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Parisian Design Takes Cabin Interiors to Another Level

September 8, 2014
Business Aviation News
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cabinconnectTechnicon Design, a worldwide provider of design innovation based in Paris, have designed an aircraft interior that promises an incredible passenger experience using the subtraction technique.

The interior of the aircraft is lined with screens, including the ceiling, giving a 360-degree view that can display soothing beach scenes for the nervous traveller, or even sky views that can lend the passenger to feel they are within an invisible aircraft.

The innovative, ground-breaking design was created for a National Business Aviation Association and gained an accolade when it won the exterior design category at the International Yacht and Aviation Awards.

For business use, the screens can be utilised for conferencing or for a more relaxed atmosphere, a new slant on in-flight entertainment is offered.

“I challenged the team to break out of conventional thinking with regards to a business jet exterior and interior,” said Gareth Davies, design director at Technicon Design’s studio near Paris. “We quickly settled on the controversial yet interesting idea of removing the windows from the cabin and using existing or very near future technology to display the exterior environment on flexible screens.”

New Website for Gulfstream

September 5, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Gulfstream Unveil New WebsiteGulfstream have unveiled a new look for their website, gulfstream.com, this week, optimised for mobile and with new features, navigation and with an interactive experience for users, showing what their aircraft can do, rather than telling them about it. The new site has brought the leading aircraft manufacturer up-to-date, using the latest technology and advantages that interactive features can offer.

With virtual tours of all the Gulfstream current models, the new website offers a completely different experience, including high-quality photographs and interactive range maps. There are different cabin configuration views and aircraft refurbishment options and also a preowned inventory section.

“Gulfstream.com provides a completely interactive experience for users. From aircraft information to product support search capabilities, the redesign is a true extension of our brand,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. “Gulfstream strives to create and deliver the world’s finest aviation experience and we know that means providing a multimedia experience that complements how we do business.”

Gulfstream say that the aim behind redevelopment was to engage their visitors; to encourage them to share information and the improved design gives greater capacity for this, with an inclusion of a support section that enables users to connect to Gulfstream’s product support network, service centres and search-by-aircraft model with a technical download feature. The company section includes access to Gulfstream history, community initiatives and careers.

“We want visitors to be more engaged, to stay longer, share their discoveries with others and connect with us more,” said Bill Shira, vice president, Brand Marketing, Gulfstream. “Whether you are searching for an aircraft, researching available safety features or looking for a job, no matter what the need, the website can provide the answer. This site is one of our primary faces to the world, and this redesign is a testament to our superior customer service.”

Take a look at the stunning new site here.

Hungary Modernise Air Traffic Communications with CPDLC

September 3, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Providers of CPDLC SolutionsHungaroControl, Hungary’s Air Navigation Service Provider, have announced the modernisation of ATC with the implementation of Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) under the Single European Sky initiative.

CPDLC reduces the reliance upon voice communications and can streamline the messaging system between pilots and ground operations, improving efficiency and safety through reduction of pilot workload in the cockpit. CPDLC uses VDLM2 avionics to enable aircraft FMSs to receive data link communications regarding route clearances, weather information and other mission critical transmissions.

“HungaroControl is also in the vanguard of developing the CPDLC technology in Europe, and we are convinced that using data link communication may considerably improve flight safety and the capacity of air navigation service providers,” said Kornél Szepessy, chief executive of HungaroControl.

The CPDLC changes in Hungary will fall in line with the mandates for the Single European Sky by February 2015.

Aircell Business Aviation Services Rebranding

September 2, 2014
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Other Leading Providers of Business Aviation ServicesIt has been announced that Aircell, Gogo Inc’s business aviation communications provider, has been rebranded to firmly define the company’s two divisions – commercial and business aviation – and will now be known as Gogo Business Aviation.

Business aviation service providers bring aircraft communications services to the business aviation sector exclusively. Many providers have two divisions, as the requirements differ hugely in each sector.

Aircell has been trading since 1991 and are well-known for in-flight connectivity and Wi-Fi solutions using satellite network availability.

“Gogo’s mission is to advance aviation by connecting every aircraft with the most trusted communications services on and above our planet. Having our commercial and business aviation divisions share a brand will make more people aware of the full breadth of our business,” said Gogo’s president and CEO, Michael Small. “The rebranding will also help travellers recognize their favourite Gogo services, whether they’re aboard an airline, corporate, fractional or charter aircraft – anywhere in the world”.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Gogo Business Aviation as the next evolution of our brand,” said Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager, John Wade. “The past five years has seen a remarkable menu of in-flight capabilities emerge for business aircraft operators, including Internet, e-mail, voice, texting, personal smartphone usage, movies, TV episodes, news, weather, cockpit data and more. And at the same time, the onboard equipment has become orders-of-magnitude smaller, lighter and more affordable. These truly are exciting times.”

