Business & Commercial Aviation

Questions for Shawn Vick, CEO of Global Jet Capital Inc., Boca Raton, Florida.

Rolls-Royce is developing a new generation of business aviation powerplants, for which the first full-up fan demonstrator is expected to run later this year. The ramp-up of work on the technology demonstrator, dubbed Advance2, signals a new phase for the manufacturer, which heretofore had revealed few details of its future business aviation family initiative. Covering the 10,000- to 20,000-lb. thrust range, the plan is to develop three Advance2 demonstrators with two different core sizes and three different low-pressure systems.

Last November, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cooperatively launched the first of three GEOS-16 weather and environment satellites, which collectively promise to greatly improve weather prediction and enhance aviation safety.

AirspaceX, a new company set up by design house Detroit Aircraft, is developing a tail-sitting electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft that can carry modular payloads, including a four-seat passenger cabin for air taxi operations.

Business aviation flight activity increased globally during the first quarter of 2017 compared to the last three months of 2016. In fact, it was the highest utilization of aircraft for any first quarter since 2008, according to Jet Support Services Inc., a provider of maintenance support and financial services.

Falcon Aviation has opened a VIP Heliport at its new Dubai South VIP Terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport in the UAE. The heliport will be run and managed by Falcon Aviation personnel and will be available to those arriving in business jets at the terminal.

ForeFlight, one of the aviation industry's leading providers of mobile electronic flight bag applications, and Jeppesen, a global powerhouse in aeronautical data, are teaming up to offer a broad range of products to business and general aviation, military and airline customers.

Step aboard Boeing's BBJ MAX 8, one of the world's most exclusive private jets, and you'll find it does virtually everything better than the original BBJ that made its debut almost two decades ago.

FlightSafety International has teamed with Service Elements to create an Aviation Maintenance Management Program. The three-day course, provided at FlightSafety's Maintenance Training Center in Dallas, is designed to enhance the skills of current aircraft maintenance department managers and help those who aspire to such positions.

Compare Jet-A and avgas fuel prices by U.S. region based on a survey conducted in May 2017 by Aviation Research Group/U.S. Inc. and an analysis of the lowest fuel prices reported by FBOs on acukwik.com

Wingly, an internet-based private-pilot ride-sharing service, a concept ruled as a violation of air regulations by the FAA—a position upheld in federal court—is operating in the UK, France and Germany.

Uber announces partnerships with vehicle developers and infrastructure providers to support its planned electric vertical takeoff and landing flight demonstrations in Dallas and Dubai in 2020.

Japan has set ambitious targets to double foreign visitors to 40 million a year by the 2020 Summer Olympics, and business aviation is expected to play a role.

Dassault's new Falcon 8X ultra-long-range jet has received approval to operate at London City Airport, which has some of the most restrictive steep approach and noise abatement regulations in business aviation.

The Falcon 2000S is a large-cabin jet that has been redesigned, repackaged and repriced to fit into a niche between super-midsize and large-cabin business aircraft.

Completions specialist Flying Colours Corp. has delivered the first three Bombardier CRJ200 ex-airliner-to-VIP conversions for Chinese luxury company Sparkle Roll's SR Jet, and will deliver three more by year-end.

Choosing the right person to take over when you exit can be the capstone of your career as a director of maintenance. Depending on the size of the operation, there may be several people involved in the process, but regardless, your input will weigh heavily in the selection.

The fourth Cessna Citation Longitude test aircraft has joined the flight-test program. The aircraft is expected to receive FAA type certification later this year. The fourth Longitude flew for the first time on May 6.

Jet Aviation is preparing cockpit avionics systems in older Challenger 605s and 300s for upgrades that will improve transoceanic flights and meet upcoming FAA requirements.

Vision Systems, through its new division Smart Lite, introduced the second-generation Electronically Dimmable Window, the Nuance V2 and the latest version of its smart interactive window, Acti-Vision Window adapted to business aviation.

SEA Prime, the company managing the FBO in Milan Linate Prime and soon operating in Milan Malpensa, and Bombardier have signed an agreement to open a new Bombardier Line Maintenance Station within SEA Prime’s facilities at Milan Linate Prime.

FlightSafety International has started master-level advanced training courses for the Falcon 2000EX EASy and 900EX EASy series aircraft.

Astronics Corp. through its wholly owned subsidiary Astronics Max-Viz, has certified its 2300 Enhanced Vision System to the DO-160G standard.

Paris Le Bourget Airport was the top airport for business aviation in Europe between May 2016 and April 2017, according to an analysis of acukwik.com usage. Six airports serving London ranked among the top 50. With seven of the top 50 airports, Italy accounted for the most airports of any of the 22 countries represented on the list.

Of all European airports requested by Aircharterguide.com users between May 2016 and April 2017, Paris Le Bourget Airport was requested as a destination and departure airport most, according to Air Charter Guide Worldwide Trip Builder records.