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BlueSky Business Aviation News | 6th February 2025 | Issue #782

Features Embraer-Flexjet WINGX GACA

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Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news

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Melbourne, Florida:

Embraer and Flexjet sign $7bn agreement - the largest firm order for both companies

Historic order reaffirms Flexjet's long-standing commitment to Phenom and Praetor jets.

Embraer Executive Jets, a division of Embraer, has announced a purchase agreement with fractional jet operator, Flexjet.

The agreement comprises a fleet of Embraer business jets, which includes the Praetor 600, Praetor 500 and Phenom 300E models, as well as an enhanced suite of services and support.

Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets (left) and Michael Silvestro, Flexjet CEO.

Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets (left) and Michael Silvestro, Flexjet CEO.

The agreement is valued at up to USD $7bn at current list prices. This is the largest order placed by Flexjet in its 30-year history and is also the largest firm order for Embraer’s executive aircraft. With the order, Flexjet reaffirms its longstanding commitment as Embraer’s first fleet customer for Praetor jets and now introduces the improved new generation of the Phenom 300E model to its growing global portfolio.

“We are delighted with Flexjet’s renewed commitment to Embraer through this comprehensive purchase agreement, which strengthens even further our strategic partnership of over 20 years,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets.

“We are excited to continue offering Flexjet's customers access to our market-leading Phenom jets and our Praetor jets, the best in their respective categories.”

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Washington, DC:

NBAA issues statement on pause for Canada and Mexico tariffs

The National Business Aviation Association issued a statement on Monday (3rd February) following the Trump administration’s recently announced intention to pause planned tariffs for Canada and Mexico.

“Business aviation is a vital link in our nation’s transportation system, a powerful driver of our economy and a critical component of America’s leadership in manufacturing, innovation and competitiveness.

NBAA issues statement on pause for Canada and Mexico tariffs

"The industry supports more than a million jobs and nearly $250 billion in economic development, connects US companies and communities of all sizes to the global marketplace and serves as a vital incubator for next-generation technologies that benefit aviation and other sectors.

“Critical to this essential industry is a complex, highly regulated global supply chain, supported by a number of bilateral agreements that are required to meet stringent safety standards, while ensuring the reliable flow of highly specialized goods.

"Disruptions to this system have profound consequences, and workarounds that meet the exacting regulatory requirements take months or years to establish - challenges clearly demonstrated during the COVID pandemic."

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Arbor, Michigan:

Avfuel powers SAF expansion with new US supply points

Avfuel Corporation is taking sustainable aviation fuel to new horizons as it facilitates the fuel’s geographic expansion.

The company has announced a total of three new supply points in addition to a renewed SAF supply agreement to support increased SAF volume across the Avfuel Network.

Most notably, Avfuel’s SAF availability now extends up the East Coast of the United States with the addition of a supply terminal in Linden, New Jersey. This terminal joins Pasadena, Texas, and Florida’s Port Everglades, which both also established continuous flow this January.

“We have high expectations for SAF volumes in 2025,” said C.R. Sincock, II, Avfuel’s executive vice president.

Avfuel powers SAF expansion with new US supply points

“These new supply points are integral to meeting or exceeding those expectations. No longer is SAF landlocked in the West. With the addition of these terminals - particularly those in New Jersey and Florida - we’ve vastly expanded our supply chain infrastructure to significantly enhance SAF’s accessibility.”

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Lee's Summit, Missouri and Miami, Florida:

HEICO Corp acquires leading bizjet avionics repair provider

HEICO Corporation's Flight Support Group has acquired 90% of the stock of Millennium International, LLC.

Millennium is known for its pioneering role in business jet avionics repair solutions, specializing in the mission critical repair and support of both next-generation and legacy avionics systems and components.

The company offers comprehensive repair, overhaul, retrofit, and exchange services to its customers that include aircraft OEMs, fleet operators, repair businesses, and avionics brokers. Millennium's capabilities span avionics displays, navigation and radio equipment, weather radars, collision avoidance systems, and other avionics systems.