The rebranded division will also be relocating its headquarters to larger premises a short distance away to fully appreciate the focus of its market, while continuing to share expertise and technology, in addition to the brand name.

The Top Three Most Popular Business Jets

August 18, 2014
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Bombardier Business JetBusiness jets contribute $150 billion to the U.S. economy and are much less of a ‘frippery’ than once thought. More than 1.2 million people are employed within the sector and although there has been an overall decrease in the industry over the past year, there are many that speculate that the business aviation sector is on the increase across the globe. Many countries outside the U.S. are experiencing high economic growth and the number of wealthy individuals are on the up – let’s take a look at the top three business jets in the sector to see what they will be buying…

Top of the pile is Bombardier, who delivered 180 business jets in 2013. Not the best year, but with 62 of those deliveries being Global 5000 and 600, large business jets with 5,200 nm and 6,000 mn range respectively, these are big players at a cool approximate price of $48 – $60 million.

In second place comes Gulfstream, subsidiary of General Dynamics Group. It was a great financial year for them with 144 business jet deliveries in 2013, making it their best year on record. The Gulfstream 450 jet has a capacity for 16 passengers and has a range of 4,350 nm. The 550 can carry up to 18 passengers and has a range of 6,750 nm and the Gulfstream 650 jets also carry up to 18 people, but have a range of 7,000 nm. The popularity of longer-range jets has been noticeable in recent times. Prices range from $38.9 to $65 million.

Coming in a close third is the famous Cessna manufacturer with 139 deliveries last year. Not a bumper year for them, but not a bad score for the shorter-range family of Citation business jets.

Business Aviation Growth in Latin America and Caribbean

August 13, 2014
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business aviation growth 13-08According to recent data, the region encompassing Latin America and the Caribbean is home to 2457 jet aircraft and 2588 turboprops, which represents almost 15% of the world’s fixed wing business turbine fleet. Mexico, with 851 and Brazil, with 824 business jets have the second and third-largest business jet fleets after the U.S. who carry a fleet of almost 12,000 altogether.

“The LAC business jet fleet growth and LAC GDP growth have been essentially expanding in tandem over the last 10 years, averaging about a 3.9-percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR)–faster than North America,” said Rolland Vincent Associates president Rolland Vincent. “The 50/50 balance between business jets and turboprops in the LAC fleet is in contrast to the worldwide jet/turboprop mix outside the region, which favors business jets by 1.5:1.”

According to Vincent, the LAC region has the highest concentration of business jets – 4.52 per 1000 High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), amounting to more than three times the world average of 1.44 and ahead of the U.S. at 2.87, making the LAC region ripe for business growth and an ‘attractive’ step-up market for the larger corporate jet manufacturer.

This is because, he said, that the average business jet fleet age is approximately 19 years old and 54% of the fleet is in the light jet aircraft segment. The growing number of HNWI’s in the region shows positivity in terms of the potential sales over the next 5 years as the world average age of corporate aircraft is around 16 years old.

Brazil’s business aircraft fleet expansion has been helped by the rising prominence of ‘homegrown’ Embraer, Vincent said. “The fastest-growing OEM, Embraer has established a particularly strong base and loyal following amongst LAC aircraft owners and operators, growing its fleet by 16.5-percent CAGR worldwide since 2008, and capturing more than 7-percent share of the LAC business jet fleet as of mid‐2014.”

Despite Difficult Times, Business Aviation in Brazil Remains Optimistic

August 12, 2014
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Brazil Business Aviation ConferenceThe LABACE show opened today in Brazil with a feeling of optimism despite signs of a difficult year. However cautious, Eduardo Marson, president of industry group ABAG announced that ‘the market grew by 5-6%, as it has for the last decade’.

Operators were placed under pressure during the World Cup earlier this year and restrictions were tight, particularly regarding parking throughout the tournament.

Many issues facing the industry will be topics of discussion at the LABACE show, held at Sao Paulo’s Congonhas Airport. It appears that a continued lack of airports investments will be a key issue, according to a statement given to press by director general of ABAG, Ricardo Nogueira. Manufacturers, operators, customers and support providers will come together at the show to air recent difficulties and discuss possible improvements in addition to the state of the industry.

