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FCC Regulatory Approval for Gogo’s In-flight Connectivity Solution

January 17, 2015
Business Aviation News
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Other Passenger In-flight Connectivity Providers for Business JetsGogo, Illinois-based global aviation communications provider, has today announced that it has received FCC regulatory approval to air its latest in-flight connectivity solution on 1000 aircraft.

Operating the 2Ku system is a big step for Gogo, with its NextGen technology, which they expect to be available after the summer of this year. Gogo say they expect the new, 4.5inch antenna to deliver peak speeds of more than 70 Mbps to the aircraft.

Michael Small, president and CEO of Gogo said, “Clearing the necessary regulatory hurdles to provide this service to an aircraft flying anywhere around the globe is no small feat. Gogo has proven it is a leader at navigating these environments for all aircraft types no matter where they fly. We are happy that the launch of 2Ku is proceeding as planned and are continuing to work with the FAA on approval for installation.”

The introduction of NextGen technology for commercial aircraft is going to be welcomed by airlines and passengers, with global expectation for in-flight connectivity growing. Currently, business aviation operators enjoy seamless connectivity through Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Iridium satellite networks providers.

Nextant G90XT Takes to the Skies on Maiden Flight

January 16, 2015
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Maiden Flight for Remanufactured AircraftNathan Marker, Nextant Aerospace chief pilot and vice president of flight operations, flew the re-engined G90XT on its maiden flight on January 12th. A celebration of the marker event was held at Cuyahoga County Airport, the company’s Cleveland, Ohio headquarters.

The Nextant G90XT is a Beechcraft King Air C90A, equipped with GE H75-100 turboprop engines and follows the Beechjet 400A/Hawker 400XP as the second remanufactured aircraft in their program.

The first, 24-minute flight saw the G90XT reach a height of 8,000 ft. and around 230 knots groundspeed. The following day, a speed of 261 knots was reached out of the projected maximum capability of 280 knots with four passengers.

Sean McGeough, Nextant president and CEO, expects the flight-test program to take approximately six weeks to complete and certification to be processed during late spring. No performance figures have yet been released, but Mr Marker is said to be ‘thrilled with the performance so far.”

Masterjet Business Aviation Acquisition by Luxaviation

January 15, 2015
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It has been announced that Luxaviation, Luxembourg-based business aviation operator has acquired Masterjet, Portuguese operator based in Lisbon, and operating business jets from Paris Le Bourget.

The acquisition will make Luxaviation rank as the largest business aviation operator in Europe, with almost 100 aircraft and more than 500 employees. Luxaviation now holds six air charter businesses: Luxaviation, Luxaviation Germany, Unijet (France), Abelag (Belgium), London Executive Aviation (UK) and now Masterjet (Portugal).

Current Masterjet president, Edward Queffelec and Karol Gueremy, managing director, will remain in their positions, as Luxaviation intend to continue its strategic position by retaining operational independence of each group operator.

The acquisition was completed for an undisclosed sum.

Business Aviation Ahead with In-Flight Connectivity

January 7, 2015
Business Aviation News
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Passenger Communications & In-Flight Connectivity Solutions for the Business Jet Flight DeckAs an industry, aviation is awash with discussion about the benefits, both safety and operational, of in-flight connectivity through e-enablement.

The business aviation sector is ahead of the game in this and many other areas, as many BIZAV operators are already utilising WiFi and in-flight connectivity, not just for passenger communications, but also for keeping the flight deck up-to-date, using the latest solutions, such as connected Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) and increasing flight efficiency with real-time access to flight data and weather updates.

In the Middle East, cabin crew use the aircraft enhanced connectivity to save valuable time, one of the driving forces for business passengers. Using in-flight connectivity features enables cabin crew to send and receive updates, such as cabin maintenance requirements and aircraft status, which can lead to faster turnaround times, ultimately saving business aircraft operators time and money.

In-flight connectivity solutions providers for the business aviation sector make full use of the latest technology to ensure that operators around the world can streamline their operations. The commercial sector is sure to follow.

Six Learjet 75s Order for Bombardier Worth $83 Million

January 6, 2015
Business Aviation News
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Bombarider Learjet 75 OrderBombardier ended the year on a high with an order for six Learjet 75s from an undisclosed customer worth $83 million. The order also includes an option for three more, which could mean a potential $124 million if all options are exercised.

According to Pierre Beaudoin, president and CEO of French manufacturer Bombardier, the market for lighter aircraft is taking over from the larger models. He revealed that 16 Learjets were delivered by September last year, compared with just nine in the same period of 2013.

The Learjet sector of Bombardier’s business operations continues to lead with the 70 and 75 models with the introduction of the Learjet 85 on the horizon.

$160 Million Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft Contract with GE Capital

January 5, 2015
Business Aviation News
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GE Capital Order the Bombardier Q400 NextGenThe year is off to a great start for Bombardier as GE Capital Aviation Services sign a purchase agreement with an order value of $160 million for five of its Q400 NextGen aircraft. The company announced that options have been taken on 10 additional aircraft, which could mean that the GECAS order could reach $448 million, based upon the current list price of the Q400.

