International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 United States: NBAA welcomes House GA Caucus launch in the 116th Congress The National Business Aviation Association has applauded the launch of the US House of Representatives General Aviation (GA) Caucus, and provided an online tool for NBAA members to call upon their elected federal representatives to join the House caucus Congressional caucuses are informal groups of lawmakers united in a common interest. Founded in 2009, the House GA Caucus promotes the importance and value of general aviation, including business aviation, and its vital role in the nation’s economy and transportation system. It also serves to educate all members of Congress and their staff about issues that are critical to the success, strength and growth of GA. “Time and again, House GA Caucus members have been among the most effective champions for the general aviation community,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “The GA Caucus is a bipartisan group of members of Congress from urban and rural states and districts who share common support, and a clear understanding of the importance of general aviation to our nation.”
United States: JETNET LLC has released March 2019 and first quarter 2019 results for the pre-owned business jet, business turboprop, piston, helicopter, and commercial airliner markets. Key worldwide trends for all aircraft market segments were compared from March and 1st quarter of 2019 to March and 1st quarter of 2018. Generally, inventories are down across the board, except for Piston Aircraft. Lower inventories are certainly good news. However, as this story goes to print, there is a pronounced decline in Q1 retail sales and leases vs. one year ago. For all fixed and rotary wing aircraft combined, JETNET reports an overall 25% reduction in sales for Q1 2019 vs. Q1 2018. With regards to business jets, the decline is 19.9%. These figures could prove to be fluid, as notice of a few late quarter transactions may yet trickle in. Still, it must be acknowledged that the late-year stock market correction and prolonged U.S. government shutdown (Dec. 22 through Jan. 25) had a deleterious impact on the pre-owned market.
United States: GAMA statement on nomination of Steve Dickson as FAA Administrator The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Pete Bunce issued a statement on Tuesday (14th May) on the nomination of Steve Dickson to serve as the next Federal Aviation Administration Administrator: “On the eve of Steve Dickson’s Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing, the general aviation manufacturing and maintenance companies that GAMA represents strongly support the nomination of him to serve as the next leader of the FAA.  Steve Dickson “I have known Steve for more than 40 years and am deeply familiar with his demonstrative leadership in aviation, both as an Air Force fighter pilot and as a senior executive at Delta Airlines. "GAMA members also deeply value the contributions Steve has made to advancing air traffic modernization through his roles as chairman of the NextGen Implementation Task Force and as industry co-chair of the RTCA NextGen Advisory Committee Working Subcommittee.”
 Ashley Bowen Cook, vice president at Greteman Group, a marketing communications agency in Wichita, the Air Capital. Valerie Wise with the Eisenhower National Airport introduced our recent Wichita Aero Club speaker, but the presenter had a message broader than commercial aviation. It applies to business and general aviation as well. And it isn’t good. Aviation Workforce Alliance Executive Director David Olive addressed the critical shortage of not just pilots but also qualified aircraft technicians, those holding airframe and powerplant ratings, A&Ps. We don’t have enough workers in the pipeline to fill demand. The shortage is felt today and will become increasingly acute. It affects everything from passenger safety to jobs and the economy. In Kansas, not finding enough pilots to fill the demand could result in the state losing one third of its commercial airline service, Olive said. We can’t let that happen.
Philippines: Metrojet commences construction of new maintenance hangar at Clark International Responding to the growing demands of business aviation in the region, Metrojet has commenced construction of its new state-of-the-art parking and maintenance hangar at Clark International Airport, Pampagna, Philippines. Aircraft Support Industries (ASI) is appointed to undertake the full design and construction of the 26,000 m2 facility. With over 7,100m2 of hangar floor space, the facility can accommodate up to 10 long range business jets and up to a maximum of Boeing Business Jet or Airbus Corporate Jet. Designed to international standards with a fully typhoon-proof structure and NFPA fire suppression system, the facility also includes over 2,500m2 of customer accommodation and The facility represents a total investment of around $25m by Metrojet and is planned to be operational by Q2 2019.
