Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (September 2024)

September 30, 2024

Menzies Aviation Opens New Cargo Facility In Mozambique

Menzies Aviation announced the opening of its newest cargo facility located at Maptuo International Airport (MPM) in Mozambique. According to the company, the facility is part of Menzies’ broader expansion in East Africa and will serve Airlink and Qatar Airways as its initial launch customers. The company has operated at MPM since 2018, previously operating under the moniker of National Aviation Services until 2022.

NBAA Launches Customer Service Certificate Program

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the launch of its new Customer Service Certificate Program, made in partnership with ServiceElements International. The program consists of eight asynchronous, self-paced learning modules covering topics such as customer management and communication. According to the NBAA, the program “is to establish a baseline knowledge, identify resources business aviation professionals can rely upon as references and instill a desire for more advanced learning in the areas of customer service management in the years to come.

September 27, 2024

KlasJet Moves Additional 737 To Middle East Market

KlasJet announced the placement of a Boeing 737 to its operations in Saudi Arabia. According to KlasJet, the decision was made to increase its capacity in the region they view as “the fastest growing business aviation market in the world.” Last year, the company moved another 737 to its operations in Dubai.

VOO Adds Empty Leg Feature To Software Platform

VOO, a B2B business aviation software platform, announced the addition of its empty leg feature. According to CEO Robert Plhak, the feature automatically calculates discounts for empty legs and provides enhanced transparency when facilitating bookings. The addition is to meet demand in the market, officials say.

September 26, 2024

Three Airports To Receive Federal Grants In North Carolina

Three North Carolina airports will receive the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program Supplemental Discretionary Grant to support upgrades for sustainability and resiliency. Davidson County Executive Airport, located in Lexington, will receive $1 million for the reconstruction of its taxiway lighting system. Wayne Executive Jetport, located in Goldsboro, will receive $1 million to upgrade its airfield drainage systems to help combat “long-standing drainage issues” during heavy rain. Lastly, Hickory Regional Airport, located in Hickory, will receive $750,000 to upgrade its runway lighting system.

Modesto Jet Center Adds Second PC-24 To Managed Fleet

Modesto Jet Center (MJC) announced the addition of its second Pilatus PC-24 to its managed fleet, to be used in its Part 135 charter operations. According to the company, the jet joins its fleet of Pilatus PC-12s, PC-24s, Nextant 400s and Beechcraft King Airs.<\/p>

September 25, 2024

KCAC Aviation Begins Maintenance Hangar Construction

KCAC Aviation, a full-service aviation company, broke ground on its new aircraft maintenance hangar at Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC) in Olathe, Kansas. According to KCAC, the hangar will measure in at 30,000 ft.² and will help the company keep pace with its growing maintenance team. The facility is expected to be completed by Summer 2025. “With this expansion, our maintenance and avionics teams will be able to work on more projects at once, which in turn will mean better service for our customers and better opportunities for our employees to grow,” says Bill Lento, director of maintenance at KCAC.

Texas Aerospace Technologies Granted STC For New Battery Supply

Texas Aerospace Technologies received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the True Blue Power TS28 Emergency Battery Power Supply (EBPS). The new battery is a drop-in replacement for the Radiant CBS28-1 on Cessna Citation 550, 560, 650, 680, 680A and 700 aircraft. According to Texas Aerospace Technologies, the Nickel Metal Hydride battery delivers more energy per cell than that of Nickel Cadmium batteries.

September 24, 2024

Ballard Partners Expands In Republic Of Korea

Ballard Partners announced its strategic partnership with The GR Company to expand its footprint in Seoul, South Korea. Conversely, The GR Company will use the partnership to expand its presence in Washington, DC. The two companies will combine their efforts to bolster government relations in both countries. “We are delighted to be partnering with Ballard Partners, a U.S. lobbying powerhouse,” said Jakob Edberg, president and CEO of The GR Company. “Through this partnership, we are able to offer our clients deeper and exceptional access to the American market at this critical point in time.”

Stack.Aero, Azzera Partner To Add Carbon Management Tools To Digital Platform

Stack.Aero announced its partnership with Azzera to introduce carbon emission management for its Business Operations System (BOS) users. Azzera’s CELESTE B2B software will be directly accessible through BOS to provide users with tools to calculate greenhouse gas emissions, manage sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and will provide the opportunity to purchase carbon credits through Azzera’s marketplace.

