MEBAA Convention News 12-08-16 by Aviation International News

MEBAA

PUBLICATIONS

12.8.16 • DUBAI

Convention News

www.ainonline.com

THURSDAY

DAVID McINTOSH

AINONLINE.COM

Gulf fleet is ripe for upgrade

MIDDLE EAST BIZAV IS PUTTING ITS BEST FOOT FORWARD

by James Wynbrandt About 10 percent of the Middle East’s corporate aircraft fleet of midsize, large cabin and executive airliners, worth almost $1 billion, is currently for sale, according to new research released here at MEBAA by financing firm Global Jet Capital (GJC). Based on an analysis Used Aircraft

of JetNet data, about 732 jets in total are registered in the region and around 73 are on the block, the research finds: Some 26 in the UAE, 23 in Saudi Arabia, 14 in Turkey, the remainder scattered around the region, with their value totaling an estimated $939 million. Many

owners of the for-sale aircraft “are looking to upgrade to a more modern aircraft,” said Simon Davies, GJC sales director for the Middle East. The research hints that a growing number of regional owners may be ripe for an

Continued on page 4 u

According to MEBAA founding chairman Ali Alnaqbi, “There remains a strong appetite for business aviation in the Middle East and North Africa. The regional business aviation sector clearly faces a strong future." While there are skeptics, industry optimists remain confident in Alnaqbi's promise of strong years to come. The 2016 MEBAA show featured 45 aircraft on static display and 460 exhibitors. Asia was represented for the first time, and 27 percent came from the U.S. With an eye toward “right-sizing” the region’s fleet, Honda brought its light jet for its debut. Service providers also rallied to the cause. When the next MEBAA show meets n (December 10-12, 2018) the future’s vision will likely be clearer.

Completions

Charter

In-Flight Entertainment

Avionics

Boeing Simplifies Used BBJ Sales

‘Zen’ And The Art Of Interiors

GI Aviation’s PC-12s Ok’d In UAE

Panasonic Enters Bizav IFE Market

Dassault’s ‘FalconEye’ A Popular Option

The airframer announced new support designed to simplify training, documentation and technical support when buying or selling a used BBJ. Page 8

China-based Haeco’s new cabin concepts blend the four seasons with Asian themes and modern, minimalist style into one-of-akind, personalized interior. Page 12

The GCAA granted the company its aircraft operator’s certificate, enabling its charter service to offer customers the single-engine turboprops. Page 16

Long a player aboard commercial aircraft, the company is expanding into communications and entertainment products and services for business aviation. Page 19

The combined vision system, available on the Falcon 2000S/LXS and soon on the 8X, blends data-driven imagery with sensors to simplify instrument approaches. Page 22

U.S. brings significant presence to MEBAA

MEBAA

Convention News JAMES HOLAHAN (1921-2015), FOUNDING EDITOR

by Ian Sheppard

WILSON S. LEACH, MANAGING DIRECTOR

The U.S. pavilion organizer added that exhibitors represented “a cross-section of innovative equipment, products and services for owners and operators, including: maintenance tools and accessories, air ambulance, flight-safety training, aircraft lighting, catering, ground support equipment and financing.”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Charles Alcock EDITOR - INTERNATIONAL SHOW EDITIONS – Ian Sheppard PRESS ROOM MANAGING EDITOR – Mark Phelps THE EDITORIAL TEAM Jeb Burnside Samantha Cartaino David Donald Guillaume Lecompte-Boinet

PRODUCTION EDITOR – Lysbeth McAleer THE PRODUCTION TEAM Mona L. Brown John A. Manfredo Grzegorz Rzekos Alena Korenkov PHOTOGRAPHER David McIntosh

‘Ask America’

To drive more trade attendees to visit the U.S. pavilion exhibitors, Kallman is promoting its “Ask America” on-site advocacy campaign, promoted prominently around the pavilion, integrated into official events and media during the show, and highlighted in social media (you can follow on Twitter using @kallmanEWC). “The interest we have seen from exhibitors for this year’s show is incredible,” said Ali Alnaqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association. “There really is an incredible appetite for business aviation in the Middle East. This has come to the attention of companies outside the region too. We are

ONLINE EDITOR – Chad Trautvetter LEAD WEB DEVELOPER – Mike Giaimo WEB DEVELOPER – Evan Williams VIDEO PRODUCER – Ian Whelan

The U.S. pavilion features a wide array of small and medium-sized exhibitors looking for new markets.

pleased to welcome so many exhibitors from the USA and further afield. They know that the MEBAA Show is the ideal place for the industry to meet and do business with professionals from the region and beyond.” Kallman noted that the U.S. pavilion “gives companies exposure to the burgeoning Middle East market and to take advantage of the networking

Nexus Asia opens new flight operations center in Manila by Charles Alcock Flight operations support group Nexus this week officially launched its new Asian subsidiary and the opening of its flight operations center (FOC) in the Philippines capital Manila. Nexus (Chalet P5) has spent 12 months laying the foundations for the new company, which is called Nexus Asia Flight Services Corporation. The new FOC is already managing dozens of daily operations for Nexus’s clients and in 2017 will start supporting operators in Hong Kong and China through a joint venture with an undisclosed Chinese partner. The company says it chose Manila for its Asian base due to its central location in the region and the availability of what it called a “cost effective and motivated” workforce, currently numbering 33 people. “The completion and launch of our Asia FOC in Manila is a key step in our Asia strategy and forms the foundation of our growth throughout the region,”

Kerry Lynch Peter Shaw-Smith Matt Thurber James Wynbrandt

GROUP PRODUCTION MANAGER – Tom Hurley

commented Nexus founder and chairman Abdullah Al-Sayed. “Whenever we expand into a new region, we start with our core competency in flight operations and replicate the original FOC that launched Nexus in 2010. In addition to state of the art technology, we have built a world class team of highly trained, experienced aviation professionals.” According to Nexus Asia CEO Cyril Salanga, the Manila FOC will manage operations from as far west as India and the Middle East, as well as Australia, China, Japan and Korea. “I am very pleased with the team that has been assembled in Manila and the operation is running like a Swiss watch,” he said. China Academy

Separately, Nexus said it is making progress in the development of its new Nexus Aviation Academy in China. The Saudi Arabia-based company is now establishing several joint ventures to be

2 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

DAVID McINTOSH

According to Kallman Worldwide, which organized the U.S. International Pavilion here at MEBAA, “an incredible 27 percent of the exhibitors here are expected from the USA” —a count by AIN identified around 60 U.S. companies on the show exhibitor list, from 121 Inflight Catering to Wyvern, and including OEMs such as Boeing, General Dynamics (Gulfstream) and Textron. Visitors can easily find the U.S. pavilion thanks to two giant American flags hanging overhead. “When American companies commit to exhibit at MEBAA, we’re saying we believe in the power of this event to attract real business prospects and customers,” said Kallman Worldwide president and CEO, Tom Kallman. Exhibitors in the pavilion itself are primarily smalland medium-size enterprises (SMEs), and represent some 16 U.S. states. They are “looking to initiate or strengthen international partnerships that will generate new business and create more jobs back home,” said Kallman.

FOUNDED IN 1972

and business opportunities available, where they otherwise may not be able to.” He added that, “Key players know the business aviation industry in the Middle East is booming [centered on Dubai].” UAE exhibitors, meanwhile, represent around 20 percent of exhibitors. A guide to U.S. International Pavilion Exhibitors is available at kallman.com/mebaa2016. o

ready to start offering a variety of aviation training programs from 2017. Initially, the academy will have courses covering aircraft dispatch, drone operations, ground handling and English language proficiency. Once it has approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Nexus intends to introduce training for pilots and mechanics, too. Nexus has been working with several prospective joint venture partners in locations such as Xinjiang to Guangdong. The company intends to employ instructors and course curricula from both the U.S. and Europe through its operations auditing subsidiary Wyvern Consulting. “The demand for professional aviation training in China is nearly unlimited,” Al-Sayed said. “In fact, Bloomberg recently projected that Chinese airlines will need to hire almost 100 pilots a week for the next 20 years to meet the growing demand. And pilots are just the beginning. They will also need dispatchers, schedulers, ground handlers, cabin crew, ticket and gate agents, maintenance technicians and countless other roles. Nexus wants to help China meet this demand by building and staffing local training academies teaching CAAC-approved, professional aviation courses.” o

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MKTE touts one-stop support to Middle East by Matt Thurber

DAVID McINTOSH

Mustafa Altork, MKTE’s CEO, brought his company to MEBAA 2016 in search of new markets for its wide range of military and business aviation support, and aircraft trading services.

