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International Business and Private Aviation Industry News

Las Vegas, Nevada:

'Pre-owned business aircraft market is white-hot'

Asset Insight releases Q2 21 Market Report.

The Asset Insight Q2 AI2 2021 Market Report shows that pre-owned business aircraft experienced a 30% increase in sales volume in Q2 over Q1 2021, and a 101% increase in sales volume in Q2 2021 over Q2 2020.

Coupled with the increase in transactions, asking prices also increased, on average, 2.2% across the for-sale fleet. The Q2 AI2 Market Report covers 134 fixed-wing models and 1,450 aircraft listed for sale.

Along with the brisk transaction activity, Large Jets saw a 7% Ask Price increase while Turboprops posted a 3.2% increase in Ask Prices in the second quarter of 2021 over Q1 2021; and a 0.8% increase and 8.3% increase over Q2 2020 respectively. While activity continued to be strong for Mid-Size and Light Jets, Ask Prices for both categories were down in Q2 versus Q1 and versus 2020 – with Light Jet Ask Prices dropping over 17% year-over-year.

“Viewed from any angle, the pre-owned business aircraft market is white-hot," said Tony Kioussis, president of Asset Insight, LLC. "As sellers bring additional aircraft to the marketplace, newer/higher quality assets are snapped up by eager buyers at values very close to their Ask Price.

GA Associations welcome GAMI’s unleaded aviation fuel STC

The Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) have congratulated General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI) for its G100UL unleaded aviation fuel receiving the FAA’s approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the fuel’s use in certain Lycoming O-320, O-360 and IO-360 piston engines.

GAMI, an Oklahoma-based company, has dedicated years researching and developing an unleaded aviation fuel. The STC for use of GAMI’s proprietary high-octane unleaded avgas, G100UL, is currently for a limited number of normally aspirated 4-cylinder engines and is a constructive step forward in the development of an unleaded avgas.

The general aviation industry’s ultimate goal is an FAA fleet-wide authorization for a practical unleaded avgas that can replace 100LL with no negative impact on safety and the general aviation community.

Dallas, Texas:

New A&P program benefits both students and employers

Critical-skills positions require a talent pool specifically trained for those jobs.

A new airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic program being developed at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, OK, serves to increase a skills-based workforce for such leading area employers as King Aerospace.

King Aerospace held a luncheon on June 29 for program organizers as part of its public-private sector collaboration. Roy Lischinsky, vice president of operations at King Aerospace Commercial Corporation, will serve on SouthernTech’s advisory board.

The program will meet requirements for students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exam needed to earn certification as an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic. This certificate authorizes the holder to approve aircraft that have undergone inspection or maintenance for return to service.

Gulfstream exceeds 500 in-flight connectivity service installations

Gulfstream has surpassed 500 installations of the Inmarsat Jet ConneX in-flight connectivity platform on large-cabin aircraft. The robust Wi-Fi solution is available on new aircraft and can be retrofitted on qualifying existing aircraft.

“Gulfstream owners expect a seamless transition from life on the ground to life on their aircraft, making connectivity essential,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream.

Gulfstream exceeds 500 in-flight connectivity service installations

“This milestone illustrates our commitment to performance with high-speed connectivity and increased productivity, allowing our aircraft to truly be offices in the skies. As the industry leader in Jet ConneX installations, Gulfstream is dedicated to providing our customers with top-of-the-line products and services.”

Priester Aviation transition to third generation of ownership

Priester Aviation, LLC, continues its history of family-led leadership by announcing the ascension of its next generation of ownership.

The private aviation company announces that Andy Priester, President and CEO, will become its Chairman, taking over from Charlie Priester, who remains with Priester Aviation as Chairman Emeritus.

In taking up the mantle of Chairman, Andy Priester, will be third generation to steward the legacy of the company his grandfather, George, founded in 1945. Charlie Priester had led the on-demand charter, management and aviation consulting company since the 1980s.

Charlie Priester remains with Priester Aviation as Chairman Emeritus.

“For more than 75 years, the Priester name has meant so much to aviation and the people with whom we’ve built strong relationships and served,” says Andy Priester.

“So much of that credit goes to Charlie, who took the company to new heights over the past 40 years. His vision and connections within the industry and to people have been invaluable to our success.

Brazil:

Embraer delivered a total of 34 jets in the second quarter of 2021, 14 of which were commercial aircraft and 20 were executive jets (12 light and eight large).

As of June 30, the firm order backlog totaled USD 15.9bn, a 12% increase compared to the backlog at the end of the first quarter, and which represented a return to pre-pandemic levels.

