MEBAA
PUBLICATIONS
12.6.16 • DUBAI
Convention News
®
www.ainonline.com
TUESDAY
AINONLINE.COM
Bizav’s Brightest Alight at Dubai
DAVID McINTOSH
A handful of the 50 aircraft on display at the MEBAA 2016 static park nuzzle up to the old Dubai Airshow control tower as the doors open on this year’s Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association show at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (aka Dubai South) at Dubai World Central.
Gama unveils Sharjah FBO as an alternative to Dubai by Ian Sheppard Gama Aviation today unveils plans for its major new business aviation facility at Sharjah International Airport. The development, which is due to open in mid-2018, will offer an alternative to congested Dubai International Airport (DXB) and closer access to the center of Dubai than Dubai World Central (DWC). The UK-based group is reveal ing architectural drawings for a purpose-built complex that will offer Charter Outlook
space for commercial tenants as well as passengers and crew of its own aircraft management and charter operations. Billed as the first integrated facility of its type in Sharjah, the new facility will comprise a 100-meter-long (328-foot) hangar (with an option for a second), plus 20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet) of apron parking space. Over the past 12 months, Gama, which also provides maintenance services, has seen a 12 percent
increase in the volume of traffic it handles at its existing Sharjah operation. It says this is due to slot restrictions at DXB and also the fact that Sharjah is significantly closer to Dubai’s financial district than DWC. Gama’s aircraft management and charter business has increased by around a third over the past year. This is partly explained by the addition of new aircraft to its fleet, including a Bombardier Learjet 60 and a Piaggio Avanti Evo, which have joined its existing heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft. “We have made excellent progress this year [with] our air business growing the fleet by 33 percent and the ground business benefiting
New Aircraft
Regional Market
Avinode’s Data-Driven Approach
Textron Aviation’s Big Iron
Avinode Marketplace’s “business-toconsumer” technology shows what the company calls “a healthy increase” in web searches for Middle East region air charter services. Page 6
The Cessna Citation Latitude is the company’s latest, but the company soon will be targeting the larger business jet markets with the forthcoming Longitude and Hemisphere models. Page 22
Rising oil prices boost economies, but bizav challenged by Peter Shaw-Smith Leaders of the Middle East business aviation community gathered in Dubai yesterday in search of strategies for reversing the industry’s general malaise in this part of the world. At a conference held on the eve of the 2016 MEBAA show, speakers called for a more business-friendly regulatory environment as well as progress on controlling rising costs. The biennial MEBAA event opens on Tuesday less than a week after Middle Eastern economies were boosted by news of an agreement by OPEC oil producing
Continued on page 4 u
Continued on page 46 u
MRO Support
Modifications
Middle East Bizav Overview
Amac’s Heavy Maintenance Expands
Comlux Extends Airbus A321 Range
Can OPEC’s 2029 peak petroleum demand forecast help drive enough regional economic diversification to rescue the region’s mostly flat business aviation market? Page 30
Basel, Switzerland-based Amac Aerospace is promoting its MRO services to new and existing customers, including BBJ, ACJ, Gulfstream and widebody jet operators worldwide. Page 41
The company’s STC’d forward fuselagemounted auxiliary tank will be ready in 3Q 2017 and can add 500 nm to the aircraft’s range in VIP configurations and 300 nm for airline operators. Page 44.
MEBAA
Formally known as the HA-420 HondaJet, Honda’s entry into the business jet market was announced in 2005, but has been under development since the 1990s.The innovative twin-jet has a 422-knot top speed, a ceiling of FL430 and offers an NBAA IFR range of 1223 nm with four occupants.
Convention News
®
FOUNDED IN 1972 JAMES HOLAHAN (1921-2015), FOUNDING EDITOR WILSON S. LEACH, MANAGING DIRECTOR
P6
P4
P7
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Charles Alcock
P2
EDITOR - INTERNATIONAL SHOW EDITIONS – Ian Sheppard
FERRARI
PRESS ROOM MANAGING EDITOR – Mark Phelps THE EDITORIAL TEAM JETCRAFT Jeb Burnside Samantha Cartaino David Donald Guillaume Lecompte-Boinet
BELL
DASSAULT
A21
A22
ARABASCO
A20
A23 BOMBARDIER
A19
BELL
A18
COMLUX
A17
TEXTRON
A16
NAS JET
A15
SAUDIA PRIVATE AVIATION
A14
GULFSTREAM
GDC TECHNICS/ NEXUS
A13
ALPHA STAR
A12
AIRBUS
P1DWC
A11
GULFSTREAM
PRODUCTION EDITOR – Lysbeth McAleer
P5
A10
AMAC AEROSPACE
A9
GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER – Tom Hurley
DASSAULT
A8
BOEING
A7
BOEING
A6
TAG
A5
JET AVIATION
A4
TAG
A3
ROYAL JET
A2
ROYAL JET
A1
JETEX
A1A
EMBRAER
EMIRATES
A1A
EMIRATES
EMIRATES
A1A
JETEX
STATIC DISPLAY
THE PRODUCTION TEAM F&E/ MonaP3 L. Brown John A. Manfredo MEBAA Grzegorz Rzekos Alena Korenkov PHOTOGRAPHER David McIntosh
DAVID McINTOSH
DUBAI DUTY FREE
ONLINE EDITOR – Chad Trautvetter LEAD WEB DEVELOPER – Mike Giaimo WEB DEVELOPER – Evan Williams VIDEO PRODUCER – Ian Whelan
MEDICAL CENTRE
EXITS TO CHALETS & STATIC AREA
PUBLICATION BINS
9
480
EXECUJET
12
12
DWC as high
HondaJet arrival marks new type’s MEBAA, Middle Eastern debut 14
3
6
358
3
4
4
4
452
DIAMOND 5 AIRCRAFT
20
4
4
VIP 4 JET12
4
5
332
4
432
GmbH
3 MOTOTOK
12
3
4
6
4
3
316
3.5
6
4
305
5
4 AvBuyer 4
3
4
3
2.25
19
3
2
3
3
740
5
5
3
735
1.56
4
3
7
725
204
8
515
6
5
3
20
5
9
3
9
505
6
4
3
500
8
507
7.5
7.5
12
12
610
6
6
4
714
6
932
4
13
3
712
613
AIR 3 SUPPORT 12
JET AVIATION 612 6
605
36
10
6
AEROLUX 3 12
4
CO LTD
3 12
11
705
6
3
8
9
3
600
10
80
3
9
6
4
700
6
10
60
3
6
3
6
2
816
4
GENEL HAVACILIK A.S.
12
2.5
4
814 SELA 3
6
810
18
12
6
819
MACH9 PILOT SHOP
805
6
3
3
PORT CITY AIR
4
912 ALSATRONIX
6
813 2 2
4
3
908
4 JORDAN 4
24
WADY 12
3
6
2.5
6
800
9
6
915
EICBERGFILM
6
36
2
3
6
3 2
4
3
6
4
6
54
3
AFRICAN FLIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY 12
2.5
4
2.5
GAINJET AVIATION
8
3
4
6
6
10
4
2.5
4
DELTA INTERIORS 6 6 & NORTHERN AVIONICS 24
8
45
8
920 SOUTH
77
7
713
18
NODAKA
24
18
VISION JP JETS SYSTEMS JORDAN
3
2.5
930
4 NAGATA 4
928
11
2.5
3
4
3
3
7
4
3
78
6
54
6
24
BRISTOL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
4
2.5
6
6
2.5
3
934
8 UNWFP 8
13
830
8
40
5
27
15
PIAGGIO
9
2.5
6
72
3
836
JET SOLUTIONS
6
4
CHAMPION DOOR
3
3 HAECO PRIVATE 3
3
6
9
5
942
8
4
6
9
3
2.5
AVIATION SPARES & REPAIRS
80
10
3
6
24
8
24
MARSHALLS
25
54
6
4
ACCESS EXECUTIVE FLIGHT AIRCRAFT 5 SUPPORT SERVICES
6
9
2.5
4
ARGOS VIP
3
6
6
3
512 CEDAR JET 6 CENTER MEAG 36 36
6
7
56
517
6
6
510
4
64
8
10
615
24
6
24
6
3
8
404
LONDON BIGGIN HILL
4
36
6
6
5
5
12
820
LEKTRO 6
48
838
2.5
MEDAIRE AN INT'L SOS COMPANY36
718
8
EXECUTIVE CONTROLLER
6
6
522
IACOBUCCI
6
6
2.5
8
3
4
8
520
3
6
70
8
4
3
3
840
CAFÉ
18
F&E
8
24
24
3
730
6
JSSI
12
6
3
10
3
12
GLOBAL JET SERVICE
9
3
27
12
842
SUPPORT
28
10
3
4
30
3
12
946
36
3
847
738
STERLING AVIATION
4
12
3
4 AIR BP
4
4 ADVANCED AIR 4
7
17
3
6
737
4
3 1.55
7
12
3
848
POWER 12
12
LONDON CITY AIRPORT
6
636
7
746
HONEYWELL
4 AVION
2.5
ECLIPSE
2.5
SATCOM1
12
620
TAG 6 FARNBOROUGH 6
4
3
3
3
JEPPESEN 6
18
400
12
12
GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION
4
12
3
642c CATERER'S PAVILION RUDY'S INFLIGHT 6 CATERING / 6 AIR 642 AIRCRAFT GOURMET / LIGHTING SILVER INT'L LINING 15 4
12
MEDIA
3
72
417
4
INYT 4
2
3
AIRPORT/ SKYGUIDE JET INTERIORS MAGS
4 PENTON
3
850
3
4
3
6
18
747 748 BUSINESS 745
3
9
5
15
6
4
SCHEME DESIGNERS
632
625
17
12
405
COPTER 12
646 647
DALLAS BANGOR INT'L AERONAUTICAL AIRPORT SERVICES 6
2
15
3
2.25
642b
750
INNOTECH-EXECAIRE AVIATION
960
42
6
ASSOCIATED 6 AIR CENTRE
6
754
AIMS INSEAT SOLUTIONS International Limited
6
2
5
LYON BRON AIRPORT
3
8
12
4 ARROW 4
301
630
3
18
6
7
311
3
PRATT & GOZEN 4 WHITNEY28 12
3
72
12
525
5
5
3
426 AVINODE
410
18
QUICK AVIATION SERVICES
635
4
6
12
8
3
6
30
7
6
855
2.5
752
2.25
2
MOHEBI
12
6
3
3
3
9
3
964
4 BAQER 4
3
7
860
50
5
654
7
6
3
9
3
3
4
18
415
314
303
2
642a
5
3
3
6
36
6
7
DAKOTA AIR 3 PARTS 15
START PAC
TANURY INDUSTRIES
6
30
6
9
18
4
6
12
530
3
5
5
427
420
SOARING
310
6
8
6 EAGLE 6
3
36
GREENWICH
5
30
640
5
QATAR EXECUTIVE
36
5
4
3
6
SOFTEX INVEST LLC
2.5
DC 10 AVIATION 10
18
3
12
4
537
HARRODS
657
9
5
648
3
3
6
9
5
5
36
6
755
6
300
MATRADE
425
12
GERMAN AVIAITON SERVICES & AMSTERDAM SOFTWARE
535
6
AVFUEL / 121 6 CATERING /
12
4
VEERA
UDYOG PVT LTD. 12
324
6
36
6
9
FLIGHT SAFETY INTERNATIONAL
6
6
ALTITUDES
326
WOMEN IN AVIATION MIDDLE EAST
431
645
COLT 6 INTERNATIONAL
6
40
3
3
6
542
765 4 SATCOM DIRECT 24
865
3
18
30
PRIVE JETS AEROGROUP
3
3
CENTRAL AVIATION LIMITED
2.25
FLIGHT U.S. DISPLAY 3 SYSTEMS PAVILION 6 LOUNGE & 653 MEETING FRASCA 3 POINT
PARTNERS INC.
650
AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP
3 FORBES SHELT AIR
4 VAHANA
322
12
430
3
IBAC
6
6
8
POINT
144
12
3
5
LIFE PORT 16 GREEN 4
4 SCHOFF 4
4
3
117
437
656
651 652 AVIATION
2.5
6
768
3
4
3
25
5
3
3
3
2.25
5
10
INC. 12
5
9
4
435
25
658
655
12
48
6
662
3 TRONAIR
UAS INTERNATIONAL 13 TRIP SUPPORT
FLYGPRESTANDA AB
VIP GOLF BUGGY LANE
13
3
25
9
32
BOUTSEN AVIATION 5 SERVICES AVIATION MANAGEMENT
2.5
540
12
3
545
12
5
439
338
2.5
12
25
5 5
10
2
4 JETHQ 4
96
12
5
8
5
30
6
667
5
5
5
450
5
350
5
8
15
454
2
4
660
8
5 REHEAT FLYING 5 /MSI COLOURS
25
more insight into the market for its composite-fuselage light jet and scope out dealer prospects. “We have received many inquiries for the HondaJet, including requests to appear at events like MEBAA,” said Fujino. “Honda Aircraft continues to evaluate new and emerging markets as part of our overall global sales strategy and plan. Entrance into a new market requires identifying the right representative in each territory to provide HondaJet customers with the best service and support from day one.” The HondaJet is powered by the GE HondaITP HF120 turbofan, and avionics are a three-display, touchscreen-controlled Garmin G3000 system. Performance numbers include 422-knot maximum cruise speed, fouroccupant NBAA IFR range of 1,223 nm and 43,000foot maximum cruise altitude. The engine mounting arrangement makes available space for a fully enclosed lavatory and seating for up to seven occupants. “Its high speed, quiet and comfortable cabin, sporty styling and handling have appealed especially to savvy Middle East prospects and aircraft enthusiasts,” Fujino noted. “With a range that connects the entire Arabian Peninsula, this region could
2.5
2 2 3 LUXURY PAVILION 2.5
352
8
36
6
12
555
5 YESLAM 5
456 460 2
CARUSO DOREEN
36
6
4
665
HONEYWELL 6
459
3
2.25
3
6
562
6
2.5
3
ROSS 12
2
6
565
90
4
458
3 BELL &
48
by Chad Trautvetter
12
9
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL 8 8 AIRSHOW (BIAS)
5
470
144
INTERNATIONAL WINGS
3
10
speed, high rate of climb, fuel efficiency, and the ONAIR FAS very quiet and spacious Dubai cabin. World Central They are also impressed with 8-10 December 2014 SAN handling solid and riding MARINO www.meba.aero MEBAA qualities in turbulence, which COBHAM shows a distinctive difference from existing light jets.” US PAVILION XJET @ FAI from According to Fujino, the benefit the HondaJet.” Honda Aircraft has also fleet has been performing taken a more automotive “very well and the reliabilDIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES – Michele Hubert RUAG ACCOUNTING MANAGER – Marylou Moravec approach to interior out- ity has been excellent.” The SALES ASSISTANT – Nadine Timpanaro fitting and paint. It cur- in-service HondaJet fleet has ACCOUNTING/ADMINISTRATION STAFF – Mary Avella; Bobbie Bing rently offers five exterior logged more than 3,000 hours U.S. EDITORIAL OFFICE: paint schemes—blue, silver, to date. 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432 Honda Aircraft is now tarred, yellowHADID and green—and Tel: +1 201 444 5075 ETIHAD two interior color palettes: geting type certification in WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITORIAL OFFICE: Bill Carey (air transport and defense) parchment and moonlight. Canada early next year, with bcarey@ainonline.com However, ALPHA there is little else Brazil approval to follow Tel: +1 202 560 5672; Mobile: +1 202 531 7566 ROCKWELL COLLINS SABENA STAR It is also awaiting FAA customization besides these that.CAE Kerry Lynch (business aviation) klynch@ainonline.com choices—the cabin layout approval for flight into known Tel: +1 703 969 9155 icing (FIKI), which the U.S. comes only in an aft clubSNECMA EUROPEAN EDITORIAL OFFICE: ATLANTIC FUELEX four seat arrangement with a agency was reviewing at press Ian Sheppard Hangar 9, Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey RH1 5JY, UK side-facing seat opposite the time. “FIKI will be granted Tel: +1 44 1 737 200948; Mobile: +1 44 775 945 5770 SKYPLAN very soon,” said Fujino. entry door and rear lavatory. isheppard@ainonline.com Fujino also sees great Since receiving U.S. FedU.S. ADVERTISING OFFICE: 81 Kenosia Ave., Danbury, CT 06810 eral Aviation Administration potential for the HondaJet UNIVERSAL SHELL Tel: +1 203 798 2400; Fax: +1 203 798 2104 AERIA WEATHER certification last December, in other world regions, espeEUROPEAN ADVERTISING OFFICE: cially in Asia. “We will conand subsequent approvals AVICON Daniel Solnica WORLD FUEL AVJET SERVICES TOTAL 78, rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris, France ROUTING tinue to evaluate new and from the European Aviation Tel: +33 1 42 46 95 71 Safety Agency and Mexico’s emerging markets based on dsolnica@solnica.net LUFTHANSA DGAC, there are 19 FOKKER Honda- interest and as part of our Italian Representative: TECHNIK Diana Scogna; dscogna@dsmedia.com.fr Jets operating in the U.S., global sales strategy,” he Tel: +33-6-62-52-25-47 Mexico and Canada. “The said. Honda Aircraft eventuRUSSIAN ADVERTISING OFFICE: feedback has been great,” he ally plans to develop a famYuri Laskin, Gen. Dir., Laguk Co. Ltd. Russia, 115172, Moscow, Krasnokholmskaya Nab., 11/15 - 132 said. “Customers have espe- ily of aircraft, though Fujino Tel: +7 05 912 1346, +7 911 2762; Fax: +7 095 912 1260 cially mentioned the aircraft’s remains tight-lipped about ylarm-lml@mtu-net.ru o excellent performance such what will follow next. 2.5
9
GAMA 10 AVIATION 10
84
6
10
81
9
14
GROUP PUBLISHER – David M. Leach PUBLISHER – Anthony T. Romano ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER – Nancy O’Brien ADVERTISING SALES – NORTH AMERICA Melissa Murphy – Midwest +1 830 608 9888 Nancy O’Brien – West +1 530 241 3534 Anthony T. Romano – East/International +1 203 798 2400 Joe Rosone – East/International/Middle East +1 301 834 5251 Victoria Tod – Great Lakes/UK +1 203 798 2400 ADVERTISING SALES – INTERNATIONAL – Daniel Solnica – Paris MARKETING MANAGER – Zach O’Brien AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – Jeff Hartford MANAGER OF ONSITE LOGISTICS – Philip Scarano III GROUP BRAND MANAGER – Jennifer Leach English ADVERTISING/SALES SECRETARY STAFF – Cindy Nesline
30
675 9
IVORY JET SERVICES
ARABIAN AEROSPACE
9
12
575
L-3
6
370
Honda Aircraft’s new light jet, HA-420 HondaJet, which features a unique over-thewing engine mount configuration, is making both its Middle Eastern and MEBAA debut this week in Dubai at the show static display, as the company evaluates the market for the $4.85 million aircraft in the region. “The appearance at MEBAA is to engage with prospective customers and our show presence will help us determine the best timing of Honda Aircraft’s entrance in the Middle East market,” Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino told AIN. “With that said, we have not yet appointed a dealer to represent the Middle East.” Unlike the majority of business jet manufacturers that direct sell to customers, the Greensboro, South Carolina-based aircraft manufacturer has a network of sales and service centers—a philosophy that it adopted from Japanese sister company Honda Motor. It has already established dealers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Brazil and Western Europe, but not yet in the rest of the world, including in the Middle East. However, that hasn’t dampened interest in the Gulf states, so Honda Aircraft is leveraging the MEBAA show to gain
Kerry Lynch Peter Shaw-Smith Matt Thurber James Wynbrandt
6
36
3
902
3
4
3
6
36
MEGADOOR
4
12
SAUDIA 6 AEROSPACE 6 ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES
4
3
900 EVA INT'L 3
4
12
MAIN ENTRANCE
THE CONVENTION NEWS COMPANY, INC. – AIN PUBLICATIONS
SECURITY SEARCH BOOTH
SEARCH BOOTH
SEARCH BOOTH
SEARCH BOOTH
SEARCH BOOTH
MEBAA
Convention News REGISTRATION & ENTRANCE
2 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
is located on the first floor
MEBAA Convention News is a publication of The Convention News Co., Inc., 214 Franklin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 07432; Tel.: +1 201 444 5075. Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part w ithout permission of The Convention News Co., Inc. is strictly prohibited. The Convention News Co., Inc. also publishes Aviation International News, AINalerts, AIN Defense Perspective, AIN Air Transport Perspective, Business Jet Traveler, ABACE Convention News, EBACE Convention News, HAI Convention News, LABACE Convention News, NBAA Convention News, Dubai Airshow News, Farnborough Airshow News, Paris Airshow News, and Singapore Airshow News. Printed in Dubai by Emirates Printing Press Computer Services: SmartAv
(above the main entrance) Reserved
Ian Sheppard, Editor • Mobile: +971 522996734
Beech King Air 350s getting power upgrade Beechcraft will announce today the introduction of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines to boost performance for its King Air 350HW and 350ER twin turboprops. The Textron subsidiary also is now offering an increased maximum takeoff weight of 17,500 pounds for the two models. Both modifications are now approved by the U.S. FAA and EASA and are available as factory options for new aircraft, or as retrofits. The work can be done by any of Textron’s 19 company-owned authorized service centers. “The King Air 350 platform is renowned as a worldwide mission enabler and these optional enhancements will offer customers added performance and payload for special mission operations,” said Bob Gibbs, Beechcraft’s vice president of special mission aircraft. “We have successfully modified a fleet of NATO air
force-operated King Air 350ER aircraft with these upgrades, and we are excited to offer these options to provide more value to our special mission customers.” The more powerful PT6A67A engines provide superior takeoff and climb performance, including hot and high operations. With an outside air temperature of 50-deg C (122-deg F), the engine upgrade allows for a maximum takeoff gross weight increase of up to 2,700 pounds at sea level, compared to the standard aircraft. The increased gross weight option provides operators greater flexibility between payload and fuel, representing a potential increase in loiter time of two to three hours. The 350HW is the heavyweight version of the King Air 350, providing increased load-carrying capability thanks to its larger and stronger main landing gear struts, wheels, tires and brakes. The 350ER is the extended-range version with more fuel capacity
DAVID McINTOSH
by Charles Alcock
TEXTRON AVIATION’S CITATION LATITUDE A development of the Citation Sovereign, the Latitude is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306D1 turbofans and seats up to seven passengers. It features a 446-knot top cruise speed and a ceiling of FL450.
