Bartintl 171

171-Nov-2017

DUBAI AIRSHOW 2017

0UR 29th YEAR

PREMIER TRANSATLANTIC BUSINESS AVIATION MAGAZINE

SAUDI ARABIA Magic Carpet for Business Aviation

BART Completion Signature Issue

GAME CH M AX CRUISE S P EED: 422 KTA S

I MAX CRUISE ALTITUD E: FL 4 3 0 I RANGE 1 2 2 3 N M

HANGER

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Aviation has never been quite the same since the introduction of HondaJet. Apparently, some rules were meant to be broken if we were to stand by our desire to advance the definition of the ultimate flying experience. Because of our innovative thinking, there is no better place to gain increased productivity., access to more places and time on your own terms. The HondaJet is the fastest, most spacious and efficient way to get it all. Find out more about the world’s most technologically advanced light jet at HondaJet.com. The game has changed. Forever.

UPFRONT

giant WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HAVING RECENTLY acquired a private pilot license, my experience in aviation was rather limited when I started publishing my first aviation magazine back in 1970. The experience came later as I attended major airshows and visited the industry, starting in Europe and later in the US. Jet Aviation in Basel and Zurich were my first business stops and, even after all these years, remain my favorites.

Carl Hirschmann established Jet Aviation to help three US charter operators with three Learjet 23s stationed in Geneva develop their business in Europe. Often described as a born entrepreneur, when Hirschmann heard about the bankruptcy of Swiss charter airline Glob Air, he quickly bought their two Basel hangars and hired Elie Zelouf, Globe Air's deputy technical director. The planes were flown to Basel for storage and maintenance and, on November 27th, 1967, Jet Aviation was born.

Anybody who had the privilege to rub shoulders with Carl Hirschmann will agree that he had a talent for greeting people. Personally, I met him incidentally in Zurich. While I was kicking around with Jet Aviation's marketing manager, he appeared in the middle of the discussion. I was first impresssed by his stature, but also his rare level of humility that you just don't run into very often. Carl Hirschmann was tremendously fascinating - a giant in all senses - and I felt immediately relaxed.

Hirschmann knew people all over the world, from the Shah of Iran to the Aga Khan. At the end of the Kippur War in 1973, the price of oil increased drastically, allowing Saudi Arabia to gain both wealth and power. Sensing an opportunity, Hirschmann started exploring the region, making potential clients in the Middle East aware that the time of the Camel Express was over and that Business Aviation would be their new Magic

Fernand M. Francois Editor and Publisher

Carpet. Having noticed that they tended to travel with a large number of family, friends and staff, he saw a future for converting airliners by adding custom VIP cabins especially retrofitted with the lavishness cherished by this first generation of Middle Eastern clients. It was the beginning of the retrofit business and Hirschmann firmly cemented Jet Aviation Basel's leading position in VIP completions.

Hirschmann, having no intentions of standing still, soon got busy developing Jet Aviation across all Business Aviation sectors. He began with FBOs in Europe, before opening a US office in Washington DC in 1982. This move marked the beginning of a huge extension in the US, and I saw with incredulity Jet Aviation's rapid expansion in North America. In 1990, when Carl retired, his son Thomas took over as Chairman and CEO. One year later he moved Jet Aviation's headquarters from Zurich to West Palm Beach, Florida.

In the course of regular visits to Jet Aviation's FBO and maintenance facility in Florida, I had the great pleasure to meet the most dedicated employees that I have ever seen in my life.

This includes Heinz Aebi, who followed Thomas as marketing manager two years after joining Jet Aviation, and Ken Best, who became a Palm Beach legend for customer service and was a large factor in the FBO's jump from relative obscurity to the top rankings it has held ever since.

Carl Hirschmann passed away in 1995, and in 2008 General Dynamics acquired Jet Aviation for $2.25 billion in cash. Today, Carl's legacy lives on through the leadership of President Rob Smith and the 5,600 employees working for Jet Aviation at its 25 facilities found across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

“Happy 50th B-Day Jet Aviation! The entire BART team looks forward to reporting on all of your continued successes ahead. Here’s to the next 50!”

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CONTENTS Volume XXIX N°5 EDITOR and PUBLISHER Fernand M. Francois ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kathy Ann Francois ASSISTANT to the PUBLISHER Victoria Coffman

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DUBAI AIRSHOW PREVIEW

NBAA-BACE REPORT

Dubai getting ready to host the region's largest ever airshow. The show's conference lineup will focus on regional challenges.

BART's editorial team gathered in Las Vegas the most important news and trends from NBAA-BACE 2017.

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SAUDI ARABIA REGIONAL FOCUS

AIR OPS EUROPE

EDITOR-in-CHIEF Volker K. Thomalla

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds the largest fleet of business jets in the entire Middle East, Nick Klenske reports.

EBAA is developing a platform for the European bizav community as a marketplace where operators and service providers meet.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Nick Klenske

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MANAGING EDITOR Busra Ozturk ART DIRECTOR Tanguy Francois PHOTOGRAPHER/WEB DESIGNER Johan Francois SENIOR EDITOR Marc Grangier, Michael R. Grüninger, Captain LeRoy Cook, Steve Nichols

MARKET OVERVIEW: COMPLETION

Business Aircraft Completion requires highly skilled and determined workforce to satisfy customers' demand, Nick Klenske reports.

58 FOCUS ON MEA MAINTENANCE

The maintenance sector offers opportunities for growth in Middle East and Africa, Marc Grangier reports.

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Aoife O’Sullivan, Giulia Mauri, Anna Naznarova, Louis Smyth, Richard Koe, Derek Bloom, Eugene Gerden, Brian Foley.

The copilot is the best insurance policy, any pilot in command could have, relates Capt. LeRoy Cook.

ADVERTISING Kathy Ann Francois Marketing Director kafrancois@bartintl.com

To prevent accidents to happen, the whole industry needs to share safety critical information as soon as available.

FROM THE COCKPIT

68 SAFETY SENSE

CONTACT US info@bartintl.com

BART International. Premier Transatlantic Business Aviation Magazine. ISSN 0776-7596.

Printed in Belgium, published by SA F&L 20 rue de l'Industrie at B1400 Nivelles, Phone +326 788 3603. Fax +326 788 3623.

BART International is governed by the International copyright laws.

Free Professional subscription available International distribution by ASENDIA USPS 016707 Periodical postage paid Call IMS 1 (800) 428 3003 Responsible Publisher Fernand M. Francois

EBACE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

INTEGRATED FLIGHT DECKS

The next generation of cockpits raises the bar in technical innovation with solutions for years to come. Steve Nichols scrutinizes.

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PREMIER TRANSATLANTIC BUSINESS AVIATION MAGAZINE

SECTIONS

4 EDITORIAL 8 POINTER 10 QUICK LANE 24 ON THE MOVE 26 BUSINESS NEWS 28 TRANSATLANTIC UPDATE

OUR ADVERTISERS and their Agencies Advent Aircraft Systems (Romeo Oscar, Inc.) BendixKing (TMP Worldwide) CAE Comlux Duncan Aviation EBACE 2018 Flight Safety Foundation (TMP Worldwide) FlightSafety International (GRETEMAN GROUP) Garmin GCS Safety Solution Geneva Airpark SA Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation HondaJet (MILNER BUTCHER MEDIA GROUP) Jet Aviation JetNet LLC Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI) Lufthansa Technik (MEC GmbH) NBAA-Schedulers & Dispatchers 2018 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Rockwell Collins ARINCDirect Rolls-Royce RUBACE 2018 (Russian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition) 83 Universal Avionics System, Corp.

39 Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. 45 11 13 53 61 25 15 5 23 79 29 84 2-3 49 27 19 57 71 17 21 9 35

SAUDI ARABIA AIMS TO BE A BIZAV KING

Business Aviation has been on a steady rise in Saudi Arabia.

Not only does the country hold the largest fleet of all registered business jets in the entire Middle East, the Kingdom has also logged continuous increases in activity from its various airports over recent years.

OUR COVER

DUBAI PREPARES FOR A RECORD SETTING AIRSHOW This year’s Dubai Airshow is expected to set new records in terms of exhibitors and attendees. As the aerospace sector continues to grow in the Middle East, the show’s conference lineup will focus on regional challenges, including the skill shortage.

POINTER Events

IN SEQUENCE BRIEFING ROOM PERMISSIONS FOR NON-US CHARTER FLIGHTS TO THE US WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN OPERATING CHARTERS TO/FROM THE US, WITH NON-US REGISTERED AIRCRAFT

Agenda DUBAI AIR SHOW Nov 12-16, 2017 Dubai DWC

SCHEDULERS & DISPATCHERS Feb 6-9, 2018 Long Beach CA, USA

HAI HELI-EXPO Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2018 Las Vegas, USA

AERO Friedrichshafen Apr 18 - 21, 2018 Friedrichshafen, Germany

EBACE May 29-31, 2018 Geneva, Switzerland

APIS REQUIREMENTS Advanced passenger information system (APIS) must be filed prior to departing to/from the US and prior to notifying US CBP of a customs clearance request. Be aware that charter operators must have a registered “carrier code” prior to filing APIS. TSA WAIVERS Domestic movement by non-US charter flights may require a TSA waiver depending on aircraft weight and country of registration.

TSA waivers take about five business days to process and are valid up to 90 days.

While short notice waivers are possible, this is at TSA’s discretion.

When applying for TSA waivers it’s best to include all airports in the US that you may possibly operate to and from. Information required to obtain a TSA waiver includes operator, crew and passenger details, aircraft information and itinerary. If any information is missing you will not be able to complete your TSA waiver request online. Be aware that when applying for a 90 day TSA waiver it’s necessary to state start and end dates.

CUSTOMS NOTIFICATION Lead time for customs notification varies depending upon the airport of entry (AOE). es 1) APIS to be submitted prior to your departure for the US (and when departing the US) and 2) notification to clear customs at the AOE must be provided. APIS must always be filed prior to notifying Customs of your arrival.

CHARTER FREQUENCY LIMITATIONS Charter operators of foreign-registered aircraft are allowed up to six trips to the US annually without a permit. After this limit is reached you’ll need to arrange a 375 exemption allowing the operator to make an additional six charter trips during the year. Your trip support company can assist in obtaining this on your behalf. 375 exemptions are processed by the Department of Transport (DOT). Information required includes applicant name, address,

company executive or board member name.

A list of all aircraft under the operator name, details of proposed operations, an explanation of the type of business to be done in the US, and a copy of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), issued by the authority under which the aircraft is registered. 129 exemptions are also available, authorizing an unlimited number of charter movements to the US for a year, but this is a much more time- and document-intensive process.

MEXICAN AND CANADIAN OPERATIONS Due to bilateral agreements, Mexican and Canadian operators are not limited in terms of number of charter flights they may make to the US each year. A special exemption known as the 49 USC 40109, valid for two years, is available for Mexican-registered charter operators from the US DOT. Your trip support provider may assist in obtaining these exemptions. Required operator information is similar to the 375, but operators must also provide income records for the past 90 days to prove financial solvency. Lead time for Mexican exemptions is 60 business days, with 30 days lead time for renewals. Note that in the case of renewals it’s not necessary to submit income records.

Canadian-registered charter flights have a similar exemption available, also obtained from the US DOT. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE For more information pertaining to DOT permissions for non-US registered aircraft operating charter flights to the US, see: http://www.dot.gov/policy/aviationpolicy/licensing/foreign-carriers CONCLUSION Some non-US operators are unfamiliar with the full range of regulations and permissions involved in operating charters to/from the US. It’s always best to work closely with your trip support provider to avoid any potential issues.

QUESTIONS? If you have any questions about this article or would like assistance obtaining your needing permissions for the US, contact Juan Muniz > juanmuniz@univ-wea.com at Universal Weather and Aviation

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QUICK LANE EXECUJET BECOMES SOLE HANDLING AGENT IN ZÜRICH FOR SURF AIR ExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, has announced the successful launch of a new partnership with Surf Air, which sees ExecuJet becoming the sole handling agent for the airline at Zürich Airport.

Surf Air is now offering three flights weekly between Zürich and London. Surf Air's first Zürich to London flight departed on Sept. 25, 2017 from ExecuJet's Zürich FBO, after a wet send-off from the local fire brigade who hailed the aircraft with a water salute.

UNIVERSAL PRIVATE TRANSPORT DOUBLES REACH IN FIRST YEAR

ROLLS-ROYCE ACQUIRES TECHNOLOGY FOR CHARGING OF MTU ENGINES Rolls-Royce has acquired from G+L innotec the exclusive rights of use for a new technology for the electrically-assisted charging of off-highway combustion engines in the power range above 450 kW. The new invention from the development and engineering services provider based in Laupheim in southern Germany is protected by patents and has thus not been available on the market to date. Rolls-Royce plans to offer engines of its MTU brand with this technology as of 2021.

Since its launch at NBAA2016, Universal Private Transport, the global ground transportation service joint venture of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. and its long-time security partner FAM International, has doubled its global reach and is now providing service at more than 900 airports around the world. An independent company, Universal Private Transport, combines the worldwide Business Aviation trip management and logistical knowledge of Universal with the international ground transportation network of FAM.

TAG AVIATION GENEVA STRENGTHENS ITS MAINTENANCE SERVICE CAPABILITIES TAG Aviation Maintenance Services Centre in Geneva has recently expanded its on-site aircraft refurbishment proficiencies. It has introduced an 'off the shelf' cabin wood re-varnishing process for aircraft cabin interiors following research undertaken by TAG's Part 21 DOA department. Also, TAG Geneva Maintenance Services Centre now offers partial exterior paint refurbishments in line with the OEM's requirements. To further streamline TAG's range of aircraft refurbishment capabilities, TAG Maintenance Services has introduced a new 3D cabin configuration tool which can provide customers with the most extensive range of aircraft refurbishment interiors solutions. On another occasion, TAG Aviation's Maintenance Services Centre at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France, received the Bombardier Authorized Service Facility (ASF) Excellence Award for Line Maintenance for the third consecutive year.

10 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

ADS-B now. Less downtime, stress and cost. Wheels up.

Your passengers rely on you to have your aircraft ready and available to the greatest extent possible, so why settle for an ADS-B mandate solution that requires unnecessary downtime?

The MST 70B is a global mandate-compliant ADS-B transponder designed as a direct replacement for your existing MST 67As. By reusing the existing mounting trays and connectors, we’ll save you significant installation time and money. The MST 70B is approved for most popular business aircraft that were originally delivered with BendixKing 67As, including Citations, Gulfstreams, Challengers, Hawkers, Lears and Falcons.

An affordable, easy-to-install ADS-B solution for your aircraft is available today. Why wait any longer?

To learn more, call 1.855.250.7027, contact your local BendixKing dealer or visit go.bendixking.com/MST-70B Š2017 Honeywell International

QUICK LANE ROCKWELL COLLINS' VENUE CABIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HITS 1,000 INSTALLATIONS Rockwell Collins announced that its Venue high-definition cabin management and entertainment system has reached 1,000 installations, maintaining its position as the market leader of cabin management solutions for business aircraft. Venue has made its way onto a number of aircraft platforms ranging from turboprops to long-range business jets and VIP aircraft since it was first unveiled in 2007.

"Venue's flexibility and reliability has allowed a wide variety of operators to provide an ideal travel experience for their passengers," said Taylor Prosba, director, Cabin Information Systems for Rockwell Collins.

UAS FuelEvolution LAUNCHED AT NBAA-BACE UAS International Trip Support (UAS) launched its latest technology, UAS FuelEvolution at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. As the industry's newest all-in-one fuel management solution, UAS FuelEvolution is designed to simplify fuel management and ordering for both private and commercial operators. This powerful technology tool - the latest addition to the UAS EvolutionTM suite - is set to revolutionize how operators manage their fuel needs and deliver cost-savings. UAS FuelEvolution is an online fuel management platform that increases efficiency in fuel processes by providing aviation fuel costs, taxes, and supplier data around the globe.

GARMIN HEAD-UP DISPLAY SYSTEM TAKES FLIGHT ON CITATION LONGITUDE

BLACKHAWK MODIFICATIONS TEAMS WITH SIERRA NEVADA CORPORATION FOR XP67A Through Blackhawk Modifications' subsidiary government and military sales division, Vector-Hawk Aerospace (VHA), the companies have teamed with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to offer the Blackhawk XP67A Engine+ Upgrade STC Kit for the King Air 350ER at 16,500 and 17,500 pounds maximum allowable takeoff weight (MTOW). Specifically developed for military and government operations, the offering will include two factory-new Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-67A engines, new MT 5-bladed composite propeller assemblies and spinners, and a True Blue Power lithium-ion battery.

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., announced the Garmin Head-up Display (GHD 2100) for super-midsize business aircraft, continues to make progress with flight testing and certification on the Cessna Citation Longitude in conjunction with the G5000 integrated flight deck. The GHD system incorporates modern optical design within a single display unit, projecting a crisp, clear view of pertinent flight information while also offering superior integration with Garmin integrated flight decks. Throughout flight testing in the Citation Longitude, the GHD continues to progress in its own development and evaluation.

12 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

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QUICK LANE UNIVERSAL AVIONICS PARTNERS WITH JEPPESEN FOR AIRPORT MAPPING DATABASE

SmartSky OFFERS UNLIMITED PLAN LAUNCH PROMOTION

Universal Avionics announces that it has reached an agreement with Jeppesen to supply its Airport Mapping Database for Universal's new InSight Display System. With this agreement, InSight is the forerunner in the Business Aviation market with Jeppesen's new flight data element, providing timely and accurate airport diagrams and other essential information in high-resolution. Jeppesen will now provide Airport Mapping Database information, digital charts, NavData navigation information and cultural data services for the InSight Display System from Universal Avionics, through the agreement.

With the nationwide rollout of its 4G LTE-based network underway, SmartSky Networks introduces a limited-time promotion that allows customers use of all the data they want for an affordable, fixed monthly fee. Customers who sign up during SmartSky's Network Launch Promotion will receive bonus data, including an unlimited option (subject to terms and conditions).

The Network Launch Promotion enhances the already impressive value SmartSky 4G LTE provides. The innovative beamforming power of the network allows blazing-fast internet, minimal latency, real-time video streaming and the ability to conduct business as fast as on the ground.

FLIGHTSAFETY INTRODUCES NEW TRAINING SERVICES PROGRAM

FlightSafety International announces FlightSafety Platinum, a new training services program that provides unmatched customization, services and flexibility. FlightSafety Customers who enroll in the Platinum program will receive customized evidence based training scenarios delivered by instructors of their choice.

They will have advanced access to premium course scheduling, and the ability to reserve course dates as soon as the schedule is published. Their instructors will also be available to fly their department's aircraft or be part of the crew.

P&WC SETS BENCHMARK READINESS FOR PUREPOWER PW800 ENGINE The ground-breaking PurePower PW800 turbofan engine is entering the key final steps as it proceeds towards entry into service, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced. The PurePower PW800 recently reached the milestones of 16,600 hours and 16,800 cycles, including both ground testing and flight testing on P&WC's flying test bed and Gulfstream G500 and G600 flight test aircraft. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. Preparations for the engine's entry into service are in full swing, with the addition of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certifications.

14 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

CRITICAL AVIATION SAFETY INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Take advantage of FSF’s new comprehensive online resources As the only independent, impartial and international source for aviation safety, the Flight Safety Foundation takes keeping our skies safe seriously.

To ensure the aviation industry has the most up-to-date safety information, FSF has launched a new and improved website — your go-to repository of comprehensive, trustworthy aviation safety information.

As safety continues to evolve from reactive to predictive to proactive, FSF members will gain even more insight through expanded online offerings, including curated external content and our own AeroSafety World journal in a new digital-first format for maximum flexibility. Moreover, you’ll be able to interact via an exclusive online community designed to facilitate additional discussion of key safety initiatives.

Gain vital insight and help us keep the skies safe by becoming a member today. www.flightsafety.org Please visit us at NBAA booth# C9436.

©2017 Flight Safety Foundation, 701 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 250, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Visit flightsafety.org, information@flightsafety.org or call +1 (703) 739 6700

QUICK LANE PILATUS PC-12 NG CONTINUES TO LEAD BUSINESS AIRCRAFT MARKET After delivering 91 units of its popular single engine turboprop PC-12 NG in 2016, Pilatus executives have said that there are numerous growth opportunities around the world for it to sustain its sales leadership position. According to the Aircraft Bluebook Digest and an analysis conducted by Rolland Vincent Associates, PC-12 owners enjoy one of the highest resale value retention rates in all of Business Aviation.

Even during the post-2008 recession, the number of pre-owned PC-12s listed for sale has hovered around an extremely low four percent of the global fleet, while five-year old aircraft retain more than 80 percent of their original retail value.

ROCKWELL COLLINS INTRODUCES NEW JET CONNEX SUPPORT TOOLS

EMBRAER LAUNCHES NEW PHENOM 300E BUSINESS JET

As in-flight connectivity becomes increasingly important, Rockwell Collins has introduced new support tools that enable Business Aviation operators using Jet ConneX (JX) highspeed internet from Inmarsat to optimize the end-to-end management of the service. Rockwell Collins is a value-added reseller of the JX service as part of its ARINCDirectSM offering. Preflight, ARINCDirect customers can overlay JX coverage maps on their route, helping to ensure they will not fly outside of internet coverage and lose connectivity. During the trip, new advanced troubleshooting capabilities give the ARINCDirect technical support team more insight into a customer's JX utilization.