In the executive aviation segment, during 2Q21, Embraer delivered the 600th Phenom 300 series business jet to Superior Capital Holdings, LLC based in Fayetteville, Arkansas and also delivered the first limited-edition Phenom 300E aircraft, part of the Duet collaboration with Porsche, to an undisclosed customer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The company completed the first conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500 jet in Brazil, which was delivered to an undisclosed customer. The conversion was performed at Embraer’s Service Center in Sorocaba, Brazil. With this delivery, Embraer has already converted a total of 20 Legacy 450s into Praetor 500s in Europe, North America, and now Brazil.

The full conversion process can be performed at Embraer Owned Service Centers.

Coronavirus

BBGA

Lindsey Oliver

Lindsey Oliver, Operations and Development Manager for the British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) is moving into a new role as Director General, effective immediately.

She will be responsible for day-to-day operational matters for the national trade body which promotes and supports business and general aviation in the UK, fostering a closer interface with the BBGA Board and the Association’s Working Groups.

Lindsey has worked alongside CEO Marc Bailey, overseeing the running of the Association, since 2009. Much of her work has been involved in supporting members and reacting to and resolving both their and industry issues, as well as successfully managing various BBGA events.

Her appointment is a key part of a new, collaborative and structured approach to running the BBGA, which will see each Board member undertaking defined roles, based on their area of expertise.

BAA Training

Marijus Ravoitis

BAA Training has confirmed Marijus Ravoitis as its new CEO, replacing Egle Vaitkeviciute who steps aside to progress her career in an advanced role as a Strategic Advisor for the company.

Ravoitis, who is making an internal move from a Chief Sales Officer’s role, will guide the organization in its mission to deliver world-class aviation training to both corporate and individual clients.

In his four years of serving BAA Training, the company has acknowledged Ravoitis' dedication to creating an environment of accountability and transparency.

An expert in the field of aviation training, Ravoitis has ten years of international sales experience in different industries and continents: South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Thanks to this diverse experience, he has a deep knowledge of different cultures and markets that is helpful in his current and future professional endeavors.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

July delivers biggest ever Summer surge in business jet activity

Business jet and turboprop activity has rebounded in July, up 43% on July 2020 and climbing 11% beyond the pre-pandemic volumes back in July 2019 according to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker, published today.

Commercial airline activity is also clearly on the comeback, with 60% more flights this versus last July, but still 33% behind July 2019 activity. Global cargo activity has plateaued, within 1% of pre-pandemic activity.

Mallorca connections

Year-to-date, more than 2.5 million business aviation sectors have been operated, within 3% of the same period´s activity in 2019, and relative to a 43% deficit in scheduled airline activity. Looking just at business jet platforms, flights are up 0.2% in the first 7 months of 2021 compared to 2019.

North America has seen more than 70% of the global activity of business jet flights this year and is trending up by 50% compared to last year, up 1% versus 2019. Airline activity in the region is still down by 40% so far this year compared to 2019.

full report

Melbourne, Florida:

Eve and Flapper to develop Urban Air Mobility operations in Latin America

Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, an Embraer company, and Flapper Tecnologia, S.A., an independent on-demand private aviation platform, have announced a partnership aimed at developing the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market in Latin America.

Eve and Flapper to develop Urban Air Mobility operations in Latin America

The partnership will serve as a proof-of-concept for future regional operations of Eve’s electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, also known in the market as EVA (Electrical Vertical Aircraft).

Eve expects to provide Flapper with up to 25,000 hours of flight time per year across key cities in South America, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte (all in Brazil), Santiago de Chile (Chile), Bogotá (Colombia), and Mexico City (Mexico).

Av8jet launches Maltese-based charter operation

Av8jet Ltd, has launched a new sister company, Av8jet Charter Ltd, based in Malta to operate Charter flights for its European clients and host aircraft for its growing client base.

Av8Jet's Piaggio Avanti II, P180

The first aircraft added to its Air Operator Certificate is a Piaggio Avanti II, P180, which has a new VIP interior fitted by AeroVisto Interior Services AG in Switzerland.

F/LIST completes first SYNTEC flooring installations on two Pilatus PC-24s

Three further PC-24 SYNTEC systems to be delivered Q1 22.

Austria-based F. LIST GMBH, experts in handcrafted interiors for business & private jets, yachts and exclusive homes, has confirmed that the first two installations of the F/LIST SYNTEC FLOORING system have taken place on two Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jets.

The inaugural floor installation was undertaken at the Pilatus, Broomfield, CO. facility, on a new PC-24 owned by a private customer, while the second installation took place at the Pilatus, Stans, Switzerland-based headquarters.

