European Business Air News - November 2009

E U R O P E A N

BUSINESS AIR NEWS ISSUE 198

NOVEMBER 2009

FlyingGroup expands as Falcon 7Xs enter service

DC Aviation rewards frequent flyers ahead of Legacy 650 introduction Germany’s DC Aviation will bring a new dimension to its long haul capability with the addition of two Legacy 650s. Steffen Fries, ceo, says: “We are extremely proud to be one of the first European charter providers to welcome two Legacy 650s into our fleet. We plan to use this new aircraft model to continue the expansion of our long haul fleet, as well as our international flight service. This aircraft will enable us to offer comfortable, non-stop flights on business routes such as LondonDubai or Dubai-Singapore.”

The first Legacy 650 is due for delivery in the final quarter of 2010, with the second aircraft due to arrive in 2011. Fries says: “The Legacy’s performance offers advantages for air traffic controllers, and ultimately our operations.”

DC Aviation, he points out, already operates two Legacy 600s on longhaul charter flights. Including managed aircraft, DC Aviation has around 20 business jets for charter.

Fries says: “As business people without a personal jet currently do not want to commit themselves to one business jet operator with long-term contracts or 25 hour jet cards, DC Aviation has developed a special frequent flyer programme for charter customers. In the ‘DC Aviation Loyalty Club’, flights become less expensive the more frequently a customer flies in central Europe. In addition, positioning costs will also be waived in the selected ‘loyalty region’.”

Fries says the Legacy 650s will complement a diverse fleet ranging from the short haul Learjet 45XR to the long range jet Gulfstream 550 and four A319s with modified 19-seat vip seating plans or a 48-seat vip configuration. DC Aviation GmbH was formed as a result of the merger of Cirrus Aviation and DaimlerChrysler Aviation.

ME & MY AIRCRAFT Cabin class piston

page 6

Masterjet readies A320 for 2010 debut page 2 Elite goes IFR with new Grand

page 2

Aviation Beauport pays tribute to founder page 3 Bespoke Observer enhances survey capabilities page 4 Association plans development drive for central Europe page 5

SPECIAL FOCUS

For details of how to enter, see page 3.

For details of how to enter, see page 3.

Operator review of Arab Gulf States page 10

Observer takes on ecology role UK environmental consultancy APEM Ltd has invested £370,000 in a bespoke Vulcanair Observer to use as an aerial survey platform.

The aircraft was collected from Naples by full-time pilot Karl Trotter (right) and pilot Sam Couchman. Full story page 4.

FlyingGroup, which has brought the first of two Falcon 7Xs into operation, has acquired the main original building and adjacent hangar at Antwerp airport. Bernard Van Milders, ceo, says: “The growth of FlyingGroup and the continual extension of the fleet require greater infrastructural capacity at our Antwerp base.

“This is why FlyingGroup decided to invest in the acquisition of the Airventure buildings. The company now has an additional hangar measuring 1,200 sq m and 260 sq m extra office space. The famous building, characterised by its 1930s architecture, will in the first instance accommodate FlyingGroup’s evergrowing fleet.”

“The acquisition of two new Falcon 7Xs and the extension of our infrastructures at Antwerp will enhance our services to passengers and aircraft proprietors,” he adds.

FlyingGroup , which also has bases in Rotterdam, Luxembourg, Paris and Cannes, says the 7X has an operating radius of over 5,900 nm and a nonstop flying range of 13 hours. Milders adds: “The Falcon 7X makes it possible to link intercontinental destinations with no stop-over. In addition to seating two in the cockpit, the 7X can accommodate 16 in the cabin. It can reach a cruising speed of 905 km/h at an altitude of 15 km.”

He says the 7X is the first corporate jet to be equipped with a digital flight-control system (fly-by-wire) and EASy piloting systems.

Medical transport to clinics expands demand for EMI’s growing ambulance fleet Portugal’s OMNI Aviation group, which has brought a Challenger 300 into service to expand its long haul capability, can now offer seven aircraft certified for air ambulance flights.

Group member Emergência Médica Internacional (EMI) based in Cascais has added the capability of two Learjet 45s to its air ambulance fleet. These complement a Learjet 31 and a Learjet 40, which EMI claims to be the first ever in air ambulance configuration, as well as a Falcon 50, Falcon 900 and a Bell 222.

The company’s president and cofounder Capt José Miguel Da Costa says that the Learjet 45s will have LifePort AeroSled Plus, allowing the installation of two stretchers per aircraft. “The air ambulance services form a mainstay of our business. For more than ten years we have

EMI has expanded its air ambulance capability to seven aircraft.

successfully repatriated patients and we have transported human organs or blood throughout the world.”

All EMI aircraft have been purpose-fitted by specialists with modern equipment for intensive care, Da Costa says. In addition to one to two stretchers and additional

bottles of oxygen, other equipment including high tech monitors, ventilators, defibrillators, syringe pumps and blood gas analysers are put on board for use in air ambulance operations.

“The cabin is transformed within minutes into a fully equipped emergency room,” says Ricardo Pereira, EMI md. Pereira says jets and helicopters are in demand for rapid repatriation from remote accident locations in Europe. “There is a need for flights to smaller or higheraltitude destinations and airports with short runways and landing strips. After a ski accident in the Alps for instance, a patient can be flown to a hospital within the shortest time and be given intensive medical care during the flight.” But he says: “Increasingly, patients are being flown from the Arab region to

For fuel, ground services and all your trip arrangements

specialist clinics in Europe and in addition an increasing number of users like insurance companies, assistance companies, health organisations, private companies or government authorities request our services regularly.”

He says the company can ensure that a highly trained aeromedical team will be ready for departure on air ambulance flights at short notice to provide smooth and comfortable bedside to bedside air ambulance transport.

Stefan Buschle, chief commercial officer, says the Challenger 300 will provide useful additional long haul business for the OMNI Aviation Group, which consists of 18 companies operating 55 aircraft and helicopters, and was founded 20 years ago by Capt Da Costa and Capt Rui de Almeida.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

2 NOVEMBER 2009

Masterjet readies 26-seat A320 for debut next year Masterjet will make available for charter an Airbus A320 in a 26-seat configuration by the summer of 2010.

The company has headquarters in Lisbon and two operational bases in Paris le Bourget and Geneva where charter aircraft are based. Masterjet is also located in London, Jeddah, New Delhi and Malta.

Edward Queffelec, head of aircraft sales, says that the company is attracting a great many more Eastern European and Middle Eastern clients to add to its clients base which includes a substantial European mix.

Queffelec says that, despite the difficult world economic conditions, clients are expressing a preference for larger aircraft. “This means flying either Airbus or Boeing aircraft. We intend to operate a number of vipconfigured airliners in the future.”

Masterjet is an official partner of Fokker Services for the marketing of maintenance and completion

Edward Queffelec: more acquisitions.

Philip Queffelec: Masterjet founder.

products and is partnered with Patrick Mauboussin Aircraft Design.

The first project with PMAD is the

painting of the A320 that Masterjet is bringing into service.

Masterjet has also signed a

cooperation agreement with Air France Consulting, the subsidiary of Air France, to provide business aviation consultancy services.

Queffelec, son of the founder of the company Philip Queffelec, says that buyers are tending to believe that the market has bottomed out and are closing on acquisitions. “Aircraft acquisition and trading is picking up,” he says.

“At Cessna, we view FlightSafety as a big part of our value equation.”

“At Falcon, teaming with FlightSafety reflects our passion for technology.”

John Rosanvallon President and CEO Dassault Falcon Jet

“Honda chooses FlightSafety because we both place the highest emphasis on safety.”

Jack Pelton President and CEO Cessna Aircraft

“Bombardier and FlightSafety share a commitment to enhance safety through innovation.”

Michimasa Fujino President and CEO Honda Aircraft Company

Elite gains full IFR approval and expands Grand fleet UK operator Elite Helicopters, based at Goodwood aerodrome, is planning to bring a third managed A109S Grand into service by the end of the year. The fleet expansion coincides with CAA approval to carry out full IFR public transport operations.

Sharon Douglas, operations director, says: “After 15 years of experience with a variety of helicopters operating under VFR conditions, we are delighted to take the company to the next level of operations.”

Elite Helicopters reports good demand for the two Grands that have already been brought on stream augmenting a fleet that includes two R22s for training, an R44, a JetRanger, two LongRangers and two AS350 Squirrels.

Operations manager Bill Leach says: “The Grands are a real asset for our fleet, with high capability. They can take six passengers and plenty of baggage. The speed is good with the capability of 145 knots.”

He adds: “Earlier in the year business was quiet, however in the past two to three weeks the level of enquiries has grown significantly and not just in numbers but in the quality of those enquiries. I was expecting September to be much quieter than it has turned out to be.”

Pierre Beaudoin President and CEO Bombardier

“FlightSafety and Gulfstream, two aviation leaders united in a single goal: safety.”

“Sikorsky builds safety into its design. FlightSafety trains for it.”

Joseph T. Lombardo President Gulfstream Aerospace

Jeffrey P. Pino President Sikorsky Aircraft

Elite luxury is winning business.

“The growing number of Piaggio aircraft operators benefit from FlightSafety’s world-class training and simulation technology.”

“With the industry’s broadest product lineup, no one counts on FlightSafety more than Hawker Beechcraft.”

W.W. “Bill” Boisture Chairman and CEO Hawker Beechcraft

“FlightSafety training has been integral to Bell’s legacy of accomplishment.”

John Garrison Jr. President and CEO Bell Helicopter

Tom Appleton President and CEO Piaggio America

Manufacturers Who Build for Safety Put Their Trust in Us: FlightSafety Nobody knows its aircraft better than the manufacturer. Or the profound value of safety. Just ask Gulfstream, Cessna, Bell or Dassault. HondaJet, Hawker Beechcraft, Bombardier, Sikorsky or Piaggio. These manufacturers all build safety into their aircraft – and the world’s best aviation training into the value equation they offer to their customers. Because a commitment to the most advanced aircraft and technology must go hand in hand with a zealous commitment to safety. These leading manufacturers rely on the world leader in aviation training, FlightSafety International, to provide initial and ongoing aviation training of the highest standards. Like them, we are focused on customer service. We are committed to developing the latest technology. And we strive to deliver the total confidence that comes from training with the best. FlightSafety is proud to serve these manufacturers and the customers who fly their aircraft – in our common mission to enhance safety.

For information, contact Scott Fera, Vice President Marketing sales@flightsafety.com

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Elite Helicopters was launched 15 years ago by Glenn Curtis and Sharon Douglas in 1995. “It started small with the management of one JetRanger and has grown significantly,” says Leach. The company, which carries out services to a mix of county shows, sports events and vip charter, was first established at White Waltham near Maidenhead in Berkshire.

