International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 United States: Thousands of private jets at growing risk of failing to secure new financing worth up to $10bn Shearwater Aero Capital, the global corporate aviation finance specialist that has provided asset-based loans on aircraft worth over $100m since its launch in 2014, is warning that as many as 3,500 older private jets around the world could struggle to secure new financing when their existing loans and leases expire. The company estimates these jets could need as much as $10bn in new financing. Shearwater Aero Capital believes a key reason for this is because mainstream lenders are increasingly focused on new jets, as they think this represents a lower risk than financing used ones - especially those built 10 years or more ago. New research from the company reveals 67% of business aviation professionals think it’s difficult to secure financing for business aircraft that are 10 years or older.
Canada: Levaero aviation delivers first PC-24 in Canada Ontario's Levaero Aviation has announced that, immediately after receiving Transport Canada type certification, it has delivered the very first Canadian-registered Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. The new aircraft owner is an experienced operator and the PC-24 will diversify its existing aircraft fleet.
“Since the PC-24 was first revealed to the public - pulled into the Swiss rollout event by 24 horses - Pilatus has delivered more than 35 aircraft, which have amassed more than 7,000 flight hours,” said Stan Kuliavas, Vice President of Sales at Levaero Aviation. “This aircraft is extremely well-suited for operations in Canada and we look forward to many more PC-24 aircraft gracing the Canadian skies.”
Fort Worth, TX: Baker Aviation forms new aviation services group Industry veteran Ray Goyco, Jr. named CEO Maintenance, management and charter company, Baker Aviation, based at Meacham International Airport (KFTW), has formed Baker Aviation Services Group, LLC and announced that Ray Goyco, Jr. will be leading the newly formed entity as Chief Executive Officer. The Baker Aviation Services Group will focus on managing current strategic partnerships, contractual management, and compliance, as well as manage HOT-STOP ‘L’ fire containment kit sales and parts sales, while developing new relationships for Baker as dealers and distributors.  Ray Goyco, Jr. Goyco previously served as the President and COO for Baker’s Aviation Maintenance entity, where he led the business activities since its infancy in 2012.
San Bernardino, CA: Luxivair SBD committed to reducing carbon footprint FBO offers greener alternative in Southern California. Luxivair SBD at San Bernardino International Airport has announced a number of significant investments in environmentally-friendly technologies that will help reduce its carbon footprint. The FBO is committed to minimizing the impacts of its operations and to providing a greener alternative to increasingly eco-conscious customers - without sacrificing the five-star experience it’s known for. New alternative-fueled vehicles and ground support equipment at Luxivair contribute fewer - even zero - emissions. The FBO recently expanded its private rental fleet to include four 2019 Toyota Mirai luxury sedans. The hydrogen fuel-cell cars boast zero emissions and exclusive appeal. Behind the scenes, electric-powered pushback tugs move aircraft away from gates, a new forklift is fueled by propane, and other new ground equipment, including two fuel trucks, is compliant with the highest standards set by South Coast Air Quality Management District and the state of California.
New Jersey: Munich Airport International expands activities in the USA The New York & New Jersey Port Authority has reached agreement with EWR Terminal One LLC - a 100% subsidiary of Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI) - to operate and maintain the $2.7bn Terminal One now under construction at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR). MAI will operate as EWR Terminal One LLC and oversee operations, maintenance and concession functions once the terminal is completed. Terminal One is replacing the outmoded Terminal A and is scheduled to be fully operational by 2022. The new operating company will also be making short-term customer enhancements in Terminal A until that terminal is closed.
Connectivity: Gulfstream completes 300th Jet ConneX inflight broadband installation Gulfstream has outfitted an industry-leading 300th aircraft with Jet ConneX, the revolutionary inflight broadband service. “The office-in-the-sky experience is very much a reality with Gulfstream and Jet ConneX,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Customer Support. “Our customers value our ability to efficiently incorporate this technology on our aircraft and the consistent and reliable global coverage it provides. They are enjoying live TV programs, video streams and video connections, such as FaceTime, with their colleagues, family and friends.” According to Inmarsat, owner of the satellite network that operates the Ka-band internet service, Gulfstream has delivered more Jet ConneX-equipped aircraft than any other business-jet manufacturer.
Jet ConneX is available through Gulfstream’s Connectivity Service, a customercentric program that makes Gulfstream the single source for equipment, service networks and technical support. Jet ConneX, certified by the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency, transmits at speeds up to 15 megabits per second. Recently, Inmarsat announced it would enhance its Ka-band solution with the launch of JX-Pro, which includes unlimited data usage and transmission speeds of approximately 20 megabits per second.