Slovenia: Elit’Avia implements Collins Aerospace ARINCDirect Flight Operations System Elit’Avia, a fully-integrated provider of business aircraft charter, management and operation services, has announced the implementation of Collins Aerospace ARINCDirect Flight Operations System (FOS). Today's business aircraft operators manage increasingly complex operations using different systems for scheduling and dispatch, flight planning, fuel services, maintenance and other third-party services. The integration of FOS will enable Elit’Avia to address these challenges by streamlining its operations.  Michel Coulomb “We are pleased to announce the integration of Collins Aerospace ARINCDirect FOS,” says Michel Coulomb, CEO, Elit’Avia. “FOS includes a mobile application that allows our dispatchers, pilots and staff to stay connected and up-to-date on all flight information. By unifying paperless communications, it enhances our operational efficiency. Our investment in FOS represents Elit’Avia’s commitment to operational excellence and demonstrates our value to our clientele.”
FlightSafety International  David Davenport FlightSafety International has announced that David Davenport will now lead the company as President & CEO. He most recently served as Co-CEO and President, Commercial. Ray Johns, who previously served as Co-CEO, will continue as President, Government and Manufacturing. He oversees the services and products FlightSafety offers to government and military agencies, as well as the design and manufacture of flight simulation products and visual systems. He is President of the Wings Club Foundation and a member of the National Business Aviation Association Advisory Council. |
 United Kingdom: Six aviation loss trends on the radar: Allianz Global Collision/crash, maintenance and machinery breakdown are top three causes of insured losses. Aviation collision/crash incidents are the second top cause of insured losses globally overall, behind fire and explosion incidents, according to analysis from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS). The analysis was based on more than 470,000 insurance industry claims over the past five years.
Aviation claims from this data set show collision/crash incidents account over half the value of all claims (59%) and more than a quarter by number (27%). Such incidents do not just include major crashes; they also incorporate events like hard landings, bird strikes and runway incidents such as incursions and excursions (the average claim for which is now almost €1.4m ($1.6m). EBACE 2019: Pegasus Universal debuts new ‘vertical take-off’ bizjet concept at EBACE Founding Chairman and visionary Dr Reza Mia is showing a two-by-two metre model of the ground-breaking design, which combines the convenience of helicopters with the benefits of jet travel, at the Show’s Innovation Zone, adjacent to the main entrance.
The all-composite airframe Pegasus One is targeted for certification and deliveries in five to seven years’ time from its Pretoria, SA facility, where it has engaged an engineering partner who will provide the engineers and designers. In offering Pegasus One, Pegasus Universal Aerospace is pledging to bring speed, comfort and style to travellers looking for transportation between busy urban airports, small and unpaved landing areas, yachts and regular helipads, amongst others.
In a fast-evolving world where the only constant is change and the successful people are the ones challenging the status quo, we’re challenging the history of aviation to not just redefine but reinvent the term Fixed Based Operator (FBO). We are initiating an opportunity for aviation experts and passengers alike to ask themselves what the term FBO means to them and to share what it means to us. The description of an FBO labels it as a gas station for planes, but since its origin in 1918 it has progressed to becoming a relaxed and stress-free setting for busy travelers. Towards the end of WW1 civil aviation was virtually unregulated and consisted of mainly transient pilots, operating military surplus aircraft that landed wherever it could. This prompted pilots to set up temporary camps offering aircraft maintenance and flight training, which by 1926 when aviation regulations were put in place, then became what we now know one hundred years later as an FBO. Since the launch of FBOs the need to travel for business has increased drastically and the demand for high standards even more so. Hence, I ask you to question whether you agree that the evolution of FBOs prompts a chance to rename them in order to fully celebrate the extent of what they now offer?
Switzerland: After a successful 2018, Pilatus prepares for the future 2018 was an exceptionally successful year for Pilatus, but also a challenging one. Sales revenue was brought back to around 1.1bn Swiss francs and deliveries totalled 128 aircraft, including the first PC-24 - a milestone in the company's history. 18 PC-24s have been handed over to customers in the past year.