Embraer unveiled the Phenom 300E light jet, its newest business aircraft. The new aircraft is designated "E" for "Enhanced" in reference to its entirely redesigned cabin and the addition of nice HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik. Leading the light jet segment since 2012, the Phenom 300 has been the most delivered business jet since 2013 with over 400 aircraft in close to 40 countries. Deliveries of the Phenom 300E will commence in the first quarter of 2018.

HondaJet SALES EXPANDED TO CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU Honda Aircraft Company has expanded sales of the HondaJet in Greater China with the appointment of Honsan General Aviation Co. Ltd., based in Guangzhou, as a HondaJet dealer in China, providing sales, service and support for the world's most advanced light jet throughout China, Hong Kong and Macau. "With its strong focus on quality and customer service, Honsan General Aviation Co. Ltd. will be a very valuable addition to our dealer network and will be very successful in this emerging market," said Honda Aircraft President and CEO Michimasa Fujino.

16 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

THE ORIGINAL Many claim originality, but there is always only one true pioneer. In designing the PC-12 our objective was to create the world’s most versatile, high performance, efficient and safe aircraft and back it up with the highest level of service. Today, with over 1,500 aircraft in operation, our commitment is just as strong as when the first PC-12 was delivered.

At Pilatus, we succeed by helping our customers succeed. How’s that for an original idea?

Step up to the “Pilatus Class” now.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd • Switzerland • Phone +41 41 619 61 11 • www.pilatus-aircraft.com

QUICK LANE GOGO AVANCE L5 SELECTED BY DASSAULT AVIATION Dassault Aviation, a premier aircraft manufacturer that provides industry leading connectivity to its customers, has selected Gogo Business Aviation's latest inflight connectivity technology, Gogo AVANCE L5, to be a factory option on new production Falcon 2000S, 2000LXS, 900LX, 5X, 7X and 8X airframes. Dassault plans to deliver the first production Falcon Jet equipped with Gogo AVANCE L5 from the factory later this year, and its certification efforts will also enable the installation of the system at Dassault-owned service centers.

CAE LAUNCHES MASTER PILOT TRAINING PROGRAM

DUNCAN AVIATION, GE AVIATION COLLABORATE TO PROVIDE ADS-B BENEFITS

CAE announced the launch of its CAE Master Pilot Training Program, a badge of honor dedicated to further elevate the experience of Business Aviation pilots throughout their career. The CAE Master Pilot program has been designed as the exemplary career advancement tool-raising pilot levels of platform knowledge, safety awareness and situational response capabilities. In addition to preparing the pilots for the broadest range of challenging situations, the core and elective courses will prepare them to advance more confidently on their career path.

In an effort to help business jet operators more easily meet the upcoming Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADSB) mandate and prevent potential operational disruption for their customers, Duncan Aviation and GE Aviation have collaborated to provide ADS-B benefits to GE's OnPoint engine service customers through Duncan Aviation's nationwide full-service and satellite avionics facilities. Under this new program for OnPoint customers, installation labor related to ADS-B upgrades and engine prognostics hardware is discounted under OnPoint service agreements.

PROMAINTENANCE DELIVERS TURN-KEY MAINTENANCE FOR TEXTRON AVIATION CUSTOMERS Textron Aviation Inc. is further simplifying ownership and maintenance for Cessna Citation, Beechcraft King Air and Cessna Caravan customers with its new turn-key, factorydirect maintenance solution: ProMaintenance. Customers enrolled in ProMaintenance will benefit from Textron Aviation facilitating the complete management of scheduled, unscheduled and aircraft on ground (AOG) maintenance events. "Designed to alleviate any additional complexity that comes with managing aircraft maintenance, ProMaintenance is an ideal solution for an owner-operator or a larger operation that may not have a full flight department," said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Customer Service.

18 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

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QUICK LANE GDC TO ACCOMPLISH FIRST LIVE TV INSTALLATION ON VIP 787

AVFUEL ROCKETS ONTO THE MARKETPLACE

Fulfilling their commitment to continuing to lead the industry in technology and innovation, GDC Technics is working in partnership with the Boeing Company on the installation of the first ever live television aboard a VIP 787 at their 840,000sf facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

Mohammad Alzeer the GDC General Partner said: "Over the past two years, our teams have worked diligently with Boeing to ensure our customers obtain the latest technology on their aircraft, Live TV not only provides entertainment for our clients, but it also keeps our clients in touch with global events as they unfold."

Avfuel Corporation has become the latest service provider to join the RocketRoute MarketPlace, giving their customers the advantages of a fast, convenient way to prepare trips, view pricing and place orders globally.

"Welcoming Avfuel Corporation to the Marketplace signals our commitment to provide a true global platform that enables pilots to connect directly with thousands of ground handlers, FBOs and aviation service providers worldwide", says Steve Woods, VP for Sales and Vendor Relations at RocketRoute.

MARTIN AVIATION BECOMES STANDARDAERO'S NEWEST PT6A PARTNER

JSSI INTRODUCES ADVISORY SERVICES

StandardAero and Martin Aviation signed a three-year Authorized Service Center agreement for PT6A engine services at the 2017 NBAABACE event. The agreement will provide operators of King Air, Pilatus, Cessna Caravan, Cheyenne and TBM aircraft the advantage of a onestop solution for both engine and airframe services. Under the agreement, StandardAero and Martin will work together to perform PT6A engine removal and installations, line maintenance, hot section inspections, engine overhauls and heavy maintenance.

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the leading independent provider of maintenance programs to the Business Aviation industry, has introduced a new range of consulting services that utilizes JSSI's global network of technical advisors and operational data collected over three decades. JSSI Advisory Services applies this technical, cross-platform expertise to inspect aircraft, perform appraisals and manage maintenance events for clients. The full selection of services includes asset inspections, aircraft appraisals, maintenance cost planning and maintenance event management.

20 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

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Rockwell Collins’ ARINCDirect ensures you and your SM

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QUICK LANE COMLUX SIGNS THE FIRST BBJ MAX 8 CABIN COMPLETION EVER Comlux Completion has been awarded the cabin outfitting contract of the first BBJ MAX 8 aircraft, for an undisclosed customer. The aircraft will input into Comlux Indianapolis facilities in 4th quarter 2018, for redelivery by fall 2019. "Since 2008, Comlux has continuously performed the most customized, engineered and luxurious cabin completions. Almost 10 years later, we are honored to be selected by the first customer of the BBJ MAX 8 program to complete their future aircraft" stated Scott Meyer, CEO Comlux Completion.

AERO-DIENST RECEIVES BOMBARDIER AWARD FOR THIRD TIME RUNNING Aero-Dienst was awarded the 'Bombardier Business Aircraft Authorized Service Facility (ASF) Excellence Award' in the categories 'Worldwide' and 'Europe'. The Nuremberg specialist for maintenance, operation, sales and management of business aircraft has now received the Excellence Award for the third time in a row as the Overall and Europe categories and once in 2013 as the winner in the European category. CEO Viktor Peters has this to say about Aero-Dienst's success: "This hattrick as worldwide No. 1 is a fantastic honor for our employees who have been doing that extra bit for the customers for many years."

JET AVIATION DEVELOPS STC TO REPLACE COCKPIT DISPLAYS WITH DU-875 LCD UNITS

CITATION LATITUDE REACHES 100TH DELIVERY MILESTONE Textron Aviation Inc. announced that it is in the process of delivering the 100th Cessna Citation Latitude midsize business jet.

The milestone aircraft, which comes just 26 months after the first Latitude entered service, will be handed over to NetJets, Inc., this week at Textron Aviation headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. "Delivering 100 Latitudes in just over two years is a testament that we've got the ideal combination," said Rob Scholl, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing, Textron Aviation.

Jet Aviation has developed an STC to update, in partnership with Honeywell, soon-to-be obsolete cockpit displays with DU-875 LCD units. The partnership provides a trade-in credit for each DU-870 replaced with a DU-875 before 2018. It further permits displays to be replaced one at a time or all at once. "Jet Aviation has completed an EASA supplemental type certificate (STC) for this off-the-shelf, certified solution that provides the latest, modern liquid crystal display (LCD) aircraft avionics to replace the old cathode ray tube (CRT) units in Falcon and Cessna aircraft," said Samuel Nemoz, manager of Direct Sales for Jet Aviation in Basel.

22 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

ADDS MORE INDICATIONS TO YOUR HORIZONTAL SITUATION.

G1000® NXi adds a moving map to your HSI to give you at-a-glance awareness of traffic, terrain and weather encroaching on your route. So you get a heads-up, right in your scan. G1000 NXi. How will you use it next? Learn more at Garmin.com/G1000NXi.

©2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

ON THE MOVE PEOPLE Alistair Dibisceglia has taken over the role of vice president and head of Global Leasing at MTU Maintenance Lease Services B.V in Amsterdam.

In this role, Dibisceglia is responsible for commercial and technical activities. He is looking to build on MTU Maintenance Lease Services’s offerings for lessors and lessees as well as expand its technical asset management services in line with the company’s strategy.

Alistair Dibisceglia Duncan Aviation has expanded and enhanced its Parts & Rotables Sales Customer Service with the addition of Katherine Victory and April Biscamp, two bilingual Sales and Customer Service representatives. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Victory joins Duncan Aviation as a Parts & Rotable Sales rep supporting customers around the world with their aircraft parts

Katherine Victory

24 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

needs. Biscamp is Duncan Aviation’s new Parts Sales assistant. In this role, she is instrumental in working directly with customers coordinating and reporting all core returns.

She also assists the Sales team developing quotes.

Another announcement from Duncan Aviation is that Jeff Beaudette joined the Modifications and Completions Sales team in Lincoln, Nebraska. In the 20 years Beaudette has worked at Duncan Aviation, he served as a Cabinet specialist and team leader before transitioning to the Engineering & Certification Department. “Jeff is a selfstarter with a positive, solutionbased attitude who has been a valued employee in his years at Duncan Aviation,” says Manager of Completion and Modification Sales Nate Klenke.

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has created two new senior positions to help it expand horizons for Business Aviation in Europe. Robert Baltus has been appointed to the post of chief operations officer (COO) and Eric Drosin has been named Communications director. A Business Aviation specialist, Baltus is experienced in start-ups, fleet selection, training and strategic change management, while Drosin has over two decades of experience in communications, public affairs and advocacy across the transport, energy, sustainability, apparel and luxury goods sectors.

Euro Jet announced the appointment of Paul Lourenco to lead its Operations Control Center (OCC) in Prague, Czech Republic. Paul will manage the Prague based team of 24/7 multilingual dispatchers that make up this centralized operation coordinating over 8,000 flights a year and countless requests for permits, fuel, catering, and crew hotels and transportation.

FlightSafety International announces that Scott Goodwin has been promoted to vice president, Simulation.

Scott Goodwin Scott has overall responsibility for the design, manufacture and support of FlightSafety’s full flight simulators and other advanced technology training devices. They are used throughout FlightSafety’s worldwide network of Learning Centers and by government and military agencies and commercial aircraft operators around the world.

West Star Aviation has announced James (Jim) Woodliff as its South Central Regional Sales manager. As RSM, Jim will be responsible for sales activities in Texas and Oklahoma while also building and maintaining customer relationships. “We are excited to have Jim join us at West Star, he brings 33 years of hands on experience, plus the experience of the mechanic and maintenance mindset to our sales

James (Jim) Woodliff

team and customers in Texas and Oklahoma,” said Jim Swehla, cofounder/executive vice president of Sales & Marketing, West Star Aviation.

West Star Aviation also announced Scott McDonald as its East South Central Regional Sales manager. As an RSM for West Star Aviation, Scott will be responsible for sales activities for West Star’s Southern territory, including, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and western Tennessee. In his most recent position, McDonald was Managing Partner for Aviation Consulting Partners, LLC where he represented customers for new/pre-owned aircraft purchases.

Windsor Jet Management – private jet charter operator based out of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport – announced the latest company updates at the convention including the newest leadership team addition, Ricardo Farfan, as the company director of Maintenance and Information on the latest charter fleet addition Gulfstream V registered N150WJ. As the new director of Maintenance, Farfan, known as Rickey, is responsible for the oversight of the company maintenance department and regulatory compliance therein.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has appointed three regional sales managers (RSMs) at strategic locations in the United States and Latin America: Kirsten Krueger (Western United States), Pedro F. Ruiz (Latin America and Florida) and Luiz Cezar Vieira Alves (Brazil). Krueger reports to Brent Monroe, regional senior vice president, Sales, Western US and Canada, while Ruiz and Vieira Alves report to Fabio Rebello, regional senior vice president, International Sales, Florida and Latin America. The regional sales managers work closely with regional vice presidents to cultivate leads and generate sales of new Gulfstream aircraft.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS IN EUROPE The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2018) will feature 13,000 attendees, 500 exhibitors and 60 aircraft on static display. Don’t miss this important opportunity to gain brand recognition and be seen as an industry leader at Europe’s premier business aviation event.

SUMBIT YOUR APPLICATION TODAY: www.ebace.aero/2018

TEXTRON REAFFIRMS 2017 FINANCIAL OUTLOOK TEXTRON INC. (NYSE: TXT) reported second quarter 2017 income from continuing operations of $0.57 per share or $0.60 per share of adjusted income from continuing operations, a non-GAAP measure that is defined and reconciled to GAAP in an attachment to this release, compared to $0.66 per share in the second quarter of 2016. During this year’s second quarter, the company recorded $13 million of pretax special charges ($0.03 per share, aftertax). Revenues in the quarter were $3.6 billion, up 2.6 percent from the second quarter of 2016. Textron segment profit in the quarter was $295 million, down $33 million from the second quarter of 2016.

“Revenues were up in the quarter primarily driven by the Arctic Cat acquisition,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott C. Donnelly. “We saw strong performance at Bell and were encouraged by the continued strengthening in commercial helicopter demand.”

Second Quarter Segment Results Revenues at Textron Aviation were down $25 million, primarily due to lower military and commercial turboprop volume, partially offset by higher jet volume. Textron Aviation delivered 46 new Citation jets, up from 45 jets last year, 19 King Air turboprops compared to 23 in last year’s second quarter, and 4 Beechcraft T-6 trainers, down from 11 last year. Textron Aviation recorded a segment profit of $54 million in the second quarter compared to $81 million a year ago, primarily due to lower volume and mix. Textron Aviation backlog at the end of the second quarter was $1.0 billion, approximately flat from the end of the first quarter.

Bell revenues were up $21 million, as Bell delivered 14 H-1’s up from 9 H-1’s last year, 4 V-22’s in the quarter, down from 6 in last year’s second quarter, and 21 commercial helicopters compared to 24 units last year.

Segment profit was up $31 million primarily due to improved performance. Bell backlog at the end of the second quarter was $5.4 billion, down $234 million from the end of the first quarter.

$

26 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

Scott C. Donnelly

AMSTAT RELEASES BUSINESS AIRCRAFT RESALE MARKET REPORT AMSTAT has released latest Business Aircraft Resale Market Update Report for NBAA-BACE 2017 showing continued transaction growth and inventory contraction in most market segments.

According to AMSTAT, there have been further encouraging signs coming from the business aircraft resale market. In their NBAA-BACE Business Aircraft Resale Market Update, they examine the market based on aircraft size and age. The clear message from the report is that in almost all markets transaction activity has been most robust in the Newer and Mid-Age segments.

In the Heavy Jet group, the Newer and Mid Age segments have shown the greatest year-over-year growth in resale retail transaction numbers with jumps of +38.2% and +12.9% respectively. AMSTAT notes that while these percentages, especially for the Newer segment seem high we should remember that this is the smallest jet segment and that a few transactions plus or minus will have a significant impact from one period to another. By contrast, the

Older Heavy Jet segment saw transaction activity contract -3.4% versus the first 8 months of 2016.

The Turboprop segments saw very little change in the first 8 months of this year versus the same period in 2016. Each segment was either up or down about 1.0%.

AMSTAT also reported that Medium Jet inventories also contracted over the last 12 months. There is 10.5% of the fleet for sale today versus 11.5% a year ago. Interestingly, the largest drop in inventory was in the Older segment from 15.9% in September 2016 and 14.7% today. By contrast, the Newer segment fell from 7.5% to 6.7% and the Mid Age segment fell from 12.0% to 11.2%.

There was minimal year-over-year change in the Light Jet inventory between 2016 and 2017. However, that aggregated view while reflecting the activity in the Newer and Older ends of the market, hides what was a significant increase in Mid Age Light Jets for sale.

Inventory in this segment rose from 11.0% a year ago to 12.9% today and has been on an upward trajectory since early 2015.

Looking at Average Asking Prices, the report shows continued downward pressure in almost all market segments.

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PIPER'S REVENUE SOARS IN Q3 2017 Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced its aircraft sales and delivery results for the third quarter of 2017, ending September 30th. Aircraft sales continued to grow in both the Trainer class and M-class product lines with the flagship M600 and the single engine Archer TX trainer leading the sales expansion for the company.

The company delivered 42 aircraft in Q3 worth $48.6M. The 2017 year to date revenue performance also grew over the same period in 2016 with a nearly $45M or 57% increase. Additionally Piper product deliveries have grown by 19 units, when compared to the same period in 2016, which represents a 24% increase. Piper Archer deliveries continue to expand with 55% more units delivered vs. 2016.

$

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TRANSATLANTIC EUROPE ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH How could we measure the breakdown?

Some use a fuzzy yardstick, such as alcohol vs. coffee consumption on board, while admitting fully that it’s often hard to tell the difference between a leisure flight and business flight objectively.

From the Desk of EBAA CEO Brandon Mitchener BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? BUSINESS AVIATION IN EUROPE has turned a corner with August traffic figures rising by 8.8% compared with the previous year. This is the strongest growth in August for 10 years and marks 10 months of uninterrupted growth in Europe. After a decade-long rut in our sector, this is significant and is also reflective of broader economic activity, with some analysts forecasting 2% GDP growth in Europe for 2017.

The August figures also add fodder to the ongoing debate in and about our industry: What proportion is for business as opposed to leisure? In the summer months, undoubtedly, some of this travel is for pleasure: Many of the top destinations are near Europe’s best beaches.

There is no hard data on the proportion of Business Aviation that is for “business” and how much is for leisure. Anecdotally, it depends on who you talk to. In Italy, I hear people referring to a 70%-30% leisure to business split, while in the UK, people tend to estimate the opposite with 70% business and 30% leisure. Some commercial operators may do mostly leisure flights; corporate operators almost never allow their aircraft to be used for leisure.

28 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

Business and Private As we all know, there are many who see Business Aviation – often simply described as “private jets” – as an unnecessary, expensive or extravagant mode of travel.

But if they would only take a closer look, they might be surprised at what they would find. The EBAA was founded by corporate flight departments, and many of its members continue to do nothing but business flights. We also include air charter operators and companies that operate emergency medical services – hardly what any reasonable person would describe as leisure craft.

Whether a particular flight is purported to be for business or not, private and business travelers play an essential role for local economies, contributing around EUR 1 billion and some 400,000 jobs to the European economy. The aircraft are all operated by companies, and that makes it business.

Moreover, describing what we do as Business Aviation helps us defend our license to operate vis-à-vis regulators and local communities. The main thing we want to understand is that we make businesses more efficient and contribute to connectivity and opportunities. Business Aviation provides closely tailored, flexible, point to point air transportation for individuals, governments, businesses and local communities in the most time-efficient way possible.

The challenge for our industry is to make ourselves better understood and to demonstrate the value that we bring to society. Whether an aircraft manufacturer, owner, operator, pilot, technician, or other essential role in the sector, everybody involved in Business Aviation has a responsibility to take up this challenge.

In the meantime, we will contribute to the debate by providing more facts in the form of a formal survey on the proportion of business and leisure in European Business Aviation, to be ready in 2018, so watch this space. ✈

/EUROPE

COMMITTED TO CURBING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

As highly sophisticated and refined as your style.

THE GLOBAL BUSINESS AVIATION operating and manufacturing communities have announced an aggressive strategy to further mitigate the industry's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Developed jointly by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its Member Associations, the programme is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) proposal for global aviation sectorial management of targets and monitoring of emissions.

Business Aviation has established an excellent record of consistently improving fuel efficiency, delivering 40 per cent improvement over the past 40 years.

Business aviation's worldwide carbon emissions are approximately 2% of all aviation and 0.04% of global man-made carbon emissions.

Despite this excellent record, the Business Aviation community has pledged to do even more by committing to the following specific targets: ❍ Carbon-neutral growth by 2020; ❍ An improvement in fuel efficiency of an average of 2% per year from today until 2020; and,

A five-star residence for your jet. www.geneva-airpark.ch

❍ A reduction in total carbon emissions by 50% by 2050 relative to 2005 These aggressive targets are largely based on advancements in four areas: technology, infrastructure and operational improvements, alternative fuels, and market based measures.

In co-ordination with the Competent Authorities (CAs) of the EU Member States, EUROCONTROL has developed and established a central Emission Trading Scheme Support Facility (ETS SF).