Altork, an aircraft engineer trained in the UK, founded MKTE in 2008 in Jordan, pulling together a consortium of partners that together help keep aircraft in the air earning money instead of tied up on the ground during maintenance events. “That’s the main joy, when you see the airplanes in the sky,” he said. “The less they are on the

ground, the more money they can make. We’re your trusted partner; we deal with the dirty work, you just fly.” MKTE’s services range from supplying engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) to rotables (life-limited parts and LRUs). It also can do repair management; aircraft leasing; maintenance service management; parts supply; ground service; and airport support. Among MKTE’s consortium partners are helicopter services provider Heli-One, engine manufacturer and MRO company Industria de Turbo Propulsores, Seattle Aero, a parts and services provider, and TAG Aero, which offers APU and airframe MRO services. MKTE is also launching a new company, Elite Wing, on January 1st. The new company will be the largest chemical supplier in the Middle East, according to Altork, offering all of the products needed by aircraft operators, from greases and oils to cleaning fluids and more. MKTE is approved to trade with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) products. “We take full responsibility [for ITAR compliance],” he said. Some of MKTE’s longstanding customers include royal flight operations in the Middle East, which require 24/7 support. “There are several royal flights that we are in charge of,” Altork said. “They need a company that can handle their requirements on the spot.” o

Abu Dhabi Aviation chairman H.E. Nadir Al Hammadi (left) and Nick Leontidis, CAE group president, civil aviation training solutions, celebrate their two companies’ new agreement.

DAVID McINTOSH

First-time MEBAA show exhibitor MKTE (Stand 207) is here promoting its array of global trading and aircraft support services to Middle East business aviation operators. MKTE is highlighting how its one-stop-shop capabilities can benefit new customers in addition to its existing base of military and government operators. Its largest line of business is military, “but we want to expand in business aviation,” said MKTE CEO Mustafa Altork. “This is a good industry to be in.”

Abu Dhabi, CAE expand training pact by Charles Alcock CAE is expanding its flight training agreement with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) to support growth in the region. The expansion encompasses the commercial, business and helicopter aviation training collaboration between the two companies and also includes the sale of two full flight simulators and CAE instructorled training. CAE in October had announced the simulator sale, but had not yet disclosed the customer. Under the collaboration CAE and ADA will provide the training to operators in the region at ADA’s new facility in Abu Dhabi. The eight-bay center is expected to begin training in the first quarter of 2017. The CAE 7000XR-series simulators, equipped with CAE Tropos 6000XR visual systems, will be ready for commercial pilot training in 2018. These will complement existing CAE simulators for the Leonardo AW139 and Bell 412 helicopters.

“CAE has been training our pilots and providing state-ofthe-art training equipment for more than a decade and we are looking forward to this extended collaboration, for the support of our own and our customers’ growing training needs long into the future,” said ADA chairman H.E. Nadir Al Hammadi. NextGen Training

CAE is working on new training technology and processes that will provide objective performance assessments for pilots and their instructors. This should be available from the end of the first quarter of 2017. “We are now beta testing an objective way to assess and grade performance and to allow instructors to accept or reject the performance of critical tasks,” explained Nick Leontidis, CAE’s group president of civil aviation training solutions. “The system identifies strengths and weaknesses, and also can measure

performance against that of other operators. There is a lot going on in a typical training session, so this allows for something other than the instructor’s eyes to catch something.” CAE (Stand 505) also has launched a new CAE Terminal customer portal that allows operators to manage their own training records and documentation. They can also reserve training sessions at any of the Canada-based company’s facilities and can take advantage of discounted rates for late availability. Here in Dubai, EmiratesCAE Flight Training has two training facilities: one adjacent to the Emirates Aviation College and a newer center for airlines in Silicon Oasis. In November, TAG Aviation selected CAE as its training partner for multiple programs for its global fleet of heavy, midsize and light jets. This will include training for Gulfstream’s G650 aircraft to be provided in Dubai. o

MEBAA HONORS FOUNDERS AS GROUP TURNS TEN The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) is marking its 10th anniversary this year. At a party held at The Palace Downtown hotel in Dubai on Tuesday night, founding chairman Ali Alnaqbi (pictured center with thumbs up) took the opportunity to recognize the 15 founding member companies for their role in getting the influential industry group established. The following companies were represented: Airbus Corporate Jets, Bexair, Boeing Business Jets, Dassault Falcon, Emirates CAE, ExecuJet Aviation, F&E Aerospace, Falcon Aviation Services, Gulfstream, Jetex, Jet Aviation, Lufthansa Technik, NasJet, Royal Jet and Wallan Aviation. —C.A.

www.ainonline.com • December 8, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 3

MEBAA

PUBLICATIONS

12.8.16 • DUBAI

Convention News

www.ainonline.com

THURSDAY

DAVID McINTOSH

AINONLINE.COM

Gulf fleet is ripe for upgrade

MIDDLE EAST BIZAV IS PUTTING ITS BEST FOOT FORWARD

Continued on page 4 u

Completions

Charter

In-Flight Entertainment

Avionics

Boeing Simplifies Used BBJ Sales

‘Zen’ And The Art Of Interiors

GI Aviation’s PC-12s Ok’d In UAE

Panasonic Enters Bizav IFE Market

Dassault’s ‘FalconEye’ A Popular Option

The airframer announced new support designed to simplify training, documentation and technical support when buying or selling a used BBJ. Page 8

China-based Haeco’s new cabin concepts blend the four seasons with Asian themes and modern, minimalist style into one-of-akind, personalized interior. Page 12

The GCAA granted the company its aircraft operator’s certificate, enabling its charter service to offer customers the single-engine turboprops. Page 16

Long a player aboard commercial aircraft, the company is expanding into communications and entertainment products and services for business aviation. Page 19

The combined vision system, available on the Falcon 2000S/LXS and soon on the 8X, blends data-driven imagery with sensors to simplify instrument approaches. Page 22

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ALLAN STANTON | +971 50 653 5258 | allan.stanton@gulfstream.com | GULFSTREAMG650.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.

DJIBOUTI’S IVORY GROWS FLEET WITH THIRD FALCON DUE Djibouti’s first private aviation company, Ivory Jet Services (Stand 738), is set to add a Dassault Falcon 900 to its fleet early in 2017. The group already owns and operates a Falcon 50 and a Falcon 7X, with emergency medical evacuation flights and government transportation forming a significant part of its business. It works with teams of doctors and nurses from three different hospitals. According to customer relations manager Arafo Abdourazack Barkad and operations director Tonnerre Madiadia Ghislain (pictured above, right and left, respectively), Ivory Jet Services has its own air operators certificate and is able to take charter bookings for flights across Africa. —C.A.