through the addition of low drag metal fuel tanks aft of the powerplant. With NBAA IFR fuel reserves, its max ferry range is 2,690 nautical miles (4,982 kilometers), and it can also offer an endurance time of 12 hours for surveillance missions. Singles Club
Textron (Stand A21) also is promoting its Cessna Grand Caravan turboprop single for special missions work, billing it as a sound value proposition for a variety of operators thanks to its low operating and
DAVID McINTOSH
The corporate version of Airbus’s “new engine option” neo family has notched another sale in the Gulf region.
ACJneo maintains sales momentum by Kerry Lynch Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has secured another commitment for its new, more fuel efficient ACJneo (new engine option) family, bringing the total orders and commitments for the next generation line to eight. Introduced during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in May 2015— and following the introduction of new engines on their airliner equivalents—the neo family has become one of the ACJ family’s strongest sellers, remaining
on a pace of one sale every two months. This is a rate that ACJ president Benoit Defforge said he hopes to continue in 2017. The newest commitment is for an ACJ320neo, boosting the order and commitment tally for that model to six. The ACJ319 version accounts for the remaining two. Chadi Saade, Airbus vicepresident commercial, credited the increased range of the neo family for attracting a wider base of customers, including those
who would traditionally look at large, ultra-long-range business jets such as the Gulfstream G650 or Bombardier Global family. The next generation ACJ319/ 320 neos are powered by either the CFM International’s LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G-JM and are equipped with sharklet wingtips. The efficiency improvements provide a 6,000-nautical-mile (11,112-kilometer) range for the ACJ320neo or a 6,750-nm (12,501-km) range for the ACJ319neo.
acquisition costs. “In the Middle East at large we [Textron] have nearly 150 [Citation] business jets and 160 turboprops, and about half of the turboprops are being used for special missions work, including surveillance,” Gibbs told AIN. The Caravan can carry between 10 and 12 passengers or a mix of equipment for multirole operations including medical evacuation. It offers range of up to around 1,000 nm (1,852 km). “The aircraft is very maintainable; with no pressurization or hydraulics, it is a very
simple aircraft and has a low fuel burn of around 65 gallons per hour at cruise. That’s about one-fifth of [the fuel burn] of a light helicopter,” Gibbs explained. “The basic aircraft, which has an endurance of around six to seven hours on station, costs under $3 million, or between $4 million and $6 million equipped. Both the Caravan and the King Air 350 can operate from rough strips. The examples on display here at the MEBAA show are the Grand Caravan EX model and the King Air 350i. o
Deliveries of green ACJ320neos are expected to begin at the end of 2018, while the ACJ319 neo will begin shipment in second quarter of 2019. Airbus is not disclosing its customer base for most of the neo family, but Alpha Star, based in Riyadh, is the launch customer of the ACJ319neo. ACJ (Chalet A15) is continuing to grow its fleet in the Middle East and North African region with more than 60 in service with companies, individuals and governments. That represents about one-third of the total 180 ACJs in service. At MEBAA, ACJ is touting its recently unveiled cabin concept, called Melody, for the ACJ320neo family. The concept, first unveiled last month at the NBAA convention in Orlando, Florida, was “inspired by curves of nature” with white and light tones and elements that are devoid of edges. ACJ is exhibiting an ACJ318 here in Dubai. The aircraft, operated by Nasjet, features multiple bathrooms; several lounge areas; an office that converts to a bedroom; and ample stowage space. While highlighting the single-aisle models, Defforge also unveiled a new corporate-jet version of its A350 XWB airliner that is designed with “Easyfit”
provisions to smooth the cabin outfitting process. The XWB (Xtra Wide Body) has 2,910 square feet of cabin space in the -900 version, and can fly up to 10,800 nm (20,000 km), or 22 hours. With Easyfit, the carbonfiber fuselage is pre-fitted with hundreds of attachment points, which will simplify the completions process. Airbus Corporate Jets is closing in on an order for an ACJ350XWB and believes a second might be on its heels, Defforge said. ACJC Refocused
While focusing on ease of completions for its widebody, ACJ is planning to exit the outfitting business. Airbus is refocusing its Airbus Corporate Jet Center (ACJC) in Toulouse from ACJ completions to upgrades for its commercial airliners. The company decided it was a better use of internal capabilities to focus on commercial upgrades rather than compete against its six approved outfitters, he said. The company has sold 70 “turnkey” solutions with ACJ involvement through the completions process. But Defforge noted that fewer than 10 of those were completed through ACJC. The transition is expected to occur in 2017. o
www.ainonline.com • December 6, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 3
Gama Aviation’s planned FBO at the Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) will offer a viable alternative to facilities at the Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airports. The ILS-equipped airport is a 30-minute drive from downtown Dubai and offers line services without slot restrictions.
Sharjah FBO unveiled uContinued from page 1
from increased traffic and an adjusted pricing model,” said Gama Aviation general manager Martin Ringrose. “So to close the year at MEBAA with our concept for Sharjah is exciting. As the model, movie and renderings [viewable
at the company’s exhibit in Chalet P8] show, we’ll have an outstanding facility that mirrors the high standard of our existing lounge. With ground works starting shortly, that reality will not be so very far away.” Gama Aviation has continued to spread its reach around the world over the past couple of years. Beyond the
Middle East and Europe, it is preparing to add three more aircraft to its operation in Hong Kong. The company has also added an FBO in Jersey in the Channel Islands, and in the U.S. it continues to expand, particularly with its contract to operate King Airs for private aviation membership program Wheels Up.
“For us, the U.S. has been a good growth market. Wheels Up is evidence of that, but we mustn’t lose sight of the success in our core management business, particularly in the U.S.,” said Gama Aviation co-founder and CEO Marwan Khalek. “Europe remains flat, but the maintenance side is still pretty good. And it’s pleasing that we’re seeing movement in the Far East and Middle East now.” He said that managing aircraft for owners and using them for charter remains a robust and popular business model, “particularly in places like Sharjah.” On prospects for Wheels Up to expand into Europe, Khalek said, “It is very much on the horizon and we’re putting in place a complex plan for when they decide it’ll happen.” He suggested that the only reason it hasn’t happened already was the amount of resources being used for growth in the U.S. Further afield, Khalek reported that Gama is set to relaunch operations in Africa. He believes the group can achieve further growth through a mix of organic expansion and acquistions. In his view, the fragmented industry needs further consolidation and he said Gama has a list of possible acquisition targets. o
Dreams Soar prepares for solo ’round-the-world flight in 2017 by Matt Thurber
Gama Aviation’s planned new FBO at Sharjah will have dedicated customs and immigration capabilities, and a VIP lounge offering direct access to aircraft. Some of the amenities the company says it plans for the building include communal iPads for passengers and crew, plus VIP restrooms and shower facilities.
JETSMARTER’S LONDON-DUBAI SHARED SERVICE LAUNCHES Air charter membership firm JetSmarter launched shared private jet scheduled service between London and Dubai on Thursday, December 1, adding the Middle East to its previously existing North American and European service areas. The New York City-based company will use Embraer Legacy 650s on these JetShuttle flights, which are offered on a per-seat basis to JetSmarter members and operated by Empire Aviation and Vertis Aviation. The Dubai-to-London JetShuttle flights depart on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. from Al Maktoum International Airport, while flights from London to Dubai leave on Fridays at noon from London Luton Airport. Travel time on this JetShuttle route is expected to be seven to eight hours, door to door. Passengers are permitted to have car transportation waiting for them on the tarmac at the arrival airport. “We have a large membership base in Dubai, and due to the high demand, we are expanding our intercontinental JetShuttle service, which will now connect three major continents—North America, Europe and Asia,” said JetSmarter founder and CEO Sergey Petrossov. He notes that JetSmarter members in Dubai can fly onward from London to popular North American and European cities that it serves, including Nice, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Geneva, New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. —C.T.
4 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
When Shaesta Waiz launches her solo ’round-the-world flight, planned for next spring, all of the complex flight planning and trip logistics needed for the 25,000mile journey will be taken care of by Hadid International Service (Stand 528) and Aviation Support Solutions. The two companies have partnered to help Waiz’s Dreams Soar mission achieve her goal of reaching out to young people in 18 countries “to inspire the next generation, specifically women, girls and minorities to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] and aviation education.” Waiz plans to raise money during the flight to fund scholarships for young women and men to pursue STEM and aviation careers. Waiz is planning to depart from and return to Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University. Her itinerary includes 30 stops on five continents and a total trip duration of 90 days. Waiz grew up in Richmond, California, with her five sisters, and she always assumed she would get married and have her own large family. “It wasn’t until I found aviation that I started thinking about having a career and going to college,” she wrote on her website, www. dreamssoar.org. She is the first certified civilian female pilot from Afghanistan. “Every time I open the door of an aircraft, I ask myself, ‘How did a girl with my background become so lucky?’ The truth is, anyone can be me.”
The aircraft Waiz will fly around the world is a 2001 Beechcraft A36 Bonanza carrying an extra 100-gallon ferry tank, for a total fuel capacity of 214 gallons and a ferry range of 2,800 nm. Honeywell’s BendixKing division has donated an AeroWave satcom for the trip, while Garmin provided a DeLorme InReach two-way satellite text-messaging and tracking system, and Bose supplied an A20 noise-canceling headset. The longest leg of the flight will be 2,184 nm from Hilo, Hawaii, to El Cajon, California. The first over-ocean leg will be the flight from St. Johns, Canada, to Santa Maria, Portugal, which is 1,374 nm. “Shaesta is an inspiration to all of us,” said Lyndse Costabile, board of director’s chair for Dreams Soar. “She has created a spark and a flame in our hearts to live a life giving of ourselves to ensure we positively impact the next generation, our future leaders and our future communities. Her global solo flight is only one chapter of the Dreams Soar program, yet one that will leave a footprint on the lives of 20,000-plus women and men globally.” Hadid International Service is headquartered in Dubai and offers flight permits, charter, flight planning, navigation and ground support services. Aviation Support Solutions provides strategic planning and analysis, safety management systems, key performance indicators, project/program management, team leadership and staff training. o
MAX SPEED: MACH 0.925 • MAX RANGE: 13,890 KM • MAX ALTITUDE: 15,545 M
CONNECT with YOUR WORLD FASTER More city-pair connections possible nonstop. That’s the power of a Gulfstream G650ER™. It flies 7,500 nautical miles/13,890 kilometers–traveling farther faster than any other business aircraft. When your time is the priority, the G650ER makes a world of difference.
ALLAN STANTON | +971 50 653 5258 | allan.stanton@gulfstream.com | GULFSTREAMG650ER.COM Theoretical range shown is based on cruise at Mach 0.85 with eight passengers, four crew and NBAA IFR fuel reserves. Actual range will be affected by ATC routing, operating speed, weather, outfitting options and other factors.
Pictured flying past Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel, Dassault Aviation’s newest offering, the 8X trijet, entered service in October.
Falcon 8X makes Middle East debut by James Wynbrandt Dassault Aviation’s new ultralong range Falcon 8X is making its public Middle East debut here at MEBAA, leading a display of the company’s long-range, largecabin jets. Following certification by the FAA and EASA in June, the 8X entered service in October, and the French manufacturer (Stand A11) delivered the first 8X ordered by a Gulf customer last month. “The delivery of a Falcon 8X to a regional operator barely a
month after the entry into service of the first aircraft says a lot about the important role the Middle East is expected to play in the success of our new flagship,” said Renaud Cloatre, Dassault’s international sales director for the Middle East region. “The aircraft’s first showing at the MEBAA show in Dubai is also expected to generate a great deal of excitement among Gulf operators,” he added.
Leisure and technology driving charter growth by Charles Alcock A combination of rising demand October, Avinode set a new record for long-haul leisure travel and in powering 2.3 million end-clieasier access to business avia- ent searches for members using tion through new business-to- Avinode Web Apps and APIs,” consumer (B2C) technology said King. “While uptake has are driving growth in the Mid- been slower than in the U.S. and dle East market, according to Europe, the industry in the Middle East is certainly online charter marchanging its percepketplace Avinode. tion of how this techData from the nology can add value Avinode Marketto their business.” place over the past Comparing flight 12 months shows request data for what the company the period Novemdescribed as “a ber 2014 through healthy increase” in October 2015 with both domestic and the period Noveminternational flight ber 2015 through requests for the Middle East region. “The There has been “a healthy December 2016, the increase” in regional market is being led flights in 2016, according Middle East actually saw the weakest by confident leisure to Avinode’s Oliver King. rate of growth—at 9 and long-haul family travel, which is also driving an percent—compared with other increase in heavy jets and VIP/ international charter markets. ultra-long-range aircraft,” com- By comparison the number of mented Avinode managing direc- requests handled by Avinode Marketplace grew by 29 percent tor Oliver King. According to the Sweden- in Russia and the CIS, by 15 perbased group, charter brokers are cent in Europe and by 19 permaking greater use of B2C tech- cent across the rest of the world. For the period January 2014 nology, expanding their business with mobile and web apps. “In to October 2016, the number
The UAE and Brazil’s ANAC also recently approved the 8X, and it’s expected to receive certification in China shortly. As with the Falcon 7X, Dassault’s most popular platform in the Middle East, the company expects the larger 8X (which like the 7X, from which it’s derived, carries a maximum of 19 passengers) to be a big seller in the region, due to its combination of range, cabin comfort and operating efficiency. Over of charter flight requests each month has fluctuated from a low of just over 1,000 in August 2014 to a high of around 3,500 in June 2016. As of October, it stood at around 2,500. In July 2016, 500,000 global trip requests were sent through the Avinode system. The company predicts that by the end of the year, more than 3.5 million trip requests will have been made. So far this year, five of the aircraft most requested by Middle Eastern customers have been heavy jets, with the others being in the ultra-long-range and midsize categories. The most popular aircraft was Bombardier’s Challenger 604/605, followed by the Embraer Legacy 600/650, the Gulfstream G450, the Bombardier Global 5000 and the Hawker 750. “Our team has an exciting year ahead in the Middle East as we welcome new members
the past seven years, the Falcon fleet in the region has almost doubled, to more than 70 jets, according to the company. Dassault demonstrated the new jet’s capabilities during a recent month-long global proving trial, which revealed that some performance parameters, including takeoff distance and cabin noise levels, surpass design objectives. New Falcon 8X operators in the region can also take advantage of service options offered by Dassault’s global support organization, customized to the needs of individual operators. The company has authorized service centers in both Dubai and Jeddah, and recently introduced Falcon Response, a comprehensive AOG support service that includes a pair of Dassaultowned and -operated Falcon 900s dedicated to resolving AOG (aircraft on ground) situations. With a range of 6,450 nm/11,945 km, the 8X can fly non-stop between Dubai and New York, Dubai and Adelaide, or Jeddah and Chicago. It also features the largest selection of standard cabin configurations
of any large business jet, according to Dassault, and a wide range of cabin options, including an onboard shower, a large entryway that can serve as a fourth cabin section, and a spacious VIP suite. Cockpit options include Dassault’s new FalconEye Combined Vision System (the first Head Up Display to combine synthetic and enhanced vision capabilities), and Falcon Sphere II, a new Electronic Flight Bag. Dassault is also displaying here at the show a Falcon 2000 LXS, the newest iteration of the company’s Falcon 2000 line, recently approved for installation of the FalconEye Combined Vision System. With a range of 4,000 nm/7,410 km, the Falcon 2000 LXS boasts a short-field capability comparable to smaller midsize and super midsize jets, but with more range and flexibility, able to land at 90 percent of its maximum takeoff weight. The Falcon 2000 LXS is also certified for steep approaches, allowing operations at restricted airfields such as London City Airport. o
and partners to the Marketplace,” King commented. “We are certainly buoyed by the greater understanding of the industry’s economic value in the region and the consequential airport development at Al Maktoum International [DWC], Sharjah International and Al Bateen Executive Airport [in Abu Dhabi]. While Dubai continues to be considered as the hub for business aviation in the Middle East, there are opportunities for all areas, and we look forward to helping our partners take significant steps forward over the coming months and years.”
pay directly for charter flights via credit card. The company is now looking to offer bank wire transfer arrangements as an alternative means of payment. According to global business director Magnus Henriksson, PayNode is to the charter market what PayPal is for eBay. The average $35,000 charter transaction, he explained, consists of two separate transactions: payer to broker and broker to operator. “The problem is the operator won’t take off until they have the money and the broker won’t pay [the operator] until they have been paid,” he said. “This typically creates delays for bookings that happened 48 to 72 hours before.” The plan to introduce a more efficient means of conducting charter payments took shape after electronic payment specialist MultiService (part of the World Fuel group) bought a majority stake in Avinode in 2014. o
Making Payment Easier
At the U.S. NBAA show in November, Avinode (Stand 635) launched its new PayNode payment platform for business aviation. Through an exclusive agreement with American Express, PayNode allows passengers to
Avinode flight requests per month for departures from Middle East
6 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
PurePower® PW800 Engine
FLYING. NOW. We pioneered the light business jet market with the JT15D engine, then redefined it with the PW500 engine. The PW300 engine introduced FADEC technology and powers customers everywhere across continents and oceans. And now we’re changing the heavy-jet game with the PurePower PW800 engine. From the moment we entered the business aviation market, we knew we’d be in it for the long haul.