The Support Facility provides ETS relevant information and data in order to assist aircraft operators

in meeting their regulatory obligations under the EU ETS. The support consists of a draft Annual Emissions Report (AER) and associated flight data information provided by email. A subscription fee of €400 per year of traffic is requested to obtain the flight data.

If your 'full scope' CO2 emissions are below 25,000 tons during the 2013 and/or 2014 Scheme Year(s), you have the option to use the data from the Support Facility rather than having your emissions verified by an independent verifier.

✈ BART: NOVEMBER - 2017 - 29

TRANSATLANTIC U.S.A. ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH A STRONG INDUSTRY AND RESILIENT CITY COME TOGETHER FOR NBAA-BACE 2017

From the Desk of Ed Bolen NBAA President and CEO The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently concluded a successful edition of our annual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAABACE), which demonstrated not only the strength and resiliency of an industry, but an American city as well.

As I'm certain readers of BART International are aware, this year's host city of Las Vegas, NV, was shaken to its core by an Oct. 1 attack on concertgoers.

As the first major event to visit the city since, NBAA hoped to make Las Vegas proud, just as Las Vegas has made America proud.

Before the launch of the show, NBAA Charities made a $10,000 contribution to the Las Vegas Victims Fund, and throughout the event the association encouraged show participants to contribute to the fund as well. Local leaders welcomed show attendees, saying "with all of you, our city will continue to be Las Vegas strong."

The show's first two days featured standing-room-only opening sessions with engaging speakers, including local leaders who welcomed attendees to Las Vegas: Rep. Dina Titus (D-1-NV), Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly and MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, along with top government officials, including Federal 30 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

Without a question, bizav is a vital industry throughout the world.

Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Robert Sumwalt.

All three days of the show were packed with well-attended education sessions, including full-day programs at the NBAA National Safety Forum and Single-Pilot Safety Standdown. Discussions featured top safety experts and representatives from the FAA and NTSB. More than 1,000 students came to NBAA-BACE, where they heard from Dreams Soar Founder and around-the-world pilot Shaesta Waiz, and participated in an industry roundtable with industry leaders and potential employers.

NBAA-BACE also featured events of significance to the international Business

/U.S.A. TRANSATLANTIC

Aviation community, including a wellattended discussion of several urgent topics confronting international operators. This included a review of strategic lateral offset procedures (SLOP) intended to maintain adequate separation between opposite direction RVSM traffic along busy flight routes; mitigation of navigation errors when operating in international air transportation systems; and procedures for operating in regions afflicted with the Zika virus.

All told, NBAA-BACE featured about 1,100 exhibitors, including more than 100 new exhibitors. Attendees came to Las Vegas from all 50 US states, and dozens of countries. Approximately 100 aircraft were featured throughout static displays at Henderson Executive Airport (HND) and inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, including the public debuts of the Bombardier Global 7000, Gulfstream G600 and Pilatus PC-24.

Show-goers also had many opportunities at the convention to celebrate NBAA's milestone 70th anniversary. A key feature of the event was a large, three-dimensional, moving "NBAA70" wall, filled with signatures from those wanting to be a part of the occasion, and the static display at HND included a "70th Anniversary Row," where a 1946 Douglas DC-3 business aircraft joined other vintage aircraft from Business Aviation's early days.

Without question, Business Aviation is a vital industry not only across North America, but throughout the world. NBAA-BACE demonstrated the size, scope, and diversity of the global Business Aviation community, ensuring that the industry's value continues to be understood at all levels.

On behalf of the more than 11,000 member companies of NBAA, I encourage BART International readers to begin making plans now to join us from Oct. 16-18, 2018 in Orlando, FL for NBAA-BACE 2018, where the very best of our industry will again be displayed to a global audience.

✈

‘BIZAV KEY TO SUCCESS FOR COMPANIES’

NBAA ANNOUNCES NEW FITTS AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a new study of S&P 500 companies, showing that by a host of measures, the use of Business Aviation is the sign of a well-managed enterprise among America’s most highly valued and wellrespected companies.

“This report reaffirms what study after study, from one decade to the next, have repeatedly found: smart entrepreneurs and companies understand the value of Business Aviation in making them more efficient, productive, nimble and competitive,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “As this report makes clear, these are America’s most innovative companies, most admired companies, best brands, best corporate citizens, and best places to work.”

The study, “Business Aviation and Top Performing Companies, 2017,” is the sixth completed by NEXA Advisors, LLC. It builds on previous NEXA studies, in focusing on the ways S&P 500 companies utilize business aircraft to create enterprise value. The report was commissioned for the No Plane No Gain advocacy initiative, which is cosponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

The study examines the financial performance of the S&P 500 between 2012 and 2017, and finds that, over that period, S&P 500 companies utilizing Business Aviation to support their missions outperformed those not using Business Aviation, as demonstrated by a number of key metrics, including drivers of shareholder value.

The latest NEXA study highlights three additional financial drivers positively impacted by using Business Aviation: Revenue or market share growth, profit growth and asset efficiency. Non-financial indicators positively influenced by using Business Aviation include customer and employee satisfaction.

The study also indicates that companies that closed their flight departments experienced less financial success, compared to those that continued to utilize Business Aviation, even during economic downturns.

The study also shows that, using a “best of the best” analysis, leading of the S&P 500 overwhelmingly use business aircraft.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced that NBAA Charities will offer a new scholarship to support the development of aspiring Business Aviation professionals. The Fred and Diane Fitts Aviation Scholarship will include funds of up to $2,500 to assist four individuals seeking careers as Business Aviation schedulers, dispatchers, maintenance professionals, pilots or flight attendants.

Scholarships will be awarded in fall of 2018, with selection focusing on applicants who express their dedication to furthering the Business Aviation industry. Funds may be used for professional or educational training that will help recipients enter the Business Aviation career path of their choice.

“We’re very excited to add the Fred and Diane Fitts Aviation Scholarship to our lineup of 17 unique monetary and training awards given out to Business Aviation students and professionals each year,” said Tyler Austin, NBAA’s manager of professional development. “This scholarship provides an enormous opportunity for individuals looking to begin a career in Business Aviation.”

NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees and would not be possible without the generous financial support of NBAA member donors.

✈

✈

BART: NOVEMBER - 2017 - 31

DUBAI AIRSHOW PREVIEW

DUBAI PREPARES FOR A RECORD SETTING AIRSHOW This year’s Dubai Airshow is expected to set new records in terms of exhibitors and attendees. As the aerospace sector continues to grow in the Middle East, the show’s conference lineup will focus on regional challenges, including the skill shortage, UAVs and space exploration. Volker K. Thomalla reports

T

TIMELY

The five day Airport Solutions Dubai event brings together the entire buying chain of the airport solutions industry.

he Dubai Airshow takes place every other year. Since its first edition in 1989, it has seen continuous growth and has now firmly established itself as one of the world’s major airshows. This year’s event, which takes place from November 12 to November 16 at Dubai World Central’s dedicated Dubai Airshow site, is expected to draw over 1,200 exhibitors and over 72,000 trade visitors.

In 2015, companies participating at the bi-annual event signed contracts worth $100 billion – a number that underlines the importance of the region as top-spot for all things aerospace. Dubai benefits from a geographical advantage, being situated within eight flight hours of two thirds of the world and, as a result, has established itself as an aviation hub

32 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

between the east and west. Aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, service companies, industry associations and media will all be exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow 2017.

“The Dubai Airshow has always represented the center of the aerospace industry,” says Michele van Akelijen, Managing Director of show organizers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East. “Seeing the geographical representations of this year’s exhibitors – both new and returning – travelling to Dubai to be part of the show demonstrates that the Dubai Airshow really is the place for the industry to do business. We are looking forward to welcoming them all and, of course, to a successful show.”

The airshow features a broad bandwidth of aerospace products and services, ranging from commercial avia-

tion to defense products and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and everything in-between. As the Middle East is an important region for Business Aviation, nearly all major players will be present at the five-day event in Dubai.

First Time Features This year’s airshow features some new events within the show, including “Airport Solutions Dubai”, an exhibition and a two-day conference that strives to bring together the entire buying chain of the airport solutions industry. As the airports in the region are following an aggressive growth path, this event is a must for all companies involved in airport technologies. Another new feature for 2017 is the Space Pavilion & Conference. With the UAE having

selected space exploration as a national priority, the Space Pavilion will support the government’s strategic objectives of building an aerospace industry in the region. A UAS Summit will also make its debut during the show. The conference will address issues and challenges facing the industry when it comes to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Another new addition to the agenda is GATE, the Gulf Aviation Training Event. As the region’s global share in the airline and Business Aviation industry continues to grow, the need for qualified pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, flight attendants and other key personnel is increasing. GATE brings key figures together to address the challenges of growing demand in the Middle East. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports; and Chairman and CEO of Emirates.

Training the Future Speaking of training, Emirates recently founded a dedicated Emirates Flight Training Academy on the perimeters of Dubai World Central, just opposite the Dubai Airshow site. It has the capacity to train up to 600 cadet pilots at an annual intake of 160 to 200 students. The Academy is scheduled to open in November.

Once open, the Academy will be one of the most advanced flight training facilities in the world. its facility will be spread over an area of 200 football fields and will include ground school classrooms, ground based simulators, a young and modern training aircraft fleet, a 5,905 ft (1,800 m) dedicated runway, an independent air traffic control tower and a maintenance center – in addition to accommodation and recreational facilities for cadets.

In September, the school received its first two Cirrus SR22 G6 training aircraft. They were ferried by two of the Academy’s instructors from the manufacturer’s facilities in Duluth, Minnesota, to Dubai. Emirates has ordered 22 of these type for ab-initio training and will soon add five Embraer Phenom 100EV light jets for advanced training.

A Growing Fleet Bombardier Business Aircraft predicted in its latest 2016-2025 Business Aircraft Market Forecast that the Middle East will take delivery of 350 business aircraft, valued at $12 billion within the next ten years. According to Bombardier, the region remains a promising market for the sector, as long distances between cities and difficult ground transportation drives the need for Business Aviation.

According to the Forecast, the region’s fleet is expected to grow from 410 Business aircraft in 2015 to 730 aircraft in 2025.

The Canadian manufacturer will exhibit its large cabin and ultralong-range aircraft, including the Bombardier Challenger 350 and the Global 6000, at the Dubai Airshow.

It will also report on the progress of

its newest program, the Global 7000. The type’s test fleet surpassed 500 flight test hours in mid-July.

Since then, the company has added a fourth Flight Test Vehicle (FTV4), nicknamed the “Architect” as it is equipped with a full cabin interior and will be used mainly for interior validation and connectivity systems testing. With a wing span of 104 ft (31.7 meters) and a length of 111 ft 2 in (33.9 meters), the Global 7000 is the industry’s largest purposebuilt jet and the only one with four living spaces and a permanent crew rest area. The aircraft features an impressive range of 7,400 nm (13,705 km) as well as a top speed of Mach 0.925. Bombardier is targeting aircraft certification for 2018, with first deliveries following soon after.

BART: NOVEMBER - 2017 - 33

FLEET

Phenom 100E in the Emirates Flight Training Academy's livery (top).

Challenger aircraft of Qatar Airways (below).

DUBAI AIRSHOW PREVIEW layout, noise, ergonomics, functionality, passenger interaction and appliance reliability. The company anticipates FAA type certification for the all-new G600 in 2018, with customer deliveries starting before the end of that year.

Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation will be using the airshow to present its flagship Dassault Falcon 8X, along with bringing a Dassault Falcon 900LX. The Falcon 8X, the largest business aircraft ever built by the company, made its Middle East debut at MEBAA last year. It received FAA and EASA certification in June 2016 and entered service in October the same year with a Greek charter company. The second production aircraft was delivered to a customer in the

APPROVED

Falcon 8X flying over Dubai (left).

Jet Aviation Dubai has been authorized to provide maintenance to Gulfstream (right).

Gulfstream Aerospace is amongst the top-suppliers of business aircraft to the Middle East, with Dubai being the first place in the region that Gulfstream delivered an aircraft to.

The manufacturer has since delivered another 120 aircraft to the region. Of these, the largest type in Gulfstream’s inventory, the G650 and G650ER, are especially popular here. “The G650 continues to be the strongest airplane in the market for us,” says Gulfstream President Mark Burns. “We have delivered over 250 G650s, with 25 of them being here in the Middle East.”

Gulfstream is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the G650’s type certification. The ultra-long-range jet received its FAA type certificate on September 7, 2012, and entered service on December 20, 2012. Today, more than 250 G650 and G650ER aircraft operate in 40 countries. The aircraft type quickly exceeded its original range projections during in flight test, allowing Gulfstream to announce an enhanced range of 6,000 nm/11,112 km at Mach 0.90. In May 2014, the company introduced the Gulfstream 650ER an extended-range variant of the G650, with the ability to travel 6,400 nm/11,853 km at Mach 0.90 and 7,500/13,890 at Mach 0.85.

“The G650 set a new standard in Business Aviation in terms of its unmatched range and payload, industry-low cabin sound levels and awardwinning four-living-area interior,” says Mark Burns. “It has redefined what business jet operators can expect from their aircraft.”

34 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

While all this is happening on the G650 side, the company has been busy making progress on its next generation of business aircraft. The all-new G500 and G600 are both currently in flight test, with the fifth and final aircraft for the G600 flight test program taking to the air on August 29th. It is the first of its type outfitted with a complete interior, thus serving as a cabin testbed for function and reliability testing. “The goal of including a production aircraft in our flight test program is to ensure we deliver the most functional, comfortable and reliable cabin environment for our customers,” says Burns. “Our extensive testing will validate design and performance, so we can provide a cabin that exceeds expectations.”

Gulfstream’s flight test team will conduct repeated operations of all cabin systems to evaluate comfort,

Gulf region shortly thereafter.

Powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307D turbofans, the trijet features a range of 6,450 nautical miles (11,945 km). The aircraft on display in Dubai will be equipped with a large forward galley and a crew rest area, which is a popular configuration with customers in the region.

Dassault Aviation has a rich heritage. The delivery of the 2,500 th Falcon to a customer was a landmark event that the manufacturer celebrated in July this year. The Falcon 900LX, like the one on display in Dubai, was handed over at the Little Rock Completion Center to a longtime Falcon customer based in the United States. The delivery represented a significant milestone for both the company and the Dassault Falcon line. The first Falcon, a Falcon 20, was delivered in 1965.

DUBAI AIRSHOW PREVIEW shows what a robotic system is able to do and that there are nearly no limits in terms of imagination for a business aircraft paint scheme.

Embraer has now finished the implementation of its four Business Aircraft assembly lines in Melbourne, Florida, with the hand-over of the first Florida-assembled Legacy 500 midsize jet to an undisclosed customer.

The Brazilian manufacturer started operations in Melbourne in 2011.

Since then, the Company’s footprint has more than doubled to almost 500,000 square feet. “We are very “Over the half century it has been in operation, the Falcon fleet has amassed an amazing 17.8 million hours of flight time with some 1,230 operators in 90 countries around the world,” says Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.

“Moreover, of the 2,500 Falcons delivered to date, more than 2,100 are still flying – which is a clear testimony to the high quality and robustness of our Falcon aircraft and the dedication of those that support them.”

The Middle East has also been a good market for Embraer Executive Jets. It’s large cabin Embraer Legacy

UNIQUE

The Legacy 650E with special paint scheme (top).

Citation Hemisphere (center).

HondaJet (below).

650 and Legacy 600 are well received in the region, while the light Phenom 100 jet continues to be an attractive option for airline customers for their flight trainings. Both Emirates and Etihad have ordered the Phenom 100 for their flight training needs.

At LABACE in São Paulo in August, the company puzzled visitors with its unique Legacy 650E paint scheme.

The company’s paint and design team

36 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

at Embraer’s São José dos Campos headquarters explored different colors, styles and possibilities to create the delicate handmade design, which was then carried out to perfection by a robotic paint system. The unique paint scheme shows a world map on a gradient blue, white and silver backdrop, completed with visual reminders of the jet’s attributes and value proposition. This paint job

pleased to deliver the first Legacy 500 made in Melbourne, fulfilling our vision of expanding production to assemble four world-class business jets on Florida’s Space Coast,” says Embraer Executive Jets President & CEO Michael Amalfitano. “I want to congratulate our teams on their passion for excellence and their commitment to delivering true value to customers.”

The expansion of the Melbourne assembly facility was inaugurated in June 2016, and the first Legacy 450 aircraft produced was delivered in December of that same year. Since the delivery of the first Phenom 100 made in Melbourne, over 250 business jets have been delivered.

As the Middle East is known as a large-cabin market, Cessna has big expectations for its Citation Hemisphere. via the Citation Hemisphere. As the largest Citation ever built, the Citation Hemisphere will feature a full fly-by-wire flight control system with optimized handling characteristics and active control sidesticks. The cockpit will be

equipped with an advanced Primus Epic avionics suite from Honeywell Aerospace, providing pilots with a conformal 3D view of the outside world in challenging weather conditions such as fog, rain and snow, thus improving situational awareness and safety. Connectivity of the Hemisphere is guaranteed with Honeywell’s connected aircraft solutions in the cockpit and the cabin, and Textron will be integrating its own LinxUs maintenance and diagnostics reporting system. Cessna is expecting first flight of its Hemisphere in 2019.

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced in early October that its aerospace sector’s VIP completion and refurbishment business division based in San Antonio, Texas, has been incorporated as a subsidiary, Aeria Luxury Interiors, LLC by VT San Antonio Aerospace, Inc. with a paid-up capital of US$1. As an incorporated company, Aeria will tailor its processes to be focused on the completion business, thereby increasing its competitiveness. With the incorporation, Aeria will also start to operate under its own Part 145 Repair One of the smallest jets on the static display in Dubai will be the HondaJet. But don’t let size fool you – with 24 units delivered, the twinengine aircraft was the most-delivered business jet in the first six months of 2017. In August, Honda Aircraft added another certification to its list, this time from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency. The light jet is now approved in the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada and Brazil.

“We are excited to achieve Brazilian certification for the HondaJet,” says Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “We are eager to respond to customer interest in one of the largest business jet markets in the world.”

Completing the Middle East Picture The completion industry is in a consolidation phase. This is especially true in the VIP and the VVIP completion sector, where the Middle East plays a crucial role as a large number of bizliners are based

here. The major companies in this industry sector, including Jet Aviation, LH Technik, GDC Technics, SR Technics, Aeria Luxury Interiors and AMAC Aerospace, will all be exhibiting in Dubai – as well as the OEM’s that produce the baseline bizliner aircraft like Boeing BBJ, Airbus ACJ and Embraer Lineage.

Station certificate issued by the FAA instead of operating under parent company VT SAA’s certificate.

Establishing an independent FAA repair certification allows Aeria to streamline its completion process, and expedite its maintenance, refurbishment and completion contracts in the most efficient way possible.

✈

BART: NOVEMBER - 2017 - 37

SPOTLIGHT

The ACJ321 (top).

BBJ over Dubai's Palm Islands (center).

Embraer's Lineage aircraft sitting on display in Dubai (below).

SAUDI ARABIA FOCUS

SAUDI ARABIA AIMS TO BE A BIZAV KING Business Aviation has been on a steady rise in Saudi Arabia. Not only does the country hold the largest fleet of all registered business jets in the entire Middle East, the Kingdom has also logged continuous increases in activity from its various airports over recent years.

Nick Klenske reports

A

INITIATIVE

MEBAA brings together leading industry figures to support Business Aviation across the MENA region.

lthough the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s private aviation sector shows increasingly positive numbers – both in activity and in a growing fleet size – it also carries several restraints that could prove detrimental to further exponential growth.

For starters, there is the noticeable lack of infrastructure. According to Middle Eastern Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Founding Chairman Ali Al Naqbi, during recent decades the country has come to realize the need to invest more in infrastructure, partly because of its dependency on oil and its related volatile and uncertain future, but also because of neighboring competition.

Saudi Arabia is the largest oil exporting country, not only in the region, but in the entire world. However, a recent study by Brazilian OEM Embraer shows that several Middle Eastern countries have been – slowly but steadily – adopting a number of policies to diversify their economies and reduce their reliance on oil.

A related restraint is the Kingdom’s proximity to neighboring countries

38 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

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SAUDI ARABIA FOCUS

HUB

King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (top).

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Riyadh (below).

who have their own aviation ambitions. Neighboring United Arab Emirates (UAE) in particular has an ambitious government that is overseeing major air transportation projects and making huge investments in infrastructure in order to maintain their position as the region’s central aviation hub. In fact, most of the Gulf states see aerospace as being the perfect sector to invest in, not only because of its potential to significantly improve the economy, but because the government can play a direct role in its development. As a result, there is fierce competition by the governments of the Gulf states as they each try to snag a big piece of the lucrative aviation pie.

40 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

A third potential restraint is the ongoing problem of the so-called grey charter, where operators perform flights without a valid license.

According to various sources, the continuous occurrence of grey charter flights is mostly due to the absence of a structured legislative and regulatory environment in the Middle East. MEBAA figures show that a substantial amount of all business aircraft operations – estimated to reach a staggering height of up to 40 percent – occur without a license.