JSSI targets Middle East MRO opportunities by Matt Thurber As part of its ongoing education process, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI, Stand 435) is here at MEBAA 2016 to highlight the benefits of its tip-to-tail hourly cost maintenance programs and how these can help drive down aircraft operating costs. Most of JSSI’s customers in the Middle East are operators of large-cabin aircraft, and they understand that maintaining the value of their assets is enhanced when their aircraft are covered under a JSSI program, according to Kevin Thomas, senior v-p of business development and strategic planning. “When they sell the aircraft,” he said, “being on a program is better [for the value of the aircraft].” JSSI has more than 2,000 customers enrolled in its programs, and Thomas expects the company to sign on another 80 aircraft this year. The smallest aircraft enrolled is a Robinson R66 helicopter, and the largest are VIP airliners. One of the common misconceptions about JSSI is that operators should wait to enroll until after a new aircraft’s warranty period ends, but that doesn’t make sense, according to Thomas. He said warranty coverage does not include normal maintenance, but only problems associated with manufacturing

defects that arise during the warranty period. “We work hard to educate operators that warranty is not maintenance,” he said. “It is an education process. They need to be on the program from day one.” In this way, owners and operators are protected from unforeseen maintenance expenses and their assets retain more value. Tip-To-Tail

It isn’t unusual for an aircraft manufacturer to recommend that buyers discuss options with JSSI when buying their aircraft, Thomas said. In some cases the manufacturer might not offer maintenance coverage, but in any case JSSI’s tip-to-tail programs cover the entire aircraft, including engines, avionics and components, to an extent that is more comprehensive than manufacturer programs. Some engine manufacturers, for example, might offer rental engines as temporary replacements, but if these aren’t available, the aircraft could be grounded. JSSI keeps engines in stock so it can provide the engine when needed. A big part of JSSI’s work now is leveraging all the data that it collects by managing the maintenance for its customers, and a new team has been set up

to put this data to work. One of the team’s efforts is the asset monitoring program that JSSI runs for financial institutions to help them keep an eye on their aircraft portfolios. JSSI also publishes a business aviation index, which summarizes operational information generated by its customers’ aircraft. One piece of interesting information generated by the index was a large spike in flying time when oil prices dropped. The data showed, however, that when prices rose again, large aircraft operators were less sensitive to fuel prices, while operators of smaller aircraft began flying less. Another new service is JSSI’s maintenance advisory service, which is available for a fee to non-program members, or free for JSSI customers. “We see 250 to 300 engine overhauls per year,” he said. “That level of expertise you can’t find anywhere.” More recently, JSSI launched its own parts business, and in its first full year this should generate revenues of $14 to 15 million, Thomas said. As a massive user of maintenance services, which it arranges on behalf of its customers, JSSI is in a position to extract pricing concessions from maintenance providers. “There is no one better in terms of maintenance costs than JSSI,” Thomas said. “We spend $30 million a year on maintenance. We negotiate flat rates, and these are reflected in the prices to our customers. We pay the bills and we know the costs.” o

6 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Not only armies travel on their stomachs—so do business jet travelers, and here at MEBAA, a world of caterers and galley equipment providers are displaying a smorgasbord of products and services aimed at meeting their demanding pallets. Air Culinaire Worldwide in-flight espresso coffee maker (Stand 542) of Tampa, Florida, used in first- and business-class has more than 400 catering spe- galleys on airliners, and now cialists and serves almost 1,500 available for corporate aircraft. Miami-based Silver Lining airports, and offers regional menus to supplement perennial Inflight Catering (Stand 663) offers seasonal, holiday, gluten gourmet favorites. California’s Air Gourmet free, and healthy menus. Executive Gourmet (Stand (Stand 663), established 25 years ago, offers an unlimited menu 540), a corporate aircraft caterer spanning every cuisine, trend, operated by Zurich-based airline taste, fancy, and dietary need, pre- catering service Gate Gourmet, pared by world-class master chefs. offers catering for private jets Rudy’s Inflight Catering from its facilities in Abu Dhabi, (Stand 663), based at Teterboro Dublin, Geneva, Haneda, Hong Airport in New Jersey, oper- Kong, Narita, Rio de Janeiro, ates from a 17,000 square-foot Shanghai, Sydney and Zurich. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Techpurpose-built catering kitchen. Founded 25 years ago, its menus nic (Stand 500) offers ovens and feature seasonal fare, taking even dishwashers for executive advantage of freshest ingredi- airliner galleys allowing gourmet meals to be prepared from scratch ents available. Based in the UK, Aerolux onboard, instead of simply servLimited (Stand 334) offers an ing pre-cooked food. —J.W.

DAVID McINTOSH

A smorgasbord of cooks, caterers and cuisines

Executive Gourmet’s Yuliana presents a wide array of eye- and palate-pleasing menus available through the company’s catering facilities located at airports around the world.

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Visit Booth 563 at MEBAA Show 2016 for a full demonstration, or sign up today: www.uas.aero/evolution

Your Local Partner with global reach

by Kerry Lynch Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) is working to boost the used market for its airplanes by developing a package of purchase support services and coordinating with completion centers on power-by-the-hour programs for would-be buyers. Noting pre-owned business jet transactions are trending upward, BBJ president David Longridge said, “Boeing is very focused on the fact that many of our customers may be looking to sell their current BBJs to buy a new one.” BBJ (Chalet A9-A10) has assembled an “all access pass” that covers a series of typical charges the used aircraft owners may incur. The all access pass will cover Boeing technical support; document updates; waiver of intellectual support royalties involved with upgrades; BBJ

training course options; and onsite contract and sales document support to assist with the actual sale and entry into service. The access pass is priced at about $500,000, Longridge said, estimating it encompasses about $3.5 million to $4 million in value. He noted that either sellers of used BBJs can buy the pass as an incentive for wouldbe buyers, or purchasers of used BBJs could buy the pass. In addition, BBJ has turned its attention to support of the used aircraft, and has worked with its authorized centers to develop a series of powerby-the-hour type programs that would be offered through those centers. The programs include coverages for either the airframe or engine that would encompass both scheduled

Acquiring a previously owned Boeing Business Jet may become less costly and uncertain, thanks to a manufacturer-supported program designed to minimize the training, documentation and technical support expenses buyers and sellers can incur.

DAVID McINTOSH

Boeing support program to boost used BBJ sales

and unscheduled maintenance, parts, line replaceable units and labor. For the airframe package, Part M continuous airworthiness compliance also would be included.

Another package was developed for interiors that could extend to upgrades, refurbishment, cleaning and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. BBJ typically has a smaller

ZETTA JET GROWS ITS ALL-BOMBARDIER FLEET The Global 5000 and 6000 cabins can seat up to 14 passengers and can be reconfigured to provide beds for between five and seven people. The aircraft feature Rockwell Collins’s Venue cabin management system and Bombardier Wave wireless connectivity package, based on Honeywell’s JetWave hardware and Inmarsat’s Ka-band JetConnex service. The cockpit is built around Bombardier’s Vision flight deck with a synthetic vision system and MultiScan radar as standard equipment, as well as an optional enhanced vision head-up display. —C.A.

DAVID McINTOSH

Fast-growing charter group Zetta Jet has one of its two Bombardier Global 5000s here on the MEBAA static display. The fleet of the Singapore-based company also includes four of the larger Global 6000 models (interior pictured here), plus a Global XRS and a pair of Global Express jets. In early November, Zetta Jet, signed a $129 million deal to lease four Challenger 650s from Minsheng Financial Leasing, which is buying the 12-seat twinjets from Bombardier. The new aircraft will operate out of the company’s North American hub in Los Angeles, and deliveries have already begun.

8 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

percentage of the fleet available —seven percent compared with the business jet average of 11 percent. But Longridge said, “We are concerned about how long it takes to sell a BBJ when it is used,” adding the new purchase support package and coordination on power-by-the hour are designed to “make buying and selling a used BBJ much easier.” BBJ has worked on the packages as the market for new aircraft has softened in the past year. Longridge noted sales were off by about 50 percent, or by about four aircraft, saying he believed the lead up to the Brexit vote and the U.S. elections had caused the market “to pause…This year has been tougher than last year, there’s no doubt about that.” With the elections over, BBJ is seeing activity starting to increase and has about three to four deals in the works. Longridge did not think those deals would conclude by the end of the year but he was optimistic that the market would pick up next year, and believes the entry of the new BBJ Max 7 will help spur sales. BBJ still has a solid backlog of BBJs with 20 airplanes yet to be delivered. Another 19 are in completion centers. The BBJ fleet has grown to 200 with 239 total ordered. Longridge, speaking to reporters at MEBAA on December 6, stressed that “the Middle East is an extremely important market to BBJ,” accounting for about onethird of the company’s sales. o

We’re CAE. We would like to prove to you just how good we are at flight training. 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.

