Buisness aviation news

This week saw a marked drop-in flight activity in some key geographies, notably California, Germany, Saudi Arabia, China and Morocco. It was notable that the blue riband event for European bizav, the Monaco Grand Prix, drew 15% fewer bizjet visits than in 2019.

Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, at EBACE 2024, launched a new portfolio of pricing plans for customers equipping the SD Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA). Operators and owners equipping aircraft with the low-profile, advanced technology ESA can choose from several options, including an industry first three-year plan, that offers a fixed monthly fee of US$15,000 with no initial capital outlay.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) published the First Quarter 2024 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first three months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, show deliveries were flat for piston airplanes and piston helicopters, decreased for turboprops and turbine helicopters, and increased for business jets. Total aircraft billings were up 3.2% at $4.7 billion.

Jet Aviation announced today that the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) has approved the company’s use of automated drone and AI technology for General Visual Inspections (GVIs) by images. The drone inspection can be used to create a full visual record of the entire external surface of the aircraft.

Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, confirms at EBACE 2024, that Avcon Jet, one of the world’s leading private aviation management companies is the launch customer for the SD Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) Ku-band, flat panel terminal.

The latest week shows stable activity compared to last year, with fractional activity still booming, in contrast to some weaker charter demand, particularly at the light end of the market. Various gala events will see peaks in traffic in Europe in the next few weeks, starting with the Champions League Finals bringing visitors to London airports next week.

Asian Sky Group recently released its "Asia-Pacific Business Jet Fleet Report YE 2023", revealing that as of 2023, the region boasts a total of 1,154 business jets. Despite Greater China's continued dominance in the market, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have seen a three-year decline, with a total reduction of 19 jets in 2023, reducing the total to 326 jets.

LCI, a leading aviation company, and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (SMFL), have announced an order for up to 21 of the latest generation helicopters from Airbus.

Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has confirmed approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the SD Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal for a Gulfstream G650. Equipping the Gulfstream GVI-type with the advanced technology represents a significant milestone in the SD Plane Simple antenna series rollout.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched the second release of its digital space for the exchange of information on air taxis and drones with a focus on privacy concerns.

Bombardier has opened the new Aviator Lounge by Bombardier, strategically located at the Monaco Yacht Club. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco officially inaugurated the Lounge in the company of Pierre Beaudoin, Bombardier’s Chairman of the Board and other Bombardier’s senior leadership members.

Textron Aviation today announced the continued advancement of the Cessna Citation Ascend program following the successful completion by the prototype aircraft of numerous certification tests and more than 350 flight test hours. The Citation Ascend business jet was unveiled during the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) and the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2025.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the award-winning Gulfstream G650 and G650ER surpassed 1 million flight hours. With more than 560 aircraft in service worldwide, the high-performing fleet continues to deliver on its reputation as one of the most iconic aircraft programs in business aviation.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced the all-new Gulfstream G700 has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification, following the aircraft’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification on March 29.

Bizjet activity week 19 2024 is flat overall, with some significant regional divergence, noting significant weakness in Germany, Middle East, Africa and Asia, but strength in Texas, Switzerland and Brazil.

Leading aircraft management business AXIS Aviation is launching in South Africa, having successfully integrated the aircraft management, flight operations and charter business activities of Absolute Aviation.

Jekta, developer of the PHA-ZE 100 (Passenger Hydro Aircraft – Zero Emission 100) amphibious electric aircraft, has revealed the first interiors for its economy-class ‘Traveller’ and full-executive ‘Corporate’ cabin configurations for amphibious airframes.

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, revealed its Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy (ALFA) based on the Bell 429 commercial aircraft. Developed by Bell’s Advanced Programs team, ALFA is dedicated to performing flight maneuvers with an aircraft safety system and executing autonomous fly-by-wire flights. The fly-by-wire integration was a critical step in future development of autonomous controls for Bell’s commercial aircraft, an emerging technology that aims to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety.