Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (September 2024)

September 6, 2024

Titan Aerospace Insurance Acquires Plimsoll Specialty Markets

Titan Aerospace has acquired Plimsoll Specialty Markets, expanding its specialized insurance offerings. Michael Clark, who led Plimsoll, will become president of Titan Specialty Markets. “Our clients are at the heart of everything we do,” says Titan CEO Jon Downey. “With Titan Aerospace Insurance and Titan Specialty Markets, we aim to reinforce our commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner.”

NATA, Alaska Air Carriers Association Partner To Enhance Aviation Business Safety

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA) have formed a partnership to develop a structure to promote the “safety and success” of air carriers in the Alaskan region. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to share expertise and collaborate on initiatives. AACA Executive Director Will Day says the two organizations have “shared an aligned mission and long-time relationship over the years.”

September 5, 2024

Advanced Aircrew Academy Receives Growth Investment From Harbour Grove

Advanced Aircrew Academy has received a strategic growth investment from aviation holding company Harbour Grove. Its partners, Alvin Wong and Jordan Huibers, will be co-CEOs. Its founders, Dan Boedigheimer and William Hattler, will be chief safety officer and strategic advisor, respectively. Hattler says, the partnership “comes at a perfect time, given the tremendous growth we’ve experienced over the past several years.”

JetSwiss Aviation Celebrates 10th Anniversary

JetSwiss Aviation is celebrating its 10th anniversary, looking back on its decade of selling, managing and owning used Pilatus aircraft. Founded by Don “Bub” Peterson, who says its business model is “deeply rooted in the Swiss culture of precision, reliability and attention to detail,” which is responsible for its 65% repeat and referral business. According to the company, JetSwiss is involved with more than 20% of the transactions worldwide for Pilatus pre-owned aircraft.

September 04, 2024

Sheltair Expands Facilities At Kissimmee Gateway Airport

Sheltair opened its recently expanded hangar facilities at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) on Aug. 20, 2024—adding 19 new hangar units. According to the company, the facility now offers 105 individual hangar units across 155,973 ft.². The expansion was made in response to an “immediate growing need for additional smaller general aviation aircraft storage at KISM,” according to Sheltair. Company COO Todd Anderson sees the expansion as a demonstration of “the company’s long-term commitment to the City of Kissimmee and the Airport, signaling further support for economic growth within the airport and the community.”

Chicago Police Department Receives Bell 429, Signs For Two Additional Aircraft

Textron announced the delivery of a Bell 429 helicopter to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), adding to the unit’s fleet of all-Bell aircraft. Additionally, the department signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 407GXi aircraft. The three aircraft will be used for its Helicopter Operations Unit to “amplify” ground-based law enforcement units.

September 03, 2024

NBAA-BACE To Showcase AAM Concepts

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced Electra.aero, Joby Aviation and Lilium as the first three advanced air mobility (AAM) companies as exhibitors at NBAA’s 2024 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. “Advanced air mobility is quickly moving from concept to reality, and NBAA-BACE will be the preeminent event to see how this game-changing, on-demand form of transportation will have implications for business aviation and beyond,” says NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

Cessna SkyCourier Earns CAAP Type Certification

Textron Aviation announced the type certification of its Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop aircraft by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The certification expands the aircraft’s operational opportunities in southeast Asia, according to Textron. The first delivery of the aircraft in the region is expected to take place in the second half of 2025 to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR).