Responding to strong interest from customers, Boeing Business Jets is launching a VIP version of the 737-8 from its new MAX range. The BBJ MAX 8 will have the fuel-efficient CFM International Leap-1B engines and Boeing advanced technology winglets, coupling the BBJ2-sized cabin of the 737-8 with a more than 14% improvement in range.
Cessna Aircraft hopes to bring a new Citation Sovereign to market next year that incorporates many of the same upgrades found on the Citation Ten, now called the X, along with improved range and performance. The Sovereign is one of a number of new projects that the Wichita manufacturer has in development, and at least four of them should enter service by the end of next year.
Dassault is combining the best elements of the Falcon 2000S with the 4,000 nm range of the 2000LX to create a new 2000LXS. The result is an aircraft that needs 1,125 ft less runway for takeoff and 430 ft less runway for landing. LXS also will weigh 300 lb less than LX because of green structure and completion weight reduction, along with having 2 dB SIL lower average cabin sound levels and significantly reduced emissions.
Honda Aircraft is hoping to certify its new twin HondaJet next year, but President and CEO Michimasa Fujino says the company plans to “fine tune” that schedule once the GE Honda Aero HF120 engine completes final tests this year. Engine and aircraft certification were pushed back after the HF120 encountered problems during ice testing last year, forcing GE Honda to change the engine fan design and delay engine certification to mid-2013.
Hawker Beechcraft is paving a future under which the newly restructured Beechcraft Corp. would offer a range of single-engine piston and turboprop aircraft alongside its King Airs—and perhaps new twins, Shawn Vick, executive vice president-customers, says. Hawker Beechcraft, which plans to emerge from bankruptcy early next year, has been working on a five-year product development plan that would build on its most profitable lines and position the company to move forward under the Beechcraft banner, company executives say.
KAYLA FORCE has joined FirstFlight as marketing coordinator. Force will oversee marketing efforts, along with the company’s social media and website activities. She joins the company with a marketing background and has run her own photography company since 2005.
Gulfstream is a few weeks away from delivering the first completed G650 and G280s, awaiting only the supplemental type certification approvals on the interior installations before handing over the first aircraft, company executives say. The company obtained full type certification for its G650 in early September, one week after receiving similar approval for the G280. “We’re marching along smartly. …We’ll be delivering aircraft here within weeks,” Jay Johnson, chairman of Gulfstream parent General Dynamics, told analysts recently.
Fractional ownership provider Avantair on Nov. 2 continued to ground its fleet of nearly 60 Piaggio Avanti aircraft as it conducts thorough “nose-to-tail” inspections of each aircraft and comprehensively reviews records, maintenance documentation and operating procedures. The company was hoping to begin returning aircraft to service soon, but could not say whether it would be immediate.
Dassault Falcon will begin operations at a new customer service headquarters in Beijing in early 2013. It will be staffed by local specialists experienced in receiving and processing spare parts orders, warranty and FalconCare claims. At least two type-rated Falcon pilots will be based in Beijing to provide jump-seat support for new and existing Falcon customers.
Companies that used business aviation during the “Great Recession” fared much better than businesses that parked their aircraft or did not use business aviation, according to a new study released last week by the National Business Aviation Association. The study, “Business Aviation—Maintaining Shareholder Value Through Turbulent Times,” finds that business aviation users represented 84% of the S&P 500 companies in 2011, and a significant number of companies that dropped off the S&P 500 list during the downturn were non-users.
Used business aircraft sales slowed slightly, particularly in the light jet segment, and inventory began to creep back up in the third quarter. But used market indicators overall were a “mixed bag” as pricing strengthened for both business jets and turboprops, according to industry analyst Amstat. Aircraft manufacturers and industry analysts closely follow used jet indicators—particularly the available inventory and pricing—to monitor the overall health of the industry.
National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen notes the prevailing sentiment has been that buyers of large business jets have been more immune to the effects of the prolonged recession. But Bolen disagrees with the sentiment. “The reality is the recession has affected them,” he says, but the needs of those buyers have shifted. “I just think the business model has changed,” he says.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT Model G58 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2012-0829; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-024-AD; Amendment 39-17221; AD 2012-21-05] – requires replacement of the incorrect gauge wiring with the correct wiring required by type design and the aircraft’s circuit protection. FAA estimates the AD affects 40 aircraft on the U.S. Registry at a cost of $56,400, or $1,410 per aircraft. The AD takes effect Nov. 27. For more information, contact Richard Rejniak, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kan.
Kestrel Aircraft selected a Cox and Company electrical-mechanical expulsion deicing system for its single-turboprop aircraft, part of a series of refinements that the company is making as it works toward finalizing a design. Alan Klapmeier, the former Cirrus Aircraft founder who is developing the Kestrel, says use of the electrical-mechanical deicing system will provide a smooth leading edge surface to lower drag and reduce fuel consumption.
EUROCOPTER FRANCE Model AS332C, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters [Docket No. FAA-2012-1015; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-069-AD] – proposes to require modifying the main landing gear control panel 33G, connector 100G, and wiring. It also would require tests to ensure that these modifications function correctly. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of electro-valve power supply disruptions while a helicopter is on the ground, causing the landing gear to retract and the helicopter nose to drop.
Aviation Week promoted Beth Wagner to associate publisher of BA affiliate Business & Commercial Aviation (BCA). Wagner, who has 15 years of sales experience primarily focused on the business aviation community, will lead business development, expansion and the global sales efforts across the U.S., Canada, and Europe for BCA. She also will represent Aviation Week’s integrated business aviation portfolio.
ANDY FERNANDES was appointed regional manager for Duncan Aviation in India. Fernandes joined Duncan in 1999, holding airframe, customer services and projects roles. In addition to his new responsibilities, he will continue to serve as avionics installations sales representative supporting operators in India.
The chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is pledging to work alongside industry to combat user fees and other proposals that he considers harmful to the business aviation industry. Speaking during the opening general session of the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla., Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) called the industry’s No Plane No Gain the “absolutely perfect” message to convey to decision makers in Washington.
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ORLANDO, Fla. – Despite a hurricane and a nearly 12-hr. presidential temporary flight restriction (TFR), attendance at the National Business Aviation Association’s 65th Annual Meeting and Convention dropped off only slightly and only two of the nearly 1,100 exhibitors dropped out for weather reasons. This year’s event drew 25,150 attendees – down from the 26,077 in 2011, but still up from the 24,206 a year earlier.
DAVID POWELL joined FlightSafety International as executive director, helicopter business development. Powell previously spent 25 years with Sikorsky Aircraft, most recently as vice president of sales for the Americas. He also served as vice president of sales for Asia.
MIKE WEST was named vice president, product support sales and new business development for Gulfstream Aerospace. West joined Gulfstream in 1999 and has been director, product support programs since September 2002. He also has served as executive vice president and general manager, respectively, for TBM Inc. and AC Tech.
Bombardier and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are set to return to the bargaining table as the nearly month-long strike involving 825 workers in Wichita continues. Bombardier’s Learjet unit and IAM Local 639 agreed to resume negotiations at the request of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), FMCS Director George Cohen said Friday. Members of Local 639 went on strike Oct. 8 after rejecting a five-year contract proposal over health benefits and wage increases.
