European Business Air News - June 2010

E U R O P E A N

BUSINESS AIR NEWS ISSUE 204

JUNE 2010

HeliClub makes first Russian order for AW139

SPA selects 7X for global and Middle East charter Saudia Private Aviation (SPA), the business aviation unit of Saudi Arabian Airlines, has taken delivery of the first of four Falcon 7Xs. “This marks the first Falcon 7X delivery in Saudi Arabia,” says Wajdi Abdullah Al-Idrissi, head of SPA. “Two more are scheduled for delivery to SPA later this year and the final aircraft will come in 2011.”

Al-Idrissi says SPA will use the Falcon 7X for vip charter flights around the world as well as within the Middle East. “With a range of 5,950 nm, the aircraft can connect major cities, such as New York to Riyadh, Dubai to Tokyo, or Rio de Janeiro to Jeddah. The 7X was carefully chosen out of many options due to its excellent technical specifications and performance. It is a unique aircraft that can fly non-stop for more than 11 hours. It does not require a long runway which saves valuable time because we will able to land at lower traffic airports.

The 7X is distinctive and matchless in its class and conforms to the high standard requirements of royal and vip clients.”

Al-Idrissi adds: “Though SPA was carved out of Saudi Arabian Airlines a year ago, our long experience spans more than 60 years in vip aircraft chartering, leasing, management and consultation and ground handling.”

Dassault plans to establish an additional Falcon authorised service centre with Saudi Arabian Airlines in Jeddah. “It will support not only the expanding Falcon fleet based in the Middle East but also Falcon operators that fly regularly between the Asia Pacific region and Europe,” says John Rosanvallon, president and ceo of Dassault Falcon.

Dassault has more than 50 Falcons based in the region and expects this number to increase by almost 50 per cent over the next three years.

Job of the Month

Program Manager for Jet-Care See page 15 Royal Jet expands BBJ fleet

page 3

Acropolis ACJ meets luxury long haul target page 4 Air Charter Scotland eyes bases in France page 5 Cello Aviation offers service of note

page 6

Eurofly Service targets growing managed aircraft demand in of China page 7 For details how to enter, see page 3.

Fishing enthusiast lands King Air Pilot and fishing enthusiast Jimmy Jack, pictured with Hawker Beechcraft pilots Brad McKeage, John Guidry and Mark Danin, has landed a new King Air B200GT after intensive research into his ideal aircraft. For full story see page 7.

MJet advocates bespoke regulations for Europe’s private charter sector Austria’s MJet has called for a review of EU regulations governing air charter operators.

Dan Rusu, sales and marketing director, says: “We see a particular need to have a regulatory separation between scheduled operations and unscheduled commercial operations and hopefully the market recovery will lead soon to some action at the highest EU level.”

He says such a review should result in a different bespoke regulatory environment for business aviation operators.

Rusu reports that a new G200 has proved a valuable addition to MJet’s fleet. “The delivery took place in Dallas, Texas, at the Gulfstream facilities. All the formalities, including technical inspection and delivery flight, were performed by our in-

The G200: attracting client praise.

house specialists. MJet is one of the first and few existing organisations in Austria using the CAMOplus system of airworthiness management. This is definitely an added value we can offer to our clients. The new G200 is already enrolled in our AOC and is available for charter flights.”

The company’s fleet also includes

a G450, a GV and a Hawker 900XP whose delivery was arranged by MJet on behalf of a client.

Rusu says that Eastern European bases are definitely not at the same level as Vienna. “Our main concern relates to the lack of hangar accessibility as well as the wellknown lack of maintenance facilities.

Nevertheless we have seen some improvement at these locations in the last two years.”

MJet, which also has bases in Moscow and Kiev, says: “Our recent experience confirms that finding qualified and experienced pilots is not a big challenge nowadays. We believe that this is a result of the changes in the European business aviation sector in the past one to two years. Excellent pilots have become available due to overall utilisation

For details of how to enter, see page 3.

SPECIAL FOCUSES Review of Austria

page 8

Passenger and aircraft security page 11 Authorities tighten volcanic ash procedures page 14

HeliClub has become the first Russian company to order a AW139 medium twin. The company says: “This helicopter will complement an already ordered Grand light twin and will be used to perform corporate and high level on-demand passenger transport.”

It adds: “The AW139 has been extensively tested in the most extreme conditions including those encountered in Canada and in the Middle East. It meets Russian operational requirements while delivering the highest levels of technology, safety, flexibility and operational capability.”

HeliClub says the recently certified AW139 full de-icing configuration based on the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) was a factor in its decision. “This provides real all weather capability required in a growing number of applications.

Moreover an increased maximum gross weight and payload enables the AW139, with a maximum range of over 500 nm, to target the long range offshore transport market currently being met by larger 19-seat types.”

As well as private charter, HeliClub also supplies helicopter pilot training services and sells and markets helicopters in Russia.

The deal for the AW139 has been financed through VTB-Leasing.

A final assembly line in Russia for the AW139 civil helicopter is to be set up and run by HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland joint venture.

For fuel, ground services and all your trip arrangements

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reductions and we have not had any issues with recruiting the necessary flight crews so far.”

Rusu says MJet has seen increased interest from charter brokers in the past few months for mid-range routes and ultra-long flights. “We have strong partnerships with brokers in Eastern Europe as well as direct with clients,” he adds.

MJet also operates three modified Fokker 100 executive jets. “One of these jets has been certified for additional fuel tanks system operation enabling us to perform longer distance bespoke flights.”

The MJet Fokker 100 features a 21 by three metre cabin which is approved for 19 passenger commercial operation.

EBAN’s focus on Austria starts on page 8.

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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

JUNE 2010 3

Sold out EBACE was just what the industry needed While we had been optimistic about the show in view of the strong forward bookings, we were delighted when the 10th EBACE ended its three days with sold out exhibitor and static displays, 11,174 attendees (less than 100 below the second biggest show in 2007) and a general air of optimism that the global industry’s economic outlook may be at last on the upswing. Halls 6 and 7 of Geneva Palexpo and the static display of aircraft were sold out with 436 exhibitors and 65 aircraft out at Geneva international airport.

Indeed it was, by any standard, a very successful 10th anniversary for EBACE and just what we all needed after such a difficult period for the aviation industry. The level of exhibitor and attendee participation was a welcome boost and a timely reminder that, despite the recent setbacks, business aviation remains

highly valued around the world, supporting jobs, mobility and economic opportunity. In addition to the value EBACE provided for exhibitors and attendees, the event celebrated a successful 10-year joint partnership between EBAA and NBAA. The education sessions – the backbone of EBACE programming – covered a variety of international and local aviation issues. Panels of industry experts explained their cautious optimism about the business aircraft market and the steps the business aviation communities will take to meet their environmental stewardship goals.

Particularly encouraging were the presentations by the Teal Group and Eurocontrol, both of whom forecast a prolonged, if initially erratic, recovery in the European market, with a return to 2007 activity levels

EDITORIAL COMMENT

By Brian Humphries, president European Business Aviation Association (EBAA).

expected by 2013. Additional sessions covered operational safety, the latest upgrades to aircraft and technology and the dreaded EU-ETS. Animated discussions took place about the continued development of

Royal Jet to offer BBJ ‘magnificent seven’ Abu Dhabi-headquartered Royal Jet is adding two more BBJs, taking the total in its growing fleet to seven. “We are bringing one BBJ size aircraft into service and expect to add another one in 2014,� says Shane O’Hare, president and ceo. “Our sixth BBJ will feature 22 seats and two generously proportioned lounges. A private office and stateroom with bathroom and shower gives the feel of a small boutique hotel making it extremely comfortable with lots of living space for families as well.�

He adds: “From August we can also now add a Lineage 1000 to our fleet list having recently signed a new aircraft management deal with UAEbased business conglomerate, the Al Habtoor Group.�

O'Hare says: “The Lineage 1000 is one of the latest and most technologically advanced business jets designed to seat up to 19 passengers. Royal Jet can offer guests the full range of aircraft capacity and prices from the Learjet 60 carrying six passengers to the BBJ.�

Royal Jet has put back plans to expand its fleet from 12 to 20 aircraft but only to 2013 and it still aims to operate 50 aircraft by 2020-2021. “What we found during the recession is that government missions, heads of state, and delegation travel has increased,�

O’Hare says. “In addition, we have emerging markets in Africa where there is very strong trade despite E U R O P E A N

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Royal Jet: expansion plans include more BBJs.

Shane O’Hare: generous space.

recession. This includes missions between China and many individual countries in Africa. The corporate European Business Air News (USPS 009-091) is published eleven times each year, monthly except January, by Stansted News Limited, 134 South Street, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3BQ, England.

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sector is recovering but at a slow pace with modest growth expected this year. This business was growing at 15-25 per cent a year before the recession. We are now at more modest growth levels of six to seven per cent.�

The group, jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation Co and the emirate’s government, operates a fleet that also includes the G-300, the G-IVSP and the Learjet 60.

It serves corporations, governments, jet-set individuals, royalty and heads of state globally.

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the EU-ETS support facility to simplify monitoring, reporting and verification requirements for small emitters, when Eurocontrol reported uncertainty pending a key policy meeting held on 6 May. However we have now been advised that, although the final decision has not yet been taken – one Eurocontrol member state still has reservations – the Eurocontrol meeting gave strong support to its funding and development. We expect that in the coming weeks the final decision will be taken and we will be able to announce good news.

Security protocol Finally, a subject no longer discussed at EBACE – security. After three years of very active discussion with the European Commission resulting in a derogation from airline security rules for business

aviation, enabling us to adopt a security protocol tailored to our sector, the EBAA has produced a standard of security best practice for members in the form of an AMC (Acceptable Means of Compliance).

This has been circulated to all members that need to know, and shared with the 27 member states now charged with developing appropriate rules for our sector.

In short, EBACE 2010 was a great show that celebrated 10 years of achievements in the business aviation sector in Europe which, despite the recent very tough times, has seen the fleet of turbine powered aircraft almost double since the first EBACE, with considerable further expansion predicted by the experts in the years to come.

(See also the security focus starting on page 11).

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

4 JUNE 2010

Acropolis ACJ to meet 600 hour luxury long haul target in first year of charter operation Acropolis Aviation ceo David Crawshaw says the company’s new ACJ will meet its target of flying 600 hours in its first year of operation but there are no current plans to add a second to the London Farnborough based company’s fleet. “I am a great believer in ‘small is beautiful’ where the size of the company is concerned,” he says. “It is far easier to manage a small-scale company in a way that ensures it focuses on the customer and consistently provides a bespoke service of top-level security and comfort. The provision of such high quality personal service gets more difficult as a company increases in size so we plan to stick with one ACJ for now.”

Acropolis Aviation conducted a lengthy investigation before acquiring the ACJ and started by itemising what the company’s clients wanted. Crawshaw says: “The project has taken more than three years to bring to fruition. We sought range, cost-effectiveness, comfort and space and we also had to be extremely confident with the maintenance and support.”

The ACJ, configured with 19 seats, gained its AOC in April and Crawshaw says the response from the top end of the market has more than lived up to expectations. “This aircraft will fly 600 hours this year with destinations ranging from North and South America, Europe and the Middle and Far East. This is our initial ‘flying hour target’ and it will be reviewed after year one.

“We are absolutely delighted with the client response and the support from Airbus but we want to make this project a commercial success before we consider anything else.”

Crawshaw adds: “The ACJ has a

Benoit Defforge and Bruno Galzin enjoy service aboard Acropolis Aviation’s new ACJ.

David Crawshaw: ACJ business targets to be reviewed after first year of operation.

beautiful cabin outfitted by the Airbus Corporate Jet Centre. It features lounges, a bedroom and a

bathroom with en suite shower. The wide cabin is a big advantage but the ACJ also offers many features including Category 3B autoland that enables landings even in poor visibility, time and cost-saving centralised maintenance, and a rich specification of navigational aids.”

Crawshaw, who has been working in business aviation since 1973, says that Farnborough’s advantages as a purpose-built business aviation airport means it is a base exactly suited to the requirements of Acropolis Aviation’s clients. “We are not involved in any negotiations for slots and the TAG ground facilities and handling are first class.”

Associated company Triair is based at

Lufthansa seeks partners for onward charter in North America Lufthansa Private Jet (LPJ) says it is looking at extending its European focused branded services to North America and Asia in response to client demand.

LPJ operates what it describes as seamless travel to onward regional airports for Lufthansa and Swiss long-haul clients. The price depends on distance and includes all charges and costs irrespective of the number of passengers on board the aircraft.

Catering and in-flight entertainment are tailored to suit individual requirements.

Gama expands aviation and support service

LPJ operates a fleet that includes the CJ1, the CJ3 and the XLS with Germany’s DC Aviation and Austria’s Jetalliance chosen to provide extra capability.

Lufthansa, which owns LPJ, says it is talking to potential operating partners in North America and Asia. There are currently no plans to acquire additional operating aircraft. It says: “Today around 30 per cent of LPJ’s clients are hub-topoint travellers and the remainder are charter clients using the service for point-to-point travel.”

Hangar 8 reports positive response to Hawker additions

LPJ: examining new markets.

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Benoit Defforge, ceo, and Bruno Galzin, head of sales and marketing, Airbus Corporate Jet Centre, say that computer aided design is critically important in the fast and efficient processing of green aircraft to client requirements. “The full CAD mockup shows exactly what the aircraft will look like and enables the client to take early decisions,” Galzin explains.

“Acropolis Aviation made full use of CAD to help ensure the best for their clients in good time down to details such as the optimum positioning for foldaway flight crew seats on takeoff and landing.”

The Gama Group reports that the expansion of its aviation and support services is on schedule. Marwan Khalek, ceo, says the group’s first European FBO at Glasgow is due for completion by May 2011. It will have a new 2,000 sq m heated hangar, office space and a passenger handling facility.

Khalek says three Challengers, an 850, 605 and 604, are being incorporated into the fleet which holds AOCs in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Bermuda. Gama Support Services (GSS) has now moved into the £1 million newly refurbished hangar facilities at London Farnborough.

Khalek says: “With the expansion of its EASA 145 capabilities, GSS now also manages maintenance for Gama Aviation’s entire European fleet. The increase in hangar space and workshop area to 2,300 sq m has not only catered for the upturn in third party work but also allowed the group to bring together its various maintenance, design and avionics companies in a centralised facility.

The provision of Part M maintenance management services has increased substantially over the past 12 months with the team growing with demand.”

He says line maintenance facilities at Glasgow and Aberdeen enable GSS to support the Scottish Air Ambulance Service’s fixed wing fleet and many other third party clients.

Khalek adds: “2010 is shaping up to be a good year for GSS which benefits from providing a turn-key service ranging from guidance on the purchase of an aircraft to pre-delivery inspections, certification and modifications, and entry into service.”

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London Oxford-headquartered Hangar 8 reports strong client interest in two of its newest acquisitions – a Hawker 4000 and a Hawker 900XP. The new arrivals complement a fleet that already offers aircraft including the Cessna 525, the Challenger 600, the Citation 525, 525A and 560, the Hawker 750 and 850 and the King Air 200.

Founder and ceo Dustin Dryden, pictured with Dean Mitchell, Hawker Beechcraft pilot, says: “We expect to fly around 1.5 million miles this year and to take several more aircraft under management. The aircraft are chosen depending on reliability, safety, range, age and ease of maintenance.”

He adds: “The fleet is mainly new and 80 per cent are less than five years old.”

Hangar 8 recruits through recommendation from existing staff and runs in-house training where student pilots work in operations, engineering and sales for six months prior to type rating.

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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

JUNE 2010 5

Air Charter Scotland eyes new base Air Charter Scotland, which operates ten Citations, would like to add longer range jets to its fleet, according to operations director Derek Thomson. “We are also considering setting up a base in the south of France, to serve established demand in and around Nice,” he adds.

Thomson reports that demand for private charter in the UK is recovering, despite the setbacks to business caused by the Icelandic volcano, and that is why the company is in the process of expanding its fleet. “We have a good mix of Citations including the CJ1, CJ2, CJ3 and Excel but heavy jets would add a new dimension to the fleet,” Thomson says.

Air Charter Scotland, whose main base is at London Luton, reports a strong demand for holiday and leisure charter as well as corporate traffic. “There is a business

Artem Grek and Andrev Ershov: European demand increasing.

Associate companies provide complementary services. Capital Transfers organises crew and in-flight catering while Capital Heli focuses on helicopters sale and maintenance and Capital Catering prepares and organises in-flight catering.

Artem Grek, executive director, says destination demand ranges across Europe from Turkey in the east to Holland and Switzerland and as far north as Sweden and Denmark.

Russian clients, he says, enjoy comfort and good food. Andrev Ershov, executive charter sales, adds: “Our aircraft provide food from the famous restaurants of Moscow, such as Pushkin, Sumosan, Zolotoy and Bistrot. Hundreds of people make private flights every day in Russia and we are proud that so many of them use Capital Jets.”

Germany’s DC Aviation is chartering three managed A319s. “This gives us a total of four ACJs for charter,” says ceo Steffen Fries. “Starting now we can offer larger groups extremely comfortable travel alternatives to destinations such as Beijing, South Africa or New York.”

Fries points out that the additions significantly expand the long haul capability already offered by DC Aviation’s Challenger 604s, Legacy 600s, Global Expresses, Gulfstreams 550s and the company-owned, 48-seat Airbus.

He adds: “In the Middle East along with Europe, there is demand for charter flights with these exclusive vvip aircraft. We are receiving requests for charter flights from private individuals as well as large corporations. The A319s offer a level of comfort on longhaul flights that is simply unbeatable.”

DC Aviation served as lead adviser

Derek Thomson with Ben Bewsey of Air Partner.

requirement for road shows where our aircraft are needed for three or four days at a time,” Thomson says.

“Our Excel is very popular. Private charter business has been helped by the fact that airlines are not

operating so many routes. Popular destinations range from Chambery to Geneva and from Malaga to Ibiza and Nice, but longer range jets would enable us to serve other markets such as the Middle East.”

