Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Savannah, Georgia:Gulfstream G800 earns FAA and EASA certificationsGulfstream's all-new G800, the world’s longest-range business aircraft, has earned type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and has done so with even greater performance capabilities than originally anticipated.The certifications confirm enhanced performance for the aircraft, including a range of 8,200 nautical miles/15,186 kilometers at the long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, an increase of 200 nm/370 km over original projections.
The G800 also can travel 7,000 nm/12,964 km at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90 or an unprecedented 8,000 nm/14,816 km at Mach 0.87. The aircraft’s maximum operating speed has increased to Mach 0.935 from Mach 0.925. In addition, the G800 was certified with a balanced field length takeoff distance of 5,812 feet/1,771 meters and a landing distance of 3,105 ft/946 m (standard ISA day, sea level), both shorter than initially announced, giving customers access to more airports.
Green Bay, Wisconsin:Avflight expands network with second Wisconsin FBOAvflight Corporation has announced its newest FBO, Avflight Green Bay at Green Bay/Austin Straubel International Airport (KGRB), further expanding premier aviation services in the Midwest. Effective April 7th, Avflight acquired the existing Executive Air facility at KGRB, establishing its second Wisconsin location and 27th FBO facility worldwide. With expertise in FBO acquisitions, tenants and transient customers alike are promised a seamless transition as Avflight rebrands the facility while remaining fully operational.
The premier FBO serves as a convenient Midwest stop, offering top-tier fuel and aviation services, and easy access to local attractions, professional sports and a vibrant downtown. The facility’s striking lobby features oversized windows with sweeping views of the runway, perfectly positioned to take in Green Bay’s breathtaking sunsets. “We’re excited about our newest location and look forward to serving Green Bay’s aviation community,” said Joe Meszaros, vice president of operations at Avflight. “This new location strengthens our presence in the Midwest and underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service to general aviation customers across North America and Europe.”
Henderson, Nevada:AEROCOR expands global reach with record helicopter sales in first 9 monthsAEROCOR, a leader in aircraft sales and marketing, has announced that its newly launched Helicopter Division has exceeded major milestones well ahead of schedule - just nine months into operations. Originally targeting five transactions in its first year, AEROCOR has already completed nine, including four acquisitions and five sales. Eight of these were turbine-powered helicopters, and the company has successfully imported one aircraft from Europe, broadening its inventory and global reach. This rapid success highlights AEROCOR’s ability to apply its data-driven sales strategy to the helicopter market. The expansion has been met with strong demand, attracting high-level clients seeking expert acquisition and sales support - particularly in the turbine segment.
NBAA-BACE 2025:Country superstar, passionate aviator Dierks Bentley to take center stage at NBAA-BACE keynoteMultiplatinum artist, accomplished pilot and aviation champion Dierks Bentley will keynote the opening day of the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) taking place October 14th-16th in Las Vegas, NV. Bentley’s groundbreaking career in music making - including eight No. 1 albums, 22 No. 1 songs and 15 Grammy nominations - has been inextricably linked to business aviation.
Dierks Bentley. From his earliest days on the concert circuit, Bentley’s use of aviation has allowed him to avoid the tour bus, and instead fly to concerts, then quickly return home to work and family obligations in his Nashville hometown. “I’m looking forward to sharing my love of aviation, and talking about how flying and aviation have impacted my life and career,” Bentley said in a video address announcing his plans for the NBAA-BACE keynote.
Broomfield, Colorado:Gogo announces first STC for direct current version of Plane Simple Ka-band terminalGogo, a leading global provider of broadband connectivity services for executive and mil/gov aviation, has confirmed Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a direct current (DC) variant of the Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal for Gulfstream G280 aircraft types. This represents the first time a Plane Simple antenna has received regulatory approval for a terminal powered by direct current flow rather than alternating current (AC). The DC option supports the distribution of high-speed broadband, powered by the Viasat Jet ConneX service, to passengers and crew traveling on the agile, super midsized jet.
