EBACE Convention News 2024

BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE

the

in

EBACE CONVENTION NEWS

Leonardo unveiled a full-scale cabin mockup of its VIP-configured AW09 yesterday morning. Formore,seepage 29

KEYNOTE CALLS OUT CLIMATE CRITICS

By Sarah Rose

EBACE 2024 kicked off yesterday morning in Geneva with keynote presentations that were largely focused on business aviation’s efforts toward sustainability and current criticism of the industry. NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said the show’s focus is centered around innovation, safety, and workforce, and touted the organization’s “mission to net zero” emissions and the opportunity to “shape the future of flight.”

“ EBACE is the place to be if you’re buying or selling an aircraft internationally,” he said. “But it’s also the place to be to talk about the big issues, challenges, and opportunities that our industry has together.”

Notably, EBAA secretary general Holger Krahmer, five months into his tenure, made his first appearance at an EBACE. He noted that this year’s event comes at a time of

“significant change and challenge” for the industry.

“More than ever, our sector is increasingly under scrutiny and it is vital to highlight the essential role we play in Europe’s socioeconomic landscape,” he said. “Business aviation is not just about transportation. It’s a driver of economic growth, providing highly skilled jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting various industries.”

Krahmer also pushed back against recent criticism of the sector and calls to ban business aviation outright. “Such demands do little for environmental protection and undermine the principles of freedom and socio-economic progress,” he added.

He also made note of this week’s announcement that the EBAA is joining sustainability initiative Climbing Fast, which aims for business aviation to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. “We are campaigning, leveraging our unique continues on page 29

AIRCRAFT

M700 Fury unleashed

A larger engine drives performance for Piper’s new turboprop | 21

SUSTAINABILITY

Making adjustments

Small changes to an aircraft’s route could make a big impact | 22

BIZJET

Falcon sales

Dassault is counting on the Falcon 6X to drive sales this year | 24

INNOVATIVE TECH

LHT’s latest updates

Lufthansa Technik improved its Nice IFE and cabin management platform | 28

Airbus & Comlux showcase 18-seat ACJ TwoTwenty

By Charles Alcock

Airbus Corporate Jets and Comlux are jointly exhibiting an ACJ TwoTwenty this week at EBACE 2024 to emphasize how the aircraft combines one of the most spacious cabins on the business jet market with intercontinental range. The 786-sq-ft interior on display was designed and installed by Comlux’s completions center in Indianapolis and features six separate zones, each with a floor space of 130 sq ft.

The aircraft, which is based on the A220 airliner that typically carries up to 150 passengers, can accommodate 18 travelers in its VIP format, with sleeping accommodation for 10.

With auxiliary fuel tanks fitted, it can fly up to 5,650 nm.

At the front of the cabin is a main galley that leads into a crew rest area. Beyond that is a zone set up for working and dining, with 22-inch-wide seats, and this leads into an area with more space for dining or relaxing.

The rear section has a bedroom and a bathroom with a stand-up shower. According to Airbus, noise levels in this part of the cabin can be kept as low as 48 dBA.

Comlux, which operates aircraft on behalf of private owners in the charter market, has a contract with Airbus Corporate Jets to complete and deliver the first 15 ACJ TwoTwentys. z

EBAA welcomes Polish court ruling on passenger name enforcement

Business aircraft operators can seek reimbursement of penalties imposed on them by Polish authorities following a landmark legal victory over passenger name record requirements. On Friday, aviation law firm JMK Legal won a case in the Supreme Administrative Court of Poland, which overturned a lower court ruling against an unnamed operator and annulled a fine imposed in that case.

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) said it welcomed the victory, explaining that Poland’s Border Guard has been incorrectly applying the European Directive 2016/681’s requirements for airlines and other operators to provide authorities with passenger details for security profiling. Polish ofcials have unilaterally imposed fines for alleged breaches based on their own criteria, apparently to generate revenues for the government.

The ruling, according to EBAA, requires Polish ofcials to respect the 2016/681 directive and the supporting C-817/19 judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union. Multiple member operators from the Brussels-based association have been heavily fined and they are now expected to be able to get these penalties reversed.

All sunshine, no ‘static‘ quo

The sun was shining on attendees, as well as the aircraft, at the EBACE 2024 static display in Geneva.

EBAA contested the case in partnership with airline groups A4E, IATA, and ERA. “We are thrilled with the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision, which not only vindicates our member air carrier but also paves the way for more just and equitable treatment under the PNR regulations,” said EBAA secretary general Holger Krahmer. “This victory is a testament to the collective eforts and support from our members and the broader business aviation community.” C.A.

PHOTOS:

EASA, FAA to address eVTOL certification

By Charles Alcock

Participating in an EBACE show discussion about advanced air mobility, Billy Nolen, Archer’s chief safety officer, told AIN that he believes EASA will validate the FAA’s type certificates for eVTOL aircraft even though the European regulator’s Special Condition VTOL certification basis appears to be more prescriptive than the performance-based approach his company favors.

Nolen was acting FAA administrator before the appointment of Administrator Mike Whitaker, who came to the FAA from eVTOL manufacturer Supernal. “What I advocated for at the FAA was that the regulatory framework should be able to move at the speed of the technology without compromising safety,” he said.

The FAA has agreed on the certification basis for Midnight but has not yet released the special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) governing operational requirements. Nolen said he hopes these will be issued in the fall, and he indicated that Archer still expects to complete type certification in time for Midnight to enter service “sometime in 2025.”

Nolen said that the FAA’s objectives for supporting the launch of eVTOL commercial

operations have received a boost from the terms of the recently confirmed Reauthorization Act, which provides further funding for the regulator.

Lilium’s CEO Klaus Roewe told the EBACE audience that the company is aiming to have operating costs that will allow for ticket prices equating to €2 per passenger per kilometer. The German company, which is targeting EASA certification in 2025, now aims to start delivering its four-passenger Pioneer Edition aircraft to business aviation customers in 2026, followed

by the six-passenger standard model in 2027.

According to Roewe, improved battery technology will eventually support eVTOL flights of up to around 400 kilometers (217 nm). He said Lilium has longer-term ambitions to produce much larger aircraft that could carry as many as 100 passengers.

Meanwhile, developers of eVTOL await the joint EASA/FAA International Aviation Safety conference next month that will result in close regulatory alignment over type certification processes on both sides of the Atlantic.

The gathering from June 11 to 13—which will include EASA’s newly appointed executive director Florian Guillermet and the FAA’s Whitaker—is expected to hear from companies such as Archer Aviation, which is pushing hard to complete certification for its four-passenger Midnight vehicle. z

discussion about advanced air mobility.

VOO launches instant booking capability for GlobeAir charter fleet

Online aircraft charter facilitator VOO has signed an agreement with European charter operator GlobeAir to provide exclusive instant booking capability for the GlobeAir fleet. Austria-based VOO is a business-to-business (B2B) company that serves as a link between aircraft charter brokers and charter providers.

“Exclusive means GlobeAir is the first operator worldwide that allows instant booking on a B2B marketplace,” VOO CEO Robert Plhak told AIN this week at EBACE 2024. Through VOO’s platform, brokers now have instant access to GlobeAir’s aircraft availability and pricing, allowing them the ability to quickly generate accurate ofers for their clients.

VOO serves 200 brokers on its platform, with access to more than 400

aircraft from 130 operators. The transaction process normally involves a series of back-and-forth communications between the two sides, including requesting quotes, negotiating prices, and step-by-step contract signing. With new functionality, that has now changed. “The broker is able to click the direct book button and the contract is made,” said Plhak. “GlobeAir doesn’t need to reconfirm anything.”

GlobeAir is one of Europe’s premier jet charter providers with more than 20 aircraft in its fleet, and it worked with VOO to fine-tune its aircraft listings and system pricing accuracy to become the launch customer for the instant booking ofering. VOO expects this new booking paradigm to spur other charter providers to seek this capability. C.E.

DAVID M c INTOSH

Billy Nolen (second from right), chief safety officer at Archer Aviation, expects EASA to validate the FAA’s type certificcates for eVTOLs, he said during a panel

Delivering cutting-edge training.

CAE is the world’s leading aviation training organization with a network that puts advanced learning closer to where you need it - ensuring greater operational safety with the industry’s most complete offering in pilot, crew, and technician training.

Today and tomorrow, we make sure you’re ready for the moments that matter.

