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International Business and Private Aviation Industry News

Market intelligence:

Jetcraft releases 5-Year Pre-Owned Market Forecast exploring new era for business aviation

12,261 pre-owned transactions representing $57.2bn in revenue forecast over the next five years.

Jetcraft, the world leader in business jet sales and acquisitions, is releasing its 5-Year Pre-Owned Business Aviation Market Forecast, introducing an enhanced data-driven methodology recognizing potential market opportunities and incorporating a greater number of global trends.

Jetcraft’s 2021 Market Forecast predicts pre-owned aircraft transaction volume and value will maintain their current healthy growth rates, reaching 2,647 transactions valued at $12.4bn annually by 2025.

Jahid Fazal-Karim, Owner and Chairman of the Board at Jetcraft, says: “Since the pandemic, the true benefits of business aviation have been realized, particularly by new entrants who have had the means to fly privately but never previously the inclination, and we have seen our industry thrive.

“The combination of limited commercial airline services, plus expanding offerings within business aviation, presents the sector with a real opportunity to further broaden its customer base and secure long-term prosperity."

Skye Aviation orders additional Bye Aerospace eFlyer 800s

Bye Aerospace announced that Skye Aviation, LLC, an aircraft leasing company featuring all-electric airplanes, has completed purchase deposits for two additional eFlyer 800 aircraft and paid option agreements for three additional eFlyer 800s.

“Skye Aviation is a bridge that provides access to the many benefits of this incredible airplane,” said George E. Bye, CEO of Bye Aerospace. “A leasing solution provides an access and growth path for fleet operators to what might otherwise be a capital-constrained asset challenge.” In July, Bye Aerospace announced that Skye Aviation, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, had previously completed purchase deposits for 15 eFlyer 800s.

Skye Aviation orders additional Bye Aerospace eFlyer 800s

“We are excited to add more eFlyer 800s to our portfolio which, in turn, offers our customers increased leasing options to serve a growing market,” said Carol Johnson, Skye Aviation representative. “The transportation industry is witnessing a sea-change in travelers’ preferences for small group, on-demand, urban air mobility options."

Teterboro Airport recognized by ACI for health and safety measures

Accreditation complements Meridian’s commitment to safe operations.

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, announces that Airports Council International (ACI) has renewed Teterboro Airport’s accreditation in ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation program.

The accreditation is based on an evaluation of the health and safety measures and procedures introduced at airports worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teterboro’s certification included an assessment of the standards implemented by the airport authority and the various business operations based at the airport, including Meridian. Teterboro was the first general aviation airport in the world to achieve this accreditation.

“To maintain its accreditation, the airport had to demonstrate that it is following the plan that was submitted last year,” said Victor Rodriguez, Meridian’s Safety and Training Coordinator.

Mr. Rodriguez, who was the primary point of contact with the airport authorities, was responsible for ensuring compliance and providing documentation during the audit to help maintain the accreditation for Meridian. In addition to his safety responsibilities,

Universal earns ISO 27001 Information Security Certification for Trip Support Services and its uvGO Mission Management Platform

Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., the leading international mission management company for business aviation, announced it has earned ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification for its Information Security Management System, including all four of its international trip support offices, as well as its uvGO Mission Management Platform.

“Following the media coverage of many high-profile data breaches and hacks on well-known companies, data privacy and security, including new information such as the confidentiality of COVID test results and vaccination status, are top of mind for many flight departments,” said Wyman Miles, Chief Information Security Officer, Universal.

“We share those concerns and prioritize staying on top of the ever-changing data privacy landscape by investing in a robust security process that leverages the latest technology and best practices to help safeguard sensitive information, such as Gendecs, health and testing info, manifests, and flight planning data.

ST Engineering receives AML-STC for installation of Aviation Clean Air’s proactive air purification solution on Airbus platforms

The Commercial Aerospace business of ST Engineering has received the Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC) from the FAA to install Aviation Clean Air (ACA)’s cabin air purification solution on Airbus platforms.

With the certification, ST Engineering can install the patented Needlepoint Bipolar Ionisation (NPBI) System that neutralises pathogens and purifies air in cabin interiors during flight operations on commercial and VIP-configured Airbus A320/A321 aircraft.

