Fly-by-wire, electric innovations embedded in Gulfstream’s new jets, FlightAware Boosts Flight Tracking Capabilities, Corporate Angel Network raises funds

FlightAware unveiled several upgrades to its popular web-based flight tracking system at the 2014 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention and exhibition last week. In addition to these upgrades, the flight-tracking service provider has moved beyond its core online aircraft flight tracking system with a global Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receiver network. JetOptions uses Flightaware to track its aircraft.

The business aviation community came together last week in support of the Corporate Angel Network (CAN), the industry charity that arranges for cancer patients to fly to treatment in empty seats on business aircraft. At this year’s annual NBAA/CAN Soiree, held last Wednesday during the NBAA Convention in Orlando, Fla., the silent and live auctions raised $380,000 for the charity. The event was capped by a live performance by rock group Three Dog Night.

Under the metallic and composite skin of Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600 lie several new innovations that came to light in supplier announcements and interviews at the NBAA convention.

A key theme from Gulfstream in the 14 October unveiling of the two jet designs is a goal to migrate the Mach 0.935 maximum speed, cabin comfort and fly-by-wire technology of the G650 to a slightly smaller, shorter-range class of aircraft.