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BlueSky Business Aviation News | 30th November 2023 | Issue #726

Features Icarus Jet WINGX A View From The Top
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Your weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news

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Washington, DC:

Unleaded fuel candidate advances into next stage of PAFI testing

General aviation industry members of the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative are applauding the news of the first unleaded fuel candidate to successfully pass the most rigorous Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) initial detonation and 150-hour engine durability test phase, and continued progress toward an unleaded future.

The FAA issued the following statement yesterday (Wednesday 29th):

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the advancement to full-scale engine and flight testing of unleaded UL100E aviation fuel for piston-engine aircraft developed by LyondellBasell Industries/VP Racing.

The UL100E fuel successfully passed a 150-hour engine durability test under the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI), a collaborative industry / government testing program. LyondellBasell/VP Racing UL100E is the first unleaded fuel to pass the PAFI 150-hour durability test phase.

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Dubai, UAE:

IBAC welcomes ICAO agreement at CAAF/3 to accelerate SAF production and use

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has welcomed the global framework for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreed at the third International Civil Aviation Organization Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (ICAO CAAF/3) in Dubai.

The agreement recognizes the importance of accounting methodologies to the global acceleration of SAF production, including book and claim, which is critical to business aircraft operators’ ability to participate in the emerging SAF marketplace.

Kurt Edwards, Director General of IBAC, said, “The CAAF/3 framework advances a key tool for the global business aviation community to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

"IBAC and the business aviation industry will work with ICAO and governments to demonstrate how book and claim, using globally accepted accounting practices, can enable small operators, no matter where they are in the world, to send demand signals for SAF while claiming environmental attributes and ensuring environmental integrity.”

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Manassas, VA and Houston, TX:

Bristow secures early delivery positions with deposit for five Electra eSTOL aircraft

Following the successful first flights of Electra.aero's eSTOL technology demonstrator aircraft, Bristow Group, the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, secured early delivery positions for Electra’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) production aircraft by executing a deposit agreement.

Bristow signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Electra in 2021 to be the principal launch operational customer for the eSTOL aircraft, with a pre-order of up to 50 aircraft.

Bristow secures early delivery positions with deposit for five Electra eSTOL aircraft

Bristow will use Electra’s aircraft to expand and diversify its portfolio of specialized passenger services to offer sustainable regional air transport on routes of 50 to 500 miles. The piloted Electra eSTOL aircraft has the unique capability to take off and land in locations as small as 300x100ft, making it ideal for reaching a broader range of remote or underutilized airports as well as alternative landing areas.

"With this early delivery position, Bristow looks forward to being among the first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies to add the Electra eSTOL aircraft to our fleet and offer our customers the advantages of this new class of aircraft," said Bristow Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer Dave Stepanek.

"Bristow provides safe, efficient, sustainable, and accessible air travel solutions to our customers, and Electra’s eSTOL aircraft aligns perfectly with our vision, while enabling new markets at substantially lower operating costs.”

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Guest Article

How private aviation ignites economic growth and job creation

Kevin Singh

Icarus Jet founder and CEO, Kevin Singh, shares how the executive jet industry positively impacts a wide variety of business segments while supporting more than a million jobs in the US.

Did you know that private aviation, often associated with luxury and exclusivity, plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and job creation?

While it might seem like a niche industry, it contributes significantly to the broader economy, serving as an engine for commerce, tourism, and various other sectors.

In this article, I will explore how private aviation serves the economy and provides job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people associated with the business.

No surprise should come that the most prominent ways private aviation contributes to the economy are by facilitating business and corporate travel.

High-profile executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals rely on private jets to conduct their affairs efficiently, as this agile and flexible mode of transportation allows them to reach crucial business meetings, seal deals, and expand their ventures across the globe - by controlling their travel experience.

Moreover, private aviation enables businesses to respond swiftly to changing market conditions, boosting competitiveness and profitability.

Here, the ability to access remote locations and avoid time-consuming layovers at crowded commercial airports by chartering a private jet with certified global companies like Icarus Jet further underlines the importance of private aviation for businesses while translating into increased productivity, which can drive economic growth and job creation.

BizAv as a job generator

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Boise, Idaho:

IADA Certifies 41 Aircraft Brokers

In 2023, the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) certified 41 Aircraft Brokers who met all of the requirements and passed the IADA Certified Broker Exam. All IADA-Certified Aircraft Brokers work for IADA-Accredited Aircraft Dealers.

“These 41 newly IADA-certified Aircraft Brokers have all met or exceeded the stringent requirements and passed a comprehensive examination administered by a third party,” said IADA Executive Director Wayne Starling.