United States: IADA open to new dealer applicants The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) is accepting applications to become accredited member dealers through July 31, 2019. To become eligible for accreditation and membership dealers must meet rigorous standards including being in business for at least five years, averaging 10 transactions annually, have at least three brokers in the firm, be recommended by three IADA member dealers, and ultimately approved by a majority of IADA dealers. Other requirements include signing the IADA Code of Ethics annually, list inventory on www.AircraftExchange.com, carry sufficient liability and errors and omissions insurance, and complete annual ethics and compliance training.
Six West  Paul Cantillon Six West, a world-leading provider of flight operations services to aircraft lessors, airlines and private aviation, has announced the appointment of Paul Cantillon as Project Manager FOS, to bring additional expertise to the flight operations team. His successful track record, spanning over 25 years, in both commercial and business aviation, will prove invaluable to Six West’s future development. Reporting to Matthew Gee, Director of Operations, Paul will be the primary point of contact for lessors during all phases of their aircraft transition. From project scoping and client consultations to operational oversight during and after the asset transition, Paul will be involved throughout. He will also be instrumental in the promotion of Six West’s industry-first Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC), designed specifically to optimise commercial aircraft leasing options for lessors. Desert Jet  Jared Fox Following recent news that Denise Wilson, founder and current CEO of California-based business aviation services company Desert Jet is transitioning to the new role of Chairman of the Board for Desert Jet Holdings (the parent company of all Desert Jet entities), the company has announced the appointment of business aviation industry veteran Jared Fox to Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2019. Jared brings more than 20 years of broad experience in business and general aviation to Desert Jet having served in various leadership positions such as Vice President, Sales Manager and Airport Manager. Jared was chosen for his business acumen, strong leadership ability and deep experience in charter and FBO operations. He is a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) and an instrument rated commercial pilot. Denise Wilson founded Desert Jet in 2007 as an aircraft management company. The company added charter operations via part 135 certification in 2009 and, over the next several years, Denise would lead the company to rank on the Inc. 500 list of the nation’s fastest growing, privately owned companies, successfully maintaining this position for five consecutive years. |
Kennedy Space Center: Hamish Harding, Terry Virts and Qatar Executive smash World Circumnavigation Speed Record Mission Accomplished: One More Orbit beats Pole to Pole World Circumnavigation Speed record by 5 hours and 52 minutes in Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER. At 12:12 UTC on July 11, 2019, Action Aviation Chairman Hamish Harding, Astronaut Terry Virts and Qatar Executive made history. They achieved it by completing the fastest ever Circumnavigation of the Earth via both the North and South Poles in a time of 46 hours and 40 minutes, at an average speed of 465 knots (or 535 mph or 861 km/h).
The world record attempt, achieved in a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER aircraft, was called One More Orbit in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Lithuania: FL Technics implementing next generation mechanics training using VR FL Technics, a global provider of integrated aircraft MRO services, which is part of Avia Solutions Group, has begun implementing VR modules for the basic training of aviation mechanics. The company has presented its first VR module, which covers the opening of the reverse thrust engine of a Boeing 737NG, and is set to expand its list of modules in the coming months to cover the full scope of maintenance training.
FL Technics' CEO, Zilvinas Lapinskas, explains what inspired this innovative approach to training: “Our main goal is to reduce the time it takes new mechanics to enroll in the company. Globally the industry struggles with the 3-month long enrollment process needed for aviation mechanics. So that’s why we are pushing to shorten that process as much as we can, and we aim to try to get it down to 3 weeks."
United States: PrivateFly offers fixed price cross-country US flights $29,000 for Challenger 300 between New York City and California. Private charter platform PrivateFly, a Directional Aviation company, has launched its first fixed rate routing in the US, offering cross country charter of the 8-seater Challenger 300 for $29,000, between New York City and either Los Angeles or Bay Area airports this summer. The rate is for a one-way flight in either direction, for flights departing before September 30th, 2019 at specified airports on each coast. According to PrivateFly, this represents a 30% discount on usual market rates for an aircraft of equivalent standard.
Exclusive fixed pricing is becoming a growing differentiator in PrivateFly’s offering, following the success of its ‘City Pairs’ fixed price program in Europe, which launched in April. This offers fixed pricing on the Nextant 400XTi and Legacy 600, starting from €4,500 between London and Paris.
Unsung Heroines: Hilda Yan Yaqing This week we highlight one of aviation's great unsung heroines, China's Hilda Yan Yaqing. In 1939 Hilda barnstormed the US in her airplane - the "Spirit of China" - to raise funds and awareness for her starving people back home.
Despite all the glory her brave venture brought her for a selfless cause, her name is hardly know today.
Oshkosh, WI: Speed meets adventure at Daher’s EAA AirVenture exhibit Daher’s presence at this month’s EAA AirVenture gathering will focus on the aviation adventure, bringing its family of TBM very fast turboprop aircraft together with the Kodiak 100 - which will join the company’s product line through Daher’s upcoming acquisition of the Quest Aircraft Company. The exhibit of Daher’s two latest TBM family members - the TBM 940 and TBM 910 - will be accompanied by the “adventure island” display, featuring a Kodiak 100, underscoring this aircraft’s capabilities for backcountry missions on unprepared landing strips.