by Peter Shaw-Smith Hadid International Services is to open a new station in Chad, as the company increases its presence to cover 70 percent of Africa’s major airports. Issa Zuriqi, Hadid’s commercial director, told AIN, “The license [is] still in the process and will take time.” Headquartered in Dubai, Hadid has 10 offices around the world, six sales representatives, including in Malaysia and China, and will have 19 locations with supervisory staff present when the Chad operation opens. As a founding member of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA), Hadid (Stand 528) has made steady progress on the continent. South Africa and Nigeria
is busy and is seeing good movement.” Another emerging market is Angola; Zuriqi said BestFly has a good quality FBO, and represents an example of a good location. “[Because the quality is so good], we don’t have to have our own staff on the ground.” In North Africa, Zuriqi said Algeria is fully staffed, but he pointed out that the FBO concept had yet to reach Egypt, while Libya is not seeing any movement at the moment due to domestic unrest. Morocco is making rapid advances through the interest of Jetex Flight Support and Swissport Executive Aviation, which is setting up as many as nine FBOs there. Zuriqi said leading business aviation airports in Morocco were located at Marrakesh and Casablanca, and that many flights destined for South America stopped in Morocco en route. “Most of the movements come through Morocco, due to technical stops and tourism.” Middle East Growth
In his role as commercial director for Hadid International Services, Issa Zuriqi uses his aviation expertise and knowledge of African markets to identify opportunities and establish new facilities for his company throughout the region.
still represent the main African countries for bizav; AfBAA data put the number of business jets in South Africa at 172 in 2014, with 80 in Nigeria. Zuriqi noted the emergence of Ethiopia as a commercial hub for Africa, with Ethiopian Airlines affiliate Asky, founded in 2007, making inroads into West Africa, implying that Addis Ababa had yet to emerge as a center for bizav. “[Ethiopia is] a very good hub. It’s one of the busiest if not the busiest hub in Africa.” He said Nigeria’s comparative strength in business aviation still meant reasonable movement today. “They are doing okay compared to other countries,” he said. “Lagos
Moving to the Middle East, Zuriqi said Qatar Executive will take delivery of six or possibly seven G650ERs by the end of 2017. He said there was good competition in the Middle East market, mainly because the first- and business-class services of Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways were making businessjet services uncompetitive. He said Saudia Private Aviation’s FBO at Jeddah, its main hub, was “a masterpiece.” Jet Aviation had been offering FBO services through DC Aviation-Al Futtaim’s DWC facility for the past six months, he said. “There is good competition in the market [among the Dubai] operators.” A tender had been issued for the design and construction of a new general aviation terminal at Muscat Airport in Oman, Zuriqi said. “They [will] need hangar space for the new FBO,” he added. Turning to the Asia Pacific region, he said Hadid had staff at 10 Chinese airports today, with typically one employee at each station. “Every landing is being treated in the proper way now,” he said.
8 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
DAVID McINTOSH
Hadid setting up new FBO facility in Chad
The company’s sales office in Malaysia is invaluable in building the regional network, he explained, especially via attendance at the ABACE show. It also assists with local regulations, such as the vexing issue of obtaining slots to land at Hong Kong Airport, which is particularly congested and challenging for business jet operations. “They helped us at ABACE this year on how to get [Hong Kong] slots, and whom to contact,” he said. He added that working with major Chinese companies should mean that Hadid will come to the attention of other concerns. “We know the Chinese market is growing. They fly more today.” Zuriqi believes the recent announcement that China’s Deer Jet, subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate HNA, is to acquire a majority stake in United Aviation Services is evidence that the Chinese are now ready to throw their weight behind flight support, and that this will lead to positive developments in the global business. Hadid’s India office opened in 2010, and the Pakistan station followed soon after. He said that Gwadar Airport still operated as a military base and that he had not heard of plans to develop the facility. But he acknowledged that Gwadar Port was a Chinese interest that could lead to more aircraft movements. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), linking Western China via Kashgar to Gwadar, is understood to comprise road, rail, pipeline and energy projects valued in excess of $50 billion. Zuriqi said Colombo, Sri Lanka, saw good movement because of the volume of tourists and its convenience as a non-Indian waypoint between Asia and Europe. Landing permits took three days in India, he said, but only 24 hours in Sri Lanka. “Colombo favors tech stops and refueling.” He sees little new on Iranian business aviation. “Nobody wants to take a chance on doing business there while the situation is unclear. The international community [must] decide if sanctions are in or out.” Hadid currently employs around 400 staff worldwide. “We concentrate on what we know,” Zuriqi said. o
STILL STANDING SENTRY The old Dubai Airshow control tower from the Dubai International Airport was relocated in 2012 and now overlooks the static display ramp at MEBAA 2016. Dubai South’s actual tower totals 92 meters (302 feet) in height.
SPA plans Al Bayraq service launch in June Saudia Private Aviation (Stand A12) has entered the well-trodden but challenging Saudi VIP shuttle market with the launch of its Al Bayraq service, starting with Riyadh and Jeddah on June 1. “Al Bayraq is a passenger charter carrier based at Jeddah. The carrier, a subsidiary of Saudia, operates scheduled services in partnership with Saudia Private Aviation [SPA], as part of Saudia’s transformation program,” the Centre for Aviation reported. The new operator has a fleet of three A319s operated from the Saudia Private Aviation Terminal at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport. SPA provides charter, ground handling, management and VIP scheduled services. It has 22 domestic stations through its sister company, SGS, including FBOs at Riyadh, Jeddah,
Medinah and Dammam. It also has access to 60 worldwide stations through its partner network. SPA’s website says the fleet currently includes the Dassault Falcon 7X, Boeing BBJ 737400, Bombardier Challenger 605, Beechcraft King Air 350 and Hawker 400XP, and is understood to total 10 aircraft. “Saudia Private Aviation has a fleet of Falcon jets and Hawkers for shorter flights,” the company said. Speaking to AIN at the 2014 MEBAA show, SPA CEO Faisal G. Kayal said that under the umbrella of the Saudi Arabian Airlines holding company, catering, cargo and ground-handling had all been privatized by the government. “SPA is one of those companies that will eventually be privatized. Eventually, down the road, it will contribute to an IPO,” he said at the time. —P.S.S.
Junior tabloid page 7 13/16” x 10 3/8”
Dubai-New York range for Boeing BBJ Max 7 by Charles Alcock
When it makes its service debut, planned for 2022, the Max 7 edition of Boeing’s BBJ series is expected to be a hit in the Middle East.
Boeing last month unveiled its 7,000-nautical-mile (12,964 kilometer) BBJ Max 7 model
From flawless comfort,
To perfect privacy. Nothing in moderation, everything to the highest degree of excellence. AERIA Luxury Interiors will make every square foot of your aircraft into a one-of-a-kind airborne sanctuary, replete with exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials, and uncompromising quality. Specializing in VIP completions for Boeing and Airbus airframes, the AERIA team collectively has renowned expertise proven in successful completions on more than 50 aircraft. Imagine what we can build for you.
L U X U R Y
I N T E R I O R S
The Luxury of Experience. 9800 John Saunders Road, San Antonio, TX 78216, U.S.A., www.aeriainteriors.com or call +1 210 293 3200. AERIA Luxury Interiors is the completions division of VT San Antonio Aerospace, which is an affiliate of ST Aerospace.
10 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
at the NBAA convention in Orlando. But it is here in the Middle East that the company feels the new bizliner will prove to be a best seller when green deliveries begin in 2022. With an estimated completed price in the $100 million range, the Max 7 features CFM International’s more fuel efficient LEAP-1B engines, a 70-sq-ft (6.5-square-meter)larger cabin than the BBJ1 and more luggage room in the lower lobe, because the Max 7 needs less volume there for auxiliary fuel tanks. Still, the Max 7 will have 800 nm (1,482 km) more range than a BBJ1, and this could prove to be a critical factor for Middle East travelers wanting as much intercontinental reach as possible. For example, it has the range to go direct to New York from Dubai. “We are thrilled to introduce the BBJ Max 7 to the market,” said David Longridge, president, Boeing Business Jets. “We know customers are going to love this airplane. In terms of range, cabin space, cargo volume and operating economics, the BBJ Max cannot be beat.” Boeing launched the BBJ Max family in 2014 with the 6,325-nm (11,714 km) Max 8 and the 6,255-nm (11,584 km) Max 9. The Max 7 inherits all the features of those aircraft including updated flight decks, improved aerodynamics, reduced noise profile, winglets and fly-by-wire spoilers. The Max 7 will have the lowest operating cost of any BBJ. Boeing Business Jets (Chalet A9/10) has 11 BBJ Max 8s on order and one BBJ Max 9. According to Longridge, the company is in active discussions with more than 10 customers for the Max 7. The Max versions of the BBJs are derived from Boeing’s fast-selling 737 Max narrowbody airliners, which promise a 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the previous generation 737s. Boeing Business Jets also offers VIP versions of its 787-9 and 747-8 widebody jets. o
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
Breitling reinvents the connected watch firmly geared towards performance. Every inch an instrument of the future, the Exospace B55 multifunction electronic chronograph pushes the boundaries of comfort, ergonomics and efficiency. The titanium case of this compendium of innovations houses an exclusive SuperQuartzTM caliber chronometercertified by the COSC and featuring a range of original functions tailormade for pilots and men of action. Welcome to the world of precision, feats and high-tech sophistication. Welcome to the vanguard of instruments for professionals.
BREI TLI N G. COM
Gainjet story: diversify to thrive by Ian Sheppard Athens, Greece-based Gainjet (Stand 700) has been celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, having started up operations in April 2006. One big project for the company that is starting
to come together is Boeing 737 “quick-change” fuel tanks. Its sister company, Swiss-based Long Range Auxiliary Fuel, has succeeded in o btaining an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) for the system, which consists of six tanks that are fitted in the cargo hold, extending the range from just over five hours to around nine hours. “We expect to have EASA
Known mostly as a charter/management company, Gainjet has dipped into aircraft mods, now marketing quick-change fuel tanks to extend B737 endurance to nine hours.
validation soon,” said Gainjet president and CEO, Capt. Ramsey Shaban. The diverse company, which is owned by the Kuwait-based Alghanim Group, has grown steadily after surviving 2008’s worldwide economic downturn. It is largely known for its aircraft charter and management activity and now has an EASA AOC (aircraft operator’s certificate) covering worldwide operations, . “We manage 13 aircraft now. Nine are on our commercial AOC and the rest are private,” Capt. Shaban told AIN. “We have two Boeing 737s and a private 757. We have only one or two aircraft based in Athens—the largest, the Boeings, are based in Birmingham [Airport – UK], at Marshalls.” “If we had depended on the Greek market we wouldn’t have survived, like many other Greek operators. Only 5 percent of our business is Greek; 25 percent is in the Middle East, 25 percent in Africa and the rest in Europe. We fly to Asia once in a while and the U.S. occasionally, as well.” In the Middle East market he said, “We have our own clientele whom we like to select and develop relationships with. If we are lucky, we’ll get other clients,” which is a main aim of attending MEBAA, he added. He said the company has an office in Kuwait, “and an aircraft, a Challenger 604—it is a medevac aircraft and is based there permanently. As the business picks up we may have another one based there, too.” He also alluded to the African opportunity and said, “We’ve established an office in Rwanda. Surprisingly it stood out, and is stable with good security. It’s the Switzerland of Africa and very different from Kenya now, for example. We’re focusing on Rwanda and fly to Kigali quite often; we may permanently base [another] aircraft there, a Challenger.” Capt. Shaban said that Gainjet is adding a new aircraft in 2019: “We have ordered a G600 and we are looking at larger aircraft as well—Boeings mainly, to complement the others.” o
12 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
A new era of private travel.
Visit us at booth 500
Design meets technology We have blended technological perfection with outstanding design. Meet the aircraft that stands for the world of modern luxury at www.lufthansa-technik.com/mbs
operating out of rented accommodation and small business units. “When we need indoor hangar space, we approach people around us,” he said. Berry believes people are not talking about the illicit “grey” charter market any more, even though it is still prevalent. “The debates in conferences and the media coverage chased some of it off, but there’s no doubt it still happens.”
ExecuJet stakes claim for its standalone FBO
ExecuJet president of aviation services Mike Berry likes the look and location of his company’s temporary standalone FBO at Dubai World Central (DWC). The permanent facility is due to begin operations late next year.
by Peter Shaw-Smith ExecuJet Aviation will operate a temporary standalone FBO at Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central—aka “Dubai South”) until a permanent facility is constructed by late 2018. Mike Berry, president aviation services and vice president, Middle East, said the company would continue to operate its FBO and MRO facilities at Dubai International, but was increasing its focus at DWC as the southward migration of business aviation continued. The Middle East division of the Europe-based group staked its claim early on for a standalone space at DWC. Other FBOs at the airport are obliged to operate from their own portions of a single central terminal. The interim ExecuJet FBO, opened this summer, had been serendipitous. “We were very fortunate to get our hands on this piece of real estate. And honestly, after we got the notification to vacate [the interim facility], because of expansion, we didn’t have a solution other than going back to the central terminal in Dubai South, which was not ideal, because we have always been standalone,” Berry said. “Having a look around, nothing was available, but we had a good look at this property, and saw beyond what the shell was. I must say, it has turned out to be better than what we expected. It’s an interim solution, and we invested in the ExecuJet look and feel. We wanted our customers to have that same experience given we envisage that we are going to be here at least until the middle of 2018, depending on how construction on our new facilities goes.” ExecuJet is well placed to leverage opportunities in the Middle East hub. “Today, as we go into MEBAA, we have our full presence at Dubai International, the two hangars and the FBO,
we have this interim Dubai South FBO, and we are in the throes of finalizing the design concept with our consultants for the new facility, for which the plots we have allocated are alongside the DWC MEBAA show complex,” he said. Berry added that the expanded FBO and hangar would consist of three plots, all next to the runway, each plot being 7,360 sq m (79,224 sq ft). The plan is to accommodate the FBO, MRO facility and a parking hangar. Ramp space in front will be an additional 4,738 sq m (51,000 sq ft), he said. “We hope that by early next year, within the first quarter, we will have gone to market, awarded the contract and started breaking ground,” he said. The interim facility offers ExecuJet exactly the solution it wanted, in giving clients the “ExecuJet feel” and matching its facilities elsewhere around the world. “It gives us standalone, where our clients can experience the ExecuJet service,” he said. Privacy Plus
“It’s a very streamlined process. They arrive, drop off in front, cars are waiting airside and they are driven off to their aircraft. No one’s around, looking to see who’s arriving or departing. That was key in trying to identify a location. The private lounges go down very well. We also have lounges for drivers so that they can sit and wait for passengers. We are just missing duty free. Our ramp parking is directly opposite, a short drive away, very much alongside the passenger terminal building. Before, we had a longer journey to get to an allocated parking area.” Market conditions have yet to pick up. “The market is still very much depressed in this part of the world. I don’t think we are getting to the levels that
busy integrating all the Luxaviation aircraft on the ExecuJet platform. That’s still ongoing. We have just over 1,500 employees in the group and over 250 aircraft.” Faith in the Future
we expect, from [our] point of view. We try to closely monitor how we are doing in the market in terms of size. Traffic volumes remain down and the new FBO is not being fully utilized. Unfortunately, we commissioned it in the middle of summer, when traffic was right at a low. “We are waiting for the traffic to come back, and it is picking up slowly, so that we can start utilizing the asset as it should be. Like everybody who’s put in assets here, unfortunately, there has been a dip in the last two years. We have also seen a drop in MRO traffic. FBO traffic is increasing, but still not at the levels we want to see.” Berry blames the poor market on several causes. “It was a combination of factors that finally caught up with the region: unrest, and the oil price, the economic situation in Russia; we never saw those Russian tourists coming through Dubai like we used to, charter flights coming in with 40-50 passengers. We had our first recently, and we hadn’t seen one of those flights for well over a year. That’s an indication that the economic pressures around the world and the flights into and through Dubai have just dried up,” he said. Last year’s Luxaviation-ExecuJet merger continues to progress. “The merger has been successful and we are starting to [see] momentum on some of the integration and the economies of scale in growing the overall fleet. Integration has been happening from our central operation center in Cambridge [UK], from where we provide dispatch, CAMO support and training, and we’ve been
14 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
Berry said ExecuJet operates 18 aircraft in the Middle East. “Our charter fleet has not really grown. Our A6 [Dubai-registered] fleet has shrunk; we just lost one aircraft, so we are down to four [on] charter: two Global 5000s, an Embraer Lineage and a Falcon 900. The other aircraft in the fleet vary from a Learjet 60 to Globals. The private owners operate their aircraft under Isle of Man and other offshore jurisdictions from Dubai and locations in the region.” He is wary of calling any market recovery. “I have no big picture on that other than we believe in the future of the region; that it will always come back. We believe in Dubai South, which is why we are investing heavily, to the tune of over $40 million. We wouldn’t do that if we didn’t believe the market would come back at a certain point in time. Everything being geared up for Expo 2020 will certainly bring more traffic through Dubai South again. So we are certainly very hopeful in the build-up to that,” he said. “On 2015 movements, we are slightly up. I think the market operators see about 13,000 to 14,000 movements a year. People are adjusting their views downwards. We thought that if the market could reach about 18,000 or just under 20,000 movements by 2020, that would be very good. All the indicators were that it could happen, but trends [are hard to discern].” ExecuJet offers 24/7 MRO support at Dubai South and has done so for over a year, with technicians offering AOG and line maintenance support
Global Expansion
As president of aviation services, Berry’s eyes are not fixed only on the Middle East. “As a global business, we are now operating 24 FBOs and growing. There is a lot of interest in new opportunities. Our recent acquisition of St. Martin in the Caribbean is our first step into that region. We have also developed an FBO in Mexico, on top of our AOC management business.” ExecuJet’s joint venture in Riyadh with NAS Holding has also seen a slow summer. “We started operations to the Royal Terminal at King Khalid International Airport. There is talk of now reenergizing the project we all participated in years ago to build a new terminal. We’ll see how that develops. Given the hardware sitting on their ramp, and the number of aircraft passing through, it would be good [to replace it].” It also has a new joint venture in Delhi. “That’s been running for awhile and is picking up very nicely. We are in the design concept [of] building a new central terminal with the other licensed concessionaire.” At least Berry can be satisfied with ExecuJet’s current regional mission, which is to “construct our new Dubai South facilities and present to the market that what we’ve been talking about is a reality. “For the Middle East, we are…trying to retain a managed fleet of aircraft owners who we can provide an exceptionally high service to. We’ve just recently lost another two aircraft due to them being sold. To replace them is difficult, because there are not many new aircraft coming in on a regular basis. And by new, I mean newly bought or pre-owned by a new foreign owner. In today’s climate it’s difficult to grow our fleet by 20-25 percent.” Meanwhile, Ettore Poggi, ExecuJet’s newly appointed group FBO director began his new role on November 1. He is based in Dubai, having previously held a variety of roles with the company in South Africa. o
REDEFINING THE WORLD OF LUXURY PRIVATE FLIGHT zettajet.com
Zetta Jet combines the very best in talent, facilities and technology to deliver a revolutionary flight experience.
It’s about time
Contact our 24x7 global concierge desk for a customised flight itinerary to meet your travel desires. We strive to deliver the ultimate in luxury travel. Truly personalised, private flight. Visit us at MEBAA 2016 at the Bombardier Business Aircraft Static Display. Concierge Desk T (US) +1 888 995 7908 T (SG) +65 6483 8870
NEW YORK | LONDON | LOS ANGELES | BEIJING | SINGAPORE | SHANGHAI
FAA Certificate Number I1DA914J
Falcon Aviation bets big on expected bizav rally by Peter Shaw-Smith Abu Dhabi-based operator Falcon Aviation (Stand 791) has a steady stream of aircraft deliveries coming in the next four years and expects business aviation to pick up, given the growth potential in the market, according to COO Captain Ramandeep Oberoi. “During EBACE this year Falcon Aviation signed preliminary contract to be launch customer for Airbus’s H160, a VIP [-configured] helicopter under development and due for delivery in 2020,” he said. “We have a second [Leonardo] AW169 in VIP configuration on order, to be delivered by the end of 2016. We also provide MRO, CAMO and hangarage services to two AW109s and two EC130s.” Falcon also has two Pilatus PC-24 aircraft on order to be delivered in 2019 and 2020. “We also provide aircraft management services including MRO, CAMO and hangarage to one G550 and one G450.” Teaming up with Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland), Falcon Aviation was the launch customer in 2015 for the 19-seat AW189 for the oil-and-gas industry in the region. This year Falcon Aviation is the launch customer for the eight-seat AW169 for the oil-and-gas and VIP market.
Previously, Falcon has mainly operated the Bell 412 helicopter. It has not yet commited to the new Bell 525 model, for which the Middle East launch customer is Abu Dhabi Aviation. Falcon Aviation’s fleet stood at 21 helicopters and 10 fixedwing aircraft in October. Rotorcraft included 10 Bell 412s, two AW189s, one AW169, four AW109s, and three EC130s, while fixed-wings consisted of six Bombardier Q400s, an Embraer Lineage 1000, two Legacy 600s and one Gulfstream 450. New oil-and-gas regulations are being enforced by several international oil companies. Falcon is replacing one Bell 412EP with a newly introduced AW169 for Total, operating in Abu Dhabi’s ABK field. “With the low oil price situation, one way to cut costs and bring in efficiency is to introduce new helicopters with new technology. This is the reason we have introduced AW189s and AW169s. However, these fleet changes have to be done at a pace the oil-and-gas market can absorb,” Oberoi said. He added that while some fleet changes were recommended, these were being undertaken slowly. “In offshore oil-and-gas, many changes are happening
Falcon Aviation is the regional launch customer for the Pilatus PC-24 twinjet with two on order.
Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, chief operating officer of Falcon Aviation believes in an uptick for business flying.
Falcon Aviation is also the first in the region to operate the 19-seat Leonardo AW189 for the oil-and-gas industry. Falcon is replacing Bell 412EPs with newer rotorcraft to enhance cost-effectiveness for oil-and-gas operations.
to make operations safer, efficient and more cost effective. We are part of this process. We are working with the oil companies to achieve this,” he said. “For example, the 19-seater AW189 may actually bring costs down. Costs per nautical seat mile are much lower than some of the other helicopters currently in use.” According to Oberoi, business aviation in the region had
a slow summer. “This year, like others, had a low for two-tothree months for our businessjet charter operations. Now the market is catching up again. The charter market is tending to come back slowly. We are trying to sign block agreements. Technically, there is slowdown, but the market is reviving itself. We see growth potential in this business.”
CEDAR EXECUTIVE TO TAKE SECOND LEGACY IN 2017 Lebanese flag carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) is to announce an order at MEBAA for a second Embraer Legacy 500 for its local private-jet affiliate, Cedar Executive. “This aircraft will be delivered in June 2017,” said Randa Kammoun El-Hurr, operations manager, Cedar Jet Center, which is based at the general aviation terminal at Beirut Airport, Lebanon. Cedar Executive (Stand 300) started operations with a brand-new Legacy 500 owned and operated under MEA’s AOC on January 1, 2016. According to its website, Cedar Executive, in cooperation with sister maintenance company MASCO, offers aircraft hangarage and full maintenance services for Legacy 500s, as well as Airbus ACJ319s, Boeing BBJs, Textron Aviation Citation CJ-series, Mustangs, M2s and piston-powered C-172 Skyhawks, and Hawker H800/850/900XPs. In addition to MRO, Cedar also offers FBO and passenger and crew services and facilities. Although the Middle East region is passing through a period of regional instability and reduced requirements for private-jet travel caused by lower oil prices, Cedar Executive has been able to capitalize on serving the local Lebanese demand for private-jet travel. “During summer, [we are seeing] increased demand from high-net-worth individuals for leisure trips. In the winter season, [there is] solid corporate travel demand,” El-Hurr also told AIN. —P.S.S.
16 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
VIP Terminal
Falcon is to be a major player at the Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport VIP Terminal. Capt. Oberoi said the soft opening for Falcon’s FBO was to take place November 30. “We will showcase our new VIP FBO at MEBAA.” “It is true that the FBO handling business has not been a mainstream activity for Falcon, but it is a very natural extension of our existing business,” said Pauline Smith, Falcon’s FBO manager at the VIP Terminal. “We have for many years been supporting fixed-wing and rotary aircraft operations, both in terms of [maintenance] and passenger handling so it’s a natural development to add VIP handling to our portfolio. Given our longstanding position and connections in the UAE, Falcon is an ideal partner to be based at DWC. “The best FBO operations are able to support clients across a wide spectrum of needs.
Falcon, of course, has a longstanding established base in the UAE, so it has extensive experience in immigration, security and handling. And its large base-maintenance capabilities at Al Bateen mean we can offer customers a unique assurance that if anything goes wrong, we can assist and resolve any problems,” she said. “The reverse is, of course, that FBO clients using these services will drive our revenues, grow our business and, importantly, project the Falcon brand beyond the UAE.” Oberoi said he expected the Falcon hangar at DWC adjacent to DC Aviation-Al Futtaim’s facility to be complete in mid-2018. “We obtained our building permit by the end of September. The contractor has mobilized the team. We are starting now and the project will be completed in 18 months, as per the project plan.” Falcon will provide backup to GI Aviation when its aircraft become operational. “The [Pilatus] PC-12NG [single-engine turboprop] is to be operated by this company in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We are providing them with MRO services as we are the AMAC (Pilatus) service agent in the region,” he stated. Falcon will also showcase its MRO with aircraft line maintenance at MEBAA. It is an authorized service center for Embraer and authorized warranty center for Gulfstream. o
FLIGHTSAFETY
ADVANCED TRAINING NEW MASTER-LEVEL COURSES INCREASE SAFETY AND PROFICIENCY
FlightSafety proudly offers a new series of advanced pilot courses designed to enable flight crews to respond to challenging situations and achieve the highest level of safety. Enhance your skills with master-level, aircraft-specific training in a controlled learning environment. Our progressive curriculum expands aviation education beyond the fundamentals covered by initial and recurrent training. Compelling scenarios, coupled with breakthroughs in simulator technology, deliver deeper knowledge of the aircraft and help ensure a safe and correct response to demanding flight situations. Trust us to deliver the highest level of professional aviation training available.
FIXED-WING PILOT COURSES Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Focuses on preventing in-flight loss of control, and recovery from upset if prevention is not possible. Advanced Energy Management Teaches the physics of operating aircraft during descent. Advanced Rejected Takeoff Go/No-Go Promotes best practices using 18 scenarios that require a decision to continue the takeoff or abort. Advanced Crew Resource Management/ Human Factors Line Oriented Flight Training Bolsters proficiency in crew coordination and communication.
Aviation professionals from around the world trust us to provide the highest quality training and outstanding service. More than 1,800 highly experienced professional instructors deliver aircraft- and mission-specific courses, using our comprehensive training systems and advanced-technology flight simulators designed to enhance safety. Trust your training to FlightSafety. You’ll see why so many aviation professionals make the same choice. And have since 1951. For more information, please contact Steve Gross, Senior Vice President, Commercial 314.785.7815 • sales@flightsafety.com • flightsafety.com • A Berkshire Hathaway company
Dassault boosts Falcon support, adding Bordeaux service center by Guillaume Lecompte-Boinet Dassault Aviation boosted its customer support network with the November 10 inauguration of its new Dassault Falcon Service (DFS) facility at BordeauxMérignac Airport. Located next to the French airframer’s final assembly line,
the new complex adds 527,448 sq ft (49,000 sq m) of space for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support for the Falcon business jet family, including a 77,502-sq-ft (7,200-sq-m) hangar. It will be able to accommodate up to six
Enhance any curve or contour with 2016 Crystal Cabin award-winning Viu™. This extremely flexible, robust lighting strip allows for unobtrusive RGB light to be integrated into organic curves and stylish edges.
Already integrated with the leading CMS providers and boasting 16 million colors, our QUASAR line includes 28VDC and 115VAC ceiling & sidewall wash, flexible lighting, and dome lighting.
beaerospace.com/LIS Responsive Support. Novel Concepts. Superior Solutions.
BE-MEBAA16-Day1.indd 1
11/21/16 8:28 AM
18 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
of the largest Falcons, including the 7X, 8X and 5X, at the same time. “This additional capacity will permit DFS to keep up with the steady growth in the Falcon fleet, which currently numbers 2,100 aircraft worldwide and is expected to expand significantly with the arrival of the Falcon 8X, which started deliveries last month,” said Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. The Bordeaux service center will supplement the existing facility at Paris Le Bourget Airport, as well as U.S. facilities in Wilmington, Delaware; Reno, Nevada; and Little Rock, Arkansas; and one in Sorocaba in Brazil. Dassault had considered further expanding the Le Bourget site, but due to lack of space there opted to build in Bordeaux. The Bordeaux center, which represented an investment of around $21.4 million, can handle C checks on the existing 7X fleet, due after between seven and eight years of service. DFS general manager Jean Kayanakis said that the first 7X arrived for service on October 17 and was returned to its owner on October 28. As of midNovember, four 7Xs had been worked on in the new facility, which employs 70 people.
The center also hosts the Dassault Training Academy, which provides more efficient hands-on training for Falcon mechanics using enhanced-reality 3D goggles to allow full access via digital mock-ups to the entire airframe and aircraft systems. Groups of trainees can practice inspecting, repairing and replacing parts and airframe sections. “With this new tool we are able to train 10 people at the same time, which would be impossible in a real aircraft,” explained Patrice Kurdijian, Dassault’s service center network and maintenance training director. The first session for what Dassault is calling “immersive” training covered structural repairs, such as dealing with corrosion. In the first quarter of 2017, it will add programs covering composite repairs and troubleshooting. The manufacturer is making the same digital technology available to the French air force, which may use it to support its Rafale fighters. In 2015, DFS generated €176 million ($189 million) of revenues with 80 percent of this coming from MRO activities, and the rest from a mix of charter operations, FBO services and its role as a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization
Continued on page 20 u
In addition to adding maintenance support at its new service center in Bordeaux, France, Dassault also prepares technicians at its training academy there. Using virtual reality goggles, below, the academy can train 10 new technicians in the time it would take to train one.
Delivering financing value for business aviation Up to 100% financing
Operating Leases with no residual value risk
Financing solutions that meet customers needs
S ELECT I NTERNATIONAL F INANCINGS
Finance Lease airbus acJ
Operating Lease gLObaL 5000
•
Two week closing
•
Pre-owned aircraft
•
High advance rate
•
100% financing
•
Favorable VAT structure for client
•
No residual exposure for client
•
Pre-owned aircraft
Operating Lease Lear 45 •
Pre-owned aircraft
•
Three week closing
• 100%
financing
Operating Lease chaLLenger 350 •
•
Client selected operating lease (vs. financing lease) shortly before delivery 100% advance rate
Finance Lease guLFstream g650 Finance Lease g650er • 100%
•
Non traditional jurisdiction
•
10 year term
•
High advanced rate
advance rate
•
Progress payment financing included
•
Favorable VAT structure for client
Contact Simon Davies at +1 (561) 235-1410 or email him at sdavies@globaljetcapital.com. We’ll get you in the air. globaljetcapital.com
LEASING & LENDING SOLUTIONS FOR PRIVATE AIRCRAFT
Dassault support uContinued from page 18
(CAMO). Trappier indicated that he wants DFS to increase its market share of worldwide Falcon support work, which currently stands at around 35 percent. The Le Bourget center, which is the main one in the DFS network, can handle 25 Falcons at the same time in its 979,500-sq-ft (91,000-sq-m) space, comprising seven hangars with an area of 409,000 sq ft (38 000 sq m) and an aircraft parking ramp of 412,000 sq ft (39,000 sq m). Also based at Le Bourget is a Falcon 900 aircraft that is used to dispatch parts and mechanics to support operators in AOG situations as part of the Falcon Response service. Another Falcon 900 is based at Teterboro Airport, near New York, for the same function. Since 2004, Dassault has greatly expanded its spare parts inventory by increasing the number of regional distribution centers around the world from two to 15. This year it opened a new delivery facility at Le Bourget, and the total value of spares stocks around the world now stands at $800 million. Over the same period, the DFS network has almost doubled the number of service centers from 26 to 49. The company is now planning to add two more—one in Russia and the other in the Austrian capital Vienna.
Dassault Falcon has invested heavily in customer support over the past decade, adding not only new centers, but also increasing parts availability around the world by adding inventory at distribtution centers. The OEM also operates a pair of Falcon Response jets to bring parts and service teams to AOG aircraft in emergencies.
Dassault also has boosted the number of front line field service representatives to 104 (up by more than 25 percent since 2010) and they are spread across 35 offices in 14 countries. Each DFS customer relationship manager oversees support for around 25 Falcons, on average. With this network, DFS expects to improve its dispatch reliability rate to 99.7 percent, which means there will be less than three delayed or cancelled flights per 1,000 planned departures. The main customer relationship interface for DFS is its Operator Advisory
Board, which since 2007 has included 20 high-level customer representatives, normally pilots or MRO managers. The board meets annually to discuss support improvement in areas such as parts delivery, maintenance and documentation, etc. There are also 10 separate working groups involving more than 120 customers who propose new processes and solutions. “We organize at least one meeting per customer per year,” added Jacques Chauvet, DFS’s senior vice president for worldwide Falcon customer service. “The OAB plays an important role in the improving the DFS customer relationship.”
Two prime examples of initiatives proposed by the OAB are the Falcon Response service and the new Falcon Sphere II electronic flight bag. Another innovation is the new Falcon Portal, which was launched two years ago and now has 13,800 registered users and receives 2,500 visits per day. Finally, the DFS flight department is adding a Falcon 2000EX and a 7X to its current fleet of seven aircraft. Four of these are available for charter operations. “It’s important to show what our products can do, and it allows us to provide a niche service to the customers,” concluded Kayanakis. o
AIRCRAFT LIGHTING INT’L
TEL: (631) 474-2254 | FAX: (631) 474-0355 | WWW.AIRCRAFTLIGHTING.COM Hawker 900XP
Bombardier CL600
Gulfstream 100 Cessna 560XL
Falcon 2000
G IV
Hawker 800XP Learjet 35 Cessna 550
Learjet 45
Hawker 600
Hawker 700 G III
Astra SPX
Hawker 800
S-76A Cessna 552
Boeing 727 Falcon 900
Learjet 55
SAAB 340
Learjet 36
Beechcraft 400A
1125 Westwind
Bombardier CL604
Learjet 31 Cessna 551
Learjet 25
GV
Sabreliner 265
EMB 120
Bombardier CL601 Falcon 50
Cessna 750
Westwind 1124 Hawker 1000 Pilatus PC-12
Hawker 850XP
Gulfstream 200 Cessna 560
DC-9
Cessna 525A Global Express
PMA APPROVED LED LAMPS FOR THESE AIRCRAFT
COME SEE US IN DUBAI FOR MEBAA | STAND 651 | DEC. 6-8 20 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
Offering New York-to-Dubai non-stop capability, Bombardier’s first Global 7000 flight-test vehicle is now in position at Bombardier’s Witchita, Kansas flight-test center.
Global 7000’s first flight signals program progress by Mark Phelps Fans of Bombardier business jets are still cheering the first flight of the Global 7000 in early November—especially here in the Middle East. The newest Bombardier product is ideally suited to the region, with its expansive cabin and 7,400-nautical-mile range at Mach 0.85. Far from a simple
crow hop, the maiden voyage of the type included a climb to 20,000 feet and the modest speed of 240 knots, as planned (top speed is expected to be Mach 0.925). Test pilots Ed Grabman and Jeff Karnes and flight test engineer Jason Nickel assessed basic system functionality and “flying qualities.”
The two-hour, 37-minute first flight signified that the program is back on track after a two-year hiatus caused, in part, by a combination of the global financial crisis and Bombardier’s focus on its C Series regional airliner program. Since the first flight, FTV1 (Flight Test Vehicle 1) has made at least a half dozen flights, including a repositioning mission from the factory in Canada to Bombardier’s test facility in Wichita, Kansas, where it will continue its flight test program. Certification is scheduled for 2018. Gulf-area buyers have always had a penchant for longrange business jets. With its range, the Global 7000 can Bombardier’s Global 7000 will offer four unique living spaces and a dedicated crew area, providing completion centers, operators and interior designers alike with new opportunities for developing innovative, dynamic and flexible cabins.
make the Dubai-to-New York trip nonstop, for example. The four-zone, 74.7-cubic-meter (2,637-cubic-foot) cabin is 20 percent larger than that of the current Global 6000, and cabin size is an important selling point in such a long-range aircraft. At a cost of around $73 million, the Global 7000 is Bombardier’s logical follow-on offering for travelers at the top end of the purpose-built business jet market. Its sibling, the up-and-coming Global 8000, will have longer range but at the expense of a somewhat less expansive cabin. Large-cabin business jets have a good history for sales in the Middle East. With similar range, Gulfstream’s flagship G650ER, for example, has done well here, including its recent addition to the Qatar Executive fleet. The Global 7000’s cabin is the largest of any purposebuilt business jet on the market, according to Bombardier (naturally this excludes airliner-based “bizliners” such as Boeing Business Jet and Airbus Corporate Jet types). 20 Years On
Besides drawing cheers from Bombardier employees and supporters, the first flight also represents a financially pragmatic touchstone. Industry analyst Rolland Vincent pointed out that program milestones such as first flight also trigger progressive cash payments from customers with aircraft on order, an infusion of funds that will be welcome in the financial wing of Bombardier’s headquarters. While Bombardier (Stand A6) has undeniably lost some ground to Gulfstream with the delay, it reports that customers with orders on the books have remained loyal. Though it does not disclose order information, Bombardier says the Global 7000/8000 program has “contributed significantly” to
its overall backlog, reported at $17 billion at mid-year. Vincent estimates that translates to approximately 200 of the Global 7000/8000 family— most of those being 7000s. “I’m sure [customers] are keeping the 8000 on their long-term radar, but the market has clearly spoken that cabin trumps range,” referring to the 8000’s longer range but smaller cabin. The November first flight came just weeks after the 20th anniversary of the first flight of the original Bombardier Global Express—October 13, 1996. The significance was not lost on Michel Ouellette, senior vice-president of the Global 7000/8000 program, who called the anniversary “a huge milestone” in the pathway first carved out by the original Global Express. He added, “We’re walking into the next success with the Global 7000 and 8000.” Gulf region fans of Bombardier’s products are eager to taste the fruit of that success. Test Program
Among the next steps for the Bombardier test-flight team is completing work on the Global 7000’s interior test rig, which simulates real-world flexing and bending conditions on the fuselage. With new data from the actual flying airframe, engineers can take the next steps toward ensuring interior installations will not only fit, but will be compatible with the natural shifting and bending that occurs in flight. A second rig tests cabin systems integration, and as data flows in from the aircraft in the flight-test program, that rig can similarly help ensure all systems will operate properly in the final production configuration. In all, the flight test program will include five aircraft. All remaining FTVs are in various stages of assembly, with the second, FTV2 nearing completion on the factory floor. It will be used primarily for engine tests—the GE Passport engine that powers the Global 7000 received certification last spring, and the two on FTV2 have been powered up. FTV3 is earmarked for avionics and electronics testing and has already passed the wing-mating and landing-gear installation milestones. Its cockpit is also installed and is close to ready to go. FTV4 will focus on interior applications and FTV5 is also well on its way down the production pipeline. o
www.ainonline.com • December 6, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 21
Citation Latitude debuts as Textron lines up bigger iron
Textron Aviation’s upcoming large-cabin bizjet offering is the Citation Hemisphere.
Textron Aviation’s new Cessna Citation Latitude jet is making its MEBAA show debut here this week. The U.S. manufacturer has high hopes for the midsize model in the Middle East, but also comes to Dubai with news of progress with its larger new Hemisphere and Longitude models. At the NBAA show in early November, Textron confirmed that the large-cabin Hemisphere will feature Honeywell’s Primus Epic avionics suite and be powered by Safran’s new Silvercrest engine. It also will feature a Textron Aviationdesigned fly-by-wire system based on Thales components. At the same time, Textron announced improved performance pledges for the Longitude. Performance has been boosted over the original projections, with range stretching by 100 nm, to 3,500 nm, and full fuel payload increasing by 100 pounds, to 1,600 pounds. The Longitude achieved its first flight on October 8. A second prototype joined the flight test program on November 19, en route to anticipated service entry in late 2017. For the Hemisphere, the choice of Primus Epic with touchscreen controls marks the company’s first selection of a Honeywell cockpit since the original Citation X and Sovereign. The flight deck will provide a transoceanic-capable flight management system along with SmartView synthetic vision and enhanced vision system for lower minimums on approaches. The Hemisphere will include Textron Aviation’s proprietary LinxUs maintenance and diagnostic reporting system through Honeywell’s satellite communications and connectivity capabilities. Safran’s Silvercrest engine, which will provide more than 12,000 pounds of thrust for the Hemisphere, also powers Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 5X. It had originally been slated to power the Citation Longitude, but then was replaced with Honeywell HTF7700L turbofans. While the Silvercrest development program has suffered delays, Textron Aviation
noted that the engine incorporates the latest in technology to offer “unrivaled performance in its category in terms of propulsion efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness.” This includes a fuel consumption that is up to 15 percent less than other engines in the category. The Hemisphere’s full fly-by-wire system, the first for any Citation business jet, will include active-control sidesticks. Textron Aviation will integrate the system, with Thales providing flight control computers and remote electronic units. Thales also provides the fly-by-wire technology for the Longitude’s rudder and spoiler systems. The Hemisphere is projected to fly 4,500 nm, with an Mmo of Mach .90. 2020 Service Entry
Textron plans to fly the Hemisphere in 2019, with entry into service following fairly quickly in 2020. According to CEO and president Scott Ernest, the new type’s arrival on the market, “should leave no doubt as to our intention to expand our segment leadership position.” Importantly, in a market that has shown a strong preference for large cabins, the Hemisphere expands Textron’s product offering for Middle Eastern customers, who will be attracted to its London-to-Dubai non-stop capability. Longitude Goes Long
The boosted performance for the smaller Longitude comes just a few weeks after it began its busy flight test campaign. It will provide seating for up to 12, with a stand-up flat floor 72 inches tall and 77 inches wide. The new super-midsize jet is fitted with Garmin’s touchscreen-controlled G5000 flight deck, which will incorporate a head-up display with enhanced vision, although the airframer has not yet announced vendors for these products. Meanwhile, Textron Aviation isn’t ignoring the lighter end of the market—earlier this year it introduced its competitor in the turboprop-single market, the Denali. o
DAVID McINTOSH
As well as bringing its Citation Latitude to MEBAA for the first time, Textron Aviation has program updates on the larger Longitude (below).
22 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
DAVID McINTOSH
by Charles Alcock
Textron Aviation’s Citation Hemisphere: Living Large The Hemisphere cabin mock-up that was publicly unveiled at the NBAA show clearly demonstrated how much designers can do with a 102-inch-wide fuselage that is 43 feet long from the aft end of the cockpit to the pressure bulkhead on the back side of the in-flightaccessible baggage compartment. The cabin is split into three zones. Up front is a galley, designed with flight attendant feedback, because 75 percent of customers interested in the new jet indicated they would fly with a cabin crewmember. The interior design was done in close collaboration with customers, according to Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, turboprop aircraft and interior design. The forward galley is illuminated not just by the LED lighting that spreads throughout the cabin, but also by a skylight that admits natural light. “We want it light and airy,” she said, “not confined.” The galley countertops and floor are faced with granite for added durability. Also up front is a lavatory and closet. Customers can replace the closet with other fixtures, such as an oven, wine chiller, etc., as an option. Added countertop space is available by folding over the counter to cover the flight attendant’s seat when it isn’t needed. Moving back into the cabin, which measures 95 inches at the widest inside point and six feet, two inches high, zone one features four seats in club configuration. The seats, which are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation, are 30 inches in width and have four-inch armrests. The large armrests allow designers to add space for storage, USB ports and seat controls. The outside of the seat has more storage for magazines and other small items. The seats can fold out to create a 70-inch bed. The side ledges slim down as the passenger moves into the mockup’s zone 2, adding more space for an armrest between the two seats on each side of a table on the left side. Opposite this tableau is a couch that folds up neatly to complete a conversion into a long credenza. “Flexibility is a critical element,” said senior v-p of sales and marketing Kriya
Shortt, “The credenza’s multi-use capability is well appreciated by customers, and it’s helping them feel ownership of the program.” Zone three features a three-seat couch opposite two large club seats. The designers wanted to illustrate the different appearance of light and dark motifs, so zone three has somewhat darker materials and finishing, in contrast to the lighter zone-two furnishings. A neat touch on the seatbacks in zone three is a roughish pleat-like material that matches the tamboured cabinet doors in the adjacent lavatory, all contributing to a sort of modern industrial, yet art decotype, ambiance. The lavatory is large enough for a shower, which would require moving the sink to the right side of the space. Behind the lavatory is the 120-cu-ft baggage compartment, which can be accessed in flight. All cabin windows measure 20 by 15 inches and are larger than those in the Citation Longitude. An interesting touch in the mockup is lighting sconces mounted between the cabin windows. And designers placed small spherical lights in groups of four on each side of the ceiling in each zone, the forward and aft lavatory and in the baggage compartment. They add industrial chic to the cabin, yet at the same time are unobtrusive and functional. Customer feedback indicated that they didn’t want lighting shining directly in their faces, and the mockup illustrates one way that designers have satisfied that request. “What we want to do in this space, where there hasn’t been focused investment, is to make sure we listen to the customers,” Shortt said. “We formed an advisory board with 20 companies, all operating aircraft in that segment, but 95 percent of which are not Textron Aviation customers. They came together to provide us their insights around performance parameters and a significant focus on what the passenger and customer experience needs to be. They are feeling that their input is being heard and their feedback is being actioned on, quickly. —C.A.
Flexible. Independent. Long-term. The Waypoint Advantage
Waypoint is the world’s largest independent helicopter leasing company, with leasing expertise in more than 27 countries, and a fleet of more than 135 aircraft on lease, coupled with a large
selection of multi-year forward deliveries, representing a combin ed value of $3 billion. Waypoint forges lasting relationships with leading helicopter operators worldwide, who value the integrity, experience and long-term commitment of Waypoint’s leadership team and financial sponsors. As former helicopter operators, we
Copyright © 2015 Waypoint Leasing Services LLC. All rights reserved.
market challenges operators face and structure flexible leasing solutions to solve them.
We put operators first — always.
way po i n t l e a s i n g . c om
Arab Wings, a unit of the International Wings Group, provides charter, training and MRO services from its base in Amman, Jordan. Its fleet includes three Bombardier CRJ 200s like the one pictured above, a King Air 200 and a Hawker 800XP. Management services include large-cabin business aircraft like the Bombardier Global 5000, left.
Jordan’s bizav market in doldrums, but Arab Wings eyes 2017 upturn by Chad Trautvetter
Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh, CEO of Arab Wings, based in Amman, Jordan.
Arab Wings, a unit of the International Wings Group (IWG). Although the Middle East market is in the doldrums, worldwide business aviation also faces trouble. “There is a global slump. Used business-jet prices have fallen below the floor that people thought they would hit. They are down 30 percent or more. Panic sellers are just accepting the prices being offered to them. There is no
more pricing power in the market, and you can’t predict preowned values. This is, historically speaking, the worst sellers’, and best buyers’, market ever seen in business aviation,” he said. He cited the example of a local owner who recently lost 60 percent of the value of a brand new aircraft within four years. “He sold it 48 months later for 60 percent less than what he paid for it,” he said. In terms of the aircraft in favor in the region, he said probably the most popular were the super-midsize, and largecabin—large but not bizliners, such as the Embraer Lineage, Airbus ACJ and Boeing BBJ. The aircraft most affected by price drops were large-cabin jets carrying around 12 passengers. “Eight years after the GFC [global financial crisis], people thought we’d be out of it a lot earlier. The problem was that the OEMs went berserk, producing many more aircraft than the market needed. They programmed annual production based on the boom years, and increased inventory and manufacturing lines, which were difficult to bring out of production,” he said. Abu Ghazaleh was coy about the number of aircraft under management at Arab Wings today, saying only that it was similar to two years ago. “In Jordan, new aircraft under management include a Legacy 650. It’s been a calmer year for sure, calmer than last year. I am optimistic things are going to pick up next year,” he said.
“For sure the market here at Marka Airport is smaller now than it used to be. The market has slowed down. I have a feeling that next year will be a year where you’ll see the beginning of a turnaround.” Arab Wings’ Iraq Gate, which won its AOC in 2014, has three CRJ 200s, a King Air 200 and a Hawker 800XB in its charter fleet. “It works mostly with the oil-and-gas industry, and contractors in the country. The companies are quiet at the moment, but
[this] aviation academy,” Abu Ghazaleh said. Meanwhile, the Arab Wings Maintenance Service Centre in Amman was recently tapped by Honeywell as an authorized dealer for its business aircraft avionics products. This allows the MRO to sell and support Honeywell cabin management and entertainment systems, satcoms and other avionics. It was awarded similar status with Rockwell Collins last year. The maintenance center is also a Bombardier-authorized service facility (AOG line maintenance) for 600-series Challenger. It holds maintenance approvals from the Jordan Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, as well as civil aviation authorities in Cayman Islands and Iraq. o
DAVID McINTOSH
Sharply declining asset values and poor charter performance are bedeviling the business aviation industry in the Levant, Amman, Jordan-based business jet operator Arab Wings has told AIN. “Charter is lower, for sure. The owners are suffering. There is not as much charter, because prices dropped. Aircraft are getting older. It is not a nice cycle at the moment,” said Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh, CEO of
long-term, there are opportunities, with a lot of operations in remote areas. People come in and out, mostly in Anbar Province, and the central and southern areas.” Arab Wings and the UAE’s Gulf Wings are owned by Jordan-based IWG, which also controls the Royal Jordanian Air Academy and Queen Noor Technical College. IWG recently established the RJAA Morocco Private Aviation Academy, located between Casablanca and Rabat, due to start operations by the end of the year. “Training aircraft will most probably be Pipers, and there will be two simulators. Training and licenses will be for A&Ps, or airframe and powerplant technicians. We are optimistic, as there is a lot of demand for
HEAVY IRON EXTREMES Ramp personnel finish securing a Gulfstream G650ER business jet shortly after its arrival here at DWC for MEBAA 2016, as an Emirates Airbus A380 in the background conducts touch-and-go landings.
24 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
New Gulfstream jets race to market by Charles Alcock & Mark Huber
Gulfstream expects its new G500 and G600 business jets to make a big impression on the Middle East market. Last month, the U.S. manufacturer announced that both largecabin, long-range models will now enter service a year earlier than anticipated, respectively, in late 2017 and 2018. The move reflects the rapid progress made with type certification work. Both the G500 and the G600 are powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800-series engines and have Symmetry flight deck with Honeywell Primus Epic avionics and active-control sidesticks linked to full fly-bywire flight controls. According
to Gulfstream, the new engines are 30 percent more efficient than those on the G450 and help extend the time between key maintenance on the new aircraft by up to 25 percent. In August, a fifth example of the G500 featuring a full-production example of a completed cabin joined the flight test program. Serial production of the G500 has been underway since October at Gulfstream’s expanded production facilities in Savannah, Georgia. A flight simulator for the new model is already in use at the FlightSafety International training facility in the same location. Through a combination of a new aerodynamic design and Pratt
& Whitney Canada’s PurePower engine technology, Gulfstream believes it will be delivering market-leading high-speed range capability, as well as reduced operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint. The G500 is powered by the 15,144-poundthrust PW814GA turbofan and the G600 by the 15,680-poundthrust PW815GA—both featuring a wide-chord integrally bladed fan, composite nacelle, dual channel Fadec controls and a new thrust reverser. Maximum speed is projected at Mach 0.925. The G500 will be able to fly 5,000 nm at Mach 0.85, or 3,800 nm at Mach 0.90. The G600 has
Based on the same core, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW815GA engines on the G600, left, achieve their additional thrust via a Fadec-setting change.
longer legs still, with 6,200 nm of range at Mach 0.85 and 4,800 nm at Mach 0.90. “Flying at Mach 0.90 we can save operators and their passengers around 50 hours of travel time per year,” stated Gulfstream vice president for advanced aircraft programs Mark Kohler. This assumption is based on a comparison with the typical Mach 0.80 speed for the existing G450 and G550 model, and also on the typical operational patterns seen with operators of the company’s current long-range flagship, the G650, which has similar high-speed capability.
opened up significant space in the cockpit and opened up access to the touchscreen panel. Pilots can still actuate the primary flight displays using cursors on the central pedestal panel, however. Human factors input from customers indicated that these displays are too far forward for most pilots to comfortably control as touchscreens. However, since FAA officials raised concern over this issue during the development of the aircraft, Gulfstream has already validated that touchscreen controls for the multi-function displays during turbulence are certifiable. The sidestick controls, developed with BAE Systems, feature active force feedback that makes it abundantly clear to a pilot when the other pilot has control of the aircraft and what they are doing with the controls. According to Gulfstream test pilots, the system delivers “classic airplane control” in terms of feel and cueing. The autopilot also provides visual indicators for the control inputs. Another important new feature is the data concentration network (DCN), which acts a little like a virtual private network that gathers aircraft system data through a distributed high-speed network and makes it available to other systems. This advanced programmable technology is now being applied for the latest airliners and jet fighters. The DCN also reduces the need for multiple electromechanical devices and wiring for separate systems, benefits accrued from having a no single-point-of-failure architecture. This arrangement also reduces power consumption. The lightweight equipment can fit on a single electronics rack, freeing up space in the cabin and also boosting payload and range. The weight saving for wiring alone is a couple of hundred pounds, according to Gulfstream. One significant safety enhancement for the new Gulfstreams is an auto-braking system that is intended to make rejected takeoffs less
New Cockpit
To the anticipated delight of pilots, much of the fly-by-wire G500/600 magic is found in the cockpit, with its new Symmetry flight deck based on Honeywell’s Primus Epic avionics suite. The most striking new features are new active control sidesticks (a first for a civilian aircraft), 10 touchscreen display interfaces and both enhanced and synthetic vision systems as standard features. The elimination of the traditional control column has Passengers and crew, alike, will enjoy the new Gulfstreams’ enhanced cabin and cockpit amenities, including the active-control sidesticks (immediate left) that provide pilots with uncluttered access to the Symmetry flight deck.
Upgrades for Large-Cabin Gulfstreams Gulfstream last month announced plans to support legacy large-cabin aircraft with a wide array of upgrades, including CD-830 control display units; Fans 1/ A+; Fans over Iridium; FMZ-2000 FMS 6.1; the Kollsman GAViS external camera for improved situational awareness at night and in low visibility; LED lighting; PlaneDeck cockpit displays; synthetic vision; and Tcas 7.1. Beginning next year, Gulfstream will offer the Jet ConneX Ka-band system using the Inmarsat service for high speed Wi-Fi, real-time television, audio and video streaming worldwide on both new large-cabin aircraft and as a retrofit option. Jet ConneX, which provides global coverage except over the polar regions, is certified by both the FAA and EASA. The hardware is supplied by Honeywell. —C.A.
26 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
Continued on page 28 u
Welcome to CAE, home of top-notch training in superb locations around the globe. At CAE, you’ll find that safe operations and outstanding flight training tailored to fit your needs are our specialty. You’ll also find a training partner who will not just meet your goals, but exceed them. Come work with the people who work with you. CAE. Elevate your training.
Visit us at MEBAA booth 505.
TrainWithCAE.com ©2016 CAE. All rights reserved.
New Gulfstream jets race to market
Gulfstream chose to retain the larger windows of the G650 on its developmental G500 and G600 models. The added natural light enhances the cabin environment.
uContinued from page 26
oscillation. The pilot can control the braking process by preselecting high, medium or low settings for rates of deceleration.
dangerous. The system, already in service on the G650 and G280, results in faster reaction times for applying brakes. Also, maintaining constant pressure on brakes reduces the risk of pilot-induced
Gulfstream’s work on reducing the cost of maintenance and improving aircraft availability has resulted in the G500/600 being prepared to
Less Maintenance
Well Liked 90,000+
Readers in 152 Countries* *2015 Readex Research independent study
Winner of 47 Editorial Awards 22 from American Society of Business Publication Editors including three national awards for general excellence 13 from Folio: Eddie/Ozzie Competition including four for Best Transportation/Travel Magazine and three honorable mentions for Best Issue of a Consumer Travel Magazine
12 from Other Journalism Competitions including Aerospace Journalist of the Year Awards, Aerospace Media Awards, American Society of Journalists and Authors Awards, National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards, National Air Transportation Association Aviation Journalism Awards, HAI Salute to Excellence Awards, and Sapphire Pegasus Business Aviation Awards
To obtain your free subscription, visit: bjtonline.com/newsub
house ad_final.indd 7
28 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
11/11/16 12:57 PM
enter service with 750 flight hours permitted between major inspections, which the manufacturer says is around 50 percent longer than “traditional” business jets. Gulfstream’s PlaneConnect system transmits aircraft performance data to customers and/ or the manufacturer so that they can monitor any deterioration in system performance without delay. The airframer’s health and trend monitoring system has been developed to track performance trends and identify potential system failures well before they become a problem for the operator. The G500 cabin being used for flight testing features a fullsize galley that can be located in either forward or aft positions, as well as a lavatory at either end and a large baggage compartment. Gulfstream has retained the enlarged windows used for the G650, and is promising “industry-leading” cabin noise levels (following extensive testing in its acoustics laboratory). Cabin altitude with 100 percent fresh air is 4,850 feet at FL510 and 3,670 feet at FL430. Gulfstream’s decision to switch to Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) as the engine provider for its new G500 and G600 large-cabin business jets appears to be vindicated even ahead of type certification for the new models. According to Mark Kohler, Gulfstream’s vice president of advanced aircraft programs, the common integrated powerplant system that both new models share is set to drive down fuel consumption, emissions and noise. The performance improvements come from features such as a wide-chord integrally bladed single-structure 50-inch fan, composite nacelles, dual channel Fadec controls and a more efficient composite thrust reverser. The new engines also look set to score well by delivering on-condition maintenance. No midlife inspection is required, and there is a 10,000-flighthour time between overhaul. The TBO is the same as for the Rolls-Royce-powered G650, but a 2,000-hour extension compared with the G450 and G550. Gulfstream has yet to publish specific fuel consumption figures for the G500/600 engines. It says that the nitrous oxide (NOx) emission margin beats CAEP/6 standards by 33 percent, and that community noise levels for the G500 are already projected to be within FAR 36 requirements by a substantial margin. o
The perfect upgrade for the airplane that has everything.
Upgrade now to the world’s most advanced technolog y. Split Scimitar Winglets for the Boeing ®
Business Jet. Created by Aviation Partners , makers of the Blended Winglet now flying on more than ®
™
7,000 jet aircraft worldwide. Get on board today. Fly to aviationpartners.com. Timing is everything.
See us at MEBAA Stand 660
MIDDLE
EAST
OVERVIEW Can the Middle East bizav sector reverse its faded fortunes? by Charles Alcock beyond the energy sector. The United Arab Emirates is the poster-child for this laudable accomplishment. Saudi Arabia—which still boasts the region’s leading business aircraft fleet—still has a mountain to climb in this respect. In its latest, and largely pessimistic, 10-year business jet delivery forecast published on October 30, Honeywell Aerospace predicted annual fleet growth for the combined Middle East and Africa region of just 1 to 2 percent through the end of 2021. This is down from the 2 to 3 percent growth rate experienced over the past five years. Overall, the avionics and engine maker cut its delivery forecast by around 6 percent from 9,200 units in 2015 to 8,600 aircraft in the new forecast.
Regional Demand for New Jets in the Next 5 Years Traditional Corporate & Charter Operator Base
Hundreds
10 8 6 4
HONEYWELL
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
0
1997
BRIC accounts for 26% of International share – 9% of world total
2
1996
Africa/Middle East, 3% HONEYWELL
North America 65%
n Middle East n Asia-Pacific n South America n Europe n North America
12
Asia\Pacific, 6%
“The overall Middle East/Africa buying plan rate is still below the world average, but it did improve quite a bit over the 2015 reads, so that was a little surprising to me, and it’s a positive surprise.” Honeywell’s well-respected survey of customers found that in 2016 just over 20 percent of respondents indicated they have plans to purchase new jets in the next five years. This would mark a modest increase in the outlook compared with 2015 and 2014, but is still some ways below the equivalent projections from operators in the region in 2010-2013.
New Business Jet Deliveries by Region
14
Middle East Europe /Africa, 3% 14%
Latin America, 12%
“The recent fleet growth slowed, as predicted, due to political instability and a migration of aircraft from the region,” reported the Bombardier forecast team. “The fleet was nearly static in 2015.” However, Charles Park, Honeywell’s director of market analysis, did offer some grounds for optimism. “At first blush you would think that oil prices really haven’t recovered to anywhere near what they were before 2014, although they have firmed up somewhat, so we did pick up some improved interest rates out of the Gulf states this year,” he commented.
16
1995
The Middle East—once one of the true hotspots of business aviation growth—is now experiencing a cooling in demand. Ahead of this week’s MEBAA 2016 show, even the most optimistic of industry observers acknowledged that a combination of political instability and declining oil revenues have dented the industry’s prospects in the region—at least for now. Trends of flat to slight decline in the region appear to be the consensus among forecasters, even if aircraft manufacturers are still trying to look on the bright side (see charts). But with OPEC now predicting peak demand for oil could come as soon as 2029, future prospects for business aviation growth seem to hinge on the extent to which the Middle East’s economies can diversify
© 2015 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
In what looks like a return to previous distribution, over the next half decade, North America is expected to garner almost two thirds of new jet sales, with Europe next in line at 14 percent.
– all regions declined in ‘15 After dominating the distribution of business aircraft virtually from the beginning, the North American © 2015 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved. market dipped in the early 2000s, bottoming at close to 50 percent. Now back on the upswing, North American deliveries topped at 64 percent in 2015 and are expected to climb even higher.
30 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
percent of global new jet sales to traditional corporate and charter operators. This makes it the least significant region in the world, by comparison with Asia Pacific at 6 percent, Latin America at 12 percent, Europe at 14 percent and North America at 65 percent. The latest forecast for business jet deliveries over the next 10 years from preowned aircraft broker Jetcraft sees the Middle East and Africa still accounting for just 3 percent of global totals. This is well behind the company’s projections for North America (rising to 60 percent for 2016) and Europe (rising to 15 percent). It sees the Asia Pacific proportion of the total falling (to 10 percent), and the same trend for Russia and the CIS (4 percent) and Latin America (5 percent).
around 40 percent of all aircraft based in the region—a proportion that has barely changed at all over the past decade. Looking at the national fleet totals for 19 countries over the period 2006 through 2016, the most rapid rates of growth were achieved between 2006 and 2010 (with increases of between 20 and 31 percent), followed by falling single-digit increases (despite the fact that 2011-2014 saw average oil prices that were roughly twice what they are in 2016). As of the end of October, the number of turbine-powered business aircraft based in Saudi Arabia totaled 184—representing an increase of almost 69 percent since 2006. The UAE has achieved even more impressive growth, with its fleet size rising by almost 184 percent to 139. The rest of the region is a mixed bag, including anomalies such as Iran with 45 aircraft listed (albeit, undoubtedly, a very aged assortment of models due to the long-running sanctions) and Israel with 95 aircraft. North Africa also has seen considerable growth over the past decade— no doubt motivating the recent move by the Middle East Business Aviation Association (founded in June 2006) to expand its scope into the neighboring Arabic-speaking countries. Morocco is now the largest of these national fleets with 47 aircraft. Egypt formerly had the dominant fleet until political upheaval resulted in the number of aircraft based there falling from 48 in 2010 to 40 this year. Algeria’s fleet has grown to 40 aircraft, while Libya’s has shrunk to 15 in the wake of the ongoing political crisis. Tunisia has just three locally based aircraft.
Saudi, UAE Still on Top
Flights Increasing
According to business aviation data specialist JetNet, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have consistently boasted the number one and two fleets of turbine-powered business aircraft in the Middle East and North Africa. Together, as of the end of October, the two countries accounted for
Business aircraft flight activity out of the Middle East lately has been somewhat encouraging. According to Germanybased data specialist WingX, there were 5,400 flights from the region in the third quarter of 2016, which represented a 21 percent increase over the same period in 2015. In terms of year-to-date activity (as of October 25), WingX (using Eurocontrol data) tracked 13,800 flights (up by 14 percent on last year). The company attributed much of this growth to activity among bizliner aircraft, such as the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) families. Without these perennial Middle Eastern favorites, the growth rate for the third quarter would have been just 5 percent. In fact, one third of the global ACJ family of more than 180 aircraft is now largely based in the Middle East, according to the European manufacturer. It is now seeing initial orders for the new ACJneo models, powered by the new, more fuel-efficient CFM International Leap engines. “This has been a very important area for us historically,” ACJ president Benoît Defforge told AIN. “Our Middle East customers are enjoying both our singleaisle aircraft [the ACJ320 series] and our widebodies [the ACJ330/340/350/380s].”
6
New-jet Purchase Expectations by Region 80%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
60% 40%
0%
HONEYWELL
20%
Asia
Middle East /Africa
Europe
Latin America
North America
BRIC Countries
All regions improved in expected new-jet purchases, except Latin America. Most optimistic are Europe and Asia Pacific, with BRIC countries showing an improved outlook.
Customers’ plans to replace or expand their fleets with pre-owned aircraft over the next five years, showed a dip to 21 percent in this year’s forecast. This is lower than the equivalent projections for the previous six years when the rates for the rolling fiveyear windows varied between 16 percent (in 2015) and a high of 38 percent (in 2011). Overall, Honeywell sees the Middle East and Africa accounting for just 3
© 2015 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
The spacious cabins of bizliners have long been the staple of business aviation “must haves” in the Middle East. Airbus Corporate Jets designed this interior configuration for its ACJ350 XWB, the corporate version of the A350 XWB airliner currently under development, and promising greater efficiency and range.
Jet Aviation Dubai is among the top service providers in the region. A global business aviation specialist, Jet Aviation’s portfolio of services includes charter, management, fixed base operations, completions and much more.
Continued on next page u
www.ainonline.com • December 6, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 31
MIDDLE
EAST
OVERVIEW uContinued from preceding page
Saudi Arabia still accounts for the lion’s share of ACJs in the Middle East. Defforge played down suggestions that problems in the country’s oil-dependent economy are significantly dampening market conditions there. Airbus believes that both the new Neo models and the new ACJ350 Easy Fit VIP widebody will boost interest in the region. “Middle Eastern customers are interested in the Neos because they are now flying all around the world and they want range and comfort that they can’t get with a traditional business jet,” Defforge stated. “These customers are used to traveling with an entourage, so the big space available in the ACJ350 is very interesting to them.” Boeing Business Jets president David Longridge shared this perspective with
Bombardier’s Global 6000 can link Jeddah and New York. The Canadian airframer claims a 27 percent market advantage over competitors in the region. The upgraded Global 7000 is due to enter service in 2018.
his rival. “The Middle East is still critically important to us, but in the last couple of years it has been quieter,” he commented. “This is not a permanent shift and we still expect to see plenty of demand there.” At the NBAA show in early November, Boeing launched the new BBJ Max 7 model, and the Middle East market’s desire for range and comfort was a big factor in this decision. “The need to fly from Dubai to New York non-stop is now a common requirement, and the Max 7 will be able to do that with its additional 800 miles of range,” said
14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
+14.1%
[flight departures]
+4.8%
11.5
3.5
3.5
Q1
+16.2%
-3.3%
+2.1%
4.0
4.2
5.4 4.1
4.3
Q2
3.9
+11.8%
4.5 3.7
Q3 2014
12.1
+20.8%
+6.7%
+14.1%
13.8
2015
4.2
Q4
WING X ADVANCE
Departures (thousands)
Current & Historical Activity
YTD
2016
Flight intelligence provider WingX Advance compiled these Eurocontrol statistics illustrating flight departures for the region. With 5,400 flights from the Middle East in Q3 this year (up 21 percent) and 13,800 year-to-date (up 13 percent), WingX notes that 7 !"#$%#$"!& bizliners contributed to the uptick. Without those aircraft, Q3 growth would have been only 5 percent.
Boeing Business Jets offers its full range of airliners in corporate/VIP configuration. Starting with the 737 platform, the program has proven to be a success in the Middle East, with a total of 56 BBJs based in the region. Bizliners such as the BBJ family were key to traffic growth in the third quarter of 2016.
Longridge. “In some cases the principal is traveling with 10 or more people for 10 or more hours, and this means the ability to have separate rooms in the cabin is very important. The BBJ Max 7 will fly as far as something like the [Gulfstream] G650, but without having to make the choice between range and space.” Most of the demand for BBJs has come from the six states of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. Longridge acknowledged that long-running dip in oil prices and Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reform its oil-dependent economy has inhibited aircraft buying decisions. “But I don’t believe these changes are permanent,” he said. “Oil prices have always fluctuated and the demand will come back.” There are now 56 BBJs based in the region and Longridge sees more demand coming from customers who are moving up from smaller business jets. That said, no new green deliveries are being made for Middle Eastern customers in 2016, but some completed aircraft have been delivered to the region this year and at least a couple more are due there in 2017. The 71 BBJs either in service or on order for the Middle East constitutes around 30 percent of the manufacturer’s entire fleet, making the region the largest market in the world for the aircraft, with North America at 24 percent. Boeing has a customer support representative based in Abu Dhabi. It also has authorized warranty service centers
in Riyadh (Alsalam Aircraft Company) and Dubai (Jet Aviation). At Bombardier, Khader Mattar, regional sales vice president for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, also acknowledge the demand-softening impact of suppressed oil prices and political instability. But at the same time, he argued that the regional instability seems to have boosted demand for private charter flights—perhaps due to security concerns—and this in turn has increased interest in new aircraft among charter operators. “Current conditions have been good for charter, even if other customers have delayed aircraft purchases,” Mattar told AIN. “We’ve had some inquiries from people who chartered and now want to buy.”
Future Foreign Interest In Mattar’s view, the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond the oil-andgas sector could prove to be a good thing, but for now conditions have cooled there. “In the future, this could mean more foreign investment, and we are seeing the [Saudi] authorities promoting more AOCs [commercial Aircraft Operator Certificates] and allowing foreign companies to operate there. This is opening doors for us,” he said. Considering the segments served by its Learjet, Challenger and Global families, Bombardier claims a 27 percent overall lead above other manufacturers. Its growing Global family is its strongest card, with the existing Global 6000 able to fly from Jeddah to New York. The new $72.5 million Global 7000, which will be Bombardier’s largest business jet yet and with range of 7,400 nm, is due to enter service in 2018. Since January, when TAG Aeronautics amicably stepped down as Bombardier’s exclusive sales representative in the Middle East and Africa, the Canadian airframer has taken direct control of the sales process in the region. “We like to have more control of the region and direct access to clients,” said Mattar, adding that it has increased its sales presence with more staff based in Dubai. Customer support is provided through approved service centers Qatar Executive and ExecuJet (in Dubai). Bombardier has almost $17 million worth of spare parts based in the region. The Middle East also has been a key market for Dassault Aviation’s Falcon family, and the French company has high hopes for the success of its new Falcon 8X, which has just entered service and for which the first Middle Eastern delivery was anticipated by the end of November. “The market there is now challenged by the difficult economic environment,” acknowledged international sales director Renaud Cloatre. “There are a lot of preowned aircraft on the market, and so it is not easy to replace these with new ones. But the fundamental trend is for business people to be able to travel farther and faster, and
32 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
Continued on page 34 u
flightevolution™
It’s time to evolve UAS flightevolution™ will change the way you plan your missions. With an intuitive interface and high definition graphics, you will be amazed at how the complex is made simple, elegant, and refined. UAS flightevolution™ provides:
© 2016 UAS International Trip Support, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• The comfort of knowing your flight plans are optimized every time based on up-to-the-minute weather, charts, procedures, and global positioning • The convenience you get from planning your flights easily with or without a data connection • A sense of control from unsurpassed situational awareness and accurate, dependable data – anywhere in the world • The agility to manage the simplest of tasks and most complex of missions with the same user-friendly, all-in-one solution Empower yourself and your flight department with new groundbreaking technology.
Visit
Booth 563 at MEBAA Show 2016 for a full demonstration
It’s time to evolve.
Interested in learning more? Visit www.uas.aero/evolution
MIDDLE
EAST
OVERVIEW uContinued from page 32
so the demand is still there. What we hear when we talk to people who already own a jet is that clients now expect more efficient and flexible aircraft.” Overall, Cloatre indicated that some prospective buyers are now hesitating over new aircraft purchases, partly due to concerns about depreciation in the asset value. “It can be a tougher decision now compared with 2006 when aircraft where actually appreciating in value,” he commented. While acknowledging the low oil prices’ particular impact on the Saudi Arabian market, Cloatre insisted that the market there is not completely “frozen.” In fact, he said that an improved regulatory environment in the country has improved the situation of legitimate charter operators and has resulted in increased demand in this area. In addition to the GCC states, Cloatre pointed to rising sales potential in countries like Oman, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. “Customers there love the trijet but they also like the new [twinengine] 2000LXS,” he stated. “All Falcons are capable of flying non-stop across Europe and Africa [from Dubai] and they can also reach much of Asia. Another big strength is that they can land at a weight that is close to [full fuel weight], which is good when customers want to change plans at short notice. So you could fly from Dubai to Doha and then on to London without refueling.” Many other business jets are not able to land with the weight of nearly full fuel tanks, so they cannot make a short hop followed by a long flight without topping off the tanks at the interim stop— which can be an unwelcome delay. Sometimes, fuel isn’t even available at the interim airport. Dassault has authorized service center partners in the shape of Saudi Arabian Airlines in Jeddah and Jet Aviation in Dubai, as well as a Saudi-based field
ExecuJet, above, is one of Dubai’s top hangar and MRO service providers. Dassault Falcon Jet’s rapid response aircraft, left, ensures Falcon operators will get the parts and service they need anywhere in the world, and emergency lift when needed. Textron Aviation’s developmental Citation Hemisphere, below, is that airframer’s foray into large-cabin business jets, and shows promise in the Middle East market.
service representative. They are backed up the Paris-based Falcon Response Team with its Falcon 900 aircraft ready to transport a Go Team to support customers within two hours, and to transport passengers if their aircraft cannot be returned to service in time to meet their schedule. Gulfstream’s presence in the Middle Eastern market has been dominated of late by the G650, of which some 25 are now based in the region. Its ability to fly non-stop to the U.S. has been a big selling point. One significant Gulfstream customer is charter operator Qatar Executive, which has started operating the longer-range G650ER. As part of an order for 30 aircraft, the company also is due to take 6a mix of the new G500 and G600 models.
Continued on page 36 u
Purchase Expectations for Used Jets Five Year Replacement and Expansion Percentages n 2013
n 2014
n 2015
n 2016
40%
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2
1
N/A
20
32
32
Bahrain
13
19
19
17
16
15
Iran
38
39
39
41
45
45
Afghanistan
Iraq
3
4
8
7
8
9
Israel
68
73
78
76
87
95
Jordan
13
15
25
24
28
29
Kuwait
9
14
13
19
27
31
11
15
19
22
24
23
Oman
5
5
33
38
13
16
Qatar
9
11
18
27
25
27
109
123
159
170
175
184
3
3
2
2
2
2 139
Saudi Arabia Syria
30%
United Arab Emirates
20% HONEYWELL
10% 0%
Country
Lebanon
50% n 2012
Middle East and Africa Business Fleet 2006-2016
World
Asia
Middle East Latin Europe North /Africa America America Used jets remain a volatile market segment, with all regions showing declines in 2016. Inventories are up 3 percent from last year—including the addition to the market of 245 jets less than 10 years old.
© 2015 by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
34 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
49
97
129
128
134
Yemen
1
2
4
3
5
4
Algeria
27
26
34
40
41
40
Egypt
31
34
48
45
46
41
Libya
16
18
21
20
18
15
Morocco
21
27
39
44
42
47
1
5
5
5
4
3
429
531
693
748
772
797
Tunisia Total
The last decade has seen business aircraft numbers increase in the Middle East region, with the UAE up by close to 200 percent.
DREAM JET Turning a vision into a reality Passion. Preparation. Innovation. Three essential ingredients for achieving something that has never been done before. Extensive research and development into composite aircraft means Jet Aviation is one of the only completion centers with a strong foundation of knowledge for the Boeing 787. An aircraft this sophisticated requires a totally new mindset; so we developed innovative, proprietary engineering that allows us to install a beautifully handcrafted VVIP interior, without compromising the carbon fiber exterior. No matter how big, we’ll help you live the dream.
VISIT US AT MEBAA, BOOTH #628, CHALET A19/20
Jet Aviation Basel - Completions Center CH-4030 Basel-EuroAirport Switzerland +41 58 158 4111 jbsl@jetaviation.ch www.jetaviation.com/basel/completions
MIDDLE
EAST
OVERVIEW
uContinued from page 34
According to Trevor Esling, Gulfstream’s regional senior vice president for international sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the UAE has seen more activity than Saudi Arabia lately, with a steadily strengthening market. “But overall, Saudi Arabia is still the most important market, and Gulfstream is a very strong brand there,” he commented. There are now more than 120 Gulfstreams based in the Middle East and North Africa, and these also include a mix of G550s, G450s and G280s. “The Middle East is a market that is, in some respects, like Russia and China, in that it developed from the top down. So the light- and medium-size side is relatively under-developed,” said Esling. “The main focus has been on being able to fly non-stop from Dubai to London, but we’re now getting more requests for destinations in China.” Gulfstream also has service center support from Jet Aviation in Dubai. It is also adding a new 6,000-square-foot (557-square-meter) parts distribution center at the Dubai World Central (DWC)
Airport site, which will carry about $22 million worth of inventory. Textron Aviation’s position in the Middle East market spans both turboprop- and turbofan-powered products, but, with the pending service entry of new models like the Citation Longitude and Hemisphere, it is the jet side of the equation where the manufacturer sees the most potential for growth. According to senior vice president sales Kriya Shorrt, the developmental $35 million Hemisphere (the largest Citation in the line’s history), for which first deliveries are anticipated in 2020, will be very attractive to Middle Eastern customers. It offers a combination of 4,500-nm range and a spacious three-zone cabin that is proclaimed to be the widest in its class. The increased range of the Citation Longitude—now 3,500 nm—also makes a more compelling case for its use on intercontinental flights to and from Europe. Textron’s other aircraft based in the region include Hawker business jets, Beechcraft King Air twin turboprops and Cessna Caravan turboprop singles. “When you look at the economic environment in the Middle East today, it’s clear that customers are more mindful about costs,” Shorrt told AIN, arguing that the new Citations’ combination of range and price point mean that they will find themselves in the right place at the right time. “Maybe in the past [in the Middle East],
While long-range jets remain the dominant segment in the region, practical alternatives for shorter trips—such as Textron’s Beech King Air series—are finding favor.
we didn’t have the opportunity, but now we do because people want to achieve a mission and a lifestyle at the right price. We expect to see more opportunity opening up in terms of what business aviation can do for the region, including models like fractional ownership.” In Saudi Arabia, Textron has a longestablished sales and customer support partner in Wallan Aviation. In Africa, it is represented by Africair. In addition to the UAE, Turkey is showing signs of an uptick in demand, and Textron recently delivered two Citation Latitudes there. It also sees a recovery in the once-promising Egyptian
market, which was disrupted by political turbulence. Brazil’s Embraer Executive Jets has seen a clear case of arrested development in the Middle East market, with what president and CEO Marco Tulio Pellegrini described as “more selling than buying.” In his view, continued uncertainty over income from oil has very definitely halted investments, and this, combined with an excess supply of preowned models, has stalled new orders. “What’s missing is confidence,” he told AIN. “It is difficult to say whether we have reached the bottom but I hope we will see change next year.” o
VISIT US AT
L A N D I N G O N C E R TA I N T I E S B O OT H N ° 3 2 8
ARGOS VPH IS THE LEADING FBO AND FLIGHT SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN ITALY
ROME CIAMPINO - MILAN LINATE - MILAN MALPENSA - TREVISO - VENICE - VERONA - PISA - NAPLES - SALERNO - CAGLIARI - CATANIA - PALERMO - LUGANO
Wherever landing, Argos VPH coordinates each single detail of the flight in the quickest and easiest way possible. F B O - F U E L - S U P E R V I S I O N - P E R M I T S - AV P H C AT E R I N G Argos
VIP
Private
Handling
-
Rome,
Italy
36 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
-
www.argosvph.com
-
ops@argosvph.com
Qatar Exec’s G650ER fleet expands by Peter Shaw-Smith Qatar Executive recently took delivery of a third G650ER, making it the world’s largest operator of the ultra-long-range business aircraft. According to recently appointed vice-president of sales and marketing Robert Baltus, “The G650ER is…one of the world’s most technologically advanced next-generation aircraft. For Qatar Executive and our customers it truly represents the future of private air travel, offering a superior flying experience with unrivaled design, comfort and class.” The G650s join a fleet of three Bombardier Challenger 605s, four Global 5000s, a Global XRS, and two Airbus A319s. “We have ordered three more G650s as part of the 30-aircraft sales agreement announced in May 2015.”
a slight slowdown in Middle East business and private aviation market growth. “More companies and corporations are capping business travel to business class, however, more
high-net-worth individuals are choosing private jets over commercial flying—not just in Europe or North America, but Asia and the Middle East,” he said. o
Qatar Executive is now the world’s leading operator of Gulstream’s flagship G650.
Swiss Excellence in Business Aviation
Range and Comfort
The G650ER has a range of 7,500 nm/13,890 km at Mach 0.85 and 6,400 nm/11,853 km at Mach 0.90. Due to the lower cabin pressure at normal cruising altitude, passengers say they feel “better rested,” he said. As part of the 30-aircraft order last year, the timeline for delivery of up to an additional 27 aircraft from Gulfstream is well under way. “We anticipate strong and steady growth in our private-jet business, and our aircraft delivery schedule will reflect that. We are looking forward to the certification of the G500 and G600,” Baltus said. “We are preparing a relaunch of our brand identity, including a new website, and innovative products that showcase our alignment with the Qatar Airways Group. We are very excited about the future,” he said. “Qatar Executive has a clear advantage over nearly every other private-jet operator, and that is our strong relationship with Qatar Airways. We have synergies with the mainline [carrier] that make us a more experienced, more well-rounded operator, and of course far more service-oriented.” Baltus added, “Due to growth at Hamad International Airport, we have amended our plans for the Private Terminal and created high quality interim solutions to ensure that Qatar Executive customers receive the service they expect. The final details of the updated Private Terminal are currently being discussed.” Like other operators in the region, Qatar Executive sees
The largest privately-owned facility in the world offering VIP, private and corporate aviation services. — Maintenance — Completion and Refurbishment — Charter / Aircraft Brokering — CAMO
ad_amac_flight_evening_news_MEBAA_199x264_1-2-3_02.indd 1
AMAC Aerospace Switzerland AG Telephone + 4 1 58 310 31 31 info@amacaerospace.com Henric Petri -Strasse 35 www.amacaerospace.com 4051 Basel, Switzerland
19.11.16 10:17
www.ainonline.com • December 6, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 37
Swiss banks provide Gulf bizjet financing by Peter Shaw-Smith A number of Swiss banks are financing business jets in the UAE, while others use wider private banking relationships to close financing from the canton, according to a lawyer active in the region. Oliver Tebbit, partner at Watson Farley & Williams in Dubai, told AIN, “You’ve got the classic Swiss banks, some of whom have local branches, who are interested in financing business jets in order to support
Oliver Tebbit, partner, Watson, Farley & Williams, Dubai
their private client relationships. As an adjunct of their wealth management activities, they will finance aircraft from Switzerland,” he said. Swiss banks based in Dubai include Julius Baer and UBS. “Credit Suisse are perhaps the most active in the GCC, with UBS also very active,” added Tebbit. Deutsche Bank (DB), Citi and Bank of America Merrill Lynch were also involved from outside the region, through their private banking arms. “Global Jet Capital are active in the region, having also recently acquired GE Capital’s business jet portfolio. Their model does not rely on a private banking context. Until recently, CIT were also offering ‘non-recourse’ financing to business jet owners in the region, but they have now withdrawn from the market.” With some of the UAE’s biggest businesses family-run, it is not uncommon for buyers to pay up front. “To be honest,” said Tebbit, “most owners in the Middle East pay cash, rather than taking bank finance. However, for some of them,
it’s better to use $40 million to invest in their business, building hotels or real estate, than have it tied up in an aircraft that is also a business tool. They are often flying around in it to help grow their business, so it makes sense for them to leverage against a business asset,” he said. From an economic perspective, there is little difference between a finance lease and loan mortgage, said Tebbit. From a credit risk perspective, it is better to have a lease, with the bank as owner. Islamic Ijarah leases help finance structures become Sharia’a-compliant. “There are banks out there which are keen to lend, often in the context of a wider private banking relationship. Some of these Swiss banks will say: ‘Yes, we’ll lend you the money, but as a condition of us doing so, we want you to put $20 million of assets under management,’” he said. “In some markets, they may even be willing to [work] without an existing collateral banking relationship. Requiring some wider relationship [with very wealthy clients], after the global financial crisis that started eight years ago, gives them more security and visibility on an individual’s financial standing.” He said banks have preferences and limits in relation to the assets they would finance and the loan-to-value relationships they will tolerate. Typically, it is not possible to finance a 10-year-old aircraft. Some banks want aircraft they finance to be less than five years old, even if a relationship is already in place. “Most banks will finance pre-owned as well as new. I don’t think there’s too much of a stigma, as long as the aircraft has been well maintained,” said Tebbit. “For those banks that have been active in the region for a long time, they know what to expect, and they know their clients well.” Some clients pay late and banks know they may have to push to get payments made on time. If they know their client well, they might not treat those late payments in the same way they do with other clients. “Obviously, as an ultimate sanction, banks can interrupt travel plans by arresting the
The unique business structure of the Middle East enables traditional lenders to more readily justify a loan for business jets such as the Gulfstream G650.
aircraft. They do have leverage to get paid if they want to use it. But that will [damage] any broader banking relationship with the client fairly quickly. They have that ultimate security, and that’s the point of us putting mortgages on the aircraft or having a lease in place,” he said. “It would be difficult for the bank to act against an owner with an aircraft in Riyadh, for example, but, at some point, he is going to fly elsewhere. If he’s in financial trouble, he may leave it on the ground, and stop paying maintenance and other fees. Hopefully, at some point, his and the bank’s interests align, and he wants to get rid of the aircraft and realize the equity he has in the asset to support whatever else he has going on.” Global 7000/8000 Dilemma
Tebbit refused to speculate on whether problems at Bombardier with the Global 7000 and 8000 programs had influenced Qatar Executive’s decision to order 30 Gulfstream aircraft. “The problems arise when you have a loyal Bombardier owner [who started] with a Global XRS, then put in an order for a 6000. He’s got the 6000, with three years of warranties on the aircraft, and the warranties start expiring around when he thought he was going to get a new Global 7000,” he said. “It makes his operational costs go up if the aircraft is no longer under warranty. When all Bombardier can offer is another 6000 to keep his aircraft within the warranty period, instead of the 7000 which was ordered a couple of years ago, that’s not necessarily an easy conversation.” While warning that there was still overcapacity in the regional
38 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
market, with the OEMs currently producing more longrange aircraft than it could easily absorb, Tebbit did point to a number of popular OEMs. “Gulfstream have got a fantastic new product that people like. If you are a frustrated Global 6000 owner, waiting for a 7000, then Gulfstream sales guys have an easier pitch to make. Obviously a lot of people [in the region] signed up for the 650 when it came out,” he said. “[Dassault] Falcon are going for bigger market share and their new products are [popular]. The Middle East market favors new products, and Dassault have been able to bring new aircraft to market relatively successfully. Also, their products are popular with pilots. Dassault have a very customer-focused marketing approach.” Tebbit said there used to be operators in the region who owned aircraft and were chartering them, and trying to earn a profit at it, but that that business model had obviously struggled. “Most operators, the bigger ones, are managing aircraft for other people and trying to charter them to offset operating costs. There are reasons beyond pure business reasons to be a pure owner-operator,” he said. “The operators at the moment have fairly stagnant fleet numbers. For them, growth is probably driven mainly by trying to persuade owners to switch from one operator to another. It’s not an ideal market.” He said credit analysts at financing institutions find it easy to see financing another Airbus for Emirates by studying the business plan, income stream and P&L. “If [they] then get asked to look at a $70 million Gulfstream, [they] might struggle to understand the
asset. There is no direct income stream, aside, perhaps, from some charter revenue. The asset generally doesn’t withstand a normal credit analysis,” he said. “Unless you factor in the wealth of the individual using the aircraft, and perhaps the personal guarantee which they have provided, then financing business jets doesn’t add up.” Tebbit doubts that Dubai can become a bizjet finance hub in the near future. “Realistically, business-jet finance is such a niche product that the global financial centers will always be the market leaders. There just isn’t the volume of finance required to support regional hubs,” he said. Since 2009, he added, there has been a general retrenchment in the corporate-jet finance market. “It’s sorted out the fairweather financiers from the core market players.” It’s significant to the jet finance segment that the line between business and family in the Middle East is much less distinct than in other regions, with most large businesses run as family concerns. “A lot of business travel is also leisure travel. An owner might fly to Paris, then to London; he’ll be taking calls all the time and having dinner with people he has business relationships with, as well as spending time visiting family. It’s not like the U.S., where I think business-related travel is likely to be more distinct from leisure travel,” he said. “I think that in this region, it’s more widely accepted that a sector of society will choose to benefit from the convenience, comfort and privacy of private air travel. To a degree, I think there is an expectation that these people will choose to travel in private aircraft.” o
ABSOLUTELY ICONIC
Come and visit us on stand 482 at MEBAA to hear about our latest developments
The Business Aviation Gateway to London Experience TAG Farnborough Airport. The ultimate business aviation airport. Be inspired by the iconic architecture. The most discreet and efficient airport experience anywhere.
www.tagfarnborough.com
by Kerry Lynch A year after Aviation Partners (API, Stand 660) announced plans to launch a joint venture with FlexSys to bring wingmorphing technology to market, the new company, Aviation Partners FlexSys (APF), has a 15-foot simulated wing section that shows a range of possibilities for the FlexFoil technology. Ann Arbor, Mich.-based FlexSys’s patented technology involves variable-geometry control surface mechanisms that use the natural flexibility of aerospace materials to continuously reshape. The technology provides seamless continuous surfaces that can morph from -9 degrees to 40 degrees. FlexFoil has validated the concepts in NASA tests on a Gulfstream III, but to truly showcase the wing-morphing technology, “We needed to create something that demonstrates to the world what we’re talking
about in its applications,” said API COO Hank Thompson. The demonstrator “wing” provides a glimpse into about a half-dozen potential applications or combinations of applications. These include active flaps, ailerons and leading edges, as well as a combination of leading edge and trailing edge that provides for various high-lift, deicing and/or active load-alleviation configurations. API International president Tom Gibbons said, “It is really cool to see this wing—without any lines or hinges—change its shape,”, adding that the ability to make an entire wing morph is the “holy grail” that would provide numerous possibilities. “I no longer need to have a segment that is just a flap or just an aileron. If the whole wing can optimize aerodynamic needs in different phases of flight, that simply is not something that has
40 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
DAVID McINTOSH
FlexFoil technology gives wings a new twist
been a tool at designers’ disposal until now,” said Gibbons. “We are excited about the potential of our active wing technology,” added APF CEO Joe Clark. “It will allow the aerodynamics of an aircraft to be continually changed during flight to achieve its maximum potential.” Thompson said APF engineers are just beginning to realize the technology’s potential. “I don’t know if we fully understand how far we can take it. Our demonstrator will show multiple [wing] applications, but it’s as readily applied to the empennage, the vertical and horizontal stabilizers; and it may even be applicable for boundary-layer fins that move. Who knows?” But, while noting that FlexFoil “is new, disruptive, leading edge technology…in the process of maturing,” Thompson said it is ready now to apply to cleansheet designs. Having said that, he noted the first application might be a retrofit. While not ready to detail the application or customer, APF has a non-disclosure agreement for a potential use as a trailing-edge device that
Without hinges or other junctions or connections, morphing wings can change shape to maximize aerodynamic potential.
morphs during the entire flight, which Thompson said creates “the best possible span mode distribution,” making the wing more efficient. The executives see applications and interest across the spectrum of commercial and business aircraft. Gibbons said APF can license the technology to an OEM and/or provide engineering support for its adaptation to new and existing designs. For API, this technology is just the first of a number of new branches the company is
contemplating. “We continue to field a lot of inventions and technologies or people with ideas,” he said. “We continue to look globally. Our business has been global and that brings us a lot of opportunity and more exposure to great ideas.” The goal is to find “something that fits well with what we do, which is turn engineering work and technology into a product, get it certified and market and sell it, ensuring along the way that it will be a good fit for the API brand,” Gibbons said. o
Amac balances completions with sales
SUBTLY CURVACEOUS Its winglet helps frame this image of a Dassault Falcon 2000LXS at MEBAA 2016. The 2000LXS recently obtained FAA/EASA approval for the company’s FalconEye, a head-up display system blending database-driven terrain mapping and on-board visual/IR camera imagery.
Air Elite adds Deer Jet to worldwide FBO network by Curt Epstein World Fuel Services has bolstered the reach of its sponsored Air Elite FBO Network (Stand 498) into China with the announcement that Deer Jet, the largest business aviation company in the Asia Pacific region, has joined the group. Deer Jet, which was the first business aviation company in China, is the only company to operate a chain of dedicated FBOs in the country. Air Elite, which subjects prospective members to audits of service standards, welcomed 12 new locations this year, and now encompasses 62 FBOs worldwide. “The addition of our new Air Elite FBO members in an emerging market like China truly reflects the diversity of this network and our desire to grow Air Elite as a global standard in FBO service,” said John Rau, World Fuel Services’ executive vice president for global aviation and marine. “Service excellence in our industry transcends borders and cultures. We are honored to welcome these FBOs.” Earlier this year, the two companies expanded their eight-year relationship with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, which paved the way for Deer Jet to begin
accepting World Fuel’s Avcard at all of its locations for payment of fuel, ground handling and maintenance. Starting with the construction of its first location in 2008, Deer Jet (Stand 563) now operates eight FBOs, these being at Bao’an International Airport in Shenzhen; Sanya Phoenix International Airport; Haikou Meilan International Airport in Hainan Province; in Guangxi at Nanning Wuxu International Airport; Guilin Liangjiang International Airport; Xi’an Xianyang International Airport; Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport; and at Changsha Huanghua lnternational Airport. The company is involved in virtually all aspects of business aviation in China, including a maintenance joint venture with Gulfstream. “Deer Jet operates Asia’s largest private jet fleet and is dedicated to enhancing its FBO ground handling services capabilities across China,” noted Li Zheng, the company’s executive vice president. “By joining Air Elite Diamond Service Network, we add a new milestone to the enhancement of our services, strengthening our competitiveness in China’s business aviation industry.” o
Though known primarily for its aircraft completions work, Basel-based Amac Aerospace (Stand A8) has recently been promoting its MRO capabilities, and is touting successes in both service categories here at MEBAA. In the MRO arena, Amac has announced contracts with new and existing customers for maintenance packages on an Airbus Corporate Jets ACJ318 and ACJ319, a Boeing Business Jets BBJ, and a Gulfstream G550. The BBJ, owned by a Middle Eastern customer, will undergo an A-check package in conjunction with minor cabin modification. The ACJ319 will also get an A-check, while a Middle East-based ACJ318 is already undergoing a heavy C-check along with an overhaul of its landing gear. The G550, just delivered to Amac, will receive a six-year check package. The contracts come on the heels of the three aircraft—an ACJ318, ACJ319 and BBJ— returning to service after heavy maintenance at the company’s headquarters facility in Basel. “Our goal is to secure the greatest convenience for our esteemed customers by providing our excellent maintenance services, highest quality standards, and by ensuring an ontime and within-budget delivery
of each maintenance project,” said Bernd Schramm, Amac’s Group COO. Schramm noted that that Amac aims to even out its completions and total refurbishment revenues with MRO services. “In previous years, it was more like a 60-40 or 65-35” split, with completions taking the lion’s share of work. But we see this year and next year, more of a 50-50 balance,” Schramm said. Amac views widebody maintenance as a growing opportunity, as MROs that provide maintenance for airlines’ widebodies don’t have the training or capability for removal and reinstallation of executive-configured airliner interiors. Expanding Sales
Meanwhile, Amac will deliver a green completion on a Boeing 777 to an undisclosed customer in Q1 of next year, and Schramm said Amac is “in final discussions” for refurbishments of three more widebody aircraft. Earlier this year Amac announced an expansion of its footprint in Turkey, where its Istanbul facility is a Falcon Authorized Service Center, and also plans to establish a base at Milas Bodrun Airport in southwest Turkey, where it has acquired a parcel from the Turkish Airport Authorities. Amac
will build a hangar on the property, slated for completion in 2017, that can accommodate a 777, or two narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. Bodrun is a popular summering spot for many business jet owners, and Amac’s plan calls for performing maintenance on business jets at the facility during the summer, and airline maintenance in the winter. Amac is also the exclusive distributor for the Pilatus PC-12 in Turkey and the Middle East, and during the past year has sold its first three of the turboprop singles in the region—two to a buyer in the UAE, and one in Turkey. The company expects the Pilatus PC-24 twinjet, currently in development, to be in demand in the region, but Schramm declined to discuss any orders Amac has for the aircraft. Amac (which stands for both Aircraft Modifications And Completions, and Aircraft Management And Charter) opened its first hangar in 2008. With the completion of its fourth hangar this year, its hangar space totals more than 28,280 square meters (300,000 square feet) and secure apron area exceeds 44,610 sq m (480,000 sq ft). Two of the hangars can house two widebody and one narrowbody airframe simultaneously. o
DAVID McINTOSH
DAVID McINTOSH
by James Wynbrandt
This Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop is being maneuvered to its static display parking spot at MEBAA 2016 with a Mototok wireless aircraft tug. Amac Aerospace is the Middle East distributor for the PC-12 and other popular business aircraft types.
www.ainonline.com • December 6, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 41
GCAA approves JetAv’s G550/650 maintenance by Matt Thurber
One of the two Boeing Business Jet interiors Lufthansa Technik recently completed for Dubai-based Royal Jet is on display at MEBAA.
