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International Business and Private Aviation Industry News

Washington, DC:

NBAA welcomes new timeout for 5G deployments near airports

With new 5G wireless networks scheduled to go live across the country on January 19th, National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen welcomed the decision by telecommunications providers AT&T and Verizon to temporarily delay transmitter deployments near certain airports in response to continued aviation industry concerns about potential 5G interference to radar altimeters.

In addition to providing real-time measurement of an aircraft’s clearance over terrain or other obstacles - critical information in a variety of operations, including landings in inclement weather conditions - radar altimeters may also be integrated with other aviation equipment such as terrain avoidance and warning systems (TAWS) and autoland capabilities, as well as ground spoilers, anti-skid braking, pressurization and other seemingly unrelated aircraft systems.

NBAA welcomes new timeout for 5G deployments near airports

“It’s important that we get this launch right, and without any compromise to vital aviation safety systems,” Bolen said. “We appreciate the decision to defer deployment at certain towers, which will help ensure the ability to fly safely and efficiently across our National Airspace System.”

Pre-owned bizjet market sets new records

2021 sales brisk, actual values exceed ask prices, closing inventory scarce.

The pre-owned business aircraft market smashed numerous market records in Q4 2021 for the quarter, and for the calendar year, reports the Asset Insight AI2 Market Report.

With impressive transaction rates and values that, at times, significantly exceeded ask prices, 2021 pre-owned for-sale inventory closed 54% lower than EOY 2020. The Q4 AI2 Market Report covers 134 fixed-wing models and 884 aircraft listed for sale.

All aircraft groups posted record high demand in Q4 2021. Average posted prices for the limited, heavily picked-over, aging fleet, decreased to a record low figure, while younger, low-time aircraft sold quickly through 2021, and especially in the 4th quarter, often transacting without even being advertised for sale, and many times with aggressive bidding wars.

Priester Aviation adds new aircraft to managed fleet

Priester Aviation added five new aircraft in Q4 2021 to meet growing demand in both its owner use (Part 91) and charter revenue (Part 135) management services programs.

The diverse aircraft represent long-range, super-midsize, widebody and midsize options.

Falcon 2000LXS, Florida.

“These additions advance our goal of delivering incredibly high-quality, responsive services in key markets,” says Andy Priester, President and CEO of Priester Aviation.

“More and more people recognize the unrivaled flexibility and benefits afforded by aircraft ownership and private charter flights. We see demand continuing to grow.”

Columbus, Ohio:

Leading avionics solutions provider Spirit Aeronautics have teamed with Honeywell Aerospace to provide 6.1 software upgrades for the Flight Management Systems in all Cessna Citation X aircraft.

This is the first partnership that enables the 6.1 software upgrade performed outside of the aircraft's OEM Service Center network.

Honeywell announced it was sunsetting support of its FMS pre-6.1 software versions as of 2021. This upgrade allows operators to maintain Navigation database updates for their FMS system. It also holds the path for LPV, FANS 1/A, and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) as the operator chooses to select each when needed based on the aircraft's mission.

FMS 6.1

"This partnership allows us to support Citation X operators with a much-needed update of the existing FMZ 2000 Flight Management system at a price that makes sense," said Rick Ochs, President Spirit Aeronautics.

"Our cost-effective upgrade lets operators continue to operate a great aircraft and allows them to decide when to choose additional upgrades for the FMZ 2000 systems based on their needs. It allows them to maintain the current navigation database capabilities for the aircraft with reduced costs and eliminate critical obsolescence issues."

Melbourne, Florida:

Satcom Direct confirms three-way strategic alliance enabling streamlined tax reclamation for business aviation

Satcom Direct (SD), the business aviation solutions provider, and MySky, the AI-powered spend management platform, have announced the signing of an agreement with tax reclamation experts, VAT IT USA.

The three-way strategic integration enables the companies to combine their expertise to deliver streamlined VAT and tax reclamation to mutual customers by leveraging each partner’s technology.

Satcom Direct confirms three-way strategic alliance enabling streamlined tax reclamation for business aviation

The aggregation of the VAT IT tax recovery option with the MySky financial module, within the digital flight operations platform SD Pro, acts as a force multiplier for flight departments, operators, and owners.

After a complimentary one time sign up to VAT IT, inputted expense and invoice data will be assessed and processed by the tax specialists to initiate the VAT reclamation which saves money, reduces workload, and improves the overall ownership experience.

Arsenal of Democracy Flyover leaders mourn loss of Brig. Gen. Charles McGee USAF (RET)

The organizers of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover were saddened to learn that Brigadier General Charles Edward McGee passed away on Sunday, January 16, at the age of 102.

McGee was a decorated US Army Air Force and US Air Force pilot, who was a Tuskegee Airman and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. During his service, he flew a record 409 combat missions.

Brig. Gen. Charles McGee

McGee earned several military honors including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Two Clusters and two Presidential Unit Citations. He was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 and inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2011.

McGee was honored for his service during both the 2015 and 2020 Arsenal of Democracy Flyovers commemorating the 70th and 75th anniversaries of the end of World War II.

Pierre Van Der Stichele

Air Partner has appointed Pierre Van Der Stichele as Vice President of the Global Freight division.

Pierre will be responsible for bolstering and expanding the Freight business across all Air Partner locations, by continuing to hire key talent and target specific market sectors after an exceptionally busy year in 2021.

With extensive experience within the aviation sector in a range of senior roles, with more than 25 years’ experience in the air cargo industry, Pierre joins Air Partner after a 19-year tenure with Chapman Freeborn in Gatwick, where he most recently held the position of Group Director of Cargo.

Pierre has arranged a variety of complex global cargo charters, air bridge for humanitarian missions and provided support for the industrial and military sectors. His knowledge of the aviation industry is built upon a career with time spent at Evergeen International Airlines, Antonov Airline, Southern Air Transport Inc and Northwest Airlines.

Outside of work, Pierre has built his passion for aviation as a certified gliding pilot (BGA) and as an active member of the Southdown Gliding Club, which helps youth members through their flying lessons and even assists in starting their aviation careers. Pierre was born in Brussels and he has been an expat in Lesotho, Bangladesh, USA, Italy and the UK, having followed his parents who were working for the United Nations. He speaks French, Italian and English fluently, and has a good understanding of Spanish and Portuguese.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Growth in business jet flights shifting towards aircraft owners

Midway into January 2022, just over 200,000 business aviation sectors flown, 25% more than in January 2021, 16% more than in January 2020.

According to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker, published today, the impetus now appears to be coming from aircraft owners, with private and corporate flight departments flying 21% more than January two years ago.

Business jet departures Martin Luther King Day weekend, 2019-2022.

Charter and Fractional operators are still flying at record highs, but growth moderating compared to the end of last year. The recovery in scheduled airline activity has stumbled recently, with network capacity cuts seeing a 33% drop in sectors flown this January compared to two years ago, 27% up on last January. The cargo sector’s consistent growth since the pandemic appears to have stalled, with similar levels this month compared to both the previous two years’ months of January.

full report

Berlin, Germany:

Jetex and Berlin Neuhardenberg Airport to develop world’s first pure green FBO in Berlin

Airport is site of one of Europe’s largest solar farms.

Global executive aviation company, Jetex, and Berlin Neuhardenberg Airport have signed a Joint Venture Agreement paving the way for the development of a world-class executive aviation terminal and FBO at Berlin Neuhardenberg Airport (EDON).

Berlin is one of the top ten private aviation markets in Europe with more than 20,000 annual executive jet movements. Operators and owners will benefit from a world-class dedicated FBO that will serve the Berlin, East Germany and Polish border market, offering the highest quality levels of hospitality, service, security and privacy.

Jetex and Berlin Neuhardenberg Airport to develop world’s first pure green FBO in Berlin

The development will include a 1,500 sq.m. private jet terminal, office buildings, flight support and conference center as well as associated ground works and infrastructure. With up to 20 additional parking lots for private jets with associated technical requirements, the FBO will offer maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, full ground support and equipment for a seamless operation.

Gulfstream Customer Support marks successful year of expansion and continued investment

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has recognized the many accomplishments achieved by Gulfstream Customer Support in 2021, including facility and service expansions, increased investment in customers and continued success in sustainability.

“The business aviation industry has experienced great gains in 2021, and Gulfstream Customer Support has been well-positioned to support our customers around the world as their flying increases,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Customer Support.

Gulfstream Customer Suport marks successful year of expansion and continued investment

“As we continue to implement our master plan for customer-focused expansions in strategic locations, we are establishing our industry’s most modern facilities to accommodate Gulfstream’s growing fleet of next-generation aircraft, including the recently announced all-new large-cabin Gulfstream G400 and ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, and the industry-leading Gulfstream G700, and we’re doing so sustainably.”

In July 2021, Gulfstream Customer Support celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Farnborough service center in England.

FAA implements more efficient descent procedures to reduce fuel burn, emissions

Descent procedures that the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration put in place across the country in the 2021 will save millions of gallons of fuel and reduce CO2 and other emissions by hundreds of thousands of tons.

The 42 new Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) allow planes to glide down safely from cruising altitudes into airspace for some of the nation’s largest airports instead of the fuel-consuming stair-step procedure.

FAA implements more efficient descent procedures to reduce fuel burn, emissions

“These new efficient descent procedures both save fuel and dramatically reduce emissions, moving us closer to our goal of net-zero aviation emissions by 2050,” US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

This week . . . 'How energy management is key to my healing'

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.

In this episode, Charlotte tells us about a family member who had a recent cancer scare and how the stress and worry of this has impacted her. We also discuss how managing energy levels is key to her healing, and how she plans to manage this better in the future.

watch the interview

Montreal:

First Remote Piloted Aircraft IS-BAO awarded to Phoenix Air Unmanned

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) confirmed its first International Standard for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO) Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) registration was achieved this month by Phoenix Air Unmanned.

The RPAS IS-BAO standard option advanced into the open beta testing phase in 2021 after a thorough working group analysis that included industry representatives and IS-BAO Standards Board members. This working group addressed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) RPAS Concept of Operations (CONOPS) that is being drafted for inclusion into ICAO Annex 6.

First Remote Piloted Aircraft IS-BAO awarded to Phoenix Air Unmanned

The group continues to gather information from beta operators, which may need to be incorporated. The RPAS component may be added by IS-BAO operators who have RPAS in their departments or by any stand-alone RPAS operators seeking IS-BAO registration.

Extreme temperatures and frozen rain: climate change impact on de-icing

For years now, there has been an ongoing conversation about the impact that the aviation industry has on our environment. Yet recently, more and more businesses have been opening up about the other side of this unfortunate coin - climate change impact on aviation.

Aviator Airport Alliance, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics and a family member of one of the largest aerospace service groups Avia Solutions Group, shares how changes in the climate might impact ground handling operations.

Extreme temperatures and frozen rain: climate change impact on de-icing

There is no denying the climate is changing. With each passing year, the planet has been experiencing higher temperatures, increased precipitation, and extreme weather that can no longer be ignored. While steps to decrease human impact on climate have been taken, it is expected that the change cannot be reversed and industries across the board will need to adapt to the situation.

Comlux welcomes the first ever ACJ TwoTwenty for cabin completion

Comlux has taken delivery of the first ever Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty at the Airbus Canada facilities in Mirabel, Canada. The all-new business jet, powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, Comlux’ s Indianapolis facilities for cabin completion.

Comlux welcomes the first ever ACJ TwoTwenty for cabin completion

Since its successful purchase last month at the Dubai Air Show 2021, the first ACJ TwoTwenty is now owned by FIVE, the Dubai-based Group with verticals in Real Estate, Hospitality, Investments and Philanthropy.

click to visit Amsterdam Software - FBO ONE

Shanghai, China & Augsburg, Germany:

AutoFlight starts in Europe: Airtaxi ‘Prosperity I’ targets certification by 2025

Former Airbus manager Mark Robert Henning appointed as Managing Director at AutoFlight Europe.

AutoFlight, the Chinese eVTOL pioneer, continues its global expansion and establishes its first location in Europe: A team led by former Airbus manager Mark R. Henning is now ramping up at Augsburg Airport in Germany.

Mark R. Henning

The team’s first task is to achieve European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for AutoFlight's airtaxi ‘Prosperity I’, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a range of approximately 250 kilometers. It can comfortably seat up to three passengers in addition to the pilot. The certification program for this airtaxi will begin this year, with completion expected by 2025.

A dedicated and growing team will work at the R&D and certification center in Augsburg. AutoFlight plans to establish additional locations for test and demonstration flights across Europe.

‘Prosperity I’ is the company’s first manned aircraft. Previously, the company’s focus was on unmanned cargo drones.

Jet Aviation's Amsterdam and Rotterdam FBOs achieve IS-BAH Stage 2

Jet Aviation has received International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage 2 Safety Registration for its two FBO locations in The Netherlands.

The company currently operates 27 IS-BAH-registered FBOs around the world. It expects to gain further IS-BAH certifications in the coming months.

“Along with our commitment to safety and quality, these new IS-BAH certificates clearly demonstrate that challenges are also opportunities to shine,” said Edwin Niemöller, Jet Aviation’s senior director of FBO
Operations in The Netherlands. “I couldn’t be prouder of our teams for their agility, professionalism, and unwavering adherence to the highest standards, particularly during these extraordinary times.

Jet Aviation's Amsterdam and Rotterdam FBOs achieve IS-BAH Stage 2

Jet Aviation recently secured an ongoing supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for offer on-site at its FBO located at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Its Rotterdam location remains the only airport in The Netherlands where night operations (PPR) are permitted for business aviation.

Dublin, Ireland:

'Rise Above' - Avolon publishes 2022 outlook paper

2022 ‘Fearless Forecasts’ predicts continued aviation recovery, as the lessor share of the large commercial aircraft fleet surpasses 50%

Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, issued its annual outlook paper for 2022 titled ‘Rise Above’.