In early 2001 it took over the helicopter charter operation and flight training school at Goodwood from Stephenson Aviation, giving Elite Helicopters extensive coverage throughout southern England.

In 1998 Elite Helicopters secured the contract for the operation of the heliport at Farnborough International ’98. “The company has continued to be awarded the contract for the event since and is contracted through 2012,” says Glenn Curtis.

Elite also runs all ground operations in connection with the Helitech exhibition which is held biannually at Duxford, and licenses a heliport for operations in connection with the British Grand Prix. Leach says: “Flights to the major sporting events, such as the Epsom Derby, Royal Ascot, the Festival of Speed, Glorious Goodwood, the Revival Meeting and the British Grand Prix, are speciality operations that Elite Helicopters majors in.”

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

NOVEMBER 2009 3

LEA updates the world via Twitter London Executive Aviation (LEA) is now talking to the world through Twitter. LEA’s ‘tweets’ include updates on the UK company’s services and destinations, the latest empty leg opportunities and links to new footage on the operator’s YouTube channel.

Patrick Margetson-Rushmore, ceo, says: “We’ve got over 200 followers already. We’re eager to be at the leading-edge of new technologies and social media. Twitter is 21stcentury word-of-mouth and a great way for us to talk to our customers and potential customers. We’re looking to add inventive tweets all the time.” George Galanopoulos, LEA’s md adds: “We’re really excited about how we can use new media to promote and improve our business.”

LuxAviation spreads its marketing net LuxAviation reports that it is carrying out intensive telemarketing to combat the drop in demand and average yield caused by the global economic recession.

However, Christian Heinzmann, ceo, reports that its Citation XLS is proving popular with clients.

The company, an air taxi operator which specialises in flights for government, executive and vip clients, says it is working with other local and international operators as well as main charter brokers to generate business. As well as charter it offers brokerage and consultancy.

E U R O P E A N

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Aviation Beauport: modern facilities.

Aviation Beauport pays tribute to founder as it restructures company for further growth Jersey-based Aviation Beauport has restructured following the death of long time group md Capt Greg Graham. Group chairman and owner Mike Bell has assumed the role of md while finance director Maggie Barnes steps into the newly-created post of deputy md, with former chief pilot Paul Holroyd promoted to director of flight operations.

Bell, who acquired the original air charter business in 1985, paid tribute to the late Capt Graham, who was the driving force behind the growth of the company from a small air taxi service to an operation employing over 40 staff and flying a range of different jets.

“When I bought the original company, it was on the understanding that Greg came and ran it for me.

When we started out, we had a pipe dream that one day we would see a fleet of jets littering the apron. To have made that a reality is testament to Greg’s drive, energy and enthusiasm.

To many people he was ‘Aviation Beauport’ and I, and everyone here,

Capt Greg Graham: tributes to founder.

owe him an enormous debt.”

The company, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, is expanding its fleet.

Aviation Beauport now owns or manages a number of aircraft, including its Citation XLS and the recently acquired Falcon 2000EX EASy and is acquiring a new Citation Mustang which is due to arrive in January 2010.

Bell says: “The acquisition of the Mustang will give us a wider range of options as I feel there is definitely a

Heliavia campaigns for new Lisbon executive aviation facility Portugal’s Heliavia is lobbying for Lisbon airport to provide a new full service dedicated executive terminal.

The company’s gm Vitoria Henriques says that it has taken the matter up several times without success.

“However,” she says, “Heliavia does its utmost to ensure that the lack of a dedicated private terminal does not affect its clients. When they arrive at the airport we have our own staff waiting who take them immediately in our minibus and put them aboard our aircraft. If they have to wait for an airport slot we have our own facilities where they pass the time in comfort.”

Heliavia, which operates a Falcon 2000EX EAsy, an AS350 BA and a Falcon 900B provides photography and film services as well as executive charter.

Henriques says: “It seems to us that the market is growing. Our own existing clients are our best advertising medium as they recommend Heliavia’s services to others.” But she reports that the economic recession has brought price undercutting.

“There is a problem with the prices that some companies are quoting just to take clients from other companies.

They are quoting prices that do not cover flight costs.”

market for businessmen doing shorter trips. The Falcon, which we took delivery of in April, is already making a big contribution to our business and I would expect to see a 35 per cent uplift in turnover next year, with a further 25 per cent growth in 2011 when we factor in the contribution from our new light jet and additional work for the Falcon.”

He adds: “The arrival of the Falcon, being a wide-bodied jet, has already opened up new markets for us and was a quantum leap forward in the range of aircraft available for charter.”

In addition to its long-established air charter operation, Aviation Beauport also has a corporate management division offering everything from hangarage and flight planning to a complete turnkey service. It has made significant investment in its terminal facilities and new booking and administration systems.

Aviation Beauport, one of the oldest-established FBOs in Europe, recently extended its purpose-built

terminal in order to further improve its executive lounge and catering facilities and now boasts an additional private lounge for vips. It also provides dedicated IT facilities for visiting crew following a complete revamp of the reception and booking areas. Other features include extensive on-site parking and a wood panelled boardroom overlooking the apron, which can accommodate up to 12 executives for a round table discussion as well as receptions for parties of up to 30 people.

Last year the company handled approximately 5,100 aircraft movements, with passenger numbers in the region of 15,000.

Customer services manager Dave Heaney says: “Pilots know that we can be relied on to pass on any messages they relay to us while passing overhead, and we’re happy to do so, but this personal service also includes the door-to-door transport we offer, our hotel and limousine booking service and the provision of a Smart car for use by visiting crew.”

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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

4 NOVEMBER 2009

Expanding environmental research specialist sees Observer as the ideal new all-purpose aerial survey platform UK environmental research specialist APEM Ltd has expanded the scope of its aerial surveys by bringing a Vulcanair Observer into service (photo page 1). “The Observer is specifically designed as an aerial survey platform,� says md Dr Keith Hendry. “It has an integral survey hatch and a Perspex nose making it ideal for aerial survey work and remote sensing.�

He adds: “We have just sold our previous aircraft, a Cessna 172 which was also photo-modified. Twin engines give us much more flexibility in terms of range, speed to survey site and of course being able to undertake surveys over large expanses of water.�

The company, brainchild of fish biologist Dr Hendry, was launched in 1987. It is a niche environmental consultancy specialising in undertaking applied research, surveying and managing aquatic habitats such as rivers and lakes together with coastal and offshore areas.

It has grown steadily over the years and now employs 50 scientists covering all aquatic disciplines including fisheries, ecology, water chemistry and hydrology in freshwater and marine environments.

APEM has three main laboratories in England at Manchester, Oxford and Dorset as well as offices in Bangor in Wales, and Dublin in Ireland and is currently expanding into Scotland.

Dr Hendry says: “APEM undertakes environmental investigations, such as impact assessments,

The APEM Ltd staff line-up has increased to meet rising demand.

for the water and power industries.

For example we investigate the effects of abstraction by water companies on rivers and lakes, investigating the impacts on fish and river ecology.

We are extensively involved with both the conventional and renewable power industry. This includes examining the effects of cooling water discharge for power stations on rivers and coasts, thermal plume analysis and assessing the impacts on water quality and ecology. “We are also involved in the two UK barrage projects, the Severn and Mersey, and the Solway Tidal Scheme, investigating the effects of these

Environmental surveys are a mainstay.

renewable energy proposals on fish populations. Offshore windfarms are another area of expertise, where we are developing innovative high resolution aerial survey techniques to assess bird populations before and after construction.�

Heli Austria welcomes Superlifter contribution to all-round capability Heli Austria is bringing a BO105 LS A3 Superlifter into service. Roy Knaus, ceo, says: “We will use it for all kinds of twin-engine work including passengers and aerial and also for construction flights in cities. “The hook is rated for 1,350 kg and the maximum gross from the Superlifter is 2,850 kg. Also, flying in hostile environments, this is a twin-engine aircraft that outperforms any single, such as an AS 350 B3, at altitude.�

Heli Austria’s fleet now includes two Bell Super 204Bs, four AS350s, five AS355s, an MD 520N and an MD 902 Explorer.

The company, which has bases at St Johann Pongau, Heliport

Triple Alpha plans to add second managed Challenger 300 Dusseldorf-based Triple Alpha, a member of Ocean Sky Aviation Group, expects to add another Challenger 300 to its managed fleet before the end of the year.

The company’s Hans Pfeiffer says that the aircraft is popular with charter clients because of its excellent range and spacious cabin. “The addition of a second Challenger will give us good options. The current Challenger, which we operate with an

attendant, can take nine but we find that it is usually commissioned for four or five passengers.�

Pfeiffer says the Challenger 300 is equally popular with families going on holiday and businessmen. “We are catering to a demand from Russia, where clients especially like larger aircraft for their holidays, and for those who like comfort to work in when carrying out corporate assignments,� he adds.

Eleven compete for Isle of Man tender A Heli Austria medevac team in operation.

Karres, Imst, Hochgurgl and Saalbach-Hinterglemm, specialises in a wide range of operations including passenger, freight and air

NOT JUST ECOLOGICAL.

EAGLELOGICALLY FRIENDLY

He adds: “Other areas we are involved in include river geomorphology assessment. Our aerial survey equipment can get down to a ground resolution of around 2 cm. With this we can undertake detailed assessment of riverine sediments, gravels, cobbles, boulders and using colour, sands and silts. This enables us to investigate the effects of hydropower schemes which have the effect of interrupting gravel (sediment) transport downstream, leaving large areas of river bed denuded of gravel. This has knock-on effects for spawning fish.�

APEM also uses infra-red

photography to identify invasive plants, accurately mapping them along river corridors so that eradication can be effectively targeted.

Hendry reports that aerial survey has been a substantial growth area for the company over the past four years. “We expect this to accelerate,� he adds. “For offshore windfarm bird surveys, our new methodologies have resulted in immediate success, having been well received by both the power companies and regulators.

Similarly our work in rivers is set to increase dramatically with the launching of our Fluvial Information System software (FIS). This combines particle sizing with depth measurement to produce fish habitat maps for rivers as well as a host of other geomorphological information required for the new EU Water Framework Directive. Our aim is to make the FIS an essential monitoring and information tool for rivers, not just in the UK but across Europe.�

The purchase of the six-seater Vulcanair Observer was funded by Lombard, the asset finance arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland. Based at Leeds/Bradford airport the Italianbuilt aircraft has a maximum speed of 370 kmph and a maximum range of almost 1,600 km.

Hendry says: “The aircraft has been fitted with the latest in geographic information system software and we believe this will be a real benefit to both new and existing clients.�

ambulance/medevac. It also provides survey and surveillance, photography and film, aerial works, fire and sightseeing and leisure services.

EAGLELOGICAL.

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The Isle of Man government is studying 11 submissions after putting its air ambulance service out to tender. “We plan to make the decision by Christmas and the contract will start in April 2010,� says Michael Morrison, senior executive officer, health services division. “The department is required to review all major contracts with third parties on a regular basis to ensure good governance and to seek best value for money on behalf of the Manx taxpayer.�

The air ambulance service transfers Manx patients who are too ill to travel by scheduled airline or by sea or those needing urgent specialist treatment in the UK (See EBAN September 2009). It is currently delivered by Woodgate Executive Deluxe advert-outlines.eps 21/04/2008 15:18:16 Air Charter.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

NOVEMBER 2009 5

Malinsky: 19 jets registered.

Grossmann: regional focus.

Tomkova: conferences planned.

Association plans development drive for central Europe Industry leaders have launched an association to establish the Czech Republic as a key regional hub for private aviation.

Dagmar Grossmann, chairman and founder of Central Europe Private Aviation (CEPA), says: “Business aviation is a relatively new field in central Europe with a huge growth potential for its share on the European market. CEPA’s aim is to support and develop business aviation in Central Europe.”

CEPA, she explains, is a voluntary, non-governmental and non-profit association of private citizens and legal entities that will represent the interests of producers, operators, service and training organisations, aircraft and helicopter brokers and supporting organisations including financial, insurance and publishing companies.

“It welcomes both indiv-

iduals and companies as members,” she adds.

Antonia Tomkova, md and co-founder, says the association’s primary aim is to represent its members’ interests at national, European and international levels and support the growth of private aviation in the Czech Republic and abroad.

She adds: “The association will also have an educational arm in order to disseminate information about the current climate in business aviation in Central Europe, attract the attention of other operators and participate in and sponsor conferences on business aviation.”

CEPA will initially focus on Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Board member Jaroslav Malinsky says: “All these countries are a potential wealth of new business for the

region, providing new markets for the business aviation industry. In the Czech Republic, private jets held only a small percentage of total flight volume until recently, and interested clients were often directed toward foreign companies who could provide the service. Today, there are 19 business jets registered in the Czech Republic.”

Grossmann says CEPA will also focus on promising markets such as Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. She is founder of Grossmann Jet Service, a Czech private jet operator, which has become CEPA’s first member.

“Based on the response we’ve received from brokers and business jet operators, it is clear that the launch of CEPA is the right step to take to achieve a common goal – the development of business aviation in Central Europe,” Grossmann says.

Agrarflug Rizon brings Hawker and Helilift enjoys Challenger on stream Bell 212 Agrarflug Helilift finds qualified and experienced pilots are in short supply.

Robert Rücker, flight operations manager of Germany’s Agrarflug Helilift, reports that the latest addition to the Ahlen-based operator’s fleet, a Bell 212, has settled in well. Agrarflug Helilift now operates 12 Bell 212s along with six 205s, 10 206B JetRangers, a 206L LongRanger, four 412s and an AS350.

But Rücker says the company, whose business is about 95 per cent aerial work, does have difficulty in finding qualified and experienced pilots. Around 50 per cent of Agrarflug Helilift’s business involves leasing out helicopters on long-term contracts but it provides a variety of other services.

Rizon, which plans to base five jets in Doha, Qatar, and another in London, is working towards a February 2010 completion of its new US$16 million 13,000 sq m hangar and FBO terminal facility at London Biggin Hill.

Group ceo Patrick Enz confirms: “The change in management and our simultaneous commitment to a parallel hangar and FBO and vip terminal development in Doha, due to open in the second quarter of 2010, means that we are a little bit later than originally scheduled, but both projects are advancing well.”

The latest additions to the Doha-based fleet are a Hawker 900XP and a Challenger 605 and Rizon has also been bolstering its management team in the UK and Qatar, ahead of significant recruitment of staff.

Jackie Nikolajsen, gm at the

Biggin Hill facility, joins from ExecuJet Europe, where he was technical director based in Denmark. In Doha Faisal Alam, former head of maintenance and development at Bahrain-based BexAir and former chief operating officer of Delmun Aviation Services, is newlynamed gm. Andrew Pearce, who joined Rizon UK in May from TAG Aviation as director sales and marketing, has been promoted to Rizon group head of aircraft management and charter. A head of marketing and communications has been chosen and Rizon is currently recruiting for a finance director. Both positions will be based in Doha.

Rizon, which also has offices in Bahrain and the UAE is targeting business in India, Russia, Africa and the Far East as well as the Middle East and Europe.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

6 NOVEMBER 2009

ME & MY AIRCRAFT Cabin-class piston aircraft Twin piston aircraft tend to be suitable for the short haul charter sector with a target market of three to eight passengers. They also appeal to the safety-conscious as well as those looking for a modest capital investment. Many owners prefer to have an aircraft that has the capability to fly to an alternative airport in the unlikely event of an engine failure. Charter flights can often also be conducted both at night or in poor weather conditions.

But single-engined aircraft are much more economical to operate and turboprops are much more capable and easier to fuel so there is little incentive for manufacturers to keep producing twin pistons.

Ensuring a supply of AVGAS in regions such as Eastern Europe can also pose problems.

Although the overall numbers are reducing there are a wide variety of multi-engine pistons operating for private, corporate and charter owners in Europe. Many are used for pilot training but significant numbers are used for business and pleasure.

The PA34 Seneca tends to be a three-passenger aircraft while the Beechcraft Baron, one of the most popular light twins ever produced, is often favoured by executives for business travel and accommodates up to five passengers. The Piper Aerostar also tends to be used for between two and five passengers or up to 450 kg of freight. The sector contains a spread of Cessnas including the 310 which takes between two and five passengers with the 401 having a similar capability allied to a wider and more comfortable cabin. The 402 is more popular with groups of six to eight and the 404 Titan can accommodate up to ten.

Among its rivals are the Piper Chieftain which ferries eight passengers and can operate from many remote airstrips while the

Multi-task workhorses are becoming much rarer as owners trade up to turbine power Diamond TwinStar

Me & My Aircraft throughout 2009 DECEMBER Super midsize jets

Learjet 45

Piper PA-34-220T Seneca V Beechcraft Baron G58

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Piper PA-44-180 Seminole Vulcanair P68

Diamond Twin Star is a popular training aircraft.

For some charter operators twin pistons are part of a diversified fleet that also focuses on turboprops and may be considering adding jets.

Poland’s Ad Astra Executive Charter has added a Beechcraft Baron G58 to its fleet but is has also brought a second, factory new Beechcraft 90 Gti into service. “Our goal is to

become the biggest business turboprop operator in Eastern Europe,” according to the company’s Dorota Kowalska. The AOC fleet also offers a Beechcraft B200GT while the flight training side relies on the Diamond DA-20 Eclipse, the Cessna C172S G1000 and the Diamond DA42 Twin Star.

The company says: “We’re flying taxi, so we fly where the need is.

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From Norway to Malta, from Madeira to Moscow. Our clients order flights for business trips as well as family vacations.”

The company says it likes to provide alternatives to jets that are more economical and can operate from unpaved and short runways that are found at the many small airports.

There is a need to recruit pilots but the requirements are high, particularly in terms of time logged, because of single pilot operational requirements.

AirMed: relies on pistons.

Ad Astra Executive Charter, formed a year ago as daughter company of Aviation Asset Management, a multi-purpose aviation business, reports that growing demand is forcing it to enlarge its fleet but that expansion is focusing on turboprops and possibly a small jet in 2010 rather than piston aircraft.

Cessna has produced a number of twin pistons and some of the older models have been reclaimed and adapted for useful incomegenerating work. Úlfar Henningsson’s Icelandic company Gardaflug Inc has owned a Cessna 337G since 1988. He recalls: “It was purchased in New Jersey in the US in poor condition and needed a huge amount of work before it was ferried to Iceland as it had been standing still for three years.

During my ownership it has undergone the replacement of many parts and it has also benefited from extensive renovation work involving

avionics, a new interior, cabin soundproofing, engine overhaul and bubble windows.” Henningsson says this names “just a few” improvements.

The 337G was originally purchased to carry out an ocean bird survey between Iceland and Greenland and also conduct inland surveys for birds and reindeer. “It is equipped with a photo hatch and we have done some vertical photography of cliffs and nesting areas,” Henningsson explains.

The 337G’s strength and attractions include its high wing construction and easy manoeuvrability, giving the photographer a clear view out the side window with the wing behind. The aircraft is exclusively used for all kinds of aerial survey charter.

Henningsson says: “The maintenance has been extensive, but since our period of operation is only May through September we have ample time to work on the aeroplane, but you have to maintain a high standard and do preventive maintenance in order to be content with owning and operating a Skymaster. Still there is little difficulty in finding spare parts. Yingling Aviation has proven an excellent source in the past and still is. But what has changed drastically is the pricing of spare parts and that has increased beyond all reason.”

Henningsson warns: “To be happy with the dispatch rate you have to be on your toes in fixing everything that comes up, right away. We have not had any major difficulties as the aircraft is made ready over the winter months. The performance is much like with any light twin, manoeuvrability is vastly enhanced due to the centreline thrust, and in low level aerial survey at slow speed the long range tanks have provided more than nine hours of endurance.”

Although Avgas is only available at a few locations, and sometimes not at major airports, there has not been any fuel supply problem.

“However, when operating in Greenland you have to plan well ahead since Avgas is only available in very few locations and is very expensive,” Henningsson says.

He says he is biased in favour of the aircraft having owned and flown the Skymaster for over 20 years. “I find it hard to mention any drawbacks but the maintenance issues have sometimes been bothersome. It is a very safe aircraft to operate and is very much appreciated by my customers. I plan on owning and operating it for years to come.”

Scotland’s Loganair can make sure there are no maintenance or spare

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

parts problems. It carries out its own maintenance on both its Islanders at a purpose-run facility in Kirkwall, Orkney, and, over the years the airline has built up a very significant spare parts holding.

Loganair introduced the Islander into service in 1966 and the two aircraft that the airline now fly joined the fleet in the early 1990s.

Commercial director Jonathan Hinkles says: “We do operate some ad hoc charters with the aircraft in Orkney, although primarily within the Orkney Islands and up to Fair Isle. We are interested in ad hoc operations in this arena, although we wouldn’t really seek ad hoc work which could not be serviced from our Kirkwall base. We operate quite a number of flights for organisations such as utility providers, who need to take staff out to the smaller islands.”

