By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Etihad Airways has formed a partnership with Victor, an on-demand operator, by which passengers can charter a Victor business jet to connect with their international Airbus A380 flights. Victor, which operates bases in California, New York and London, says it provides real-time availability, discloses transaction fees and specific operator and aircraft details without upfront commitments.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Crystal Cruises in Los Angeles plans to expand Crystal Luxury Air’s fleet with the addition of two Airbus ACJ319 jets and a Bombardier Global Express XRS. Crystal’s aircraft includes a Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 787. The new aircraft will serve private charters and transport guests to Crystal destinations. Crystal private charter jet service begins in March.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Two web-based aircraft ride sharing services have been shot down by the FAA. The “Ubers of the air” are no longer, thanks to a decision by a Federal Appeals Court panel. The concept behind AirPooler and Flytenow was straightforward. Pilots would go to either website, list an upcoming flight’s date, origin and destination, along with the aircraft’s make and model and seats available. The passengers could peruse the site and sign up for a trip that matched their planned travels.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
EHang, a Chinese manufacturer, unveiled a drone on Jan. 6 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that it claims can fly a human passenger short-to-medium distances at low altitudes. The company’s EHang 184, which it describes as an autonomous aerial vehicle, includes four arms and eight propellers and takes off and lands vertically. It is built from composite materials, operates on electric power, and can be charged in 2-4 hr., according to EHang.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
TAG Farnborough Airport has added more space for passengers and crew at its terminal to meet growing demand. Air traffic grew 2% last year. That includes a 6% jump in the number of airliner-size business jets, which represents the highest growth in the category for the year, it said. Many of the airport carriers operate to and from the U.S., the Middle East and Asia. A new lounge accommodates up to 80 passengers. Crew facilities include a quiet lounge, a “snooze” room with flat beds, a zero gravity ergonomic chair and a complimentary gym and showers.
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Textron Aviation has signed an agreement to buy Able Engineering and Component Services and Able Aerospace for an undisclosed purchase price. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. “Textron is working closely with Able to ensure a seamless transition with customers and stakeholders over the coming weeks,” a Textron Aviation spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. “More information will be provided when the acquisition is completed.”
By William Garvey, Jessica A. Salerno, Molly McMillin
Air charter operators Judy Tull of Texas and Kay Ellison of Kentucky were indicted in December in U.S. District Court, Newark, New Jersey, on charges of conspiracy, bank fraud and wire fraud for their roles in an alleged multi-million dollar fraud scheme. The two were co-owners of Southern Air & Tours, doing business as Myrtle Beach Direct Air & Tours, or Direct Air, a charter flight operation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Fifty-four percent of U.S. FBOs say their fuel sales increased in 2015 compared to 2014, according to the 2016 Annual FBO Fuel Sales Survey results released by Aviation Business Strategies Group at the 2016 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Tampa, Fla.
Teterboro Airport was the destination most requested by Air Charter Guide Worldwide Trip Builder users seeking charter aircraft during December 2015, according to an analysis of aircharterguide.com data. Meanwhile, Scottsdale Airport was the most common departure airport in the charter itineraries submitted by users.
Imagine executing a complex night approach to a major airport in highly congested airspace — lots of step-downs and a steep final segment — when suddenly an intensively bright light blasts the cockpit.
Finmeccanica-owned companies such as AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi and Selex ES have now been absorbed into the larger Finmeccanica entity and will operate as divisions rather than separate companies.
Toxicology testing detected methylone, a synthetic illicit stimulant with similar effects to cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, in the pilot’s blood. Given the level of methylone, it is likely the pilot was impaired at the time of the accident.
Phoenix Air’s Aeromedical Biological Containment System (ABCS) is shown erected beside one of the operator’s Gulfstream III air ambulances. Note the “exoskeleton” fabricated from aluminum stock and the disposable isolation tent for patients suffering from dangerous communicable diseases that it supports. The system breaks down for storage and is designed to be assembled in the Gulfstream’s cabin and secured in the seat tracks.
By William Garvey, Molly McMillin, Jessica A. Salerno
Jet Aviation Singapore delivered the first 8C (120-month) inspection undertaken in Asia on a Bombardier Global Express aircraft. Along with the inspection, it also completed a full interior refurbishment and repainted the exterior. The 10-year 8C inspection is the largest maintenance event for Global Express aircraft. It will begin a second 8C inspection for an undisclosed customer in January. (See Twenty/20 on page 65)
Bombardier threw down the gauntlet in front of Gulfstream when it announced the Global Express in December 1993, officially launching the battle between Montreal and Savannah for King of the Heavy-Iron class.
“I wasn’t going to fly a toy and lose my ticket. I’ve been flying 35 years and have never gotten a violation and always followed the regs. Why would I jeopardize my livelihood?” Why, indeed? So reasoned Bob Howie, Gulfstream V captain at a Houston charter/management company, when he purchased a couple of DJI Phantom Pro 3 drones and contemplated starting a commercial operation. What attracted him to the small UASs that seem to have burgeoned overnight was a lifelong love affair with model aircraft.
Registration may identify some small drone operators, but it won’t keep those intent on mischief, terrorism or just plain stupidity from flying their UASs irresponsibly, illegally, or even malevolently.