September 23, 2024

Thomas Global Earns FAA STC Approval For Flight Display Upgrades

Thomas Global Systems announced the reception of an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for its TFD-4100 LCD flight display upgrade on Bombardier Challenger 604, Gulfstream G100/G200, Dassault Falcon 2000/2000EX/50EX and Saab 2000 aircraft. The upgrade replaces the preexisting Pro Line EFD-4077 CRT display. Additionally, the company received an STC for the TFD-4000 LCD flight display for MHI CRJ 1000 flight decks, which follows a previous FAA STC approval for the CRJ 200, CRJ 700 and CRJ 900.

Britten-Norman Announces Unleaded Fuel Mod For Islander Aircraft

Britten-Norman has introduced its Unleaded Fuel Modification for the BN2B piston engine (Lycoming O-540-E4C5) Islander aircraft. According to the company, the three Lycoming-approved unleaded fuel specifications included in the modification are ASTM D7547 (UL 91 & UL 94), DEF-STAN 91-090 (UL 91) and HJELMCO (91/96 UL). Britten-Norman states that the modification includes “cost savings on refueling, reduced maintenance expenses, access to a wider range of fuel options, extended servicing intervals and enhanced safety through the use of unleaded fuels.”

September 20, 2024

FAA Signs LOA For Vantis Safety Mitigation For BVLOS Drone Operations

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) announced the signing of a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) by the FAA to use Vantis as a safety mitigation for beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Through this, commercial drone operators will be able to expedite the waiver process by using Vantis services, such as its collision avoidance service.

NBAA Maintenance Committee To Honor Former Member

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Maintenance Committee is renaming its scholarship travel fund as the James Sullivan Travel Fund to honor the former committee member who died recently at the age of 32. According to the committee, the award covers travel and lodging costs for AMT Maintenance Scholarship winners. “James was more than all his accolades in aviation, and he had bounties of them. The ones that meant the most were his personal connections with others,” says Melissa Raddatz, subcommittee co-chair. “How he touched people’s hearts with his kindness, generosity and willingness to show up and be present.”

September 19, 2024

Bell Delivers Custom Bell 505 To Brazilian Dealership

Bell Textron announced the delivery of a customized Bell 505 to All Motors Brazil, a luxury automotive dealership. The dealership has served Brazil for over 30 years and will use the helicopter to “enable rapid responses to business needs,” according to the company.

NBAA To Celebrate Young Professionals Program’s 10th Anniversary

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Young Professionals (YoPro) program during the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas in October. As part of the celebration, NBAA will hold the YoPro Networking Reception on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. According to YoPro Council Member Gary Webb, attendees of all ages are welcome to take advantage of the networking opportunities during the event.

September 18, 2024

NBAA To Present Doswell Award To James Lara

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will award Gray Stone Advisors Founder James Lara with its John P. “Jack” Doswell Award at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada in October. According to the NBAA, the award “honors high standards for lifelong individual achievement on behalf and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation.” Lara was previously among nine recipients of the NBAA Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award for his leadership in professional ethics, engagement, image and selflessness.

UAS International Trip Support Launches App

UAS International Trip Support (UAS) has partnered with Moove, a technology company, to launch its UAS Charter App. Through the app, users can view aircraft availability, compare aircraft and estimate total trip costs. Additionally, the app allows users to browse empty-leg flights to lower the cost of their travel. The UAS Charter App is available on Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store.

September 17, 2024

ACSF To Hold 2025 Safety Symposium In April 2025

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) will hold its 2025 Safety Symposium on April 7-9 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus. The event will be co-hosted by Embry-Riddle’s Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety and the College of Aviation. The event serves as an opportunity for aviation professionals to advance safety efforts across the industry. “Our goal for this year will be making the symposium keenly focused on common safety risks and how to mitigate those risks. We want everyone who attends to be able to walk away with something they can take back to their flight departments that will have a measurable impact on safety,” says Bryan Burns, ACSF president and CEO.

Avfuel, Avflight Mesa Offers SAF At Falcon Field (KFFZ)

Avflight Mesa and Avfuel are partnering to offer sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Arizona’s Falcon Field (KFFZ). According to the company, Avflight Mesa is the first of its 26 locations to offer SAF and marks Avfuel’s 30th location to offer a consistent SAF supply. The fuel is produced by Neste in Long Beach, California.

September 16, 2024

Dassault, Garmin Partner On Stand-By System For EASy Flight Deck

Dassault Falcon Jet announced its partnership with Garmin to upgrade the EASy flight deck with its GI 275 stand-by system for enhanced safety, situational awareness and additional capabilities, according to the companies. The new system features Garmin’s “most pixel-dense display to date, with synthetic vision, terrain overlay mirroring the EASy II PDU and an intuitive touch screen,” according to Garmin. The upgrade has earned FAA certification on Dassault Falcon 7X, 8X, 900EX EASy and 2000EX EASy aircraft.

