Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (December 2024)

December 20, 2024

AvFuel Makes First SAF Delivery To Naples Aviation

AvFuel Coporation announced its first delivery of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Naples Aviation in Florida. The delivery, which took place Dec. 10, 2024, was made through Port Everglades and marks KAPF as the supplier’s first network location to commit to consistent SAF inventory out of the new supply point, according to AvFuel. “This is a huge help forward in scaling SAF distribution and adoption within the business aviation sector,” said Joel Hirst, AvFuel senior vice president of sales. “AvFuel is dedicated to making SAF more accessible throughout the United States, and deliveries like this one help further our commitment to supporting the business aviation industry in growing the use of SAF.”

Helijet, BCEHS Celebrate 20 Years Of ‘Santa Flights’

Helijet International and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) are celebrating 20 years of their annual “Santa Flights.” The annual tradition involves Santa visiting pediatric patients in a BCEHS air ambulance across six hospitals in Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. 2024 also marks the 50th anniversary of British Columbia’s provincial ambulance service. “Santa’s visits bring joy and hope to our young patients who find themselves in hospital at this special time of the year,” said Minister of Health Josie Osborne. “The Santa Flights also remind us to celebrate the dedication of our front-line workers, including specialized paramedics who provide crucial medical care for our courageous children as they fight to get well soon. We appreciate the efforts made by everyone to fly Santa to visit these children and add a little holiday cheer.”

December 19, 2024

Jet Aviation Dubai Now An Authorized PC-24 Service Center

Pilatus announced Jet Aviation Dubai as its latest authorized PC-24 service center. With this designation, Jet Aviation Dubai is now available to service the super versatile jet with maintenance and repair services alongside all other Pilatus business aviation aircraft. “Demand for our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet continues to grow worldwide, which is why we are constantly expanding our support network. The location of Jet Aviation Dubai at Dubai International Airport will help us to better serve our customers in the Middle East,” said André Zimmermann, vice president of business aviation at Pilatus.

IC Leasing Orders Second Dassault Falcon 2000LXS

IC Leasing, a Dubai-based business aircraft leasing company, has signed an order for its second Dassault Falcon 2000LXS aircraft. According to the company, the aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2025 and will be operated out of DC Aviation’s base in Stuttgart, Germany. “The Falcon 2000LXS was selected for its industry-leading cabin features and comfort, impressive operating cost-effectiveness and high reliability qualities that meet the evolving demands of today’s business aviation users,” said Khader Mattar, IC Leasing founder.

December 18, 2024

Bombardier Delivers 200th Global 7500 Aircraft

Bombardier delivered its 200th Global 7500 business jet in December, the company says. The Global 7500 features a top speed of Mach 0.925 with a range of 7,700 nm.  ”Simply put, the Global 7500 aircraft is assembled with the best manufacturing process and technological advancements in business aviation—and we are so excited and honored to reach the 200-delivery mark of this transformative aircraft,” said David Murray, executive vice president of manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Executive System.

Vantage Aviation, Business Aviation Group Unveil Hangar Development Plan

Vantage Aviation and Business Aviation Group have partnered on a development plan for new hangars at Rifle Airport (RIL) in Rifle, Colorado. The plan was approved by the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners and will include an FBO featuring a 40,000 ft.² hangar with an attached Class A lobby. “This transformative project marks an exciting chapter for Rifle Garfield County Airport,” said Vantage Aviation CEO Ryan Maxfield. “The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. By expanding apron capacity, doubling fuel storage and adding heated hangars and a new deicing pad, we’re equipping RIL to handle today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.”

December 17, 2024

ExecuJet Haite Expands MRO Capabilities

ExecuJet Haite announced its recent FAA approval to perform heavier base maintenance checks on a variety of aircraft. The approval enables the MRO to perform up to 96-month checks on Gulfstream G450, G550 and G650 aircraft. Additionally, the MRO is now approved to service Embraer Lineage 1000 series aircraft for up to 144-month inspections.

Magnifica Air Completes FAA Certification Filing

Magnifica Air, a Florida-based luxury air travel company, announced the completion of its filing for FAA certification. According to the company, Magnifica Air is positioned to enter service in late 2027. The company expressed its plans to pursue carbon neutrality through the use of modern technology, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and a carbon offset program. “Completing the FAA certification filing is a monumental step toward bringing Magnifica Air to life,” says Magnifica Air CEO Wade Black. “This milestone reflects our dedication to operational excellence and brings us closer to delivering on our promise of redefining luxury air travel.”