The STC was achieved in partnership with Gulfstream and Jet Aviation, with the antenna installed by Jet Aviation at its maintenance center in Basel, Switzerland. The Plane Simple Ka-band aftermarket solution is now available for installation through authorized Gulfstream and Jet Aviation Service Centers worldwide. The G280 owner, a large German automotive supplier, will use the DC Plane Simple Ka-band antenna to maximize uninterrupted global connectivity coverage.
São Paulo, Brazil:Embraer 1Q25 deliveries 20% up on 1Q24Embraer delivered 30 aircraft in the first quarter of 2025. The result is 20% higher than that recorded in the first quarter of last year (1Q24), when 25 aircraft were delivered. In comparison to the same period in 2024, Commercial Aviation volumes were stable in the quarter, with 7 aircraft delivered. Executive Aviation volumes were higher year over year: 23 jets were delivered in 1Q25 versus 18 in 1Q24 - an increase of 28%. The company's guidance foresees between 77 and 85 deliveries in Commercial Aviation in 2025 (midpoint 10% higher in the annual comparison), and 145 to 155 in Executive Aviation (midpoint 15% higher year over year).
Embraer Patrick PengEmbraer has appointed Patrick Peng to the position of Managing Director and Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Commercial Aviation, Embraer China, effective March 31st 2025.Peng will lead Embraer’s activities in China and report to Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation.With over 20 years of aviation industry expertise, Peng distinguished career spans global aviation leaders including Airbus, GE Aviation/CFM, Thales, and Safran. His proven track record includes strategic sales leadership, billion-dollar aftermarket service contract negotiations, and cultivating long-term partnerships with airlines, OEMs, and regulatory stakeholders in China. Peng holds an MBA from Tsinghua University, a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. The ACA Malin JunkersThe Air Charter Association (The ACA) has announced the appointment of Malin Junkers as Events & Training Executive, to support the coordination and growth of The ACA’s events and training opportunities, with a particular focus on the Air Charter Broker Qualification and The ACA Internship.Junkers joins The ACA after working several years in the live events industry, where she developed a passion for the operational and logistical aspects of event management. Her experience with international tours and projects across Germany and the UK, including in the music industry, will ensure the highest standards continue to be delivered across The ACA’s events.The ACA hosts numerous industry events throughout the year, including the recent Young Professionals’ event, the Air Charter Expo (ACE) and European Networking Event - taking place at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) this year in Geneva. Junkers has had a long-standing interest in aviation and is currently working towards her Private Pilot License. |
In the week following ‘Liberation Day’, Week 15 (7th-13th April), global business jet flights were actually up 4% compared to the same week last year, with activity up 2% in the core US market, 8% up in Europe and 40% up in the Middle East.According to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today, the last 4-week trend is up 3.5%, with charter and fractional markets slightly trailing at 3% growth trend. Year to date (1st January-13th April), the global business jet fleet flew just over 1 million departures, 3% more than in the comparable period of 2024. There has been some particularly strong growth in transatlantic bizjet traffic this month, intercontinental flights up 11% so far this month. In the opening two weeks of this month 586 bizjet sectors have departed North America for European airports, New York - London by far the busiest route, 47 flights so far this month.
United Kingdom:Air Charter Service partners with Silverstone to deliver upgraded heliport and private aviation experienceLeading private air charter specialist, Air Charter Service (ACS), has become the official private charter supplier to Silverstone, joining forces with the home of British motorsport to deliver an experience unlike any there before.The partnership will see ACS, along with its long-standing partner Helipad, deliver an improved customer experience at the heliport, which will be launched at the British Grand Prix along with a series of new aviation products for those looking to head straight to the heart of the action and enjoy the ultimate Silverstone experience year-round.
