International Business and Private Aviation Industry News
 Houston, Texas: Program launched in time to enable business jets traveling to the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum to lower overall flight carbon emissions. World Fuel Services and World Energy have announced a World Economic Forum (WEF) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Program designed to increase SAF availability and supply chain efficiency within the industry. The program will be available in time for business jets traveling to the 50th Annual Meeting of the WEF to enable lower carbon emissions of flights departing from Jet Aviation’s facilities at Teterboro (TEB), Boston/Bedford (BED) or Dulles International (IAD) to Davos, Switzerland, for the January 2020 event.
Although Jet Aviation does not physically offer SAF at TEB, BED or IAD, the WEF SAF Program allows fuel consumers at those locations to opt-in and claim SAF environmental benefits. Under the program, for each gallon of conventional fuel purchased at TEB, BED or IAD, an equivalent amount of conventional fuel will be replaced with SAF on flights departing from Jet Aviation’s Van Nuys (VNY) location in California. “In the future, this type of program would enable low-carbon SAF purchases regardless of geography,” says Darren Fuller, vice president of business development for business aviation at World Fuel Services.
Tarbes, France: Daher logs sales of 68 turboprop aircraft in 2019 from its TBM and Kodiak product lines Daher has announced the 2019 business results for its expanded turboprop-powered aircraft family, with the company logging sales of 48 TBMs in the TBM 910 and TBM 940 versions, along with 20 Kodiak 100 Series II airplanes. Deliveries of Kodiak utility aircraft were primary in North America: 11 in the United States and three in Canada. Asia ranked second with three Kodiak aircraft delivered in China and one in Thailand, followed by two deliveries to European customers.
For the TBM very fast turboprop aircraft, deliveries continued to be focused in the US, involving 38 airplanes; followed by Europe, with three in Germany, two in the United Kingdom and one in Russia. Daher provided three TBMs in Latin America: two for customers in Brazil, and one in Mexico. Completing the 2019 activity was a TBM 940 version delivered in Japan, marking the first sale of a TBM in this country since the acquisitions of several TBM 700s by Japanese customers during the TBM program’s early days.
Washington, DC: GAMA welcomes Andre Castro as Director of Communications The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has announced the addition of Andre Castro to serve as the association’s Director of Communications. Andre brings over a decade of experience in strategic communications, media relations and federal policy to GAMA. Since 2012, he has worked in the US House of Representatives as the Communications Director for Congressman Bill Flores of Texas. While there, he managed the Congressman’s national and local media engagement, social media activity and the congressional office’s internal and external communications. Prior to Congressman Flores, Andre worked for Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas and managed multiple political campaigns in Texas. “Andre’s background in communications, politics and Capitol Hill will be a tremendous asset to the association,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “His experience and knowledge in media and strategic communications are well suited to take GAMA to new heights as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. We are excited to have Andre join the GAMA team.” Andre is originally from Houston, Texas, and graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in communications studies.
Washington, DC: US Department of Transportation issues proposed rule on Remote ID for drones The FAA has announced a proposed rule that would continue the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly called drones, into the nation’s airspace by requiring them to be identifiable remotely. “Remote ID technologies will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction,” said US Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The FAA will seek input on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Remote Identification (Remote ID) of UAS that was placed on display at the Federal Register. In the coming days, it will be accompanied by a 60-day comment period to receive public feedback and help the FAA develop a final rule to enhance safety in the skies over the US.
“As a pilot, my eye is always on safety first,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “Safety is a joint responsibility between government, pilots, the drone community, the general public and many others who make our nation so creative and innovative.”
Australia: Textron adds three company-owned service centers in APAC with Premiair Aviation acquisition Textron Aviation is strengthening its Asia Pacific (APAC) service offerings with the Textron Inc. acquisition of Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, an Australian MRO service provider. Previously named an Authorized Service Facility (ASF), Premiair now joins the Textron Aviation company-owned global support network to service Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker products at service center locations strategically located throughout Australia.
“Textron Aviation has been steadily investing in service options for the Asia Pacific region to ensure customers flying all Textron Aviation aircraft receive the exceptional support they expect,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president of Global Customer Support at Textron Aviation. “Throughout the past year, we substantially increased our regional footprint, capabilities and parts availability. The Premiair team demonstrated their commitment to quality, relationships and customer care as an ASF, and now we are excited to welcome them to Textron Aviation.”