The fact that grey charter is an ongoing problem is not only due to the lack of a more robust regulatory system, but also due to the lower price offering when compared to licensed

operators. However, what may seem more financially attractive on its face is substantially more dangerous when it comes to the safety of the passengers and crew.

There’s also the issue of the unstable political climates and conflict happening south of the Kingdom, in such countries as Oman and Yemen, and the present blockade on Qatar. These issues leave regional travelers with a limited list of travel options in the region and could discourage travel to both the Kingdom and region.

Additionally, due to the Kingdom’s ongoing support of the Palestinian cause, direct operations between Saudi Arabia and Israel are strictly forbidden. What’s more, according to international trip support provider Universal Weather & Aviation, any aircraft built in Israel is forbidden from traveling anywhere in Saudi Arabian territory – a potential concern for operators of some Gulfstream aircraft who have components made by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Despite these potential restraints to Business Aviation growth, Saudi Arabia does have one very important advantage: It is home to the largest and continuously increasing number of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) in the region. Although it is only the region’s fourth largest country by population, the high number of HNWIs makes the Kingdom one of the most promising of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in terms of demand for private and Business Aviation.

On a related note, the installed fleet of Saudi Arabia may be the largest of the region, but there are significantly more aircraft belonging to Saudi owners registered abroad. It’s therefore not very surprising to see that MEBAA is forecasting a 12 percent year-over-year increase in Business Aviation activity for Saudi Arabia – something that OEMs, and other aviation service providers in the country and the region are anxious to tap into.

Airport Overview Due to the Kingdom’s vast size, it hosts a large number of international and regional airports capable of facilitating both domestic and intercontinental travel. The four most known and frequented international airports in Saudi Arabia are located in Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina and Dammam.

The country’s busiest airport in all movements combined – commercial, general, business and cargo – is Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International located in the country’s west by the Red Sea. It is also the third busiest airport throughout the Middle East region, topped only by Dubai International in the UAE and Hamad International in Doha, Qatar.

King Abdulaziz is also the Kingdom’s most important airport, as it forms the direct gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Mecca. Looking at Business Aviation movements alone, WINGX Advance data shows that, for the second quarter of this year, King Abdulaziz logged a 1.9 percent increase when compared to the second quarter of last year.

Following King Abdulaziz is Riyadh’s King Khalid International.

Located at the center of the Kingdom, King Khalid is the region’s fifth busiest airport.

Remarkably, WINGX shows that King Khalid logged substantially more Business Aviation movements than King Abdulaziz in the second quarter of this year, while at the same time logging a solid 25.9 percent increase in movements when compared to its numbers from the same quarter last year. This could be a result of King Khalid’s dual purpose, having both a Royal Terminal reserved for heads of state and other

VIP personalities, and a general aviation complex with a passenger terminal, dedicated parking for crew and passengers, and various transportation services.

Next on the list is Dammam’s King Fahd International, located on the country’s Gulf coast in the east. The fact that this airport is only the country’s third busiest and the region’s 10th confirms the steep competition the sector faces with airports in nearby Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE. WINGX data positions King Fahd as the 17th busiest in terms of Business Aviation movements in the second quarter of this year, logging a 20.8 percent increase in movements when compared to the same period last year. When it comes to attracting more Business Aviation traffic, the airport is hindered by its the absence of an FBO, making onsite transportation, ground support and in-flight catering services difficult to obtain on site. The experts at Universal Weather and Aviation suggest checking in advance to determine service availability before operating to King Fahd airport.

Last on our list is Medina’s Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International, 20th on WINGX Advance’s list of business aircraft movements for the second quarter, logging an astonishing 140 percent increase year-over-year. In addition to these marquee airports, the Kingdom is home to another 12 airports that can cater to business aircraft as needed.

Business Aviation Services Abound The above four main airports not only host the most Business Aviation traffic, they are also home to the majority of the country’s FBOs, charter and aircraft management operations, and MRO services.

General Dynamics’ subsidiary Jet Aviation has had a presence in Saudi Arabia since 1979, when it commenced operations in Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International. Jet Aviation Jeddah houses an executive terminal with lounges for both passengers and crew, a prayer area, and weather and flight planning rooms. The facility is also approved by both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to perform line maintenance services for Dassault Falcon 7X and Gulfstream GIV and GV aircraft.

A second facility was installed in Riyadh’s King Khalid International two years later, in 1981. In Riyadh, Jet Aviation offers FBO services to passengers and crew, including domestic and international handling, and provides aircraft exterior and interior cleaning on request. A third and fourth facility followed at Medina’s Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International in 2012 and at Dammam’s King Fahd International in 2014. These two are smaller ground handling stations established mainly to connect with the company’s primary facilities at Jeddah and Riyadh, which are well-

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HANDLING

Jet Aviation provides FBO services at DWC Airport from the DC Aviation Al-Futtaim Building.

SAUDI ARABIA FOCUS The Airlines are Moving In Over the last couple of decades, numerous well-established Middle Eastern airlines have moved into the private aviation market by either acquiring business aircraft themselves of commencing VIP interregional charter lines. Among them is Saudi Arabian Airlines, the Kingdom’s national air carrier.

Founded in 1945, in 2012 it rebranded and is now known as Saudia, with Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz being its primary hub. Saudia is the third largest airline in the Middle East, next to

OPERATION

Jet Aviation's FBO building in Jeddah (left).

ExecuJet offers FBO services in Riyadh (right).

established FBOs with both handling, MRO and aircraft management capabilities.

ExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, has had a presence in Riyadh since 2013, when it installed an FBO at King Khalid International in collaboration with NasJet, the private aviation subdivision of Saudi Arabia’s National Air Services Holdings and the Kingdom’s first operator to obtain an AOC, back in 1999. In February of last year, the joint-venture expanded their presence at King Khalid through the opening of an additional FBO facility in the Royal Terminal, increasing both their footprint and the number of employees on site.

One of the more historic local providers of Business Aviation services is Arabasco, which has FBO facilities in Jeddah, Riyadh and Medina. Founded 32 years ago at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International, the company has a 31,446 square feet maintenance facility at the private aviation terminal and is certified by the Saudi GACA and approved by the FAA as a Part 145 repair station. It has been authorized by the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation and the CAA of the Cayman Islands to perform maintenance services on aircraft originating from these two countries. Arabasco is authorized to perform maintenance services on aircraft ranging from Gulfstream aircraft up to the G450, Dassault Falcon 900 and 2000, Bombardier Challenger 604 and 605, Beechcraft Hawker 700/800/900, most of the King Air models, and several Boeing Business Jets.

Furthermore, the company is also an authorized Honeywell and Rockwell Collins avionics facility.

42 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

Another local provider is Wallan Aviation, established in 1975 at Thumama Airport, 14 miles northeast of Riyadh’s King Khalid International, as a water and fuel transportation company. In the 1990s, CEO Saad Wallan acquired his first Cessna Citation, after which a partnership soon followed. Cessna later named Wallan its exclusive dealer for the Middle East. In early 2007, the company placed an order for 25 Cessna aircraft, including 11 Citation business jets and 14 single-engine turboprops, of which 10 are being used as training aircraft for its flight school in Riyadh. Until 2012, the company operated an all-Cessna fleet, at which time it acquired two Dassault Falcons – a Falcon 900EX and 900LX. An order for a Falcon 5X soon followed in 2014.

The company has also been named an independent representative for Bell Helicopter in the Kingdom. It currently has a Bell 429 in its fleet, with an order for two Bell 505 Jet Ranger Xs in the works.

Emirates and Qatar Airways. In 2009, the company launched a subsidiary, Saudia Private Aviation. Its fleet six Hawker 400XP aircraft for government use are aimed at serving the Gulf and Middle Eastern region, in addition to four Dassault Falcon 7X aimed at intercontinental flights to Asia, Europe and the Americas. An additional two Dassault Falcon 900 and six Gulfstream IV aircraft – all for government use – have been added to the company’s fleet since then.

At the end of December 2015, Saudia also launched a regional VIP shuttle service between Jeddah and Riyadh, called Albayraq, which commenced operations on June 1, 2016. A dedicated and VIP configured Airbus A319 is flying at a rate of 12 flights per day – six from each airport – while its passengers are able to use the private lounges of the Saudia Private Aviation stations in both cities. When the service was launched, Saudia Private Aviation Managing Director Faisal Kayal

called the service a necessary business bridge from Jeddah to Riyadh.

“Albayraq is a developed strategic business unit that has been created to serve VIPs, businessmen and corporate leaders whose business requires them to travel frequently between Riyadh and Jeddah,” he says.

A more recent national operator is Sky Prime Aviation Services, launched in August of last year when it was granted its AOC by the Saudi GACA. Sky Prime has its headquarters in Riyadh and a fleet of three Airbus corporate airliners – an A319, A320 and

A340 – six Gulfstreams, an Embraer Legacy 500 and three Phenom 300 available for charter. At the official handover of the company’s AOC, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport Sulaiman Al-Hamdan (who is also GACA’s Acting President) said that 2017 will be a historic turning point in the Kingdom’s air transport sector.

“Any increase in the number of air operators will help increase the supply

of seats in domestic flights,” he said.

Saudia Private Aviation has been providing ground handling services for Sky Prime since its launch last year.

Outside of the Kingdom, Qatar Airlines has been following a similar route. The Doha-headquartered national airline launched an executive division in 2009, Qatar Executive, which currently has a fleet of 11 aircraft. Due to recent events, however,

the airline had to cancel most of its flights after several neighboring countries, including Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, cut their diplomatic relations with the country, after which all Qatari-registered aircraft were banned from using the airspace of these respective countries.

Commenting on the airline-turningoperator trend, MEBAA’s Al Naqbi does not believe this to be an actual threat to Business Aviation. “This involvement of commercial operators into our sector is positive and it highlights just how important Business Aviation is to everyone,” he says.

“When commercial operators launch Business Aviation services, this helps us grow as it introduces a new market to our industry.”

According to Al Naqbi, this trend symbolizes the business model of the future, where the business class and first-class divisions in commercial aviation become obsolete and air travel consists of low-cost, economy and Business Aviation options.

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RELIANCE

Saudia Private Aviation (top).

Wallan Aviation has been appointed by Cessna as an authorized service facility on all Citation models (center).

Legacy 500 of Sky Prime Aviation Services (below).

SAUDI ARABIA FOCUS

TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

In general, when traveling to Saudi Arabia, especially as a foreigner, cultural sensitivity is advised. “It’s important to dress conservatively and avoid wearing revealing clothing,” says Universal Weather and Aviation Master Trip Owner Keith Foreman. “No alcohol is permitted within the country. If you have alcohol onboard, it must be in a locked cabinet. Airport authorities will add a tamper-proof seal after you’ve locked up any onboard liquor. Be sure to put away any onboard reading materials that may contain images of skin exposure.”

Foreman goes on to explain the Kingdom’s conservative view on women as well. “It is recommended that any female flight crew member sit in the right seat, even if she’s the pilot in command, due to cultural norms in the country,” he says. “When you are off-airport, it’s not a problem to walk around as long as you pay attention to your surroundings and cultural norms, but female crew members should always be accompanied by men and dressed conservatively. This country has a conservative culture – for instance, there are often separate areas in hotels for men, women, and families – however, certain exceptions are made for non-Saudi crew members.”

The introduction of the beforementioned charter providers does indeed open Business Aviation to a wider group up users that would normally opt to fly first class with commercial airlines. Additionally, due to highly frequented routes such as RiyadhJeddah, private aviation may become increasingly perceived as more useful, rather than purely luxurious.

Where traditionally Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in general was predominantly known for its use of corporate airliners such as ACJs and BBJs for private travel, future travelers and buyers might opt for more smaller and price-efficient aircraft to support their regional travel needs – helping to redefine the sector across the region.

EXCLUSIVE

Bombardier recently appointed Qatar Executive as its authorized service facility in the Middle East (top).

Emirates Executive Jet (below).

✈

44 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

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COMPLETION

COMPLETIONS SECTOR ON TRACK AND AIMING HIGHER New cabin designs and refurbishment options for more comfortable and safer interiors are driving the completions sector forward. From corporate airliners to business aircraft, Nick Klenske offers a complete overview of the completions sector

W

hen one talks about an aircraft being ‘green’, chances are we are referring to the aircraft being equipped with such efficient, sustainable and ‘green’ technologies as unleaded fuel. However, when such a conversation takes place within the realm of aircraft completions, then a green aircraft is literally a green aircraft – one that has rolled fresh off the assembly line and is ready for its makeover.

If you browse through, let’s say, a year’s worth of news on completions and refurbishment projects, articles will be predominantly about aircraft falling within the large cabin to corporate airliner classes. However, do not be misled, entry-level and light jets have just as ‘big’ as need for completions as their bigger – and headline hogging – counterparts.

Within the major international completions players, there is a clear distinction between those that almost exclusively handle corporate airliners and those who do a little bit of everything.

But let’s start with the big ones.

ON-THE-GO

Airbus ACJ319 (top) and Comlux' cabin completion of the aircraft (center).

Comlux recently delivered the first of its Sukhoi Superjet completions (below).

46 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

Comlux Goes Big One of the most recognizable brands in the corporate airliner completions business is the Comlux Aviation. The company was launched 14 years ago, in April 2003, initially as an ACJ charter company.

Four years later, in 2007, the company rebranded and expanded its portfolio of services to include aircraft management and operations, VIP charter, aircraft transactions, cabin design, completions and maintenance.

The completions division of the company really took off when Comlux acquired Indy Jet Center's facility in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) in 2008. Over the course of four years, and rebaptized as Comlux America, the division has obtained approvals from both Airbus Corporate Jets and Boeing Business Jets as an authorized completion center.

At present, Comlux' Indianapolis facility boasts 129,000 sq ft of operational space that can support up to four narrow body airliners at the same time. The company itself claims to be the only completions

Part 145 Repair Station, along with receiving various FDSO approvals for major alternations and maintenance on board the Boeing 737, 757 and 767 and the Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321. Additionally, the facility has been approved by Europe's EASA and Saudi Arabia's GACA. The latter even incentivized the company to construct a prayer room for its Middle Eastern clients, who are known for travelling with a large entourage.

Currently housed at Comlux America is the company's Creatives Team, a dedicated VIP cabin design office created in 2008. According to Comlux principles, completing an aircraft requires a clear vision and understanding of the project when technical, artistic and managing skills are involved. From this vision the 5 Senses concept was born.

The 5 Senses concept literally takes you through a palatal journey all the five senses, while at the same time allocating a phase per sense.

Consequently, hearing is paired with defining your needs, wishes and expectations; taste is combined with conceptualization, projecting your

personal style onto the interior of your aircraft. Following these two is the material phase, aligned with touch, where Comlux provides you with various options for interior materials, color combinations, trim and finishes for you to feel and choose from. Next on the list is the detailing phase, linked to seeing, where all customized bits and pieces of the former phases are turned into dimensioned drawings, allowing you to look at what has been defined so far. Last but not least is the actual completion phase - or as Comlux puts it, the sweet smell of success where your aircraft is outfitted to the very last detail and comes to life.

One thing that cannot be said about Comlux is that they're working behind the curve. In December of last year, the company joined hands with four design studios Alberto Pinto Design, DesignQ, Unique Aircraft and Winch Design for the purpose of staying ahead of the curve. The recent launches of neo variants of the ACJ319, ACJ320 and ACJ330, in addition to Boeing's launch of the BBJ MAX 7, 8 and 9, have pushed design and completions companies to create never seen before outfits - and Comlux is no exception.

The message at NBAA-BACE last month was clear: The industry is on the cusp of a new business cycle, and this cycle will be defined by large, long-range and widebody aircraft. Right on cue, Comlux used the NBAA stage to make several big announcements about their work in this big jet segment.

First and foremost, Comlux Completion was awarded the cabin outfitting contract of the first BBJ MAX 8 aircraft. The aircraft, which is for an undisclosed customer, will

center in the world where every department is housed under one roof: cabinetry, sheet metal, systems, avionics, upholstery, finish, engineering, design, certification, planning and scheduling, program management, quality control and procurement.

As the company has grown, it has received additional approvals, including being named an authorized repair facility for Bombardier Business Jets and an FAA approved

DRIVING

GDC Technics has been leading the industry in the number of B787 aircraft under modification.

BART: NOVEMBER - 2017 - 47

COMPLETION

ESTABLISHED

Originally founded as Gore Design Completions, GDC Technics is a big player in the market.

input into the Comlux Indianapolis facilities during the fourth quarter of next year, with a planned redelivery by fall 2019. "We are honored to be selected by the first customer of the BBJ MAX 8 program to complete their future aircraft," says Comlux Completion CEO Scott Meyer. "The first MAX 8 signature, together with the ACJ320 neo cabin contract we signed in August, are paving the way for establishing Comlux as a leader in the VIP completion market."

Airbus plans to deliver the green neo aircraft to Indianapolis in September 2019. Comlux says it will take approximately 10 months to complete the interior, which is for a private customer based in Asia. The four design firms - Alberto Pinto Design, DesignQ, Unique Aircraft and Winch Design - who have partnered with Comlux for future neo and MAX cabin products have been invited to submit design concepts for the neo customer.

"With the company running several ACJ neo and BBJ MAX cabin sales campaigns right now, these initial aircraft represent the first in a series of new and exciting challenges for Comlux Completion," adds Comlux Executive Vice President of Operations and Chairman Comlux America Arnaud Martin. "With another possible completion deal in the pipeline, and with neo and MAX deliveries coming in 2018 and 2019, we're looking at a busy couple of years."

Turning to the management and charter side of Comlux Aviation, which operates as Fly Comlux, here too the company is all about the big.

At NBAA-BACE, Comlux announced

48 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

that it was selected by Global Jet Capital as the management company for their Lineage 1000. The aircraft, which was showcased on the static display in Las Vegas, will be based at London Stansted and will be available exclusively for ad-hoc charter, long-term charter or wet lease (by Comlux's OneAbove).

"This Lineage 1000 is a unique asset with a combination of cabin and range that's very well suited to the European market," says Global Jet Capital Senior Managing Director Asset Management Ben Murray. "Positioning this aircraft, which is available for sale or lease, with a quality operator like Comlux ensures maximum exposure to a well-established private aviation clientele."

Back to the Birthplace of Completions Another big player in the corporate airline completion market is GDC Technics. Originally founded as Gore Design Completions in 1988 in San Antonio, Texas – often referred to as the birthplace of large cabin completions – by Jerry L. Gore and his former wife Katherine Gore Walters, the company quickly established itself as one of the few completion centers in the United States that was approved as maintenance and completion centers for both Boeing and Airbus.

Before starting his own company, Gore worked at custom jet interior services provider Dee Howard Company (DHC), also based at San Antonio International Airport. It was at DHC that Gore met Walters. One of the couple’s more renowned pieces of work at DHC was the estimated

$90 million custom conversion of late Saudi King Fahd’s personal Boeing 747-300 aircraft – the first of that type to be completely converted into a VIP configuration. Two decades later and off on their own, Gore Design Completions had developed a sound reputation as a successful corporate airliner completions facility, with approximately 600 people working at its San Antonio base. In 2009, the company expanded its facility with over 100,000 square feet, up to 340,000 square feet, enabling simultaneous works to be performed on four wide-body aircraft and one narrowbody one.

Financial turbulence between 2011 and 2013 did not prevent the company from being acquired by Saudi businessman Mohammed Alzeer, who was also the majority shareholder of Saudi Arabia-headquartered MAZ Aviation Holdings. With this acquisition, Gore gained a secondary base in the Middle East. Shortly afterwards, at EBACE 2014, Gore Design Completions was reborn and rebaptized as GDC Technics, reflecting “the new business strategy that aims to expand the business base of the company”. The strategy soon saw GDC Technics expand its luxury cabin completions capabilities to include turnkey engineering and modification services as well.

The MAZ take-over only brought positive things for GDC Technics, as in 2014 the company acquired the entirety of Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany-based PFW Engineering, which has subsidiaries in Bournemouth, UK; Toulouse, France; Seattle, Washington (USA); and Montreal, Canada – and owns an EASA 21J approval as a design organization (DOA). Alzeer called the acquisition a game-changer for GDC Technics and “a strategic investment” that strengthens the competent engineering resources in the company’s portfolio. “This gives GDC Technics complete Level 1 and Level 2 capability to design and certify major modifications up to an entire aircraft,” he said. PFW Engineering is known for providing services on Airbus A350 and A380, Boeing 747 and Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 aircraft – a natural extension of GDC Technics’ scope of work.

One Jet Aviation One Customer Experience

As president of Jet Aviation in our 50th anniversary year, I’d like to extend sincere thanks on behalf of the entire Jet Aviation team for your business and support over the years. To celebrate this milestone — which we would not be doing without your ongoing trust and loyalty — we launched our ‘One Jet Aviation’ initiative earlier this year. We are investing in One Jet Aviation to ensure consistent global standards and processes across our sites and portfolio of services for the next 50 years, and beyond. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Rob Smith I President, Jet Aviation

Many Advantages Maintenance, Refurbishment, Completions, FBO, Aircraft Management, Flight Support, Charter, Staffing.

www.jetaviation.com

COMPLETION

LEGACY

Inventor and aviation legend Dee Howard (top).

VT San Antonio Aerospace facility (center).

First Green BBJ redelivered by AERIA Luxury Interiors (below).

Less than a year after acquiring PFW Engineering, the company leased about 840,000 square feet of space on a 25-year contract at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, with plans to double its number of employees with another 600 to be based at the new facility over the next several years. The entire complex comprises of the company’s administrative and executive offices in a three-floor building, along with hangarage capacity to accommodate a staggering six wide-body and four narrow-body aircraft simultaneously. Services provided onsite now include design, engineering and manufacturing, as well as structural and flammability testing for cabin modifications.

In the same year, Alzeer announced the company’s expansion into Africa, with a base in Morocco, albeit with the sole focus of providing modification and MRO services and not cabin completions. “Our major presence in the US, Europe and Africa positions GDC as a truly global player in the aircraft modification and MRO industries,” he said.

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Whatever turbulence the company may have encountered prior to the take-over by MAZ Aviation, 2015 marked a complete turnaround. By then, the company had reeled in confirmed contracts for two Boeing 787 aircraft, a Boeing Business Jet and another Boeing 777-300ER. Furthermore, GDC Africa was added to the map and logged a firm backlog of signed contracts exceeding half a billion dollars.

2016 revealed that GDC Technics was, in fact, a Boeing subcontractor.

And not just any subcontractor – but

aircraft’s cabinetry, desks and other interior furnishings. What’s more, the company has invested substantially in the security of its own facilities, with guards, who – according to the company website – have passed FBI background checks and have security clearances. The guards patrol facilities around the clock, together with the facility’s advanced surveillance, guarantee complete and utter security of any present aircraft.

Moving in on the actual completion process, the company uses an advanced operations management system called Synchronicity, combined with LEAN-engineered infrastructure. When combined with the recent instalment of CATIA Engineering software and Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software packages, GDC has substantial capabilities to design, engineer, manufacture, install and certify all its modifications and technology inhouse. Its manufacturing division boast capabilities that range from electrical, mechanical, structural and machining to using sheet metal, carbon fiber, composites and alloy – along with only the finest materials for luxury interiors, including woods,

one involved in servicing parts of Air Force One. This was the first time the US government admitted foreign involvement on Air Force One. Although US government statements indicate that GDC never had or has unsupervised access to the aircraft, they do provide offsite work on the

cabinetry, fixtures, finishes, handsewn 16g-certified upholstery and more. The company’s Alliance facility at Fort Worth also houses a learning center, which offers technical training and regulatory qualification courses to continuously meet FAA and OSHA requirements.

Singapore Support It’s worthwhile to turn back to the Dee Howard Company, where Gore started his completions work.

Founded in 1964 by aviation legend and designer of the Howard 500, Dee Howard, the company primarily started as an MRO and modifications services provider. However, by the mid-1980s, it was already performing entire VIP conversions of both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including the industry-first VIP conversion of Saudi King Fadh’s B747-300. A series of sales followed throughout the strong in-house design and outfitting expertise,” explains Soret. The entire 3,000 square foot interior of the widebody aircraft was fully furnished with VIP features. “We are incredibly proud to have completed this project while adhering to a tight timeline and high-quality standards that AERIA has earned a reputation for over the short five years of being in business,” adds Soret.

Aside from VIP completions, and respecting the company’s history, it still provides nose-to-tail maintenance services as well.

1990s, ending with VT San Antonio Aerospace (VT SAA) acquiring the company in 2002. VT SAA acquired DHC for the long run, with its own ties to ST Aerospace and parent company VT Systems – the US headquarters of Singapore Technologies (ST) Engineering, and by far the largest airframe MRO company in the world.

During the 2012 Singapore Airshow the company was rebranded as AERIA Luxury Interiors, after which it obtained approvals from ACJ and BBJ as completion centers in 2014. The company’s current executives all have backgrounds with either DHC, Associated Air Center, GDC Technics or Comlux, so it’s no surprise that AERIA has all the know-how and history it needs to master the completions business – not to mention a phenomenal international support network. “Given ST Aerospace’s expertise as an integrated service provider, we are able to offer our VIP customers a comprehensive range of aviation services covering the entire life cycle of their

aircraft,” says AERIA Vice President and General Manager of Completions Ron Soret.

AERIA is still located at the historic, orange hangars at VT SAA’s hub at San Antonio International, occupying a 100,000 square foot completion services hangar in VT SAA’s 700,000 square foot complex. The company recently completed a new 10,000 square foot cabinet and upholstery shop, adding those to its in-house capabilities, in addition to a design showroom and customer center.

Through its connections with ST Engineering’s worldwide network, the company can leverage product development from other divisions – from seat design to galleys, lavatories and other interior products.

Earlier this year, during the Paris Airshow in June, AERIA announced it had successfully completed its first full VIP wide-body completion project since being set up in 2012. “Since its inception, AERIA has built up a strong track record in delivering a highly individualized cabin experience for customers by leveraging its

From Basel to St. Louis Next on our list is all-rounder Jet Aviation, a company that provides basically every service there is to offer in the Business Aviation industry – with completions being an important segment as well. The company has two official completions centers – one in Basel, Switzerland, specializing in ACJ and BBJ completions, and another in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), which focuses primarily on Bombardier aircraft.

Last month, the company started working on a 94,000 square foot, wide-body hangar to replace its existing hangars 3 and 4 at its Basel facility. The new building will add close to 50,000 square feet of hangar space and another 21,500 square feet of shops and offices to the facility’s existing footprint. The company’s ramp at Basel International will also be extended with another 53,800 square feet. Completion of the project is slated for the end of 2018. A company statement indicated that, despite the large-scale changes, inconvenience to existing customers or ongoing projects is expected to be minimal

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REPUTATION

Jet Aviation Basel has earned worldwide recognition for the quality of its interiors.

COMPLETION fit to aircraft operators who want to extend the serviceability of their business jets – and we are very pleased to make this possible.”

On the other side of the pond, Jet Aviation St. Louis began operations in 1997, when its first Bombardier Challenger 601 arrived for an interior upgrade. As was the case with Basel, the St. Louis facility prides itself on having performed over 200 completions – 100 having happened since 2008.

Since the 1997 Challenger 601, the facility has expanded its range of services to include Challenger 604, 605

CLOSURE

Associated Air Center will close its Dallas Love Field facilities at the end of 2017.

as other hangar and shops were leased to maintain the facility’s capacity. Basel also features the Jet Aviation Design Studio, which opened in 2001 and is renowned for its end-to-end management, in-house shops and resources and VVIP interior design skills.

An approved ACJ and BBJ completions center, the Basel center opened in 1977 and has since delivered over 200 completed aircraft – ranging from small to large to narrow and widebody models, including the Boeing 747-8, as well as the new generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus 350. For instance, in June of this year, the company delivered three corporate airliners: two ACJs to a recurring Middle Eastern customer and a BBJ3 to an undisclosed customer.

Both interiors of the Airbus aircraft – an ACJ319 and ACJ330 – were designed and completed at the facility in ten and 14 months downtime, respectively. As a subsidiary of General Dynamics, and thus sister company of Savannah, GA-headquartered OEM Gulfstream Aerospace, Jet Aviation was able to collaborate with the latter on developing accurate sound prediction and targeted sound proofing technology for the ACJ330.

The cabin configuration of the airliner was designed to have a master suite with office, a guest suite, and VIP and guest seating areas – in addition to an additional ten VIP mini-suites, which Jet Aviation designed exclusively for this project. Arabic motifs and colors with a contemporary twist were used throughout the cabin, not to mention a custom designed starlight ceiling reflecting the constellation positions as seen above Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, when the Kingdom was founded in

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1932 (for more about Jet Aviation’s work in Saudi Arabia, please see page 38).

The BBJ3 now features a VIP configuration consisting of a large forward lounge, a central master suite and private bathroom with full-height rain shower. A cinema has been installed as well, featuring a large 50” monitor, in addition to a multifunctional dining room, which can be used as one large space or separated via electro-chromatic glass panels.

Other recent projects include the conversion of two Embraer Legacy aircraft – a 600 and 650 – to serve both as corporate medical evacuation charter aircraft. After the aircraft are modified, converting them from one setting to another should take only a couple of hours. “We have a long history of handling major modifications and completions at Jet Aviation,” commented Jet Aviation Basel Director of Maintenance Operations for Gulfstream, Embraer and Bombardier aircraft Erik Vandegrift.

“The ability to quickly convert VIP charter aircraft for medical evacuation purposes offers significant bene-

and 850 aircraft, in addition to Global 5000, Global XRS and Global 6000 models. Jet Aviation plans to expand its current portfolio with more Challenger and Global type aircraft in the future.

Radio Dallas Last on our list of airliner converters is Associated Air Center (AAC), founded in 1948 as Associated Radio in a hangar at Dallas Love Field, Texas. Unfortunately, the company is set to cease operations by the end of this year. Regardless, it remains noteworthy to highlight them here.

Back in 1948, it was just three guys installing radio equipment into military aircraft that were being converted into private ones. It wasn’t until 1978 that the company – by then already renamed to its current title – completed its first VIP conversion: a double completions project on two Boeing aircraft for the President of Mexico. Four decades later, the company prides itself to have successfully performed over 80 large cabin (of which 50 are Airbus or Boeing aircraft) completion projects.

Other companies may just lease you a jet...

Only Comlux offers you the most comprehensive range of business aviation solutions for the most demanding VIP travel needs.

Flying your own routes to your own timetable Buying and managing your aircraft personally and professionally Designing and building your own cabin following your own vision Maintaining your asset and its value This is exactly what our crew, dispatchers, designers, engineers and mechanics do for you everyday at Comlux.

ENGINEERING LUXURY www.comlux.com

COMPLETION According to RUAG, paint is more than just a coat – it also preserves and protects the aircraft’s resale value as well. “Aircraft owners are largely concerned with aircraft resale value,” explains RUAG Aviation Munich Sales Manager Exterior Services Reinhard Imhoff. “What people often don’t realize is that aircraft painting is a structural part of overall maintenance, and thus is required at specific intervals of the aircraft’s life span in order to maintain its durability.”

So how do you know when your aircraft’s up for a respray?

Unfortunately, you often don’t until it’s too late. According to Imhoff, whenever there are any visible signs of corrosion, the damage will be far more extensive. As your finish is only On a side note, in 2012 the company opened a huge VIP custom interior design center, stocked not only with the newest fabric and textile trends, the latest in cabin management technology and a resource pool of talented artisans, but also with an actual 20-foot Boeing fuselage that serves as a mock-up for its customers to experience the interior layout and ergonomics of their aircraft.

The decision to close shop came from Scottsdale, Arizona-headquartered parent company StandardAero.

“The business case for continuing to operate AAC is no longer an economically viable option for the company and its investors,” says a company release. A lack of current and future work volumes does not compensate for the fixed costs to keep the company running. Furthermore, “a limited pipeline for new business opportunities, excess industry capacity and slowing demands in the VVIP aircraft marketplace have all contributed to this decision.”

Through this decision, StandardAero plans to focus on its core business, namely, MRO services.

SPECIALIZED

Associated Air Center is an authorized service center for ACJ (left) and BBJ (right).

Paint it Black Leaving the land of corporate airliners behind, it’s time to turn towards the equally appreciated world of relative smaller business aircraft completions. To start, we head to the other side of the pond to check in on RUAG Aviation. Although the com-

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pany also performs Airbus and Boeing completions, it excels in projects on an extensive range of smaller(ish) aircraft.

Where other companies put the interior of aircraft at the forefront of a completion project, RUAG emphasizes the importance of the exterior.

Consequently, painting is one of their utmost strengths. “Think of your aircraft like your business card,” the company states. “You want it to reflect the high standards you set in everything you do. Like your business card, your aircraft may be the first thing that other people notice about you. And first impressions count. As your partner for aircraft painting, we will make sure that you shine.”

as good as your foundation, it’s often necessary to strip the existing paint coatings completely off the aircraft to verify if there is any hidden damage under the surface. To that end, RUAG proclaims itself to be the one-stopshop in Europe, and often combines complex paint projects with other repairs, comprehensive maintenance checks, interior refurbishments and avionics upgrades in one haul.

Of its seven European locations, the company’s principals are located in Germany and three others in Switzerland, making it perfectly positioned in the center of Europe to attract customers from all side of the continent – and beyond, as it also has facilities in Australia, Malaysia, Brazil and the US. The company holds

approvals for Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, Airbus Helicopters, Cessna, Pilatus, Piper and Piaggio aircraft, to name only a few. It is also authorized by dozens of countries and civil aviation authorities to provide maintenance on aircraft of those origins. It also manufactures the Dornier 228. In other words, whether it be for a small touch-up or a full make-over, wherever you’re from or whatever you’re flying, chances are RUAG will deliver.

The company prides itself on providing colored renderings, 2D proposals or 3D animations to give its customers the clearest visualization of what their aircraft will look like.

What’s more, it even offers an online paint configurator on its website to get you started. Eight aircraft models – ranging from the Piaggio P-180 and Bombardier’s Challenger 600 to the Global 5000 and Dassault Falcon 7X – can be configured with six different designs and all the possible color schemes you can imagine.

“Once the aircraft painting job is done, you pretty much want to forget about it. Admire the look, perhaps, but not worry about whether it will last,” the company website reads.

Luckily for aircraft owners, RUAG does worry: the company applies special sealant techniques and a separate painting process on access doors and stainless-steel screws to make sure every exterior detail is attended to The company’s Oberpfaffenhofen facility – a mere 20 miles from Munich – consists of a triple hangar

complex, of which one is completely dedicated to aircraft painting and capable of handling three or four large business jets simultaneously.

In August of last year, the company added a showroom to its facility to provide customers with a dedicated location to customize their personal aircraft cabin interiors. Advanced visualization technology allows customers to virtually apply potential designs to their aircraft as well.

Commenting on the expansion, RUAG Aviation General Manager Business Jets André Ebach explained that designing an aircraft cabin and choosing fittings and interior materials should be a sensory experience for the customer, which the showroom should facilitate significantly.

On the inside of your aircraft, RUAG aims to seamlessly merge the aesthetic with functionality. The company often reveals interior designs that differ substantially from the typical beige colors found aboard many business jets. For example, a couple of years ago the company started offering real wooden floors as an option for cabins, replacing the more traditional carpet.

While the flooring adds no weight to the aircraft, as it’s about one-third of an inch think, it’s also available in several veneers and different patterns.

German skill Among the global leaders in the VVIP completion sector, Lufthansa Technik of Hamburg, Germany, has a portfolio of VIP and Special Mission Aircraft reaching highly individual

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DISCIPLINE

RUAG Aviation's services include aircraft painting capabilities (top).

Boeing 747-8 VIP cabin conversion by Lufthansa Technik Hamburg 5 (center).

COMPLETION

cabin completions, ranging from modular completions to after-sales, operational and maintenance services, through LH Technik’s International Group Network.

The company re-delivered recently a completed Airbus ACJ319 to an undisclosed customer in Greater China.

The completion was performed by Lufthansa in exclusive co-operation with Hermès of Paris. The ACJ319 has 19 seats for take-off and landing.

The VIP club-seats were designed and upholstered in France by Hermès craftsmen, while the bulkhead and carpeting feature exclusive Hermès fabric. LH Technik also wrote a success story in Asia, outfitting more than 30 VIP aircraft in the region.

SELECTED

Flying Colours is a Bombardier preferred completion center with a wealth of experience on Challenger.

Executive Conversions It’s been nearly 30 years since John Gillespie raised his flag over Flying Colours’ Peterborough, Ontario facility – which was an aircraft sales and leasing firm back then. Today, the company specializes in mid to largesized business aircraft, including aircraft types from Bombardier, Dassault, Beechcraft/Hawker and Gulfstream. Featured services focus on green completions, refurbishment, MRO, avionics upgrades and installations, engineering, design, and – last, but not least – executive conversions.

John, accompanied by his sons Eric and Sean, both Executive VPs, run the company.

The acquisition of competitor JetCorp Technical Services in St. Louis, Missouri – a company that also

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converted Bombardier CRJs into executive shuttles – saw the company expand its footprint into the US in 2009.

Being founded in Canada, it’s no surprise to anyone that the company is authorized by Bombardier as a service center and owns supplemental type certificates (STCs) on a long range of Bombardier business jets, including the Learjet 60, the Challenger 300, 604/605 and 850, and the Global Express, 5000 and 6000 aircraft. Furthermore, when Bombardier decided to open a wholly-owned service center in Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore, Flying Colours tagged along to establish an interior refurbishment and refinishing facility, servicing every model.

According to Eric Gillespie, Singapore is a very important geographical area for the company.

“There are limited facilities in the region capable of refurbishing Challenger, Global or Learjet aircraft to the required standard,” he explained. “Operational costs to fly aircraft back to North American or Europe are high, and down time becomes lengthy, so by having a local base we are fulfilling a strong market demand and anticipate we will continue to grow in the region as a result.”

One year later and the company is flourishing. “The facility has been extremely busy since we launched, and we’ve seen a notable increase in demand and requests over the last 12 months,” Eric continues. “Indications

are that this will continue into the future too.” Since 2016, the company has successfully completed 50 interior projects at the facility, with cabinetry refinishing, soft furnishing refurbishment and repairs comprising most of the work.

One of the prime focuses of Flying Colours Corp. is converting Bombardier Canadian Regional Jets (CRJs) aircraft of traditionally 50 seats into corporate or executive shuttles, similar to what Bombardier did to its original CRJs when it ceased production in 2006 and used the airliner’s airframe to launch the Challenger 850 business aircraft. “We strip away the standard high-density seating and create an open, spacious interior ready to satisfy your every need,” a company statement indicates.

Once stripped, as an owner of a CRJ, you have the possibility to maintain its original seating up to 50 people in shuttle mode, but can also reduce it to 14 to 16 passengers with an executive configuration. Flying Colours calls it the ExecLiner Conversion.

Features include Rockwell Collins’ Venue cabin management system for retrofit installation and a certified auxiliary fuel system, providing two new fuel tanks that increase the aircraft’s range and also enhance its performance. Seven or eight business jet seats – depending on your configuration and needs – are installed on each side, with large side ledges to incorporate drinks holders. These can also be raised to accommodate personal belongings.

Before the company acquired JetCorp in 2009, the two companies were competing with the same programs – JetCorp’s Renaissance program was a similar conversion project – and Flying Colours doubled its capacity through the acquisition.

Over the last ten years, Flying Colours Corp. has completed over 30 similar CRJ conversions into corporate shuttles or into its ExecLiner configuration.

Although the Challenger 850 is no longer in production – the last of a total of 71 units rolled of Bombardier’s assembly line in 2012 – there are still plenty of CRJs in the air, all potentially awaiting conversion.

✈

Live your dream.

Visit us at Dubai Airshow, from November 12–16, 2017, booth 1156.

One of our latest BBJ interiors

Live your dream. We care about the details. Our portfolio of services is a class of its own and makes us the best partner for VIP, government and special mission aircraft of any type. Ranging from market-leading completions and modifications to meticulous technical support, it shines in every facet of the life cycle of the aircraft. Our uncompromising support meets even the most individual demands – and lets you embrace every moment on board.

Lufthansa Technik AG, marketing.sales@lht.dlh.de Headquarters: +49-40-5070-5553 Dubai: +971-4-4057-557 www.lufthansa-technik.com/vip-services

MAINTENANCE MEA

MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY IN THE MEA COUNTRIES There are still opportunities for growth in the maintenance industry in Middle East and Africa, but dramatic increase is not expected over the next one to two years. Marc Grangier reports

D

ue to lower oil prices and falling economy growth in the MEA countries which have taken place during the last two years, Business Aviation companies having activities in the area have expressed some concern, though Ali Alnaqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) considers that this market is still growing, but at a lesser percentage than before the oil prices started to fall down. For Ahmed Al Ansari, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Dubai South Airport: “For a number of years, MEA has been a cradle for Business Aviation. The GCC markets (The GCC/Gulf Cooperation Council includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman) remain promising in terms of Business Aviation travel, and especially Saudi Arabia. As the Gulf countries diversify their activity, there is no doubt that the resulting increase in trade will attract more Business Aviation traffic.� Al Ansari highlighted that with that comes the need for greater infrastructure, airport capacity and airport access for private jets to accommodate developments. Maintenance is evidently an important part of it. Stefan Benz, senior vice president of Jet Aviation MRO and FBO Operations, EMEA &

METROPOLIS

Burj Al Arab in Dubai (top).

MEBAA's Founding Chairman Ali Alnaqbi (center).

Al Maktoum International Airport (below).

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the Falcon 7X orders from MEA customers already represent more than 20 percent of total orders for this model. Furthermore, the French OEM believes that its new 5X, with its six-foot, six-inch cabin height, the tallest in Business Aviation, its top speed of .90 Mach and its range of 5,200 nautical miles, associated to the lowest fuel consumption in its category, should contribute to considerably push up sales in the area.

Yet a Strong Potential Considering the existing fleet and the deliveries to come, several MRO companies have created subsidiaries or established new ventures in the MEA region, which has still a strong potential, in spite of the present eco-

around 70 percent of the private jet market in the region. When compared to the rest of the world, the Middle East has a much bigger focus on mid to larger sized business aircraft. Some 59 percent of its fleet are classified as medium to heavy, and 11 percent as business jet airliners. The corresponding figures for the global fleet are 29.8 and 1 percent.