The partnership aims initially to bring the heliport experience at Silverstone in line with what customers travelling by helicopter have come to expect. The heliport during the British Grand Prix welcomes more than 6,000 passengers on over 1,500 flights, and this new partnership will see a bespoke terminal structure offering over 8,500 square feet of space, featuring Helipad’s proprietary passenger system and ACS flight representatives providing hospitality.
Let’s be honest; most of us simply throw our power banks, tablets, and chargers into flight bags with abandonment. It’s just equipment, right? But the fact is, lithium-ion batteries, convenient though they may be, can become fire-starters in a heartbeat. And in general aviation, with fewer crew and fewer resources, that’s a very big deal indeed. These fires aren’t rare flukes anymore. They’re occurring with greater frequency. Do you recall that Air Busan flight in 2024? One passenger’s power bank ignited during boarding. The cabin was filled with smoke, the passengers panicked, and the crew rushed to put out the flames. The device was stored in a backpack in the overhead bin - nobody saw it coming. And although all got out safely, it was enough to prompt a new push in Asia for stricter regulations on shipping lithium batteries.
Abu Dhabi, UAE:Bombardier’s new Al Bateen service facility highlights ongoing commitment to the regionBombardier has announced the development of its new service facility at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, further extending its industry-leading MRO capabilities around the world.The new facility represents a strong partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, leveraging their expertise and commitment to aviation excellence.
The new facility, which will relocate from its originally announced location at the Abu Dhabi International Airport in 2022, further reinforces Bombardier’s commitment to serving its customers in this key market. The new location at the dynamic Al Bateen Executive Airport more effectively aligns with the needs of Bombardier customers. At full capacity, the new OEM service facility is aiming to create approximately 100 aerospace jobs for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, further solidifying Bombardier’s presence in this important hub. Construction of the new facility is set to commence in the first half of 2025, with completion and operational readiness expected in the second half of 2026.
Manchester, UK:Weston Aviation launches FBO operations at Manchester Airport in association with aetherWeston Aviation has announced the launch of its FBO services at aether - The Private Terminal at Manchester Airport.In association with aether, Weston Aviation now offers exclusive access to one of the most sophisticated aviation terminals in the region for private jet operators and business aviation passengers. The state-of-the-art facility, opened at the tail end of 2024, is the ideal setting for a convenient, discreet, and highly personal service.
“We are thrilled to begin offering our full suite of services at aether - an exceptional facility that aligns perfectly with our market and our commitment to providing outstanding customer care,” said Nick Weston, CEO of Weston Aviation. “Our FBOs and aviation services are designed to provide a hassle-free experience, allowing our customers to focus on what matters most, confident that their travel needs are being handled with care. This collaboration strengthens our position in the market, allowing us to innovate the way we provide our premium service at Manchester Airport.”
Montréal:World’s fastest business jet in final assembly and progressing on scheduleThe Global 8000 will be the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde.Bombardier's Global 8000 business jet program is progressing to plan, with its first production aircraft continuing in the assembly phase in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada.
“Bombardier’s Global 8000 possesses outstanding short-field capabilities, with the ability to access smaller airports other aircraft in its category can’t access. This helps make it the clear choice for discerning owners and operators who prioritize convenience and flexibility,” said Stephen McCullough, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier.
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 Oxford, UK:Unifi expands UK operations with ground handling and security contracts at London Oxford AirportUnifi has secured its first business aviation ground handling contract and its third FBO security contract in the United Kingdom, marking a major expansion of its services and a new milestone in its global growth.Effective April 15th, Unifi takes over ramp handling operations and fuelling services at London Oxford Airport, which is ranked fifth in the UK for business aviation movements.