December 13, 2024

Subaru Bell 412EPX Gains EASA Certification

Bell Textron announced the certification of its Subaru Bell 412EPX aircraft by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The certification follows orders of the Bell 412EPX across Europe, including units for the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior and to the Republic of Croatia’s Ministry of Interior. “We’re pleased the Subaru Bell 412EPX has received EASA certification and look forward to seeing its growing success in the European region,” said Bell CCO Danny Maldonado. “This is a testament to the program’s dedication to bring the most advanced Bell 412 model and its unparalleled capabilities to different markets and serve new customers and their missions.”

December 12, 2024

Stratos Jets Partnering With Bitpay To Accept Cryptocurrency Payments

Stratos Jets, a private jet charter provider, has partnered with Bitpay to enable cryptocurrency payments for jet charters. According to Stratos Jet, the payment option includes lower processing fees, faster transactions and a discount of up to 5% on all charter flights through December 2024. Bitpay allows payment using over 100 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum and others.

Radiant Technology Unveils Taxi Camera

Radiant Technology has announced its new Taxi Camera for taildragger aircraft, allowing for expanded visual awareness through a 7” LCD display. According to the company, the system also provides a visual horizon and red crosshairs for touch-down assistance. The product is currently for experimental use only. “The Taxi Camera is a game-changer, providing improved visibility of what is ahead in the pilot’s blind spot. The additional capability the display provides while in flight helps improve awareness of whether the aircraft is level,” says Radiant Technology CEO James Wiebe. “Finally, the red crosshairs are a game-changer for lining up a touchdown spot.”

December 11, 2024

Private Jet Services Group Launches New Jet Cards

Private Jet Services Group (PJS) announced the launch of its two newest jet cards—the PJS Jet Card and the PJS Corporate Jet Card. According to PJS, the cards offer enhanced flexibility and short-notice guaranteed availability. “The Jet Card integrates our client-first approach and extensive charter services into a bespoke option for flyers who value flexibility, choice and transparency in booking air travel,” says Randy McKinney, president of PJS’ parent company Elevate Aviation Group (EAG). “Our goal is to continue to provide comprehensive solutions to clients to deliver the very best in private aviation and the Jet Card exemplifies this commitment.”

ExecuJet, Jetset Partner To Expand European Footprint

ExecuJet, in partnership with FBO provider Jetset, announced plans to expand its business footprint in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea through establishing itself in the Hellenic Republic. According to ExecuJet, the company will offer more than 9,000 movements to Greek locations per year with a “reinforced offer” in the summer. “This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Jetset, as we combine our regional expertise with ExecuJet’s global reputation to deliver exceptional services across Greece,” said Jetset CEO John Stergiopoulos. “Joining forces with ExecuJet underscores our shared commitment to excellence and reinforces Greece as a premier destination for business and leisure travelers.”

December 10, 2024 

Britt Metal Processing Announces Miami Facility Expansion

Britt Metal Processing (BMP), which was recently acquired by Jets MRO, announced plans for a “significant expansion of its repair capabilities” at its Miami APU Repair Station in Florida. According to BMP, the expansion will enable fabrication, welding, heat treatment and the application of specialized coatings.

Duncan Aviation Offers Incentives For Select Gogo IFC Systems

Duncan Aviation is offering credits for customers who upgrade their aircraft equipped with Gogo’s air-to-ground (ATG) systems to Gogo’s AVANCE L3 and L5 connectivity platforms. According to Duncan, the promotion began in anticipation of a backlog for in-flight connectivity (IFC) upgrades in 2025. Throughout December 2024, customers installing a Gogo system on their aircraft can earn between $7,500 and $10,000 in credits for future avionics work on that particular aircraft. Additionally, Duncan is offering rebates for upgrades such as Gogo C1.

December 9, 2024

Eastern Kentucky University Breaks Ground On Flight Training Center 

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has begun construction of a new flight training center at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport (CKRA). According to EKU, the $25 million facility was funded by the State’s General Assembly. Additionally, EKU’s aviation program received $3.5 million in federal funding to construct a general aviation terminal at the airport. EKU matched $1 million of the award, totaling $4.5 million in funding. “As Kentucky’s economy continues to grow and prosper, so does the need for a well-trained and skilled workforce. EKU is delivering on this need, with trained pilots and aerospace managers to support our aviation industry—Kentucky’s number one export,” says Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

Diamond Aircraft Signs Sales Contract, Delivers Aircraft In UAE

Diamond Aircraft announced the sale of two DA40 and one DA42 aircraft to Project Aviation, a flight school in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The contract was signed during Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024. Additionally, Diamond Aircraft delivered the first DA50 RG to a customer in the UAE. “We’d like to wish Project Aviation the utmost success as they embark on their exciting new endeavor and thank them for placing their trust in Diamond Aircraft,” says Diamond Aircraft’s Jane Wang. “With so many Diamond aircraft already proving their mettle in flight schools across the region, we know they have made the right choice.”