LHT showcasing Royal Jet BBJ interior by James Wynbrandt Completion specialist Lufthansa Technik (LHT) is showcasing here at MEBAA the second of two Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) recently redelivered to Abu Dhabi-based charter operator Royal Jet. Designed by New York-based Edése Doret studio, the interior features a minimalist aesthetic style combining geometric shapes and organic structures, making extensive use of carbon fiber. Both aircraft have the same layout but different color palettes. The 34-passenger interiors include a bedroom, two full bathrooms, and two VIP lounge areas. The cabins also feature carpeting from Tai Ping, leathers from Townsend, Ultraleather from Tapis and quartz and carbon fiber flooring from F/List. A highlight of the design is the “starry sky,” comprised of some 15,000 points of fiber optic light running across the ceiling throughout the cabin, which can display a variety of different light scenarios including “moonlight” elements. The molded panel design merges with the sidewalls. Royal Jet signed Edése Doret for the design based on its proposal, and the two companies selected LHT to conduct the projects following a vetting of some 10 completion centers. The work was performed at LHT’s Hamburg
headquarters facility by its VIP & Special Mission Aircraft Services division. LHT (Stand 500) also builds all the interior and lining parts in house. Like the first of the pair, delivered in October, the BBJ completion required just nine months, and the two projects involved some 280 technicians. The extensive interior use of carbon fiber was one of the project’s “biggest achievements,” said Edése Doret. “You could use carbon fiber on other categories of aircraft, but it wasn’t possible to use carbon fiber for a Part 21 [airliner-sized] charter aircraft until [seat manufacturer] PAC Seating and JCB Aero [the composites division of Amac Aerospace] came up with a solution for the smoke, toxicity and heat-release certification.” This makes Royal Jet “the first commercial charter operator to install carbon fiber interiors,” said Royal Jet president and CEO Rob DiCastri. Florida-based PAC Seating has handled aspects of engineering, certification, production and integration. The aircraft features three categories of seating: lie-flat sleeper seat pods; three-across premium economy seats; and doubleclub seats. The lie-flat seats were designed and certified to attach directly to the BBJ floor track.
The arms and back shells of the of the seats feature black carbon fiber, creating a look that is comparable to some high-end automobiles. The arms feature leather arm pads. Both aircraft are the world’s first BBJs outfitted with Ka-band antenna systems in their initial completion, which support a fully digital mobile phone network (GSM) and high-speed connectivity, and incorporate LHT’s integrated “niceview mobile” flight information system. Both aircraft “will be primarily used as part of our VIP charter offering,” DiCastri said. Given their use for charter, an easy-to-maintain cabin and technology systems were an essential design requirement, exemplified by the ability to replace the entertainment and communication system in just a few minutes. Royal Jet, the world’s largest BBJ operator, is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and the Presidential Flight Authority, the county’s royal flight service, and the company is chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamden Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. The company operates from its own VIP terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. “Our long-term customers have been anticipating the arrival of these aircraft since we ordered them, so we expect that they will be very busy from the outset,” said DiCastri. “We’ve been teasing them with photos and progress updates, and as a result we’re already taking bookings.” o
42 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approved Jet Aviation’s Dubai maintenance center to provide maintenance on the Gulfstream G550 and G650, making the facility the only Middle East maintenance center capable of fully supporting Gulfstream’s complete lineup of large-cabin jets, according to Jet Aviation. Located at Dubai International Airport, the company’s Dubai maintenance center is factory authorized by Gulfstream as a service center for the G450, G550 and G650. “Our goal is to maintain the highest business aviation standards,” said Hardy Butschi, v-p and general manager of Jet Aviation Dubai, “which these approvals demonstrate. And we also strive to differentiate our service by anticipating our customers’ needs.” He added that Jet Aviation clients in the region recently took delivery of G550 and G650 models, and the company sought the approvals in order to be able to serve these customers. Jet Aviation (Stand 628, Chalet A19/20) also announced the addition of a Bombardier Global 6000 to its managed fleet in the Middle East, which now totals 20 aircraft. The Global 6000 is based in the UAE and joins an Airbus, four other Bombardiers, a BBJ, two Citations, three Falcons and eight Gulfstreams. The IS-BAH 11
In the EMEA and Asia regions, Jet Aviation’s entire network of 11
FBOs has received International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) registration. The standard “establishes criteria to ensure handling systems, processes and practices meet rigorous safety and security standards,” according to Jet Aviation. IS-BAH was developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and the National Air Transportation Association. Independent auditing company AeroEx completed the audits of the 11 FBOs. “By ensuring registered ground handling organizations are conducting their operations under a set of standardized business practices,” said IBAC IS-BAH program director, Terry Yeomans. “IS-BAH registration helps raise the industry’s safety standards while offering assurance to aircraft owners and operators that they are in good hands.” “Continuous improvement is a priority at Jet Aviation,” said Daniel Brechbühl, Jet Aviation safety and quality manager for EMEA and Asia region FBOs, “and our FBO facilities have been working closely together to standardize our handling processes since the IS-BAH program was introduced two years ago.” Jet Aviation also announced that its Dubai International Airport FBO won the 2016 FBO of the Year Award at the Tenth Annual Middle East Aviation Business Awards ceremony organized by ITP Business. The FBO opened in May 2005 and has handled more than 25,000 aircraft. o
The Jet Aviation FBO ramp at the Dubai International Airport has seen more than 25,000 business aircraft since the award-winning facility first opened in 2005.
BOB PITTMAN CEO, iHeartMedia
“Business avia on op mizes iHeartMedia employees’ ability to meet in person.”
PAID FOR BY THE NATIONAL BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATION
Comlux boosts A321’s range 500 nm with new auxiliary fuel tank option by Charles Alcock Comlux will announce at the MEBAA show today that it is to offer a forward auxiliary fuel tank system for the Airbus A321, while Comlux America, the company’s completions and service center in Indianapolis, is announcing a new partnership with a quartet of leading designers to offer a range of aircraft interior concepts. The fuel tank modification promises to boost range for a typical VIP operator
carrying up to 25 passengers by 500 nm, while a more typical commercial configuration with up to 300 passengers would gain an additional 300 nm. Comlux engineers worked with Airbus to design a forward tank to compliment the A321’s existing additional center tank options (ACTs), which are already installed on around 40 percent of inservice aircraft. The new system is expected to be ready for
initial installations starting in the third quarter of 2017. “For operators this guarantees U.S. coast-to-coast range and also the ability to cross the Atlantic,” said Comlux chairman and CEO Richard Gaona. “We will be the only company in the world with this option and it is an important diversification for our business.” Comlux America has handled all the engineering work to support the supplemental type
One of the latest additions by Comlux to its charter fleet is this Boeing 767BBJ P4-CLA, based in Bahrain. An airframe first manufactured in 2001, the Comlux 767BBJ seats up to 63 passengers. It’s on the static display ramp at MEBAA 2016.
TAG Farnborough FBO earns environment award by Samantha Cartaino TAG Farnborough Airport recently achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2019. The London-area business aviation gateway received the silver Green Apple Award at the British parliament as part of the Green Apple Environment Awards, which recognize positive environmental practice. Encouraging efforts to reduce the overall environmental impact of businesses, the award specifically recognizes the efforts of TAG’s employees to adopt lowto zero-carbon travel to and from the workplace. This has included increased use of cycling, public transportation and sharing cars. “Recognition by The Green Organization for our sustainable
staff travel plan is important, because it highlights TAG Farnborough Airport’s holistic attitude to reducing its impact on the environment,” said TAG Farnborough Airport environment manager Miles Thomas. “We are committed to
certificate for the new fuel tank. The Indianapolis facility will conduct the first installation in the third quarter of 2017. Beyond that, the company expects to appoint facilities in the U.S. and Europe to handle installation work for customers. “We have been evaluating for a while now this improvement, initially for VIP customers, and we decided to do it with an industrial approach which will best serve the VIP and airline markets,” explained Arnaud Martin, Comlux operations executive vice president. “Developing this kind of industrial improvement is part of our core business and Comlux America is tailored to engineer and perform the installation of these additional ACTs.” Designed For Success
Comlux America is set to team with leading aircraft interior designers Alberto Pinto Design, DesignQ, Unique Aircraft and Winch Design. The company’s goal is to develop floorplan and interior options for the Airbus ACJneo and Boeing BBJ Max 8 next-generation narrowbody aircraft. Gaona rejects what he calls a trend in the completions industry to ask aircraft buyers to confine themselves to a relatively small selection of standardized cabin designs. “I still believe that when people buy an aircraft they want their own design,” he told AIN. “What we are doing is a different a sustainable approach for management and development of the airport and through our work in reducing our carbon footprint.” TAG Farnborough Airport (Stand 482) has taken on other energy efficiency initiatives such as an investment in site-based solar energy, low energy lighting internally and externally for the airfield and specialized hangar heating systems. The airport’s FBO continues to offer passenger and crew services as well as aircraft handling, refueling, cleaning and oxygen replenishment.
Traffic volumes for 2016 look set to show a modest increase over 2015. According to TAG Farnborough chief executive Brandon O’Reilly, the airport has seen stronger growth rates among visitors from the U.S. this year, and also for heavy jets in general. Based on statistics provided by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Farnborough accounts for 33 to 35 percent of all business aircraft movements into the London area, which is significant, given that there are many other options.
TAG Farnborough Airport is a 2016 winner of the Green Organization’s Silver Award, recognizing “commitment to reducing environmental impact and continuous improvement through best practice” for its staff’s use of sustainable transport.
44 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
approach to those who are offering complete standardization. We must not forget that in the VIP world, the customer is king. If you keep them happy, they come back to you in three or four years [for more aircraft].” Comlux (Stand A18) is preparing to handle completions for the first green ACJ Neos and BBJ Maxes starting in 2019. “We’re announcing the partnership in Dubai, because people from this part of the world are buying some of the most beautiful jets in the world,” said Gaona. In early 2017, Comlux intends to release concept books to show prospective customers an array of cabin interior renderings developed by the four design groups. “Comlux recognizes that every client has different tastes and styles; therefore by partnering with these four design companies and working together in this unique way, both Comlux and the designers can progress opportunities and prospects worldwide while fostering innovation for all [of our] clientele,” commented Comlux America CEO Scott Meyer. In a generally slow market, Comlux America has been picking up new work from Chinese customers, with recent orders to refurbish a BBJ and a Bombardier Global 6000. The recently expanded facility also provides full maintenance, repair and overhaul services and lately has been working on an A330 and an ACJ. o O’Reilly said that continuous investment in TAG Farnborough has seen it steadily improve its already well-reviewed facilities, including a new lounge. “The new facilities have really taken off,” he said. “The number of people using the new lounge dovetails to those larger aircraft.” While the airport is handling more music groups, sports teams and other specialist groups traveling by private aircraft, it has also been able to continue a highquality, discreet level of service for other customers. “We’re operating at around 25,000 to 25,500 movements a year, and we can go up to 50,000,” said O’Reilly. This is the movement cap set by the local government, and Farnborough is not allowed to have scheduled services. o
Join European business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, corporate aviation department personnel and all those involved in business aviation for the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2017). Save the date and visit the EBACE website to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE www.ebace.aero/ain
Bizav facing challenges uContinued from page 1
nations to cut supply rates from January in a bid to end the slump in prices that has stunted economic growth. However, experts indicated that crude oil prices will need to get well above their current level of just over $50 per barrel to have a lasting impact on economies in the Gulf states. Homaid Al Shimmari, CEO of Mubadala’s Aerospace and Engineering Services division, said the Middle East needs more concerted lobbying and advocacy, as fragmented industry representations to government and regulators are not sufficient
to effect change. “Currently, the business aviation industry faces a lot of challenges. It needs to understand how to compete and grow. If you are not agile, flexible and smart enough to predict some of the headwinds, you are not going to be able to sustain your presence in this industry,” he told the MEBAA Conference in its keynote address. Flight costs, training, logistics and catering are all challenges the industry faces from customers. “Pressure from customers is [having] a significant impact on this industry. They want to go farther, they want better services, and they want to pay less. They want more for less. There are many opportunities for us to achieve significant
improvements for our customers,” Al Shimmari said. In his view, enhanced firstand business-class services on Gulf airlines Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways represents a threat to business aviation operators. All three are constantly improving premium-segment travel, despite a commercial war with U.S. and European airlines, and enhancing service provisions on board. For instance, Etihad’s “The Residence”, a private cabin for first-class passengers on the airline, is “definitely an impactful technical development on our industry,” he said. “We have to be very careful to defend our business and keep challenges away.” Industry fragmentation is a
concern. “There is [too much] product. For the customer, that is not a bad situation. For the industry and investors, that is a challenge. If this industry produces 10 platforms per year over 10 years, that is an unsustainable model. There has to be consolidation in this industry at all levels,” Al Shimmari said. “I believe that competition is good, but only to a certain extent. Given the growing pains of the market, if you cross the line, it becomes destructive. We are not seeing all of you pushing a single item on government, regulators, and suppliers. With fragmented voices, you are not going to get any success,” he said. “From an investment point of view, if there is a 1 million passenger market for small and medium-size aircraft in this region and I get an 8-to-9 percent internal rate of return, I would definitely invest. As an industry, you are not helping us to look at those investment opportunities.”
PHOTOS: DAVID McINTOSH
Oil Price Boost
Three of Bombardier’s jets at MEBAA 2016 are shown lined up on the static display ramp. From front to back, a Learjet 75, a Challenger 650 and a Global 5000.
FOUR BOMBARDIER JETS ON MEBAA STATIC DISPLAY Bombardier Business Aircraft (Chalet A6) brought four jets to this year’s MEBAA show static display, a Learjet 75, Challenger 650 and two Global models, a 5000 and 6000. Global 5000 and 6000: Until the new Global 7000 enters service in the second half of 2018, the company’s largest business jets are the Global 5000 and 6000. The Global 5000 offers range of 5,200 nautical miles (9,630 kilometers), enough for a nonstop flight from Dubai to Tokyo, while the 6000 can fly 6,000 nm (11,112 km), allowing a nonstop from Dubai to Perth, Australia. These figures are for a flight at Mach .85 carrying eight passengers and three crew. Apart from range capability, the main difference between the two jets is the length of their fuselages. The Global 5000’s interior cabin length measures 12.41 meters (40.75 feet), while the Global 6000’s cabin length is 13.18 meters (43.25 feet). Late last year, Bombardier began delivering Global jets equipped with the Bombardier Wave (Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere) highspeed Ka-band satcom. Wave incorporates Inmarsat JetConnex broadband along with Honeywell JetWave satcom hardware and provides speeds of up to 15 Mbps. The Wave system also works in concert with the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system that is installed on Global 5000s and 6000s.
Challenger 650: The latest version of the longin-production Challenger series, the 650 model, continues Bombardier’s tradition of delivering jets with the largest cabins in their class. With a cabin length of 7.8 meters (25.6 feet) and a width at the centerline of 2.41 meters (7.9 feet), the Challenger 650 can fly six passengers and two crew 4,000 nm (7,408 km), which enables the popular Dubai-to-London route. The Challenger 650’s Vision cockpit features Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics with synthetic vision, MultiScan weather radar and head-up display with enhanced vision allowing landings in the most challenging weather conditions. Learjet 75: Although the Learjet 75 is the smallest in Bombardier’s business jet lineup, the light jet features a flat-floor cabin with an eight-seat double-club configuration, the only business jet in its class with that interior configuration, according to Bombardier. With a Garmin G5000-based Vision flight deck, the Learjet 75 is up to date with the latest technology, including a new cabin management system, individual touchscreen monitors, full passenger audio and video control and LED lighting. Performance capabilities include range of more than 2,000 nm (3,704 km)—Dubai to Istanbul— with four passengers and two crew, maximum altitude of 51,000 feet and cruise speed of Mach .81. —M.T.
46 MEBAA Convention News • December 6, 2016 • www.ainonline.com
The prospect of a meaningful and sustained recover in oil prices could provide a welcome boost for a Middle East business aviation community that has been in the doldrums since it last assembled here in Dubai for the 2014 MEBAA show. In reality, it will have to wait until at least the end of the first quarter of 2017 to determine whether last Wednesday’s decision by OPEC to cut production for an initial six-month period from the start of January will get the price for barrels of crude up to and beyond its $60 target. Last week’s trading saw prices climb 14 percent, to just over $53, and London’s Monday morning trading, further
Ali Alnaqbi, MEBAA’s founding chairman, has accumulated more than 26 years of aviation-industry experience.
improved to just above $55. While rising fuel prices are not generally welcomed by aircraft operators, in this part of the world they are viewed as driving prosperity that may bring new aircraft sales or more charter bookings. According to research conducted by aircraft broker Jetcraft, oil prices of at least $80 per barrel would result in “a material increase in business aircraft orders” from emerging markets like the Middle East. However, for the purposes of its most recently published survey of market conditions, the company only reckoned on an average price below $50 for the next 10 years. It is worth keeping sight of the fact that OPEC’s planned cut in supply is predicated on a complex and hard-to-police agreement on production rates. The brunt of the short-term sacrifice will be taken by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar and it remains to be seen whether their trust in the commitment of other OPEC producers proves to be well founded. Equally, non-OPEC states could easily undermine the market correction measure by refusing to follow the group’s example. o
CARUSO & FREELAND PROMOTES PILOT SUNGLASSES Pilots, in particular, need to be concerned about the health of their eyes, and sunglasses maker Caruso & Freeland wants to help them to get the protection they need. Here at MEBAA 2016, the Swiss company (Stand 915) is offering to test visitors’ sunglasses for free to evaluate how much protection they provide. The Caruso & Freeland family of lightweight UV, blue light and infrared sunglasses for adults and children can increase 3D vision, reduce light stress and improve wide-angle view, claimed the company. They can also fit to a headset and helmet, which is ideal for pilots. The company calls its sunglasses technology “Total Eye Protection.” This is because the sunglasses protect both the front (cornea and crystal lens) and rear (macular and retina) of the eyes from UV and infrared rays, as well as from blue light, which reaches the deepest parts of the eye. The sunglasses also feature filters for UV wavelengths of 400 nm, 450 nm and 460 nm. Founded in 1996, Caruso & Freeland also makes other sun-protection products such as hats, shirts and shorts. According to a study conducted by the company, 15 percent of UVB rays and 42 percent of UVA rays penetrated a basic cotton shirt while zero percent of UVB rays and 3 percent of UVA rays penetrated its custom-made shirt. —S.C.
MEET US AT THE MEBAA SHOW
STAND 588
12- 16 N OVEMBER 2017 DWC, D UB A I A I R S H O W S IT E WW W.D UB A I AI R S H OW. AE R O
THE DESTINATION FOR AEROSPACE
SO QUIET INSIDE YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR YOURSELF THINK.
The 6,450 nm Falcon 8X has the quietest cabin of any business jet. That means more comfort and greater productivity on long, demanding journeys. Add to that uninterrupted connectivity and access to virtually any two points on the globe, and you have a business jet that exceeds expectations. Fly far. Fly in comfort. Achieve more.
WWW.DASSAULTFALCON.COM I FRANCE: +33 1 47 11 88 68 I USA: +1 201 541 4600