Headquartered in Lee's Summit, MO, Millennium operates across three recently expanded sites. Co-founders Jeanne Rau-Flattery and Dan Rafferty will continue leading the company, and the business will continue operating out of its existing facilities. Its talented team of over 40 engineers, technicians, and other personnel will remain with the company and focus on executing on a development pipeline of repair capabilities.

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Washington, DC:

NBAA welcomes Chris Rocheleau’s selection as FAA Acting Administrator at a critical time

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed the announcement made by President Donald Trump, that Chris Rocheleau has been appointed acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, as the agency responds to the January 29th midair collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Chris Rocheleau

Chris Rocheleau

Rocheleau will serve as acting FAA administrator until Trump’s selected nominee is confirmed by the Senate as the next permanent administrator.

“Chris is an outstanding leader who will be good for the FAA, good for aviation and good for the country, especially at this challenging time,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “He has demonstrated excellence at every level in the government, military and aviation industry.”

Rocheleau comes to the FAA after serving the past three years as NBAA chief operating officer.

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New Bern, North Carolina:

TITAN Aviation Fuels has acquired the Multi Service Aviation Card and related payment card network and processing services platform from US Bank National Association

The Multi Service Aviation Card enjoys market leading brand recognition with fleets, pilots and FBOs. The card program is specifically designed for the unique needs of aviation management, flight operators and merchants. The network is tailored to help fixed-based operators manage and grow their business and provides access to more than 35,000 cardholders.

Key benefits of the payment platform include competitive fees and options for all cards accepted on the network, flexible payment options, state-of-the-art POS devices as well as proven security with PCI-compliance. This acquisition will bolster TITAN’s already robust card programs and increase in-house capabilities.

“We are very excited to bring these resources under the TITAN brand. We believe that this move will benefit our customers by providing a new level of customer service and ultimately improve efficiency and responsiveness to our card programs,” said Robbie Stallings, President, TITAN Aviation Fuels.

TITAN Aviation Fuels


People

ASQS

Florian Lis-Srajer

Florian Lis-Srajer

ASQS, a leading provider of integrated safety and quality management software for the aviation industry, has announced the appointment of Florian Lis-Srajer as Deputy Managing Director ASQS Ltd., Thailand, effective February 2025.
This promotion reflects the company’s commitment to strategic development, ensuring stability and continuity in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market.
Florian has been with ASQS since 2020 and was appointed Head of Operations Thailand in September 2024. In this role, he played a crucial part in strengthening ASQS’s presence in the region, optimizing internal processes, and enhancing team performance. Under his leadership, the ASQS team in Thailand has expanded in recent months, reflecting the company’s growing presence in Asia.

As Deputy Managing Director, Florian will take on greater leadership responsibilities, driving business operations and leading strategic initiatives across the APAC region. In addition, he will focus more on sales in the coming months, leveraging his industry expertise and strong client relationships.

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WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Bizjet demand is up despite economic concerns

  WINGX Global Market Tracker
Bizjet activity in terms of departures in Week 5 (January 27th-2nd February) was 1% ahead of last year, global Part135 and 91K activity was 5% ahead of last year, according to WINGX's weekly Global Market Tracker published today.

So far this year (1st January-2rd February), global business jet flights are 3% ahead of last year, flying hours are also 3% ahead of last year.

United States

So far this year, activity in the United States is 5% ahead of last year in terms of both departures and flight hours. Over 90% of departures this year have been domestic US flights, domestic activity 5% ahead of last year.

Top international connection this year is to Mexico, activity 1% ahead of last year, 2nd busiest international route is Canada, departures 2% ahead of last year, activity to several Caribbean islands well ahead of last year, Turks and Caicos the exception. Just 18 bizjet flights from the US to China this year, 36% fewer than last year.

In the wake of Trump’s tariffs launched in Week 5, it’s worth noting the volume of US bizjet connections with Canada, China and Mexico.

full report


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United Kingdom

Bombardier announces new paint facility at London Biggin Hill

Bombardier has announced the enhancement of its London Biggin Hill Service Centre site with a new paint facility adjacent to the service centre building.