“The entire IADA organization is proud of their extraordinary professionalism and commitment to transparent aircraft transactions.”

To apply for IADA certification, a broker must be employed by an IADA-Accredited Dealer or OEM for at least a year. IADA recommends a minimum of two to three total years of experience as an aircraft broker, including completing several aircraft transactions.

the new Brokers


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People

Vimana Private Jets

Marcus Manning

Marcus Manning

Global private aviation company, Vimana Private Jets has announced the appointment of Marcus Manning as Managing Director.

Manning's core competencies in finance development, financial reporting, global business development and commercial negotiations have been honed through a series of senior management roles gained through working over 30 years in commercial and private aviation.

Senior positions with Air Europe, Virgin Atlantic and CityFlyer Express, led to Marcus becoming a member of the launch team for the new charter airline Astraeus Ltd which, through his insight, negotiation skills and business acumen, went from start up to first flight in under year.

The world of private aviation followed with PrivatAir SA where he was appointed CFO.

Most recently, Marcus held the position of Group CFO with charter broker, Chapman Freeborn.

In 2022 Marcus was appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the board of The Air Charter Association.


Aero Asset

Ed Sale

Ed Sale

Aero Asset has appointed Ed Sale as Senior Sales Director.

Sale began his aviation career in aircraft operations in 2001. He then joined Leonardo UK distributor Sloane Helicopters, followed by Airbus Helicopters UK as sales manager for private and business markets.

Prior to joining Aero Asset, he was director of HeliGroup, specialized in helicopter procurement and commercial operations.

“Ed’s extensive helicopter operations and OEM sales experience will prove invaluable in supporting helicopter buyers and sellers,” said Aero Asset VP Sales William Sturm.

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WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Business jet traffic ahead of Thanksgiving 2019, trending up this November YOY

  WINGX Global Market Tracker

Business jet and turboprop sectors are 2% ahead of comparable November 2022, 16% ahead compared to four years ago, according to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today.

Focussing on just business jets, activity this month is 1% ahead of last year, 19% ahead of four years ago. For Week 47, bizjet flights were up by 6% compared to the same dates last year. Year-to-date, global bizjet activity trails last year by 4%, although 19% ahead of 2019.

US Thanksgiving Holiday Bizjets vs Scheduled airline activity 2019-2023.

US Thanksgiving Holiday Bizjets vs Scheduled airline activity 2019-2023.

full report


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London:

Virgin Atlantic flies world’s first 100% SAF flight from Heathrow to JFK

Virgin Atlantic’s historic flight on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) took off from London Heathrow to New York JFK on Tuesday (28th November), marking the culmination of a year of radical collaboration, to demonstrate the capability of SAF as a safe drop-in replacement for fossil derived jet fuel, compatible with today’s engines, airframes and fuel infrastructure.

SAF has a significant role to play in the decarbonisation of long haul aviation, and pathway to Net Zero 2050. The fuel, made from waste products, delivers CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of up to 70%, whilst performing like the traditional jet fuel it replaces.

Air bp fuels first ever 100% SAF transatlantic flight by a commercial airline.

While other technologies such as electric and hydrogen remain decades away, SAF can be used now. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines.

more


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A View From The Top

Join Luxaviation UK’s CEO George Galanopoulos as he hosts a series of videos giving ‘A View From The Top’ of the business aviation industry.

Fixed Base Operations

  George Galanopoulos

In the ninth episode of ‘A View from the Top’ video series, Luxaviation UK’s CEO George Galanopoulos chats to Pauline Monksfield, CEO of Inflite, and Tom Chesney, general manager of Jetex at London Biggin Hill Airport.

Fixed Base Operations

They discuss their experiences at their respective FBOs, including the seamless transition of passengers from the terminal to departure, daily challenges, and the typical clients they serve.

video watch the video


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European Rotors 2023, Madrid:

Savback Helicopters appointed distributor for Konner across 7 countries

Savback Helicopters, the independent helicopter and fixed-wing sales specialist, has annnounced the signing of a Distributorship Agreement with Italian-based manufacturer Konner Helicopters.

Savback is now the Exclusive Sales Representative to sell the turbine-engined K1-S19 and K2 helicopters across the Nordic region (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland) as well as the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Sales will be handled from both Savback’s headquarters in Sweden and their UK office at Nottingham Heliport.

Konner K2

Konner K2.

The two types produced by Konner Helicopters and fly under Ultralight airframe regulations (depending on the country of operation) are intended for private owners.

more


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Geneva, Switzerland:

SITA eWAS helps Swiss avoid turbulance

The multi-feed weather awareness application will be used on all SWISS aircraft.