Financial 2018 was better than the previous year. At 1,092 million Swiss francs, sales revenue surpassed the one billion mark for the first time since 2015. The operating result totals 157 million Swiss francs. And the future looks good: following incoming orders worth 1 billion Swiss francs, the current order volume stands at 2.1 billion Swiss francs - the equivalent of just under two years of sales revenue. A total of 128 aircraft were delivered to customers: 18 PC-24s, 80 PC-12 NGs, 27 PC-21s and three PC-6s.
United Kingdom: Hi Fly joins partnership to combat wildlife trafficking Paulo Mirpuri, President of Portuguese wet lease specialist Hi Fly, was in London on Tuesday (14th May) to meet fellow members of the Royal Foundation’s ‘United For Wildlife’ taskforces, as the groups convened for the first time at an event addressed by Britain’s Prince William - The Duke of Cambridge, designed to combat the illegal trade in animals. Hi Fly has signed up to be a part of the Transport Taskforce. Formed in 2014, it develops solutions to wildlife trafficking, such as increasing awareness, reporting and enforcement.
The Taskforces, run by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are part of the 'United for Wildlife' programme, which is made up of conservation organisations working together to prevent the trafficking of animals and sale of poaching products.
EBACE 2019: Gulfstream fleet en route to EBACE Gulfstream will be showcasing its record-breaking, award-winning fleet at the upcoming European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva next week. The super-midsize G280; the high-performing G550; the all-new, award-winning G500 and G600 - and its flagship G650ER - will all be in the static display for customer viewing.
Gulfstream’s flagship, the ultralong-range G650ER. "Europe continues to be a strong market for Gulfstream, and we look forward to another successful EBACE,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. Gulfstream’s exhibit at EBACE will also include the G500 and G600 Symmetry Flight Deck experience, where guests can conduct a pilot-led simulated flight using the active control sidesticks and extensive touchscreen technology.
Canada: Flying Colours Corp. bolsters international team as two new roles created Paul Dunford appointed to MD International Operations; Andrew Pearce named European Sales Manager. Ahead of EBACE 2019 Flying Colours Corp., (Booth Y107), the maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions business, announces the expansion of its international team by appointing Paul Dunford to the newly created role of Managing Director, International Operations and naming Andrew Pearce as its first ever European Sales Manager.
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 EBACE 2019: Aerospace Innovators and Policymakers to keynote at EBACE2019 Volocopter CEO Florian Reuter and the Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps, United Kingdom member of Parliament, will open the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2019), which gets underway next Tuesday (May 21st) in Geneva, Switzerland.  Florian Reuter EBACE is jointly hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) at Geneva International Airport and Palexpo conference center.  Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps “EBACE is a unique opportunity to hear from forward-thinking leaders in government and industry,” said EBAA Secretary General Athar Husain Khan, “and this year will include perspectives from a UK leader focused on general aviation, and a CEO with a pioneering European company leading the way on new modes of air transport.”
United Kingdom: London must change helicopter policy to keep city open for business London Biggin Hill Airport is warning that the emerging London Policy Plan for Aviation could harm London’s growth by preventing the building of new heliports in the capital. The Policy T8, which is part of the draft New London Plan, also seeks to reduce the future number of helicopter movements, as the Mayor of London sets out his vision for the city over the next 25 years. Robert Walters, business development director, London Biggin Hill Airport says: “Helicopter use across London must not be restricted as we look to keep the capital open for business. The latest generation of helicopters is already 50% quieter than the current fleet, with design innovations allowing for variable rotor speeds, meaning helicopters can now travel quietly in populated cities. “It is our belief that the current draft London Policy Plan for Aviation is not aligned with national policy towards helicopters and vertical lift aircraft. Urban connectivity is key for London to position itself as a leading smart and global city, and at London Biggin Hill Airport we want to support the role of these aircraft in promoting access to the capital.”