Jet Scout opening online public charter platform by Matt Thurber number of passengers (and accompanying pets, if applicable) and other needs. Jet Scout then takes that information and delivers it to the inbox of registered operators so they can choose whether to provide a quote to that potential customer. Jet Scout will be able to automatically create a quote, provided the master data that operators enter into the system is accurate enough. It will even take into account special routing considerations, for example, the need to avoid overflying certain war-torn countries; or fees associated with certain routes. For automatic quotes to work, operators would also need to provide detailed pricing information as well as their valid air operator certificate. The goal, Costi explained, is that “pricing should be done in a way that is binding.” Quoting Mechanism

Initially, the charter customer will see a quote for a particular category of airplane that can fulfill the flight request. For a long-range flight, for example, this could be an ultra-long-range jet such as a large-cabin Gulfstream or Bombardier Global. But if the price is too high for that category, the

DAVID McINTOSH

On December 8 in Dubai, Jet Scout is launching its new online charter-booking platform, which aims to serve charter end-users, charter operators (certificate holders) and brokers. Jet Scout was developed by Switzerlandbased Aeronautica Consulting & Software Development, which was founded by Stefano Costi, a developer of business aviation software since 1989. Jet Scout, according to Costi, “is open to all parties. It’s a new way to acquire new clients and [not to] let them go. It’s a new way to conquer the market.” The Jet Scout team is well aware of competing charter platforms, such as Avinode, JetSmarter, Stratajet, PrivateFly, FlyOtto and others, and Costi did its homework to evaluate the competition. “We assembled a team of experts to ‘crash test’ platforms and find out the inefficiencies of current marketplaces, apps and websites,” he said. From a charter customer’s perspective, Jet Scout is designed to make it easy to source a charter trip by simply asking for a quote. The user just specifies the departure point and destination, the times and dates and any pertinent information such as the

customer could ask for something smaller if willing to accept an interim fuel stop. Again, the quality of the master data is paramount to make sure accurate quotes are given. Jet Scout already has stored 140 aircraft types with performance numbers plus information on 35,000 airports around the world. When the quote is ready, the customer will see the airplane type, photos of the aircraft and information about the operator, and the operator will see the customer’s information, so they can make the final reservations and agree on payment terms or negotiate additional changes. The idea is to initialize the trip online, he explained, then let the parties talk on the telephone. The Jet Scout engine is available to charter operators and brokers, and both can use the system to create their own “white label” platform. Charter operators can also use Jet Scout to source lift when their own aircraft are busy. “We are opening the door, and everybody is welcome,” he said. Another way that Jet Scout helps charter/management firms is by managing the aircraft owner’s flights. Instead of the typical round of multiple phone calls and emails between the owner’s assistant and the management firm, the assistant can simply jump onto Jet Scout and make the booking directly. “We download that request to [the management firm’s] scheduling system,” Costi said.

‘GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN’ Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and chairman and CEO of Emirates, smiles while meeting an executive during his tour of MEBAA 2016 on the show’s opening day. Jetex, the official show ground handler, has a prominent presence in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

10 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Jet Scout will earn revenue from charter operators and brokers that use the system, which will pay a licensing fee based on a percentage of the amount invoiced for a trip. When brokers and operators use Jet Scout to create their own white label business, this will not appear to the charter customer as Jet Scout. All inquiries generated by the white label company will go directly to that company. White label charter companies will have

to pay a per-aircraft fee or a bundle price for a fleet of aircraft. Ultimately, by creating a platform where many charter operators and brokers work together, charter users will see the benefit, because more aircraft will be available to fill their needs. “Imagine we have 100 platforms at the end of day,” Costi mused. “If everybody wants their own white label, that will be a huge success, because we can stitch together the platform.” o

Aviation Partners Split Scimitar Winglets are currently installed on eight Boeing Business Jets, with more retrofit modifications lined up. They increase a BBJ’s range by more than 2 percent.

API: High-tech winglets growing in popularity by Kerry Lynch With several installations already lined up for early 2017, Aviation Partners Inc. (API) is seeing a spurt in demand for its Split Scimitar Winglet (SSW) and Blended Winglet offerings for Boeing Business Jets and other business aircraft. “The last few months have seen a marked increase in inquiries, and commitments, for our various business jet winglet products,” said Gary Dunn, API v-p of sales and marketing. The SSW is installed on eight BBJs, with a number of other retrofits planned for upcoming months, said API (Stand 660). The installations are in addition to the more than 700 next-generation Boeing 737 airliners that have the winglet installed. The winglet is standard equipment on new Boeing 737NG-based BBJs, as well as U.S. FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency approved for retrofit on all in-service BBJs, BBJ2s and BBJ3s. The SSW provides more than a two percent range increase over the existing Blended Winglet, giving a seven-auxiliary tank BBJ the range of an aircraft with eight auxiliary tanks, the company said. A number of MROs

already have installed the SSW retrofit, including Aloft AeroArchitects, Associated Air Center, BizJet International, Lufthansa Technik and Sabena Technics. The company’s Blended Winglet, meanwhile, remains its most successful business jet program. Blended Winglets are install on more than 450 Falcons, including nearly half of all Dassault Falcon 2000 series and almost 30 percent of all in-service Falcon 900 series airplanes. The Blended Winglets boost range of the Falcon family by up to 7 percent, as well as improving time-to-climb. API’s High Mach Blended Winglets, which were developed in conjunction with Dassault, are standard equipment on new Falcon 900LX and 2000LX/S models. The winglets are also available for the Hawker 800 and 800XP aircraft Aviation Partners winglets are now flying on more than 7,000 aircraft, including 1,000 business jets and 6,000 airliners. With the recent boost in business, Dunn noted, “early planning is key for anyone seeing an installation in the first half of 2017.” o

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Russia’s A-Group at MEBAA

Blending Asian themes with modern minimalism is key to Haeco’s showcased ‘Zen’ cabin designs.

Haeco debuts ‘Zen’ cabin concept by James Wynbrandt Narrow- and wide-body completion specialist Haeco Private Jet Solutions (HPJS, Stand 728) of Xiamen, China is debuting here at MEBAA a new cabin concept, Zen, designed for the Airbus A320neo and showcased in a 1/20th-scale mockup at the company’s display area. Incorporating the colors, motifs and themes of four seasons, Zen is “minimalist, modern and stylish, a retreat from the busy hustle and bustle for a billionaire,” said Henry Chan, the company’s vice-president, commercial. “Central to our design is bringing the philosophy of Asian heritage and culture into what is otherwise a very cold and mundane cabin.” The four seasons motif is carried throughout the interior, starting with the galley in front, with lotus patterns on the wall and carpet symbolizing summer. Cabin dividers incorporate large circular openings, giving the interior an expansive, open feel. The forward lounge area, done in light green tones with decorative cheery blossom patterns, symbolizes spring, while the dining area in mid cabin uses chrysanthemums, for autumn. Most unique is the Tatami Room, aft of the dining area, centered by a high-low table that can be lowered completely into

the floor. “We enable the room to be multi-functional andmulti usable, whether for meditation or casual meetings or lying around,” said Chan. “It’s a refuge where the principal can really get away from it all.” The private bedroom rest area and rear bathroom, with plum blossoms and white palette, symbolizes winter. The design team’s Lead Engineer, Jack Xia, who is here at the show, called working on the interior “a dream.” While HPJS can turn the Zen interior concept into a reality for any interested customer, it’s intended to suggest ideas from which a personalized interior can be created. “I don’t know 100 percent of what my wife wants, let alone a billionaire,” said Chan. “If they like 50 percent of the elements, that’s a great place to start and get people talking.” Here in Dubai, “We’re in discussions with various Middle East operators to really understand their needs, and ultimately come up with solution that is different from the rest, at a cost that is more attractive,” he said. HPJS has complete back shop capabilities to handle cabinetry, veneer work, upholstery, leatherwork, plating and

other interior outfitting needs in-house. It also has the engineering and certification capabilities required to receive regulatory approvals for its completion work. Chan pointed out that most certification efforts today focus on meeting FAA and EASA regulations, but China’s GAAC certification requirements are a growing factor in completions work, and “our group is the only one that can deliver all three.” HPJS is also the only authorized completion facility in the Asia Pacific region for both Airbus and Boeing. This year it was named an Airbus Center Network Service Provider— one of only two in Asia—to address service bulletins and provide modification work for airliners operating in the region. But completions are where the company’s multiple capabilities are most sharply focused, and the direction to which it remains committed. “We want a modern, stylish, comfortable cabin for very busy executives to enjoy the aircraft while they’re aboard— that’s the bottom line,” said Chan. “We’re in it for the long term, no question about that, and we will continue to innovate, and showcase very stylish and individualistic design.” o

