Business Aviation

The burgeoning sector is facing some concerning trends.

With MEBAA 2024 wrapping up in Dubai, this week’s Flight Friday focuses on flights of large business jets by European and Middle Eastern operators.

FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker has informed the agency’s workforce that he will step down from his position four years early on Jan. 20, 2025.

GAMA has named a successor to its president and CEO Pete Bunce, who plans to retire next April after two decades at the helm of the manufacturers’ association.

Signature Aviation and Eve Air Mobility have signed an agreement to jointly study requirements for advanced air mobility ground operations.

MySky and EJS announced their partnership to create an end-to-end aircraft procurement solution, MySky Procure.

The largest operator of BBJs, RoyalJet, is moving away from Boeing business airliners, signing an agreement for three Airbus ACJ 320neo aircraft.

Comlux’s new Dubai service and maintenance center will serve as its regional headquarters.

Gama Aviation plans a second quarter 2025 opening of its new business aviation center at Sharjah International Airport.

Joby and Jetex have formed a strategic partnership to integrate Joby’s S4 electric air taxis into Jetex facilities at major UAE airports.

Airbus Corporate Jets’ ACJ220 is making its MEBAA debut at the show.

Jet Aviation launched its new IFE and cabin management system alongside its latest jet card charter program for customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

FAA reauthorization legislation directs the agency to safeguard data generated by new 25-hour cockpit voice recorders.

The International Aircraft Dealers Association has named Louis C. Seno, Jr. as its new executive director effective Jan. 1, 2025 succeeding Wayne Starling.

Two new solar power projects—different in size and scale, but both first of their exact kind—have been completed at British airports.

Deutsche Aircraft Group has named Nico Neumann as the new CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, which is developing a new version of the legacy Dornier 328.

Lilium insists things are business as usual while the German insolvency process plays out, as it continues to pursue customer deals.

Gogo announced Dec. 4 it has completed the acquisition of Satcom Direct, combining two of the leading providers of inflight connectivity to business aviation.

December’s Program Profile features the twin-engine Airbus H160 medium helicopter, which debuted in March 2015. The aircraft was EASA certified in 2020 followed by FAA approval in 2023.

Such progress will enable Airbus, Daher and Safran to make decisions about their decarbonization projects.

Joby Aviation has ticked two more boxes on its journey toward launching commercial electric air taxi service in the U.S.

C&L Aerospace announced that it has entered into a long-term agreement for the bulk purchase and disassembly of end-of-life Cessna Citation business jets.

Gulfstream Aerospace took flight in its first G800 with a fully outfitted cabin interior on Wed., Nov. 27.

Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi is the founding and executive chair of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association, based in the United Arab Emirates.