The stunning large turboprop aircraft has seating for up to 86 passengers and is optimised for short-haul flights. It is cited as being the most efficient modern turboprop with the lowest seat-mile costs in the short-haul regional marketplace.

In a statement from Norman C.T. Liu, GE Capital Aviation Services CEO and president, the decision-making process for the Q400 is clear. “As we continue to grow our leasing fleet, we are pleased to be adding up to 15 more Q400 NextGen aircraft,” he said. “We have seen a growing demand for turboprop aircraft worldwide and the Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally positioned to meet the needs of regional airlines now and in the future.”

Dassault Falcon 8X Unveiled in Bordeaux

December 19, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Dassault Falcon 8X Ultra-Long-Range Business JetThe latest ultra-long-range luxury business jet from Dassault was unveiled in typical French style this month during a ceremonial dinner at their Bordeaux Merignac factory.

Olivier Villa, senior vice-president for civil aircraft said, “The program is right on schedule” as the executive aircraft was proudly showcased with barely dry paint in a launch that was described as mixing “prestige, passion for aviation and the French touch.”

As the aircraft undergoes some modifications that were highlighted during recent testing, the first flight is planned for the first quarter of next year, after each system is signed-off by Dassault’s flight test team. This is expected to be accomplished by the end of January, according to Frederic Petit, vice-president for the Falcon programs.

Three aircraft will be tested by the Falcon 8X program chief test pilot Eric Gerard and test pilot Herve Lavergne. Two of the three aircraft will be available for sale to customers after being demonstrators for approximately one year and the other will remain in Dassault’s fleet.

Strong Passenger Traffic Growth in 2014 Says ICAO Report

December 17, 2014
Business Aviation News
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The Latest Aviation Industry NewsAccording to a preliminary report from the ICAO, an estimated 3.2 billion passengers used air transport in 2014. This shows growth of approximately 5% on last year and demonstrates accuracy in the predictions for the industry as a whole.

Based on the current predictions, we can expect more than 6.4 billion by 2030 as we saw aircraft departures reach 33 million – a new record and beating 2013 figures by around a million flights.

The largest air travel market was the Asia-Pacific region, claiming more than 30% in terms of RPKs. Second was Europe, with a 27% share and third North America with 25%.

Showing the fastest growth, however, was the Middle East at a rate of 12.8%, while African growth was shown at a more modest 1.5%, but is expected to grow stronger this year, particularly in the business aviation sector.

New Self-Service Bag Drop & Security Systems for Gatwick Airport

December 14, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Providers of Baggage Handling Systems in AirportsA £1 billion investment plan has been announced for Gatwick Airport as it marks its five-year milestone of independent ownership.

The airport has seen improvements to its South Terminal and the next investment plans are for the North Terminal, where £36 million will be spent on a brand new check-in area, featuring what is hailed to be the world’s largest self-service bag drop zone. 60 bag drop units will be expected to virtually eliminate queueing and will free up valuable terminal space while helping airlines with cost-sharing opportunities in a multi-airline bag drop facility.

A new security area will benefit from £30 million and is expected to open in 2016. Gatwick anticipate that the streamlined process of passenger screening will enable them to handle 5,000 passengers per hour with new features such as reconfigured lanes and floor wayfinding; systems that have been rigorously tested during the ‘Generation 2’ trials.

Queues are also expected to be reduced by the introduction of 15 new e-gates, effectively speeding up the passenger processing system and greatly enhancing the experience for travellers.

Stewart Wingate, CEO at London Gatwick is delighted with the new plans and said, “It’s been an incredible five years and this is just the start. Gatwick is changing for the better and the fresh £1 billion investment is a clear signal that we intend to become London’s airport of choice.”

Rockwell Collins’ New ARINCDirect Fully Integrated

December 13, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Rockwell Collins' ARINCDirect New Features with IntegrationFollowing the introduction of the new ARINCDirect portfolios for cabin services and flight support services at MEBA last month, it is clear that Rockwell Collins have fully integrated the business aviation arm of its empire.

Rockwell Collins’ Ascend Flight Information Solutions division has now been merged with the former ARINC Direct services to create the new Rockwell Collins’ ARINCDirect portfolio, which is a part of the Information Management Services division.

ARINC Direct has held firm the position within the business aviation community and now promises to deliver even greater use of the latest technological developments while holding true to the key ideology of their core business practices which has made them an industry leader over the past decade.

Rockwell Collins’ ARINCDirect highlighted four key technologies at MEBA this year:

  • Integrated weight-and-balance/performance calculations in the improved iPad application
  • A new fuel tankering feature
  • Integration with Rockwell Collins’ Flight Operations System (FOS) software
  • New passenger and flight crew connectivity solutions

Combining the proven flight planning tools and flight support services with Rockwell Collins’ own solutions, the integrated services are now designed to fit every segment of the industry, offering owners and operators flexibility with solutions that can be ‘scalable to fit the mission’ according to Brian Kruger, senior director of the ARINCDirect unit.