United Arab Emirates: Bombardier and Jetex partner for new Line Maintenance Station in Dubai Bombardier has signed an agreement with Jetex for the establishment of a new Line Maintenance Station in Dubai, further complementing the tip-to-tail maintenance services provided by Bombardier’s Service and Support Network in the Middle East and around the globe. The new Line Maintenance Station will initially offer unscheduled maintenance services and build toward scheduled maintenance operations in the coming months. The technical engineers supporting the line station are certified for all Challenger series and Global series business jets, including Bombardier’s flagship Global 7500 aircraft. “This expansion is an integral part of our overall mission to enhance OEM support for our operators in the Middle East - and we are very pleased to be working with highly-respected business aviation leader Jetex in the development of this project,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Bombardier's Vice-President and General Manager, Customer Experience.
 Paula will be back after EBACE
United Kingdom: London Oxford holds firm as UK’s fifth top business aviation airport Expands infrastructure as it welcomes new tenants. London Oxford Airport retained its position in the top five UK business aviation airports during 2018 with some 5,500 business aviation movements logged and a 20% increase in passengers in the last year. Its OxfordJet facility - now into its 11th year, continues to handle more and more medium and large cabin jets - from as far afield as Tokyo. There was a slight growth, 2% up in bigger business jets, compared with 2018, whilst light jets and mid-range types remained stable. Turboprops, in particular Pilatus PC-12 activity, expanded significantly - 34% over last year, mainly flying privately. The airport also started to see regular Pilatus PC-24 movements, from fractional ownership company JetFly.
GlobeAir is a regular at London Oxford Airport with its Mustangs. Leisure charters increased, in part due to the increasingly popularity of the neighbouring Cotswolds for weekend city dwellers; weddings and events at Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew, 14 miles away. United Kingdom: Fuelling the Future: TAG Farnborough Airport hosts Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel initiative Underlining the airport’s commitment to responsible and sustainable development, TAG Farnborough Airport is hosting “Fuelling the Future”, a Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel initiative event taking place on Saturday, 18th May. TAG Farnborough Airport became the first business aviation airport in the world to achieve carbon neutrality and the airport continues to identify new and innovative ways to improve its sustainable credentials. Over the past five years alone, it has invested over £1m into energy efficiency projects and during the past decade has reduced carbon emissions, over which it has direct control, by 73 per cent. “We are proud to be hosting and participating in “Fuelling the Future” and welcome this initiative to provide Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuels," commented CEO Brandon O’Reilly. Record growth in air traffic movements
Business aviation activity stalls, especially at top airports The WINGX Report. Seeking permission In the first of a new series, Dawit Lemma, MD and Founder of Addis Ababa based Krimson Aviation provides some handy hints on what operators need to think of when flying into Africa. Trailblazing ideas set to shape the future of aviation and border security
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FBO RIGA partners RĪGA JŪRMALA Music Festival in Latvia
Over four summer weekends Latvia will become the center of world classical music. World-famous symphonic orchestras, musicians and rising musical stars will perform at the Latvian National Opera, the Great Guild, and the Dzintari Concert Hall during the RĪGA JŪRMALA Music Festival (RJMF).
The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra with Mariss Jansons, the Russian National Orchestra with Mikhail Pletnev, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra with Zubin Mehta and the London Symphony Orchestra with Gianandrea Noseda will join other celebrated soloists for these exclusive performances in Latvia.
As an official partner of the event, FBO RIGA business aviation center will give a warm welcome to the participants and guests of the festival, supporting the goal of the RJMF organizers to promote Latvia as a high-quality destination for cultural tourism in Northern Europe, a country of the highest culture and distinguished achievement in arts.
“The cultural life of Latvia and Europe has got a truly outstanding gift," said Roman Starkov, co-owner of FBO RIGA. "Beyond all doubt, the RĪGA JŪRMALA Music Festival will become an important event for lovers of beautiful and everlasting classical music. It is a great honor for us to be the official partner of this festival. We are glad to offer the performers and guests a full range of world-class business aviation services, as well as our high-quality concierge services that unveil all travel opportunities of Riga and Jurmala."
Zane Čulkstēna, Executive Director of the RĪGA JŪRMALA Festival commented: “Latvia is a small country, so it is particularly important to collaborate with the best professionals in each industry. FBO RIGA’s business aviation center has been recognized as the best in Europe, and we are pleased about this collaboration.”
The new international classical music festival will take place in Latvia July 19 - September 1, 2019 | www.riga-jurmala.com
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