Honeywell estimates the Business Aviation market in the Middle East to be worth US$1 billion by 2020. An opinion shared by Bombardier, which expects the region to remain a “promising” market in the next 10 years. At present, the Canadian manufacturer has a fleet of more than 100 aircraft based in the area. Peter Likoray, senior vice-president of worldwide sales and marketing at Bombardier Business Aircraft, recently indicated that: “Our market forecast predicts 350 deliveries valued at

nomic situation. A fact stressed by Mike Berry, VP of ExecuJet Middle East: “We still see opportunities for growth, but the way the market is right now we are not going to see a dramatic increase in business activity over the next year. I believe this is a generally held view by everyone in the industry at the moment.”

Furthermore, competition is fierce, as capturing the small but significant patronage of the region’s super rich is however becoming increasingly competitive. More companies tap into this market, not an insignificant one, as at present, some 800 aircraft are based in the Middle East. Together, Saudi Arabia and the UAE account for

$12 billion over the next 10 years, with medium and large category aircraft accounting for about 95 per cent of these deliveries.” Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Aerospace, is also optimistic: “Gulfstream aircraft deliveries to the Middle East began in 1976. Forty years later, we have more than 120 aircraft based in the MEA. With this growth, we continue to invest in Product Support capabilities throughout the region, including expanding our parts and materials inventory at Dubai World Central.”

Dassault is also confident about the Falcon sales in the region. Over the past seven years, its fleet has almost doubled, to more than 70 aircraft, and

for maintenance and warranty support to Boeing BBJ, the Gulfstream G150, G200, GIV and GV, G450, G550 and G650 series, the Dassault Falcon 900, 2000 and 7X series, and it offers full service capability for Hawker Beechcraft 800/900 series, Airbus ACJ series and Embraer Legacy aircraft. It also provides on demand line maintenance services at Dubai World Central Airport (DWC), as well as AOG support at Abu Dhabi Al Bateen Executive Airport, Sharjah International Airport and the wider EMEA region.

Recently, Jet Aviation announced that, together with its joint venture partner the Al Mulla Business Group,

Asia, told BART that “Jet Aviation was well aware of the potential of the area as it already established its Dubai facility twelve years ago to be present on this market and strengthen the company’s global network for its clientele in the Middle East. Today, it is our major MRO hub for the Middle East and a leading FBO and MRO service provider in the region.”

Concerning our maintenance business, we’ve seen a general increase in the volume of heavy maintenance projects and we expect to do more Cchecks over the next couple of years as aircraft mature.”

Jet Aviation Jet Aviation Dubai’s maintenance and FBO location was established in May 2005 as a joint venture company with the Al Mulla Group. The facility has a total surface of 4,200 square meters (45,192 square feet) of hangar space, a workshop area of 1,000 square meters (10,760 square feet) and a two-story FBO building. The facility is an authorized service center

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EXPANSIVE

Jet Aviation Dubai's hangar is large enough to accommodate two BBJs or ACJs simultaneously.

MAINTENANCE MEA support for customers operating the Bombardier Global Express, Challenger 604/605, Airbus 320 family, and the Global 6000 and Global 5000 Vision Flight Deck aircraft types. DCAF will further expand its maintenance services upon completion of a new 6,800sqm hangar which is scheduled to be operational before the end of this year. The expansion will more than double the hangar capacity as well as enable DCAF to add two single-aisle aircraft maintenance bays and provide enough space for an additional workshop and equipit has outfitted a brand-new facility in the shared terminal at Dubai South.

According to Stefan Benz: “The outfitting of our new facility is ongoing. We look forward to going operational in November 2017 and are planning to hold a Grand Opening at the Dubai Airshow. Once operational, we will continue providing handling services from our two Dubai locations over the next couple of years. We are currently assessing and defining the timeline to establish a mid-term transfer of activities to Dubai South.”

Jet Aviation’s Jeddah facility is a FAA approved Gulfstream repair station, and as a Saudi Arabia GACA-145 license holder, it performs line maintenance services for Falcon 7X and Gulfstream GIV and GV aircraft and provide nitrogen/oxygen services for any type of aircraft. It also has a battery shop and provides aircraft labor assistance and interior and exterior aircraft cleaning services on request.

Last August, Jet Aviation announced that it will be expanding its operations at Sharjah International Airport in the UAE. With the support of Sharjah Airport Authority, the company has acquired additional aircraft parking space to meet the growing demand it is experiencing for Business Aviation (particularly BBJs) at the airport, and from across the region.

OPERATIVE

Jet Aviation's FBO in Jeddah (left).

DC Aviation Al-Futtaim VIP handling facility in Dubai (right).

DC Aviation Al-Futtaim DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) is a joint venture between Stuttgart-based DC Aviation GmbH, the largest operator business jets operator in Germany and one of the leading operators in Europe, and Dubai-based Al-Futtaim, a privately-owned UAE business conglomerate. DCAF states it is the first and only fully integrated Business

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Aviation facility based out of Al Maktoum International Airport located at Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central) with a dedicated hangar measuring 5,700sqm and a 1,300 sqm exclusive VVIP lounge area designed to international standards offering customers the highest levels of comfort and privacy, shower areas and a conference room. DCAF’s core areas of business include: aircraft management, maintenance, FBO and ground handling services as well as business jet charter. Earlier this year, the company received an extension to its CAR145 approval from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to provide line maintenance for the Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft type. With this extension, DCAF is now able to provide B1 (airframe) and B2 (avionics) maintenance services for the Falcon 7X at its hangar located at Dubai South. In addition to the Falcon 7X, the company can also provide line maintenance

ment storage. It will also significantly increase the number and size of aircraft which can be accommodated at the facility. The existing DCAF hangar measures 5,700sqm and can easily accommodate multiple ACJ or BBJ type aircraft, ultra-long range business jets such as the Falcon 7X, Global Express or Gulfstream G650.

Execujet Middle East Headquartered at Zurich/ Switzerland, the ExecuJet Aviation Group was founded in 1991 to provide Business Aviation services for individuals, companies, and governments worldwide (As of May 5, 2015, ExecuJet Aviation Group AG operates as a subsidiary of Luxaviation S.A.).

ExecuJet offers maintenance services in Beijing, Berlin (LBAS), Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Melbourne, New Delhi, Perth, Sydney, Tianjin and Wellington, and since 1999 it has been operating a maintenance division at Dubai

Productiv ity

ON-SITE, AT HOME OR IN THE HANGAR

Duncan Aviation’s myDuncan project management system lets customers be productive wherever they happen to be. Of the 2,343 aircraft projects delivered in 2016, more than half were managed off-site, allowing the aircraft representatives to stay current on project status, item approvals and budget while keeping up on things at work and at home.

www.DuncanAviation.aero/myDuncan Experience. Unlike any other.

MAINTENANCE MEA Dubai World Central, and Sharjah – to cater for customers from throughout the entire Gulf region. Repair operations on Airframe Related Components (ARC) were expanded at the start of 2014 in response to the strong demand for technical services for nacelle components. The competencies and extensive experience of Lufthansa Technik Middle East encompass the complete range requirements for operators of modern large aircraft. The ARC workshop in Dubai extends the Lufthansa Technik global network, providing adhesive repairs on composites and light metals.

BASE

ExecuJet Middle East (left) and Lufthansa Technik Middle East (right) are operational in Dubai.

International Airport. This facility is approved to support Bombardier, Embraer and Hawker aircraft. It is also an Authorized Dealer and Service Center for Honeywell Avionics and Engines, along with being accredited with the Rockwell Collins Business Regional System Avionics Dealership. It has two large air-conditioned facilities, totaling 7,093 sqm of hangar floor space, located at Dubai International Airport, featuring full line and base maintenance support capability including NDT and component shops. At Dubai South FBO, ExecuJet has a sister operation offering 17,000sqm of dedicated parking area with dedicated fuel hydrant points, which ensures faster fueling for its clients. In addition to the executive lounges and handling, the ExecuJet FBO provides a wide range of support services, including a line station providing full line support to current product types.

ExecuJet Middle East also operates a Line Maintenance facility at Al Maktoum International Airport, supporting Customer’s 7 days’ week and offers regional AOG support by dispatching responsive maintenance repair teams. Inclusive to both Dubai facilities is the ExecuJet parts facility, comprising of a rapidly growing stock of high demand spare parts for many product lines alongside the managed OEM bonded warehouse lines.

ExecuJet Qatar, a branch of ExecuJet Middle East, was recently established to secure an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and provide aircraft management and charter solutions to clients in Qatar and the GCC.

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Lufthansa Technik Middle East In February 2016, Lufthansa Technik opened a new wholly owned subsidiary: Lufthansa Technik Middle East. Based at Dubai Airport, the company was formed on the basis of the service center, Lufthansa Technik Middle East Services (LTMES). With comprehensive on-site sales activities and technical services for customers, the company’s operations strengthen the presence of Lufthansa Technik in the Middle East aviation market.

Alongside comprehensive component supply and the repair of structural and composite materials, customers also benefit from maintenance operations on all short and medium-haul Airbus and Boeing aircraft as well as the Cyclean Engine Wash service.

The engine wash service is thus available at all three major airports in Dubai – Dubai International Airport,

Lufthansa Technik Middle East in Dubai is also the central location for the AOG Help Desk and the base for its mobile Airline Support Team, assisting with rapid and comprehensive material and spare parts supply for unplanned incidents around the clock. Here, too, customers reap the benefits of Lufthansa Technik’s infrastructure and highly qualified personnel. Depending on the nature of damage, repairs can be arranged and undertaken directly and efficiently at the customer site or, without additional transport costs, in Dubai or elsewhere in the Lufthansa Technik network. Last May, the company’s new facility in the Aviation District at Dubai South became fully operational. Since, different parts have already been repaired on-site, e.g. thrust reversers, inlet cowls and radomes.

Falcon Aviation Falcon Aviation was created in 2006, at Al Bateen Executive Airport, only 10km from Abu Dhabi, to offer executive charter flights with a fleet of Gulfstream and Embraer jets and Agusta and Bell helicopters. In order to meet the demand, it then created its own maintenance subsidiary, Falcon Engineering, to provide full service maintenance on rotary and fixed wing aircraft, with service center approvals from Embraer and Airbus Helicopters, along with certification from Bombardier, Gulfstream, Agusta and Bell. Last Summer, the company announced that it was

expanding its MRO activity in the growing turboprop market with the opening of a Pilatus PC-12 service center at its Al Bateen Executive Airport Hangar facility. Under the warranty services of Pilatus Aircraft and with the backing of AMAC Aerospace, the OEM’s exclusive sales corporation representative in the Middle East, Falcon Aviation has ratified a new partnership agreement with PC-12 charter operator GI Aviation to provide line and base maintenance, plus regional AOG support. Last January, GI Aviation pioneered commercial charter services with the PC-12, following the award of GCAA certification in December 2016. Recently, it was working with Falcon Aviation (on the re-registration) of its newly accepted second PC12NG. For Ronnie McCrae, its Service Center Manager: “We are

investing in appropriate infrastructure and technical support for the region to help new operators like GI Aviation grow. We can see them providing excellent feeder opportunities, not just to the larger private jet companies but also to the commercial airlines. We are very enthusiastic about the PC-12 and PC-24. These aircraft are real game-changers in the Middle East as they will offer new opportunities to customers looking for cheaper short to medium haul charter fights.”

NasJet Launched in 1999 in affiliation with US partner NetJets, NasJet (originally NetJets Middle East - NJME), was the first private company in Saudi Arabia to be awarded an Aircraft Operating Certificate (AOC) by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The company has since grown to managing/supporting in excess of 67 fixed-wing aircraft with a fleet insured value exceeding $2 billion. It is the largest Gulfstream operator in the Middle East and one of the top ten in the world. Part of an aviation group employing 1400 in-house aviation industry experts, it operates 24/7 from its main facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To date, it has completed 65 business aircraft. Nasjet and appointed partners provide advice on the design, selection and installation of the cabin configuration, layout, type of seats, carpets, sidewall treatments and other furnishings, entertainment and communication systems, galley and lavatory fixtures, avionics packages, exterior paint and extended warranty program.

Qatar Executive Qatar Airways first announced in 2009 the formation of a corporate jet subsidiary – Qatar Executive – as part of the airline’s ongoing global strategy, and continued commitment to the Middle East and global business travel community.

Headquartered at Hamad International Airport, the company offers aircraft management, airliner charter, maintenance and FBO services. A Bombardier Authorized Service Facility, its services include both base and line maintenance capabilities for the Global XRS, 5000 and Challenger 604/605 aircraft.

Maintenance services are accomplished at Qatar Executive’s hangar facility at Hamad International Airport, which is designed to accom-

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EXPANSION

Falcon Aviation handed over PC-12 to Abu Dhabi-based charter start-up Gi (right).

NasJet has so far completed 65 business aircraft (left).

MAINTENANCE MEA Royal Jet Headquartered in Abu Dhabi/UAE, Royal Jet is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and the Presidential Flight Authority or PFA, the royal flight service. As part of its aircraft management service, its maintenance department is able to plan, control and execute all aircraft maintenance work, either in-house or via another service provider. Its maintenance team is also capable of complete aircraft refurbishment, modification and completion services thanks to its inhouse skills and expertise. Its technical team offers maintenance support and planning services, as well as line maintenance activities, base maintenance activities, defect rectification modate four Global and Challenger aircraft simultaneously with over 6,400m² of hangar floor space and a further 8,400m² of dedicate business jet apron and parking space.

Arabasco In business since 1982, Arabasco considers itself as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pioneer provider of Business Aviation services, from

TOPS

Qatar Executive (top), Royal Jet (center) and Arabasco (below) are the leading flight service providers in the Middle East.

FBOs to aircraft maintenance, management and charters, it has strategic airport locations in Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina, Yanbu and Damman. Its Jeddah MRO facility is an FAA approved Part 145 repair station with OEM service center authorizations from Bombardier (CL604/5), Hawker HS-125 Series, all King Air Series as well as from Honeywell and Rockwell Collins avionics. Its type rated capabilities also includes certified scheduled and AOG support on Gulfstreams (up to G450), BBJs and Falcons (900/2000).

Two years ago, the company signed an agreement with Honeywell Aerospace to increase installation capability and reduce servicing time

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for Honeywell avionics-equipped business and general aviation operators across the Middle East. Through the agreement with Arabasco, operators of Honeywell’s avionics systems, now have a Honeywell approved service center in Saudi Arabia that can provide retrofits, modifications and upgrades (RMUs), maintenance and services. This agreement was building on Arabasco’s existing Honeywell servicing capability for Honeywell TFE-731 engine family and APU line.

Furthermore, it granted Arabasco customers access to Honeywell repair transactions, the purchase of spares and Honeywell’s SPEX parts exchange service for its avionics systems.

and modification services. Royal Jet holds GCAA AMO 145 (aircraft maintenance organization) approval on a number of airframe types that include full approvals on BBJs, Gulfstream and Learjet aircraft. Additional aircraft types can also be serviced depending on individual client requests. It also offers continued airworthiness monitoring services (CAMO) approved by the GCAA, as well as full logistic and materials planning services, which include technical procurement, sourcing, warehouse support and stock control.

During last EBACE, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) and Royal Jet agreed to develop a maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) service center agreement. “Working with the experienced maintenance team at Royal Jet is an outstanding opportunity that supports our continued growth plans for the Middle East,” stated Neil Book, president, and CEO of JSSI. For Rob DiCastri, Royal Jet’s president and CEO, “The expansion of our relationship with JSSI is an ideal fit.

Our technical team performs a great deal of MRO for our own fleet of

AMAC has invested heavily in tooling and spare parts to support its new Falcon line service activity. It has also established a GoTeam able to help customers with AOG issues 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, anywhere in the region. AMAC Istanbul maintenance services also include line maintenance for Airbus A319/320/321 with both power plants IAE V2500 & CFM56, as well as line and base maintenance for PC-12 (PWC PT6) for category A2 for aircraft below 5700kg. Additionally, it has a line station facility at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

In its latest 10-year Global Business Aviation Outlook, Honeywell recognized that concerning the MEA region, report of purchase plans, with another Boeing, Bombardier and Gulfstream business jets, but we have the capacity to do more, and look forward to supporting the growing number of JSSI clients.”

Saudia Private Aviation Engineering and Maintenance (SPA-E&M) Jeddah-based Saudia Private Aviation Engineering and Maintenance (SPA-E&M) has been since 2010 a Line Service Center for the Dassault Falcon aircraft based in the Middle East. The company, which is the Business Aviation unit of Saudi Arabian Airlines, has more than 40 years of experience in maintaining and inspecting business aircraft of all makes, including Falcons. Its 43,000square foot facility has two large hangar areas as well as workshops and storage facilities, and employs more than 75 technicians. According to John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon, “Saudia Private Aviation Engineering and Maintenance has been of great benefit not only to our expanding fleet in the region, but also to those transient operators traveling to Europe, Asia and Africa.” SPA-E&M offers numerous capabilities, including a corrosion prevention and control program, aging aircraft inspections, landing gear repair and replacement, and paint services. It also houses a sheet metal, tire and battery servicing shop.

The company holds Repair Station Certificates from the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) as well as the FAA.

AMAC Istanbul A subsidiary of AMAC Aerospace Basel/Switzerland, AMAC Istanbul is based at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. It is equipped with 1,500 square meters (16,135 square feet) of hangar, shop and storage space and is staffed by professionals with more than 20 years of experience in aircraft maintenance.

Since 2014, the company has been a Falcon Authorized Service Center for line maintenance. As such, it provides scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for Falcon 900 and Falcon 900EX EASy series, including the DX and the LX, and the Falcon 2000 and Falcon 2000EX EASy family, plus the Falcon 7X, under Turkish DGCA SHY145 and EASA Part-145 approvals.

year of significant political upheaval and ongoing conflict in the region, added to low oil prices, have lowered the projected five-year global demand attributed to the Middle East and Africa. The company said it expected annual fleet growth of 2-3 per cent in the Middle East and Africa region over the next five years to slow to 1-2 per cent through to 2021. Once one of the true hotspots of Business Aviation growth, this region is now experiencing a cooling in demand. However, despite the challenges still facing the region, MEBA chairman Ali Alnaqbi remains overridingly optimistic, firmly believing that there are still opportunities for progression.

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SOLIDITY

Saudia Private Aviation is the Business Aviation services arm of Saudi Arabian Airlines (left).

AMAC Aerospace facility (right).

FROM THE COCKPIT

REAL COPILOTING

With duties involving a little of everything from pre-flight planning to landing the aircraft, copilots play a crucial role in navigating a safe ride. In fact, they are the finest insurance policy we can have, writes LeRoy Cook

M

AMITY

The working relationship between pilot and co-pilot on any flight is of upmost importance.

ore often than not, two pilots will be seated at the controls of a business aircraft. If not required by the aircraft’s certification, the second individual will be needed to fulfill insurance stipulations to comply with the operating certificate, or simply to satisfy company policy.

Employing a copilot is more than just a good idea; it’s the finest insurance policy we can have.

When important passengers are on board, their very lives are in the hands of the crew of that aircraft. A backup for the most critical system in the airplane, an extra pilot at the controls, is vital; while rare, the risk of pilot incapacitation should not be ignored, not simply for the passengers’ peace of mind, but for the continued health of the company should an accident result in the loss of key personnel.

That said, sharing the workload is the more normal justification for having a second pilot in the cockpit.

Some smaller business airplanes are perfectly suited to single-pilot operation, with controls and switches arranged within reach of the left seat.

That doesn’t mean they should always be operated S/P. The certification for charter operations could call for two pilots when operating for hire, and having such a policy sells better when quoting services. I know I feel more comfortable when I observe a well-functioning team at work as I’m riding in the back of the aircraft.

However, copilots are sometimes regarded as a superfluous extravagance, and are merely hired as seatwarmers to satisfy a requirement.

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The pay scale reflects this valuation, and it’s no wonder the turn-over can come at a high rate, as the low-paid individual with growing experience seeks a better position. This is unfortunate from the standpoints of training continuity and a solid career path.

Real CRM As part of the safety improvement efforts, much attention is paid to CRM, or crew resource management, using all available aids to effectively and safely operate the flight.

Crew resource management is not a new concept, merely an expanded one. Wise captains have always used copilots in an integrated manner, albeit in varying ways. It’s important to break down the CRM acronym is understand why it carries such significance.

CREW means the team operating the aircraft, working together. Not as individuals, but supportive of one another. To perform most effectively, the PIC uses all resources at his or her disposal, including the copilot, offloading routine duties to allow spending greater attention on flight management and focusing on the task at hand.

RESOURCE means recognizing that extra capability can be had by employing the other pair of eyes and hands at one’s elbow, both as a means of getting things done and as a confirmation that correct action was taken and nothing was overlooked.

Resources, of course, are more than people; the aircraft’s automation, ground support and documentation

are all to be utilized, and the copilot can be a vital means of accessing these resources.

MANAGEMENT is oversight, keeping one’s perspective of the entire flight’s requirements and making decisions both on-time and in advance. Copilots are often the extra source of input needed to confirm decisions, checking for alternate landing weather, loading a revised clearance, verifying fuel on hand and predicted fuel remaining at landing.