IBAC celebrates a decade of IS-BAH

By Kerry Lynch

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) program, honoring its first registered ground handler, SRC Aviation of New Delhi, India. Also as part of the milestone year, IBAC launched an IS-BAH campaign, “Elevating Ground Handling Safety.”

“The idea for IS-BAH was based on the success of the aircraft operators’ standard, IS-BAO, introduced more than 20 years ago,” said IBAC director general Kurt Edwards. “Its global recognition as an industry safety standard inspired us to develop something similar for the critical ground handling sector, complement the operational standard, and get ahead of coming SMS requirements in this area. We are grateful for SRC Aviation and their proactive approach to safety.”

SRC Aviation implemented and achieved Stage 1 in 2014, and Edwards said they have “continued their leadership in the program,” and now have been with IS-BAH for the duration.

“We are very proud to have been the first IS-BAH-recognized ground handler on the planet,” said Bobby Chadha, managing director for SRC Aviation. “Implementing IS-BAH has significantly benefited us by reinforcing our commitment to ground handling safety and elevating our service quality.”

He explained that under IS-BAH, SRC Aviation has introduced training programs to better equip its team to perform their duties safely and e ffi ciently. “Regular audits and performance evaluations under the IS-BAH framework ensure that any deviations from safety protocols are promptly addressed, helping us maintain operational efficiency and safety compliance.”

“IS-BAH certification sets SRC Aviation apart from competitors by showcasing our dedication to maintaining high safety standards, which helps us attract and retain clients

who value safety and quality in ground handling services.”

Edwards told AIN that the program has had a “terrific pickup over those years with more than 300 registered facilities around the world.”

That’s particularly gratifying because there is no regulatory requirement in terms of how FBOs manage themselves and putting in place a safety management system. “Although it’s coming in Europe, but these hundreds of facilities have voluntarily said, ‘We want to demonstrate excellence and safety.’”

Terry Yeomans, IS-BAH program director, agreed. “Getting 300-plus organizations to do something when they don’t need to do it globally is a huge achievement. I think it shows commitment from our sector, from the business aviation sector to make a difference.” He added that the aircraft operator is going to benefit from IS-BAH as much as the FBOs.

The program has set a benchmark for ground handlers and FBOs when there has not been one before, he noted. “There’s been

a lot of opportunities for people to say, ‘We’re the best FBO; we do this better than everybody else,” Yeomans said. But that is based on the nice staff, the lounge, the crew cars, and even the coffee. “But do they mention safety? This is what we’re trying to get people to think about: let’s make it a core value.”

Also driving its creation were rumblings that EASA was heading in the direction of regulations, and IBAC wanted to get ahead of that, building off IS-BAO, Edwards said, adding that the program brought safety management systems to ground handling.

The fact that a ground handler from India joined first underscores that IS-BAH is a global program, Yeomans added. But there are more facilities outside North America signing on to the program than inside the largest business aviation market.

“We’ve got every other region covered globally,” he said. “The rest of the world is beating the U.S. by a considerable margin. That’s something that really people need to wake up to.”

As for the Elevating Ground Handling Safety campaign, IBAC is planning initiatives throughout the year, including case studies such as the recently released Duncan Aviation’s Journey to Stage 3 IS-BAH, a Top 10 series of Elevating Your Safety, and a View from the Ramp photo contest for IS-BAH organizations. z

IBAC director general Kurt Edwards; Terry Yeomans, IS-BAH program director; and Bobby Chadha, managing director for SRC Aviation, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the IS-BAH program.

DAVID M c INTOSH

Universal signs Saudi FBO deal

By David Donald

Universal Weather and Aviation inked an agreement with Altanfeethi to explore opportunities for transforming general aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the companies announced yesterday afternoon at EBACE 2024. The move comes a week after the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) unveiled a general aviation roadmap to increase the sector’s GDP to $2 billion by 2030, in line with the nation’s wider Vision 2030 plan and the Saudi Aviation Strategy.

“Universal this year is 65 years old,” said Universal chairman Greg Evans at the signing ceremony. “For 50 of those 65 years, we have been doing business in Saudi Arabia...and it gives me pride and I feel very honored today to say that we have found one of the best partners for our company to explore opportunities in the country together.”

Altanfeethi, which is organized under GACA, manages and operates several VIP terminals in the kingdom and is engaging with Universal’s FBO Ground Services division

to offer above- and below-the-wing services. Universal already operates FBOs and ground service in more than 30 countries, and under the agreement could potentially manage Altanfeethi’s VIP terminals.

The companies will explore opportunities to create further VIP aircraft terminals, FBOs, and other infrastructure at more locations in line with the kingdom’s vision and GACA’s general aviation roadmap.

Under that roadmap, support for the general aviation/business sector will include coordinated investment in infrastructure and regulatory reforms, along with measures to develop Saudi Arabia as a high-value tourist destination.

“General aviation is vital to growing highvalue sectors of the Saudi economy, including tourism, business, and entertainment events,”

said GACA president Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. “The general aviation roadmap will turbocharge the sector within the kingdom, transforming infrastructure and regulations, simultaneously developing, promoting, and enhancing general aviation services in the market.”

Several key targets are part of the roadmap, including the creation of up to 35,000 jobs in the general aviation sector, a considerable increase on the 2021 number of fewer than 3,000. Business aviation is a critical element of the sector, and directly related targets include 24 business jet flights per 10,000 inhabitants, as opposed to just five in 2021.

The roadmap also specifies that more than 90% of business jets owned by Saudi nationals should be based in the kingdom rather than overseas. In 2021, the proportion amounted to just 5%. z

Luxaviation grows its FBO network with two major purchases

Global aviation services provider Luxaviation Group has strengthened its ExecuJet FBO division with a blockbuster European deal. The Luxembourg-based company has purchased the Sky Valet FBO chain—with its 17 owned locations in Spain and Portugal—from parent company Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur in a move that brings it to 40 locations worldwide. Counting Sky Valet’s Connect afliate program adds an additional 25 FBOs to the ExecuJet network.

“This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for Luxaviation Group and our continued expansion in the global FBO market,” said CEO Patrick Hansen. “Together with SkyValet, we continue expanding the reach of the ExecuJet network and our ambition of sustainability, setting new benchmarks in the industry.”

Managing the integration will be Michel Tohane, president of Luxaviation’s FBO division. He is quite familiar with the Sky Valet brand, having served as its executive v-p before joining Luxaviation in 2021.

“Being one of the global leaders in the FBO industry provides us today not only with the opportunity to further grow regionally—we also have the ambition to push the green agenda of the group and of business aviation as an industry,” Tohane said. A recent example of Luxaviation’s commitment to transitioning towards more sustainable air transport is the provisioning of sustainable aviation fuel to its clients at its Paris Le Bourget FBO.

Following that expansion, Luxaviation further strengthened its global position by completing the full acquisition of Paragon Aviation Group, which manages the Paragon Network of independent FBOs. C.E.

Executives from Universal Weather and Aviation and Altanfeethi signed an agreement at EBACE 2024.

SKILL BUILDER. GAME CHANGER.

Our expert instruction integrates advanced techniques like virtual training and actual engines, so technicians gain hands-on training and unmatched expertise. The resulting confidence ensures faster maintenance turnarounds and more time in the sky. FSI. Nothing short of excellence.

Visit us at EBACE booth M63.

Airbus ACH145/160 lead market segments in sales value

The Line Lounge configuration for the ACH160, on display at Palexpo this week, makes it possible to repurpose the helicopter for various missions.

By David Donald

Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) enjoyed another good year in 2023, with market volumes “almost back to where we were in 2019,” according to ACH head Frédéric Lemos. He also remarked that the market forecast for 2024 looked similarly stable, with a global requirement for around 200 helicopters. Moreover, he said, that market stability looked set to remain for some years ahead.

Gross orders for ACH products reached a value of €575 million across 74 sales, comprising 16 ACH125s, 19 ACH130s, 4 ACH135s, 22 ACH145s, nine ACH160s, and four ACH175s. Deliveries in the year amounted to 84 helicopters.

ACH remains the market leader in most segments in Europe, where its ACH145 has outsold the competition for five consecutive years. The new ACH160 also leads the medium helicopter market. With ACH’s portfolio aimed primarily at the middle/upper sectors of the corporate market, the value of sales is much stronger than at the lighter end of the marketplace, with a corresponding positive effect on ACH’s market share when measured by value as opposed to helicopter numbers.