He adds: “We have been undertaking charters up to Fair Isle to carry construction workers building the new bird observatory there and during the winter we operate a dedicated freight charter with the Islander each week to North Ronaldsay to carry perishable foodstuffs to the island. It does not have a pier capable of accommodating roll-on, roll-off ferries and during the winter the sea state often means that the air service is the only practical way of guaranteeing food supplies to the 75 island residents. This operates in addition to the three daily scheduled passenger flights from Kirkwall to North Ronaldsay.”

But Loganair’s capacity for ad hoc charter is limited by the two aircraft’s primary commitment to operations on behalf of the Orkney Islands Council. Hinkles says: “We carry around 20,000 passengers per year on this operation and it is one of the longest-standing Islander operations in the world. Much of the downtime within the schedule is required for planned maintenance and so those ad hoc charters that we undertake have to fit around these two requirements. Most of the ad hoc charter activity – such as the utility company flights – is an extension of the social obligations which arise from the main operation in Orkney in any case.”

The aircraft are therefore mainly used on Loganair’s Orkney-interisland schedule, which is a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract and includes the world’s shortest scheduled flight (at two minutes) between Westray and Papa Westray.

Additionally, Loganair will be operating extra flights this winter due to a ferry being away on refit and the consequent need to still get children across to school between the islands each day.

A Beechcraft Baron G58 joined Ad Astra's AOC fleet in September 2009.

The maintenance facility is operated by Loganair under its EASA 145 approval. Historically, Loganair had a larger fleet of Islander aircraft and so it was fully utilised carrying out maintenance for the Loganair fleet, but following the closure of Loganair’s air ambulance operations in 2006, the fleet size has reduced.

Hinkles says: “As a consequence of this, we now have some spare capacity in Kirkwall and are actively discussing the opportunities to carry out third party maintenance work including 150 and 300 hour checks and SB190 inspections with a

NOVEMBER 2009 7

ME & MY AIRCRAFT Cabin-class piston aircraft Gardaflug operates a rebuilt Cessna 337G which it acquired in 1988.

number of other Islander owners and operators.”

The Islanders use Avgas but Hinkles says: “As things stand, we have no ongoing fuel supply issues with Kirkwall. Our main issue is that the cost of aviation fuel (both Avgas and Jet A-1) in the Highlands and Islands is very high and has increased disproportionately to the fluctuations in world jet fuel prices. Supply itself is not a problem.”

Peter Johnson is another respondent happy with the BN-2 Islander. Johnson, who operates a BN2B-26 says he is satisfied with the maintenance support and value and very satisfied with the dispatch reliability and operating capability.

Lisa Humphries of Capital Air Charter which operates six Piper Chieftains.

“The best aspect is the STOL capability but the worst thing is that water leaks into the cabin.

AirMed, based at Oxford airport, owns and operates four multi-engine piston aircraft. This includes two Piper Seneca III’s and two Piper

Chieftains. Pistons make up nearly half of AirMed’s fleet of nine aircraft which includes a further four Piper aircraft (turboprops) and the Learjet 35A. The piston fleet is multi-role with their main function being air

ambulance. However all of the aircraft can be reconfigured to be used as passenger and cargo aircraft.

One of the Senecas has also been modified to allow its use as an aerial photography and survey aircraft.

“Our piston fleet plays a vital role within AirMed” says Jane Topliss, the marketing manager. “They provide our clients with the best possible choice and ensure that the most cost effective aircraft is provided for the job. This may be a Seneca for the smaller local airfields like Bembridge, or the Chieftain for eight passengers on a trip to the continent.”

The smaller and more cost effective aircraft like the Senecas and Chieftains are crucial to the business aviation and medical repatriation

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

8 NOVEMBER 2009

ME & MY AIRCRAFT Cabin-class piston aircraft industry, according to AirMed. “If the option of using this type of aircraft was removed then many of the less urgent medical repatriations or passenger flights would either simply not happen or would become extremely expensive. We also find it a fantastic way of introducing passengers to the benefits of business travel. Many clients who first fly in our Seneca migrate in time to our larger aircraft for their longer distance requirements.”

AirMed Engineering, the maintenance arm of AirMed, not only maintains its entire Piper fleet at its EASA 145 Part M approved Oxford facilities, it also offers third party maintenance and holds a large store of spares and parts for Piper and Cessna. More recently it has also become an approved maintenance and parts supplier for the turboprop Cessna 208s. “AirMed Engineering continues to work on broadening its third party maintenance activities,” says Topliss.

The Cessna 300 and Cessna 400 series bring praise for low operating costs. Giora Oren of Oren Aviation & Tech says he is very satisfied with the maintenance support and dispatch reliability and satisfied with the operating capability and value. “The best things is the speed and low consumption of fuel and the most desirable upgrade is a diesel engine,” he says.

Norbert Amberger says that the C421C is a good short range aircraft and he is satisfied with the maintenance support and dispatch reliability and very satisfied with

Diamond Twin Star devotees Stuart Cook and Catherine Hempson flew to Dinard to enjoy a lunch at the La Duchesse Anne restaurant in St Malo. Cook says it is “a fabulous owner aircraft.”

the value. He says: “The best thing is the low operating cost and the worst aspect is that the Avgas situation in Eastern Europe is bad.”

However, he reports that the aircraft’s low-cost operation is bringing in growing business.

Another respondent says he is very satisfied with the maintenance support and dispatch reliability of the C421 Golden Eagle. He is also satisfied with the operating capability and value. “The best thing is that the aircraft is spacious and quiet and the worst thing is the toilet,” he adds.

“The most desirable upgrade is a digital fuel management system.”

Capital Air Charter has been

AirMed operates four multi-engine piston aircraft.

operating Piper Chieftain aircraft since the company was launched in 1991. The company’s Lisa Humphries says: “Today we own and operate six of them along with one King Air 200 and one Blackhawk-modified King Air 200. Although the King Airs are our flagship especially with the sexy Blackhawk machine we wouldn’t be here today if it were not for the

versatility of our Chieftains, which have proved to be the backbone of the company. They are good solid workhorses and cater very well for our freight contracts, air ambulance contracts and they also offer affordable air taxi flights. We have the capacity to equip them with cargo nets and offer them for freight purposes especially as they all have cargo and crew doors. Air ambulance is also easy as we offer them with Lifeport stretchers and we also have the executive fit with leather seats for the charters.”

Humphries asks: “How many types of aircraft can fulfill all of those roles today? I believe we are the

largest Chieftain operator in Europe and still see them as part of our future as we grow into other markets.”

The Diamond Twin Star also has its fans. Stuart Cook says he is very satisfied with the maintenance support. “I use Bristol Flying Centre who are excellent.” he adds: “I decided not to use Diamond at Gamston as they have under-invested to support the number of aircraft sold in the last few years” He is also satisfied with the value and very satisfied with the dispatch reliability and operating capability. Cook adds: “The best thing is the economy and the worst thing was Thielert going bust and not honouring the warranty.” The most desirable upgrade, he adds, would be more powerful engines. “It is a fabulous private owner aircraft which is an absolute pleasure to fly.”

Another respondent says he is satisfied with the maintenance support, dispatch reliability and value and very satisfied with the operating capability. The best aspect, he adds, includes the fuel efficiency but he says the worst aspect is the maintenance costs for the Thielert engines and long range tanks are a desirable upgrade.

Allan Krintel of CB Data is a fan of the Partenavia P.68B. He is satisfied with the maintenance support and dispatch reliability and very satisfied with the operating capability and value. Krintel adds: “The best thing is that it is very good for short fields and easy to handle in most situations.

The worst thing is that it is not good in icy conditions.”

Chris Evans of Fantasy Foods says he is unhappy with the maintenance support for the P.68B. “Airframe parts can take a long time to obtain,” he says. But he adds: “The aircraft has been operated since 1988 and the reliability is excellent.” Evans is satisfied with the operating capability

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

NOVEMBER 2009 9

PropStar Aviation pilot praises Seneca V’s strengths Edmund Hewertson, md of the UKbased PropStar Aviation, says the Seneca V stands head and shoulders above its rival piston twins. “From a pilot’s point of view, having recently passed my 400th hour on the V, I can testify to its excellent handling characteristics and strength,” he says.

“Having flown most of the other twins around at one time or another it stands head and shoulders above the rest. I think the best aspects still remains the simplicity whether from the point of view of a pilot or an owner.”

PropStar Aviation operates two Piper Seneca V aircraft, one based at the company’s headquarters at Kemble in Gloucestershire and the other from Liverpool’s John Lennon international.

Hewertson says: “The latest variants of these aircraft are very well appointed with full leather interiors and the latest avionics kit.

In addition they have features usually found only on larger aircraft such as TCAS, weather radar, air conditioning and even yaw dampers. These are truly the aircraft for air taxiing in the 21st century. In addition our aircraft have the latest IO360-RB engines which, combined with modern shaped propellers, and value and very satisfied with the dispatch rate. The best aspect, he says, is the handling but the worst thing is icing and the most desirable upgrade is turbo charging.

There is a high degree of satisfaction with the Piper twin piston series. One company, which has two Piper Aztecs permanently out on contract, says it is very satisfied with

ME & MY AIRCRAFT Cabin-class piston aircraft

allow the Seneca V to cruise at 180 knots, getting our customers to their destinations 20 per cent quicker than the ageing Seneca II fleet operated by the majority of our competitors.”

Hewertson says PropStar Aviation chose to operate the Seneca V after exhaustive research because it offers the most versatile combination of

payload, fuel burn, reasonable purchase price, proven track record, ease of maintenance and speed.

He adds: ”It is not by luck that the UK air taxi business has been dominated by Piper twins (Aztec/ Seneca/Navajo) for nearly 40 years.

From an operator’s point of view it is such a shame there may never be a Navajo V.”

the maintenance support, dispatch reliability, operating capability and value.

Rene Jorgensen of Dane Swede Aviation is satisfied with the maintenance support, dispatch reliability, operating capability and value of the PA31-325CR. Kurt Bjerneby says the PA34 is a “good compromise for the owner/

pilot operating up to 500 nm.” He is satisfied with the maintenance support. “There is good support from our workshop which often has spares in stock,” he says. “Long experience of the aircraft type and proofed components for many years gives good dispatch reliability. Additionally our aircraft are well IFR equipped and give good operation capability year

In order to accommodate customers’ needs, PropStar Aviation has added a B200 King Air to its AOC. Hewertson says maintenance is straightforward and rates the performance as much the same as any flight school PA34 but he reports that the cruising speed is “nicely enhanced.” round on short runways” Bjerneby likes the good performance, load capability and service performance IFR. He says they are good workhorses.