In addition, effective May 1st, Unifi will become the first-ever external company to manage ramp operations at the airport alongside whole airport security, providing 24/7/365 support, including ID center management, access control, visitor and delivery coordination and NASP passenger screening through the airport’s FBO. The airport, owned by the Reuben Brothers, is experiencing strong growth on its on-demand flight operations as it invests in the future, including a £48m newly commenced construction of its AerOx Science and R&D Park and another 70,000 sq.ft. hangar, No.16. Unifi UK’s strong local presence and established, trusted relationship with the airport, were key factors in winning the contracts. Up & Away, the aircraft services and executive jet detailing company Unifi purchased in summer 2023, has been providing detailing services at the airport since 2008.
AERO Friedrichshafen 2025:'Best ever AERO'The AERO Friedrichshafen 2025 welcomes 760 exhibitors from 38 nations, visitor numbers up from 2024.The AERO 2025 - the 31st edition of the trade fair - impressively demonstrated its position as the leading global trade fair for general aviation, air sports and business aviation.760 exhibitors from 38 nations showcased a total of 328 aircraft (2024: 270), ranging from drones to gliders, microlights, single- and twin-engine piston aircraft, helicopters and ultra long-range jets.
Never before have more aircraft been on display at an AERO. Many exhibits were on display at a trade fair for the first time. 32,100 visitors (2024: 31,500) from more than 80 nations traveled to Lake Constance for the GA Summit. Business aviation was particularly strong: the largest line-up of business aircraft at a trade fair in Europe this year was on display at AERO. The Business Aviation Dome in the static display - a 2000 square meter transparent hangar - impressed exhibitors and visitors alike. Stefan Reisinger, CEO of organizer fairnamic GmbH, says: “AERO 2025 was a precision landing. We have been able to expand our expertise and relevance. The new trade fair concept with the Business Aviation Show Hub has been a stunning success.”
Dubai, UAE:SolitAir secures AOC in the United Arab EmiratesCargo airline adds fourth aircraft to its fleet.Dubai World Central-headquartered middle-mile air cargo operator SolitAir has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).The certification process, governed by UAE Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) Part V, Chapter 4, required SolitAir to meet stringent operational, safety and financial capability standards. The approval underscores SolitAir’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of air safety and regulatory compliance, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the region’s logistics and supply chain sector.  Hamdi A. Osman. “Receiving the AOC from the UAE’s competent authority is a testament to our operational excellence and readiness to drive innovation in air cargo transportation,” said Hamdi A. Osman, Founder & CEO of SolitAir. “Our focus is on delivering agile, express, reliable and sustainable solutions to bridge the high growth, developing markets of the Global South with Dubai, one of the world’s most sophisticated and hyperconnected trade hubs.” SolitAir also announced the addition of a fourth aircraft to its growing fleet.
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Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 granted type certification in Mongolia
The Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 - the world’s most fuel-efficient and quiet single-aisle aircraft - have been awarded type acceptance certificates by the Mongolia Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). This milestone paves the way for the introduction of the advanced E-Jets E2 family into Mongolia’s growing aviation market.
The certification follows rigorous assessments by MCAA, aligning with global aviation standards already met by the aircraft through certifications from the FAA (US), EASA (Europe), ANAC (Brazil), CAAS (Singapore) and CAAC (China).
“We thank the Mongolia Civil Aviation Authority for their diligent assessment and confidence in Embraer’s aircraft,” said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Certification paves the way for more business opportunities as we continue to expand our footprint in Mongolia. The E2 is ready to be a strategic asset for Mongolian carriers seeking to modernize their fleets and grow their networks. We look forward to supporting Mongolia’s growing aviation market with these game-changing aircraft.”
Embraer’s presence in Mongolia began in 2018, when ERJ 145 entered service with Aero Mongolia. In 2019, Hunnu Air, the largest private airline in the country, added two E190s to its fleet, leveraging their efficiency and versatility to serve domestic and international routes between Mongolia and neighboring countries/regions.
Most recently, in 2023, Hunnu Air launched direct services between Ulaanbaatar and Beijing Daxing using E-Jets. These milestones underscore Embraer’s long-standing partnership with Mongolian airlines in advancing the nation’s aviation capabilities.
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