While the ACH145 continues to prove very popular, with the premium Mercedes-Benz cabin model due to receive a facelift next year, it is the ACH160 that is “the star of the show for us this year,” said Lemos. The first deliveries were made in 2022 and 10 are now in customer hands. The fleet has surpassed 1,500 flight hours, with the fleet leader having achieved 500.

On show in Geneva at EBACE 2024 is the first of five ACH160s for Italian operator Air Corporate, which announced an order for 43 Airbus helicopters at the 2023 edition of the show. A further two ACH145s have subsequently been added to that order.

The ACH160 on display is in the Line Lounge configuration, which is the intermediate level interior that falls between the standard Line and the luxury Exclusive. The

Avcon

Lounge package offers an increase in interior luxury but without the airframe modifications associated with the Exclusive. This, in turn, allows the helicopter to be repurposed for different missions, something that is not realistic for the Exclusive model. It therefore strikes a good balance between cabin luxury and resale value.

Also being shown at EBACE is an ACH175 in a 12-passenger Exclusive configuration. z

Jet launches Satcom Direct’s Plane

Simple electronically-steered antenna

Satcom Direct has announced that Avcon Jet is the launch customer for its Plane Simple fuselage-mounted Ku-band electronically-steered antenna (ESA). The duplex and multichannel flat-panel antenna will connect Avcon Jet’s aircraft with the Eutelsat OneWeb low-earth-orbit satellite constellation. The network delivers terrestrial levels of connectivity, with up to 195 Mbps download and 36 Mbps upload speeds. “Multiple” aircraft in the fleet will be outfitted as part of a wider fleet upgrade, according to the companies.

Avcon Jet, which operates and manages a fleet of more than 100 aircraft around the world, is also installing other antennas from Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple family. They comprise two tail-mounted units: a Ka-band antenna that connects with existing and new-generation Viasat

satellites, and a Ku-band unit that works with Intelsat’s business aviation-dedicated FlexExec airtime.

“The agreement with Avcon Jet heralds a new era for fleet connectivity,” said SD president Chris Moore. “We are committed to meeting the needs of aircraft operators seeking genuine global coverage and are excited that, with Avcon Jet, we can demonstrate the advantages of working with the multi-faceted Plane Simple portfolio of antenna systems to fulfill the demand for highspeed connectivity across a broad portfolio of airframes.”

As well as providing high-performance reliable connectivity, the platform-agnostic Plane Simple family’s open architecture design reduces obsolescence and enables a pathway for simple, rapid upgrades to cope with evolutions in the connectivity landscape. D.D.

DAVID M c INTOSH

Textron Aviation is showcasing the Cessna Citation Latitude at its static display, along with the Longitude, CJ4 Gen2, M2 Gen2, and Beechcraft King Air 360.

Top Citations to get G5000 upgrades

By Hanneke Weitering

The latest enhancements to Garmin’s G5000 avionics are coming to the Cessna Citation Latitude and Longitude, Textron Aviation announced on Monday at EBACE 2024.

Additional features include the GDL 60 datalink, which enables remote database downloading. The GDL 60 allows pilots to automatically update databases and easily share flight data with smart devices over wireless network connections. Using the Garmin app, users can remotely get real-time system status updates and upload flight plans.

Other additional features that come with the G5000 avionics upgrade include a synthetic vision guidance system shown on primary flight displays, 3D SafeTaxi, taxi routing, and a runway occupancy awareness function.

The Wichita-based manufacturer expects to have FAA approval for the modification to the Latitude in early 2025, followed by the Longitude in early 2026.

“Citation jets offer customers performance, productivity, and profitability that opens a new world of possibility in aviation and their business,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation’s senior v-p of global sales and flight

operations. “These enhancements demonstrate our commitment to continuously invest in our legendary products to design and deliver the best aviation experience.”

On Tuesday, Textron Aviation announced the rollout of the 400th Citation Latitude. The Latitude, which was certified in 2015, is the world’s best-selling midsize business jet. Last year, the company delivered its 100th Citation Longitude, the flagship of its jet line.

Textron Aviation’s EBACE static display includes examples of the Longitude and Latitude, as well as the Citation CJ4 Gen2, Citation M2 Gen2, and Beechcraft King Air 360. z

In sprint to Olympics, Avfuel setting up SAF supply at French airports

Ahead of the start of the Paris Summer Olympic Games in July, Avfuel announced it will establish permanent supplies of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at three airports in France. Leading the list is Paris Le Bourget Airport—one of Europe’s busiest business aviation hubs—as well as Bordeaux-Mérignac and Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airports.

At all three locations, Avfuel’s customers can purchase a 30% SAF blend produced in France via its contract fuel program. Comparable to the company’s SAF supply in the U.S., each 4,000-liter upload will provide a 2.5-tonne reduction in life cycle carbon emissions.

“Providing meaningful opportunities to reduce carbon emissions is incredibly important to Avfuel and, increasingly so, to its customers,” said C.R. Sincock II, the company’s executive v-p. “We’re a global com-

pany, so expanding SAF access to our customer base beyond North America’s borders has been a tremendous focus for our team.”

In addition to this new SAF availability in France, Avfuel supplies the renewable fuel to 17 FBOs and airports in the U.S. “Our team understands there is much work yet to be done–to help foster wider adoption of the fuel, we’re always looking for ways to grow both SAF access and production,” explained Sincock. “Our SAF expansion into the European market reflects that focus.”

To back that up, the Michigan-based fuel provider invests in new fuel technology companies that are developing next-generation SAF feedstocks. It has also established AvfuelZero, an in-house sustainability program. C.E.

Tool helps leave contrail issue behind

By Kerry Lynch

ForeFlight has teamed with Breakthrough Energy to explore the development of a tool that could help flight planners and pilots reduce contrails, the companies announced this week at EBACE 2024. While early in development, the feature would be added to ForeFlight’s flight-planning suite to provide information on where conditions exist for contrails, enabling operators and dispatchers to determine whether to alter the flight path.

The tool would combine weather forecast analysis, satellite imagery, and other data to model and detect contrail conditions. Luxaviation is working with the companies on the initiative.

ForeFlight is looking at adding the tool into Flight Dispatch with the Profile View for planners to help decide whether an altitude change

could help them avoid contrails and have the ability to evaluate the tradeoffs between fuel consumption and contrail avoidance, said Kelsey Pittman, v-p of business aviation for ForeFlight. For pilots, ForeFlight is exploring putting this information into the Weather Briefing in ForeFlight Mobile.

The data is something that the company’s customers have been seeking to reduce their climate footprint and is important as business aviation continues its sustainability goals. A recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report has found that contrails account for 35% of aviation’s global warming impact, ForeFlight noted.

Matteo Mirolo, Breakthrough Energy’s head of policy and strategy for contrails, said contrails are “all about the reaction between the jet exhaust with specific atmospheric conditions.”

Aromatics in jet fuel do not combust entirely

and create soot in certain atmospheric conditions. Water vapor freezes around these particles, creating a condensation trail that can persist for hours in the atmosphere forming a “cloud that normally would not have been there,” Mirolo explained. “So very much like greenhouse gas, they act as a blanket covering the Earth…So basically, we’re in front of a climate problem that is likely to be as big as CO2.”

Breakthrough Energy has been working on how to solve this problem, using climate science to identify where the contrails would be available. “The main thing to resolve this problem is to change the trajectories of airplanes so they avoid areas of the atmosphere where contrails are likely to form,” he said.

Mirolo stressed, however, “We’re not talking about changing all flight trajectories.” He estimated that changing just 5% of flights could avoid 80% of the contrails. z

Fusion suite melds old with new on Citation CJs

By Charles Alcock

EASA on Monday confirmed approval for Collins Aerospace to modernize the flight decks of Cessna Citation CJ1+/2+s with its Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics suite. The light jets came factory-equipped with Pro Line 21 avionics.

The RTX group company is demonstrating the Fusion system this week at EBACE 2024. It said the technology will help aircraft operators to fly precision approaches and more efficient flight paths as part of the ongoing modernization of European air traffic management.

“Clearing this certification hurdle is a major step forward in providing European CJ customers with a solution that not only enhances their aircraft operations but can also extend the life and functionality of an aircraft,” said Nathan Voight, v-p and general manager for business and regional avionics at Collins Aerospace. “This milestone underscores Collins’ commitment to supporting the global network of CJ operators with the flight deck technology that makes operations safer [and] more efficient and predictable every flight.”

