Global 7000 Maiden Flight, Need to Know Before Flying Private, Business Aviation Innovation, ACJ Cabin Concept, OEM Development

Business aviation is evolving constantly, and we always keep up to date with training, education, and news about our industry to serve our clients better. Here are some of the business aviation news articles and stories from around the world that grabbed our attention this week ending November 11th, 2016:

Bombardier Global 7000 Aircraft Successfully Completes First Flight

The Global 7000 aircraft program has successfully completed the maiden flight of its first flight test vehicle (FTV1). This marks the beginning of the flight testing program for Bombardier’s flagship Global aircraft family. The aircraft is expected to enter into service in the second half of 2018. The Global 7000 flight test vehicle took off from Bombardier’s facility in Toronto at 10:25 a.m. EST under the command of Captain Ed Grabman, assisted by his co-pilot Jeff Karnes and Flight Test Engineer Jason Nickel, in clear conditions. The Global 7000 is the first and only clean-sheet business jet with four living spaces and a dedicated crew rest area, offering unparalleled comfort and interior design flexibility.

Dedicated to testing basic system functionality and assessing the handling and flying qualities of the aircraft, today’s flight lasted approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes, during which all flight controls were exercised, and the systems and aircraft performed as expected. The flight crew conducted a gradual climb to 20,000 feet (6,096 m) and the aircraft reached a planned test speed of 240 knots.

“The first flight is the culmination of an incredible amount of knowledge and experience from our dedicated employees, partners and suppliers,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This is a very proud moment for Bombardier and confirms the Global 7000 aircraft program development is on schedule. It is the industry’s most innovative and uniquely designed business jet and the only aircraft on the market to offer four living spaces for unparalleled comfort and flexibility, creating an unforgettable experience for our customers. The Global 7000 business jet’s impressive capabilities promise to establish a whole new category for large business jets,” he added.

“This is a great day for Bombardier and a very proud moment for the thousands of employees who made this significant milestone a reality,” said Michel Ouellette, Senior Vice President, Global 7000 and Global 8000 program, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Hard work and dedication from the entire team, including our suppliers, went into this amazing milestone of the development program. With today’s first flight successfully completed, all teams remain focused on meeting the program’s development and certification schedule and the aircraft’s entry-into-service in the second half of 2018.”

Continue reading about the Global 7000 maiden flight on Bombardier.com->

Why Business Aviation Must Innovate to Drive Recovery

In business aviation, sales slumps are usually broken by the arrival of new products, which explains why most forecasts predict any recovery will occur after 2017. That aligns with the arrival of several impressive models, such as the Bombardier Global 7000 series, Cessna Citation Longitude, Gulfstream G500 and Pilatus PC-24.

But relying on new products to stimulate demand doesn’t always work. Sometimes projects get delayed, and, even if they arrive on time, the market might not move. Since 2015, manufacturers have delivered the Citation Latitude, Dassault Falcon 8X, Embraer Legacy 450 and the Honda Aircraft HondaJet. Each features impressive performance and new technologies, yet the market in most regions has shrunk.

To drive a real recovery, the industry needs to come up with a better way of doing business: one less reliant on new metal. While improved aircraft are still necessary, the sector needs to do more to stimulate demand.

Continue reading about innovation in business aviation on FlightGlobal.com->

Airbus Corporate Jet Curvaceous Cabin Concept

In the world of large-cabin business jets, there are Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) and Boing Business Jet—and then there’s everybody else.

“These aircraft may not be the fastest or highest flying, but they certainly redefine the concept of an ‘office in the sky’ and, in some cases, offer opulence that knows no bounds, tailored to the personal preferences and imagination of the customer. They are highly customized versions of the passenger jets operated by many major airlines.

During the recent National Business Aviation Association conference and exhibition, Airbus unveiled a new cabin concept for its A320neo (New Engine Option) called Melody. The design is characterized by flowing lines inspired by natural curves, such as hilly horizons and desert dunes.