With an opening slated for the second half of 2026, the planned 51,000 sq.ft., two-bay, paint facility is expected to employ more than 50 skilled paint technicians and will be the perfect complement to the close-by 250,000 sq. ft. service facility.

Bombardier announces new paint facility at London Biggin Hill

“The addition of the new paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is the latest example of how we continue to expand our service offerings for our customers in order to keep their aircraft in the air - and looking good as well,” said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Aftermarket Service & Strategy.

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Wichita, Kansas:

Textron delivers first Cessna SkyCourier twin turboprop into Canada

Textron Aviation has announced the first delivery into Canada for its twin-engine, large-utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier, to Air Bravo Corporation.

Textron delivers first Cessna SkyCourier twin turboprop into Canada

Air Bravo is a passenger, cargo and air ambulance flight service company based in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie and Meaford, Ontario. The aircraft - a freighter variant - will be used to transport cargo throughout the region.

With the ability to be operated by a single pilot, the SkyCourier is an ideal solution for air freight, passenger and special missions. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment. The aircraft also has capabilities to support a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.

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Seattle, Washington:

Aviation Partners expands winglet installation network for greater geographic coverage

Aviation Partners has authorized three new MRO specialists to its installation network for its performance-boosting Winglets.

Aviation Partners expands winglet installation network for greater geographic coverage

The addition of Western Aircraft, Yingling Aviation and SEAL Aviation to the Aviation Partners’ network allows Dassault Falcon owners greater geographic options to upgrade their jets.

“Adding these installers answers aircraft owners’ demand for more MRO capacity and geographic convenience,” said Aviation Partners President Gary Dunn.

“Each of them were selected for a track record of maintenance excellence, skilled technicians and modification expertise. It is now easier than ever for Falcon owners to enjoy the performance advantages and greater resale value of API Winglets.”

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Kuala Lumpur:

CAAC certifies ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia as an approved maintenance organisation for Falcon aircraft

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has approved ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, to do line and base maintenance on Chinese-registered Falcon 7X and Falcon 2000EX EASy aircraft.

The certification approves ExecuJet Malaysia to do base maintenance checks up to and including 4C checks, the heaviest and most comprehensive check for Falcon 7X and 2000EX EASy series aircraft.

CAAC certifies ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia as an approved maintenance organisation for Falcon aircraft

The CAAC approval is significant because it is the first time ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia has been approved to maintain China-registered Falcon aircraft.

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Dominican Republic:

Universal Aviation and AERODOM to build new FBO at Samaná Airport

Universal Aviation Dominican Republic and AERODOM announced plans to construct a new FBO at Prof. Juan Bosch International Airport (MDCY) in Samaná, Dominican Republic.

Universal Aviation and AERODOM to build new FBO at Samaná Airport

The sustainable, state-of-the-art facility will offer comprehensive services, including world-class ground handling, concierge services, valet parking, and exclusive passenger and crew amenities. Construction is expected to be completed in Q2 2025.

"This new FBO at Samaná Airport responds to growing demand from high-profile travelers in the region's ultra-luxury tourism sector," said Danilo Rosario Jiménez, director of Universal Aviation Dominican Republic.

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Alabama:

Signature unveils state-of-the-art private terminal in Huntsville

Signature Aviation has celebrated the opening of a renovated facility at Huntsville International Airport (HSV) in Alabama.

The terminal is designed to meet the needs of Signature guests in one of the fastest growing cities in the southeast United States, serving as a gateway to the hub for aerospace and technology.

Signature unveils state-of-the-art private terminal in Huntsville

The design of the terminal itself was partly inspired by the area’s “Rocket City” moniker, mixing elevated amenities and modern design with local flair, including a centerpiece mural paying tribute to the area’s aerospace and aviation roots dedicated by local artist Emma Gilbert.