“With more borders opening up, we want to help boost passenger safety and confidence, and enhance passenger comfort with innovative cabin interior sanitisation solutions," said Tan Yen Ping, Vice President and Head, Cabin Interior and Engineering Solutions at ST Engineering.

Signature cultivates diverse future of aviation industry with launch of RedTail Flight Academy relationship

Signature Flight Support, the world’s largest network of FBOs, including at Stewart International Airport (SWF) in New Windsor, New York, is helping to foster pilot training opportunities for aspiring underserved minority aviators through its new relationship with the RedTail Flight Academy (RFA), recently launched by the local Tuskegee Airmen chapter.

“We’re proud to help the RedTail Flight Academy with its goal of attracting diverse students to the aviation industry, and we’re honored to support the world-class flight training and mentoring program right here in our backyard,” explained Geoff Heck, Senior Vice President Operations, Signature Flight Support.

Signature cultivates diverse future of aviation industry with launch of RedTail Flight Academy relationship

“It was an absolute privilege to hear from Lt. Col. Enoch Woodhouse, one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen, who challenged the seven RFA cadets to make their dreams a reality and to chart their own course.”

Giuliano Donadio

Montreal-based aviation intelligence and data analytics company, TRAXXALL, has appointed Giuliano Donadio as Regional Sales Director, Latin America. Giuliano’s territory includes Mexico, seven Central American countries and 12 South American countries.

Reporting to the President, Giuliano’s mandate is to work with aircraft operators within his territory to increase their operational efficiencies and help them build better businesses.

Prior to joining TRAXXALL, Giuliano spent seven years in aircraft services sales in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Most recently, he was Aircraft Sales Manager at TAM Executive Aviation, with a focus on Cessna Citation aircraft. Previously, he was Aircraft Sales Manager with Lider Aviation, operators of more than 70 aircraft.

A Brazilian national, Giuliano is based in Sao Paulo and speaks fluent Portuguese, Spanish and English. He earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Centro Universitário FMU and spent a year studying International Marketing at the University of Toronto in Canada.

Air Charter Service

John Castellano

Leading private jet and jet card provider, Air Charter Service, has appointed the hugely experienced John Castellano as Vice President of Commercial Sales, based in the company’s Manhattan office, as it prepares for further US expansion, particularly in its jet card offering. 

Richard Thompson, President of ACS Americas, commented: “We are currently 35% up, in terms of sales of private jet charters, across our 10 offices in the region compared with the levels seen in 2019, pre-pandemic, whereas the market in general is about level (according to WingX figures). Off the back of our record year last year, we plan to invest further in the region going forward.  

“As part of our expansion plans we have brought John in as he has exactly the right kind of expertise to drive our private jets team forward and expand our jet card offering to a wider audience. John has 18 years of private jet experience and has worked for some of the biggest names in the industry. 

“Whilst John will be based in our Manhattan office, his remit will cover all 10 of our offices across the Americas, driving forward our private jet strategy across the region.”

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Omicron hits Europe but Thanksgiving lifts US activity to record highs

November 2021 was comfortably the busiest November on record for global business jet activity, with 447,000 sectors operated, 15% busier than November 2019, 43% busier than November 2020, according to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today.

The monthly activity was only 30,000 sectors shy of October’s activity, which was the busiest month on record.

The last week of November was up 23% versus October 2019, showing no impact at the aggregate level from the Omicron variant.

By contrast, scheduled passenger traffic was down by 31% in November versus two years ago. Eleven months into 2021, business jet activity is up by 6% compared to 2019, +4% if turboprops are included. Scheduled aviation activity has a 38% deficit in sectors flown year to date. Cargo operators are flying 7% more this year than two years ago.

full report

Peterborough, Ontario:

Flying Colours Corp inks sales and installation agreement with SmartSky

Flying Colours Corp. the international MRO and completions company, has signed an agreement with North Carolina-based SmartSky Networks to act as a sales and installation facility for SmartSky’s air-to-ground connectivity equipment.

Sales and installation of the advanced antennas and aircraft base radio will be available through Flying Colours Corp.’ Peterborough, ON. and St. Louis, MO. locations. The continued strengthening of the business aviation sector is driving greater use of connected services for avionics, aircraft health monitoring, and cabin WiFi. This is increasing the demand for inflight connectivity that is dependable, immediate, and secure, and necessitating a wider variety of options for owners and operators.