These flowing lines are evident in the main pathway through the airplane’s cabin and in the curved walls of specific zones within it. The design also prioritizes a quieter environment and is well-suited for providing sound and vision akin to a home cinema setting.

Airbus integrated cutting-edge technologies from commercial and military aviation, including weight-saving carbon fiber in tables and cabinets, and a greater emphasis on Wi-Fi. With a lighter cabin, Airbus was able to enhance the aircraft’s range. Both the ACJ320neo and the smaller ACJ319neo feature next-generation engines and wingtip sharklets for improved aerodynamics.

In addition to an extended range, operators can anticipate a 16% reduction in fuel consumption, as indicated by an Airbus Corporate Jet official. The ACJ320neo can transport 25 passengers over 6,000 nautical miles or more than 13 hours, while the ACJ319neo can accommodate eight passengers over 6,750 nautical miles or more than 15 hours.”

Continue reading about the ACJ cabin concept on Forbes.com->

Luxury Jet Maker Bombardier Finds Lift Amid Stalling Private Aircraft Sector

The Canadian plane maker Bombardier has reported a lower than expected adjusted net loss and said it expects to finish the year with improved operating margins in all of its businesses.

The company raised the lower end of its full-year forecast for earnings before interest and tax(ebit) to US$350 million from $200m, while maintaining the upper end at $400m.

Montreal-based Bombardier forecast revenue of $16.5 billion for the year, compared with its previous forecast of $16.5bn to -$17.5bn, after the company in September halved the 2016 delivery forecast for its CSeries mid-range aircraft.

The CSeries program, which has been affected by production delays and cost overruns, has received a $745 million investment from the Quebec provincial government. Canada’s federal government has agreed in principle to invest in the company’s CSeries program, but a deal is yet to be finalized. Bombardier announced last month that it would cut 7,500 jobs, mostly in its train-making division, marking the second round of layoffs this year due to extended delays and budget overruns in its aerospace business. In the quarter ended September 30, Bombardier delivered 36 business jets, down from 43 in the same period last year, and 16 commercial aircraft, an increase of two from a year earlier. The company’s net loss narrowed to $94 million, compared with $4.88 billion a year earlier, while revenue fell nearly 10 percent to $3.74 billion. Bombardier booked non-cash charges of about $4.4 billion on its CSeries and Learjet 85 programs a year earlier.

Continue reading about Bombardier on The National->

Original Equipment Manufacturers Advance on All Fronts

The recent National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention and exhibition showcased a great deal of innovation across the aviation sector. This includes new and improved designs of jets and turboprops, as well as various systems that enable these aircraft to meet the transportation needs of business executives.

From that perspective, it’s also interesting to note the different approaches taken by various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in developing and certifying new models. Some companies, such as Honda Aircraft Corp., can be likened to marathon competitors. The HondaJet, the result of founder Michimasa Fujino’s 30-year dream, is known as the world’s fastest and most advanced light jet. This week, Honda announced its first speed records over two recognized courses: Teterboro, N.J., to Fort Lauderdale, Fl., and Boston, Mass., to Palm Beach, Fl.

Among the competitors in the industry, there exists a category known as the “relay” competitors. These are companies that have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in developing entirely new designs in rapid succession, with a focus on specific niche market segments. Their expertise lies in the ability to consistently create innovative products tailored to meet the unique demands of these specialized markets. Embraer, with its Legacy 450 and Legacy 500, and Gulfstream Aerospace with its G500 and G600, come to mind. Embraer disclosed that Brazil’s civil aviation authority, the European Safety Agency and the FAA awarded certification of the Head-Up Display and Enhanced Vision System for both aircraft.

Continue reading about OEM’s approach to developing new models on Forbes.com->

Tags: global 7000, bombardier, flying private, aviation news, bizav news, aviation innovation, aviation OEM, ACJ 320 neo, private jet charter, business aviation

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