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German-based Spherus Aviation to Develop Business Aviation in Nigeria

October 4, 2013
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Germany-based Spherus Aviation, a leading business aviation firm from Hannover, has scheduled a follow-up trip to Nigeria with a view to developing business aviation in the country.

In a bid to drum up enthusiasm, the company has been encouraging Nigerian clients and extolling the virtues of the charter and management of private aircraft, showcasing business jets.

In partnership with Cita-Triax Aviation, a Nigerian-based company, Spherus is committed to improving and expanding Nigeria’s business aviation industry.

“On this trip, we are participating in the Oil &and Gas expo in Abuja and will be offering advice and support to clients at the Cessna/Bell stand with Robert Prentise of Africa air Inc. We will present our latest Special Management Model Turnkey solution to potential Nigerian business aviation clients who may be government officials, business leaders and high net worth individuals that value their time in meeting up with their appointments using a private long range shuttle with maximum comfort and guarantee of safety, ” said Mr Sebastian Kester, MD of Spherus Aviation.

Spherus Aviation is the first Nigerian-owned business aviation operator to work successfully in Europe and will bring European aviation standards into Nigeria.  It is hoped that the development of business in Nigeria will encourage the continuation of direct foreign investment into the country.

Business Jets Fractional Ownership Trend Growing

October 3, 2013
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Fractional Ownership in Business Aviation

Fractional ownership initiatives allow buyers to acquire a fraction of a business jet, paying a monthly fee for management, then flight fees per hour of use.  Some companies offer pay-in-advance schemes where the customer can purchase bulk flying time.

For the past five years, there has been a lull in this industry; the economic downturn is partly to blame, with expenses cutbacks and falling rates of business.  This had led to many fractional ownership companies going out of business, with some being bought out, such as the proposed acquisition of Bombardier’s Flexjet by Directional Aviation Capital who already own Flight Options and Sentient Jet, fractional ownership enterprises.

It is hoped, now that there are fewer players in the industry, that prices can become more competitive, with greater flexibility for new growth in this sector.

Executive Airshare is keeping its focus upon the light jet market, which is less capital-intensive, offering businesses a more affordable way of flight compared to that of larger jets.

Already there seems to have been a resurgence of business with some companies noticing a rise of up to 50% on last year’s figures.  Many believe that this is a clear indication that people are returning to ‘normal’ business activity.

It may also be an indication that businesses are prepared to go a little further in search of new contracts and to seek out new business opportunities.

Recently it was suggested that it can be more cost-effective for companies to share the hire of a business jet than to purchase individual seats on commercial flights.

Whatever is happening, it is clearly good for business in the sector.

Private Jet in Atlanta More Economical than Commercial Flight

October 2, 2013
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Peachtree Aviation have been looking at private jet flight in Atlanta versus commercial and have concluded that often it can be more economical to rent a private jet if you have a group of people to transport.

James Barber, CEO of Peachtree Aviation said, “Flying commercially is often a major time sink and this can cost you dearly when you have high productivity costs.”

In the business world, hiring a private jet is more likely to reduce the costs per person when you compare the price with the individual purchase of multiple commercial seats for a team of employees.  Add that to the time saved overall per employee and the real savings can be significant.

Mr Barber goes on to say, “When you factor in the time you have to waste going through a commercial airport’s security lines, the wait for the plane, the extended boarding period and then the time it takes you to get your luggage after the flight, you can end up saving several hours of productivity time per person.”

Peachtree Aviation offers private jet charter in Atlanta.

 

Flight Time Rules Questioned by UK Transport Committee

September 16, 2013
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The EU proposal for flight and duty time regulations has been questioned by the UK Parliamentary Transport Committee this week.

The proposed EASA changes, due to take effect as early as November this year, are an improvement upon the current version, the committee said, but they seem, for the most part to contradict current scientific research.

Concerns were also raised about the controversial low reporting of pilot fatigue.  This will relate directly to the proposal for 11-hour  period of ‘on duty’ for night flights and led the committee to demand that ‘the government seek to ensure scientists have a more central role in further work by EASA as it finalizes its flight-time limitations proposals.’

The Transport Committee have reiterated their concerns that no ‘consensus was reached with pilots and cabin crew.’  The proposals by EASA would give operators the lead to issue duty rotations that will mean up to a third of flights will exceed the current maximum duty period. The UK CAA believes that a more practical limit would be 10-20%.  EASA argue that scheduled flights that would exceed will only be seasonal.

It has been suggested by the UK that the EU come back to the regulations after a two year ‘trial’ period, to assess the effectiveness of the new rules.

JetBlue Sign Aviation Technical for In-Flight Wifi

September 6, 2013
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in flight wifiAviation Technical, Washington-based providers have been awarded the contract by New York-based low cost airline, JetBlue to install in-flight Wifi technology on their fleet of 130 Airbus A320 aircraft.  To installations are expected to near completion by the end of 2014.

Designed by LiveTV, who will give training and technical support to Aviation Technical Services, the technology will provide Ka-band connectivity.

JetBlue’s brand for the in-flight wifi is called ‘Fly-Fi’ and will use satellite networks for connectivity, rather than the more common Ku-band provision, which uses ground-based stations.  This will give faster and more reliable connection.

The Ka-band operates within a higher bandwidth and offering eight times more than the Ku-band, which is also more highly congested.

Other in-flight wifi providers, such as ARINC, use Iridium and Inmarsat satellite networks to provide a seamless global connectivity for their customers within the Ka-band with SwiftBroadband and their CabinConnect solutions.

Chinese Commuters Could Soon Take to the Skies

September 6, 2013
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A $130 million contract between a Beijing-based aircraft manufacturer and a General Aviation company to supply 300 small aircraft within the next five years could become the new commuter solution in China.

The companies want to introduce ‘mini airports’ at over 160 countries in the province and provide a short-haul service for passengers within a low-flying network.

All the aircraft will be manufactured with a maximum capacity of ten passengers and will target business passengers to boost more than just the aviation sectors in China.

Due to the terrain in China, in general, the daily commute for many passengers would be greatly reduced with aviation routes, rather than using the roads.  A 40km distance between two points can easily become 200km within the road network.

Chen Wei, Chairman of Beijing George Heintz Aircraft Manufacturing Co regularly takes a minimum of an hour’s drive into the City, but using aviation will cut the journey down to just 15 minutes.

The plan to open up low-altitude airspace is becoming an International trend, but is expected to be a fairly slow process in China.  Government regulators are being asked to consider the new plans and the benefits to not only general aviation, but many business sectors of the province.  It is hoped that plans can forge forwards within the next five years, although it seems unlikely that low-altitude regulations will be in operation before 2020.

Celebrities to Attend the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Summit

September 5, 2013
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Griffey at AOPA SummitCelebrities with a passion for aviation will appear at this year’s AOPA summit in Fort Worth to mingle with the members.  Appearances from Ken Griffey Jr, Major League Baseball player, football legend, Ed ‘Too-Tall’ Jones and Aaron Tippin, Country & Western singer are expected.

Ken Griffey is a pilot and will speak at the keynote address on Friday 11th October.  Aaron Tippin is also a pilot of a T-6 Texan and will play a free concert for the first 450 summit attendees at the Flying Saucer Restaurant.  He is a long-time supporter of AOPA and said, “I am just like any other aviator. I’m always looking for organizations that are going to look out for the interest of pilots, aircraft owners, and mechanics.”

Ed Jones is a local who has a passion for aviation and will attend an interactive Q&A session, where members will have the opportunity to ask him about his distinguished SuperBowl career of 15 years, his fellow players and his retirement.

“We look for celebrities who have a passion for aviation, who have served aviation in some way, or who have a unique connection to the local community where Summit is held,” said AOPA director of outreach and events, Chris Eads.

 

New Delhi Civil Aviation Ministry asks for Lower Taxes on Jet Fuel

August 30, 2013
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The New Delhi Civil Aviation Ministry has confirmed its mission to push more state governments into lowering taxes on jet fuel in a bid to ease the pressure on airlines with the rise in crude oil prices and the weakening value of the rupee.  This slide against the US dollar raises concerns as to the increase in prices that the struggling airlines will have to face for leasing commitments, maintenance and repairs, payments to expat crew members and staff costs abroad.

GoAir CEO Giorgio De Roni, said “Almost all airline costs are related to the dollar, including fuel. We have to face this reality. A week rupee is a big challenge for the industry.”

“The rise in ATF (aviation turbine fuel) prices will have an impact. We have been requesting the state governments to consider reduction in taxes they levy on ATF, keeping in mind the rising oil prices,” said Civil Aviation Secretary, K N Shrivastava.

Although some states, namely, Chhattisgarh, Rajastan, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh have brought down the taxes on jet fuel, the CAM are ‘pursuing other states to follow suit’, promising increased air connectivity in return.

This all comes with the added concern of price rises in air fares to sustain the airlines, which no one wants.

The Launch of Emirates Private Jet Service Online

August 6, 2013
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emirates executive private jet charterFollowing the launch of Emirates Private Jet Service, customers can now book their luxury travel online in a tailored experience from Emirates Executive.  The Airbus 319, spacious and luxurious aircraft offers high standards and new technology to meet the needs of even the most discerning passengers.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president of planning, aeropolitical & industry affairs said, “Emirates Executive elevates the high standards and quality of Emirates that our customers have come to expect, with the flexibility and luxury that can only be offered by a private jet chartered flight.”

The Emirates Executive website gives visitors a chance to view a video showing the private jet aircraft that can seat up to 19 passengers and the premium features before allowing them to book the private charter travel experience that they require.

From private suites to a large lounge area, Emirates Executive offers versatility for corporations and private jet customers with two main on-board zones.

A dining and executive lounge is designed for 12 people, where passengers can enjoy a full menu of multi-course options with hot and cold beverages.  This zone also incorporates a work area, offering mobile phone connectivity, high-speed internet and video conferencing facilities.  The ‘rest zone’ with large sofas, four tables and two 42” LCD screens, has live TV and up to 1,500 on-demand channels.

There are ten private suites on-board, each equipped with a full lie-flat seat and 32” LCD TV screens.  As if that were not enough luxury, the suites are complemented by a shower spa with floor heating system.

Emirates know how to do sumptuous luxury and are aiming their new service at the growing demand for private jet travel in the sector.  Their high quality of service and attention to detail have long been associated with Emirates and Emirates Executive takes this one step further.

Yasava Solutions & MCM Design Studio Take Jet Cabin Design into the Future

August 6, 2013
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Yasava and MCM Design have taken the business jet cabin into the future with its ‘intelligent ergonomics and socio-cultural design’ showing dramatic interior proposals for large-cabin business jets.

The incredible design from the joint venture of Yasava Solutions and MCM Design Studio, both based in Switzerland, features separated the business jet cabin zones with louvers that can create privacy barriers, or when open, a spacious interior.

The three zones include a staff cabin, main cabin and a lounge area with sofa-type seat that converts into a double bed.  There is also a full galley kitchen and a bathroom with a stand-up shower.

The designers offer a fully customisable business jet cabin interior with individual seat control units for the electrically articulated Aiana seats.

Milena Cvijanovich, creative director of MCM Design Studio, said, “Clients now expect their space to conform to their lifestyle and not the other way around.”

The beautiful cabin interior clearly shows the comforts that business jet owners can expect from executive travel in the future.

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