International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 United States: Growing Gulfstream G500 in-service-fleet gains momentum with real-world missions Aircraft demonstrates maturity and performance. Gulfstream's all-new G500 in-service fleet has already amassed nearly 2,000 flight hours around the world, demonstrating the aircraft’s maturity, capabilities and popularity. The G500 entered service in September 2018, and already, the 10 aircraft delivered by the end of 2018 have completed trips around the world, flying into and out of the US, Europe, the Pacific Islands, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Early customers of the G500 are based in the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Combined with the operations logged in flight test, the G500 fleet has achieved more than 7,000 flight hours and 2,575 landings.
ABACE: Flying Colours Corp renews Seletar interiors contract with Bombardier Flying Colours Corp., the North American maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions business is attending this year’s ABACE - Booth A639 - having confirmed renewal of its agreement with Bombardier Business Aircraft’s Service Centre at Seletar Airport to provide interior services at the OEM’s Singapore facility. The renewed relationship between the two Canadian companies confirms that Flying Colours will continue delivering the full-service interiors offering, including preliminary inspections, repair work, modifications and refurbishments, to complement Bombardier’s comprehensive line and heavy maintenance services. With the ratification of the agreement, Flying Colours Corp. is now developing its own expansion strategy in order to best align with Bombardier’s growth in Asia. Initial plans include extending the workshop area which will double the existing footprint, the addition of two more climate-controlled spray booths, and an increase in workforce capacity. With the new Bombardier facilities expected to be operational in 2020,
ABACE: Bombardier strengthens service and support capabilities for bizjet customers in China Bombardier announced significant enhancements to its customer support capabilities for business aircraft customers in China during this week's Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE). The company's centrally located Service Centre in Tianjin has received Authorized Service Centre status from engine manufacturers Rolls-Royce, GE and Honeywell. In addition, a new line maintenance services team at the Centre now offers AOG mobile repair as well as unscheduled and scheduled maintenance services on various Challenger and Global aircraft registered with EASA, FAA, Canada, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Aruba, Qatar, Isle of Man, San Marino and Guernsey regulatory bodies. Approvals have been obtained from a growing number of aviation authorities since opening two years ago, offering a full scope of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services for Global, Challenger and Learjet aircraft registered in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Cayman Islands and Bermuda. Certification is in progress for further expanded capabilities under FAA and EASA.
United States: EASA approves IKHANA's DHC-6-300HG Twin Otter 14,000 lbs MTOW The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded STC approval for IKHANA Aircraft Services' RWMI DHC-6-300HG Standard Commuter Category Increased MTOW to 6350 Kg (14,000lbs).
“With EASA’s certification, we are able to increase the market for operators following EASA regulations with expanded mission capabilities providing increased payload and/or range, additional value and new revenue opportunities.” says IKHANA President and CEO, John A. Zublin. “EASA’s STC validation helps operators with aircraft capabilities well beyond the DHC-6-300’s original capability, he continued. United States: Independent agency to test aircraft brokers for IADA certification The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), which recently moved towards full accreditation for aircraft dealers, is now setting the benchmark for knowledge, skill and ability of individual aircraft brokers in an industry where previously there were no clearly defined standards. More than 20 aircraft brokers will be tested later this month for their capabilities and competence by Joseph Allan Aviation Consulting, an objective independent third party agency. If they pass the test to be administered by the agency, they then will become certified individual aircraft brokers. "These newly certified IADA aircraft brokers, who will be under the supervision of IADA-accredited dealers, are the very best at representing buyers and sellers of business aircraft," said IADA Executive Director Wayne Starling. "They set the standard for professionalism in the aircraft transaction industry, and the IADA certification process establishes how IADA-accredited dealers will train their qualified brokers in the future."
Lithuania: BAA Training and Avion Express announce MPL training Leading independent European aviation training centre, BAA Training, has announced the launch of a Multi-pilot licence (MPL) training program by partnering with Avion Express, the world's largest narrow-body ACMI operator. Avion Express pilots will commence MPL training in August and will achieve First Officer status in 18 months. Training is to a level of proficiency necessary to operate as co-pilot of a multi-engine, multi-pilot turbine-powered air transport aeroplane under VFR and IFR rules and to obtain an MPL in accordance with airlines procedures.
Training is competency-based rather than task-based - with 80% devoted to multi-piston aircraft. The full flight simulator MPL training programme allows high proficiency with less time and financial expense.
TrueNoord  Michael Adams TrueNoord, the specialist regional aircraft lessor, has announced the appointment of Michael Adams as European Sales Director. Based in TrueNoord’s Dublin office, Adams’ primary responsibilities will be to support the existing TrueNoord customer base in Europe as well as source and close regional aircraft leases with new customers in Europe. Adams’ previous career highlights include working for Qantas Airways and participating in the establishment of a regional aircraft leasing business, Runway Asset Management, as well as Pan-African low-cost carrier Flyafrica. Prior to joining the TrueNoord team Adams worked for ACIA Aero Leasing as Senior Executive: Sales, Leasing & Marketing, and for Solenta Aviation (Pty) Ltd as Business Development Manager.
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ABACE: HK Bellawings firms up order for four more Global 7500s As Bombardier's flagship Global 7500 attends ABACE - its first airshow since entering service - the manufacturer has announced that Hong Kong aircraft management company, HK Bellawings Jet Limited, has firmed up an order for four aircraft. “We are proud to announce this firm order as the Global 7500 aircraft makes its public debut at ABACE, one of the world’s most important aerospace exhibitions,” said Khader Mattar, Vice President of Sales for the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and China, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Our flagship jet has been causing a sensation since entering service less than four months ago, and this order underscores that this aircraft, with its unparalleled range and four true living spaces, is ideal for the Greater China region.”
HK Bellawings first announced their intent to purchase up to 18 Global 6500 and Global 7500 aircraft, for a potential value of $1.14bn US, in May 2018 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. Hours earlier, Bombardier had stunned the industry by launching two new long-range, large-cabin business jets, the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft.
Speaking on an expert panel at a conference can be a very rewarding experience. Not only can you boost your personal profile but also, much more importantly, you can present your industry and company to an influential audience with authority and integrity. Yet, this can be a very daunting process. I’ve appeared and spoken on panels many times and feel like I’ve learnt a great deal over the years; however, that doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous. Here are just a few of my tips on how to make the most out of your appearance on a panel. Before the event . . . Know your other panellists in advance, so you can plan insights specific to your position in the industry. You don’t want to find yourself simply repeating what everyone else has said or, worse yet, just nodding in silent agreement. Why not ask the moderator to arrange a pre-event conference call for the panellists, so you can judge the direction the conversation might take?
Costa Rica: Aeris Holdings has selected GAT SJO, a consortium composed of Universal Aviation Costa Rica and local partners, to manage a new general aviation terminal (GAT) at Costa Rica at Juan Santamaría International Airport (MROC/SJO). The new GAT facility will be exclusively available to international private operations and is the first facility of its kind in Costa Rica. It will operate under the name GAT SJO General Aviation Terminal.
Aeris, which has an agreement with the Costa Rican Government to invest and operate MROC until 2026, selected GAT SJO to remodel and manage the GAT following a public request for proposal. Universal Aviation Costa Rica is a member of Universal Aviation, the worldwide ground handling division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.
Libya: Helping operators navigate a challenging regulatory and security environment
Matthew Borie, Head of Analysis and Mark Brace, Senior Aviation Security Analyst, at Osprey Flight Solutions. The conflict in Libya highlights one of the most significant challenges facing aviation operators in the current climate. Following the escalation in military air activity in the country since the start of April, the US and German aviation authorities have both issued updated advice to their respective operators prohibiting flights in different but overlapping specified geographic areas within FIR Tripoli (HLLL), but allowing flights to continue in the remainder of FIR Tripoli above FL300 and FL260 respectively. This followed an easing of restrictions by the US FAA on 19 March, prior to which all operations over, into or out of Libya were prohibited. However, throughout the same period of time, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) along with the UK and French civil aviation authorities have continued to advise civil aviation operators to defer all forms of flight operations within FIR Tripoli (HLLL) or to airports in Libya due to the enduring conflict zone environment. We do not assess the factions in Libya will reach a peaceful reconciliation within the next six months.