Capital Jets confirms uplift in demand Moscow’s Capital Jets reports that demand for trips to Europe is picking up and there are signs that business in 2011 will be better than in 2010.

The company manages and charters aircraft including a 14-seat Challenger 850, a 10-seat Challenger 601 and a 39-seat Yak 42. It also provides charter broker services, consulting on private jet acquisition and maintenance, business aviation legal support, audit, reservations of vip facilities, hotels and villas, helicopter rental and yacht charter.

DC Aviation adds managed A319s to expand long haul capability

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GNAAS fleet ambition on target The UK’s Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) is well on target to achieve its goal of operating three AS365 N2s – one previously owned by Manchester United footballer Michael Owen – by the spring of 2011.

Grahame Pickering, ceo, says a fund raising campaign has paid for the first and raised a deposit for the second. “The charity believes that buying its own aircraft, rather than leasing as it has done in the past, will be more cost-effective in the long term.”

and supervisor in the remodelling and delivery of each of the three A319s.

“The services provided by the company ranged from defining the specifications to technical inspections during manufacture as well as final delivery and acceptance from Airbus.

DC Aviation then also supervised the interior completion of the aircraft,” Fries adds. “Each has a unique solution and is tailormade for the respective customer.”

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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

6 JUNE 2010

Cello Aviation offers service of note to groups seeking quality What started as a conversation about the poor level of customer service on a family flight lead within 18 months to the launch of a vip charter airline.

Nim Baines of Birmingham, UKbased Cello Aviation (pictured with partner Jo during an onboard review of the Cello Aviation ABJ) oversaw the business planning including the purchase of the BAe 146 that is now the focus of Cello’s business plan.

Baines, ceo of Cello Aviation, a subsidiary of the Gill Group headquartered in the UK, says: “The business planning and preparation culminated in the current launch of revenue services by Cello Aviation.”

The 46-seat BAe 146-200 is being targeted at the luxury end of group private charter with Cello Aviation identifying Europe as the core business region. Tony Farmer, marketing and sales manager, says: “Our target markets include entertainment professionals, football teams and organisations undertaking quality product launches. There is a good demand in the UK and European vip executive charter market for a business jet of this size and quality.”

Farmer adds: “We have also received enquiries from governmental departments and organisers of up-market weddings, so the ABJ is appealing to an extremely good and diverse mix of clients.”

The Gill Group, founded by ceo and owner Raj Gill, specialises in large airport and motorway infrastructure construction. The company’s paved concrete surfacing business has been contracted to support many UK Ministry of Defence airfields in addition to civilian airports. A new apron area at Abu Dhabi international airport is among international projects it has recently completed (EBAN February

Tony Farmer: diverse range of clients.

2010), with previous projects for runway and apron work in Puerto Rico and Oman.

Baines says: “We have paid a great deal of attention to detail. The aircraft has been configured with a 46-seat first class interior. There is a moveable cabin divider, hot galleys and a strong cabin staff contingent to ensure that customers receive the highest level of individual service.

Enquiries so far have significantly exceeded our expectations.”

The 46-seat ABJ: generating enquiries.

Waypoint Aviation of Bristol advised the Gill Group as it identified a preferred aircraft type, sourced the

ABJ from BAe Systems, and then project managed the conversion.

“Among other requirements, the process identified a need for two plus two executive seating across the cabin, hot galleys and genuine stand up cabin height,” says Baines.

Bob Peck, ceo, and his team at Inflite Engineering, Southend, managed the heavy C check and fitting of the new cabin prior to delivery to Cello at its Birmingham base, with Starling Aerospace

delivering the executive seat sets and interior.

Cello Aviation is already looking at the economies of scale and operational advantages that might accrue from having a second aircraft in the fleet. “Cello is conducting the initial research with the full involvement of its customer base and could be in a position to add another aircraft within 12 months,” Farmer says. “There is a very good market in Europe for this general size and quality of aircraft and we have received excellent feedback from both charter brokers and end users.”

Stewart Cordner, vp Avro Business Jets for BAe Systems, says: “Over the past two years the number of BAe 146/Avro RJs that have been converted into ABJs or which are in work has reached 13 aircraft. These include a recent delivery for the Presidential Flight of Abu Dhabi and an ABJ acquired by Inflite Engineering Services that will incorporate an interior developed by the Linley Design Group. The aircraft are being used in a variety of different roles ranging from government/vip to business charter services and company shuttles.”

Opera Jet orchestrates new heavy aircraft additions to established Citation fleet Slovakia’s Opera Jet is working on business plan to add a heavy jet to its fleet after bringing a managed Mustang into service. Faheem Azhar, senior adviser to the company’s board, says both aircraft will complement the existing fleet of a Citation Jet, CJ2 and two CJ3s. “We are still working on heavy jet category addition which is in the pipeline and for that we might need cabin crew plus cockpit crew.”

He adds: “We chose aircraft to meet the needs of business people who require flexibility plus cost effectiveness. The major demand in the European charter market is from business people with these requirements and destinations with high aircraft utilisation include Nice, Zadar, Split, Prague and Warsaw.”

Azhar says: “Business is growing slowly, however the profit margin for the operator is next to nothing. But despite the difficult times in 2009 each one of our aircraft did approximately 470 flight hours. This

Faheem Azhar: expansion plans.

level is quite low when you compare these figures with 2006/2007 but, despite the results of the economic crisis, when we compare our company with our competitors, we

are quite satisfied with the number of hours we achieved in 2009. It has indeed been a great effort by our team who really are the true asset of our company.”

The company, which was launched at the end of 2007 as a subsidiary of Opera as with one light jet, now expects to operate six or more aircraft less than three years on. Another subsidiary Opera Aircraft Sales has been appointed as a Gulfstream sales representative for Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania.

Chairman Dr Martin Hudec and md Martin Sykora say that Opera Jet plans carefully controlled expansion. But Sykora adds: “Aircraft are the tools of the trade and the more aircraft you have in your fleet, the more variety and choice you can provide to the end user.

“But you have to bear in mind that quality, safety, security and airworthiness cannot be compromised at all.”

Comlux is refining plans to increase its share of the long haul private charter market.

Pictured from left are Michel Ouellette of Bombardier, Capt. Stephen Taylor of Boeing Business Jets, Ettore Rodaro and David Edinger of Comlux and Laurent Goutal of Airbus Executive and Private Aviation.

Comlux refines appeal of its ACJs as it builds long haul capability Fly Comlux has placed a firm order for a Global Express XRS featuring the new Global Vision flight deck.

“Among all our jets, the Global Express XRS is the leader in terms of customer satisfaction, so this addition is a natural choice,” says ceo Stephen Laven.

“From the Challenger 605 to the Global Express XRS, these aircraft provide a luxurious yet highly productive environment for doing business in transit between meetings, or relaxing and enjoying the ride.”

The 11-strong fleet also includes the Challenger 850 as well as the Global 5000. Laven says: “In addition, a previously ordered Challenger 605 and a previously ordered Global Express XRS jet are scheduled to join the fleet in the coming months.

“Comlux’s expanding Bombardier jet fleet complements its existing Airbus corporate jet fleet and contributes to the company’s strategic development plan to

become the leading long haul charter services provider in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.”

Comlux is also working with Sonaca, an aerostructure manufacturing company based in Belgium which produces slats for all Airbus aircraft, to refine the appeal of its ACJs. Richard Gaona, president of Comlux The Aviation Group, says: “While Sonaca is in charge of the design and manufacturing, Comlux becomes the exclusive provider of the polished slats.

“The certification and installation on the first aircraft is scheduled for July 2010 and from that moment such improvement will be available for any operator who would like to customise its aircraft. I am convinced this improvement will attract other operators, and I have tasked Christophe Lapierre, the head of our engineering and services division, to offer this option to every ACJ operator.”

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

JUNE 2010 7

Fishing enthusiast casts roomy King Air B200GT in star role Fishing enthusiast Jimmy Jack has landed his dream aircraft – a new King Air B200GT (see photograph on page 1). After building a transport company from scratch into a multimillion enterprise, he now runs the Carron Rod & Case Company which produces bespoke salmon fly rods, salmon and trout fly lines and leather sporting accessories.

“My wife and I created the Carron Spey casting team to promote the company’s specialised rods and lines,” he says. “The team has won numerous casting championships and has broken world distance casting records. Carron rods and Carron Jetstream lines are now known all over the world.”

Jimmy Jack, a qualified pilot, decided in 2008 that he was ready to acquire and pilot a turbine powered aircraft. “I was very impressed with the TBM 850. It is very fast, comfortable and great to fly. But I also took demonstration flights in every King Air model including the 90GT and B200GT. Then I hired a 350 to take our nine-strong casting team and equipment to Norway,” he says.

“The added advantage of having the Raisbeck wing lockers for carrying long items such as fishing rods was fantastic.” Lengthy discussions with King Air owners convinced him to opt for a B200GT with Raisbeck high flotation gear doors and wing lockers.

“It is the first factory new B200GT to

be certified with every Raisbeck product for this model. The package has enhanced performance leading edges, dual aft body strakes, high flotation gear doors and nacelle wing lockers. It also maximises the performance of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engines by including Raisbeck/Hartzell quiet turbofan propellers and the ram recovery system.”

Jimmy Jack, who previously flew a Beechcraft Baron for 24 years, says: “The B200GT is a pleasure to fly and a reliable workhorse.

Hawker Beechcraft, especially Howard Povey and his team, have been a pleasure to deal with and helpful with issues such as purchase,

training and engineering.”

A truck driver before he launched his own company in 1970 which focused on cargo handling, transport and crane hire, Jimmy Jack had to make time to gain a private pilot’s certificate and build hours and experience. One day he was invited to fly right seat in a King Air. “That trip left a lasting impression on me. It became my dream that one day I might manage to own one.”

When his transport, warehousing and crane hire activity steadily expanded into handling oil pipes and equipment destined for the North Sea, he acquired a 50 per cent interest in an A36 Bonanza. “But I needed to make water crossings to

visit Norway, Sweden and Germany.

So I decided to purchase a Baron B55.

It was a beautiful, low-time twin with de-ice equipment, which was an important requirement for my extended missions around Scotland and the North Sea.” Jack continues to own and fly his B55 Baron using it for short hops with two or three passengers. But the B200GT is now his preferred aircraft. “I’ve made a number of trips in it including a skiing holiday.

The skis nestle in those roomy lockers, so carrying five passengers on board plus luggage is easy.

The B200 is an honest, reliable aircraft, and it’s roomy, quiet and very comfortable.”

Arab Wings plans additon of Legacy 650 and Phenom 100 Arab Wings has ordered a Legacy 650 on behalf on an undisclosed Jordanian owner. Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh, executive president, says: “It is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2010. It will be based in, and operate out of, Jordan. Arab Wings will also add a Phenom 100 to its fleet this year.”

The Jordan-headquartered company, which has gained a UAE

AOC, also took delivery of a Citation Sovereign last November.

Arab Wings operates a growing fleet of owned and managed jets out of Amman, Jordan, Cairo, Egypt and Sharjah, UAE. It is also building, with Saudi Arabian investors, a specialised regional brokerage based in Bahrain and plans a “significant” MRO network in the Middle East and Europe.

Cessna Citation Authorised Sales Representative

Left to right: Alexandre le Tourneur d’Ison of Hawker Beechcraft Corporate Aircraft with Dino Rasero of Topjet and Alessandro Baviera.

Eurofly Service targets growing demand in China for aircraft management

Italian operator Eurofly Service is bringing a second Falcon 7X into service. “Our two new 7Xs will be operated from Turin and Treviso,” says vp Alessandro Baviera. “The 7X range will enable us to meet established long range demand to fly to the United States and to Asia from Europe. China will develop into a very important market and we are strategically placed to grow with demand having come to an agreement with a company in Hong Kong that specialises in aircraft sales.

There will be a growing demand for aircraft management in China and we have long-standing expertise in a number of different types. Our focus is on being one of the most efficient aircraft management companies in Europe that can also provide competitive maintenance and sound acquisition advice.”

Eurofly, which started life as Fiat’s flight department, is also looking to upgrade one of its two Falcon 2000s with a Falcon 2000LX. The Eurofly fleet now includes Falcon 50, a Learjet

40 and 60, an Avanti II and two Agustas, a 109 Elite and a 139.

Eurofly is working closely with Topjet Executive and its president Dino Rasero and is basing a new Hawker 750 at Milan Linate, where Topjet is opening a 1,100 sq m hangar and office facility. Baviera says the Learjet 40 could also possibly be based at Milan Linate. The aircraft will be on the Bizjet Aircraft and Helicopters Management (AH&M) AOC. Eurofly Service owns 99 per cent of Bizjet AH&M.

TAF Squirrels help protect Catalonia’s natural resources

Skydrift paddles hard for children’s care services The UK’s Norwich-based Skydrift Air Charter raised more than £500 for children’s hospice care services in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge when it took part in May’s East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival (pictured) at Oulton Broad, Lowestoft. The Skydrift team named Team Rotoars Running came first, second and third in three races and an overall 18th out of 30.

Three of TAF Helicopters’ fleet of AS350 B3s are helping the Catalan government protect the environment.

Joan Carol, development director, says that one helicopter is dedicated to protection operations and two others are on call. “These two are based in the Val d’Aran region of the Pyrenees and are focused on mountain operations. But they are used on request by the Geological Institute to measure the thickness of snow cover in different areas that can only be reached by helicopter.”

Carol adds: “The institute uses the results to estimate river levels during the spring thaw.”

The wholly dedicated AS350 B3 carries out missions that include the enforcement of hunting laws

protecting animals including deer and chamois. “Activities are diverse,” Carol says. “They range from forest surveillance in the summer months to prevent fires, re-stocking rivers with trout, monitoring waste run-off in rivers and performing maintenance in nature parks such as setting up river crossings.”

TAF was founded in 1959 to carry out aerial photography. Its initials originate from Trabajos Aereos Fotograficos which is Spanish for aerial photography work. Carol says: “Our fleet of some 28 helicopters have now logged well over 170,000 flight hours and perform a wide range of missions including emergency medical services, mountain rescues, aerial work and photography.”

www.timleacockaircraft.com +44 (0)1258 818181

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

8 JUNE 2010

International outlook means operators are in business for the long haul

AUSTRIA REGIONAL REVIEW

Fixed-wing charter operators headquartered in Austria tend to focus on central Europe and the further afield longer haul markets.

“The potential of the surrounding countries is very many times larger than the Austrian market,” says Martin Lener, md of Tyrolean Jet Services (TJS) which has provided services in the country since 1978.

“Brokers and operators in Austria need to serve the much bigger catchment area of central Europe and beyond to generate the income they need.”

The need for Austrian operators to think globally is highlighted by the launch of a joint venture company based in Moscow by Jetalliance Group and Aeroflot Russian Airlines.

Lucas Lichtner-Hoyer, ceo of Austria’s Jetalliance Holding AG, says: “The joint venture partners intend to create the leading player in the field of executive aviation in Russia.”

The partnership named Jetalliance East and headed by md Igor Chunikhin, will initially focus on the Russian market. Jetalliance East was previously Aeroflot’s business aviation subsidiary Aeroflot Plus.

Aeroflot transferred the majority of its shares to Jetalliance Holding AG and its Russian partner Aviation Holdings Ltd so that both hold 49 per cent shares in the joint venture.

Lichtner-Hoyer says: “We are basing two factory-new Citations, a CJ3 and a Sovereign, at Sheremetyevo. The CJ3 carries six passengers and links cities in Europe and Russia such as Nice and Moscow.

“Importantly the Sovereign can take nine passengers non-stop

TJS wins further recognition. Pictured from left at the award presentation are Christian Fischer, manager flight safety; Thomas Reiner, manager communication; Martin Lener ceo and Brian Humphries of the EBAA.

from Moscow to Dubai.”

During EBACE, the partners signed lease agreements for the Sovereign and the CJ3. “We believe this is the first time either aircraft has been imported into the former Soviet Union,” Lichtner-Hoyer says.

Jetalliance East will operate under a Russian AOC and is gearing up to market Citations, provide finance and aircraft management services and

maintenance. “The vision is to provide complete turnkey services for jet owners,” Igor Chunikhin says.

Jetalliance Aircraft Management already operates more than 30 aircraft. Its international outlook is reflected by its FAA part 129 certification which enables it to fly commercially in the United States and Canada to complement its operation under EU Ops in Europe.

Sergei Koltovich of Jetalliance Moscow, Lichtner-Hoyer says, spent a great deal of time quietly working on the deal that was eventually agreed by Aeroflot and the partners. He adds: “Russia is one of the biggest markets in the world and we started to work on plans to develop our business there more than three years ago.

There is good potential to expand our management fleet, attract charter

and play a leading role in the development of business aviation.”

Chunikhin, who started with Aeroflot in 1992 and was director of flight service for 16 years, says he expects Jetalliance East to produce very good results as it builds its reputation over the next two years.

“We plan to increase the number of aircraft on our AOC. It is a very good time to launch.”

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Vitus Eckert, chairman of Jetalliance Holdings AG supervisory board, says: “The joint venture will use the existing Jetalliance sales team but we will as soon as possible build up Jetalliance East’s own sales team in Moscow to handle enquiries direct.”

Michael Holy, director of marketing for the Jetalliance Aviation Group, says: “While many charters are flown out of Russia, there is little availability of internal ‘city pair’ charter flying in Western business jets in Russia. The two Citations will be perfect for short and medium trips in Russia.”

Jetalliance East plans to steadily add more jets as charter business grows. The company is also working on plans to open a Part 145 maintenance facility at Sheremetyevo so that jets based in Russia can be serviced there. Jetalliance’s service centre in Vienna will be used to maintain the Russian Citations until the Moscow facility can be opened.

Jetalliance is a Cessna sales representative for Russia and 17 other countries and has 15 charter aircraft based in Europe. “Russian charter clients who like the Jetalliance East charter service will be good prospects if they decided to acquire jets in the future,” Holy adds.

As well as expanding internationally Jetalliance is diversifying. As a Cessna Authorised Service Facility it maintains Citations from the Mustang up to the Citation X. It also maintains the Falcon 2000 and Falcon 900.