December 6, 2024

KlasJet Leases Second Boeing 737 To Congo Airways

KlasJet announced that it has leased an additional Boeing 737 to Congo Airways, which is restarting its domestic operations. According to KlasJet, the aircraft will be based at Kinshasa Ndjili International Airport (FIH), to be used for internal flights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The first Boeing 737 was leased to the airline in October 2024 and both aircraft are under six-month contracts. “We see great potential in the region and utilizing aircraft leased on an ACMI basis offers Congo Airways an efficient and flexible solution to enhance capacity and support its return to full operations,” says KlasJet Deputy CCO Augustinas Riskus.

Tecnam Completes Delivery Of Four Aircraft To Redbird

Tecnam announced its delivery of four P-Mentor aircraft to Redbird, an India-based flight school. According to Tecnam, Redbird now operates a fleet of eight P-Mentor, four P2006T, 25 P2008JC and two Tecnam 2010 TDI aircraft. The fleet covers all phases of CPL training for Redbird’s over 500 enrolled students. “Partnering with Tecnam brings many benefits to our flight training organization. By leveraging Tecnam’s advanced aircraft and expertise, training processes become more efficient, reducing training times and costs,” says Redbird President Captain Karan Mann.

December 5, 2024

Textron Awarded $276.7 Million Defense Contract Modification

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded a $276,760,900 contract modification to Textron Aviation for the delivery of 26 T-54A aircraft. According to the DOD, the modification includes spare aircraft and engine parts, as well as “peculiar support equipment” for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The award was given in support of the mission of Chief Naval Air Training to train aviators and flight officers to supplement Naval Air Forces tasking. According to the DOD, 99% of the work will take place in Wichita, with the remainder taking place in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Forte Secur Group, Icon Training Enter Strategic Partnership

Forte Secur Group and Icon Training announced a strategic partnership during the Saudi Airport Exhibition in Riyadh. According to Forte Secur, the collaboration was made as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to foster international partnerships. “By enhancing security capabilities and equipping individuals and organizations with crucial skills, Icon is contributing to a robust and resilient Saudi economy poised for sustainable growth and innovation,” says Ahmed Salem Balhamer, group CEO of the Salem Balhamer Holding Group. Additionally, the group received the Airport Excellence Award for its patented “BeST” hand-search technique, citing its high efficiency and minimal intrusiveness to passengers.

December 4, 2024

Purdue University Aviation Creates Safety Guard For Piper Archer Aircraft

Purdue University’s fleet of 18 Piper Archer aircraft are now outfitted with magneto safety guards, ensuring engines and propellers are turned off during inspections and maintenance, the university says. The device was created by the university’s Michael Davis and Jon Ziulkowski and is available for licensing. “The guard is a clip that fits over the magneto switch at the top of the flight deck only when it is turned off. While the clip is in place, the engine cannot be powered on; when the engine is on, the clip cannot be placed over the switch. A footlong “remove before flight” ribbon attached to the clip provides a visual indication to people outside the flight deck that the clip is in place,” says Ziulkowski, a senior lecturer and Part 141 flight operations quality assessment manager at Purdue.

Phillips 66 Gifts $1.5M In Fuel To Memorial Hermann Life Flight Services

Phillips 66 was named the official fuel provider for Memorial Hermann Life Flight and gifted up to $1.5 million in fuel to support its critical care air medical transport service. According to Phillips 66, the fuel is what the new Life Flight fleet will use in a year’s time, covering over 4,000 missions each year. “It takes a tremendous amount of resources to ensure Memorial Hermann Life Flight operates efficiently for our community, and this generous gift from Phillips 66 will enable this great community asset valued so highly by Houstonians,” says Anne Neeson, CEO of the Memorial Hermann Foundation.

December 2, 2024

Diamond Aircraft Signs Sales Contract, Delivers Aircraft In UAE

Diamond Aircraft announced the sale of two DA40 and one DA42 aircraft to Project Aviation, a flight school in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The contract was signed during Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024. Additionally, Diamond Aircraft delivered the first DA50 RG to a customer in the UAE. “We’d like to wish Project Aviation the utmost success as they embark on their exciting new endeavor and thank them for placing their trust in Diamond Aircraft,” says Diamond Aircraft’s Jane Wang. “With so many Diamond aircraft already proving their mettle in flight schools across the region, we know they have made the right choice.”