of Sales for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Michael Rusetski. Sandidge and Rusetski report to Trevor Esling, regional senior vice president of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent, who is based in Gulfstream’s London Sales and Design Center.
 Paula Kraft, founder and President of Atlanta, GA-based Tastefully Yours Catering. Breakfast is one of my favorite meals and the possibilities are endless when it comes to foods you can serve. I've noticed that we're taking more and more requests for mid-morning breakfast-type snack meals than ever before at Tastefully Yours. The days of the all- American breakfast of pancakes, eggs, meat, grits (always here in the south), juice, fruit and freshly baked breakfast pastries are slowing down. Our passengers and flight crews are looking for healthy, lighter things to enjoy on the run.
In an effort to find new ideas that are both healthy, easy to eat, lower in sugar-laden calories and meet the millennials' desire for creative and easy, I've been trying to create a host of new temptations for our clients. United States: Air Charter Service announces next step in US expansion with Atlanta office Leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has opened its sixth office in the United States in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Speaking on the announcement, ACS’s President of American operations, Richard Thompson, said: “We identified Atlanta as an important hub for both passenger and cargo flights a long time ago. Our Atlanta client base is considerable and has been built up over a number of years by our other U.S. offices and now is the time to provide our customers here local representation. “With a GDP of almost $400bn, the city of Atlanta's economy is the tenth-largest in the country and among the top 20 largest in the world. The city also boasts the nation's third largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies, as well as hosting the global headquarters of corporations such as Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines and UPS. "The city offers our office here the potential to become one of ACS’s top performers.”
MRO MIddle East: Satair signs distribution agreement with Honeywell for JetWave bizjet in-flight wi-fi Satair and Honeywell Aerospace have signed an agreement to distribute Honeywell’s JetWave high-speed in-flight connectivity system to a wide segment of the global business jet market. JetWave is a powerful communication system, which operates and communicates with the Inmarsat satellite network to deliver high-speed internet into the cabin to connect multiple devices. It allows travellers to keep in touch with their business teams, stream live TV and join video conferences to give global connectivity from take-off to touchdown. Satair will be distributing JetWave to the EMEA and India based Honeywell Dealers, as well as Part 145 MRO and repair facilities that will undertake the installation work and are not part of the Honeywell network. Because Satair has invested in a large pool of full ship sets of JetWave stock and will hold a certain inventory level of all Honeywell JetWave components, it will be able to offer immediate delivery to give an enhanced service to ease the management of the installation.
Boeing partners with Aerion to accelerate supersonic travel New Year hangover sees weaker activity, especially in large cabin aircraft. The WINGX Report US Fractional leads slight rise in January flight activity Data-led risk management: a 21st century tool for aircraft operators. Clive Wright, Chairman, Advisory Board, Osprey Flight Solutions. Be My Valentine. Paula Kraft, founder and President of Atlanta, GA-based Tastefully Yours Catering. Etihad flies His Holiness Pope Francis home after historic UAE visit
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Jet-Set Pets
VOLUXIS, the international private jet operator, has just received UK Government Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) approval to carry pets into two additional airports - London Stansted and Glasgow International.
Keith Moody, Ground Operations Manager at VOLUXIS commented: “With these new approvals VOLUXIS now has the most extensive pet travel network in the UK, we can operate into 18 UK airports with pets, more than any other European Airline or Charter Operator."
“We set out with the goal of gaining approval at all available UK airports that accept pets to be able to offer these routes should we receive a request from clients. We knew offering private charter flights that make it possible for pets to sit alongside their owners in the cabin rather than in the cargo hold was a service our clients would value.
“We now have approval at all UK airports that allow pets to travel, so we really are the UK’s most pet-friendly aircraft operator.”
VOLUXIS now has approvals at the following UK airports: London Biggin Hill, Blackbushe, Blackpool, Bristol, Cambridge, Doncaster Sheffield, Edinburgh, Farnborough, Glasgow, Gloucestershire, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool John Lennon, Lydd, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Oxford, London Stansted and Manchester.
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