Holy says: “We are hoping to achieve the Dassault Authorised Service Facility approval this year and increase our Dassault capabilities in 2011 to include the 7X.” Holy adds: “Vienna, once the gateway to the East, has become a central location in the expanding European Union. This makes Vienna a practical and attractive destination

JUNE 2010 9

AUSTRIA REGIONAL REVIEW

Sergei Koltovich: detailed preparations.

for planning a maintenance stop.”

But he warns that restrictive EASA requirements regarding Part 66 licensing and training are making European maintenance facilities less competitive in the global marketplace and this is causing difficulties for international activities.

TJS, which received the Golden Safety Award from the EBAA for logging more than 80,000 flight hours accident free, has diversified over the past 32 years to offer aircraft management services, sales and maintenance and says demand for charter services is slowly recovering.

Lener says: “There is a lack of consumer confidence combined with an enormous business jet capacity in

Roland Steiner, Cornelia Schabl and Walter Enthammer of Helios Hubschrauber pictured after the successful installation of a glass cross on the Schartwand (2,339m) in the Tennengebirge, south of Salzburg.

Europe which increased from 1,900 in 2006 to 2,700 in 2009. The balance of supply and demand is totally out of kilter which has lead to a significant downturn in pricing.“ But TJS is well placed to compete in the private charter and managed aircraft sectors in central Europe.

Lener is not only winning new business for TJS but is also working with Casper Einem of Jetalliance to

promote private aviation generally.

Einem is chairman and Lener is deputy chairman of the recently formed Austrian Business Aviation Association which will seek to give the country’s private aviation sector a strong unified voice. “The association will work on aspects that will contribute to building the best possible environment for business aviation,” Lener says. “This will

include, for instance, making representations to the federal ministry of transport and analysing legislation but it is also important to ensure that private aircraft are understood by everybody to be necessary business tools.”

Despite the difficult global economic situation, the last year was a year with good highlights for TJS which received the Global Excellence Award 2009 from the Baltic Air Charter Association and Lener hopes 2010 and 2011 will continue to show an improvement.

Lener says: “All in all private business is growing.

Once businessmen and corporations recover full confidence in the future, the private charter market in Austria and surrounding countries will benefit considerably.” But Lener points out that some executives are currently flying economy on airlines instead of business class and have Continued on page 10

AIRPORTS/HANDLING

Vienna Aircraft Handling restructures to make services more competitive Barbara Schmid, Vienna Aircraft Handling assistant manager private aircraft handling (FBO), says the company has restructured to make itself more competitive after the economic downturn.

She adds: “Our GAT, possibly the most modern facility of its type in Central Europe, was opened in 2006 and has sufficient size and capacity right now. But depending

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on the economic situation in the next couple of years, we are planning a tarmac extension and the construction of a multi-storey car park.”

Schmid says the issues that have affected business the most are the economic downturn, the volcanic ash and the economic situation in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

However she says: “For anyone heading for Central Europe, with its booming economy, rich cultural heritage and international social

events we offer a variety of services.”

These include private aircraft crew and passenger handling; vip service for private jets with a separate and guarded access; exclusive use of a passenger lounge; meeting rooms and event location; valet parking; crew lounges; private showers; private jet brokerage; hangars up to B737 or A321 and refuelling.

Armin Stotter, director traffic and handling, Executive Aviation, says Innsbruck Airport handles about

7,000 business aircraft movements per year. “Our executive traffic is mainly incoming and tourism related so we presently see no negative results originating from the general crisis but there is presently no intention to expand our facilities.

Our perfect location within the centre of the Tyrol tourist region and economic area speaks for itself and in this field of aviation we have practically no competitors as GA clients tend to use the airport which is closest to their destination.”

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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

10 JUNE 2010

AUSTRIA REGIONAL REVIEW

SERVICES/SUPPORT

Corporate jet management company targets India

Continued from page 9

down-sized from midsize to small and light private jets. The Russian market, important to many charter operators and brokers in central Europe, has undergone a radical change. “Many Russians have moved into ownership rather than regular charter,” Lener reports.

However TJS is managing aircraft for the sole use of some owners and is in talks to add other aircraft under management. TJS is also working to renew aircraft for its clients. “It is a very good time for this as prices are extremely competitive,” Lener points out.

TJS says it is employing sophisticated marketing to attract new clients as the charter market recovers. “We work hard to be very flexible and adapt our services to individual circumstances to provide exactly what our clients want and this is standing us in good stead.”

The business focus is global.

Austria may be a key location from which to do business in Central Europe but it is also a country from which the private aviation sector is building revenue globally.

Karl Maxa, md Jetalliance Leasing, and Igor Chunikhin, md Jetalliance East sign lease agreements that will see the partners develop private aviation business in Russia.

optimum time.

“The charter market has shown signs of recovery so far in 2010 and existing clients are recommending our company to others. We also use all relevant sophisticated marketing techniques. There is no substitute for hard work and client service. We always ensure that we give clients the bespoke service they want and need and this has stood us in good stead, especially in the air ambulance and charter sectors.”

Merger increases air ambulance operator’s capability There has been consolidation in the Austrian market following the global economic downturn. Welcome Air Tyrol Air Ambulance, headquartered at Innsbruck, has merged with Air Alps Aviation and the integration has produced expanded services for clients. The company is bringing a Gulfstream 100 dedicated to air ambulance into service. This will complement the existing charter fleet of a Citation 550 and 551, two Dornier 328s, a Fairchild Dornier Envoy 3 and a Citation 560. The company has benefited from offering a diverse mix of air ambulance and medevac, private charter and scheduled flights.

The founder of the company Helmut

Püschel-Kipke: Air Partner celebrating 10th anniversary.

Ringler has returned as ceo and consultant to identify new areas of business. Ringler says: “Our ferry flights to destinations all over Europe have remained popular despite the recession and it is not hard to find good pilots when we need them. The volcanic ash affected our flights tremendously but all in all business is growing and it is possible that we will upgrade and expand our fleet at an

Comprehensive Austrian data online free-of-charge The 2010/11 EBAN Handbook of Business Aviation in Europe is out now, and gives details of many more Austrian 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

Helicopter operator markets energy saving research Helios Hubschrauber, a commercial helicopter company located in Anthering, Salzburg, is marketing research on noise reduction and energy saving. Walter Enthammer says: “The first contacts to appraise industry about our research are now taking place. We have worked on achieving noise reduction and energy efficiency on rotor blades simply by changing the flow ratios at the wing end or the rotor blade tip. The helicopter’s role can be adapted to any specific use if the focus is on fundamental parameters like speed or profile. It is simple. Existing systems do not necessarily have to be changed.

Re-equipment and concentration on the end piece are sufficient in order to achieve significant improvements.”

Hubschrauber says wind tunnel tests and runs on a test bench showed a significant increase in efficiency and reduction of noise. “The noise reduction of the tested tail rotor blade is about 25 per cent and there is a difference in the lift. The potential for applications on rotor blades, propellers, aerofoils and wind power plants is extremely high. Noise

reduction and energy saving are very important for the environmentally friendly operation of helicopters. We believe the results we have achieved are a good base for future commercial applications.”

Air Partner celebrates 10th anniversary Air Partner has benefited from combining a long-term strategic view with bespoke development in both Austria and Switzerland. It saw the potential in both countries around the same time and the company’s activities in each country have similarities.

However senior management such as Birte PüschelKipke, director international offices, have ascertained very different national development priorities.

Austria’s potential was identified and developed through Air Partner’s operations in Germany. Peter Springinklee, now country manager in Germany, was recruited from the Austrian airline Lauda Air, to provide the local expertise needed.

Püschel-Kipke says: “The strategic appointment gave us the impetus to bring in new Austrian tour operator business. Arrangements with airlines have proved important in Austria. We have, for instance, developed regular business by specialising in pilgrim flights to Lourdes. Private charter, while a useful contributor to turnover, accounts for perhaps only 10 per cent of bookings. The focus has proved the right one. The office in Vienna now has a staff of four and, although the past 18 months have been difficult because of the global economic downturn, Air Partner will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in Austria with a good client base.”

Other companies reflect Austria’s international outlook. Gerald Trenker, ceo of CJM Corporate Jet Management GmbH says the company is planning to open an office in Mumbai, India in addition to its presence in Switzerland. He adds: “We have a strong demand for design consultancy of heliports, and also for yacht marinas, and we are consider buying a helicopter based in Vienna.”

The company specialises in aircraft and helicopter management, charter and consulting. “Our management services at present are only for private owners. We have strong connections to the Isle of Man,” Trenker adds. “In order to guarantee a high level of discretion to the management customer, we never make any details of aircraft or flights public, not to the media nor on our website. Our main activities are transport, supplying alpine huts, erection of meteorological stations and heat exchangers as well as filming, photo flights, sight seeing, carrying passengers, taxi flights and many other kinds of operations.”

Hawker Beechcraft highlights importance of Vienna office Austria is important to manufacturers and service suppliers as well as to charter operators.

Byron Severson, regional sales director of Hawker Beechcraft International Service Co says: “Austria is very important to us as a manufacturer and for this reason we decided to place my sales office in Vienna and more recently at the international airport, vip terminal.”

Austrian ALB GmbH, which specialises in the distribution of pay-by-hour programmes, is the new sales agent for Powerplan, the engine maintenance cost programme of Luxemburgs Aerodynamics SA. Thomas Frank, head of sales, says: “As we have offices in Luxemburg and Austria, we are familiar with European regulations and business. Our team consists of experienced technicians and research analysts, customer care specialists and a dynamic sales force. The management believes that Powerplan will gain market share every year, starting in Europe, with the next markets being North Africa and the Middle East.”

SaxonAir claims UK Hawker 400XP first

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The UK’s Norwich-based SaxonAir says it has become the first UK operator to add the Hawker 400XP to its AOC. The company will operate its own 400XP from Norwich but has also taken on another managed 400XP based at Edinburgh. “This provides SaxonAir with a second UK operating base and further expansion into the Scottish market,” says md Chris Mace.

“The latest addition to our fleet means SaxonAir continues to build a versatile and cost-effective fleet.”

The fleet includes the King Air 350 and a Mustang based at Norwich along with an EC120 and an EC135 based at both Norwich and Redhill.

Mace says: “The Hawker 400XP provides us with the ideal light

business jet which has its own unique role within the fleet. It is ideal for European business trips. In our opinion, the Hawker 400XP strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance. The managed aircraft at Edinburgh airport will also allow us to offer first class business travel to Scottish-based clients.”

With a high speed cruise of 455 knots and unique swept wing design, Mace says the Hawker 400XP is 35 knots faster than the CJ3. Mace adds: “The ‘squared oval’ cabin design maximizes the amount of usable space and delivers more head and shoulder room for up to eight passengers. The cabin has also been redesigned since previous models to include a four-

place club seating arrangement in the centre. Its internal and external baggage space totals 73 cubic feet, or the equivalent of about seven suitcases and three or four golf bags.”

He says: “Private jet clients that have flown in the Hawker 400XP consistently comment on the spaciousness and comfort of its cabin.

It offers more space for both passengers and payload ensuring everyone has more room to spread out and enjoy the flight.”

Other desirable passenger amenities, he says, include large windows for plenty of natural light, dual zone temperature control, and excellent soundproofing to create a very quiet cabin.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

JUNE 2010 11

SPECIAL FOCUS – PASSENGER AND AIRCRAFT SECURITY

Aircraft owners and operators must guard against laxness at insecure airports and complacency ‘at home’ in Europe Passenger and aircraft security is a constant concern for the private aviation industry whether it concerns hotspots in the news, like Bangkok recently, other destinations with regular high alert profiles or seemingly safe countries. Owners and operators need to assess what precautions need to be taken whether their destinations are short haul in Europe or longer haul to the Middle East or Far East.

Matt Burdette, chief of intelligence for ASI Group, says there is both good and bad news for private charter operators and owners. “The good news in global business aviation is that there remains an increased effort by operators to maintain heightened levels of security that were brought to preeminence by the 11 September 2001 attacks. The bad news is that there is an increasing risk of complacency in recognising, evaluating and preempting new security concerns to aircraft, crew and passengers. This is of particular relevance to charter brokers and operators who serve an ever-increasing number of potential clients and a wide range of destinations.”

But he adds: “Operators and passengers now have greater awareness of potential security issues in the destinations that they

Matt Burdette: increased effort to enhance security precautions.

Universal: among organisations providing security support.

fly to – both at the airport and on the ground. Whether travelling by themselves or on company business, passengers should ask the operator or broker to review the security procedures outlined in their oper-

ations manual. The thoroughness of that section will typically be more telling than the details as to how seriously the operator or broker considers security. Some good questions for charter passengers to

Checklist highlighted as Europe reviews major concerns over security Security is a big concern in Europe and the EBAA is involved in on-going security discussions both at national level and at European level with the European Commission and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC).

EBAA president Brian Humphries says: “The Association has been leading the policy debate in view of the adoption of security rules specific to business aviation operations in Europe. It continues to work with both the Commission and member states to help them develop the most appropriate rules for the sector to the benefit of users and public alike. The rules would preferably be on a Europe-wide basis rather than by derogation to member states which would potentially lead to 27 different sets of rules for business aviation security.”

The working group includes Abelag’s Anne Blume, the BBGA’s Guy Lachlan, EBAA France’s Michel de Ronne, GBAA’s Ralf Schwiebus, Mark Wilson of NetJets Europe and the chairman Pedro Vicente Azua.

The NBAA recommends that flight department personnel complete annual security training and remain vigilant to note any

changes in emotional well-being and health of all crew members, ground personnel and passengers. It advocates a checklist that includes ensuring there is: • Proper perimeter security with effective fencing, lighting, appropriate security patrols, gates and limited access areas; that street-side gates and doors are closed and locked at all times; and that there is positive access control for all external gates and doors; • Hangar doors are closed and locked when that area is unattended and that all key storage areas (food and drink, parts and tools, etc) are secure; • An access control management system for keys and passes; that the identity and authority of each passenger, vendor and visitor is confirmed prior to allowing access to facilities and aircraft and that all visitors are escorted on the ramp and in the hangar area; • A process to check photo ID to verify identity of any visitor or vendor; • Emergency numbers are placed prominently around facility and

there is easy access to phones or “panic buttons” in various facility locations such as the leisure facilities and the hangar bay; • Confirmation of the security arrangements at destination facilities and that a flight crew member is present at all times when the aircraft is being serviced; • A check of lavatories, baggage compartments and all cavities for unauthorised people or objects prior to every departure; • A procedure for the aircraft’s security system (locks and alarms) to be set whenever it is unattended to prevent unauthorised entry.

Operators and owners, the NBAA says, should ensure staff participate in security training, receive information updates and know the essentials such as check in and out procedure for visitors and guests and positive control of luggage. Crew members, the NBAA adds, should display photo IDs. “Have a security plan specific to your location and operation,” it advises. “Develop, maintain and exercise an emergency response plan.”

ask ahead of the flight include: ‘Does the operator have security services available?’ and ‘What communication plans are in place for the passengers and crew in an emergency?’

Prospective passengers should also pay more attention to information security and the possibility that their privacy could be compromised.”

Burdette says past high-profile privacy breaches include the release on the internet of a partial itinerary of a major sports celebrity and the electronic “bugging” of a charter flight used by the entertainer Michael Jackson in 2003.

“Passengers, especially business travellers, need to remember that despite the trappings of privacy, charter aircraft and crew are not their own,” Burdette warns. “Sensitive documents and electronic devices should always be taken off the aircraft, even for short stays. Business travellers should perform at least some advance due diligence on the charter operator to determine not just its safety history, but also who owns it. It is not inconceivable for someone to be travelling on an aircraft owned by a competitor! If the charter agreement does not specifically include a non-disclosure section obligating the operator/ broker to maintain privacy, then consider setting up a separate agreement. As the sports celebrity’s itinerary release showed, it is also worth asking what procedures the operator/broker has in place to control the distribution of passenger names and personal data.”

Gabriella Cserei, the ASI Group’s intelligence analyst responsible for the northern Africa region, points out: “While much attention has been paid lately to the commercial airline sector, much less scrutiny has been devoted to executive aviation.

Despite this lack of focus, the industry faces a number of security risks, especially in high threat destinations. The risk of exposure to local threats – such as political instability, crime and/or terrorism – contributes to a higher threat profile for such locations.”

She adds: “These potential dangers are compounded by an often times inadequate level of security at airports in high threat destinations. This combination of

factors makes these airports challenging operating environments for executive aviation companies.”

The ASI Group, formerly Air Security International, operates as an independent subsidiary after being acquired by the Medex Global Group in May 2008. Medex is one of the oldest and largest independently owned providers of global travel security and medical assistance in North America.

Cserei points out that political instability and terrorism pose concerns for executive aircraft passengers, flight crews and the aircraft themselves. “For example, political developments in Thailand have had a noted effect on security conditions at both of the capital’s airports: Bangkok Don Muang international airport and Suvarnabhumi airport. In recent months, social unrest and violent protests have considerably destabilised conditions in Bangkok.”

Gabriella Cserei: concerns about inadequate airport security.

Political unrest has threatened airport operations in the past, such as in November 2008, when protesters stormed the airports, forcing both facilities to shut down for two weeks. Despite the continuation of most aviation operations at both airports during April and May 2010, the unpredictable nature of the protests could once again cause disruptions to flights with little or no warning.

Cserei points out: “Security conditions at Islamabad’s Benazir Bhutto international airport (OPRN) in Pakistan are also shaped by local threat factors. Terrorist activity and political instability have plagued Pakistan in recent years, fuelling heightened concerns about aviation safety.”

Monitoring systems “Suspected militants have targeted OPRN in attempted bombings in the past, and warnings of potential threats against the facility continue to emerge,” continues Cserei.

“Furthermore, political instability has also periodically had some residual affect on airport operations, demonstrating how security incidents outside of the immediate airport vicinity can also compromise Continued on page 12

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

12 JUNE 2010

Continued from page 11

security for passengers and flight crews. Most recently, in March 2010, protesters blocked roads to the airport for several hours.”