VERTIS INKS SHARED-AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIP WITH JETSMARTER Large-cabin jet charter operator Vertis Aviation announced here at MEBAA a strategic partnership to support and develop charter broker JetSmarter’s new Dubai-London shuttle service. The shuttles are shared flights available on a per-seat basis to JetSmarter members. Vertis was integral in providing the first aircraft JetSmarter utilized in the region, an Embraer Legacy 650. “JetSmarter identified that a certain sector of the market demanded regular, cost-effective intercontinental charter that links the UAE region, the UK and the USA, and approached us to help source the right aircraft,” said Vertis chief commercial officer (COO) Catherine Buchanan. “We really like what JetSmarter is doing

and believe the shared-aircraft model is a perfect solution for the local charter market. There is a growing demand in the region for this kind of service, so we are extremely pleased to be their local strategic partner, and look forward to helping them develop here.” Vertis also announced the promotion of Buchanan, the former general manager of the company’s Dubai office, to COO at the start of the MEBAA Show. Switzerland-based Vertis operates from the Middle East, Europe and South Africa with a charter fleet that includes three ACJ319s, a BBJ, Gulfstream G450 and G650, a Bombardier Global 6000, XRS, and Challenger 350. —J.W.

12 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Russian business aviation services specialist A-Group (Stand 566) is marking its 10th anniversary this year with an appearance at the MEBAA show. The company, which has FBOs at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo airports, is looking to help Middle East private aviation clients enjoy convenient access to Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe. A-Group’s VIP terminal facilities are located in two of Russia’s largest international airports. The buildings, which have direct airside access, feature restaurants and cafes with top chefs as well as meeting rooms with videoconferencing capability. The FBOs offer extensive hangar and apron space, as well

as ground handling and deicing equipment. There are also helipads located near the terminals for customers who wish to get closer to their final destination in a helicopter. Flight support at both facilities includes ground handling services such as aircraft cabin cleaning, aircraft towing and oxygen/nitrogen services. The FBOs can help with crew transfers, hotel accommodations for the crew and visa arrangements. A-Group staff also can make all fueling arrangements. The Pulkovo facility was built in 1951 by Soviet architect Aleksandr Gegello. Throughout its reconstruction, the original architecture was preserved and many exceptional details were restored. The Sheremetyevo terminal is a modern design. —S.C.

Russia’s A-Group FBOs are reaching out to Europe, Middle East.

UAS ANNOUNCES SUPPORT AWARDS WINNERS UAS International Trip Support announced the winners of its second annual Ground Handler and Fuel Supplier of the Year Awards at MEBAA 2016. According to UAS, the award winners are selected “based on client satisfaction reports instigated by the UAS procurement department.” The selection process is based on evaluations that include client feedback and internal assessment of quality and service levels. The 2016 ground handler winners are:

The 2016 fuel suppliers are:

JetHandling Ecuador: America

Sol Aviation Services: America

BidAir Services: Africa

Puma Energy (Aviation): Africa

Pacific Airport Services: Asia

Hindustan Petroleum: Asia

Harrods Aviation: Europe, Russia and CIS

Q8 Aviation: Europe, Russia and CIS

DC Aviation Al Futtaim: Middle East

Shell Aviation: Middle East

Vertis Aviation’s COO, Catherine Buchanan

TAG ADDS 17 EUROPEAN CLIENTS

Rockwell Collins IFE leverages cloud by Kerry Lynch Rockwell Collins is bringing its new Stage cloud-base content service to market next month. Stage enables operators to preload entertainment and information on an onboard server. The server will hold up to two terabytes of information, enabling up to 70 passengers to stream movies, store information or access information through their individual devices. The system works through the cabin’s Wi-Fi capabilities, and information can be downloaded through a USB port. Flight departments can customize the information they want to preload on the server. The content and entertainment packages will be accessible in multiple languages and will eventually include regional entertainment features. While the initial roll out will involve preloaded information, Rockwell Collins plans also to eventually provide the capability to access live events, said Olivier Durand, marketing manager for commercial systems in Europe, Middle East and Africa for Rockwell Collins. The initial server is offered as a standalone unit that works on personal electronic devices such as tablets, but Rockwell Collins expects to also offer the capability to tie into existing Venue cabin management systems by the end of 2017. Durand said the company already has a number of customers worldwide lined up to install the Stage server aboard their aircraft. Rockwell Collins (Stand 421) is displaying Stage to the Middle East market for the first time during this week’s MEBAA convention. In addition, the company is highlighting its Venue system. Unveiled in 2007, Venue is now installed on roughly 9001,000 aircraft, Durand noted. The majority of those installations have involved forward-fit applications, but Rockwell Collins is seeing growing interest in the retrofit market, he said. Aircraft owners are operating their aircraft longer in general and are now seeking to upgrade with the next-generation systems rather than purchase new, he said. This is spurring increased interest in Rockwell Collins systems such as Venue. Venue was designed for scalability and flexibility, Durand said, noting it can be fitted on a range of cabin sizes, and clients

can customize the capabilities to their needs and usage plans. This has been part of the success of the cabin management system with packages for the various needs and budgets, he added.

Venue offers a host of capabilities, from interactive Airshow mapping; to connecting with gaming systems; to enabling passengers to control cabin features from their personal electronic devices. o

TAG Aviation Europe (Stand 482) has signed up 17 new management clients, increasing its managed fleet by 20 aircraft and adding six to its available charter fleet. The newly managed aircraft range from single-engine turboprops to VIP airliners. The company manages aircraft for more than 100 owners, giving it claim to “Europe’s largest charter fleet.” TAG also recently formed a rotorcraft department, providing tailored services for mixed-fleet clients. “We provide bespoke aircraft management turnkey solutions for our clients’ specific needs and this boutique service extends to our complete spectrum of aircraft maintenance with our philosophy centered around the highest safety and airworthiness standards within the aviation industry,” said Florent Sériès, TAG Aviation Europe’s vicepresident for sales and marketing. —K.L.

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www.ainonline.com • December 8, 2016 • MEBAA Convention19.11.16 News 10:1713

Honeywell 757 flying test-bed on display

Honeywell brought its Boeing 757 flying test-bed to the static display at MEBAA 2016. The aircraft’s special equipment includes a fuselage-mounted pylon, inset, which allows in-flight engine testing with low risk.

Underscoring its commitment to supporting aerospace innovation across the Middle East, Honeywell Aerospace (Stand 549) has brought its Boeing 757 test-bed, aka the Flying Technology Lab, for static display here at MEBAA. The jet has been used for research and development since 2008, accumulating over 1,700 flight hours conducting more than 400 tests in 15 countries. In the process, it has “helped shape modern aviation by testing the most advanced safety, efficiency and performance technologies,” said Raghed Talih, the U.S. company’s sales director for the Middle East. Highlighting the benefits of the equipment the jet is used for testing and perfecting, Honeywell announced here an agreement with Arab Wings and Gulf Wings, both International Wings Group companies (Stand 691), to provide its full suite of GoDirect cabin and cockpit connectivity services to their more than 20 managed aircraft. “Honeywell’s all-in-one GoDirect approach to connectivity helps business

DAVID McINTOSH

by James Wynbrandt

jet operators like Arab Wings and Gulf Wings offer the best possible flying experience to their customers,” Talih said. Under the agreement, Honeywell will provide worldwide VHF and satellite datalinks for all capable aircraft in the operators’ growing fleets. Meanwhile, the GoDirect portal will enable the companies to track data usage across every aircraft, providing operators with real-time information that will help them manage network costs and

Cedar Executive buys its second Legacy 500 by Matt Thurber Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines has purchased a second Embraer Legacy 500 midsize jet for its private jet affiliate Cedar Executive (Stand 300, with Cedar Jet

Centre). The company’s first Legacy 500, which entered service in January 2016, can be seen at the Embraer Executive Jets static display here at MEBAA 2016.