Co-authored by Jim Morrison, Head of Portfolio Management, and Rosemarie O’Leary, Head of Counterparty Risk, the paper reviews the key trends in the aviation industry for airlines, manufacturers, and lessors, identifying themes that will shape the year ahead and setting out Avolon’s ‘Fearless Forecasts’ for 2022.

Jim Morrison commented: “Aviation’s recovery unfolded in 2021 as anticipated, with vaccines offering a springboard for the easing of government restrictions and re-openings of economies around the world.

"This allowed many of us to pass an important milestone, boarding our first plane in a post-pandemic world. It is clear from the re-opening that the importance of air travel to society, and the global economy, remains undiminished."

Airbus and partners to establish aircraft lifecycle centre in China

Facility will offer sustainable solutions to manage the entire lifecycle of aircraft, including dismantling and recycling.

Airbus has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the city of Chengdu and Tarmac Aerosave for the development of the first sustainable aircraft “lifecycle” service centre in China.

This agreement will cover a range of activities from aircraft parking and storage, to maintenance, upgrades, conversions, dismantling and recycling services for various aircraft types.

“This is another concrete contribution to the aviation industry's quest for sustainability, supporting the principle of a circular economy in line with Airbus’ purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace. This unique centre will support the expansion of Airbus’ aviation services while enabling the implementation of China's “Green Industry” strategy”, said Klaus Roewe, SVP Airbus Customer Services.

“Aircraft phase-out in China is forecast to grow exponentially over the next 20 years. Airbus is committed to investing in the region and this one-stop-shop - a first in China and outside of Europe - will see Airbus well positioned on the Chinese aircraft ‘second life’ services market.” he added.

Savback Helicopters to distribute Dufour Aerospace eVTOL aircraft in Scandinavia

Savback Helicopters, the expanding helicopter sales and marketing company and Dufour Aerospace, an innovative Swiss eVTOL company, have announced Savback’s appointment as distributor for Dufour’s innovative eVTOL aircraft.

Sweden based Savback Helicopters will exclusively represent Dufour Aerospace's 8-seater Aero3 tilt-wing aircraft in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland.

"We strongly believe that Dufour Aerospace's 8-seater Aero3 provides options for both today’s helicopter market, as well as new use cases which its cutting edge technology opens up for us," said Reja Savbäck, CEO of Savback Helicopters.

"We are proud of this partnership, as it shows that Dufour Aerospace trusts both our vast experience and our network in the aviation industry," she added.

Savback has identified the development of new markets across the countries of Scandinavia as being pivotal to success.

GKN Aerospace named supplier of all new Gulfstream G800 and G400 business jets

Agreement with Gulfstream for major workshare, including G800 empennage, G800 floorboards, G800 fuselage panels, G400 rudder and G400 machined wing skins.

GKN Aerospace has been selected as a supplier on Gulfstream’s new Gulfstream G800 and Gulfstream G400 business jets.

GKN Aerospace is using its world-leading capability in design and manufacture of business jet empennages and aerostructures on the advanced aircraft. The rudder and elevators from the empennage, in addition to the floorboards, will all feature the latest thermoplastic technology.

Gulfstream G800

GKN Aerospace also produces the metal bonded fuselage panels for the body of the new G800 aircraft, as well as the aluminum machined wing skins for the G400.

A team of experts from GKN Aerospace has joined the Gulfstream engineering team in the design process.

Production will ultimately take place in facilities in Papendrecht and Hoogeveen in the Netherlands, Chihuahua in Mexico, and Wellington in the US.

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Air Partner named Preferred Private Jet/Travel Partner for Platinum Jubilee Pageant

Air Partner, the global aviation services group will be the Preferred Private Jet/Travel Partner supporting the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, which will take place on Sunday, 5th June 2022 to celebrate The Queen’s 70-year reign.

Air Partner is proud of its British heritage as a global aviation services group dating back to 1961. Originally founded as a school for military pilots converting to civilian flying, Air Partner’s private jet and charter business has flown high profile, high net worth clients around the globe for the last 60 years.

Air Partner named Preferred Private Jet/Travel Partner for Platinum Jubilee Pageant

Commenting on the news, Mark Briffa, Chief Executive of Air Partner said, “Being awarded Official Partner status to the Platinum Jubilee Pageant is a great honour. We are privileged to play a part in connecting countries and communities and reuniting families and friends across the Commonwealth and beyond. As the world evolves, we are proud to be rooted in decades of British heritage whilst always looking forward toward innovation and transformation for the benefit of future generations.”

Mark Aldridge, Chief Marketing Officer at Air Partner added, “We are absolutely thrilled that Air Partner is supporting the Platinum Jubilee Pageant as a Proud Official Partner and delighted to celebrate the auspicious 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen. We will be delighted to fly clients from all over the world to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, creating memories that will resonate with generations to come.”

Platinum Jubilee Pageant/Air Partner