During the week-long EAA AirVenture fly-in event - known as “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” - Daher also will organize an adventure-themed conference by TBM owners Dierk Reuter and Phil Bozek, who will discuss their record-setting transatlantic crossing from New York to Paris aboard a TBM 930 earlier this year.
United States: MSB Aerospace to supply Hi-Lo tables to Flying Colours Corp. MSB Aerospace, the US division of Montreal-headquartered company MSB Group has begun the process of supplying MRO and completions business Flying Colours Corp. with customized Hi-Lo tables. This is the first time the two Canadian-headquartered companies have collaborated, and it is the beginning of what both companies anticipate will be a long-term relationship. The agreement sees MSB Aerospace supplying Flying Colours with customized precision engineered Hi-Lo conference, dinining, coffee and work station tables for large cabin interiors.
The first table, destined for a Bombardier Global aircraft, is scheduled for delivery in late August. The bespoke design is based on the standard single-pedestal manual sliding table MSB has been providing to the Bombardier Global fleet since 2012, and incorporated a number of specific modifications.
United Kingdom: Universal Aviation UK earns IS-BAH Stage II Universal Aviation UK, based at London-Stansted International Airport (EGSS), has earned Stage 2 registration under the International Standard for Business Aviation Handling (IS-BAH). “We are honored to be the first Universal Aviation location to earn IS-BAH Stage 2 registration, as it demonstrates our never-ending commitment to safety and reducing our customers’ operating risk and stress,” said Sean Raftery, Senior Director of International Business - Northern Europe and Africa, Universal.
Universal Aviation UK earned its IS-BAH Stage 1 registration in 2017. “We want to pass our congratulations to the whole Universal Aviation Stansted team in achieving IS-BAH Stage 2 recently,” said IS-BAH program director Terry Yeomans. “Stage 2 shows that the team’s firm commitment to the management of safety to both their staff and customers at the start of this process two years ago are showing positive signs of maturity and continual improvement throughout the scope of activities offered at London Stansted to the business aviation community.”
United States: ‘Jetman’ Yves Rossy to inspire attendees at NBAA-BACE Yves Rossy, the first man in the history of aviation to fly with a jet-propelled wing, will inspire attendees and set the tone for an innovative, forward-thinking show at the Day 2 Keynote of NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) taking place Wednesday, Oct. 23, in Las Vegas, NV. Rossy is the inventor of a series of experimental individual jet packs, which he has flown over the Grand Canyon and the Alps mountain range. He is a Swiss military-trained pilot with both fighter jet and passenger airliner experience.
‘Jetman’ Yves Rossy “We are delighted to have ‘Jetman’ Yves Rossy speak at NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “His talk is sure to thrill and inspire attendees about possibilities for the future of flight.” Rossy’s jet pack uses a carbon-fiber wing with four miniature jet engines and his own body as control surfaces, and has a top speed of more than 150 knots. It took him more than two decades to develop what is today known as the “Jet-Wing.” |
 Qatar: Qatar places $1bn order for 18 Gulfstreams White House signing ceremony witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and US President Donald Trump. Qatar Airways announced a significant order for 18 Gulfstream aircraft during a ceremony at the White House on 9 July 2019 that was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and US President Donald Trump. The order worth over $1bn is for 14 Gulfstream G650ER and four Gulfstream G500 and will add to Qatar Executive’s growing fleet that currently includes six G650ER and four G500 aircraft. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: "Qatar Airways is very pleased to confirm this landmark deal with Gulfstream. Our corporate jet division, Qatar Executive, goes from strength to strength and this commitment to new orders will allow us to offer our bespoke luxury service to even more passengers."
"Gulfstream has valued Qatar Airways business and the high level of precision and quality we have in common,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. “We are proud to have the products that meet the needs of their demanding criteria and look forward to supporting the airline with deliveries and service for many years to come."
United Kingdom:
SETops lands at The Royal Aeronautical Society - October 3, 2019. Emerald Media, BlueSky News and the Royal Aeronautical Society are delighted to announce the return of SETops (Single-Engine Turboprop Operators Conference) 2019, after a year's absence. We will look at how the market has advanced, hearing from operators and OEMs. This year we are widening the theme to include small airfields, which are playing an increasing role supporting SET aircraft, yet so many of them are under threat of closure. We will also take a look at the next generation of passenger craft on the horizon from 2021 with a panel of futurist speakers who believe the future is electric/EVTOL. We will be announcing speakers and panelists over the next few weeks. There are a number of sponsor opportunities available. For details, please contact Frances Williams. Online registration is available here. Delegate fees from £180 pp plus VAT. Thank you to all who have pledged their commitment so far. We look forward to bringing you an educational and inspirational day!