Both the private customer and the OEM chose to install the SYNTEC tiles in the high-traffic entryway areas to optimise the durability, practicality, and contemporary style dimension the flooring brings to the aircraft.

F/LIST SYNTEC FLOORING in the Pilatus PC-24 demonstrator entry way | Photo: Pilatus

Oshkosh, Wisconsin:

VoltAero partners with KinectAir to launch fractional program for Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft

VoltAero’s pioneering Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft is now available for US fractional ownership through the company’s teaming with KinectAir, joining its on-demand flight services driven by artificial intelligence and utilizing an advanced smartphone application.

$VoltAero partners with KinectAir to launch fractional program for Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft$

KinectAir’s “Pioneer” program opens opportunities for fractional owners to reserve share positions, or whole aircraft, in four-seat Cassio 330s - the first Cassio version of VoltAero’s hybrid-electric aircraft family to enter production. The Cassio 330 will be strategically positioned at US airport locations based on user demand.

The “Pioneer” program for Cassio is to be officially launched at next week’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh aviation gathering in Wisconsin, where VoltAero will be an exhibitor.

ACI Jet at John Wayne Airport achieves IS-BAH Stage II Certification

ACI Jet's FBO at John Wayne Airport (KSNA) has been awarded International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage II certification from the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC).

ACI Jet at John Wayne Airport achieves IS-BAH Stage II Certification

IS-BAH is the global industry standard for handlers and FBOs and is designed to meet Safety Management System (SMS) requirements from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

With three years of work from the entire team, the Orange County FBO joined the ranks of less than 150 FBOs worldwide to be awarded this certification.

This week . . . showing up for Zoom interviews

We've had several requests recently for our "How to Show Up for Zoom" piece, so here it is again.

Grab your books, selfie ring light and best camera friendly outfit and show up like a Boss on the video platforms.

watch the video

Switzerland:

French Air Force buys another nine PC-21s

In 2017 the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace purchased 17 PC-21s and has successfully trained its future military pilots on the world’s most modern training system since.

The Air Force has now ordered a further nine PC-21s to reinforce its training programme with additional Pilatus training aircraft.

French Air Force buys another nine PC-21s

The Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, one of the world’s most prestigious air forces , has ordered a further nine PC-21s, proving with this additional contract how efficient the Pilatus training system is.

The PC-21s will be deployed to train future military pilots who will subsequently step up to the nation’s multi-role lead-fighter. The PC-21s will replace the twin-engine jet trainers which were previously used for pilot training.

Rheinland Air Service orders Bye Aerospace eFlyer 800s

Bye Aerospace has announced that leading European MRO, Rheinland Air Service GmbH (RAS), has completed purchase deposit agreements for five all-electric eFlyer 800 aircraft.

RAS will act as an MRO support to eFlyer800 aircraft in Central Europe with its service and support facilities in Germany. Furthermore, RAS will be a designated reseller of eFlyer800 aircraft in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Rheinland Air Service orders Bye Aerospace eFlyer 800s

Bye Aerospace eFlyer 800 (rendering).

“We are proud to be investing in the future of sustainable aviation and to be supporting Bye Aerospace in the transformation of flying. The eFlyer800 with its remarkable economy and flight performance will support the European Market while balancing the amount of carbon emissions” said Johannes Schaesberg, CEO of RAS.

click to visit Amsterdam Software - FBO ONE

United Kingdom:

Britten-Norman eyes new export opportunities

Acquires fleet of ex-military BN2T-4S Islanders.

Britten-Norman has acquired a fleet of BN2T-4S Islander aircraft which have previously served with distinction in the UK military.

Originally acquired by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) under a short-term urgent operational requirement, the BN2T-4S aircraft have served in the UK and overseas under the designation Defender 4000 (D4K). Operating in the surveillance role, these aircraft have provided a mission critical command and control function.

BN2T-4S Islander

The aircraft, which are the higher capacity, longer endurance version of the turboprop Islander, will undergo a major refurbishment exercise that will see them return to the civil aircraft register for onward export sale.

IBAC and DSAC initiate test phase of safety intelligence gathering

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and the French Directorate for Civil Aviation Safety (DSAC) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to initiate the formal exchange of safety-related information.

The agreement aims to further improve business aviation safety through the early identification and communication of safety hazards and emerging trends. In parallel, it aims at improving the planning and performance of ramp checks under the EU Ramp Inspection Programme.

The framework for the test phase is now formally established, and DSAC and IBAC are currently defining the practicalities of the exchange of information.

On the one hand, IBAC will provide limited information about business aircraft operators that have been successfully audited and subsequently registered under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO). This will be complemented with fleet and aircraft registration data voluntarily provided by many of those operators.