But Capt Armand G Baccala of Stiftung, Franz und Erika Gribi says maintenance support for the PA-34220T is too expensive and he is not happy with the value. However he is

very satisfied with the dispatch reliability and satisfied with the operating capability. “It is ideal for CPL/IR/IMC training but the suction pumps and magneto-clutches have too short a life and the TBO is too short,” he adds. The most desirable upgrade, he says are “glass avionics or trading up to a light turboprop.”

Carl-Gustaf Werner of Lidingo Bilcenter AB says the PA-310 and PA31-350 give maintenance support problems. “It is hard to find an experienced technician,” he says.

But the dispatch reliability is satisfactory and the aircraft is a good workhorse although icy conditions can be a problem. “The aircraft is definitely cheaper to operate than a turboprop and the lack of performance doesn’t matter so much on shorter flights,” he observes. The best aspect is the total cost of operation and the worst aspect the technical support. Werner would like a vortex kit upgrade.

Leigh Westwood of Air Jota Ltd says he is satisfied with the maintenance support, dispatch reliability, operating capability and value of the PA31-310 Navajo. “It is a good utility aircraft covering a wide range of uses but the the crew and cargo door could fit together better,” he says.

Twin pistons have an established niche as cost-effective short haul aircraft and there is regret that manufacturers no longer have much incentive to develop new types. They are economic to operate but their age is slowly curtailing widespread use.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

10 NOVEMBER 2009

ARAB GULF STATES REGIONAL REVIEW The private aviation market in the Arab Gulf states has weathered the global recession well compared with other regions. Companies headquartered inside and outside the area are building business bases in important country markets such as Saudi Arabia, manufacturers are seeking new outlets, and the talk is of a steadily paced business recovery.

Ammar Balkar, president and ceo of Elite Jets, based at Dubai international airport, who has helped launch three business jet start-up companies in the Middle East, is among many who see signs of an upturn.

“There are already positive signs of recovery: for example, there have been several announcements by regional operators of new aircraft deliveries and the fleet of business jets in the region continues to grow,” Balkar says. “Also there has been a sharp increase in demand for passenger charter flights for the oil and gas industry to and from Iraq over the past six months.”

Balkar, also president of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), adds: “I am sure the business will come back. It is a cycle and we have seen it before.

I do not see any reason why business should not pick up and when it does we will see more and more operators, MROs and support services. But this time the growth will be slower and not as before when it was in the range of 15 to

Resilient Middle East shows signs of recovery and works towards era of steady growth

MAC Aircraft Interior Specialists reports a steady demand.

Royal Jet: Expansion in Saudi Arabia is a priority.

25 per cent annual increase, which was not normal. We would like to see a healthy growth of around five to seven per cent.”

Signs of recovery are also evidenced by the number of new entries coming onto the market.

The Middle East market’s resilience has motivated a rising

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number of companies from Europe and the United States to sign up as members within MEBAA during the downturn. Balkar says there is firm evidence that more owners and operators of aircraft, from countries including the US and Russia, are looking for a new home base in the Middle East.

Manufacturers have had to work harder to find and open up new markets in the region. “The current global situation was bound to have affected the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East countries,” Balkar points out. “But how much longer this will last and how strong the effect will be is yet to be seen. Business in the region overall was down by approximately 20 to 40 per cent and some countries and some operators may have performed better than others.”

Slower business This year’s cycle of important events in the Middle East has also contributed to the constraint on demand. The hot and humid summer season was followed by Ramadan and the Eid holidays, times when business is generally slower than the rest of the year. Balkar says: “Much depends on how soon and fast the economy recovers not only here in the Middle East but globally.”

The volume of jet charter in the region, he adds, had dropped overall by up to 40 per cent over the last six months but demand is on the rise again and hence charter volume is increasing accordingly.

The six GCC countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar, have been a driver of the wider Middle East market. But as Balkar points out the Arab Gulf and Middle East business jet market is still in its infancy and

suffers from a shortage of investment in key sectors. “We are way behind Europe and this needs to be addressed. Investors always seem to go for the operational side, but MRO facilities are seriously lacking in the business aviation sector. The lack of MROs that are able to service different size aircraft cripples the manufacturers as they won’t sell aircraft that cannot be serviced.

Operators are forced to set up MROs and FBOs because they are missing in the region.”

Balkar says that some finance companies see business jets as toys and luxury products. “MEBAA is trying to change this viewpoint.

Business jets are becoming necessary drivers of development. Companies take business decisions to invest in building an impressive headquarters.

It is also a business decision to invest in a jet. But it should be seen as a moveable asset. If company personnel need to be close to something that is happening elsewhere in the world it can move its jet to where it matters. In Europe and

Elite Jets: Falcon 900DX is popular.

the US the sector has developed thanks to finance companies like Credit Suisse, Citibank and Royal Bank of Scotland and they have also invested in the Middle East market but only because national banks here have not done enough.”

He adds: “Good facilities are available at Dubai airport, which is a very modern airport, but facilities are not always sufficient for the business aviation segment.” Balkar points out that the dedicated business jet airport at Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi has proved to be an excellent investment in the development of facilities. “We need to see more of this type of investment. We know Dubai plans also for a complete aviation city at Al Maktoum international airport and that similar projects are planned in Qatar and Bahrain.”

However he warns that monopolies should be avoided. “The market for aviation support services needs to open up to allow new competitors to enter the region in sectors including ground handling, flight catering and vip/executive terminals and lounges. This will improve industry growth and further enhance the quality of services.”

Essential services Despite the continuing turbulence in the world economy, he points out, business aircraft continue to provide a fundamental and essential service.

“The benefits of business aviation will play a key role in the rebound of the regional economic markets as well as globally. We still see aviation companies expanding their facilities and fleets.

“Markets like Asia and the Middle East continue to be developed, as the potential for business aviation remains viable. Perhaps other markets may have a less-defined economic future, but from conversations with industry leaders and financial insiders, we believe that there remain cash buyers and motivated investors. The business aviation market has experienced substantial growth over the past ten years and I am confident that it will continue on an upward trend.”

Balkar says that client patterns and perceptions have changed over the past few years. “Business jets are no longer seen as a luxury catering to only royalty and the rich and famous.

Today, business aviation has also become a necessity. The ‘off balance sheet’ clients have made a lifestyle decision to use private jets and they are not willing to go back to scheduled commuting.” However he reports a higher demand for light and midsize jets as clients become more budget conscious.

Elite Jets is investing in the future.

A new Falcon 7X is scheduled for delivery in March 2010 as part of an

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

aircraft management agreement.

“Several other aircraft management proposals are currently under negotiations, and subject to their outcome, our fleet will be expanding accordingly,” says Balkar.

Earlier this year the company recruited a second manager of ground operations.

F&E Aerospace, organisers of the biennial Dubai Airshow 2009, reports attracting a record number of business aviation manufacturers and service providers to participate in the 11th staging of the event. Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft and Bombardier Aerospace are among more than 100 companies featured in the event which runs from 15 to 19 November.

But all charter operators are having to work hard to try and maintain and increase business.

Alison Weller, director F&E Aerospace, points out that the aviation industry and its players are facing one of their most challenging years, especially more specialised business jet firms. This has prompted suppliers and service providers to look to more resilient markets, such as the Middle East. “Business aviation remains a key element of the Dubai Airshow,” she says.

MEBAA predicts that the Middle Eastern market is set to expand 15 to 20 per cent per annum over the next four years, to become a US$1 billion industry. Similarly, a recent report by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) declared that the Middle East region “will be growing while others are stagnating”.

CAPA chairman Peter Harbison says: “A picture emerges of a potentially remarkable and longterm sustainable growth path in the Middle East, rather than an excessive, unplanned, over-hyped bubble which is about to burst, as many outside the region, and some within, may believe.”

Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet says that prospects for the Middle East region as a whole look promising. Shane O’Hare, president and ceo, says: “The green shoots of recovery are evident in many sectors, leading to organic growth overall. Different markets and different industries have their own speed of recovery, of course, and each organisation has to best judge how it will respond to its financial situation.”

He adds: “Before the current downturn began, industry studies credited the Middle East’s charter market with 23 per cent annual growth in the period 2006 to 2008 with the local market for private jet services worth about $500 million a year, of which Royal Jet held around 16 per cent. Royal Jet showed yearon-year growth in the order of 25 to 30 per cent. Because of our strategy of diversification and risk management, Royal Jet has had a good 2009 so far with a 15 per cent increase in vip charter business year-on-year and our newly launched charter brokerage is likely to record a strong profit in its first year of operations.”

Resilient strategy He says another important backbone of the company is Royal Jet’s Medical Evacuation Service which specialises in private patient transfers, with over 1,000 successful missions to date. Its aircraft are fitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment and intensive care facilities, enabling critical care patient transfer; and its specialist doctors are experienced across a variety of clinical disciplines.

“This service also addresses the needs of the international corporate needing repatriation or emergency evacuation.”

O’Hare concludes: “The outlook for the coming months is looking extremely positive and fully validates

NOVEMBER 2009 11

ARAB GULF STATES REGIONAL REVIEW

The Arab Gulf is a high priority for VistaJet, aircraft pictured above, according to Dr Elias Maroun, evp sales and marketing, Middle East, and chairman Thomas Flohr (pictured below).

our resilient business strategy of diversification and moving into new markets across the region. In addition, there has been a growth in demand for large aircraft such as the BBJ.” Demand, he says, has also held up in the super mid-size market but ready availability has resulted in a downward pressure on revenue and yield in this category. “It is quite common for a business executive to fly to, say, Riyadh and then on to Kuwait and then back to Abu Dhabi all in one day, which simply would not be possible in any other way.”

Royal Jet reports a rising demand for aircraft management and is diversifying into a number of other areas.

O'Hare says: “This diversification has included the setting up of a brokerage service, in addition to fleet planning and aircraft acquisition, another partnership with ARABASCO in Saudi Arabia and the establishment of genuine product differentiators, particularly in service areas such as the ‘Your Personal Chef’ programme.”

He adds: “The brokerage service is a key aspect of Royal Jet’s growth strategy and has already enjoyed an excellent response having started operations at the start of the year.

After nearly a year’s service, the brokerage service is likely to add significantly to the overall company’s bottom line at the end of the financial year. There is especially strong demand for flights into and out of Europe; but with the brokerage being a global service, Royal Jet can find the right aircraft at the best price for any request, for any journey.”

Majestic Executive Aviation, which has UAE and Austrian AOCs, is developing business from bases in Dubai, Vienna and the Ukraine. It is also building business in the United States and China. “We see the Arab Gulf as a pivotal hub in our network. It has been ever since our chairman Farooq Arjomand launched our private charter operation with his personal Learjet 60,” says company president Philipp Zürcher. “That jet is still popular with our clients although our fleet has expanded considerably.”

The company’s fleet now includes a Challenger 850, Gulfstream 200, Learjet 40XR, Global 5000, Embraer Legacy, G-550, G1V SP and a G-V. “Charter companies need to offer a global service to clients in the Middle East if they are to build business,” Zürcher adds.

Royal Jet’s O’Hare says the company’s recent commercial and operational alliance with ARABASCO in Saudi Arabia is of great strategic importance. “Royal Jet has been serving the Saudi market for

a number of years from its Abu Dhabi base; and this move into Saudi Arabia is again part of its fiveyear diversification plan to expand operations right across the region.”

He says that Royal Jet is now offering private jet charter from ARABASCO’s key hubs in Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina and Yanbu. Royal Jet is now offering private jet charter, as well as domestic and international travel from Saudi Arabia, using the Gulfstream 300 and BBJ which can comfortably accommodate up to 12

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and 30 passengers respectively, to cities ranging from London to Moscow and Kuala Lumpur. Royal Jet is basing a crew, a full operations team and logistics team in Saudi Arabia and extending its services across the Middle East.

The agreement sealed an alliance between the two companies which are chaired by HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan of Royal Jet and Sheikh Khalil Mohammed Awad Bin Laden of ARABASCO. Royal Jet operates under the ARABASCO operator certificate.

ARABASCO is an FBO and maintenance specialist whose strengths include management and ground handling services.

Achieving growth in a key regional market such as Saudi Arabia is an important focus of Royal Jet’s expansion strategy, according to HE Sheikh Hamdan. “Increasing Royal Jet’s presence in the region was part of our strategic five-year plan and this alliance will help us consolidate our position. Saudi Arabia is the single largest and most mature private jet market in the region, and there are significant benefits that are opening up here, especially when one enters the market with an established brand and product offering. This is a market where we hope to establish a significant presence, and this agreement is an

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E U R O P E A N

BUSINESS AIR NEWS

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

12 NOVEMBER 2009

ARAB GULF STATES REGIONAL REVIEW important step in that direction. By leveraging our expertise and experience, we will be able to achieve a competitive edge and capture a substantial share of this highly lucrative market.”

Sheikh Khalil says: “We believe that the alliance is a significant boost to executive business aviation in Saudi Arabia, a market that has seen substantial growth in the past and is expected to continue growing despite the economic slowdown.”

ARABASCO says: “There will always be a market for premium jet services, especially in Saudi Arabia.

Our business comes from the upmarket segment, which has maintained sufficient levels of liquidity and will never compromise on the luxurious standards of business travel that they have been accustomed to.”

Companies in private aviation support services also see alliances as a way forward.

AVISA Aviation Safety Systems has signed a business alliance agreement with Arabian Jets on providing aviation safety services in the MENA region. Arabian Jets is a specialist aircraft engineering consultancy

Shane O’Hare: reports signs of encouraging economic recovery.

Titan Aviation: expanding fleet.

with offices in Jeddah, Riyadh, Amman and Beirut. It focuses on aircraft technical management, engineering and maintenance services, pilot training management and human resources.

Royal Jet’s O’Hare says another important aspect of Royal Jet’s

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business growth strategy is to increase its fleet by aircraft management. “Apart from our five BBJs we also operate two mid-range Gulfstream 300s, a long-range G-IV SP, a Learjet 60 and a Challenger 604.

We are now firmly on target to more than double our fleet to over 20 aircraft by 2012. Royal Jet is currently refurbishing its five BBJs at a cost of some $50 million. It also continues to develop its FBO facility.”

He says the BBJs are considered to be the ultimate in vip private jet travel and the preferred choice for clients who include vvips, government, heads of state, and high net worth individuals (hnwis).

O’Hare points out that, unlike the US market, business aviation in the Middle East is more dependent on the region’s large number of hnwis.

He says there are an estimated 250,000 in the Middle East. “These are the potential end users for the business jet market,” he says.

Elite Jets has also brought a Falcon 900DX into service. “I am extremely pleased with it,” says Ammar Balkar.

“In November 2008 Elite Jets had received its first Falcon Jet, the 900B – and our clients truly enjoy with great pleasure their travel experience. The 900DX is an advanced large-size, wide-body business jet with intercontinental range that embodies the best of Falcon Jets characteristics – long range,

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Comprehensive Arab Gulf States online data free-of-charge The 2009/10 EBAN Handbook of Business Aviation in Europe gives details of many more Arab Gulf States charter operators.

It also lists business aviation facilities and services including airports, FBOs and maintenance centres. The details can be accessed online through a search of aircraft operated or the airport bases. For more information please visit www.handbook.aero

acclaimed cabin comfort and remarkable versatility – with unique safety and performance features. It exemplifies excellence in travel for the corporate vip or leisure traveller.

The 900DX doesn’t have the limitations or restrictions other aeroplanes have and it can go where other aircraft can’t. It is approved to land or depart at London City airport and it performs well, especially in hot weather zones. Thus, you’ll have access to many smaller airports, which is especially valuable on multi-sector trips.”

Balkar says the 900DX can fly from London to Boston in seven hours flat. “Also of great interest to our clients from Saudi Arabia will be the aircraft range from Jeddah – for example all the way up to Moscow, Singapore, Bangkok, Cape Town or even Sierra Leone non-stop without having to refuel.”

Key market Trevor Esling, Cessna’s vp international sales, says the Middle East remains a key market for Cessna. The company is wellpositioned to meet the emerging needs of the region’s business aviation market having models with a wide range of capabilities. “The particular aircraft qualities admired

by Middle Eastern business jet customers are large cabin spaces, ample storage space, range and APUpowered air-conditioning for when the engines are not running and passengers are boarding and awaiting takeoff. Therefore, the interest in Cessna aircraft in the Middle East has mainly been in the largest aircraft in our fleet – the Citation XLS+, the Citation Sovereign and the Citation X. “In fact, with the installation of winglets, the Citation X is now able to fly a key route such as RiyadhLondon direct and non-stop. Clearly, should we develop a larger aircraft, the needs of the Middle East market will be high on our priorities.”

Cessna and Wallan Aviation, its authorised sales representative and authorised Citation service centre for the Middle East, have been investing significantly. Esling says: “We now have, for example, a service engineer based in the Middle East to support customers in the region.”

Elite Jets is an example of the way that companies are taking an international approach to business.

Established in January 2004, it is now owned by a group of businessmen from the UAE and Jordan; and 49 per cent owned by the JML Group.

Other companies are also taking delivery of new aircraft. Embraer has

delivered a Legacy 600 to Dubai’s Titan Aviation. The jet belongs to an undisclosed customer, and joins Titan’s portfolio of managed and operated aircraft, which includes two other Legacy 600s. A Lineage 1000 is also scheduled to be delivered in 2012.

Colin Steven, Embraer vp, marketing and sales Europe, the Middle East and Africa – executive jets, says Embraer expects more orders and deliveries from the region.

Capt Sakeer C Sheik, md of Titan Aviation, says: “On Titan’s sixth anniversary, it is a pleasure to come back to Embraer to take delivery of this third Legacy 600. Our operations with this aircraft are very successful, not only because it is a proven and reliable platform, but also due to the tremendous support provided by Embraer all over the world. Our company continues investing in the expansion of its highly qualified staff, in order to better serve our clients and to be prepared for new opportunities.”

Titan Aviation says that “the Legacy 600 performs excellently, with much less maintenance hassle, in spite of our clients’ high utilisation rate.” It adds: “The maintenance tracking support services provided

by Embraer, such as Flight Docs and the Embraer Executive Care (EEC) programme, are great tools for us to serve our clients in the most efficient ways.”

The first Legacy 600 joined Titan’s fleet in June 2008, frequently flying to London City Airport. Sheik says: “This would not be possible without the certified steep approach capability.”

Pilots also have the Electronic Flight Bag which provides precise aircraft performance calculations and electronic copies of manuals and charts, reducing pilot workload and allowing a paperless cockpit environment.

The second aircraft, Titan Aviation says, has proved to be a very important business tool for its owner.

Delivered to Titan in July 2009, the jet has already accumulated more than 200 flight hours. “The High-Speed Data equipment provides a better use of time, increased work productivity, and more entertainment possibilities on frequent seven-hour business flights from Dubai to Europe and to South east African destinations,” Sheik adds.

The third Legacy 600, he says, comfortably accommodates 13 passengers in three distinct cabin zones.

Sheik continues: “Amid the ongoing financial crisis, the private charter market did see a slump in demand worldwide; however, compared to the rest of the world, the charter market in Middle East is maintaining a reduced but, steady demand for charter products, exhibiting trends of consolidation.

We see benefits in the recent correction in the market. One visible trend is consolidation, where several weak charter operators have withdrawn, leaving the market for the strongest players. The benefit is that charter prices have become realistic and rightly priced.”

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

Titan Aviation, he says, has found that clients still want to travel by private jet even when times are tough. The company believes that now is a good time to diversify.

Sheik says: “Titan is seeing several opportunities especially in aviation human resources. We are receiving more requests for crew placement than ever. Fleet restructuring is offering new opportunities and challenges for us to provide crew with different sets of competence. It also focuses on supplying skilled manpower which ranges from structural engineers to aircraft interior completion manpower. We have also established our operations in India, which is a strategic location for us – the country itself is a buoyant market, and we can serve other Asian countries from this location.”

Sheik sees a demand for turnkey solutions which cover ownership, legal requirements and advice on corporate structures. “We have recently walked through the entire process of aircraft completion for three Legacy 600s with services including identification, completion, and delivery right to the doorstep of aircraft owners, and a Challenger 300, three Phenom 100s and a Lineage 1000, among others, are in the pipeline for 2010.”

Demand holding up Roger Patron, commercial director of MAC Aircraft Interior Specialists, which has completed the refurbishment of three Falcon 20 aircraft for Egypt Air Maintenance and Engineering, also confirms that demand in the private aviation sector in the Middle East is holding up reasonably well.

Royal Jet: growth targets.

“People are cautious but, although orders are down, they are still coming in,” he says. The Falcon 20s are for government use and many heads of state in the Arab Gulf countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE and Qatar are refurbishing aircraft.

Charter operators are also expressing interest in updating interiors as a cost-effective alternative to renewal of aircraft.

Stephen Whittaker, md MAC Interiors, says the company will partner Egypt Air Maintenance and Engineering on many other projects in the future.

