Welcome To This Issue

Welcome to this issue of BCA, which contains the annual Operations Planning Guide, an important resource for private aviation owners, operators and flight departments.

Based on the 2024 BCA Purchase Planning Handbook, which appeared in the first-quarter issue, the Operations Planning Guide shows expected costs for in-production, turbine-powered aircraft.

Not surprisingly, crew salaries have not dipped, and maintenance salaries are on the rise due to shortages.

Speaking of maintenance, also in this issue you’ll find Bill Carey and Fred George’s assessment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite communications system for business aviation. The system—from installation to speed service—is receiving praise from users. However, do you think SpaceX will keep the costs low?

For those flying in Europe this summer, airport parking could be problematic, so check out this article before you go.

At the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in May, sustainability was a key topic, which isn’t surprising. A group of young professionals and the European Business Aviation Association launched a program called Standards & Training for Aviation Responsibility and Sustainability (STARS). This practical program launched in Europe and will expand to the rest of the world in 2025. Watch this short video with my colleague Jeremy Kariuki, which explains the program and other sustainability news from EBACE.

Enjoy this issue!