ABACE: ExecuJet Haite boosts heavy maintenance capabilities in China Record growth for ExecuJet in Asia Pacific. ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China Co. Ltd. is announcing extensive new heavy maintenance capabilities at its facility at Tianjin Binhai International Airport, China.
To better meet the growing demand for maintenance on long range and ultra long range aircraft in Asia Pacific, ExecuJet Haite is adding to its long list of CAAC and EASA approvals. These include authorisation for CAAC Base Maintenance on the Gulfstream V series (G550) up to 72-month base check; and new capabilities for the Falcon 7X (up to 48-month base check). The entire Bombardier Global product line up to 60-month check has also been added to its EASA and Aruba certificates.
ABACE: OJets and Elit’Avia extend partnership Companies to share operations center in Singapore and cooperate on business development from sales offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. OJets, a privately-owned provider of comprehensive business aviation services, has announced the extension of its partnership with Elit’Avia, a fully-integrated provider of business aircraft charter, management and operations services.
OJets and Elit’Avia possess highly-complementary areas of expertise. OJets is headquartered in Singapore with a fleet of Bombardier Globals and a Challenger 650. Additional Global 6000s will be added under Elit’Avia’s Maltese AOC by the end of the month. The OJets team is guided by a commitment to delivering industry-defining service - tailored to the most discerning Asian and international business travelers.
Austria: Hilitech opens new production plant Hilitech has officially opened its new production plant in the Austrian town of Kindberg. Hilitech is a joint venture of F. LIST GMBH, an internationally active provider of high-end business jet interiors, and Hintsteiner Group GmbH, a leading expert in lightweight composite technology for motorsports and defense applications. The inaugural ceremony on April 11th hosted many prominent guests and demonstrated Hilitech’s unique capabilities and capacities to major decistion makers in the aviation industry.
On more than 20,000 ft² in the first expansion stage, over 100 professionals (planned by 2020) develop and manufacture innovative cabin systems, linings and composite components, mainly from carbon fiber.
Japan: Jetex to launch third location in Japan Jetex has announced a third location in Japan at Kansai International Airport (RJBB/KIX), the official airport of the G20: Global Summit Meeting to be held in June. “We have been operating in Narita and Haneda Airports since 2015 and believe Kansai to be a strategic addition based on the impressive 31.5% growth over the last 18 months.” said Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO, Jetex.
Kansai adds to the existing Jetex portfolio of 56 locations in 26 countries. The 300 square meter Premium Gate is equipped with private parking, lounge, meeting room, reception counter, and Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities 24 hours a day. “Our commitment to exceptional customer experience is demonstrated through our services available in all 88 airports throughout Japan. We look forward to personally welcoming our customers from around the globe to Kansai,” said Toru Oshima, Jetex Japan. |
 Singapore: Jet Aviation completes integration of Hawker Pacific in Singapore Jet Aviation has finished integrating its Hawker Pacific operations at Seletar Airport in Singapore, which now run under the Jet Aviation brand. Jet Aviation acquired Hawker Pacific in May 2018. The two physically adjacent companies each operated MRO and FBO facilities, but are now combined as a single unified company. Jet Aviation’s expanded Singapore operation gains Authorized Service Center status for Embraer and Dassault aircraft, increases its available hangar space to nearly 20,000 square meters, and more than doubles its headcount, now at 299 employees. It also significantly broadens the range of OEMs and aircraft types it supports, while bringing its national aviation approvals to 19. “We are delighted to see the two operations organized and functioning as one cohesive team,” said Louis Leong, Jet Aviation’s VP Asia and GM Singapore. “It’s a big challenge to integrate two sites without
ABACE: UAS and Honeywell GoDirect bring LinkEvolution to Hongkong Jet UAS International Trip Support and Honeywell are joining forces to provide global connectivity to the business jet fleet of leading Asia Pacific business aviation charter and management group Hongkong Jet with the implementation of UAS LinkEvolution for flight services and communication combined with Honeywell GoDirect cabin services for passenger connectivity. UAS LinkEvolution provides seamless global connectivity to the cockpit using powerful datalink satellite communications networks. The forward-looking datalink solution delivers worldwide ACARS (datalink) service, as well as unlimited access to all worldwide VHF networks, including ARINC and SITA, as well as Inmarsat and Iridium satellite networks. It will also enable Hongkong Jet’s fleet of several Gulfstream G650/G550, Falcon 8X, BBJ’s, and ACJ319 aircraft to keep abreast of datalink regulations and remain compliant, regardless of where the aircraft are flying.