Flying Colours Corp. set to install SmartSky equipment in the USA and Canada.

“Every time we talk to a customer about refurbishment, or completions, we have the connectivity conversation," says Kevin Kliethermes, director of sales, Flying Colours Corp. "We already have extensive experience upgrading and installing connectivity equipment, and regularly advise on the most suitable options for a customer’s mission profile.

This week . . . How challenging situations can be seen as gifts or lessons to us all

Bizav practitioner Charlotte Wroe speaks openly about how she feels about having cancer and her motivation to help others who are also fighting it.

As part of the GearUp TVs SPARK 'Courageous Conversations' campaign, GearUp TV's Liz Moscrop interviews Charlotte who is undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Charlotte is looking to empower others and show people the value of continuing to include somebody who has had a cancer diagnosis in the running of projects and managing energy.

watch the interview

Boca Raton, Florida:

Journey adds brand new Embraer Praetor 600 to charter fleet

Private jet charter operator and aircraft management company, Journey Aviation, continues to grow its charter fleet with the latest addition of a new Embraer Praetor 600. The acquisition brings the company's fleet to 19 aircraft available for domestic and international flights.

This super-midsize Praetor 600 delivers a non-stop range of 4,018nm and has a 9 passenger executive configuration. The layout includes a forward 4-place seating area and an aft cabin 3-place divan opposite dual seating area. The aircraft is fully equipped with a forward mini galley, microwave, oven, mini refrigerator, display monitors, state-of-the-art electronics system, WiFi and Airshow.

Journey adds brand new Embraer Praetor 600 to charter fleet

Journey Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer, Fabian Bello says, “We are thrilled to announce not only the newest charter aircraft to enter our fleet, but also the newest aircraft in the fleet with less than 100 total hours! We continue to elevate our clients’ expectations by offering this beauty of a jet and we are excited for the industry to experience it.”

Boise, Idaho:

Western Aircraft, a Greenwich AeroGroup company announced it recently completed its first 192-month inspection on a Gulfstream aircraft.

While Western has been working on large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft for the last couple years, lack of space to accommodate the expanded scope of work associated with those large airframes was a constraint. However, space is no longer a hinderance due to Western’s recent addition of a 53,000 square-foot hangar that can accommodate up to six G650 aircraft.

Western completed the 192-month inspection on a Gulfstream G500-5000 series aircraft.

The 192-month inspection is the largest calendar inspection on a Gulfstream aircraft. This comprehensive structural review for cracks and corrosion includes the removal of the airframe’s interior and cockpit, as well as removal of the engines, APUs, the wings leading edges, horizontal and vertical stabilizers and more.

“Our team did an outstanding job,” said Russell Crouch, Western Aircraft’s Gulfstream service manager. “We have some extremely experienced Gulfstream technicians on our team. This project gave them a chance to share their vast knowledge with some technicians who are still learning about this airframe.”

Clark, Philippines:

Metrojet Engineering Clark (MEC), the Philippines-based MRO station of Hong Kong-based Metrojet Limited has welcomed the first Bombardier Global 7500 to its new state-of-the-art hangar parking.

“The travel and quarantine restrictions continue to impact the flying activities in the APAC region to a certain degree," said Sarith Vaikuntan, General Manager of Metrojet Engineering Clark. "Many aircraft have been idle, waiting for the quarantine curbs to be relaxed. With the business jet maintenance bubble in place, MEC is here to serve and provide these grounded aircraft with a high quality and competitive alternative to Hong Kong and North Asia’s limitations with hangar parking space.”

Metrojet Engineering Clark Receives The First Global 7500 Hangar-Parking Aircraft

The new hangar with over 7,100 m2 of floor space, has the capacity to accommodate up to 10 long-range business jets including Boeing Business and Airbus Corporate jets. Workshops, stores, staff and customer offices and lounges with available space for a dedicated FBO encompassing a 2500 m2 two-storey annex building on the rear of the hangar. Coupled with 11,000 m2 of apron area in front of the hangar with an exclusive private taxiway, the world-class facility has been designed to the highest international standards including typhoon and seismic resistant features meeting current Philippine codes.

Washington, DC:

Santa says don’t aim Holiday laser-light displays at the sky

The holiday season is here and the FAA wants to make sure your laser-light displays are aimed at your house, not at the sky.

Each year, they receive reports from pilots who are distracted or temporarily blinded by residential laser-light displays.

