International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 Canada: Global 7500 earns FAA approval and continues to move towards entry-into-service this year Bombardier's flagship business jet, the Global 7500, has received Federal Aviation Administration certification, achieving another important milestone as it approaches entry-into-service later this year. “This milestone is the latest accomplishment for our award-winning Global 7500 business jet, which has been exceeding expectations on every level,” said Michel Ouellette, Senior Vice President, Global 7500 and Global 8000 Program, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The Global 7500 business jet has proven itself as the highest-performing aircraft in the industry and promises to revolutionize the market and significantly change the business aviation landscape.”
“Obtaining the Global 7500 aircraft Type Certification from the FAA marks one of the final chapters in our very successful development program,” said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s Vice President of Integrated Product Development for the Global 7500 and Global 8000 Program. “Achieving this latest milestone is a direct result of the commitment to excellence of the highly-skilled employees who worked on the program and our solid collaboration with our suppliers.”
Connectivity: Satcom Direct to showcase SD Xperience connectivity solution on multi-leg international flight Following on from the SD Xperience launch at NBAA, Satcom Direct is taking its Gulfstream GIV on a circumnavigation of the globe to showcase the power of the new connectivity offering to the international business aviation community. A team of SD executives, including Chief Operating Officer Chris Moore, will spend just under ten days flying the aircraft into leading business aviation destinations to demonstrate the full SD Xperience in-situ, in-cabin.
Long term SD customers will be invited to witness the power of SD Xperience first hand. The fully-synchronized, end-to-end connectivity solution combines the full suite of SD cabin and cockpit communications services, aircraft connectivity hardware, and flight operations software to deliver consistent connectivity around the world.
United States: GAMA announces new member and associate member companies The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has announced the addition of seven companies to its membership: Raisbeck Engineering, Ampaire, AVIAGE, Robotic Skies, SkyRyse, Volocopter and ZeroAvia. “We are proud to have a long established and highly respected company like Raisbeck Engineering join as a full member company,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “We’re also excited to welcome six companies to our associate membership, a category we created in 2015 to represent companies engaged in the rapidly growing and revolutionary sector of general aviation vehicle design and maintenance focusing on electric and hybrid propulsion coupled with simplified vehicle operations.” Raisbeck Engineering is owned by Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm investing exclusively in Aerospace, Defense and Intelligence. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company develops, markets and manufactures worldwide-certified performance improvement systems for some of the most prolific commercial and general aviation aircraft models in the market today.
United States: StandardAero dedicates 30,000 sq ft expansion of Miami component repair facility StandardAero Component Services recently celebrated and dedicated the company’s 30,000 sq. ft. expansion of its component repair facility, located in Miami, Florida. The additional working space and capital improvements included the installation of a state-of-the-art clean line, an additional vacuum furnace as well as water jet cleaning capabilities. As a result, the facility will be the largest provider of aerospace and aerospace-derivative combustor overhauls in North America, and the second largest in the world.
United States: FedEx commits $2.5m for aviation scholarships Easing the burden of rising education costs. FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, the world’s largest express transportation company, has announced it is providing $2.5m to create scholarships dedicated to easing the financial burden of rising education costs on the next generation of aviation professionals. FedEx Express created the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship program and is collaborating with six universities and technical schools from around the country that provide valuable education and training for aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and other aviation professionals. David Cunningham, president and CEO of FedEx Express, said "The US education system should sharpen its focus on preparing young people for the good-paying jobs in the aviation industry that are needed to support growing international and domestic trade."
Training: Mente partners with Embry-Riddle and Aero Law Group for flight department course Mente Group, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Aero Law Group are collaborating on an essential course for flight department leaders and managers. The syllabus will be conducted by well-qualified aviation professionals with many years of experience from the three participant organizations. The week-long learning course, entitled Financial, Legal and Transactional Tools for Aviation Managers, will be conducted Dec. 10-14 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The course is designed to educate aviation managers and potential managers on the intricacies of accounting, budgeting, corporate finances, and the legal and tax issues involved with aircraft acquisition and operation.
UAS International Trip Support  Mohammed Husary UAS International Trip Support Co-Owner/Founder and Executive President, Mohammed Husary has been named in the inaugural National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Top 40 Under 40 for his leadership and business management skills at the helm of UAS. The 2018 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40 was formally presented at NBAA-BACE in Orlando, Florida in October. It recognizes young professionals working in business aviation for their career accomplishments and dedication to the industry in eight categories. UAS leader Mohammed Husary was listed in the Business Management category. Mr. Husary Co-founded UAS in 2000 and it has since grown to incorporate continental headquarters in Houston, Hong Kong Dubai, and Johannesburg, regional offices in Beijing, New Delhi, Nairobi and Lagos, and ground presence in 23 global locations. As a pioneering aviation expert and corporate strategist, Mr. Husary is responsible for formulating and implementing UAS’s corporate strategy, global growth and service sustainability. Mr. Husary was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sapphire Pegasus Business Aviation Awards 2018 at EBACE in May. |
United Kingdom: Oriens Aviation and London Biggin Hill Airport welcome Jetfly’s new Pilatus PC-24 Oriens Aviation, the exclusive British Isles Pilatus Centre and sales distributor for the PC-12, and London Biggin Hill Airport welcomed Jetfly’s Pilatus PC-24 (LX-PCA) on 18th October, as part of the fractional operator’s European tour.