France: Air France to provide free flights for those involved in Notre-Dame reconstruction Following the tragic fire that ravaged Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris on Monday (15th April), Air France has pledged to provide free flights for those involved in the reconstruction.
In a statement, the airline said: "All Air France and Air France-KLM teams around the world have been deeply affected and saddened since yesterday. This is why Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, with Anne-Marie Couderc, chairman of Air France-KLM, and Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, have decided that Air France will provide free transport for all official partners involved in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris."
 Paula will be back after the Easter break
Germany: FAI Aviation Group marks 30 years Builds on a successful year and wider breadth of expertise. FAI Aviation Group, Germany’s leading global provider of mission-critical aviation services, offering fixed-wing air ambulance, special missions, charter and aircraft management, as well as full MRO services will return to EBACE next month as it celebrates 30 years of business jet operations. Founded in 1987 as a private repatriation club flying helicopters, FAI moved into business jet flying two years later.
FAI Aviation Group Founder and Chairman, Siegfried Axtmann. Over the past three decades, Nuremberg-based FAI has grown its fixed wing fleet from a single Citation 500 and two rescue helicopters (Eurocopter AS 350 and Airbus BK 117) to become Germany’s largest business jet operator with 25 jets and over 13,500 hours logged in 2018. FAI’s air ambulance business has grown too and today FAI is a global market leader in air ambulance patient transport by jet aircraft, having logged more than 200,000 total hours of ambulance missions inside 30 years. United Kingdom: Industry joins forces with UK eye care charity, Orbis Award winning private aviation travel company ConnectJets, and premier flight support solutions company, Flightworx, have thrown their support behind blindness prevention charity Orbis UK, to help raise awareness for their See My Future appeal. For three months, until 23rd June, all public donations to the appeal will be doubled by the UK government. In many parts of the world, avoidable sight loss means children are dropping out of school. Issues such as refractive error, cataract and strabismus (severe squint) can all impede a child’s ability to see the blackboard, their text books and their teachers. In some cases children are dropping out of school to care for an adult with sight-loss. See My Future aims to raise £850,000 and the UK government will match every pound, up to £2 million, which will help save the sight of thousands of children and adults around the world.
Boeing's Muilenburg addresses Ethiopian Flight 302 preliminary report Before Crisis Strikes. Deanna Harms, executive vice president at Greteman Group. Savoring the Sauces. Paula Kraft, founder of Atlanta's Tastefully Yours Catering and the DaVinci Inflight Training Institute in Fort Lauderdale. G650ER shatters speed record for farthest bizjet flight in history
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'Lifestyle destination' Jewel Changi Airport opens its doors
Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel) officially opened to the public yesterday (Wednesday 17th April).
The one-of-a-kind, 135,700 sqm complex, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, offers travellers and visitors unique attractions, extensive shopping and dining experiences, as well as airport and accommodation facilities.
Ms Hung Jean, Chief Executive Officer of Jewel Changi Airport Development, said, “The vision for Jewel Changi Airport is to be a destination where ‘The World meets Singapore, and Singapore meets the World’. The unique proposition of world-class shopping and dining, seamlessly integrated with lush greenery, fulfils the needs of increasingly discerning travellers for a meaningful and experiential journey, even for brief layovers.”
The majestic 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, will greet visitors upon entering Jewel. Surrounding it are the manicured grounds of the Shiseido Forest Valley. Play attractions such as the Manulife Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze and Discovery Slides were designed to blend into the unique indoor garden environment and will open on 10 June 2019.
Multiple retailing formats are present in Jewel, including duplexes, outdoor terraces and spaces within the Canopy Park on the topmost level. Visitors can look forward to a slew of long-awaited new-to-Singapore brands. www.jewelchangiairport.com
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