Business Aviation Users Feel More Productive on Private Jets, Pilatus PC-24 Begins Taxi Runs, Gulfstream G500 and G600 New Wing Skin Supplier, NetJets Europe Prepares For First Challenger 350, Dassault Adds Second Falcon 8X to Test Program

Pilatus has begun taxi runs of its PC-24, and says the light business jet remains on target to make its first flight in May.

The seven-seat twin was pictured on 29 April on the runway the airframer’s Stans, Switzerland headquarters.

Launched in 2012, the PC-24 is the first business jet programme for Pilatus – builder of the PC-series of propeller-driven civil aircraft and military trainers.

Gulfstream has selected GKN Aerospace to supply the upper and lower wing skins for its new large-cabin, long-range business jet duo, the G500 and G600.

The award marks another major step in the UK-headquartered company’s strategy to increase its presence in the business jet market.

GKN already supplies skins for the G550’s wings, and says it aims to “foster and grow its relationship with Gulfstream for the long term”

The G500 and G600 upper wing skins are constructed in a single piece, thus eliminating fasteners and joints and consequently lowering weight and reducing maintenance, says GKN. The lower wing skins are comprised of several panels and incorporate a number of complex design features, it adds.

NetJets Europe is poised to take delivery of its first Bombardier Challenger 350.

The super-midsize business jet – registration CS-CHA – was pictured in Glasgow on 25 April during its ferry flight from Bombardier’s Montreal completion facility to the fractional ownership company’s headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal.

The aircraft will make its public debut with NetJets at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland on 19-21 May.

Another four of the twin-engined type are bound for NetJets Europe this year. The company’s 2015 aircraft delivery schedule also includes six Embraer Phenom 300s and two Bombardier Global 6000s

A study by the National Business Aviation Association (JetOptions is a member of NBAA) found that more than 20% of all business aviation users felt more productive while on board a private jet compared to working in their offices. Their counterparts using traditional airline service reported a 36% drop in productivity, the study said. Increased productivity stands out the most when it comes to choosing business aviation. That’s reflected in a company’s balance sheet.