The international dimension and joint venture approach have individual and collective merits.

Dave Edwards makes the same point on behalf of Gama Aviation FZC, which is the UAE-based arm of the international Gama Group.

Gama, is a 26-year-old business aviation group headquartered at Farnborough in the UK. Edwards, the group’s gm, currently heads up the UAE operation. He says AOC formalities should be complete by mid-November 2009 enabling Gama to be fully operational in the region.

He adds: “Over the past 12 months we have slowly been building up our experienced team in the region and now have all of our regional management team in place, including operations manager Richard Lineveldt, and we are very much looking forward to rolling out the full business package.”

The Gama Aviation charter fleet in the region includes the Challenger

NOVEMBER 2009 13

I N D U S T R Y

N E W S . . .

Gulfstream rolls out new G250

From left are Elite Jets’ director of operations Capt Grant Davies, chief pilot Capt Kamal Rupasinghe and flight safety manager Capt Wilhelm Gunnar.

604 and local services are provided from the Sharjah base. But, in Europe, there is availability of a G-IV, two Learjet 45s, three Super King Air 200s, Hawker 1000, Hawker 800, Hawker 800XP, Challenger 601, two Challenger 604s and a G550.

Edwards says: “Sharjah international airport benefits significantly compared to Dubai in that it is less congested and enjoys good facilities for business aviation.

Sharjah itself is an important business destination in the UAE and as well as handling traffic for that Emirate it is, with the recent opening of new trunk roads, a very competitive alternative to Dubai.”

Edwards adds: “It is a 17-minute drive from Dubai’s main business centre and the airport has no holding or congestion – while Dubai might be faster to get to, you then spend additional time waiting in a queue to take-off. Sharjah is a real credible alternative to Dubai. The airport has good facilities in general, although it does lack a dedicated business aviation terminal. We are aiming to address that as, in November 2008, we announced plans to build an FBO and hangar facility there for our fleet and our customers to use. That project is about to get off the ground now and we know that as the worldwide economy begins to grow again it will be a very popular facility for the region.”

He says that finding a pilot with the required combination of skills and experience can be difficult even during an economic downturn.

“They obviously have to have exceptional flying skills but they also need significant management skills to manage aircraft when they are away from base, acting as the company’s front line in problem solving and customer liaison. Airline pilots aren’t always the right fit because of the way in which the airlines operate in a reasonably regimented fashion; business aircraft pilots have to have the skills of a pilot, a dispatcher, a handling agent, a negotiator and a customer service manager, so finding that combination can be difficult, even in the current market as good pilots are strongly held on to.”

Edwards points out that the worldwide economic climate has not helped the market anywhere and the Middle East has suffered.

“Companies have closed down and flying hours have reduced substantially, despite what some of the press releases might have said.

But there genuinely are signs in the region now that the market is starting to become slightly more buoyant again, in particular on the aircraft management front. Where lots of owners had been grounding aircraft we are now seeing a surge of interest in the services we’re offering – while we might be new to the region, we’re certainly not new to the industry.”

Globally Gama has added aircraft

throughout 2009. Edwards says: “We now have aircraft of every major business manufacturer on our fleet, totalling more than 75 from the Beech 200 through to the BBJ. Within the region we operate the Challenger 604 and that is shortly to be joined by another two types, which we will be announcing later in November. The 604 is a great aircraft for the region, it is reliable, popular with our clients and has the range and payload ability to carry out everything that our clients need to do.”

Most companies in the region, he says, privately agree that there has been a slump of around 40 per cent in charter hours. “That really does seem to have changed now, but things aren’t yet back up to where they once were. However, it’s now a very positive market with an anticipated recovery which will be far faster than the rest of the world.”

New customers Edwards adds: “We attract new customers by focusing on what is important to them specifically; in both aircraft charter and aircraft management there are various aspects that each client feels is important and that’s how we develop our services for them – individually.

There’s really no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ service in this industry.”

Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of VistaJet, says: “There is no doubt that the current economic climate has made life very difficult for some sections of the private aviation industry and no one has escaped its impact. Although our growth has slowed from our predictions 12 months ago, I am still delighted that we have more than doubled our yearon-year revenues in the Middle East, and grown overall revenues by 22 per cent in 2009 so far.”

He adds: “The Middle East is extremely important to us and we will continue to focus on strengthening our position within this key market, as well as Europe (including the Commonwealth of Independent States), Asia and Africa. Earlier this year, we put in place a new management team of considerable aviation industry experience, poised to take us onto greater success and growth.”

Operators in the Arab Gulf have had to work in a sector where overall business levels may have dropped by around 40 per cent due to the global economic recession. But strong companies have consolidated and added international dimensions through partnerships or an expansion of bases. These companies are looking forward to a recovery where business grows at a steady pace and facilities, such as FBOs and maintenance centres, are added at key locations.

There is cautious optimism that the Arab Gulf and the wider Middle East is better placed than most regions to take advantage of the business recovery.

Gulfstream has rolled out the allnew G250, which remains on schedule for customer deliveries in 2011. The G250 is capable of travelling 3,400 nautical miles at 0.80 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.85 Mach. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.

Gulfstream says it features the largest cabin in its class, with 17 to 35 percent more floor area than any other super mid-size business jet.

The additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage.

Signature upgrades at Gatwick Signature London Gatwick has completed a renovation of its dedicated fixed base operation. It features new restrooms, kitchen, window treatments and furnishings, as well as two vip lounges and a crew lounge with business centre.

The FBO has also recently added a new service for passengers transiting to and from the commercial terminal. With advance notice, Signature can arrange for passenger pick up at the commercial aircraft and transit to the FBO where the customer can clear customs and immigration.

HondaJet takes shape Major structural assemblies for the first conforming HondaJet aircraft have now been completed, the company reports, in preparation for first flight in early 2010. On October 7 the successful first flight of the HondaJet Advanced Systems Integration Test Facility took place, incorporating actual aircraft systems hardware and software, installed in a spatially-representative manner, and interconnected with actual aircraft electrical harnesses.

Dasnair’s Falcon 7X leads the fleet A Falcon 7X operated by Dasnair recently passed the 2,000 flight hour mark, making it the leader of the Falcon 7X fleet. It entered service in July 2007 and has carried over 2,100 passengers and made 543 stops in 73 countries. It has landed at several challenging airports such as Saint-Moritz in Switzerland and La Môle in southern France. The longest flight for the aircraft, 12 hours and 19 minutes, occurred on April 16, 2009 from Pise, Italy to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Avcon sells Embraer in the east Embraer has appointed Avcon Jet AG of Austria as an authorised sales representative for the entire line of its executive jets, from the entry level Phenom 100 to the ultra-large Lineage 1000. Avcon will cover Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia and Serbia.

OK to market PC-12 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has appointed OK Business Aircraft, sro as its new dealership for south eastern Europe, with responsibility for sales, marketing and service of the PC-12 NG in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Albania.

OK Business Aircraft is located at Pribram Airport, near Prague.

Catherine Gaisenband: new markets.

Assistair adds two more FBOs to network Assistair Business Aviation Handling, the FBO division of the Mallorca-based Assistair Group, has added two new FBOs to its existing Palma, Barcelona El Prat and Valencia airport bases.

Bombardier makes history in Schiphol Bombardier Aerospace is to locate its first wholly owned European aircraft service centre at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, in support of over 550 Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft in the region. It is expected to begin operation in early 2010.

FSI approved for Bell 212/412/430 training FlightSafety International has received JAA TRTO approval in the UK for its Bell 212/412 and 430 training programmes. The Bell 212/412 and 430 simulator has also been qualified by EASA. The simulators and training programmes are located in Fort Worth, Texas.

Duncan opens in Europe Duncan Aviation is to open a European office in 2010. Tony Gilbert, Duncan Aviation’s vp of international business, will move to Europe in January in order to locate the perfect site and staffing.

Cessna launches green software Cessna has launched GreenTrak Flight Planning software, a flight planning program for current production Citation operators that optimises a flight profile not only for time and cost, but also for the lowest carbon footprint.

GreenTrak is a proprietary system, the first offered by a general aviation manufacturer that uses a process known as cost indexing to minimise total trip cost by balancing the costs of direct operation, fuel burn and carbon emissions. GreenTrak will optimise business jet operations for proposed regulatory programmes such as “cap and trade” and for Europe’s planned Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

BACA awards for Gama Aviation and Tyrolean Jet Services The Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) announced the winners of the 2009 BACA Excellence Awards at its 60th anniversary lunch in London. Best general aviation operator was Gama Aviation; best airport Farnborough; best handling agent Inflite Jet Centre Stansted and the global excellence award went to Tyrolean Jet Services. Best general aviation operator finalists included Hangar 8 and London Executive Aviation while global excellence award finalists included DC Aviation (Stuttgart) and Jetex Flight Support.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

14 NOVEMBER 2009

Crestron md gains CAA type rating but puts work demands before personal enjoyment of piloting PC-12NG Robin van Meeuwen has become the first owner of a PC-12NG in the UK to gain his CAA type rating after training at the new Pilatus facility at Bournemouth.

Van Meeuwen, md of the Cobhambased control and automation system group Crestron, took delivery of the $4.2 million nine-seater aircraft after trading in the Piper Meridian he had flown for two years.

He says: “With the company trading within most European countries, the choice of using charter aircraft or becoming an owner operator required some serious consideration. Although I enjoy flying, and have wanted to fly since I was a boy, the budget had to include a company pilot so that I am able to spend time in the back working with my fellow directors.”

Robin van Meeuwen: qualified to pilot the PC-12NG.

Van Meeuwen adds: “We considered jets but realised that the

operating costs were just astronomical. Many of the aircraft we

considered that were double the cost of the PC-12 were perhaps faster but actually lacked the cabin space, versatility and range that is offered by the PC-12. There’s no point in being even 100 knots faster if you have to keep landing for fuel.”

In a typical week the aircraft is used to carry management or technicians from the aircraft’s base at Fairoaks near Woking direct to destinations within the UK including Manchester, Doncaster and Edinburgh, and Dublin, Antwerp, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Madrid, Milan, Oslo and Stockholm.

Van Meeuwen says: “One important consideration for us choosing the PC-12 was that it could be operated in and out of smaller airfields and airports closer to your final destination, rather than larger

international airports. Also the aircraft is based at Fairoaks, just 30 minutes from my home, and only 15 minutes from the office. Jet aircraft need to be operated from airports which are more than an hour away.”