The Luxembourg-based operator - European launch customer of the PC-24 - flew in the first of its four newly-accepted versatile light jets, plus one of its 22 Pilatus PC-12NGs, to showcase to a private audience gathered at Oriens Aviation’s new maintenance base. Its London Biggin Hill showing followed appearances of the aircraft at Geneva’s Annemasse Airport and Toussus Le Noble Airport in Paris.
Switzerland: Vertis Aviation adds second BBJ to elite portfolio of long-range aircraft Switzerland’s Vertis Aviation, the boutique long-range charter specialist, has added a second Boeing Business Jet to its growing portfolio of large-jets available for international charter. The latest addition to the roster, operated by Bermuda-headquartered Longtail Aviation, will be exclusively marketed to the international sector by the Vertis team.
The privately-owned aircraft is configured to comfortably accommodate 18 passengers with regular business class seats supplemented by sectional, sumptuous, L-shaped sofas creating two separate relaxing lounge environments. A fully equipped galley, including microwave and oven, enables fine dining at altitude. The cabin also incorporates lie-flat sleeping for 11, including one state room designed for the ultimate in comfort, featuring its own queen-size double bed, shower and toilet.
United States: Advent Aircraft Systems granted STC for King Air B300/B300C reduced take-off field length Advent Aircraft Systems has received FAA approval of a revision to the Aircraft Flight Manual for King Air B300/B300C aircraft equipped with the Advent eABS.
The revision offers up to 7% reduction in Take-Off Field Length (TOFL) at typical higher, hotter and/or heavier conditions due to improvements in accelerate-stop performance, with up to 10% available at more extreme conditions. This reduction can equate to use of shorter runways for departure or departing with additional fuel or payload from currently-used runways.
United States: Hartzell providing customized, optimized props for Eviation's electric commuter All-electric aircraft manufacturer, Eviation Aircraft, has selected Hartzell Propeller, Inc. as a development partner for its debut aircraft, the all-electric Alice. With zero-emissions and 100 percent battery-electric solution, the Alice Aircraft will be test flown at the 53rd Paris Air Show in June 2019. Under the terms of the development partnership, Hartzell will provide customized and optimized propellers and support systems.
Rotor: Kazan Helicopters successfully tests Ansat ditching system Specialists at Kazan Helicopters have completed testing of an Ansat helicopter equipped with a ditching system designed for emergency water landings. The system is currently in the certification phase prior to receiving Federal Air Transport Agency approval.
The ditching system includes inflatable buoyancy chambers (ballonets), two life rafts and an emergency life support package which includes a radio beacon to assist rescuers. In the event of a ditching, this emergency set keeps the helicopter afloat for 30 minutes - enough time to deploy the system’s life-saving equipment, and to safely leave the helicopter.
United States: Silver Air celebrates a decade in private jet management and operations Santa Barbara's Silver Air is celebrating 10-years of private jet management and operations this year.
Silver Air's first jet. Starting from a single jet and two pilots a decade ago, the company now manages an international fleet with bases across the United States while still maintaining a sharp focus on client service and a unique approach to jet management.
United Kingdom: London Biggin Hill Airport to introduce Boxing Day opening hours Due to increased demand, dedicated business aviation airport London Biggin Hill is introducing Boxing Day opening hours this year. Private jet travellers will be able to use the airport from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday the 26th December. Andy Patsalides, marketing manager, London Biggin Hill Airport says: “As one of the world’s most significant business and financial centres, it is vital that we provide consistent access to London, even during the festive period.
“The decision to open on Boxing Day is particularly in response to the needs of our customers from the US. Since extending our regular operating hours 18 months ago, transatlantic movements at the airport have surged, with the latest ‘Business Aviation INSIGHT' report from WINGX showing a 40.5% year-on-year increase. Travellers from across the Atlantic will be able to board a flight late on Christmas Day, and arrive in London by mid-morning on the 26th, be it for business or pleasure.”
NBAA: Monarch Air Group has won the NBAA's 2018 Business Aviation Insider photo competition by representing a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft at its Fort Lauderdale base.
"We are thrilled with the first place obtained in such a prestigious contest and publication, and we’ll be looking forward to repeat this success in 2019’s edition”, said Executive Director David Gitman.
|
 The WINGX Report: Small Jets drive stronger growth in October There were 77,197 business aviation departures in Europe during October according to WINGX`s latest monthly Business Aviation Monitor published this week. This figure represents a 5% increase YOY, and a 12% increase from the post-GFC trough in October 2016, although still less than its peak in October 2007. Business jet activity had 60% share of flights this month and is up 4% YOY vs October 2017. All the top 6 markets had some growth this month, with Germany adding most [flights up by 8%] taking YTD trend to +6%. Italy was flat, UK departures up 3%, France and Switzerland gaining 5%, and flights from Spain up by 11% YOY. Overall, European activity is up by 3.2% YTD 2018.