 Paula Kraft, founder of Atlanta's Tastefully Yours Catering and the DaVinci Inflight Training Institute in Fort Lauderdale. You've probably noticed recently that more and more of your passengers and flight crew requesting non- animal sourced proteins as part of their catering requests. There is a rather large trend around the world to move toward sustainable plant based proteins. Globally all animal proteins (this includes dairy products, all meats and seafood) have declined in restaurant purchases by 30% over the last 10 years. Pretty big number, isn’t it? Why? what is causing the shift? I have my own opinion based on the clients we serve at Tastefully Yours. Our passengers and flight crew know there is a direct correlation in hormone free, antibiotic free, wheat free and their personal health . . . not to mention the cost. We are changing as a global society and we need to step up and take notice of the wishes of those we serve in order to produce what “they” are looking for in a meal.
You have noticed smaller portions, less of the carb-filled junk food in the galley drawers, more requests for higher quality catering which, overall, brings a superior product to the skies. Forgive me when I say that if you start with junk, you'll end up with junk. But here's the catch . . . at 30,000 feet it will translate to much much more junk! Three strikes and you're out! The aircraft is the most imperfect environment for preparing the Michelin Star meal in both presentation and taste. You have three strikes against you before you even put the food in front of the passenger. (Actually four if you want to count packaging).
Moscow: Russian Helicopters to start additive manufacturing of parts in 2020 Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec) is planning to re-engineer approximately 30 different helicopter parts for manufacture using 3D printing technology and integrating them into serial production from 2020. "This year we are finishing the re-engineering of around 30 different parts and details that will be manufactured using additive technologies," said Director for Innovations, Andrey Shibitov. "These parts are currently manufactured using various methods such as casting, punching or machining and we need to integrate their production to 3D printing. This process will start in 2020. "We are talking about serious, power elements of the structures, units and systems of our helicopters. By the end of the year, we will decide whether we are ready to put these parts on serial production.”
Each item will undergo construction re-design, strength testing and testing from the point of view of all modern production technologies. As part of the tests, it is essential to confirm that the part made using additive technology is equal or superior in its characteristics to the analogous item it replaces. Singapore: Down-Route unveils new Singapore HQ Down-Route, the unique, free to use, expense management and hotel reservations App, developed especially for the business aviation industry, has unveiled its brand new Headquarters in Singapore. The offices, situated in the distinguished Raffles Quay district of the city state, will be the main base for key members of the Down-Route executive team as well as the home to call centre and support staff. The HQ will complement the company’s London, Dubai and New York offices to provide global reach and coverage to the business aviation community.  Andy Hudson Down-Route Chief Commercial Officer, Andy Hudson commented, “It has been an exciting few months for Down-Route following our recent acquisition by new owners, the formation of a new executive team, a successful EBACE and now the opening of this beautiful new office.” Hudson continued, “We are also busy recruiting talented new members of the Down-Route team in both Asia and Europe and are looking forward to an exciting period of significant growth and development.”
European business aviation slackening at half-way 2019 The WINGX Report HRH The Prince of Wales officially opens L3Harris Technologies’ new $100m Pilot Training Center After 70 years of change, BACA becomes The Air Charter Association IADA open to new dealer applicants Aircraft-friendly Cardiff UK business park to launch in September Greatest 'Show' Women Some of the fabulous women who make our industry work. UK pilots set for new World Record Piper Malibu flight visits 16 countries in 24 hours, over 1,700 miles.
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Ballet in the Sky
On July 6th, Air France, in partnership with the Paris Opera, surprised its passengers on flight AF117 from Shanghai to Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
During the flight, 10 dancers from the Paris Opera performed a ballet in the sky in all cabins, to the delight of all the passengers on board.
For the occasion, Yvon Demol, a dancer from the Paris Opera, created an original choreography, specially adapted to the space available in the aisles of the aircraft. The dancers were therefore able to offer a unique ballet performance, to the famous music of Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.
From June 21 to July 5, 2019, Air France was the official partner and carrier of the Paris Opera ballet's Asian tour. The company carried 162 members of the Opera (dancers, coaches and technical teams) from Paris to Singapore and Shanghai, the two cities on their Asian tour.
The dancers' surprise performance on board an Air France flight from Shanghai to Paris celebrated the end of the Paris Opera ballet's tour of Asia.
Air France and the Paris Opera share many common values and contribute to France's influence throughout the world by promoting its culture and way of life. Throughout the year, on all its long-haul flights, Air France offers more than 1,400 hours of video on demand, including an "Arts and Culture" selection offering films from the Paris Opera’s new online platform “3e Scène”, highlighting dance and featuring a behind-the-scenes tour of the Paris Opera.
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