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Mayotte, Indian Ocean:

Air Charter Service arranges flights to aid victims of Cyclone Chido

Since Cyclone Chido devastated the French island of Mayotte in the western Indian Ocean in December, Air Charter Service has been busy arranging humanitarian aid charter flights to the region, flying in more than 1,000 tons so far, with flights still ongoing.

Air Charter Service arranges flights to aid victims of Cyclone Chido

With winds exceeding 220 km/h (136 mph), the cyclone tore through the archipelago on Saturday, December 14th, destroying villages, and leaving thousands without shelter, water, or electricity.

Ben Dinsdale, Director for Government and Humanitarian Services at Air Charter Service, commented: “We were first contacted the following day and had arranged our first charter to the region less than 72 hours after the cyclone had hit the island.

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:

GACA opens Saudi Arabia's domestic aviation market to international charter operators

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia is opening the domestic private aviation market to international operators, by announcing the removal of cabotage restrictions for foreign on-demand charter flights within the Kingdom.

The decision is part of GACA’s broader strategy to boost the private jet market, supported by the establishment of a sector development committee to engage international and domestic business jet operators.

The new policy, effective May 1st, 2025, will allow foreign charter operators to apply for permission to operate domestic flights, following specific requirements set by GACA.

“GACA is unlocking new opportunities for the global aviation industry, by removing restrictions on charter flight businesses to operate domestically in the Kingdom,” said Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA.

Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA.

Imtiyaz Manzary

“This regulatory decision supports GACA’s roadmap to establish Saudi Arabia as a general aviation hub, alongside an unprecedented infrastructure program to establish new private airports and terminals across the Kingdom.”

The removal of cabotage restrictions marks an important step in GACA’s strategy to enhance competition, attract foreign investment and provide greater flexibility for operators in the general aviation industry.

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Brussels:

Static display dropped from EBACE25

As part of its commitment to reimagining EBACE, EBAA is making the strategic decision not to have a static display at 2025’s show while redefining the strategy of the event going forward.

EBACE25 will instead concentrate on delivering quality conference content and maximising networking opportunities for attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and the media.

Static display dropped from EBACE25

Holger Krahmer, Secretary General at EBAA, said: “2025 marks a transitional year as EBAA takes on the running of EBACE and we have an exciting vision for the show’s future.

" Whilst there will be no static display this year, we are actively exploring opportunities for the future to be as flexible as possible in meeting the ever-changing needs of our industry.

“As the leading show for Business Aviation in Europe, we want to ensure our format delivers for everyone who is present at EBACE. We have listened carefully to feedback from our community and those calling for change."

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Payerne, Switzerland:

JEKTA strengthens operations ecosystem through new partnerships

Aerovy software and ATA insurance to empower PHA-ZE 100 operators with effective solutions.

JEKTA, the Switzerland-based manufacturer of the zero-emissions Passenger Hydro Aircraft - Zero Emissions 100 (PHA-ZE 100) amphibious aircraft, is strengthening its operational ecosystem through two new partnerships.

JEKTA has selected the Aerovy software platform which, collects and analyzes data to enable accurate aircraft health monitoring and predictive maintenance. The data generated will support aircraft operators and owners with enhanced operational, maintenance and other technical decision-making to streamline operating budgets.

JEKTA strengthens operations ecosystem through new partnerships

Aerovy is a US-based software company focused on integrating hardware and software for the aerospace, infrastructure and energy transition sectors.

Joint deployment of the software will enhance the ability of operators and their financiers to retain asset value through improving maintenance management and adding value by providing stakeholders in the operating ecosystem, such as insurance companies, with valuable operational feedback.

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Farnborough, UK:

Farnborough Airport launches new Airport Ops training course

Farnborough Airport has announced the launch of its inaugural training course in Airport Operations, developed in partnership with Farnborough College of Technology.

Farnborough Airport has a long and proud history as a pioneering force in aviation, and this new training course builds upon that legacy by offering an innovative opportunity to gain the necessary skills to help shape the future of the industry for those interested in working in aviation.