Establishing Copilot Duties Copilots need to be utilized as a resource, and this integration requires understanding of their role by all concerned. Some territorial captains regard the cockpit as their domain, grudgingly shared as an afterthought. In such an environment, a new-hire copilot, left without guidance, sits idly while awaiting instructions, hoping to be given a landing now and then. In reality, this is a waste of capability; why would you keep dialing all the new frequencies into the number-one communications radio, instead of alternating some duties with number-two? portant to establish cockpit protocol, so the copilot’s role is both clearly defined and performed as expected.

The captain is in command of the flight; that authority can be delegated, but not relinquished. The copilot follows the PIC’s instructions, whether specific or briefed in advance. Copilot duties may be defined in a procedures manual, or laid down informally, but they should be clearly understood.

I was once asked to help a relativelyexperienced pilot step up into his first attempt to fly an early Citation jet, which required two pilots. We began by role-playing in the cockpit, sitting in the hangar, and it became evident that he hadn’t given any thought as to how to operate in a two-pilot cockpit. We walked through some checklist procedures, and I continually had to remind him to respond to my challenge with his response, not just move the switches or make inputs. He was used to doing everything by himself; the idea of working with a copilot, calling for a checklist instead of doing it alone, was totally foreign. It took a long time to revise his rigid thinking, built up over years of single-pilot flying.

By the same token, an experienced captain presented with a newly-hired copilot has to endure a learning process, finding out how much experience the right-seater has and how trustworthy he or she can be. It takes a few flights to settle in as a team; if the fresh copilot has only academy training, but little real-world experience, the captain will be faced with assuming instructional duties along with command of the flight. Eager willingness to learn must not be confused with strong piloting skills.

Backing Up the Captain Real copiloting, then, requires a well-defined division of labor. One of my first PICs told me “you are to act as my conscience; you are to tell me immediately if you see me screwing up.” He meant for me to verify his actions, never to defer to his rank, without fear of repercussion. In a

flight department setting, the copilot is a representative of the company; he or she should know what the ops manual sets forth and how to present gentle reminders to the captain. That doesn’t mean the second in command gets an equal vote; the captain’s decision stands, but it will be duly noted.

In any intimate workplace like an airplane cockpit, the ability to adapt to work together harmoniously is extremely important. A good copilot knows the bounds of command structure, and guards opinions accordingly. Two strong egos contending for space are a recipe for disaster, or at least an uncomfortable work environment. Getting along well is one of the best recommendations on a work evaluation. A true professional finds his or her role, seeks improvement and advancement, but does not overstep authority.

Using a copilot effectively is both pleasurable and instructional. It’s good to have help, but sometimes one has to find out how much help is available, and how to use it properly.

The captain probably knows how to start engines, from long experience.

However, the proper procedure is to call for the Starting Checklist, have the copilot read the checklist item, make and call the correct response, and have it verified by the copilot.

That way, fatigue and familiarity will not overlook insufficient voltage or slow acceleration.

Copilots frequently are delegated the radio communication duties, as directed by the captain’s instructions, and a wise PIC listens or observes that the clearance is correct and veri-

fies any FMS inputs. Interfacing with the cabin crew or passengers reflects the captain’s tastes, even if the copilot makes the contact.

Copilots are captains in training, not just seconds-in-command. Learning the nuances of smooth piloting, good service and uneventful arrivals is part of the copilot’s duties. And allowing this sharing of tribal knowledge is part of the captain’s duties.

Exchanging controls or swapping legs is at the discretion of the senior crewmember; sometimes the captain wants to be the one flying the approach and landing if Mr. Bigdome is riding in the back, to avoid any chance of ruffled feathers. The copilot’s opportunity to do some flying may come during a repositioning flight, without passengers aboard.

With time, however, copilots must be given increased opportunity to grow their skills. Trust must be earned, not expected, never demanded.

A good captain understands the copilot’s perspective, from his or her own prior experience. If a tight rein is held on the copilot’s participation, that individual may start looking for other employment, where their ability is better appreciated. The best employees are grown from within a company’s ranks, if at all possible. It’s hard to recruit someone from outside who is as dedicated as the person who has worked under the same airplane’s wing on a wind-swept ramp, filled with the desire to work their way into the company’s cockpit. Encouragement and understanding are worth a lot when working with subordinates.

✈

BART: NOVEMBER - 2017 - 67

CONCERN

The copilot is tasked with checklist management, radio communications and navigational duties as well as backing up the pilot.

SAFETY SENSE

THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARING SAFETY INFORMATION

“O

FATAL

Marines recover debris from the missing Air France jet in the Atlantic (top).

Ice crystals blocking the pitot probes (below).

n June, 1, 2009, an Airbus A330-200 operated by Air France on a scheduled passenger flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris CDG as AF447 exited controlled flight and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of the aircraft and all 228 occupants. It was found that the loss of control followed an inappropriate response by the flight crew to a transient loss of airspeed indications in the cruise which resulted from the vulnerability of the pitot heads to ice crystal icing.” This is a short summary of an interesting case at Skybrary.

Roger Rapoport and Shem Malmquist have authored a book where they discuss this accident and examine its wider implications for aviation safety. The book bears the title “Angle of Attack”, focusing on one of the main aspects of this particular accident.

There is another aspect that is not mentioned in the book’s title, but is important nevertheless. It is the functioning of a reporting and feedback system permitting airlines and the airline transport industry as a whole to prevent such accidents in the future.

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Precursors In fact, the safety departments of Air France, Airbus and EASA knew of previous occurrences caused by malfunctions of the pitot probes installed on the Airbus 332.

The investigating authority Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) indicates in its final report on AF447 that more than 16 occurrences with temporary speed indication anomalies had occurred prior to the AF447 flight. Four of these occurrences had happened within Air France itself, others with TAM, Qatar Airways, Northwest and Air Caraïbes Atlantique.

The BEA study of the occurrences found that they contained similarities on a number of significant points in terms of environment, the effect on

Michael R. Grüninger and Capt. Carl C. Norgren examine the factors contributing to one of the world’s worst aviation disasters and the deaths of all 228 onboard automated systems and flight path control.

Regarding the environment, these occurrences happened on flight levels between FL340 and FL390, in highly unstable convective air masses and a static air temperature of below minus 40 degrees Celsius. The static air temperatures were higher than ISA (Int. Std. Atmosphere) by 10 degrees Celsius or more. All occurrences happened in Instrument Meteorological Conditions and in turbulent conditions.

Related to the automated systems, in all cases the autopilot disconnected itself and flight information, the flight director in particular, disappeared. In twelve cases, the flight control law changed to alternate until the end of the flight. In one case, this transition was temporary.

Related to speed anomalies, intermittent drops or spikes in speed indication occurred. Alternatively, the speed indications dropped and remained at a lower value.

Related to flight path control by the crews and crew’s reactions, the variations in altitude were contained within about one thousand feet. There were five cases of deliberate descent, including one of 3,500 feet. These descents followed a stall warning.

Four crews did not identify the unreliable airspeed situation. In two cases, the crew concluded that there was an inconsistency between the angles of attack. In the two other cases, the crew considered that the speeds were erroneous rather than unreliable.

The fact is that Air France, Airbus and EASA had knowledge of the temporary speed indication anomalies caused by pitot tube icing. At regular Airworthiness Review Meetings between Airbus and EASA these cases were reviewed. And yet, EASA decided against issuing an Airworthiness Directive requiring

operators to replace these pitot tubes.

Airbus issued a Service Bulletin which left the decision of modification up to the operator.

Decision Making in Management That is where this Safety Sense kicks in.

The Pitot probes installed on AF447 met requirements that were stricter than the certification standards.

Analysis of the events related to the loss of airspeed indications had led Airbus to issue a Service Bulletin to replace C16195AA pitot probes by the C16195BA model. Air France had been modified the first aircraft on 30 May 2009.

EASA had analyzed Pitot probe icing events; it had confirmed the severity of the failure and had decided not to make the probe change mandatory.

Air France management decided to replace the pitot tubes over a certain period of time. The pitot tubes of the accident aircraft were scheduled to be replaced after landing in Paris at the end of the accident AF447 flight.

Airbus fly-by-wire protections are designed to prevent aircraft from stalling. The protections rely on the well-functioning of the sensors and the maturity of the programming.

Management had decided not to brief the pilots on known anomalies of the automated flight control management system believing that the in-built stall protections would prevent any stall.

In-service Feedback BEA thus recommends: In-service feedback is an essential prerequisite in the process of improving flight safety. It is notable that the reports written by crews after events do not always reveal their severity or all of the elements of an operational appreciation. This makes the preservation of the indispensable elements needed for an investigation somewhat ran-

dom. Thus it is difficult for the operator, the manufacturer and the authorities to evaluate the associated risks and threats and to undertake an exhaustive analysis that makes it possible to take appropriate measures.

The French DGAC failed to produce and disseminate an operational directive or safety information in 2008, despite the OCV (Organisme du Contrôle en Vol, the in-flight inspection organization of the DGAC) having recommended it do so.

Air France’s maintenance department, department of safety and department of quality failed to sufficiently evaluate the continuing airworthiness of the A330 in light of warnings and reports from Air Caraïbes.

Acting on Safety Knowledge Air France did not respond sufficiently to a prescient alert from its pilot union in 2002. The union had requested Air France training classify stall recovery as an emergency procedure that demanded pilots respond using memorized procedures instead of written checklists.

There was a lack of follow-up by DGAC on NTSB Recommendation A96-56. This 1996 recommendation asked that aircraft manufacturers provide pilots with some means of determining when their aircraft might be operating in icing conditions that exceed the aircraft’s certification limits.

The obstruction of the Pitot probes by ice crystals during cruise was a phenomenon that was known to the aviation industry at the time of the accident.In fact, nobody had briefed the pilots on the particular hazards of pitot tube icing at high altitudes. This failure of the corporate Safety Management System to recommend such a briefing and to perform appropriate training is one of the contributing factors to the AF447 accident.

Prevention Aircraft operators, aircraft manufacturers, the authorities and indeed all participants in the aviation industry need to take precursors seriously.

Permanent monitoring of data and diligent analysis are required to identify and evaluate precursors correctly. This requires an interdisciplinary evaluation involving specialists from all relevant fields in order to evaluate risks correctly and to take preventive measures in a timely fashion.

Commentators on the AF447 accident argue that if Air France had provided its pilots with a briefing and training on the handling of obstructed pitot tubes, the outcome of the icing event might have been different.

Certainly, one key safety lesson to learn from the AF447 is that safety information must be shared with front line personnel.

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Michael R. Grüninger is managing director of Great Circle Services (GCS) Safety Solutions and Capt. Carl C. Norgren is a freelance contributor to Safety Sense. GCS assists in the whole range of planning and management issues, offering customized solutions to strengthen the position of a business in the aviation market. Its services include training and auditing (IS-BAO, IOSA), consultancy, manual development and process engineering. GCS can be reached at www.gcs-safety.com and +4141 460 46 60. The column Safety Sense appears regularly in BART International since 2007.

BART: NOVEMBER - 2017 - 69

RETRIEVAL

The cockpit voice recorder was recovered from the sea floor nearly two years after the accident.

NBAA-BACE REPORT This year’s NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas attracted over 1,100 exhibitors. As the global show for Business Aviation celebrated its 70th anniversary, it boasted an impressive array of aircraft and new products. It also took the opportunity to send a strong message against the privatization of ATC in the

NBAA-BACE: FULL HOUSE IN LAS VEGAS United States. Marc Grangier

and Volker K. Thomalla report

A INSIDE

The exhibit halls comprised more than one million square feet of space at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

ccording to NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, this year’s show was special in many ways.

“We celebrated NBAA’s 70th anniversary, and how our industry is stronger when we work together,” he said. “We saw the launch of exciting new products and we brought a citywide convention to Las Vegas, which the city welcomed with open arms.”

Adding to this general sense of optimism was Honeywell’s Business Jet market outlook, which is released annually prior to the NBAA-BACE opening. It forecasts up to 8,300 new Business Jet deliveries worth $249 in the next decade. “Declining used aircraft prices, continued low commodities prices, and economic and political

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uncertainties in many markets remain as near-term concerns for new jet purchases, leading to a modest growth in 2018,” said Honeywell Aerospace President Americas Aftermarket Ben Driggs.

According to the forecast, the transition to new aircraft types slated for 2017 and 2018 will drive demand and lead to a 3-4 percent average annual growth rate through 2027. In terms of purchase plans, big cabin aircraft will lead the demand, with Super Midsize through Bizliners representing 85 percent of the total valuation of aircraft deliveries. Meanwhile, although small cabin jets will represent just 7 percent of the valuation, they will account for 25 percent of all units sold.

Furthermore, Honeywell sees the used aircraft market slowly returning to pre-crisis levels, with the total number of recent model jets (less than 10 years old) listed for resale being down 15 percent compared to last year. Less than 8 percent of the total business jet fleet is currently for sale.

The Force that Drives the Market Of course behind all these numbers are the OEMs and the many new jets being launched or that will enter into serve in the very near future.

For example, Gulfstream used NBAA to debut its fully outfitted G600. According to Gulfstream President Mark Burns, this aircraft has the longest cabin in its class and

SCHEDULERS & DISPATCHERS CONFERENCE February 6-9, 2018 | Long Beach, CA Licensed Dispatcher Recurrent Training and PDP Courses February 5-6, 2018

REGISTER NOW: www.nbaa.org/sdc/2018

NBAA-BACE REPORT complex is due to enter service in late 2018.

Questioned about the Falcon 5X program, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier mentioned that its flight test campaign was well under way. However, a few days before NBAA, Safran indicated that the Silvercrest engine had encountered a new problem concerning the responsiveness of the highpressure compressor at high altitudes and at low engine speeds, which might further delay the development program. The 5X entry into service had already been rescheduled to

ADVANCED

Gulfstream G650ER affirms performance prowess with world-record run (left).

G600 (right).

can be configured for up to four living areas, including the option for a fixed bed. At Mach 0.85, the aircraft can fly 6,500 nautical miles/12,038 kilometers. Gulfstream anticipates receiving FAA certification in 2018, with customer deliveries slated for later that year.

Burns also indicated that its G500 and G600 will offer even better performance than originally promised.

Upon entry into service, the G600 will deliver 6,500 nautical miles/12,038 kilometers of range at Mach 0.85 – 300 nm/556 km farther than the initially promised range of 6,200 nm/11,482 km. The G500 will fly 5,200 nm/9,630 km at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, providing operators even greater mission flexibility over the aircraft’s original 5,000nm/9,260-km range.

The company also announced that its G650ER accomplished a worldwide record streak heading into the show, including an October 6th flight from Moscow to Las Vegas airport that saw the jet fly 5,247 nm/9,717km at Mach 0.90 in 10 hours and 10 minutes. Together, more than 260 G650 and G650ER aircraft operate in 40 countries.

French manufacturer Dassault Aviation was on hand with its Falcon 8X ultra-long range trijet, which is now in service in all major markets around the world. The 6,450 nm/11,945 km trijet provides customers with increased range and cabin volume compared to the Falcon 7X, from which it was derived. The additional range allows it to comfortably fly non-stop ultra-long intercontinental routes like Las Vegas to Beijing, Sao Paulo to Moscow or Hong Kong to London.

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Feedback from operators has been universally positive, most importantly in regards to cabin comfort, flying stability and cabin sound level. The aircraft’s lightweight, cost-efficient design, inherited from the 7X, allows operators to save money on fuel and operating costs – another strong asset. The maximum take-off weight of the 8X is 73,000 pounds, compared to about 100,000 pounds for other aircraft in its class. The 8X was also recently approved for operation at London City Airport, making Dassault the only manufacturer to have its entire in-production model lineup certified for one of the world’s most challenging airports.

Dassault is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its global customer service network, including new and expanded spare parts facilities and additional service centers.

Last October, the company started work on a vast new spares facility north of Paris, which will replace the existing facility at Le Bourget. The

2020, but these new problems might push this date even further back, though Safran is doing its best to minimize this delay.

On a more positive side, Trappier said the company was approaching the launch of a new Falcon model, which will include new technologies, modular avionics, composite wings and artificial intelligence-based cockpit assistant technology, and be fully instantiated within the Dassault Systèmes 3D Experience digital system. However, beyond that, no other details were disclosed, with the exception with the teaser that outside partners were already getting involved in concept design.

Textron Aviation President and CEO Scott Ernest said that the Super Midsize Cessna Citation Longitude program is “really doing well”. Five test aircraft have flown 600 flights and amassed 1,200 flight hours. “We’re getting into the real certification flight test now,” he said.

“We’ve met all targets: speed, range,

performance and weight of the aircraft.”

“The Longitude is significantly quieter than anything else in the industry,” added Textron Aviation Head of Engineering Brad Thress. “We achieved remarkably low noise levels at cruise, which are in the low 60 dB(A) levels.”

While the aircraft’s HTF7700L engine was awarded type certification just prior to NBAA-BACE, the certification of the Longitude is expected to occur before the year’s end. Not only has the company already started the production line flow of the Longitude, it also introduced new production methods like

robotic drilling of the wings. “100 percent of the wing is drilled by a robot, ensuring the highest quality and repeatability of the process,” explained Ernest. “In other words, we are investing back in manufacturing.”

During the show, but back in Wichita, Textron celebrated the hand-

ing-over of the 100th Citation Latitude. The anniversary aircraft was delivered to NetJets, the largest customer for the type. Scott Ernest highlighted the importance of investing in new programs: “Two-and-a-half years ago, this business didn’t exist at Cessna or Textron,” he said, “Today, it’s a billion-dollar business.”

Bombardier Business Aircraft had flown the fourth Flight Test Vehicle (FTV4) of its largest business jet, the Global 7000, to Henderson Executive Airport near Las Vegas to be exhibited on the static display. The aircraft is named “The Architect” because it is equipped with a four-zone production interior. Bombardier will use this particular aircraft for reliability tests, as well as for cabin and connectivity systems testing. All four Global 7000 test aircraft have flown nearly 900 hours.

They will soon be joined by a fifth test aircraft to complete the certification test flights. Bombardier expects to fly another 700 to 800 flight test hours prior to certification.

Currently, the Canadian manufacturer has eight of the $72.8 million aircraft on the assembly line in Toronto.

“We’re on track to deliver the first aircraft in the second half of 2018,” said Bombardier Senior Vice President of the Global 7000/8000 Program Michel Ouellette. The aircraft is, according to Bombardier, the largest

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EXECUTIVE

Cessna Longitude (top).

Eric Tapier, Olivier Villa and John Rosanvallon from Dassault Aviation (center).

Bombardier's Michel Ouellette (below).

NBAA-BACE REPORT According to Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher, the PC-24 development project has now entered its final phase, with the most challenging tests have all been successfully completed. The three PC-24 prototypes have made a total of 1,251 flights for 2,003 hours in the air so far. Function reliability tests were currently underway with P03, which corresponds to the production standard. P02, the second PC-24 prototype, was on display, together with the latest version of the PC-12 NG, at Pilatus’ indoor booth at the NBAA. purpose-built business aircraft, offering its customers an outstanding performance, including a 7,400 nm (13,704 km) range, opening city pairs like Los Angeles – Shanghai or London – Singapore. It’s high speed cruise performance allows it to fly New York to London in six hours.

Similar to Honeywell, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer used the NBAA-BACE stage to release its market forecast. “We see early signs of a more sustained recovery,” said Embraer Executive Jets President and CEO Michael Amalfitano. “We’ve

HEAD

Phenom 300E (top).

Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher (center).

Honda Aircraft CEO Michimasa Fujino (below).

noticed a 10 percent increase in used aircraft transactions.” The company forecasts a demand of about 7,500 business jets worth $215 million in the next ten years.

The company also debuted an updated version of its light jet Phenom 300, dubbed the Phenom 300E, during the show. The Phenom 300E features a wider cabin offering an additional three inches.

It also features new seats, which Embraer produces itself after having acquired a seat manufacturer

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from Titusville, Florida. Lufthansa Technik provides the NICE cabin management and inflight entertainment system that includes overhead monitors on the cabin ceiling.

Embraer has also improved the maintainability of the cabin interior.

Amalfitano said: “Everything in the cabin, that can break can be changed in 30 minutes,” said Amalfitano.

The US$ 9.45 million jet is assembled at Embraer’s facility in Melbourne, Florida.

Pilatus expects to obtain certification from the EASA and the FAA in December 2017, with the official handover of the first customer aircraft (to US fractional aircraft company PlaneSense) is scheduled to go ahead before the end of the year.

Last September, Pilatus launched a 24/7 customer service facility to meet the high expectations of PC-24 customers. Spare parts and other technical support can now be requested worldwide, 365 days a year. PC-12 customers will also benefit from this upgraded service.

Pilatus has also been busy expanding its global network of Authorized PC-24 Service Centers. Maintenance specialists have already been trained to ensure they are optimally prepared for the PC-24. In partnership with FlightSafety International, Pilatus has developed a “Full Motion Simulator” and maintenance training units that will be available for crew instruction ahead of certification.

Concerning the re-opening of the PC-24 order book, Bucher said that the company wants to be sure it could deliver to customer expecta-

tions first, and that we would hear from Pilatus in 2018 as to when the order book would re-open.