MATT THURBER

Marco Tulio Pellegrini, president and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets (left), with Fouad Fawaz, chairman and CEO, Cedar Executive.

monitor individual users’ experiences. “There is a high demand for solutions that help passengers stay connected in flight and provide pilots with the realtime information to enhance the flying experience,” said Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh, Arab Wings’ CEO. “Unifying our cabin and cockpit services through one provider allows us to deliver the highest level of VIP services to our customers.” Honeywell equipment that has been tested on the 757 Flying Technology

“Customers really like the Legacy 500,” said Cedar Executive chairman and CEO Fouad Fawaz, especially its large flatfloor cabin, 6,000-foot cabin altitude, 3,125-nm range and fly-by-wire flight controls. “The addition of a further aircraft is testimony to both the quality of the service Cedar Executive guests experience, and the performance of these magnificent aircraft,” he said. The company’s newest Legacy 500 will be delivered in mid-2017. In addition to charter services, Beirut-based Cedar Executive also provides FBO services including hangar storage, maintenance and facilities for general aviation aircraft at Rafic Hariri International Airport. “Cedar Executive has exceeded their customers’ expectation with a high-end premium service in their very first year of operation,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, president and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “It is a pleasure to be part of this accomplishment by supplying the aircraft that combines the comfort, technology and performance desired for the ultimate travel experience. We are committed to offer the best customer service to support this continuing Legacy 500 fleet growth.” o

14 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

Lab over the years includes communications hardware such as the satellite-based JetWave high-speed connectivity platform, and advanced avionics such as the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, the Traffic Collision Avoidance System, and SmartRunway/SmartLanding systems. Additionally, the distinctive third engine pylon on the right wing has been used to test and help certify turbine engines including the U.S. company’s HTF7000 and TFE731. o

Kestrel, Stratus launch consulting joint venture by Kerry Lynch Aviation consultants Kestrel Aviation Management and Stratus Aviation Services have joined forces to form a new venture, Camber Aviation Management. The new entity aims to provide a range of services for corporate jet and VIP aircraft clients. Kestrel, an aviation asset advisory and management company, previously worked with corporate jet market consultant Stratus on a Boeing Business Jet project. That aircraft was on display at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva last spring and entered service in August. The two companies formed Camber to build on that effort. “The principal motivation for launching Camber Aviation Management was to offer the market a completely integrated spectrum of services from green aircraft selection to delivery of the completed corporate jet,” said Stephen Vella, joint managing director of Camber. The company can provide complete services from initial

negotiations with the aircraft manufacturer through the aircraft purchase agreement; interfacing with interior designers; developing cabin concepts; preparing an outfitting specification; and negotiating a cabin outfitting agreement, Vella said. Camber also will oversee all stages of the aircraft’s completion, he added. The principals and staff of the venture have managed acquisitions and cabin outfitting of large corporate jets and VIP aircraft for two decades. “We have managed virtually every Airbus ACJ, Boeing BBJ and Bombardier variant, as well as Dassault and Gulfstream products,” said Tom Chatfield, joint managing director of Camber. This includes head-of-state projects. Camber has signed cooperation agreements with suppliers, design organizations and completion centers to develop new technologies for upcoming corporate aircraft programs, the company said. “We will unveil Camber’s newest innovative cabin design at EBACE 2017,” Chatfield said. o

AfBAA chairman Tarek Ragheb (left) addressed delegates to the association’s annual conference during a reception at the Cape Town Club on the event’s first day. At right is AfBAA vice chairman Nuno Pereira, CEO of BestFly of Angola.

Engaging local CAAs key to AfBAA’s success by Ian Sheppard At the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) annual conference in Cape Town last month (November 17-18), the association’s leaders stressed the need to engage local regulators country-by-country to support the growth of business aviation, which they believe has huge potential on the continent. They also called for more companies to become involved with AfBAA to help enable growth and partnerships. Tarek Ragheb, AfBAA founding chairman, reflected on the growth of the association in its first six years, and said it “cannot be NBAA, as we have a unique environment with unique challenges”—not least of which is having 54 countries. A single regulatory environment remains but a dream in Africa so he suggested the way forward is “innovation.” A first step came earlier this year with the first “Country Round Table” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he said, where the local industry was able to help

regulators understand the nature of business aviation, as distinct from the airline sector. In addition, it saw the launch of the Ethiopian Chapter of AfBAA. The association’s CEO, Rady Fahmy, announced that its next regional symposium will take place next year in Nigeria, and will have West African business aviation as its theme. He also said the next two roundtables will be held in Kenya and Nigeria, and that at the EBACE show in Geneva next May, AfBAA’s new Access Africa concept would be promoted. It is designed to encourage and assist companies to engage with the African business aviation sector. Several panel discussions took place over the two days. The first involved Nuno Pereira, AfBAA vice chairman and founder/ CEO if BestFly Angola, Segun Demuren, who established the first FBO in Lagos, Nigeria, and Gavin Kiggen of ExecuJet. They reflected on the critical importance of having a local partner to start up in a new country, but

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME This satellite image shows how development surrounding the Dubai International Airport has limited its expansion, creating demand for relocating operations to the Dubai World Central airport over the next decade.

noted how difficult it could be to find one. Kiggen said Execujet had struggled to find a suitable partner in Mozambique and Congo (Kinshasa), but said “We are going into Dakar [Senegal] as we have our first aircraft owner there—that’ll be our way in there.” Demuren said having to deal with so many regulators in Africa was “a big problem, with 53 CAAs. Most African countries have had either wars or coup d’etats, so security is a very high priority of governments, meaning enterprise comes second.” He added, “Everything we’ve done is in spite of government red tape.” The panel commented that regulators perceive business aviation as for the rich and for heads of state, so there is a need through AfBAA to “create awareness.” An OEM panel heard how Africa is no longer the “dumping ground for old aircraft.” The other great hope alongside improving the African regulatory environment to make business easier is innovation, said Ragheb, especially drawing on new technology and business models. “In Africa we don’t have open skies or much infrastructure, so we should embrace technology to leapfrog,” referring in particular to new business models such as that used by JetSmarter— which has not turned to Africa yet but did give delegates an update on its rapid growth and ambitions elsewhere during the conference. Atedo Peterside, successful entrepreneur and founder of ANAP Jets, explained how his company has successfully adopted the fractional ownership model using Embraer Phenom 300s based in Nigeria. However, he acknowledged that it will take time to change the perception of business jet usage, even though it is a smart way to fly. The conference closed with a forum on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), including a presentation about ZipLine, which is using RPAS to deliver medical supplies in Rwanda. AfBAA announced in Cape Town that it will hold its annual conference in the South African city every year from now on. The association has yet to come to an agreement over the North Africa region which both it and MEBAA claim to represent. o

16 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

UAE grants GI Aviation new AOC for PC-12s by Mark Phelps GI Aviation, the Abu Dhabibased charter company, is celebrating its newly granted aircraft operator’s certificate (AOC) from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The operator is hoping to revolutionize business aviation in the UAE with Pilatus PC-12NG singleengine turboprops. Commercial operation of single-engine turboprops under instrument flight rules is becoming increasingly acceptable worldwide—and popular—thanks largely to the outstanding reliability of modern engines, avionics and systems. Equally important is the low-cost of operation, when compared with multi-engine jets—especially the large, long-range jets that make up so much of the Middle East fleet.

region and will also serve popular resort destination like Sir Bani Yas, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah,” he said. “We will, on certain short-distance city pairs, serve as a real alternative to flying first and business class. Our focus is to ensure that we provide a time- and cost-effective service which is responsive to clients’ itineraries and requirements, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in our operation.” The initiative is backed by the experience and support of Finland-based Hendell Aviation, which has operated a similar service with PC-12s in its home country since 2013—the first such service to receive EASA approval. Hendell’s chairman Matti Auterinen, who served as

(left to right) David Lawlor, head of projects and corporate finance, GI Global Ideas; Yousif Al Hammadi, director security & government affairs, GI Aviation; Marios T. Belidis, general manager, GI Aviation; Matti Auterinen, chairman, Hendell Aviation; Mikael Lees, CEO, Hendell Aviation, pause to celebrate the new operating certificate.