Inadequate security measures at airports heighten the risk of operating flights in high-threat destinations.

Cserei says: “The airports in both Bangkok and Islamabad have problems with corruption and substandard monitoring systems.

At Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji (VABB) facility concerns are a primary threat. Although attempts have been made to secure the facility following the November 2008 terrorist attacks in the city, a number of security problems plague the airport, including corruption, poor training and management of personnel, as well as substandard facility security measures.” For example, she says, general aviation parking areas are not separately fenced or well lit, and security monitoring of various operational areas is not always adequate.

She adds: “Airport authorities vet contractors who have access to secure areas, though the contractors’ actual employees seldom undergo background checks and have been implicated in acts of vandalism against private aircraft. In addition, general terrorism concerns in India greatly increase the overall threat profile of the airport.”

Similarly, Murtala Muhammed airport in Lagos, Nigeria, another high risk destination, is also primarily characterised by substandard facility security. “Safety shortcomings have been prominent at this facility for years. While some security improvements have been made, including the installation of state-of-the-art security scanners, significant concerns remain. An incident in April 2010 in which a woman reportedly breached security and boarded a flight without a ticket demonstrated the continuing concerns at this facility,” Cserei says.

“Corruption and scams are also problematic at this facility. Local police and military personnel regularly solicit money, and con artists posing as immigration officers have also been known to extort money from travellers and aviation

George Galanopoulos: high level of security.

personnel. Guards and criminals outside the airport are known to bully passengers, demanding money and using intimidation tactics to extort ‘fees’.”

As with conditions at VABB, the secondary concerns of terrorism and local instability, combined with primary facility security concerns, make this location a higher threat to corporate air travel, Cserei warns.

Regardless of what primary security threat affects a given location, it is generally a combination of concerns that elevate a destination into the high risk category. “As these destinations highlight, security measures are often inadequate at these airports,” she points out. “The executive aviation industry must therefore approach such high risk destinations in just as stringent, if not even more elevated manner, as the commercial sector.”

She warns that flight operators must take steps to ensure security of both passengers and equipment and obtain detailed security assessments of destinations and airports in advance of departure.

There needs to be a strong focus on ensuring aircraft are safe. Sri Luckshmanan, security services manager Universal Weather and Aviation, says: “When people go to a shopping centre, they typically try to park in a secure area, make sure the doors to the car are locked, set the alarm, and take their keys with them.

But sometimes those same individuals travel to a foreign country and leave multi-million dollar aircraft unattended for several days.”

Luckshmanan adds: “When you think about aircraft security like that, it kind of puts things in perspective. I think operators sometimes assume that airports are so secure these days that their aircraft will be safe and security is unnecessary.

“For example, I’ve heard clients ask: ‘What is the point of having security personnel protect the aircraft if they are unarmed?’ This is a requirement at some airports. Just a few years ago, however, an unarmed security guard was able to identify the tail number of an aircraft that clipped the wing of the aircraft he was guarding. Without his eye-

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witness account, the owner of the aircraft would have had to pay for all of the expensive repairs.”

Security tape Another client once declined aircraft security and elected to use security tape as an alternative.

Luckshmanan says: “When they arrived for departure the next morning, the tape had been tampered with, requiring a time consuming thorough check of the aircraft to ensure no bombs or explosives or other threats had been planted. I’ve also had clients that

Risk profiles still need evaluation at airports far from hotspots For European operators, long haul destinations may seem to pose the biggest security questions but the safety measures at more frequently visited airports nearer home should be assessed and understood.

According to Avinode, which lists most popular routes for charter brokers and operators wishing to analyse past patterns and future potential, these destinations recently included the UK’s Luton and Farnborough, Geneva, France’s Aix Les Bains and Cote d’Azur and Germany's Frankfurt.

However unlikely such airports are to feature on ASI’s hotspots briefing the advice of professionals is that it is worth checking whether there are any scheduled events that might affect arrivals or departures.

Destinations that ASI recommends keeping under review include Thailand, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, Australia, the UK, Afghanistan, Morocco and North and South Korea.

• There are continued tensions in Kingston since the government began procedures to extradite a supporter of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party to the US. Gangs in west Kingston slums have amassed arms and weapons.

• Post-election disappointment in Trinidad And Tobago may also trigger discontent or travel disruption. ASI says: “Travellers should avoid wearing either red or orange, which are the official colours of political parties and might be interpreted as a form of political activism.”

• Afghanistan is always problematic and there is wariness about Mangalore until the reason for an aircraft crash is established.

• North Korea and South Korea have been at each other’s throats since the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel that killed 46 sailors on 26 March, South Korea has taken the matter to the UN Security Council and ASI advises that the situation should be closely monitored in case of

further developments.

• Bomb attacks in Pakistan have caused concern with events in Lahore’s Shahi Mohalla. ASI comment: “The risk of further attacks in major Pakistani cities remains very high.”

• It also recommends that a wary eye is kept on Thailand because concerns about new incidents of violence remain.

• Australia has announced that new regulations will be implemented at the country’s airports requiring all travellers to declare any pornographic material they are carrying.

• Industrial action is a concern in the UK where discontent continues to simmer after strikes

by British Airways cabin crews.

• Morocco is removing foreigners from the country for alleged Christian evangelising activity.

ASI says: “Diplomatic tensions with the US have increased recently following Morocco’s refusal to abide by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act.” • Yemen is a source of concern after two US tourists were kidnapped near Sanaa.

• Ethiopia has continued risks of post-election violence.

• Nigeria has suffered religious unrest.

• Togo has suffered kidnapping and ASI says there are heightened political tensions and ongoing economic problems.

• Mexico requires caution with travellers advised to avoid Mexican Federal Highway 15 between Hermosillo and Nogales.

ASI says that security issues rarely affect individuals or organisations in some destinations but others have low-level security issues. These locations have an extremely low rate of violent crime, suffer from sporadic crime, or even regular or rampant crime. “It always pays to analyse and check the risks whatever the destination,” it adds.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

have had large amounts of cash stolen from aircraft that were thought to be in secure airports. This kind of thing can and does happen.”

Luckshmanan says the key is to understand the security risks of each airport that the private or charter aircraft will be using. “Universal can supply its clients with detailed information about each airport and then let them make their decision on whether to hire security for their aircraft. It is important to take a number of issues into consideration such as the amount of lighting in the area the aircraft will be parked, the quality of the fencing surrounding the airport, the airport’s policy on who can enter the parking area. We have the information to provide a recommendation to clients on all of these issues and can provide additional resources to ensure clients have all the information they need.”

Simon Wagstaff, founder and md of the Asian headquartered ASA Group, says that local knowledge and language skills help ensure that clients do not get into trouble at hotspots. ASA started out by providing security services in the Far East in countries including Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. It has broadened its sphere of operations to include countries such as Japan and Korea and is diversifying its private aviation services.

Wagstaff says: “We recently had a client who wanted to ski in Japan. He needed a bodyguard who spoke English and Japanese and was a top skier. We provided what he needed.

ASA gets all kinds of requests and these include those with exceptional requirements such as a bi-lingual skiing instructor with first-class security qualifications.

“There are numerous scenarios ranging from the ordinary to the very unusual and much might depend on whether the client is travelling alone on business or incorporating a holiday with his family. Generally, however, for many people it is largely a question of applying common sense and adhering to simple rules. It is always advisable in a foreign country to keep a low profile and not attract any undue attention.

In some cases we might advise the client to use a lower profile airport or a hotel with particularly appropriate security procedures.”

ASA, which has a base in Bangkok, was well-placed to help clients worried by confrontations in the Thai capital. They were given round-theclock emergency telephone numbers to call ASA if they needed help.

Wagstaff points out that, although headquartered in the Far East, ASA operates worldwide with its core operational focus stretching from Turkey in the west to Japan and China in the east. “China is an interesting market with a great deal of potential and it is one that requires a large amount of specialist local knowledge,” Wagstaff says. ASA receives enquiries from as far afield as Los Angeles and New York in the United States with Europe another source of business. “There is a natural fit between travel and security,” Wagstaff explains.

ASA, which is launching a managed aircraft division, advises clients to protect their assets as well as their person. “There are some airports where we recommend security measures that are in addition to those provided by the airport,” says Wagstaff. “It is obviously worth ensuring that a multi-million dollar private jet is protected from damage and any intrusions that might affect the client. ASA employs its own personnel but there are obviously situations where local expertise and manpower is also required. In those instances we use firms we know and trust and also employ our own

JUNE 2010 13

I N D U S T R Y

N E W S . . .

Sri Luckshmanan: protect the aircraft at all times.

personnel to check and ensure on the spot that the security is at all times to the standards we require.”

Security contracts ASA will, of course, ensure that its managed fleet benefits from its security expertise. “The first two managed aircraft in the fleet will be a Global Express XRS and a Learjet. We are also looking at developing provision of full FBO services in locations that will complement our private aviation and security services.”

Wagstaff says that 2009 was tough but that business has picked up in 2010. ASA opened a new office in Singapore in January and has won a two-year security contract there.