Garmin G700TXi Earns FAA STC For Learjet 35/36 Series

Butler National Corp. has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the installation of Garmin’s G700TXi Flight Display System on Learjet 35 and 36 series aircraft equipped with FC-530 or FC-535 autopilots. “The Butler National Team has placed a lot of time and effort into this Learjet glass panel upgrade, and the result is extremely nice,” says Christopher Reedy, president and CEO of Butler National. “The displays offer tremendously enhanced pilot situational awareness.”

September 13, 2024

Butler National Corp. Receives STC Approval For G700TXi On Learjet 35/36 Series

Butler National Corp. has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for the installation of Garmin’s G700TXi Flight Display System on Learjet Model 35, 35A(C-21A), 36 and 36A aircraft equipped with FC-530 or FC-535 autopilots. The upgrade provides replacing traditional flight instruments with modern glass cockpits, enhancing situational awareness and reducing pilot workload. The STC package will be available to Garmin dealers worldwide, with plans to extend the application to Learjets with FC-200 autopilots.

Florida Airport Management Joins AEG Connect Network

AEG Fuels added Florida Airport Management to its AEG Connect Network, effective Aug. 15. Through the partnership, AEG Fuels is the official branded fuel supplier for Florida Airport Management.

September 12, 2024

Loar Holdings Acquires Applied Avionics

Loar Holdings has completed its acquisition of Applied Avionics for approximately $385 million in cash. Applied Avionics, known for its Vivisun and Nexsys brands, designs and manufactures interface products for avionics and aerospace electronics. Loar expects Applied Avionics to generate net sales of $40 million and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $21 million for 2024, along with $45 million in tax benefits as a result of the transaction.

Career Fair Returning To NBAA-BACE

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has announced the return of its career fair. It will be held during the organization’s event in Las Vegas Oct. 22-24. According to the NBAA, prospective employers who are members can choose among three packages to include an ad in its Career Fair Recruitment Guide.

September 11, 2024

QAA Fort Lauderdale MRO Facility Earns EASA Certification

Quality Aircraft Accessories (QAA) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification. This facility, part of Hartzell Aviation, focuses on general aviation accessories. It recently underwent a significant expansion to enhance its services, including welding for aircraft engine exhaust systems. The location, an extension of QAA’s main operation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, now serves the Southeast U.S., South America and Europe. The investment included modernizing workbenches and processes, adding new equipment and increasing staff to better support QAA’s customer base.

AviationManuals Rebrands As ‘Nimbl’

AviationManuals has rebranded itself as “Nimbl.” The change comes as the company expands its service offerings, including its ARC Safety Management platform. CEO Mark Bair says, “while manuals were and will continue to be a significant aspect of our services, they are now just one element of a more comprehensive suite of tools.”

September 10, 2024

Embraer Offering Scholarships For Post-Graduate Aeronautical Engineering Program

Embraer has opened registration for the 33rd edition of its Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Program in partnership with the Technological Institute of Aeronautics. The 18-month program has 45 vacancies. The recipients will receive monthly scholarships. Registration will remain open until Sept. 22, and the program will begin in February.

AirTaxi World Congress To Be Held In Dubai

The fifth annual AirTaxi World Congress will be held on Oct. 7-10 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference & Exhibition Center. The event aims to give clean-tech aircraft manufacturers the opportunity to present to prospective buyers, investors and regulators. On the last day of the event, AirTaxi World Congress plans to host a showcase featuring select electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing and short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft, as well as drones and next-generation aircraft, at the nearby Air Chateau Dubai Helipark.

September 9, 2024

AEG, DC Aviation Enter SAF Book-And-Claim Agreement At Malta International Airport

Associated Energy Group (AEG) and DC Aviation have finalized an agreement to offset a portion of DC’s emissions through a commitment to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The plan is expected to be achieved using AEG’s voluntary SAF Registry and a “Book-and-Claim” model, allowing DC to offer Malta-based customers an alternative to traditional carbon credits. The partnership aims to enhance DC’s sustainable practices and says it demonstrates a decoupling of emission reduction attributes from the physical SAF product.

Schweizer Signs Helix Av As New Sales And Service Center In UK, Ireland

Schweizer has selected Helix Av as a new sales and service center for the UK and Ireland. Helix Av, based at Kent International Airport in Manston, England, and in Berkshire, will offer Schweizer-authorized aircraft parts sales, maintenance services and customer support.

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).