Santa says don’t aim Holiday laser-light displays at the sky

The extremely concentrated beams of laser lights reach much farther than you might realize.

A well-meaning attempt to spread holiday cheer has the potential to create a serious safety risk to pilots and passengers on airplanes that fly overhead. So please make sure all laser lights are directed at your house and not pointing towards the sky. The extremely concentrated beams of laser lights reach much farther than you might realize.

If the FAA become aware that your laser-light display affects pilots, they'll ask you to adjust them or turn them off. If the display continues to affect pilots, despite warnings, you could face a civil penalty of up to $11,000 per violation.

As of November 22, the FAA received 8,550 laser strike reports for 2021, exceeding the 2020 total of 6,852 - the highest number of laser strike incidents since tracking statistics began in 2010.

Le Castellet, France:

Revamp for Le Castellet International Airport

The demolition of Le Castellet International Airport's runway marked the commencement of major modernisation and refurbishment this week.

Built by Paul Ricard in 1962, the French airport has seen some of the finest business aircraft and private jets on its tarmac over the last sixty years.

Ideally located right next to the Paul Ricard racetrack and just a few kilometres from resorts on the French Riviera such as Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Le Castellet International Airport welcomes tourists and business travellers to the south of France all year round, as well as racing drivers and their teams who come to compete on the famous Circuit Paul Ricard.

Revamp for Le Castellet International Airport

The work, undertaken by around a hundred workers from the construction company Colas over a period of two months, will include removing the top layer of asphalt, repairing and relaying the pavement base and then resurfacing with a tarmac layer. In addition to work on its infrastructure, runway marker lighting and control systems will be completely overhauled.

click to visit Amsterdam Software - FBO ONE

Brussels:

EBAA urges governments to avoid travel bans

The European Business Aviation Association has called on governments to use an individual risk-based approach versus 'country-to-country' to avoid ineffective travel bans.

In a statement issued on Monday (29th November), the EBAA said:

"The European Business Aviation community supports the European Commission’s proposal to update the rules on coordination of safe and free movement in the EU focusing on a ‘person-based approach' but considers that after 2 years of experience of the covid-19 pandemic, this approach should avoid the repetition of inefficient actions and measures.

The business aviation community is concerned about the recent uncoordinated wave of travel bans following the appearance of the new B.1.1.529 variant of COVID-19. Those concerns are also shared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its recommendation to countries to keep applying a riskbased and scientific approach when implementing travel measures."

Comlux launches new hangar project at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub

Leading business aviation transaction and completion services company, Comlux, has announced the signing of an agreement with Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub - the aerospace platform of Dubai dedicated to the advancement of the aviation industry - to develop a hangar facility at MBRAH that spreads across 12,000 square meters of land.

The announcement was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines and Group and Chairman of Dubai Airports.

The facility is equipped to simultaneously accommodate two ACJ and BBJ family aircraft types, including the future ACJ TwoTwenty.

The vital importance of aircraft de-icing and washing

With the onset of winter and plummeting temperatures, the importance of aircraft de-icing and washing can never be overstated.

As temperatures drop below zero, snow and ice can accumulate on an aircraft’s wings, engine cowlings, and fuselage, all of which can lead to a negative impact on the aircraft’s performance and safety.

The vital importance of aircraft de-icing and washing

Jan Brunstedt, CEO of Aviator Robotics AB - a leading aircraft de-icing and washing solutions company, and a family member of Avia Solutions Group - shared some insights into the importance of both critical processes.

According to Brunstedt, as winter takes a stronger hold, many aircraft - especially in the Nordic countries - may need to undergo the de-icing process 4 to 5 times per day to negate any safety issues caused by sub-zero temperatures.

In such conditions ice can accumulate on the leading edges of wings which can, in turn, disrupt the smooth flow of air over the wings; the fundamental process that produces lift in an aircraft.

B737 MAX FFS ready for training at BAA Training Spain

The brand-new B737 MAX full flight simulator (FFS) is now ready for training at BAA Training Spain, near Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

The simulator manufactured by L3Harris Technologies guarantees high fidelity pilot training experience while maintaining high degrees of reliability and maintainability.

BAA Training Spain MD, Aurimas Urbonas, said, "At BAA Training Spain, we continue delivering quality and accommodating the demand of commercial airlines and aviation professionals. Incorporating the B737 MAX full flight simulator is yet another step to offer better variety and convenience to our customers.

"Compared to more than 200 B737NG simulators globally, approximately three dozen B737 MAX FFSs are a limited number, so we are pleased to be one of a few pilot training providers able to offer this kind of simulator training.“

To cater to the growing interest in B737 MAX, BAA Training Spain is starting with respective training programs and adding other B737 MAX equipment complementary to the FFS.

FAI Technik scoops Aviation Award for Project Pearl refurbishment

FAI Technik GmbH, the expanding German MRO supplier and part of the FAI Aviation Group was honoured in the 2021 Middle East Aviation Awards on 16th November when it scooped the Innovation in Engineering Category for its work on Project Pearl, a multi-million Euro refurbishment of a pre-owned Bombardier Global Express.

Tim Callies, specialist aviation interior design partner was lead architect to the FAI team as they undertook one of the most challenging projects on a pre-owned business jet.

FAI's Barbara Baumgartner and Kenneth Mitchen, Executive Director at Creative Middle East Media, organizers of the Aviation Achievement Awards.

The Group’s Dubai-based Managing Director Barbara Baumgartner accepted the accolade at the Awards‘ Gala Evening, attended by senior aviation industry leaders, delighted to be reunited after months of travel restrictions.

Barbara, who is marking 20 years with FAI, commented: “Not only was it terrific to accept this award on behalf of our super talented engineering team in Nuremberg, but it was wonderful to get back with friends and colleagues, celebrating a special evening, coinciding with the Dubai Airshow.”

Increase in COVID cases prompts EBAA to shift Annual Safety Summit from physical to digital

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Europe, the European Business Aviation Association has announced the shift of the Annual Safety Summit from a physical, to a virtual Summit on December 13-14th , keeping the original dates.

The association revealed a digital programming on its website. The two-day lineup will feature an opening keynote by EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky and several sessions focusing on trends in Business aviation safety, ground-operations and threat-line auditing.

“This continues to be a very challenging situation, and the health and well-being of our attendees and speakers remains our highest priority,” said Robert Baltus, EBAA Chief Operations Officer. “We decided that, in the current epidemiological situation, we had to take a pro-active stance to showcase that safety remains our prime concern.” He continued.

Attendees already registered will be automatically signed up for the virtual Safety Summit. The attendance is free of charge and tickets will be reimbursed by EBAA. Registrations are open and interested parties are welcomed to register on the event website

The Latin American FBO Forum 2021 - Volar Adelante

Florida based X-1FBO, developers of the cutting-edge X-1FBO - the Next Generation FBO software systems - will be hosting the inaugural Latin American FBO Forum 2021, Volar Adelante.

The online event is free and open to all FBOs across Latin and South America and the Caribbean and takes place 7-9 December, 13:00-15:00 Eastern Standard Time (EST).

click on the image below for Speaker, Programme and Registration details.

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COVID

Lufthansa Technik's EXPLORER design study opens up new themed worlds for VIP cabins

Lufthansa Technik AG presented further details of its new wide-body VIP cabin concept EXPLORER at last month's Dubai Airshow.

The EXPLORER design concept is based on the current trend for superyachts that fulfill two wishes for their owners: To take them almost anywhere at any time and to serve them at their destination as an individual hotel and base camp for a wide variety of leisure activities and excursions.

The floor in the forward fuselage area extends outward from the parked aircraft to form a spacious veranda.

The floor in the EXPLORER's forward fuselage area extends outward from the parked aircraft to form a spacious veranda.

Lufthansa Technik's specialists have chosen the Airbus A330 as the platform for realizing these customer wishes in private aviation. As a classic wide-body aircraft, it offers sufficient space for a large number of novel cabin ideas and also a sufficient range to fulfill the special wishes of the EXPLORER target group.

"In yacht building, multifunctional exploration vessels have now become a class in their own right. And many owners of such vessels also call an aircraft their own," explained Wieland Timm, Head of Sales VIP & Special Mission Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik.

"For this fast-growing target group of VIP world explorers, we have therefore now created a flying platform for the first time. Unlike a yacht, however, our EXPLORER aircraft allows passengers to travel to the other side of the globe within hours and set up their own individual base camp for further activities. This opens up completely new possibilities for explorers."