Buisness aviation news
Business jet utilisation is fraying slightly on comparable 2023 flight volumes, which is itself some way below the post-pandemic peak. But the Super Mid and Ultra Long-Range fleet is racking up more activity than ever.
Bombardier announced that its long-valued client NetJets has been revealed as the previously confidential buyer of 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft. The firm transaction initially announced in December 2023 was valued at US$326.4 million based on list prices at the time of signing, but the landmark deal could be more than US$6 billion if all optional 232 Challenger 3500 jets are exercised over time.
The outlook for business jet activity is softening in Europe as utilisation levels fall below 2019 levels, notably in Germany and France. The US market is relatively resilient, especially for large fleet operators in the charter and fractional space.
Bombardier, the worldwide leader in business aviation, unveiled a new brand identity anchored by the evolution of the company’s logo. As Bombardier successfully moves forward as a company with a sole focus on designing, building and servicing the world’s best business jets, the new brand identity will reinforce and propel the company’s unique approach to its customers and stakeholders—putting people at the centre and instilling a one-of-a-kind sense of family.
Aero-Dienst GmbH, the Nuremberg-based full-service provider for business aviation and air ambulance services, has extended its ASC contract with Dassault for a further 3 years.
Airbus Helicopters’ Racer demonstrator, developed in the frame of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project, has performed its first flight, in Marignane. The aircraft flew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flight test team to check the overall behavior of the aircraft.
Compared to last year, April’s trends are stronger than March, with growth in most of the top markets. UK, France and Germany were exceptions in Europe, with the charter market notably weakening. Bizjet activity in the Middle East saw further erosion, markedly Saudi Arabia. In the US, large business jets are seeing strongest demand. US charter demand is tailing off this month, Part 135 flights down 6% in week 16.
The first quarter of 2024 ended on a buoyant note with an uptick in preowned business aircraft sales, according to the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA). IADA’s First Quarter 2024 Market Report also indicated an optimistic outlook for the next six months.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the commencement of customer deliveries for the all-new Gulfstream G700. The first two G700 aircraft have been delivered and are now in service with Gulfstream customers.
Textron Aviation's commitment to sustainability has been recognized once again as its global service network received recertification as a Green Aviation Business from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). This recognition is part of NATA's Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses program, which encourages environmental sustainability within the industry.
Lilium N.V., developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) jet, announced today that it has started production of the advanced, aviation grade battery packs that will power the Lilium Jet on its first piloted flight, targeted for end of 2024. This latest milestone represents a landmark in the development of the Lilium Jet and follows extensive testing of battery pack subcomponents from individual cell to stack level with a focus on performance, safety and regulatory conformity.
Geopolitical tensions are visibly impinging on bizjet demand, with flights in the Middle East dropping off 20% in Week 15. The European market has idled this year, stagnating around the same levels of demand 5 years ago. The US market is still growing, especially for the top operators. Bizjet visitors to airports hosting the Masters golf tournament were up by 15% compared to last year’s event.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the all-new Gulfstream G700 has earned additional Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications following the G700 FAA type certification on March 29. The new production and interior supplemental type certifications further clear the G700 for customer deliveries and entry into service.
Piper Aircraft invites all attendees to stop by and view the all-new, 300-knot capable M700 FURY, along with the latest avionics upgrades for the M350 and the commuter favorite Archer LX at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, FL. All three aircraft will be on display painted alike using custom colors and designs created by their paint facility in Vero Beach, Florida, for the launch of the new flagship. Piper will also have the Seminole and Pilot 100i trainer class aircraft on static display at the show.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced it will showcase the class-leading Gulfstream G500 at AERO Friedrichshafen on April 17-20. The clean-sheet G500 offers best-in-class performance with advanced safety features and an optimal combination of speed, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency.
The European Commission has adopted a package of secondary legislation on drones and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capable aircraft, which puts the final rules in place for the launch of Innovative Air Mobility (IAM), including air taxi services.