Her Excellency Hafsa Al Ulama, managing director of GI Aviation parent company Global Ideas, said, “Our team have been working had this past year to deliver a brand new entry-level service for business aviation in this region, which has, until now, been dominated by larger business jets. We have received significant interest from a number of parties who are keen to fly with us.” GI Aviation (Stand 692) accepted its first PC-12 last spring, and plans to take delivery of a second in January. The large-cabin aircraft have custom-designed interiors by BMW DesignWorks. GI CEO Marios Belidis expects charter flights to launch as early as next week with the first PC-12 NG based at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport. “We are able to serve all the major business and capital cities within the GCC and surrounding

a consultant in the development of the GI Aviation operation, said, “The GCAA regulations and requirements closely follow EASA with key differences adapted for the UAE and the region. The very professional framework established in the UAE by authority is strict, but fair.” Very supportive of GI Aviation’s effort to “right size” the market, MEBAA founding chairman Ali Alnaqbi has asserted that fully 70 percent of aircraft available on charter in the regional market are largesize aircraft largely that are not really suited to actual business needs. “MEBAA is calling on its members to strategically invest in light jets [and other] small aircraft. The market is losing a big segment of business. Paying $10,000 for an hour-long flight to Bahrain is too much. This is what we have been trying to get across,” he said. 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

Aeria shows off widebody completions portfolio by James Wynbrandt

Aeria’s interiors feature extensive use of 3D-printing technology.

Aeria Luxury Interiors is set to deliver its latest widebody completion project during the first quarter of 2017. The Boeing

widebody is being completed for an undisclosed Asian customer and is a prime example of the Texas-based company’s

expanding capabilities for VIP cabin interiors. An in-house design team worked closely with the client “to understand their lifestyle, tastes and preferences, and create a luxurious and relaxing living space in the aircraft,” said Ron Soret, vice president and general manager of completions. The “lifestyle-oriented” floor plan includes an entryway into the private suite, and the cabin features structures, including a custom ceiling, created by Aeria’s 3D printer. Used extensively for making prototypes and decorative pieces, the 3D printer makes parts including singleseat armrests, loudspeaker bezels and brackets for electronics components. The thermoplastic material meets all structural strength and flammability requirements. In the widebody’s cabin, a state-of-the-art cabin management system controls highdefinition, large-format TV screens and custom lighting. A sound-dampening package and a humidification and zonal drying system enhance passenger comfort. Aeria developed an STC for the interior in collaboration with sister company VT DRB Aviation Consultants, under whose FAA-approved Organization Designation Authorization the STC was granted. Growth Projects

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18 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

A division of VT San Antonio Aerospace, an affiliate of Singapore-based ST Aerospace, Aeria this year opened a VIP aircraft refurbishment and maintenance service center at Singapore’s Seletar Airport. Aeria hopes to create a second completion center in Singapore adding capability for customers in the Asia Pacific region, though for now it’s focusing on MRO services at Seletar. At its San Antonio headquarters this year, the company added some 1,300 square meters (14,000 square foot) of workspace, including more cabinetry and upholstery shop area. Its 9,290-sq-m (100,000sq-ft) hangar can accommodate two widebody and two narrowbody jets simultaneously. Completion of the company’s in-progress 186-sq-m (2,000-sq-ft) sales, marketing and design building, which will include a customer showroom, is expected by year-end. Meanwhile, the design department has created two new concept interiors, for a Boeing 777X and a BBJ. o

GLOBAL JET SERVICES PARTNERS WITH GAMA AVIATION ON TRAINING

Panasonic ready for IFE market by Kerry Lynch Panasonic Avionics is set to enter the business aviation inflight entertainment and connectivity service market, having recently acquired a supplemental type certificate (STC) for its the new Astronics Aerosat FliteStream T-200 series antenna. Astronics and Panasonic (both here at MEBAA Stand 664) announced late last year plans to partner to provide highspeed communication services and global live television programming to the business aviation market. Panasonic has long been in the airline market, but was searching for the proper hardware technology to bring its services to business aviation. The Astronics Flitestream T-200 series incorporates patented Rexolite Lens technology that increases reliability and improves efficiency of the antenna, which Edward Popek, senior director of marketing for Astronics, said is important for a small package installed on the tail of a business jet. The design provides the performance of a larger traditional antenna. Panasonic, which has over 1,000 airliners currently using its services, relies on 22 satellites and has agreements in place that will enable the company to provide full Ku-band coverage for business aviation. The packages will be offered in tiers with a guaranteed data rate, ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 Mbps, said John Moore, senior manager for business aviation/emerging markets for Panasonic. Panasonic is offering a specific package for business aviation that will initially entail five-to-eight channels, but will expand to close to 20 over the next year. Satcom Direct will provide the subscriptions to the service. The initial certification for the dual-use antenna is on a Gulfstream G-IVSP, and applies to all models of that type. Astronics is next targeting an STC on the GV/G550 and then plans to turn its attention to Bombardier Globals and Challengers, Popek said. The antenna can fit on aircraft starting from the size of about a Citation X, Popek said. o

Connecticut-based Global Jet Services (Stand 674) has partnered with the UK’s Gama Aviation (Chalet P8) to provide aviation maintenance and professional development training in a tie-up announced in November. A leading on-location training services provider out of Avon, Connecticut, Global Jet Services

said the partnership would present B1 and B2 theoretical and practical courses for aircraft types from Dassault, Gulfstream, Bombardier, BAe and Hawker-Beechcraft/Textron to a receptive EASA-compliant MRO audience. “Both organizations show strong signs of capitalizing on business growth opportunities in

the European and larger, global aviation maintenance training markets,” it said. Training courses, to be held at Gama Aviation’s facility at Fairoaks, Surrey, located midway between Heathrow and Farnborough airports, are to begin in January 2017. The EASA part 147 B1 and B2 theoretical and practical schedule at

Fairoaks will point up differences in the course-work offered by EASA and that by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). “All practical courses are fully compliant with EASA Part 66, appendix III requirements, and cover a broad cross-section of task types and complexity levels,” Global Jet said. —P.S.S.

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www.ainonline.com • December 8, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 19

Reaching Out

MEBAA 2016 • A PICTORIAL JOURNAL BY DAVID McINTOSH fter all the discussions concerning operating restrictions, registration requirements, reciprocal agreements and regulatory harmony, business aviation is about people reaching out to each

other across vast, sometimes impenetrable barriers in pursuit of common objectives. There is perhaps no better proof of the industry’s contributions to such ideals on the world stage than these scenes from the static display ramp at MEBAA 2016, featuring Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and chairman and CEO of Emirates.

20 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

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

FalconEye combined vision is a popular option head-up display (HUD). The Elbit HUD offers a much larger field of view, compared to earlier HUDs, with 40 degrees horizontal by 30 degrees vertical. Six different multispectral sensors make up the FalconEye camera package, four for daytime, one for night and one thermal (infrared). The system fuses the images from all of the sensors to present the best image to the pilot, and one of the sensors can see LED lights, which are found at a growing number of airports. Earlier HUDs showed only flight instrument information, with later models adding infrared imagery. FalconEye is the first HUD to be certified with combined vision. “What was missing from previous HUDs was situational awareness,” explained Lascourrèges. “They had all the flight information but the pilot had no idea of what the outside world looked like.” The synthetic vision view adds a database-driven depiction of the

Already available on the Falcon 2000S/LXS models, Dassault’s FalconEye offers a blend of data-driven imagery and onboard sensors to ease low-visibility operations. It also will soon be approved for Dassault’s Falcon 8X pictured here.

outside world on the top of the HUD, while the FalconEye multispectral camera imagery is shown on the bottom of the HUD, especially surrounding the runway, giving pilots a clear view of the outside world even when flying in clouds. Future capabilities for FalconEye include operational credit to descend to 100 feet using the HUD during instrument approaches, which means the ability to land in conditions that normally would require diversion to another airport. This operational credit is expected to be approved following the 8X FalconEye certification. o

FULFILLING THE FLYING CAR PROMISE

PHOTOS: DAVID McINTOSH

Despite numerous attempts over the years, there never has been a successful flying car for the masses. While that misfortune likely will continue for some time, Comlux may have come up with the next best thing. As the images below demonstrate, the company’s VIP-configured Boeing 767 can carry and deliver your personal auto to almost any airport ramp in the world. No, it’s not a perfect solution, but it’ll do until something better comes along.

00 MEBAA Convention News • December 8, 2016 • www.ainonline.com

SKY PRIME AWARDED CHARTER LICENSE Sky Prime Aviation Services has announced it has selected Honeywell’s JetWave Ka-band satellite connectivity hardware and GoDirect Cabin Connectivity services to operate on its Airbus A319 and A330 aircraft. Swissbased Amac Aerospace will install the equipment. The two aircraft, understood to be the latest additions to Sky Prime’s fleet, will be able to access to Inmarsat’s Jet Connex high-speed in-flight connectivity service, enabling business jet travelers to stay connected at 40,000 feet via Honeywell’s “office in the sky.” Sky Prime (Chalet A16, Stand 600) said it was the first charter airline to select Honeywell’s JetWave hardware. “With access to Jet Connex, Sky Prime passengers can easily conduct videoconferences, transfer large files, surf the net and use popular services such as Netflix, FaceTime and Skype—while traveling anywhere in the world,” it said. In addition, Honeywell’s GoDirect Cabin Connectivity services,

Sky Prime Aviation Services CEO Salem Al Muzaini.

a suite of services and mobile applications improving information networks, will help Sky Prime’s flight crews and maintenance teams optimize the airplane’s connectivity. Sky Prime claims to be the largest Saudi private aviation operator. Speaking at the Sky Prime chalet at the MEBAA site, company CEO Salem Al Muzaini told AIN that its fleet includes a total of 24 owned aircraft—seven Gulfstreams; three Phenom 300s; nine Airbus Corporate Jets; and five other aircraft, including ATR variants. —P.S.-S.

DAVID McINTOSH

While Dassault’s new FalconEye combined vision system is a welcome cockpit innovation that pilots greatly appreciate, the safety benefits for Falcon 8X buyers are also readily apparent, according to Fréderic Lascourrèges. FalconEye can be seen in the cockpit of the 8X parked on the MEBAA static display in front of the Dassault chalet (A11). Four out of five 8X buyers have opted for the FalconEye option. “FalconEye gives extra situational awareness to pilots,” he said, allowing them to keep looking through the windshield when flying approaches to airports in challenging weather conditions, especially those surrounded by high terrain. FalconEye will be certified soon on the 8X and is already approved on the 2000S/LXS models. What makes FalconEye unique is that it blends synthetic vision, thermal (infrared) and low-light camera imagery into a single depiction of the outside world on the pilot’s

DAVID McINTOSH

by Matt Thurber

Ruag offers innovative ‘Enterprise’ cabin designs Visitors to the MEBAA 2016 show can learn about some unusually innovative business jet interior offerings at Ruag Aviation’s stand (705). The “Enterprise” interior design, shown in photos mounted in real-life size, is completely unlike the typical sandy or biscuit colors found in many standard interiors from business aircraft manufacturers, according to Mark-André Mann, head of sales, business jets, for Ruag. The company’s Oberpfaffenhofen MRO facility in Germany is a one-stop shop for business aircraft MRO as well as interior upgrades, airframe painting, cabin entertainment systems and avionics upgrades. “We see growth in this area,” said Mann, “and we have increased our staff to give our customers opportunities to [do business] with different Ruag facilities.” The company has also leveraged modern efficiency tools and cross-training of technicians to significantly lower downtime for large jobs, in some cases by as much as 50 percent. Ruag’s specialty is larger business jets, including those manufactured by Embraer (Legacy 600/650) and Bombardier (Globals and Challengers).

This year Ruag added line and base maintenance for Gulfstream’s G550. Personalized Aircraft

When it comes to interior design, Ruag can help aircraft owners turn their business jet into a unique representation of their personalities and interests, almost like a flying business card, Mann explained. “This market is going into a more individual direction,” he said. “And that’s why we’re here. We want to contact owners and let them know what is possible.”

Click Aviation Network wants to be your resource by Kerry Lynch Click Aviation Network has developed a platform where various businesses, from charter brokers to service providers, can connect with each other and explore business opportunities. The Dubai-based company, which launched in 2015, hopes to leverage the evolving use of the internet in the business aviation marketplace to develop an expansive aviation network.

DAVID McINTOSH

MATT THURBER

Mark-André Mann, Ruag’s head of sales, business jets, (left), and Jörn Gehrig, sales manager Embraer business jets, pause while discussing interior designs.

The “Enterprise” design is a good example, with a flushmounted 60-inch bulkhead monitor mounted in a way that makes it look like the large display forms the structure of the wall. The backs of the passenger seats in this interior are fitted with LED lights in a stripe formation, accentuating their shape. The surface of the table between the club seats is actually a touchscreen display, reminiscent of the huge touch-table display that plays a prominent (and not-so-subtle promotional) role in the current version of the “Hawaii FiveO” television show. Stars—naturally—dot the ceiling of the “Enterprise” interior, and LEDs provide easily adjustable mood lighting. Another photo shows a privacy glass concept, where an entire wall of glass panels can be switched from clear to an opaque white color. “Every region has a special taste,” Mann said, and potential customers are invited to visit Ruag’s Oberpfaffenhofen showroom to help design their own special interior. —M.T.

Click Aviation Network CEO Aiham Bader offers dynamic resource networking.

ASSOCIATED AIR CENTER INSTALLS SPLIT SCIMITAR WINGLETS ON BBJ Associated Air Center (Stand 742) has completed its first installation of Aviation Partners Boeing Split Scimitar Winglets for a Boeing Business Jet customer based in the U.S. The project, conducted in tandem with a scheduled annual inspection, included installing a wing trailing edge wedge and outboard wing ballast. Aviation Partners Boeing modified the winglets at its facility in Wichita, Kansas. AAC reinstalled the winglets and new ventral strake on the BBJ at its facility at Dallas Love Field in Texas. The installation is the first of several that AAC is offering to its BBJ customers. “The Split Scimitar Winglet modification will help our customer reduce fuel burn and associated carbon dioxide emissions while increasing overall aircraft payload capability and improving performance at both take off and cruise altitudes,” said AAC president James Colleary. The annual inspection included completing a number of service bulletins and airworthiness directives. —K.L.

“Changing the dynamics of how industry professionals collaborate and do business in this new era of aviation is Click Aviation Network,” said founder and CEO Aiham Bader. “We are revolutionizing the industry by introducing a single unified approach to aviation, where different players—from charter brokers, operators, suppliers and other service providers— can come together under one roof, explore business opportunities and discover ways to increase operational efficiency

and business growth, eliminate risks, reduce costs and build credibility.” Click members can build a portfolio and present their services on the Click platform. The platform also is designed to simplify operational, commercial and financial processes. It enables multiple user access, charter inquiry management, access to the location of an aircraft, access to airport and FBO directories, direct communication with operators, and access to invoices and management reports. The company not only hopes to serve as a central resource for aviation businesses and operations, but to collect and process data that could help improve businesses. Click Aviation Network (Stand 510) has assembled teams to work with clients both online and offline. “We have built a strong network of relationships and secured resources that will give our members the advantage to stay above the competition,” said chief sales and marketing officer Mariya Vynohradova. “Our designated commercial and vendor relations team work closely with on-ground suppliers to secure the most competitive prices.” The company also has an established operations control center with flight operations and flight dispatch specialists to provide services that range from coordinating air traffic rights to customized trip planning. o

In one image, this panoramic view of the static display ramp at MEBAA 2016 emphasizes business aviation’s wide array of missions, choices and capabilities. Photo: David McIntosh

www.ainonline.com • December 8, 2016 • MEBAA Convention News 00

A MULTI-SPECTRAL, HIGH-DEF, COMBINED VISION SYSTEM. IN A WORD, AMAZING.

For unsurpassed situational awareness, we present FalconEye. Available for the 8X, this remarkable breakthrough provides an extremely high-precision guidance system that ensures greater flight safety and operational capabilities. For a hi-fidelity look at the outside world even in the worst weather conditions and in the dead of night, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FalconEye.

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