“We’ve seen little effort to handle more aircraft, only to handle more passengers,” Mr Nogueira said. “There’s been a focus on terminals, and not on airports. There has been nothing relevant to improve capacity for air traffic, only localized, uncoordinated and temporary actions.”

The show exhibitor numbers are up 2% and as a result, the exhibition area has been increased by 10%, with a greater number of larger aircraft on show. Visitor numbers are estimated to contain 32% upper management attendance and at least to match last years’ figures.

Signature Flight Support Adds Scottsdale AirCenter to Its Global Portfolio

August 6, 2014
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Arizona Airport FBO, Scottsdale AirCenter’s aFlight Support & Business Aviation Services Providersssets have been acquired by Signature Flight Support, it was announced today. The 16th largest business aviation airport in the U.S. and a dedicated general aviation airport serving the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, Scottsdale AirCenter is one of only two FBOs on the field. Signature Flight Support is the world’s largest fixed-base operation and distribution network for business aviation services and is a division of BBA Aviation PLC.

Services include fuelling, hangar and office rentals, ground handling, maintenance and an extensive range of passenger and crew facilities.

Business aviation services and flight support services providers across the world ensure the smooth running of operations within airports. Many providers also offer flight planning and communications solutions for the flight deck and for airport operational productivity, largely running ‘behind the scenes’ of operators.

Scottsdale AirCenter is housed in a modern facility with 145,000 square feet of hangar space for large cabin business aircraft and 12,000 square feet of terminal space. Additionally, the centre has concierge services, passenger lounge, pilot and crew lounge and gift shop with an extra 32,000 square feet of shop and office space.

Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer for Signature Flight Support commented on the acquisition, “Scottsdale AirCenter represents an important addition to our world-class FBO locations in our global network. Their reputation for exceptional customer service was one of many attributes Signature considered in making this acquisition. Scottsdale AirCenter is a fantastic facility in a key market for Signature. We welcome the staff and customers of Scottsdale AirCenter to the Signature family.”

 

 

Duncan Aviation Break Milestone 500 In-flight Broadband Systems

August 4, 2014
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Business Aircraft Broadband ProvidersEchoing an industry-wide sentiment, Mike Minchow, Completions and Modifications Manager for Duncan Aviation said, “There is strong market demand for products that increase the productivity of business aircraft. Wireless internet certainly filled a need for business aviation, and Aircell has been a leader in that market. On-board Wi-Fi has completely transformed the travel experience, allowing operators to be much more efficient in the air and allowing for a true office-in-the-sky experience. Combining the benefits of our Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) and multiple locations, we’re able to offer owners a great deal of flexibility as well as the confidence that their aircraft is in the care of the most experienced technicians in the industry and a company known for its service and support”.

He spoke after Duncan Aviation reached a milestone 500 installations of in-flight broadband solutions, such as SwiftBroadband and Aircell GoGo Biz.

Business aviation passengers rate amongst the highest in terms of demand for in-flight broadband solutions, requiring seamless connections over long-range flights. The office-in-the-sky advantages for travellers needs include email, video conferencing, phone calls and fax operation, to name but a few. Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Iridium solutions, such as those provided by ARINC Direct, can mean that there is no loss of signal, even when flying over vast oceanic expanses or Polar Regions.

iPad App for Paperless Cockpit Improved for iOS 7

August 1, 2014
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Other Business Aviation iPad App ProvidersBusiness aviation is taking even bigger steps towards a paperless cockpit environment with the introduction of iPad technology, with applications such as flight planning and information sharing capabilities. The weight reduction helps with fuel consumption and the streamlined operational benefits are almost limitless.

Jeppesen have recently upgraded their Mobile FliteDeck application in a bit to increase situational awareness and further simplify procedures for pilots with enhancements optimised for iOS 7, giving pilots and flight crew greater sharing options.

“The user-focused design of Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck allows us to integrate key features and functions to improve workflow capabilities and access to critical information, based on individual pilot preferences,” said Tim Huegel, director, Jeppesen Aviation Portfolio Management. “Shared data between devices and improved enroute and weather data interaction increases situational awareness to improve the overall flying experience.”

Giving pilots the ability to access, file and make amendments to flight plans is also a big plus, particularly as part of the CDM initiative. Automation of routine tasks on the flight deck gives pilots greater situational awareness and enhances flight safety aspects.