Gulfstream  Matt Baer Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the promotion of Matt Baer to regional vice president of Sales for the northeastern US and eastern Canada. Baer joined Gulfstream in the spring of 2019 as a regional sales manager for the northeastern region. Prior to that, he was a vice president of global corporate aircraft finance with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He has worked in the aviation industry for a decade and is a licensed pilot. Baer earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Baer is based in Gulfstream’s Manhattan Sales and Design Center and reports to Peter Vasconcelos, regional senior vice president of Sales for the northeastern US and eastern Canada. West Star Aviation  Gary A. Schandl West Star has announced the appointment of Gary A. Schandl as Director of Quality Assurance for all West Star facilities. Gary has over 45 years of aviation experience with the majority being in quality, while previously holding positions at Midcoast/Jet Aviation. He holds his A&P license, IA (Inspector Authorizations) license and has served 25 years as an FAA Designee DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative). He also supports the aviation community by serving on several advisory boards. "Gary's vast experience and expertise adds to West Star's ongoing commitment to quality products and services," said Rodger Renaud, President and COO. |
Los Angeles, California: Jet Edge International acquires JetSelect Aviation Creates one of the world's largest and most diverse fleets of Super Midsize and Large Cabin aircraft. Jet Edge International has acquired Columbus, Ohio-based JetSelect Aviation to create one of the world’s largest and most diverse fleets of aircraft based throughout the United States. The acquisition will provide more elevated private jet charter options for consumers and corporations across the country as Jet Edge expands both east and west coast as well as midwest and central operations.
The acquisition marks a momentous deal in private aviation and strengthens the Jet Edge fleet to over 85 aircraft. The deal has expanded Jet Edge’s fleet of large-cabin and ultra-long range aircraft from Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Boeing, and Embraer to include a bolstered offering in the super-midsize cabin class with new models of Challenger 350/300 aircraft. Heavy jet additions to the fleet include Challenger 604, Gulfstream G450, Falcon 900EX, and Global 5000 aircraft.
Senior executives at the bespoke charter specialist Vertis Aviation, are predicting a decade of diversity as changing social attitudes, environmental concerns, and technological advancements bring new operating models to the international business aviation charter market. Catherine Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer of the Switzerland-headquartered business says a combination of major influences could potentially transform business aviation charter operations into a more efficient and operationally sustainable model. Following a successful 2019, which saw Vertis profitability grow as it enhanced its global charter offering with a new US presence, expanded its charter team, and ramped up its third party sales offering via the Vertis Charter Management Programme, Buchanan is now assessing what will affect charter activity in the next decade. Vertis has seen an upward trend in requests and booking of shared charters and empty legs. She believes this will continue as the ‘on-demand’ and ‘socially primed’ nature of the next generation affects the behaviour of business aviation charter customers.
Los Angeles, California: Embraer expands Clay Lacy Service Center Authorization to include Legacy and Praetor aircraft Clay Lacy becomes one-stop authorized service center for entire Embraer bizjet product line. Embraer has expanded Clay Lacy Aviation’s Service Center Authorization to include Legacy and Praetor business jets. Established as the first authorized service center on the West Coast in 2009, Clay Lacy has performed over 10,000 hours of work on the Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 models, and recently completed some of the first Phenom 10-year inspections.
The company’s FAA Part 145 Repair Station at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) now provides factory-trained maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Embraer Legacy 450, 500, 600, 650 models, Praetor 500 and 600 jets, and Phenom 100 and 300 aircraft.
This week . . . The Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter A pledge for gender balance across aviation and aerospace. In 2018, a European IAWA event held in London gave birth to the UK Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter, which promotes a set of industry standards for companies in the sectors. The charter is part of IAWA's committment to creating a diverse and collaborative industry.
Gear Up TV reports on the recent IAWA Leadership Forum in London on 27th November 2019.
Montreal, Canada: Global 5500 and 6500 awarded FAA certification The two latest additions to Bombardier's Global family, the Global 5500 and Global 6500 business jets, have received Federal Aviation Administration certification, achieving another important milestone following its successful entry-into-service in September and its impressive worldwide debut at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas.
Global 6500 The aircraft went through a rigorous flight testing program and obtained Transport Canada and EASA certifications within a few weeks of each other. The Pearl 15 engine was custom-designed with innovative technology - including enhanced aerodynamics, blade cooling and advanced engine health monitoring systems - to power the Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft. With the purpose-built engines, advanced wing design and built-in systems redundancy and robustness for which Bombardier Global aircraft are renowned, the aircraft offer superior safety and a smooth ride for passengers.
Basel, Switzerland: Air Service Basel has been approved to support the Cirrus Vision Jet SF50 for Maintenance and CAMO+ services, making it the first Authorized Service Center for EASA and FAA registered Cirrus aircraft in Europe. The company achieved EASA Part-145 Approval for Full Line & Base Maintenance, including FAA Repair Station Approval at the end of 2019, followed by the full CAMO+ Approval.
As a certified Cirrus Partner for 15 years, Air Service Basel offers full service to the Cirrus SR2X series including full Garmin avionics services, and during that time has serviced an extensive number of Cirrus aircraft. With the perspective of second-generation Vision Jets soon arriving in Europe, the decision to add the SF50 to their capabilities is a logical next step for the Basel-based service centre. “We are looking forward to supporting the Cirrus Vision Jet customers. It is important for us to be prepared to serve the new Vision Jet SF50 owners and to provide the most sophisticated and personalized aviation experience across the Cirrus aircraft series,” said CEO Claudio Lasagni.
São José dos Campos, Brazil: First Praetor 500 delivered to fleet launch customer, Flexjet Embraer has delivered its first Praetor 500 business jet to the market, just over one year after its announcement at the 2018 National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), alongside the Praetor 600, both of which have received triple certification from ANAC, the FAA, and EASA, becoming the most technologically advanced aircraft in the midsize and super-midsize categories.
The first Praetor 500 was delivered to Flexjet, a global leader in private jet travel, which is introducing the aircraft into its fractional fleet through a purchase agreement with Embraer, announced at NBAA-BACE 2019. The deal is valued at up to $1.4bn, at current list prices, and comprises a fleet of Embraer business jets. With this order, which includes the Phenom 300 light jet and the recently certified Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 jets, Flexjet became the Praetor Fleet Launch Customer.
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 The Netherlands: Jet Aviation achieves IS-BAH Stage 1 Registration for The Netherlands Jet Aviation's Amsterdam and Rotterdam FBOs have received International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage 1 Registration from the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). The company intends to achieve Stage 2 for both FBOs by December 2021. As a safety management system, IS-BAH establishes criteria to ensure handling systems, processes and practices meet rigorous safety and security standards.
“These registrations demonstrate Jet Aviation’s ongoing commitment to the highest safety standards for its customers and employees,” said Edwin Niemoller, Director FBO Operations and GM Netherlands. “I couldn’t be prouder of the team for their unwavering professionalism.”
Women In Aviation Middle East: A flying start to 2020 for WAI Middle East It's a new year and a new beginning for Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter (WAI-ME) as it announces the launch of a new website and a great opportunity for members interested in pursuing a career in Aircraft Engineering. VCATI - Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute - is offering one of WAI-ME's members a fully paid scholarship. Full details are available at www.waiorg.me where members can enroll for this great opportunity, or simply share the news with others! WAI-ME is growing rapidly and working on a number of exciting projects for the coming year. This week (January 15th-18th) Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter will be front and centre at the Kuwait Aviation Show and encourage you to visit them at their Stand # B243. Also, on January 17th, the Chapter will be having the first conference in Kuwait. Check the website for more details.
Over the next couple of months, WAI-ME plans to roll out some new member services, so keep an eye on their website for updates. And if you are not a member yet, this is a great chance to join as they currently offer free membership to encourage you.
London & Paris: 2020 sees The Sharpwings surpass historical milestone Specialist business and regional aircraft consulting firm The Sharpwings begins the new decade having surpassed a historical milestone with more than 110 surveys and appraisals of business jets, corporate turboprops and helicopters completed since the firm began in 2015 offering aircraft technical and financial evaluations; restitutions and repossessions; remarketing and sales to financiers. Founding Partner, Jean Sémiramoth, acknowledges that The Sharpwings’ bespoke approach is honed specifically for the discreet nature of the aviation finance world: “Our clients engage with a knowledgeable and dedicated team that delivers incisive and authoritative support across a wide range of aviation projects. Discretion and resourcefulness are the hallmarks of our service and ensure that exceptional results are achieved. Our team has been responsible of over $500m worth of business aircraft sales and acquisitions over the past 15 years.”
 Paula Kraft, founder of Atlanta's Tastefully Yours Catering and the DaVinci Inflight Training Institute in Fort Lauderdale. One of the most often asked questions during my training classes is about serving fish on board. Questions about its selection, its handling, its cooking or reheating. There is so much information to share about fish - more than we can cover in one article - so I will attempt to hit the high spots. First and foremost, keeping fish safe requires proper handling and considerable attention; not only by the caterer, but by the delivery person, the intermediate handlers (the FBO or crew member) right through to onboard handling during, and on completion of, the cooking process. Fish poses a risk for you, A large risk. Fish deteriorates quickly. Fresh fish has as a very short shelf-life and should ideally be consumed within a day or two of purchase. And if the fish has been marked on the grill and left raw (or 80% undercooked to finish on board) it is especially critical to get that fish delivered and wrapped with some sort of ice pack, and close to freezing, as soon as possible.