SITA eWAS is now deployed across all Swiss International Air Lines’ fleet to enable its pilots to anticipate and avoid adverse weather conditions, like turbulence.

SITA eWAS helps Swiss avoid turbulance

SITA eWAS is the only digital weather awareness application on the market today that aggregates multiple weather sources for greater accuracy and reliability in weather forecasts.

More and more airlines are opting for electronic weather awareness solutions to help pilots better plan and avoid severe weather.

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Bizav Newsreel

The Jet Business' Steve Varsano on why social media is vital

The Jet Business' Steve Varsano on why social media is vital  

As Steve Varsano's social following edges towards the half a billion mark . . .

and his videos (produced by a talented young team at TiltedNeedle) are watched by millions of fans across the world, he explains to GearUp.TV's Liz Moscrop why showing up on social is so vital to attract young people into the private aviation industry.

video watch the video


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Zurich, Switzerland:

Leading flight training solutions provider, AXIS Flight Simulation, has successfully qualified the first Level D Bombardier Challenger CL650 simulator in Europe.

Qualified by the Swiss FOCA on November 8th, 2023, the advanced simulator was delivered to Rega, Swiss Air Rescue.

AXIS Flight Simulation Level-D Bombardier Challenger CL650 simulator

The RFT (ready-for-training) was marked by a launch event at Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) in Opfikon, near Zürich Airport.

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Farmingdale, New York:

Modern Aviation has broken ground on two new hangars in its most recent development project at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY.

Modern Aviation breaks ground on Republic Airport hangar development

The project encompasses the construction of two hangars on Modern Aviation’s Breslau parcel at Republic Airport, totaling over 81,000 sq ft including 71,200 sq ft of hangar space and 10,100 sq ft of office space. The hangars will be equipped with 28-foot-high doors capable of accommodating today’s largest business jet

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Gloucestershire, UK:

Councils seek new investor for Gloucestershire Airport

Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City Councils, working in partnership with Gloucestershire Airport’s bolstered senior leadership team, are seeking new investment for the airport and are expected to instruct advisors to bring it to market in the near future.

Jason Ivey, airport director, comments: “The timing’s right to seek new investment, expertise and resources - it makes commercial sense for everyone. The airport’s a real asset for Gloucestershire and with the right investment it can play an even greater role in unlocking regional growth and supporting exciting projects like the Golden Valley development.”

Councils seek new investor for Gloucestershire Airport

The existing 300-acre Gloucestershire Airport site was formed in 1936 and originally named Staverton Airport, replacing its predecessor at Down Hatherley Airfield. In 1993 Gloucester City and Cheltenham Borough Councils formed Gloucestershire Airport Limited.

Today, Gloucestershire Airport is one of the UK’s busiest general aviation airports, ranking in the Civil Aviation Authority’s top 15 airports for aircraft movements. It has its own fire station and two business parks spanning a combined 700,000 square-foot, including the recently completed CGX Connect.

Numerous high-profile aviation related businesses, such as Babcock and Safran Group, call the airport home.

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Farnborough, UK:

Farnborough Airport named FBO of the Year for third year in a row at the ACA Awards 2023

Farnborough Airport has won the prestigious 'FBO of the Year' title at the Air Charter Association (ACA) Excellence Awards 2023.

The highly anticipated awards event, recognising leaders across the aviation industry, was held in Brighton on 23rd November 2023. This year marks the ninth occasion that Farnborough Airport has been awarded this coveted title and its third year in a row.

FBO Director at Farnborough Airport, Dominic Osborne, said: “Receiving this esteemed accolade is an immense privilege and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who supported us through their votes.

"Our appreciation also goes to the entire Farnborough Airport team for their unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and operational excellence. Their commitment allows us to continually enhance our facilities and services, surpassing the expectations of our valued customers.”

The ACA’s annual awards showcase excellence in the aviation sector and award companies for excellence within specific fields.

Following a global nomination process, winners are chosen through a combination of member voting and deliberations of the ACA’s industry adjudication panel.

more


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Nuremberg, Germany:

FAI honoured with two awards at the Middle East Aviation Awards

FAI Aviation Group, Germany’s leading global provider of mission-critical aviation services, was honoured at the 2023 Middle East Aviation Awards on 14th November, during the Dubai Airshow.

The group scooped two accolades - Air Ambulance Company of the Year Award and the prestigious Aviation Business Innovative Leader Award which was presented to the group’s Dubai-based Managing Director, Barbara Baumgartner.

Barbara Baumgartner accepted both awards on behalf of FAI at a Gala Evening, attended by senior aviation industry leaders.