Bob Berry, chairman of the UK, Ireland and Spanish distributor of PC-12 range, says: “Robin is the latest of just a few of the 14 owners in the UK who have decided to pilot their own aircraft. I would say that it is unusual as most owners use these aircraft as a convenient way of getting from one place to the other without the hassle of airline schedules and airport terminals. Few have the ambition to self pilot – their interest is more about how much space is in the club class cabin and that there is a proper lavatory for business and family travel.”

UK Royal family upgrades to S-76C++ The Royal Travel Office has brought a new vip S-76C++ into service for use by the UK’s Royal family and its household.

Capt Christopher Pittaway, manager and chief pilot of The Queen’s Helicopter Flight, says: “The S-76C++ most closely meets the mission requirements by providing a quiet and comfortable cabin environment, low carbon footprint and best value for money.” He adds: “It will continue to provide the Royal Family with a high quality and efficient helicopter travel service. We have enjoyed excellent product support from Sikorsky over many years and I look forward to a continued relationship.”

The Royal choice.

ISSUE 3 OCTOBER 2009

s an air charter operator how much of your business is booked by brokers? Forty per cent? Sixty per cent, or more?

A

The charter broker is a vital link in the business air transport process, and in some cases they account for a majority of a fleet’s flight hours.

This magazine is for them.

You’ll never find a better opportunity to put your services in front of buyers from all over Europe and Middle East.

Contact Pauline Watkins 01279 714508 pauline@charterbroker.aero Or visit www.charterbroker.aero for more information

The S-76C++ features engine, air vehicle, interior and avionics upgrades, he points out. These include a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2S2 engine, an inlet barrier filter to protect the engine against erosion and environmental contaminants, new vip interior and optional Health and Usage Monitoring System and a quiet main gearbox using Quiet Zone technology that significantly reduces interior noise levels without any weight maintenance penalties.

Carey Bond, president Sikorsky Global Helicopters, says the company has provided helicopters for the Royal family since the early 1950s including the R4, S-51, S-55, S-58, S-58T, S-76B and the S-76C+ helicopters.

Super King Air brings in business for Phenix Aviation

MEDEVAC

IAC examines Middle East potential

PLUS A ROUND-UP OF CARGO, PASSENGER AND BUSINESS AIR CHARTER NEWS

France’s Phenix Aviation says that despite the economic recession its Super King Air is doing well in a quiet market. The company’s Jean Borie says general problems in the private aviation sector include finding qualified and experienced pilots and combating difficulties caused by price cutting.

Le Havre, Borie says, has only one passengers security filter for all traffic. “If boarding has to be made at the same time as a large charter flight, vips can be stuck at the gate.”

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

NOVEMBER 2009 15

light beige leather, Airshow 400, belted toilet seat. Tel: +377 93 30 80 02 Boutsen Aviation. Web: www.boutsen.com. Email: aviation.sales@boutsen.com

Marketplace

EMBRAER

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT

Legacy 600 2005, HB-JEL, S/N 145-0933. 3,254 TT, 1,493 cycles. Engines & APU w/JSSI Complete.

Steep approach, 3 satcom handset, Airshow Genesys. EU-OPS 1. Best offer! Tel: +377 93 30 80 02 Boutsen Aviation. Web: www.boutsen.com. Email: aviation.sales@boutsen.com

800B G-WYNE, 1993 S/N 258240, TT 5758 hours, EU-OPS compliant, MSP Gold, Hawker 1000 flight deck, TCAS II, Dual FMS, EGPWS, New paint / interior refurb 2006. Available for immediate sale, $3.35m, offers invited.

Contact: Ben Dean Tel +44 208 564 3701 Airclaims Ltd. Web: www.airclaims.com.

Email: ben.dean@airclaims.com

Contact Mark Ranger on: +44 (0)1279 714509 mark@ebanmagazine.com leather + 3 seat divan in black cloth.

Airshow 410. Contact: Ben Dean Tel +44 208 564 3701 Airclaims Limited. Web: www.airclaims.com . Email: ben.dean@airclaims.com

Aircraft for sale BOEING

737-200 Advanced S/N 22431. Only 7370 TT, excellent pedigree! Never flew commercial! Part 91 use only! 27 seats, 19 Part 91 certified. Fresh HSI, excellent paint, gorgeous new interior w/forward state room. Fresh “C” inspection.

View at Dubai Air Show! Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy Store Inc. Web: www.aerotoystore.com. Email: sales@aerotoystore.com

Learjet 60 2002, D-CROB, S/N 60-0261. 3,956 TT, NDH. On JSSI 66%, APU, Dual FMS Universal UNS-1C, HF, JAR OPS 1, satcom, Airshow 400, satellite telephone, internet (Satcom).

4,995,000 US$. Tel: +377 93 30 80 02 Boutsen Aviation. Web: www.boutsen.com. Email: aviation.sales@boutsen.com

Challenger 605 S/N 5728. Brand new! View at Dubai Air Show! Jar-Ops compliant. USD$1.2 m+ in options. Direct TV, datalink, triple IRS, LDS, RAAS, video encoder, EVAS, floorplan 1 ten pax interior with four place berthable divan.

Won’t last! Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy Store Inc. Web: www.aerotoystore.com.

Email: sales@aerotoystore.com

DASSAULT Legacy 600 2008, D-ADCP, S/N 145-1067 26 TT, Jar Ops 1, steep approach. Airshow 4000, satellite telephone. Priced to sell. Enquire! Tel: +377 93 30 80 02 Boutsen Aviation . Web: www.boutsen.com. Email: aviation.sales@boutsen.com

Falcon 900B

747SP-31 S/N 21961. 6,300+ nm range! Luxurious forward cabin, mid cabin and second floor.

Seven lavatories, two galleys. The aft cabin is configured with 64 commercial seats. 157 total passenger capacity! View at Dubai Air Show! Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy Store Inc. Web: www.aerotoystore.com. Email: sales@aerotoystore.com

BOMBARDIER

Global Express S/N 9139. View at Dubai Air Show! Jar-Ops compliant, engines on Corporate Care, APU on MSP. Heads-Up display, triples, beautiful new “Pininfarina Edition” 13 passenger interior w/four place conference group midcabin & 16G divan aft & more! Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy Store Inc. Web: www.aerotoystore.com. Email: sales@aerotoystore.com

1990, HB-JEI, S/N 0086. 11,144 TT, engines & APU on JSSI (100%). FMS Honeywell FMZ 920D/GNS-X. Dual HF Collins HF 9030, TCAS II, Airshow, 15 pax interior. NDH, CAMP, 3C c/w November 2007, JAR OPS1, 12,500,000 US$. Tel: +377 93 30 80 02 Boutsen Aviation. Web: www.boutsen.com.

Email: aviation.sales@boutsen.com

DORNIER

328-300 Jet

Challenger 604 2005, S/N 5623. TT 1,360 hours. EU-OPS compliant. Collins Pro-line 4 Avionics.

Honeywell Mark V EGPWS. Exterior paint 2006 silver/black. 6 Club in medium brown

Learjet 45XR 2005, D-CHLM, S/N 45-0266. 1,180 TT, engines on MSP, Honeywell Primus 1000, 4 tube EFIS, EU-OPS 1. Satcom, SELCAL. London City steep approach. 8 single seats,

2002, G-CJAB, 15 seat VIP configuration.

MSN: 3,200. 2 x PW306B engines. TT: 1,710 hours, 1,496 cycles. Offers are invited by AMS Aircraft Limited for the purchase of the above aircraft. Written bids to be received no later than Tuesday 17th November 2009 1600hrs GMT. Tel: +44 1444 443636 Fax:+44 1444 443737 AMS Aircraft Limited. Email: tender3200@amsaircraft.com

OUR NEXT ISSUE: DECEMBER 2009 FINAL BOOKING DATE: NOVEMBER 24th

Career opportunities

800B 1989, G-DCTA, S/N: 8130. TTAF 6,230 hours.

MSP Gold. Fresh 12/24/48 months inspection. Priced for immediate sale $2.95m. Contact: Roger Stainton, JetFlight Ltd, Tel: +44 1353 661636 JetFlight Ltd. Email: JetSalesUK@aol.com

PIAGGIO

Legacy 600 S/N 14501003. View at Dubai Air Show!

September, 2007 in-service date. Factory warranty, 890 TT. Jar-Ops compliant, engines on Rolls-Royce Corporate Care. 13 passenger plus observer & cabin attendant seats. Airshow 4000. Can convert to Pininfarina edition! Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy Store. Web: www.aerotoystore.com. Email: sales@aerotoystore.com

Phenom 100 New Embraer Phenom 100 EASA specification. Offered ex factory: Delivery end November 2009. Exterior all over white to accept customers own scheme : Interior TOPAS. All extras and escalation included $3,250,000. All enquiries to +(44) 7764227196 TRG. Email: chrisrycroft@trguk.net

Avanti II 2007, Corporate interior, Proline 21 integrated avionics, IFIS upgrade, electronic maps and charts, TCAS, TAWS, SAT-Tel, JAROPS. Tel: +49 6332 97200 Winair. Web: www.winair.eu. Email: sales@winair.eu

PILATUS

PC-12/47 2005, S/N 684, TT: 853 hours, home base EDDK in hangar. 6x Cabin 12VDC Power Outlets, 2x Noise cancelling Headsets in Cockpit, Recognition Lights, Logo Lights, Executive 6-seat interior “Sedona Sky” with BMW Platinum upgrade incl. all seat options, SAT-COM Antenna. Tel: +41 79 6446100 EichsfeldAir GmbH & Co. KG. Email: regina.krellmann@eichsfeldair.com

Is pleased to announce due to its continued growth an opportunity for an experienced

Senior Sales Executive Salary negotiable and dependant on experience.

Based at Oxford with a flexible shift pattern, we require a self motivated person with drive and ambition with a proven track record in General/Business Aviation sales environment.

Please send cv to Jets@hangar8.co.uk for the attention of the sales manager.

FOR SALE BY TENDER Advertise your vacancies immediately:

DORNIER 328-300 Jet

mark@ebanmagazine.com

15 Seat VIP Configuration D.O.M.

MSN

Registration

Engines

Total hours

Total cycles

Feb 2002

3200

G-CJAB

2 x PW306B

1,710

1,496

Offers are invited by AMS Aircraft Limited for the purchase of the above aircraft.

Interested parties can obtain aircraft specification and tender documents by contacting AMS at tender3200@amsaircraft.com or +44 1444 443636

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800.553.8638

+1.315.797.4420

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Written bids to be received no later than Tuesday 17th November 2009 1600hrs GMT at the following address: AMS Aircraft Limited, The Priory, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3LB, UK Tel: +44 1444 443636 Fax: +44 1444 443737 E-mail: tender3200@amsaircraft.com