According to Collins, Fusion combines a modular architecture with intuitive technology that helps pilots manage their workload. The system provides real-time data to support simplified operations during the most critical phases of flight. z

Honeywell and Viasat test SwiftJet L-band connectivity over-the-air and in flight

SwiftJet, Viasat’s fastest-yet L-band aircraft connectivity service, recently completed over-the-air and flight testing through a Honeywell terminal upgrade. The tests successfully demonstrated four-channel aggregation over Viasat’s satellites and radio access network through the Honeywell HD-710 multi-channel satellite certification terminal.

“SwiftJet’s results represent a major leap forward for L-band connectivity,” said Mark Goodman, senior director of product management for Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell and Viasat have now proven the technology from end-to-end across the satellite network, giving our customers confidence to proceed with SwiftJet commercial deployment and entry into service by the end of the year.”

The tests verified the performance reli-

ability and strength, including through spot beam transitions, meeting expectations. Providing seamless global coverage, SwiftJet will enable business aircraft passengers to connect through the internet, email, text, and video calls.

SwiftJet will provide speeds of 2.6 Mbps, up to six times faster than Viasat’s existing L-band business aviation connection, through Honeywell’s terminals, including HD-710, HSD-440, HSD-400, and Aspire 400. These terminals are already installed on many Gulfstream, Dassault, and Embraer business jets. New terminals will begin shipping and a service bulletin will be available for purchase in the fourth quarter. The service will be ofered on monthly data plans, eliminating the need to pay per minute of use.

K.L.

IADA, Jetquity partner for bizjet value program

By Sarah Rose

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has partnered with Jetquity to exclusively offer association clients a program designed to safeguard business aircraft buyers. Its new Residual Value Guarantee Program aims to protect aircraft buyers against volatility by agreeing to purchase aircraft at preset prices, established using algorithms and AI.

“We do a residual value guarantee for preowned and brand-new aircraft. How the program works is it’s a five-year program. So when someone purchases an aircraft, we work with the broker and with the client and we map out their future value,” explained Jetquity CEO and managing partner Asad Rahman.

“So after five years, we say that this is gonna be your future value based on your usage and based on where you’re flying to, where the

aircraft is based, and the type of aircraft, and for that future value, we say that we will purchase the aircraft back from you at that set value for a premium.”

“We are very pleased with this agreement to expand our Residual Value Guarantee Program to the powerhouse IADA international resale network,” added Rahman. “We have found that IADA-accredited dealers are the world’s best experts in helping their aviation clients.” z

Asad Rahman, CEO and managing partner of Jetquity

RTX subsidiary Collins Aerospace has supplied and integrated an IRT NX satellite communications system onto a Cessna CitationJet. Hardware installation was undertaken by Prince Aviation, with EASA

supplemental type certification and design approval being obtained by Swiss company QCM Design.

The IRT NX system provides cabin connectivity through the Iridium Certus 700 ser-

ForeFlight adds fleet tracking, trip support

By Matt Thurber

Two new features are available to ForeFlight Dispatch customers: tracking of their own aircraft and fleets and customizable Trip Support.

These follow recent ForeFlight updates that added EASA compliance settings; landing factor recalculations prior to landing; takeoff and landing data card; missed approach climb gradient in runway analysis; alerts for traffic on the runway that will be used for landing or takeoff; frequencies and airspace alerts; traffic breadcrumbs; and the aeronautical map drawer that enables quick selection between VFR, IFR low, and IFR high layers.

Two versions of the flight tracking are available: standard in partnership with AirNav

Systems and using ground ADS-B stations, and enhanced for worldwide and remote-area operations, which uses space-based ADS-B provided by Aireon with datalink support from Arinc. In Dispatch, users can view a flights list, a tracking map, and a details page. The flights list shows a progress bar for each flight, while the details page shows each flight’s data, such as altitude and speed. Weather overlays— including radar and current conditions—displayed by the tracking map can help operators minimize disruptions.

While ForeFlight users can view the internet tra ffic layer with FlightAware-provided information, said acting v-p of business aviation Kelsey Pittman, “this is more focused on your specific fleet, and you can track your

vice. The global satellite network connects with the Collins ARINCDirect system to provide speeds of up to 704 kbps. This permits reliable and cost-efective voice calls, internet browsing, and access to text, email, and social media services.

“Today’s business traveler expects to step on board their aircraft and continue to stay connected, productive, and informed,” said Nathan Voight, v-p and GM of business and regional avionics at Collins. “Our Iridium Satcom solution can facilitate advanced aircraft connectivity on most aircraft types, including very light jets. The compact size and lighter-weight solution also enables quicker installation time and minimal drag while utilizing a reduced footprint.”

The Collins-designed hardware comprises a data unit, configuration module, and antenna. It was installed in the Prince Aviation CitationJet earlier this year and made its first flight in late April. The aircraft is being displayed this week in the EBACE 2024 static park.

D.D.

own aircraft.” The tracking information for a particular flight can be shared with a non-Dispatch user.

The enhanced traffic service includes the ground-based ADS-B standard level, and pricing is an add-on subscription by tail number. ForeFlight can show blocked aircraft information, but only to the verified owner of that aircraft. Other aircraft can be tracked, but not their historical information or intentions.

Jeppesen’s International Trip Planning Services (ITPS) has been providing trip support for 30 years, but with both Jeppesen and ForeFlight being part of Boeing, the two companies are working more closely together. Now ITPS is more integrated with Dispatch, and planners can send items such as overflight permits, fuel requests, and slot bookings directly to pilots’ iPads.

Customers can select which ITPS features to use, from securing slots to fueling and ground handling services to full flight planning. Services can be paid for by line item invoicing or with customizable monthly subscriptions. z

DAVID M c INTOSH

Climate Aero focuses on operator sustainability

By Curt Epstein

Netherlands-based startup Climate Aero is now assisting business aircraft operators address growing environmental concerns, which is a major focus this week at EBACE 2024 where the company is making its public debut.

O

ffering a free service for aircraft owners, Climate Aero has established a database of more than 200,000 private aircraft, facilitating the transparent reporting of carbon emissions and giving operators insight into their environmental impact, enabling them to make improvements. All flight movements of private aircraft from North America and Europe are tracked via transponder data, and CO2 emissions are

Embraer Exec Jets brings the P-factor

by Sarah Rose

Embraer is showcasing its super-midsize Praetor 600 and Phenom 300E light jet this week at EBACE 2024. It said it specifically brought these aircraft to the show since they are well suited for European operators.

“The 300 is the best-selling jet for 12 years in the segment. And an interesting fact that we observed last year: it became the most-flown jet in the U.S. in the trailing 12 months. In the previous year, it became the airplane that had the most takeoffs and landings,” Embraer director of sales engineering Ricardo Carvalhal told AIN. “More than 360,000 flight hours

calculated using that flight data and communicated to those with available fuel profiles.

The platform can be integrated with external carbon offsetting programs and, through its “set and forget” service, simplifies the emissions management process by automati-

cally handling emissions calculations. Climate Aero can also assist with the procurement of verified carbon offsets and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits, and the aircraft owner then receives an invoice for the desired offset.

To illustrate and highlight the sustainability efforts of its users, the program generates a “badge of honor” with a personalized QR code that can be integrated into company websites or other promotional materials.

“Climate Aero is dedicated to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the aviation sector,” said company founder and CEO Florian Albers. “Our platform not only simplifies the complex process of carbon emissions reporting and offsetting but also empowers aircraft owners and operators to showcase their sustainability efforts proudly.”

According to Albers, the seed for his company was planted two years ago after climate activists gained access to Amsterdam Schiphol and chained themselves to private jets. As a pilot and aircraft owner himself, Albers felt the need to do something to reduce aviation’s climate impact.

While the protestors would prefer more drastic solutions up to the cessation of flying, Albers believes carbon offsetting represents a more practical option. “Many aircraft owners I have spoken to are quite willing to do something about the environmental impact of flying, but it should not take too much time,” he said. “It’s also nice to get some recognition when you contribute.” z

over 12 months, which made it the most-flown business jet in the U.S.—an extremely successful product from that perspective.”

Carvalhal said that the company is also highlighting the Praetor 600’s versatility for the European market at the show. “The Praetor 600 has a range of about nine hours that is perfect for the European scenario, connecting London to New York [and] London to Dubai, which are very important city pairs for the region,” he said.

“The other thing we highlight about the 600 is it’s definitely the technology leader in its class. So it’s an airplane that, because of

Embraer’s Phenom 300E light jet, on display this week, recorded more than 360,000 flight hours in 12 months, making it the most-flown bizjet in the U.S.

this technology leadership, usually is a very good reference for companies and customers operating larger planes.”

In regard to speculation that Embraer may develop a larger aircraft in the future, Carvalhal was coy on specifics. “Embraer historically always is trying to find new ways of disrupting new segments, finding new business opportunities. We actively study all opportunities in the market, be it above what we do, be it under what we do, in terms of aircraft size. But at this moment, we have no announcements to make.”

DAVID

Euro Jet to integrate with Leon FMS software

By Sarah Rose

Prague-based Euro Jet has announced a partnership with Leon Flight Management Software for its platform that manages tasks and reports for airspace companies. According to the companies, the tie up will simplify Euro Jet’s flight management process and provide more efficient communication and data exchange.”

“The partnership between Euro Jet and Leon provides a more efficient management of flight operations while making a whole range of flight support services more accessible for our customers,” said Euro Jet director of global sales and marketing. “This product will become even more important as we have a lot of flights coming up over the next few months into the Balkans from a diverse group of sectors. Our teams are excited and ready to tackle the busy summer season and its challenges head on, while always providing a seamless customer experience.”

Euro Jet said that by using the software, all required flight support services will now be synchronized with operator requirements while eliminating duplicate data entry.

The company provides supervisory agents that are based at more than 200 airports in a geographic area that starts in the Czech Republic and covers the regions of the Balkans, Baltics, Commonwealth of Independent States, and Pakistan. z

Hydroplane’s hydrogen fuel cell powerplant can power fixed-wing and vertical lift aircraft, including advanced air mobility vehicles.

Startup demos hydrogen fuel cell powerplant

By Charles Alcock

Hydroplane is demonstrating this week at EBACE 2024 how it has integrated a hydrogen fuel cell powerplant to provide both primary and auxiliary power for aircraft. The Los Angeles-based startup is exhibiting as part of the show’s Innovation Pavilion, which includes an array of advanced air mobility pioneers.

Hydroplane is releasing a behind-the-scenes video showing how it has built and tested the technology with its 100% hydrogen-powered Protium aircraft. On Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., CEO Anita Sengupta will lead a workshop on how hydrogen propulsion can be integrated with other aircraft.

Sengupta, a former NASA engineer, is speaking in two EBACE panel sessions being

held on the Innovation Stage—The Hydrogen Horizon: From H2 to Net Zero (1:00 p.m. on Wednesday), and Going the Extra Mile—Will Intermodal Transportation Expand Business Aviation (11:30 a.m. Thursday).

“Capable of powering fixed-wing, advanced air mobility, and vertical lift aircraft, Hydroplane’s hydrogen fuel cell powerplant will deliver affordable zero-emission electric propulsion that significantly outperforms batteries,” said Sengupta. “Innovative, safe, and sustainable hydrogen is the future of aviation power.”

The company has previously won two U.S. Air Force Agility research and development contracts and is also a U.S. Army xTechSearch 8 competition winner. It is aiming to deliver hydrogen propulsion with significantly lower operating costs than current piston engines. z

Global Jet expands fleet and facilities

Global Jet is celebrating several milestones— the recent expansion of its charter fleet, an expanded presence in Spain, sales of aircraft, and new completion work.

The company has added seven aircraft, including an Airbus ACJ330 and ACJ320; a Bombardier Global 7500 and Global Express XRS; two Dassault Falcon 7Xs; and an Embraer Praetor 600. It has also introduced a VVIP Boeing 747-800 to its fleet.

Regarding sales, at the end of 2023, a

Gulfstream 650 and Falcon 7X were sold. Its aircraft management team announced 10 new aircraft in its pipeline, including the delivery of three Gulfstream 700s.

Global Jet Completion Management announced in December 2023 that a new cabin was designed for a BBJ Max 8. The special projects department also redelivered an Airbus ACJ320 to its owner after completing refurbishments and modifying the in-flight entertainment system. S.R.

Engine boosts power for Piper’s M700 Fury

By Matt Thurber

After flying Piper Aircraft’s new turboprop single, the M700 Fury, it’s clear that this is the airplane that customers have been waiting for. A larger engine with 100 more shaft horsepower boosts performance, yet it’s still possible to fly as efficiently as the previous model, the M600 SLS. EBACE 2024 attendees can see the $4.1 million M700 at the static display.

I flew the M700 last week with Piper manager of engineering flight test Joel Glunt at Piper’s Vero Beach, Florida headquarters. Coincidentally, Piper had just received FAA flight into known icing approval for the airplane. The remaining certification item is unpaved runway approval, which is expected shortly.

The main difference between the M600 and M700 is the latter’s Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engine and five-blade composite Hartzell propeller, the latter of which was optional on the M600. To accommodate the more powerful engine, the M700’s intake plenum was redesigned for improved ram air recovery and the exhaust stacks have a flatter design that maximizes residual thrust.

There are no changes to the airframe and equipment; both have six seats and Garmin touchscreen-controlled G3000 avionics with autothrottle and Autoland. The M700 adds Garmin’s PlaneSync 4G LTE cellular datalink, which allows owners to check fuel quantity, aircraft location, oil temperature, battery voltage, and Metar weather report at the M700’s location and download databases wirelessly and remotely.

Its more powerful engine delivers better performance during climb and at high altitude, and significant improvements in takeoff and landing distance. At the 6,000-pound maximum takeoff weight, climb rate is 2,048 fpm, a 32% improvement over the M600. Climb to FL250 takes 13.9 minutes, a 34% improvement.

The M700’s takeoff distance is 1,994 feet and landing distance is 1,968 feet, compared

with the M600’s 2,635 and 2,659, respectively. Landing performance is without prop reverse, just using beta mode.

Its empty weight is 80 pounds greater than the M600 because of the larger engine, so payload with maximum fuel of 260 gallons is 565 pounds versus the M600’s 658 pounds. But the extra power boosts the maximum range to 1,852 nm, up from 1,658 nm for the M600. What owners will like most is the higher maximum cruise speed of 301 ktas, 27 knots faster than the M600.

myself with the handling of Piper’s M-class turboprops. I’ve always enjoyed flying the M500 and M600, and the Fury carries on the familiar Piper feel. Having learned to fly in Pipers, the M-class airplanes feel just like larger Cherokees, with crisp response, although the pitch control is heavier due to the size and weight of the airplane. Pitch trim is definitely helpful.

Glunt demonstrated some of the M700’s Garmin Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP) envelope protection features. We switched ESP off so I could do some steep 180-degree turns without the nudge to wings level protection, and these were easy to do by keeping the primary flight display (PFD) flight path marker on the horizon line. Banks at 30 degrees were so smooth it felt like the airplane was on rails. Stalls were benign, with no wing

Glunt reminded me before taking off from Vero Beach’s Runway 12R that while the M700 has an autothrottle, the engine isn’t digitally controlled, so the pilot needs to advance the power enough for the autothrottle to engage but not advance the throttle all the way.

The 700-shp PT6 accelerated the M700 rapidly to the 75-knot rotation speed, and I pulled the nose up and then up and up some more, trying to keep to the 95-knot best rate of climb speed. We were loaded with 1,055 pounds of fuel, not quite two-thirds of the max fuel capacity, and our takeoff weight was just under 5,400 pounds. Initial climb rate was well over 3,000 fpm as we headed up to 13,500 feet, and even through 8,000 feet we climbed at 2,500 fpm.

After leveling off at 13,500 feet, I reacquainted

drop and a simple reduction in angle of attack and adding power to recover.

With the autopilot on, I steered the M700 back to Vero Beach for a coupled RNAV approach to Runway 12R. With approach mode selected, the autothrottle perfectly set the speed as the autopilot tracked the glide path to the runway. I watched the PFD as the M700 aligned with the runway, illustrated by centerline chevrons with mile markers leading to the runway end.

At 200 feet, I clicked off the autopilot and, heeding Glunt’s reminder that the rudders and nosewheel are directly connected, straightened the rudder pedals just before touchdown in the gusty left crosswind. Pulling the power lever into beta mode slowed the Fury nicely for the turnoff z

Piper’s M700 Fury climbs and cruises faster than its predecessor, the M600 SLS.

DAVID M c INTOSH

Small routing changes could have big impact

By Sarah Rose

A new environmental study conducted by aviation sustainability company 4Air has found that small altitude adjustments on business aviation flights could make a big difference in the environmental impacts of contrails— the condensation trails of aircraft—without CO2 tradeoffs.

The study, conducted over one year, encompassed 16,000 flights and more than 27,000 flight hours. According to the study, adjustments on even 50 flights out of 16,888 would have reduced the non-CO2 impact from the sample by more than 50% overnight.

“The results of this study demonstrate both the challenges and opportunities with reducing aviation’s footprint from contrails,” said 4AIR president Kennedy Ricci. “Effectively reducing our contrail warming impact requires considering contrails on every flight, but successfully avoiding on just a handful of flights would have a major impact, potentially without CO2 tradeoffs.”

Contrails are produced by aircraft engine emissions. Depending on the time of day, contrails can linger and absorb heat that would normally radiate back into space. Some studies suggest that contrails have a bigger impact on the environment than CO2 emissions and can contribute to two-thirds of the aviation industry’s warming impact.

Contrails can be formed at the upper end of a commercial aircraft’s service ceiling. Business aviation aircraft, which have higher service ceilings, are able to fly higher than the formation region. This can reduce CO 2 emissions and their contrail impact. The study found that, of the 23 flights in the study with the highest contrail impact (which in total accounted for 35% of the total impact), 65% of those flights could have minimized or avoided it by flying higher. Eighteen percent of the flights surveyed created a contrail.

The average contrail was estimated to persist for around two and a half hours. The more impactful warming came from contrails that lasted around six and a half hours.

4Air has also completed six months of a contrail avoidance pilot program in collaboration with Flexjet. The program focused on contrail forecasts and optimizing flight paths to minimize the time flights spend in

contrail-forming regions. Flight paths were then adjusted to modify cruising altitudes— with notes shared among pilots to calibrate climbs and descents with the intent of minimizing time in contrail regions.

The company has offered what it calls “science-based goals and independently verified results” as a framework for private aviation operators to pursue sustainability options. It has offered a four-tier rating system for companies looking to verifiably reduce their emissions impact through means of becoming emission-neutral or negative through carbon credits and offsets and encouraging funding of the Aviation Climate Fund. z

Aero-Dienst can now replace defective parts in the HTF7000.

Aero-Dienst now authorized to work on Honeywell’s HTF7000 engine nacelle system

Honeywell has announced that AeroDienst has become a certified maintenance provider for the HTF7000 engine nacelle system. The turbofan powers several popular business jets, such as the Bombardier Challenger 300/350, Cessna Citation Longitude, Embraer Legacy 450/500, and Gulfstream G280.

Under the approval, Aero-Dienst can perform services associated with the nacelle. They include removal and return of various elements, corrosion and defect

inspection, replacement of defective parts, and the use of the protective, anti-corrosive Mapaero coating.

Honeywell’s HTF7000 has achieved more than 10 million flight hours. Among its key design features is the ability to conduct many maintenance procedures and inspections on-wing, with a corresponding reduction in aircraft downtime. Additionally, line-replaceable units are designed to be easily changed using industrycommon tools. D.D.

The 6X, which is on display at EBACE 2024, had logged approximately 500 flight hours and operated close to 300 flights by the end of last month.

Dassault banks on 6X to drive sales

By Cathy Buyck

Since the Dassault Falcon 6X entered service on November 30, the company’s demo aircraft has been busy touring the world. By the end of April, Falcon 6X S/N 004—registered as F-WSUP—had logged approximately 500 flight hours and operated close to 300 flights across Europe, North and South America, and Asia-Pacific.

The widebody business jet flew in the U.S. and Brazil earlier this month and is being showcased this week at EBACE 2024 alongside a Falcon 8X and a mock-up of the in-development Falcon 10X.

“The 6X has been flying a lot and the client feedback is just great, like with all our aircraft,” Carlos Brana, executive v-p of civil aircraft for Dassault Aviation, told AIN

“Comments from pilots and passengers are very positive,” he continued. “They love how the 6X feels, stable and steady, and its power at takeoff. They laud how quiet the cabin is, its extra-large windows, and the overall comfort, also thanks to the cabin altitude pressurization, which is maintained at a very comfortable 3,950 feet when cruising at 41,000 feet.”

The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812Dpowered 6X was launched in February 2018 and received dual EASA and FAA certification in August last year. On top of this, the new Falcon model obtained approval from

the aviation authorities of Turkey, the Isle of Man, and San Marino, while the certification process is ongoing in Canada, India, and the UK.

The French OEM is also still working on obtaining additional product approvals for steep approach, its FalconEye Combined Vision System (CVS), and others. Brana stressed that these are just a matter of time and “up to 99% of the missions can already now be performed with the aircraft as it is.”

Carlos Brana, executive vice president of civil aircraft for Dassault Aviation

Meanwhile, the pace of Falcon sales is “not as fast as we would like,” Brana said. Dassault booked orders for 23 business aircraft in 2023, down from 64 the year before. Demand for new Falcons remained sluggish in the first quarter and across all regions, according to Brana.

“The beginning of the year is traditionally slow, slower than the rest of the year. We are expecting an improvement later in the year. The

economy is doing better and inflation is going down as well,” he remarked. Brana added that the fact that the 6X is now flying and that potential customers can test the new long-range business jet should contribute to an increase in sales.

Dassault Aviation’s guidance for 2024 calls for the delivery of 35 Falcons, up from 26 last year. In line with the company policy of not releasing figures by model, Brana said he “could not comment” on how many 6Xs the OEM will deliver this year. The handover of S/N 005 (HB-JTO) took place on February 21, to Swiss charter operator CAT Aviation in Zurich.

“Besides a strong focus on SAF, we work on cutting fuel consumption,” Brana added, citing the use of lighter materials, the company’s FalconWays flight path optimization tool— delivering proven reductions in fuel consumption of up to 7%—and its FalconEye CVS.

Brana does not see hydrogen as a solution to power business aviation aircraft in the nearterm. Airbus, which owns a stake in Dassault Aviation, wants to bring to market the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft.

“We looked at it, but we do not believe this is something that can be easily adapted to business aviation, in particular if you want passengers traveling in a reasonable style,” he noted. “None of the companies working in the same industry as us—Bombardier, Cessna, or Gulfstream—are seriously looking at this technology.” z

PHOTOS:

JSSI’s bizav support is expanding

By Charles Alcock

Maintenance support and financial services group JSSI is marking 35 years of assisting business aircraft owners and operators. Over the past decade, the Chicago-based group has significantly expanded its horizons with the acquisition of companies such as data specialist Conklin & De Decker and aircraft maintenance tracking software specialist Traxxall.

Complementing its core maintenance programs, JSSI now provides customers with guidance to inform their decisions about acquiring aircraft. The company also leases engines and parts, and just a year ago started offering customized asset-based finance solutions for the business aviation sector.

According to JSSI, it now supports more than 30% of the global business jet fleet with a variety of services. Its Traxxall maintenance tracking system covers more than 4,000 aircraft and has 17,000 users worldwide.

The company entered the European market in 2008, with a regional headquarters at Farnborough Airport in the UK. It now has a presence in France, Spain, Monaco, Luxembourg, Austria, Turkey, Dubai, and South Africa. Over the past 12 months, its hourly cost maintenance programs have seen a 10% uptick in usage.

“Our greatest assets walk through the front door every day,” said JSSI chairman and CEO Neil Book. “We’ve been able to attract extraordinary talent from inside and outside the industry.” z

Stack Aero, FL3XX team up to simplify charter bookings

By Sarah Rose

Aviation workflow technology platform Stack Aero is showcasing its integration with digital aircraft operations platform FL3XX this week at EBACE 2024. Attendees are getting the opportunity to see how the two platforms manage customer relationship management (CRM) and business workflows.

This is the first time show-goers will have a chance to see how the integration of the two platforms works for customers like charter brokers and operators, aircraft management companies, and flight departments, they said.

This partnership will allow trip requests, quotes, and bookings generated in FL3XX to be integrated with customer accounts, CRM, and data from Stack Aero to provide a streamlined experience for sales teams. The software also incorporates customer preferences and reporting and analytics modules.

“We are looking forward to showing delegates how the integration enables more powerful commercial tools, including interactive digital presentations, consistent customer communications, reliable reporting, and analytics. The integrated system saves time, reduces

errors, optimizes budgets, and removes silos to present easy-to-access, reliable customer information in real-time across both platforms,” explained Stack Aero CEO Greg Jarrett.

“This integration allows us to directly address the daily challenges our operators encounter. It’s about providing our clients with an experience that feels effortless and deeply intuitive, effectively bridging the space between achieving operational goals and exceeding customer expectations,” said FL3XX CEO and founder Paolo Sommariva.

Using a single interface, common customers who subscribe to both platforms can switch directly between Stack Aero and FL3XX. Undisclosed customers are currently beta-testing the integration. z

Titan Aviation adds 5 Spanish SAF locations

Geneva-based Titan Aviation Fuels International has expanded its European sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) distribution network with the addition of five new locations in Spain. Customers flying from Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Málaga, and Seville airports will have the ability to upload SAF produced by Spanish fuel producer Cepsa.

“We are seeing more demand for sustainable aviation fuel from our customers, but supply remains a challenge in Europe, making it difcult to source,” said Titan Aviation Fuels International CEO Daniel Coetzer.

To help its European customers mitigate

their carbon emissions, the company encourages them to uplift SAF. And for those who wish to fly more sustainably but cannot source the actual fuel, Titan ofers its own carbon ofset program.

Since its launch at EBACE 2022, Titan Aviation Fuels International has developed a roster of business aviation operators and aircraft owner clients worldwide who appreciate the company’s real-time fuel planning, digital quoting, pre-ordering, competitive pricing, and 24/7 customer service team. The company also provides expert assistance with complex VAT and MOT calculations. C.E.

JSSI guides customers in making informed decisions about aircraft acquisitions.

UAS introduced a live chat function enabling users to communicate efficiently with the company’s operations team.

UAS levels up its Global Trip Manager system

By David Donald

Worldwide trip support expert UAS has introduced a number of enhancements to its Global Trip Manager offering as part of its ongoing drive to improve the trip management system’s features and add new ones. As well as addressing new requirements, UAS’ developments aim to improve connectivity and ease of use.

Global Trip Manager was launched in 2022. The cross-platform technology allows effective real-time interactions and immediate access to vital trip information, whether the user is in an office or on the move.

“Operators’ challenges are always in flux and this, in turn, dictates demand,” said co-founder and executive president Mohammed Al Husary. “We have dedicated ourselves to anticipating and responding to these new demands in every aspect of our offering, from flight support to air charter and, of course, technology.

“We are problem-solvers, dedicated to finding the best solutions for our clients’ needs. And whatever their priority, be it cost optimization, safety and security, connectivity, or simply ease, we have the global support and network to make that happen. We are here to help them elevate their horizons.”

Recently introduced is a live chat function that allows users to communicate immediately with the UAS operations team. Through

this feature, they can stay fully informed, with full disclosure throughout the trip planning and execution phases. The introduction of live chat has been positively received by the user community, UAS said.

UAS is currently nearing the introduction of self-service options and a communications portal for suppliers. Another feature will be the integration of advanced passenger information system (APIS) data to enhance travel security and immigration compliance, fuel quotations, and bookings for hotels and transport. z

Air ambulance jet made for long haul

Air medical and air ambulance solutions company Spectrum Aeromed has announced the completion of its fourth Bombardier Challenger 605 interior for Istanbul-based Redstar Aviation.

Spectrum has previously completed interiors in the Bombardier Challenger 605, Learjet 45XR, and Leonardo AW139 for Redstar. This newest completion features additional oxygen cylinders for extended-range missions for patient care over long distances. The company said the interior is configured to prioritize intensive care, using the Challenger’s spacious cabin and long-range capabilities.

“We are thankful for the long-term trust Redstar Aviation has put into Spectrum Aeromed. The close cooperation between both companies has resulted in customized solutions with the highest degree of commonality over all fleets operated by this award-winning leading air ambulance provider,” said Spectrum Aeromed v-p of international sales Thomas Redder. Spectrum Aeromed has completed more than 30 aeromedical aircraft conversions for operators in nine countries, including Greece and Poland. S.R.

Ametek MRO steps it up

By Kerry Lynch

Ametek MRO’s AEM and Antavia units are broadening their component capabilities in Europe to support the rapid expansion of the business aviation sector. Ametek MRO said the integration of the technologies, processes, and technicians within each division will enable the facilities to provide a wide range of component services, including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of parts as well as avionics repairs and upgrades.

AEM recently expanded its escape raft capabilities at its UK facility near London

Stansted Airport, and Antavia has added a battery shop, oxygen MRO capability, and specialist wheels and brakes services close to Paris Le Bourget.

“Currently, the European business jet market size is estimated at $4.6 billion and is expected to reach $7.08 billion by 2030, so the component MRO segment is expected to grow rapidly over the next six years,” said Ismaël Fadili, v-p of sales for Europe at Ametek MRO. The company has partnered with OEMs to gain the technical expertise and required MRO certification to provide onsite MRO service to business jets, Fadili added. z

East : July 15-17, 2024, New York Area

“The AIN CALS event has been a refreshing experience for leaders within the corporate aviation community and the vendors that support their businesses. 100% engagement for 2.5 days. Truly a working event that leaves us all a bit tired but very enthused!”

– 2024 CALS West fight department atendee

“The AIN CALS event provides excellent opportunities for high level interaction between vendors and clients. The one-on-one time and small group sessions are very valuable settings.”

– 2024 CALS West sponsor

LHT updates cabin tech for business aircraft

By Charles Alcock

Lufthansa Technik (LHT) is showcasing its latest innovations for business aircraft this week at EBACE 2024. They include an update for its Network Integrated Cabin Equipment (Nice) in-flight entertainment (IFE) and cabin management platform, a lightweight speaker system for business jet cabins, aeromedical cabin systems, new antenna radome, and an aircraft fuel system cleaning process that removes biofilm.

The company’s Original Equipment Innovation unit is on track to introduce the next generation for its Nice platform next year and is starting to install cabin systems on the latest additions to its line-fit portfolio—the Embraer Phenom 100EX.

More than 20 years after the maintenance, repair, and overhaul group took a leap into the niche cabin technology sector, it has now installed Nice and cabin management systems on more than 1,500 aircraft. These include multiple Bombardier and Embraer business jets, and at last year’s NBAA-BACE Pilatus selected LHT develop a platform for the PC-24 twinjet.

The next challenge for the company’s engineering team in Hamburg, Germany, is the advanced air mobility sector, for which it is working to scale Nice components down in size to fit into four-passenger eVTOLs. This week at EBACE, visitors can examine a prototype of a cabin management system for one of these air taxis. The concept is based on modular components that can be used in different models.

With each evolution of the Nice platform, LHT is looking to facilitate further upgrades to the capabilities of the IFE and cabin management systems. “The core system doesn’t have to be changed, and you can deliver new benefits at the software application level,” explained Wassef Ayadi, the company’s senior director for customer relations with the OEM & Special Engineering Services unit.

“It means that changes are simple enough as to be possible between flights, and that could

work well for large fleet operators who want to customize service for different groups of passengers or even at the level of individual seats.”

LHT has started to introduce voice recognition capability on several Bombardier models. Ayadi explained that these will generally be used by crewmembers as digital assistants to control cabin equipment while performing other tasks. The technology can be trained to understand different accents and languages

reliable than a consumer electronics product. We don’t beta-test products with customers.”

Also being featured this week at the company’s EBACE exhibit are the latest Omni-Fi speakers, which are intended to be invisible when installed in aircraft cabins. The ultrathin, lightweight units have been developed to be fitted behind interior structures such as sidewall panels, delivering high-fidelity sound while not disrupting visible surfaces to give cabin designers greater flexibility.

Building on work completed for military customers, LHT is also presenting a patient transport unit that can be fitted in VIP aircraft to support aeromedical operations. The equipment is scalable to allow medical specialists to care for unwell passengers during flight.

and, unlike devices such as Apple’s Siri, does not use the web cloud.

Next-gen Nice is already being flight tested on an airliner operated by Lufthansa group carrier Discover. LHT can also install Nice systems on aircraft that are not part of its linefit portfolio; these have included Gulfstreams and Boeing Business Jets.

Testing Out Reliability

Assessing equipment LHT makes for aircraft for reliability is a task the company takes very seriously. “Along with safety, it is the most important,” said Ayadi. “We don’t deploy until it is ready, and that means testing for the whole life cycle of the product.”

“For instance, we were not the first to offer a curved [entertainment] screen by choice because we wanted to offer something more

At EBACE 2024, Lufthansa Technik is demonstrating several recent innovations, including a lightweight speaker system for bizjet cabins.