Barbara Baumgartner accepted both awards on behalf of FAI at a Gala Evening, attended by senior aviation industry leaders. Barbara, who is marking 21 years with FAI in Dubai, commented:

“I am delighted to accept these awards at such a special evening and pleased that FAI has been recognised for its exceptional achievements in air ambulance.

"It is a testament to FAI’s dedication to excellence, safety, and innovation in air ambulance services. The company remains committed to providing world-class medical transport solutions globally, ensuring the highest level of care for patients in their time of need.”

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Kemble, UK and Hollister, California:

ZeroAvia announces completion of $116m Series C funding round

ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen-electric, zero-emission aviation, announced that it has completed its Series C funding round at a total of $116m.

The UK Infrastructure Bank joins the round as a cornerstone-level investor alongside co-leads Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and NEOM Investment Fund (NIF) as announced in September, with the Series C round set to accelerate the company’s journey to certification of its first engines and advance R&D that will scale the clean propulsion technology for larger aircraft.

The financing supports the UK’s status as a market leader in research and development in both aviation and hydrogen and will support ZeroAvia’s ambitious growth plans in the UK.

Aviation is one of the fastest growing sectors, and one of the most challenging to decarbonise, contributing the equivalent of more than 38 million tonnes of CO2 from international and domestic journeys starting and ending in the UK.

Around a quarter of UK carbon emissions are predicted to come from aviation in 2050. This funding raise will help support the Government’s target to decarbonise aviation by 2050 by developing new clean propulsion technologies that can be flying between UK airports this decade.

A thriving sustainable hydrogen ecosystem will be crucial for net zero and is an area in which the UK Infrastructure Bank is keen to act as a market leader.

more


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Savannah, Georgia:

Gulfstream completes world's first trans-Atlantic flight on 100% SAF

Data collected during Savannah-Farnborough mission will advance industry toward net-zero goals.

Gulfstream has announced the successful completion of the world’s first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Accomplished on November 19, the flight took place on a Gulfstream G600 aircraft, which departed the company’s headquarters in Savannah and landed 6 hours, 56 minutes later at Farnborough Airport in England.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines, both using 100% SAF, this mission showcases the potential for aviation’s future use of renewable fuels, which feature lower carbon, sulfur and aromatics.

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Training

Cleveland and West Lafayette:

Purdue and Flexjet partner to launch AeroSphere for Business Aviation

AeroSphere to enhance Flexjet’s innovative apprenticeship program.

Flexjet and Purdue University’s Center for Research and Education in Advanced Technology Ecosystems (CREATE) have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop AeroSphere for Business Aviation - a living ecosystem where learning, working, and innovation converge.

It is a state-of-the-art hub, combining an innovative aviation education facility with one of the largest private aviation operators in the world.

The key philosophy behind AeroSphere for Business Aviation is symbiosis: Purdue’s education program feeds into Flexjet’s business operations. In turn, Flexjet provides hands-on experiences that will inform and guide Purdue’s education program.

it is an environment where students and professionals alike learn not just from textbooks and simulators, but from real-world experiences and challenges faced by global aviation companies like Flexjet.

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And Finally

Centreline extend CSAT contract with Ministry of Defence

Centreline AV Ltd, a Pula Aviation Services company based in Bristol, UK, has announced the extension of its contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to operate and support two MoD Falcon 900LX aircraft, or Envoy IV, until September 2026.

As well as extending the term of the contract through exercise of the contract options, the scope includes the training of several more RAF pilots seconded to Centreline. This will ensure greater resilience as the aircraft start to exercise their global reach. This 30-month extension is evidence of the excellent service delivered by Centreline over the past 18 months and the strong working relationship established with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Centreline secured the contract in early 2022 and commenced full operations in July of the same year. The contract included the expansion our sister Part-145 maintenance business, ASG, to include the Falcon 900LX and the establishment of a full line and base maintenance facility at RAF Northolt.

Centreline extend CSAT contract with Ministry of Defence

Photo: Nick Challoner

The Envoy IV aircraft are used to transport key military and diplomatic personnel around the world. Notably, they offer a faster and more efficient means of travel, capable of reaching greater distances, achieving higher speeds, and doing so with greater sustainability compared to the aircraft they replaced.

Gus Paterson, Chief Operating Officer of Pula Aviation Services, expressed his enthusiasm about the contract extension, saying, "This expansion is a major endorsement of our service delivery. The UK MOD recognizes our agility and expertise, and we have proved that smaller, more innovative businesses can really deliver value for money for the UK taxpayer."

  Centreline

Adam Lunn, Centreline's CSAT Contract Delivery Manager, added, "I am delighted that we will retain this contract for a further 2 ½ years and look forward to continuing our close working relationship with our RAF and MOD partners to jointly deliver an excellent service to Defence."


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