Germany:China: ATR sees demand for over 1,000 new turboprops in China by 2037 Valued at over US$ 25.6bn. ATR published its new Chinese Market Forecast during the Zhuhai Airshow this week and estimates a total market for 1,100 turboprop aircraft over the next 20 years. These aircraft will be required to serve China’s rapidly developing Regional Aviation and General Aviation segments. ATR foresees that in 2037 87% of the Regional and General Aviation activity will come from newly created routes, calculated at a total of close to 2,200.
Russia: Gazprom Neft reveals concept of robotic fuel station Gazprom Neft has presented the concept of a robotic system for loading petroleum products into a fuel tanker truck at Sheremetyevo international airport. The fuel filling process was automated with the help of a robot manipulator and implemented for the first time in Russia without the participation of personnel.
The robot manipulator is currently being tested for further implementation at airport fuel stations. Gazpromneft-Aero and the Digital Innovations Center of Gazprom Neft in cooperation with the Central Research Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics developed this pilot project under an agreement signed at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2018.
 Paula Kraft, founder and President of Atlanta, GA-based Tastefully Yours Catering. I have always been told that there is no secret to making a good sandwich . . . but I disagree. I have also been told to start with good ingredients and you will always end up with a good sandwich, but again, I partially disagree. I agree with the good ingredients side of the equation, but not all things good taste wonderful when combined. For me, a good sandwich has a perfect balance between all of the primary elements used; the bread, the fillings, the spread or sauce, and the garnish. They must all work harmoniously together to create the most awesome picture-perfect sandwich. Too much of one ingredient, not enough texture variations, or too much intensity of any one flavor can throw that balance out of sync and you have an absolutely horrible sandwich - and I have tasted more than my fair share of horrible sandwiches over the years as I experimented with the creative art of sandwich making. I like to think of creating the perfect sandwich a bit like food and wine paring. Everything must work together as you sink your teeth into the first bite. The sandwich must leave you with the desire to take yet another bite and end with a memory of “wow!”
Argentina: Frequentis to deploy South America’s first remote virtual tower at Buenos Aires Buenos Aires International Airport will utilise a remote virtual tower solution to provide enhanced airport tower surveillance as it prepares for airport expansion and a surge in air traffic. Argentina's international airport, Ezeiza, will receive an airport camera system from Frequentis to enhance surveillance coverage at Ezeiza international Airport in Buenos Aires. The solution will provide additional tower control once construction of a new air traffic control (ATC) tower has been completed. Additionally, it will increase situational awareness as the main terminal building undergoes an expansion.
United Kingdom: Report sets out future business plan for Blackpool Airport Aviation industry experts have produced a comprehensive report setting out the best opportunities to revive and secure the future of Blackpool Airport, UK. The report, produced by leading airport and aviation consultant, York Aviation, makes a number of recommendations for investment in infrastructure, operations and management of the airport to ensure it remains a key transport asset for the North West. Based on York’s recommendations, two wholly-owned Council companies, Squires Gate Operations Ltd (SGAOL), which looks after airport operations, and Blackpool Airport Properties Ltd (BAPL), which looks after the airport’s land and property on the 400-acre site, will be responsible for preparing and implementing a detailed business plan that will help to map out the long-term future for the airport.
ST Engineering to expand its MRO presence in the US with new facilities A double celebration for Belfast's Woodgate Aviation. By Terry Spruce. Connecting the dots between Marketing and Sales. Jordan Walker, digital director at Greteman Group.
|
The airport you don’t want to leave
We've all been there. Your flight's been delayed - or worse, cancelled - and now you face hours of drudgery hanging around the airport terminal.
But not at Singapore's Changi Airport! Recognised this week in the 2018 Aviation Industry Awards as the No.1 airport in the world, Changi has become a destination in its own right.
This 'traveller's wonderland' boasts rooftop swimming, exotic gardens, a movie theatre, shopping malls and restaurants. 2019 will also see the opening of a hotel and various 'attractions' such as sky nets, discovery slides, canopy mazes - and the only permanent Pokemon Centre outside Japan.
Rooftop swimming at Singapore's Changi Airport.
“The Annual Aviation Industry Awards were established to honour the companies offering the most innovative and efficient solutions to the problems in commercial aviation, and Changi Airport is at the forefront of innovation," said Skaiste Knyzaite, Managing Partner of AeroTime Media Group and organizer of the Awards. "This was an intense competition between thw world's busiest aviation hubs, including Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Dubai International, and Munich Airport and chosen by over 70,000 voters worldwide.
FBOs, Operators, Airports, Charter, Aircraft, MRO, Interiors.
Newsletter, Business Aviation, Private Jet