If we lived in an ideal world I would suggest putting fish on the aviation off-limits list. But we don’t, and our passengers want more and more fish served. This requires us all to think outside the box and find the safest possible way to keep the fish from making anyone ill! Africa: HADID boosts representation in Africa Hadid International Services (HADID) has expanded its network of supervisors/station managers across Africa with representation in an additional five countries as it continues to increase its worldwide presence The additional HADID locations, which are served by its own local staff are Burkina Faso, Burundi, Namibia, Guinea and the Republic of Congo. Commercial Director Issa Zuriqi commented, “Our new local teams in these locations represent a further advancement of our global presence, extending our reach as a preferred choice globally for aviation services. Expanding our network of supervisors enables us to monitor our services and thus, offer consistently higher standards at competitive prices - even in difficult locations.”  Issa Zuriqi Mr Zuriqi further remarked on HADID strengths in Africa, as a total solution for aviation services. “We have been serving commercial and non-commercial operators into Africa for decades. We have expertise and offer a comprehensive range of services from permits and flight planning to navigation charges settlements, as well as ground support services."
International aviation growth slowed to 4.5% in 2019 Outlook is more optimistic. The latest data from ForwardKeys, which analyses global aviation capacity, flight searches and over 17 million flight booking transactions a day, reveals that in 2019 growth in international air travel, as measured by passenger journeys, grew by 4.5%. That is healthily ahead of global economic growth, but it is significantly slower growth than last year, 6.0%; and it is slower than the trend over the last decade, which averages 6.8% per annum. However, the outlook for the coming three months is considerably more optimistic, with international flight bookings as at 1st January 2020 standing 8.3% ahead of where they were at the start of 2019.  Olivier Ponti, VP Insights, ForwardKeys, commented: “Usually, aviation grows around three percentage points ahead of global GDP. However, in the past year, we have seen several events which have held back growth; these include US trade disputes with Canada, China, Mexico and the EU, riots in Chile, France, Hong Kong and India, the grounding of the relatively new Boeing 737 Max aircraft, terrorism in Sri Lanka, the emergence of ‘flight shaming’ and the bankruptcy of Jet Airways.”
Surprise growth in December, but decline for the full year The WINGX Report US Department of Transportation issues proposed rule on Remote ID for drones Altitude Angel and Airmate partner to create a 'Unified Traffic Management' solution Diet Resolutions Paula Kraft, founder of Atlanta's Tastefully Yours Catering and the DaVinci Inflight Training Institute in Fort Lauderdale.
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First BelugaXL joins the Airbus fleet
The BelugaXL has entered into service, providing Airbus with 30% extra transport capacity in order to support the on-going production ramp-up of commercial aircraft programmes.
The aircraft, which is an integral part of Airbus’ industrial system, made its first operational flight on 9 January. This is the first of six BelugaXL to begin work alongside the BelugaST predecessors, with the additional aircraft being introduced between 2020 and 2023.
Launched just over five years ago, in November 2014, the entry into service milestone marks yet another successful achievement for the internal aircraft programme that was awarded Type Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November 2019, following an intensive flight test campaign that saw the BelugaXL complete more than 200 flight tests, clocking over 700 flight hours.
| Photo: courtesy Airbus / S.Ramadier. |
At 63 metres long and 8 metres wide, the BelugaXL has the largest cargo bay cross-section of all existing cargo aircraft worldwide. The BelugaXL can carry two A350 XWB wings compared to the BelugaST, which can only carry one. With a maximum payload of 51 tonnes, the BelugaXL has a range of 4,000 km. (2200nm).
The BelugaXL is based on an A330-200 Freighter, enabling the re-use of existing components and equipment, and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. The lowered cockpit, the cargo bay structure and the rear-end and tail were newly developed jointly with partners, giving the aircraft its distinctive look.
The BelugaXL is the latest addition to Airbus’ transportation portfolio. While air transport remains the primary method for transporting large aircraft components, Airbus also uses road, rail and sea transport to move parts between its production sites. Like the BelugaST, the aircraft will operate from 11 destinations in Europe, continuing to strengthen industrial capabilities and enabling Airbus to deliver on its commitments.