Virginia Barrett, Principal CEO at Farnborough College of Technology, with Farnborough Airport CEO, Simon Geere.

Virginia Barrett, Principal CEO at Farnborough College of Technology, with Airport CEO, Simon Geere.

'The Farnborough Airport Professional Certificate in Airport Operations’ is a unique eight-week training course designed for adult learners and combines college studying alongside hands-on learning at Farnborough Airport.

The training course covers a range of modules including, Customer Service, Health and Safety, Security, Ground Handling and Airport Operations, giving students the foundational knowledge and grounding needed to be able to apply for a position in the aviation industry, whether at Farnborough Airport or elsewhere.

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Marignane, France:

Airbus sees continued growth in helicopter sales in 2024

Airbus Helicopters logged 455 gross orders (net: 450) in 2024, highlighting a steady market growth with a strong performance this year for its light, light twin-engined, and heavy helicopters.

The orders came from 182 customers in 42 countries. The Company delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, resulting in a preliminary 57% share of the civil and parapublic market.

“Airbus Helicopters’ order intake in 2024, with an increase bordering 10 percent in units for the second year in a row, highlights its stable growth in a complex global environment,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

“I would like to thank our customers for continuing to place their trust in Airbus Helicopters in 2024,” he added.

The Super Puma programme performed strongly on both the civil and parapublic and military markets with 58 orders thanks to the German Bundespolizei, the Japan Coast Guard, the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands, and the Romanian Ministry of National Defence.

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Events

Washington, DC:

Dazzling Leadership Conference kicks off NBAA’s powerful 2025 event calendar

Industry leaders from every facet of business aviation were engaged, informed and inspired by a peerless line up of speakers, development tools and networking opportunities at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA’s) 2025 Leadership Conference.

The much-anticipated event, which took place in Amelia Island, FL, January 27th-30th, set the tone for an impactful year in business aviation.

The theme, “Simplify Your Leadership,” communicated the value of clarity in defining what effective leadership means in a moment of rapid industrywide change.

The conference’s interactive sessions, led by six acclaimed thought leaders, provided actionable insights about the skills required of high-caliber professionals, including meaningful communication, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and other organizational assets.

Organized by NBAA’s Business Aviation Management Committee (BAMC), the conference was co-chaired by Samantha Garrison with Wonderful Aviation, Jay Orwin with Netflix and Jeff Poeppelman with Nationwide Aviation Business Center.

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And Finally

Balancing the budget - the boom in budget airlines

The boom in budget airlines has been an impressive aviation success story. Artemis Aerospace delves into the budget world to find out why they became so popular, and what they might start charging you for next . . .

The enormous expansion of the aviation sector over the last thirty years owes a great deal to budget airlines, or low-cost carriers (LCCs), and there’s nothing to indicate that their success is in any way on the wane.

A budget airline is one which operates on minimising operating costs, the diametric opposite of the larger commercial airlines which try to attract passengers based on the ultimate customer experience. A feature of the budget experience means that although passengers save on the price of a ticket, they often have to spend more on ‘extras’ such as hand baggage, which would be included in the price elsewhere.

Balancing the budget - the boom in budget airlines

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in 2015 preliminary figures showed that ‘the global aviation network carried 3.5 billion passengers on 34 million scheduled departures. By 2030, current projections suggest these numbers will nearly double.’ The huge expansion of LCCs has been a significant factor in this rise. They fill the consumer’s requirement for affordable travel in a market dominated by carriers which can be seen as prohibitively expensive.

The birth of the LCC phenomenon is usually acknowledged to be the business model of Southwest Airlines, founded in 1966 and based in the USA in Dallas, Texas. Its planned strategy initially was to fly only within the state of Texas, thus claiming exemption from regulation by the Civil Aeronautics Board and consequently undercutting the prices of other airlines. Still an LCC carrier today, it flies to over 100 destinations in the USA, Central America and the Caribbean, but has resisted expanding to cover international routes. It is still the third largest domestic airline in America.

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