Honda Aircraft President and CEO Michimasa Fujino was proud to mention that the HondaJet has been the most-delivered jet in its category for the first half of 2017. The company, which delivered 24 aircraft to customers in the US, Canada, Mexico, and countries in Europe in 2017, is now steadily ramping up production to meet customer demand and is currently manufacturing the aircraft at a rate of about

four per month, hoping to climb to five per month in a near future.

Before next Easter, the HondaJet fleet should reach or exceed 100 aircraft, as GE Aviation said it would take delivery of No 92 next January.

Fujino also indicated that his company has expanded sales in Greater China via the appointment of Honsan General Aviation Co. Ltd., based in Guangzhou, as a HondaJet dealer in China.

Daher’s Airplane Business Unit, led

by Nicolas Chabbert, delivered 38 TBM single engine turboprop aircraft this year. There is a 50/50 split between the TBM 910 and the TBM 930. The global TBM fleet consists of 860 aircraft, of which 81 percent are owner flown, 12 percent are in corporate and 5 percent in government use.

Only 2 percent of the global fleet are charter aircraft. The total fleet has reached over 1.5 million flight hours.

Daher will start offering additional services for charter operators and support them by offering assistance in aircraft assessment and by creating the necessary documents for commercial operations.

The Service Providers Although the OEMs often get the spotlight, there’s much more to Business Aviation than the jets themselves. And as always, the NBAABACE exhibition halls were packed with all the industry’s service providers highlighting their latest news and offerings.

For example, Jet Aviation announced the extension of its capabilities in Singapore, with recent approvals received from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) series, the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) series and Gulfstream G650 and G650ER aircraft. The company has also added the G650 and 650ER to its Malaysia DCA. Jet Aviation’s MRO facility in Singapore is now authorized to support 72-month inspections for the ACJ series and the BBJ series. Given the growing fleet of Gulfstream G650s registered in China, the company also took this opportunity to add the G650 and G650ER to its already comprehensive CAAC approvals for Gulfstream G450 and G550 aircraft. The company is

also building a new hangar in Singapore to meet growing demand for Business Aviation services in the region. The facility’s new third hangar will accommodate up to two BBJs or five Gulfstream G550 aircraft.

The official opening ceremony will be held during the Singapore Airshow in February 2018.

Comlux reported that it sold an Airbus ACJ320 neo to an undisclosed customer. Green delivery of the aircraft is scheduled to take place in September 2019. The company also signed two contracts for completion of an ACJ320 neo and a BBJ MAX. The completion will take place in Comlux’s Indianapolis Completion Center and will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018. It will be the first ever BBJ MAX completion, with entry into service scheduled for fall 2019.

Comlux is also an aircraft operator and operating several bizliners, including a Boeing 777 for Crystal Cruise. The first flight of the Triple Seven with passengers took place on September 17, 2017. The home base of the Comlux Aruba operated widebody is Miami. Next year, Comlux Aruba will add an Airbus ACJ330 to its widebody fleet. “Comlux Aruba is the leader in widebody operations,” said Comlux President and CEO Richard Gaona.

GDC Technics disclosed that it was working in partnership with Boeing on the installation of the first ever live television aboard a VIP 787 at its 840,000 sq ft facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Work began mid-October in order to complete this project on a timeline of 30 days. “Live TV not only provides entertainment for our clients, it also keeps them in touch with global events as they unfold,”

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STAND

TBM 930 (right).

Jet Aviation's booth at NBAABACE (left).

NBAA-BACE REPORT

ENTRANCE

P&WC is preparing for the entry-intoservice of its PW800 PurePower turbofan (right).

explained GDC General Partner Mohammad Alzeer.

For VistaJet Founder and Chairman Thomas Flohr, there continues to be a trend away from owning aircraft, either entirely or a fraction, given the associated costs and assets risk. As a result, customers are discovering the new solution offered by VistaJet and involving a fleet of over 70 fullyowned and identically branded aircraft worldwide. Flohr mentioned that last year its Program Membership sales continued to accelerate with a 57 percent year-on-year growth worldwide, while global customer retention reached 91 percent. China is one of the fastest growing markets for the company, with a first half 12 percent increase in passenger traffic departing from the country and a 14 percent gain in passengers arriving. VistaJet also sold over 6,000 new hours of annual subscriptions worldwide during the first half of 2017 alone.

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is preparing for the entry-into-service of its PW800 PurePower turbofan. The engine has been certified by both the FAA and EASA and will enter-into-service later this year with the Gulfstream G500. P&WC has started distributing technical publications and training mechanics, and spare parts have been forwarded to spare parts centers to guarantee a smooth entry-into-service. Although the company doesn’t expect the first shop visit of an PW800 to happen before 10,000 flight hours, it will be prepared for any unscheduled occurrences.

GE Aviation discussed its Advanced Turboprop (ATP). According to the company, the engine is scheduled for its first run by the end of the year at the GE Aviation Czech facility in Prague. All the initial design work is complete. Test cells have been upgraded at the GE Aviation Czech

76 - BART: NOVEMBER - 2017

facility, where the team is assembling and preparing the engine.

Meanwhile, in Munich, Germany, GE engineers are conducting the ATP’s most significant tests to date – AxialCentrifugal Compressor Vehicle (ACCV) tests. The ATP’s stator, rotor and cold section assemblies produce the ACCV test vehicle. More than 700 instrument gauges are hooked up to the vehicle so GE engineers can fully understand the ATP’s compressor design and validate efficiency, performance and operability.

According to GE Aviation Vice President and General Manager of Business and General Aviation and Integrated Systems Organization Brad Mottier, the new 1,240SHPrated ATP features an industry-best 16:1 overall pressure ratio, enabling the engine to achieve as much as 20 percent lower fuel burn and 10 percent higher cruise power compared to competitor offerings in the same size class. At 4,000 hours, it offers 33 percent more time between overhaul than its leading competitor. The engine has been chosen to power the new Cessna Denali. Flight tests will begin next year and complete certification in 2020.

Since its launch a year ago, Universal Private Transport, the global ground transportation service joint venture of Universal Weather and Aviation, has doubled its global reach and is now providing service at more than 900 airports around the world.

An independent company, Universal Private Transport, combines the worldwide Business Aviation trip management and logistical knowledge of Universal with the international ground transportation network of FAM. Universal Private Transport allows users to make ground transport arrangements and changes via phone, e-mail, SMS or online. They

can also manage preferences for receiving confirmations, driver details and updates for passengers and anyone else on their team. Currently, Universal Private Transport is on pace to deliver a 99.5 percent on-time delivery of all ground transport requests in 2017.

Advent Aircraft Systems launched a worldwide “Get Ready for Winter” promotion of its advanced technology eABS anti-skid braking system for all King Air B200/B300 and Pilatus PC12 aircraft. Advent has recently completed certification of eABS for both aircraft types in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Advent’s eABS provides worry-free braking by eliminating risk of tire damage in all runway conditions; haptic technology that provides direct feedback to the pilot, optimizing brake control; active, independent control of each wheel that improves directional control on contaminated surfaces and in crosswind conditions; and reduced stopping distances whether at idle or max reverse power settings. To date, 120 aircraft owners have installed eABS. Last but not least, Tamarack announced a new program that will certify its ATLAS Active Winglets on the Cessna Citation 560XL series that includes the Excel, XLS and XLS+ business aircraft. Tamarack also partnered with Innova Aerospace on their ‘myC560’ modernization program for the Citation Ultra and Encore, which will now offer ATLAS Active Winglets. Tamarack Active Winglets are approved via EASA, ANAC and FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation on the Cessna CJ, CJ1, CJ1+ and M2 business jets.

Certifications pending on the CJ2/CJ2+ and CJ3/3+ are projected for 1Q18. Certification on the Excel/XLS is projected for 1Q20.

✈

AIR OPS EUROPE Business Aviation in Europe is enjoying a year of sustained growth, setting the perfect stage for the second edition of Air Ops Europe. Held at Cannes-Mandelieu Airport from

A SHOWCASE OF SERVICES

September 20 - 21, the event left everyone with a sense of optimism.

Volker K. Thomalla reports

O

rganized by the EBAA, this year’s edition of Air Ops Europe, the Continent’s premier event for flight ops professionals, attracted 40 exhibitors and 370 attendees – nearly doubling its attendance from its inaugural edition last year. “This forum provides a platform for the BizAv community to build relationships, strengthen their skills, drive competitiveness and better position themselves for the future,” says EBAA CEO Brandon Mitchener. “Business Aviation is a tool for connecting people and for creating business opportunities. After all, the jets wouldn’t get very far without airports, handling, catering, cleaning and servicing.”

Speaking about the importance of Business Aviation to the local Cannes’ economy, keynote speaker ClaireAnne Reix of the office of the mayor of Cannes said that the Festival Palais in Cannes alone host 290 events annually, including the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. “A lot of visitors to these events travel to Cannes

by Business Aircraft and contribute to the local and regional economy,” she says.

From FBOs to Fuel Providers The event’s exhibition if primarily filled with FBOs, handling agents and other service providers. For example, ExecuJet’s European FBO team was on sight highlighting the variety of value-added benefits their network provides to customers. “This is a key time for FBOs to consider joining a network such as ExecuJet,” says ExecuJet Group FBO Director Ettore Poggi.

“Increasing demands from customers and airports to invest in the latest services and high-end facilities have put pressures on independent FBOs that only a global network can support.”

According to Poggi, the 25 FBOs currently in the Luxaviation Group (of which ExecuJet is a part of) exemplify the tangible benefits and savings that ExecuJet offers. For instance, all ExecuJet FBOs meet NATA Safety First standards, and soon all will follow the company’s Zurich, Brussels, Berlin, Johannesburg and Delhi FBOs in becoming IS-BAH certified.

Jet Aviation was also at the show highlighting its large portfolio of BizAv services, which range from FBOs in more than 20 locations all

over the world to aircraft management, maintenance, completions, staffing and charter services. The wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics is celebrating its 50 th anniversary this year.

Other FBOs exhibiting at Air Ops Europe included Jetex Flight Support, Signature Flight Support and London City Airport with its Private Jet Centre and KLM Jet Center. “This is a unique and valuable opportunity for the airport and ground services community in Europe to network, discuss issues and build closer relationships with customers and prospects,” says KLM Jet Center FBO Director Edwin Niemöller.

“We’ll be returning next year!”

“Air Ops Europe is a very convenient industry event,” adds German Aviation Service (GAS) CEO and Founder Andreas Becker. “I can really take my time to sit down with customers and partners and have serious, valuable discussions, which is why we will be back in 2018.”

Fuel providers like Air BP, AvFuel or World Fuel Services also used the Air Ops Europe stage to network with existing and potential customers.

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SPEECH

EBAA CEO Brandon Mitchener (left) speaks to attendees at the show.

AIR OPS EUROPE THE CONNECTED WORLD OF AVIATION

Air Ops Europe was the first public event for the Connected World of Aviation (CWA) initiative. CWA is a group of eight aviation technology companies who believe that through simple, easy and free sharing of data, they can add value to Business Aviation. Participants include: ❍ FL3XX, a flight operations management company ❍ DeliSky, a specialized software and service provider for worldwide ordering of VIP inflight catering ❍ FBO management provider OpsHorizon ❍ RDC Aviation Economics, a company that analyses airport and airway charges ❍ Flyeasy, a permits and airport slots company ❍ Taillog, which offers iPad-based EFB and Flight Progress solutions ❍ Wingx Advance, a Business Aviation intelligence service provider ❍ Drivania, a global network of VIP chauffeurs in over 1,000 cities.

PARTNERING

Air Ops provided a networking platform for businesses of all sizes.

State of the Industry More than just an exhibition, Air Ops Europe also offers an agenda packed with informational sessions.

One of particular interest this year was a State of the Industry session hosted by the EBAA and focusing on the latest European figures. “The 2017 growth trend is unmistakable,” says WINGX’s Richard Koe, noting that last month was Europe’s busiest August ever. “For the first time, monthly figures exceeded pre-reces-

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sion levels,” he says. “But aircraft utilization is down three percent as more aircraft are operated, and today’s demand is charter-generated.”

Asking the question of how robust the demand really is, Koe says he has observed that majority of demand comes from lifestyle planning.

“Therefore, the higher traffic numbers had no effect so far on the deliveries of new Business Aircraft,” he adds.

That being said, all-in-all the outlook in Europe remains optimistic. “The last three years the market was stagnating, but traffic picked up ten months ago,” says EBAA Manager of Data and Economic Affairs Arthur Thomas. “In 2017, we’ve seen four months above five percent growth, and some states have seen traffic growth up by 20 percent.”

Not a bad note to end the show – and the year on!

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INTEGRATED FLIGHTDECK Next-generation cockpit environments raise the bar in technical innovation with solutions for years to come.

Discover what today’s integrated flight decks offer with Steve Nichols

INTEGRATED FLIGHT DECKS - WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT’S NEXT?

CONTROL

Garmin G1000 NXi (right).

Honeywell Primus Epic (left).

F

light decks have come a long way from the days of analogue dials and cathode ray tubes. The so-called “glass cockpit” has become the norm, especially with new aircraft and retrofits. But what is currently state of the art with the larger manufacturers and what can we expect in the future?

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Garmin Garmin announced the G1000 NXi, its successor to the ever-popular G1000 integrated flight deck, in January 2017.

Boasting a modernized flight display design with significant performance enhancements, Garmin says the G1000 NXi incorporates innovative capabilities.

Features such as wireless cockpit connectivity, including wireless aviation database updates using Garmin Flight Stream, enhanced situational awareness with SurfaceWatch, visual approaches, map overlay on the HSI and more, are all available.

Deliveries began in early 2017 as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck in the King Air 200. It now has an STC for the King Air 200/300/350 and they are all shipping.

Bill Stone, Garmin’s Senior Business Development Manager, said that G1000 NXi gives the company an excellent opportunity to provide the flight deck with more technology, sensor input and enhanced computing power.

“With G1000 NXi we can gather more data from sensors and databases and use it to make the pilot’s workload easier and their flight safer, including using our Flight Stream wireless product and the Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight Mobile apps for the iPad,” Stone said.

monitored to decide if you want to turn or climb? Honeywell already has it working.

Or speech recognition systems that can understand air traffic control radio commands and display them on an iPad. Yes, that too is already working – with uncanny accuracy.

Primus Epic and its derivatives are currently available for Embraer 170/175/190/195 regional jets, Embraer Lineage 1000 Executive Jet; AgustaWestland AW-139 helicopter, Cessna Sovereign and Hawker Beechcraft H4000; and Dassault’s F900/F2000/F7X/F8X and newly unveiled Falcon 5X. Gulfstream G450, G550, G650; and the recentlyannounced Embraer E-jet E2 and Gulfstream G500, G600.

Honeywell Primus Epic Primus Epic is Honeywell Aerospace’s latest generation of flight deck avionics and is being delivered as the standard flight deck for some the world’s most advanced regional transport, high-end business jet and commercial helicopters, today.

interactive navigation and patented graphical flight planning functionality, with the ability to monitor weather, terrain, and air traffic along the route of flight.

Up to six 8” x 10” or four 10” x 13” LCDs can be specified, allowing charts, maps and electronic engine instrumentation images to be sized for easier viewing along with engine instrumentation and crew advisories as well an aircraft system synoptic, configured to meet aircraft design requirements.

It also features Honeywell’s SmartView certified synthetic vision system.

Last year, I went on a media tour of Honeywell’s Phoenix headquarters to see its work on advanced technologies.

Carl Esposito, Honeywell’s Vice President Strategy, Marketing and Product Management, said then that there wasn’t a product in its portfolio that didn’t or couldn’t have an inflight connectivity component.

“Our partnership on Inmarsat GX connectivity opens up a whole new avenue for ideas. For example, we are

The Primus Epic integrated flight deck was first unveiled at the 1996 NBAA convention and with more than 4,900 delivered systems to date, and a total of 12,000 under contract, Honeywell says Primus Epic remains an industry leader.

Its large LCD flat-panel displays include Honeywell’s intuitive INAV

working on ‘crowd sourcing’ the weather radar data from our RDR4000 system,” Esposito said.

“This could allow you to ‘see’ what the pilot in an aircraft 200 miles ahead of you is detecting, before you get to the same point.”

Or how about thought-controlled flight, where your brain waves are

one large, graphically-rich display system for pilots.

Pilots can easily navigate menus and plan flights graphically on 14-inch displays using the touchscreen interface or an easy cursor point-and-click process on 15-inch displays.

Pro Line Fusion also provides pilots with extensive situational

Available as an option on G1000 NXi, Flight Stream 510 enables Database Concierge, the wireless transfer of aviation databases from the Garmin Pilot app on a mobile device.

Flight Stream 510 also supports twoway flight plan transfer, the sharing of traffic, weather, GPS information, back-up attitude information and more.

“The secret is not to overload the pilot,” Stone said. “But to process the data to provide useful, actionable information that helps with their overall situational awareness and safety.”

What has Garmin got in store for the future? Stone wouldn’t be drawn, but hinted that inflight connectivity may play a big part in future developments.

Rockwell Collins Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion is an award-winning, fully-integrated flight deck with pioneering features.

With Pro Line Fusion, all aeronautical, navigation, communication, surveillance, engine and crew alerting system information is integrated into

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VISION

Rockwell Collins ProLine Fusion features touchcontrol primary flight displays.

INTEGRATED FLIGHTDECK

GRANTED

Universal Avionics recently received FAA technical standard order authorization for its InSight Display System.

awareness when coupled with Rockwell Collins’ Head-up Guidance System (HGS™), MultiScan™ weather radar, multispectral EVS-3000 enhanced vision system, synthetic vision and surface management system with a graphically rich airport moving map.

Pro Line Fusion’s high-resolution SVS database fuses with real-time aircraft sensor information to create an intuitive visual environment by adding distinct mile markers, runway highlights, lead-ins and airport domes to help pilots easily identify destination airports. When paired with Rockwell Collins’ multispectral infrared EVS-3000 enhanced vision system it gives real-time imagery of runway lighting (including new LED systems), terrain and obstacles as they appear ahead of the aircraft.

Rockwell Collins has also invested in offering retrofit options of Pro Line Fusion to help owners meet upcoming regulatory mandates for aging flight decks. These include the Beechcraft King Air and Citation CJ3, as well as a newly-announced Bombardier Challenger 604 upgrade that’s expected to be certified by fall of 2018.

P ro Li n e Fu si o n i s st a n d a r d equipped on an extensive list of aircraft that include: Beechcraft King Air 350i, 250 and C90GTx turboprops; the AgustaWestland AW609; the AVIC MA-700 regional turboprop; the Bombardier C Series, Global 8000, Global 7000, Global 6000 and Global 5000; the Embraer Legacy 450, Legacy 500 and KC-390 tanker; the Gulfstream G280; the Mitsubishi Regional Jet; the Xian MA-700 and the Piaggio Aero MPA.

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So what developments has Rockwell Collins got in the pipeline for Proline Fusion?

Peeter Sööt, director, Business and Regional Systems Marketing at Rockwell Collins, said: “Whether through new features on the surface or behind the scenes improving size, weight and power, we’re working very hard to make enhancements that best meet the requirements of our customers.

“Cockpits of the future will continue to be more interactive, with increased use of touch screens and aural control as possibilities.

Technologies pilots have come to expect that enhance situational awareness will continue to evolve, especially in the realm of displays and vision systems.

“Ultimately, the goal of flight deck applications will be to continue easing pilot workload by offering the right information at the right time in an increasingly intuitive manner,” Sööt said.

Universal Avionics Universal’s new InSight Display System is designed as an integrated flight deck solution, featuring embedded synthetic vision with advanced mapping capability, electronic charts, radio control, and broadcast weather.

InSight’s open architecture also allows for flexible integration into new aircraft platforms, future customization, and upgrades on airframes, minimizing financial impact and complexity of integration.

It features a three- or four-display architecture supporting portrait or landscape display formats, plus advanced functionality over legacy avionics.

Its high-speed Ethernet bus also requires less wiring and fewer terminations for display-to-display communication and display control, but retains the ability to interface with a large number of federated components such as attitude/heading sensors, air data computers, radar, traffic systems, radios, and autopilots.

Universal says the InSight Display System is ideal for Business Aviation operators (i.e. Citation VII, Falcon 50, and Falcon 900B), government operators (i.e. C-130), helicopter operators (i.e. Blackhawk, EC-135, EC-145, and EC-155), and the OEM market.

Robert Clare, Universal Avionics’ Director of Sales, said that InSight had received its Technical Standard Order (TSO) back in August.

“Its larger displays have been a key feature. Everyone is asking for bigger displays now,” Clare said. “They have a 10.4” diagonal and we are looking at even larger versions for the future.

“The essence of InSight is that it has more integration, without separate LRUs, and comes with embedded synthetic vision, frequency management and consolidated multi controllers. It also has a point and click interface.”

He added that Universal hopes to include “ADS-B In” later on (it is already certified for “ADS-B Out”) and embed the whole FMS, without the need for a separate LRU. “We also have a long list of interfaces that we want to work on for the retrofit market,” he said.

“More touch screens are also on our roadmap,” Clare added. “They bring a lot of benefits to the cockpit, but more tactile screens or haptic feedback might be the way forward.

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