Signature TECHNICAir receives Part 147 training approval from UK CAA

Signature TECHNICAir, the MRO division of Signature Flight Support, has been awarded Part 147 approval by the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority for aircraft type specific maintenance training

Following several months pursuing the regulatory process that allows for training certification of aviation maintenance technicians, TECHNICAir is set to commence its first type training course for Part 66 licenced engineers at its Bournemouth, UK facility.

"The addition of UK CAA Part 147 approval to our business portfolio allows us to deliver cost-effective training to maintenance professionals," explained Scott Corbett, Operations Director, Signature TECHNICAir.

Helicopter chief’s life saved by air ambulance

A Pembrokeshire aviation boss whose own life was saved by the Wales Air Ambulance has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Steve Landrey, 51, has embarked on an epic 186-mile walk to raise thousands of pounds for Wales Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.

Steve, who worked as European managing director for air ambulance operator, Babcock, collapsed while out cycling with friends. He suffered a cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. Thankfully the Wales Air Ambulance was able to respond swiftly to the scene and gave Steve the lifesaving care he needed.

Steve Landrey

Ironically, Babcock holds the contract to run the Wales Air Ambulance’s aviation operation.

Steve said: “It was incredible to be on the receiving end of the work I was previously involved in providing. Like every other patient, I was in a frightening and vulnerable situation and without the fast response and quality care offered by the Wales Air Ambulance critical care team and others on the scene I may not be here today.

“Undertaking this fundraising walk is my way of showing my thanks for the care I received.

Air Partner reports 56.8% rise in global JetCard bookings

No longer limited to being a hobby for the elite, private jet travel is experiencing a surge in popularity across wider demographics.

As a reflection of this, Air Partner's Private Jets business has seen a 56.8% increase in JetCard bookings globally from 1 February to 30 June compared to the same period last year, indicating that leisure travellers are increasingly looking to secure flexible and safe travel now that travel restrictions have been eased.

Air Partner reports 56.8% rise in global JetCard bookings

The number of new global members is also up 36.8% year-on-year, while customer deposits are up 85.2%. Growth is largely driven by US bookings which are up by 152.9% compared to last year.

Droniq and DFS develop Germany’s first drone traffic system

U-Space is being tested at the Port of Hamburg, providing the basis for expanding commercial drone use.

In future, drones will have their own traffic system. This system, in essence a network of services and procedures, will allow flights in areas with a high volume of drones to be carried out easily, safely, efficiently and in coordination with manned air traffic.

This is the idea behind U-Space - a concept of EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. EU member states have to implement U-Space by the beginning of 2023. Droniq GmbH, Germany's leading company for the integration of drones into airspace, and its parent company DFS, the German air navigation service provider, are putting the idea into practice for the first time - from conception to commissioning.

To this end, they are setting up a U-Space Sandbox in the Port of Hamburg, Germany’s largest seaport by volume. The project has a volume of approximately one million euro and is being funded partly by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).

WINGX is looking for a Product Manager to help us accelerate our launch of new and exciting market intelligence services for the global business aviation industry.

We need someone with strong technical experience in project managing data products from concept through prototype to commercial launch.

The right person needs to be data-savvy, familiar with data-visualisation tools, fascinated to work with cutting edge analytical tools, passionate about business intelligence.

And of course we need someone who, like us, is highly motivated to work in the chaotic and rapidly-changing world of business aviation.

If you're interested, please let us know!

office@wingxadvance.com

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More stories on our Industry tabs at the top of the page.

Finishing touches - the importance of loving an aircraft inside and out

For private and business jet owners, who spend extensive amounts of time onboard their aircraft, rarely using commercial airlines, a pristine exterior finish, along with a stylishly finished interior are equally as important as the plane’s airworthiness.

Aircraft interior and exterior completions specialists, RAS Group - part of the global base and line maintenance service, JET MS, who is, in turn, an integral part of the Avia Solutions Group - share advice on the values and cost benefits of well-maintained aircraft interiors and exteriors with commercial and business jet owners.

Finishing touches - the importance of loving an aircraft inside and out

The aircraft’s aesthetics often portray its owner’s values and attention to detail in all aspects of their personal and business life. The exterior aesthetics, accompanied by luxuriously crafted interiors are rarely left to chance, and their constant maintenance and ability to perform are catered for by dedicated specialists and craftspeople who fully understand their value and importance.

There is now greater demand for bespoke aircraft interiors, including expertly crafted trimmings, hand-selected leathers, and other elegant upholstery materials. As the range of business aircraft owners steadily expands, premier interior and exterior maintenance and refurbishment specialists are pushing the boundaries in design and practicality and adapting to the unique needs of the aircraft owners.