Posted on November 25th, 2016
Business aviation is evolving constantly and we always keep up to date with training, education, and news about the business aviation industry to better serve our clients. Following are business aviation news articles and stories from around the world that grabbed our attention this week ending November 25th, 2016:
Recently, at least three independently produced business aviation forecasts have provided insights on various topics, including market demand trends and the availability of pre-owned aircraft. However, amidst this wealth of information, the role of special-mission aircraft often gets overlooked.
The G550 is the most widely used heavy jet model for special missions and government applications. According to Gulfstream, its long range and ability to fly at altitudes higher than commercial air traffic appeal to customers, as does its its dispatch reliability.
For over a decade, the generational transition has been a hot topic in business aviation. As the average age of managers in the industry ticks higher, pundits have given advice on how to hire millennials, train them, and integrate them into teams and what they expect as customers.
Now, the next generation is coming of age. Across the industry, young leaders and entrepreneurs under 40 are carving a niche, and they have a unique viewpoint on the future of business aviation. So NBAA listened.
“It’s never stagnant. Technology is always changing. Companies are always merging. Business aviation is a very dynamic environment,” said Arthur Ramey, a 28-year-old pilot for Haymon Sports based in Las Vegas and a certified flight instructor. “And the world will continue becoming a smaller place. Business aviation will be even more important in the future.”
Ramey and other young aviation leaders singled out technology as the most significant force driving change in the industry, followed by the demographic shift. They also have a positive long-term outlook for the aircraft market.
AIRCRAFT DEMAND
Looking ahead, Ramey predicted regulatory requirements would put pressure on older aircraft. “You have a lot of older aircraft that will be affected by avionics mandates, noise abatement [requirements], and concerns about carbon emissions, all of which will push them out of the sky,” said Ramey. In turn, fractional and charter operators will continue updating their fleets, boosting aircraft demand.
“Even if margins on fuel stay low, there’s a strong reason to invest in more fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Avery. “Modern aircraft are great at tankering, so now it makes sense for more operators to have their own fuel farm” and cut operating expenses by fueling at their home base.
Having flown a Gulfstream GIV-SP to more than a dozen countries, Ramey is betting that emerging markets will be an important source of aircraft demand, despite today’s global economic uncertainty.
Continue reading about millennials in business aviation on NBAA.org->
Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced that the second aircraft in the Citation Longitude flight test program has successfully completed its first flight just over one month after the first prototype aircraft took to the skies in October. The flight, piloted by Textron Aviation test pilots Scott Foster and Peter Fisher, lasted approximately 90 minutes and reached all of its performance targets. The aircraft will be used in the flight test program primarily for systems testing, while further expanding the aircraft’s performance envelope.
“In the 12 months since we announced the Citation Longitude, our team has been right on target in meeting the program milestones, further validating our industry-leading development process,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “We are coming off of a successful NBAA where we announced increased performance numbers and debuted the prototype aircraft less than a month after first flight – all of which are fueling robust customer interest around the world. The team remains focused, and we are charging into 2017 with great momentum on the program.”
Cessna announced earlier this month that the Longitude has achieved an improved range of 3,500 nautical miles, an increase of 100 nautical miles, and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds, an increase of 100 pounds, further establishing the aircraft’s anticipated leadership in its segment.
Continue reading about the Citation Longitude on Textron Aviation->
Embraer Executive Jets has been named Aircraft Manufacturer of the Year by BACA, the Worldwide Association of Air Charter Professionals. The award was presented recently to Peter Griffith, Senior Vice President Sales, Europe, CIS & Africa, Embraer Executive Jets, by Richard Mumford, BACA Chairman, in the presence of Robert Walters, a director of Biggin Hill Airport Ltd., the award’s sponsor. Embraer Executive Jets is the first organization to win this new award, decided by the votes of BACA members worldwide, representing over 200 member companies.
“To win a prestigious BACA award is a great achievement, and it’s especially satisfying to win the first ever award in the category’s inaugural year,” said Peter Griffith. “However, what makes this special is that we won this award based on the popular vote of the BACA membership worldwide, an illustrious group of aviation professionals.”
BACA Chairman, Richard Mumford, said, “I would like to congratulate Embraer on winning the first BACA Aircraft Manufacturer of the Year Award. BACA decided to create this award to recognize the incredible work of aircraft manufacturers in producing outstanding, innovative aircraft, backed up by outstanding customer service. The vote of BACA members for Embraer is a shining endorsement of their aircraft.”
Continue reading about the manufacturer of the year award on Embraer Executive Jets->
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. is pleased to display three of its business jets at the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Show Dec. 6-8 in Dubai. The static display will include the company flagship Gulfstream G650ER, the high-performing Gulfstream G550, and the class-leading Gulfstream G280.
The four-living-area G650ER will headline Gulfstream’s presence, showcasing the company’s commitment to exceeding customers’ expectations for customization, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Customers will be able to see the three Gulfstream aircraft firsthand and discuss Gulfstream’s advances in innovation, reliability, safety, and performance. The aircraft will be available for viewing outside Chalet A13-14 at Dubai World Central. In addition to the aircraft on display, Gulfstream will have a reception area for customers.
Continue reading about the Gulfstream G650ER showcase on Gulfstreamnews->
Tags: Citation longitude, gulfstream, Cessna, business aviation, embraer, G650ER, aviation news, bizav news