By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
China's Deer Jet plans to build up an international network of FBOs, possibly by buying established facilities as a first step. The initial focus is on the U.S., with Europe not far behind, according to Zhu Yinan, general manager of Deer Jet's FBO management division, who says the first deal could be completed this year. Creating such a service network is part of the wider strategy of the HNA Group, Deer Jet's parent company, for expanding its business internationally and building a global brand.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Bombardier has opened a business jet service center in Tianjin, China, in a joint venture with the Tianjin Airport Economic Area. The Tianjin Service Center, located near Beijing, includes 95,766 sq. ft. of hangar space and back shop areas for maintenance, repair, overhaul and other activities. Bombardier forecasts demand for 1,100 business jets in Greater China, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region over the next 10 years.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
According to the chief economic adviser to President Donald Trump, air traffic control (ATC) reform—including privatizing ATC—could be a major element of the new administration's infrastructure buildup, but general aviation operators should not fear paying more for it. "We're probably not even going to tax general aviation," said Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council. "There's enough money in the aviation tax right now." Cohn made that comment during a so-called White House town hall on the U.S.
BCA subscribers, log in to download the entire 2017 Purchase Planning Handbook, including airplane comparison tables as well as Avionics Marketplace charts, which are available only in digital format.
For as little as $14 million, you can buy an early serial number 2003 Gulfstream G550, a large-cabin business aircraft that is capable of flying eight passengers more than 6,700 nm. These jets sold new for more than $45 million.
Heritage Aviation announced the development of Heritage Aware, a remote aircraft maintenance-monitoring portal that allows customers real-time access to updates and work-in-progress reporting.
Ross Aviation (KLGB) in Long Beach, California, was named as a gateway FBO through the DCA Access Standard Security Program, granting flights leaving the operator the ability to fly directly to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (VABB) was the most requested departure and destination airport requested with the Air Charter Guide Worldwide Trip Builder by brokers and travelers shopping for charter flights during the last 12 months.
ADS-B installations are a small part of Duncan Aviation’s business despite market outreach ahead of the 2020 deadline. President and CEO Aaron Hilkemann explains operators’ reasons for delaying the upgrade—and the consequences.
Compare Jet-A and avgas fuel prices by region based on a survey conducted in March 2017 by Aviation Research Group/U.S. Inc. and an analysis of the lowest fuel prices reported by FBOs on acukwik.com.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
AvFab has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for pleated window shades on Beechcraft King Air 200, B200 and B200GT aircraft. The shades replace the factory-installed polarizers and can be closed when the aircraft is parked. The shades are flame retardant, have an antibacterial coating, provide Sun protection, reflect heat and are available in several colors.
Learjet 70 and 75, the marketing names for the upgraded Learjet 40 and 45, are far more capable than the original models that entered service 20 years ago.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Pivoting to an unprecedented wave of new aircraft owners and pilots, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is now welcoming unmanned aerial vehicle pilots into the fold. “Drone pilots are seeking their place in the larger world of aviation and looking for opportunities to expand their experience,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. The association noted an FAA estimate that 1.3 million pilots will be certificated to operate drones under 14 CFR Part 107 by 2020.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Gulfstream and BAE Systems set out to reintroduce the intuitiveness of mechanically coupled flight controls by integrating electronically coupled sidesticks on the G500 and G600 business jets, set for certification this year and next year, respectively. Gulfstream G500 and G600 business jets will be the first commercial FBW aircraft with active sidesticks in service. For that achievement Gulfstream and BAE Systems were awarded the Aviation Week 2017 Technology Laureate during a gala in Washington.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Airbus Helicopters Inc. saluted the U.S. Coast Guard's fleet of HH/MH-65 Dolphin patrol and search and rescue helicopters as they recently passed 1.5 million flight hours. “This is an enormous accomplishment for the U.S. Coast Guard, and for Airbus,” said Chris Emerson, president of Airbus Helicopters Inc. “We are proud of the great work the men and women of the Coast Guard perform with these aircraft. They have saved countless lives and guarded our nation’s borders and ports.”
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Aircraft leasing company Milestone Aviation Group Ltd. in February announced a contract for six Leonardo AW139 and three AW169 helicopters for delivery this year and next. Milestone leased seven AW169s and 11 AW139s in 2016. The latest deal is valued at $96 million.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
More than 115 mayors from all 50 U.S. states have sent a letter to Congress saying they are concerned about the impact that privatization of air traffic control would have on communities around the country, especially in rural regions. By contrast, large commercial airlines are supporting the idea, which is being advocated by some legislators.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Gulfstream Aerospace's second G600 flight-test aircraft flew for the first time Feb. 24, joining the manufacturer's flight-test program. The flight lasted 4 hr. 26 min. The first G600 aircraft had its first flight Dec .17 from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport. Since then, the aircraft has flown more than 150 hr. The aircraft is undergoing flutter testing, and is expanding the flight envelope.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
After decades of consideration and debate, the European Union recently approved commercial air transport (CAT) operations for single-engine turboprop aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and at night. The new regulation was to take effect in March. The move was applauded by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) as well as individual airframers such as Daher, whose TBMs have been employed in such activities in North America and elsewhere for some time.