Another new item being shown this week at EBACE is LHT’s TIOS Xgrade radome, which can accommodate both legacy antennas with movable parts and the latest electronically-steered antennas. The design is intended to help aircraft operators progressively upgrade their inflight communications equipment without having to add or change out radomes on the aircraft exterior.

Meanwhile, LHT is showcasing a fuel system cleaning process that removes biofilms that can cause corrosion, clogging, and other malfunctions. The company recommends the cleaning process for business aircraft that spend more time than average on the ground, giving the fuel more opportunity for biofilm growth. The aim is to eliminate risks such as fuel contamination and costly damage to aircraft structures. z

ALENA

KORENKOV

Leonardo AW09 gets corporate look

By Kerry Lynch

Leonardo took the wraps off of a full-scale cabin mockup of its AW09 single-engine helicopter yesterday at the opening of EBACE 2024. Showcasing a VIP-corporate transport cabin layout and paint scheme that will be offered as an option, the unveiling marks the “official entrance” of the AW09 as part of the Agusta family of corporate helicopters, said Cecile Vion-Lanctuit, head of communications and marketing for Leonardo’s Kopter Group.

The interior was designed to provide a customized yet modular approach to the cabin

continued from page 1

EBACE keynote

position to champion and deploy the initiative in Europe’s complex regulatory and political landscape,” he said.

Delphine Bachmann, state councilor for Geneva, also made note of the criticisms of business aviation. “Some people continue to see business aviation as a threat to the environment and a major contributor to global warming,” she said. “I think I can say that if our countries value freedom of speech, there are peaceful and respectful ways to express it.”

Eurocontrol director of the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre John Santurbano spoke on the challenges faced by the “increasing pressure on sustainability” and how the aerospace industry is perceived by society.

“I’m convinced that we can just cope with these challenges if we go on investing in new technologies and innovation,” he said. “That’s why I think it’s really important to invest in engineers and competent young people.”

Santurbano also talked about management systems as a means to handle the expense of air traffic controllers to use them efficiently in curbing delays, as well as prioritizing flights with curfew procedures. “The idea of the system is, for instance, to foresee peaks of traffic and to adjust the need of air traffic controllers

space with the latest technology and sustainability advancements. Carving a niche in the longlight single-engine segment, the AW09 will have the largest cabin and most legroom in its class.

According to Leonardo, the cabin can accommodate interiors ranging from a fourplus-one up to a three-plus-three-plus-two seating layout. The interior will be offered in a set of dedicated themes that the company is inspired by “harmony and perfection found in nature” yet present a modern feel. Themes include Desert Dawn, Cedar Woods, Ocean Twilight, and Dark Cosmos.

Also to appeal to the corporate crowd, the

and the rostering of air traffic controllers to the traffic peaks during the day and during the night,” he said.

Explorer and environmentalist Bertrand Piccard of the Solar Impulse Foundation encouraged attendees to expand their perceptions of what is possible in sustainability. He cited his own record-breaking around-the-world balloon flight and solar-powered flight as allegories for new possibilities towards sustainability.

“The impossible is only in the mindset of the people who believe the future is an extrapolation of the past,” he said.

Piccard is also currently working to develop a hydrogen-powered aircraft. “We need to restore enthusiasm and we need to show what we can achieve even if some people believe it’s impossible,” he said. “Aviation was the dream of humankind before we could fly. Since we could fly, it was the dream of flying longer, higher, faster, better.” z

company is touting the large front and side windows that enhance visibility for the passengers, alongside the safety benefits for the pilot.

Kopter chief test pilot Richard Grant, along with Leonardo chief test pilot Giuseppe Afruni, unshrouded the mockup before a crowd gathered at the booth on the show floor, marking the kickoff of a demonstration tour that will include showings across Europe this summer, as well as at various events.

As Leonardo looks to expand its foothold in the corporate market with the helicopter—the first all-new model to be developed in decades in its class—it has built a backlog of orders for more than 100 units globally.

As the mockup embarks on its tour, flight testing continues on the AW09 with hopes of certification in 2025. Leonardo has two preproduction models—PS4 and PS5—flying and checking off a series of flight tests. PS6, the first production model, is expected at the end of the year. An earlier prototype, PS3, retired in September 2022 after 387 flights.

PS4, which incorporates all developments implemented on PS3, joined the program in March 2023 with the 1,000-shp-class Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2K, a switch from the Honeywell HTS900 on the predecessor prototypes.

PS5 joined the program this past February. Grant estimated that the two flight-test aircraft have now accrued about 130 flights, exploring a limited altitude envelope, up to about 16,000 feet with plans to go higher, and tested maximum speed in dive, he said.

In addition, Leonardo has completed a lot of airfield work simulating wind conditions. “At the moment, we’re able to hover in winds up to about 35 knots or around that with quite a low workload.”

Component systems tests have long been under way. “Now we’ve got to that stage where we’ve just got to gather the data,” he said.

In addition to the cabin, Grant touted the aircraft’s ease of flying and safety systems. “It’s designed to be easy and simple in every aspect, flying it, operating it, maintaining it,” he said. “I think it’s really achieving that. We’re starting to see that now.” z

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen

DAVID M c INTOSH

VoltAero displays Cassio 330 mockup

By Charles Alcock

VoltAero unveiled a mockup of the first member of its planned family of Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft on Tuesday morning at EBACE. The company also flew its technology demonstrator aircraft to the Geneva show from its headquarters in western France, running the propulsion system on biofuels made from wine.

Jean Botti, the former Airbus executive who is now VoltAero’s CEO and chief technology officer, said his team expects to start flight testing the first Cassio prototype later this year. The mockup being displayed this week represents the entry-level Cassio 330

All hail our future robot overlords! Bow

before Pepper

Technology leaders urged business aviation to embrace artificial intelligence during an EBACE panel discussion hosted by UAS International Trip Support. The session was chaired by James Hardie (left), founder of Course Correction, and featured (left to right): Kimberley Patel, founder of The Aviation Ecosystem, Pepper the

VoltAero brought a mockup of its hybridelectric aircraft to display at EBACE 2024. The company is also working with Kawasaki on longerterm plans to develop a hydrogen-electric version of the aircraft.

that will carry four passengers. The company is also working on the larger Cassio 480 and 600 models that will carry six and 12 passengers, respectively.

VoltAero’s now-patented powertrain design is based on a pair of Safran’s EngineUs electric motors, a turbogenerator, and an aft-mounted pusher propeller. The hybrid-electric range is expected to be up to around 695 nm and just 82 nm while operating in all-electric mode.

Fractional ownership group Sky2Share has agreed to step up the partnership agreement it announced with VoltAero last May. The Swiss company has placed pre-orders for 15 Cassio 330s.

Sky2Share CEO Selim Franko said his company will likely act as a distributor for Cassio aircraft, o ff ering shares to private owners and operating under Part 91 rules rather than with an air operator certificate. It also has plans to provide maintenance services for other Cassio operators, as well as flight training.

According to Sky2Share chief commercial officer Philippe Vignon, its business model is based on a commitment to ensure that all carbon dioxide emissions from its flights will be fully offset. It is now raising funding to add some Pilatus PC-12 turboprop singles to its fleet as it waits for Cassio to complete EASA CS-23 type certification.

VoltAero claims it holds sales agreements covering more than 220 Cassio aircraft. It is also working with Kawasaki on longer-term plans for a hydrogen-electric version. z

DAVID M c INTOSH

robot, Chris Marich, co-founder of MySky, and Arthur Ingles, founder of Moove.

The Hub of Business Aviation

10 - 12 DECEMBER 2024

DWC, Dubai Airshow Site

The region’s premier business aviation event returns this December - bringing the aviation community & luxury brands together in person to seize the projected sector growth and unparalleled opportunities.

FAST WHEN IT COUNTS. SLOW WHEN IT’S CRITICAL.

Slow landings are safe landings. Falcon business jet wings combine double slotted flaps and moveable slats for the slowest, most stable landings possible. Handling like that is incomparable. Unless you’re flying our Rafale fighter. It’s one of many reasons we’re different.

CHALLENGING AIRFIELDS ARE A SPECIALTY OF OURS.

Falcon business jets share the superior short-field capability of our Rafale fighter. In fact, the same teams engineered their aerodynamics, optimized weight and high-lift devices. So you can access challenging airports in more locations. It’s one of many reasons we’re different.