Charter operators, especially those with a global remit, frequently review security concerns. London Executive Aviation (LEA) points out that, under the company’s worldwide AOC, it flies 22 aircraft through seven fleet types of business jet, from the Citation Mustang to the Falcon 900EX. George Galanopoulos, md, says: “Of course, we consider all passengers to be vips and we take security very seriously at all times.

But if passengers wish or need to make specific security arrangements, they will normally take responsibility for the matter themselves.”

Galanopoulos explains that the passenger’s security team will ordinarily therefore contact LEA’s operations department ahead of the flight and discuss risks and arrangements ‘down route’. He adds: “If we are flying to a particularly highrisk or hostile destination, we will of course take comprehensive care of security for our crews.”

Galanopoulos says: “The aircraft can be thoroughly checked before and during the flight. We can provide engineers on request for very detailed checks. Security seals can be used when the aircraft is parked at an airport that is not secured or at the customer’s request. We can also arrange for private security to guard the aircraft if necessary.”

In terms of costs, Galanopoulos says: “Naturally, a high level of security is provided as part of our service, free of charge. The customer then bears the cost of any specific further arrangements.”

Biological terrorism Companies that provide such arrangements vary from security firms to those who specialise in guarding against specific threats such as biological terrorism. Tri-Air Developments Ltd has launched a new decontamination unit to offer 24/7 security protection for vip, security, customs and other airport building environments from airborne and surface pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Gideon Davenport, ceo, says: “This is to counter the threat of biological terrorism and the spread of pandemic illness, such as H5N1 and H1N1.”

The new air purifier can destroy a wide range of contaminants in minutes, according to its British inventors who cite tests by the UK’s Health Protection Agency. Davenport adds: “The first production unit is a wall-mounted serviced device, Continued on page 14

Hawker Beechcraft is celebrate Hawker 4000 EASA Certification. Pictured from left are Bill Boisture, chairman and ceo; Shawn Vick, evp; Christi Tannahill, vp global customer support; and Sean McGeough, president Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Al Bateen reports rising business

Cessna speeds refurbishments

The newly GCAA-certified Al Bateen executive airport announced at EBACE a 30 per cent increase in aircraft movements in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same period last year.

Cessna is to reduce lead times required for interior refurbishments of classic Citations. Under the new RightNow Interiors programme, Citation Service Centers will stock pre-selected, certified interior design materials, eliminating long-lead times, typically eight to 12 weeks.

Riga FBO to open in July A business aviation hangar has opened at Riga airport in Latvia.

FBO RIGA was created by the Baltic Business Aviation Centre Ltd, Flight Consulting Group and Triangel Ltd. Rick Hooper will head the FBO. He was previously FBO relations manager with NetJets Europe.

The complex also includes a two-storied building with two vip lounges, duty-free shop and bar. It will open for business in July.

ExecuJet grows at Zurich The ExecuJet Aviation Group has taken over a 1,800 sq m business aviation hangar at Zurich Kloten Airport. The company’s Zurich pilot lounge received a full refurbishment in January this year, in time for the 2010 World Economic Forum in Davos with plans for the FBO later this year.

Phenom 300 certified

by EASA Embraer has received type certification for the Phenom 300 from the European Aviation Safety Agency. The aircraft, which accommodates up to ten occupants, can fly at speeds of up to 521 mph with a 1,971 nautical mile range.

Lufthansa offers quick change kit Lufthansa Technik is offering a vip cabin quick change kit for Airbus and Boeing narrowbody aircraft.

This new on-demand configuration allows customers who do not want to maintain a vip aircraft permanently to convert a commercial aircraft cabin into a vip interior overnight.

ABJ ‘Air Deck’ dimension marketed BAE Systems and leading UK design consultancy Design Q are marketing new Jet Explorer interiors for the Avro Business Jet (ABJ).

These include high-specification interiors and the ‘Air Deck’ viewing platform (pictured).

EBAA calls for FTL feedback The EBAA has launched a webbased survey on flight time limitations (FTL) whose input will be used to help develop a tailored business aviation regulation for EU pilots. Pilots who wish to participate can go to www.alertsol.com/EBAA/ and complete the questionnaire. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Tailors target business crews UK based Armstrong Aviation Clothing reports strong interest in its range of pilot and crew clothing for business aviation through its web site. Stock includes over 80 different sizes in pilots jackets and over 100 different sizes of matching uniform trousers. The company has ranges for pilots, cabin crew, ground staff and engineers.

Falcon 7X training extended FlightSafety International is to offer training for the Dassault Falcon 7X at its Dallas/Fort Worth Learning Center from January 2011.

Ocean Sky claims fastest growth Ocean Sky is opening up to ten jet centres in Spain and Italy, some before summer, as part of a rapid expansion across Europe this year.

The first of six Spanish centres will be in Ibiza, Valencia and Mahon (Menorca) with another three to be announced shortly.

The jet centres take over existing facilities, including offices, owned by Aviation Handling Assistance, AHA, which has been bought by Ocean Sky. In Italy, Ocean Sky has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire a controlling stake in Euroaloa, a wellestablished fixed base operator at Bologna. This will be the springboard to three further jet centres across the country.

Ocean Sky has also bought Open Sky Italy, an existing commercial aviation company, to facilitate charter, brokerage and management activity and to help consolidate its Italian operations. “This will be our base for business in Italy, which we regard as a key country for our growth,” the company says.

Bombardier appoints Swiss New Jet International has been appointed as Bombardier Business Aircraft’s exclusive sales representative for a number of Swiss territories. The company has represented Bombardier products in Italy and Monaco for nearly fifteen years.

Patriot acquires Coventry Patriot Aerospace has acquired Coventry airport with the aim of creating ‘a vibrant, commercial regional hub’ for general aviation, including leisure, business and freight, with passenger flights among possible future plans. A full air traffic service will be maintained.

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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

14 JUNE 2010

Continued from page 13

measuring 600 x 300 x 280 mm. It can decontaminate and protect a space of from 250m3 up to 450m3. A smaller product suitable for areas up to 50m3, such as within an office, will be available later this year.”

Tri-Air is currently seeking distribution partners. Davenport says: “The technology is an airpurification, rather than a filtration process, patented in 38 jurisdictions around the world. The unit uniquely combines three separate methods of decontamination – non-thermal plasma, ultraviolet catalysis and hydroxyl radical production. This

Simon Wagstaff: round-the-clock contact.

creates a fresh air environment that is lethal to viruses and bacteria, including ’flu viruses and MRSA, and continually decontaminates by a process of ‘advanced oxidation’.”

He points out: “Airports and other transit areas are, by their very nature,

particularly vulnerable to the threat of viruses and bacteria: when contamination occurs, travellers and other customers will stop flying in and business ceases, at least until the threat clears.”

Due diligence For charter operators and passengers, though, much it is a question of whether extra security is need to ensure personal and aircraft safety. ASI says its guards are selected with extreme due diligence and must follow strict orders when guarding aircraft.

“Guards are properly uniformed and must adhere to high standards.

ASI’s intelligence department also reviews the security conditions of international airports. Through the intelligence department, airport security briefings are available to assist clients in making their security decisions,” the company says.

ASI’s Burdette says there is no doubt that charter operators in particular, and business aviation in general, are increasingly aware of their obligations and are acting to improve their security posture.

However he warns: “While they are under the obligation to continually vet their own procedures, it is also incumbent upon passengers to ensure that their privacy and personal information are kept secure, particularly when using charter aircraft.”

He advises: “Ask questions and plan ahead. You’ll be glad you did.”

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The Bel Air Aviation team raise a smile despite the cancellation of all flights offshore from Denmark due to volcanic ash cloud.

Charter operators hope for more measured official response to volcanic ash fall-outs Aviation authorities in Europe are trying to improve the appropriateness and efficiency of their responses following the eruption of complaints in the wake of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud fallouts (EBAN May 2010).

EASA reports intensive work with aircraft and engine manufacturers to establish appropriate measures to ensure aircraft remain airworthy when flown in airspace with low levels of contamination from volcanic ash. “There are currently no ‘volcanic ash’ certification specifications and the agency is collaborating with ICAO to establish new standards,” it says. Airbus was among manufacturers to welcome a unified industry agreement on acceptable tolerance levels for flight operations after data available from tests was analysed. Eurocontrol says it is time to move towards a harmonised European approach that permits flights but only where safety is not compromised.

But Travelport president and ceo Jeff Clarke wants to develop a US-EU taskforce on global emergency communications. “While the impetus for Travelport’s recommendation was the spring 2009 outbreak of the H1N1 virus, the confusion over travel and trade advisories and bans brought about by the spread of the volcanic ash cloud over Europe emphasises the need for an official mechanism to coordinate crisis communications and decision making,” he says.

Charter operators and brokers are used to responding when scheduled airlines fail customers but were initially held back by a ‘one size fits all’ response that grounded private as well as scheduled aircraft. However, the private aviation sector is able to play to its strengths once ‘no fly’ bans were lifted.

DC Aviation successfully positioned business jets at airports such as Salzburg and Marseilles and made use of available, unobstructed flight corridors. “We were able to bring a large number of business travellers back home, as well as transport a number of them to their business meetings on routes such as SalzburgDubai and Montpelier-New York,” the company says.

Flight bookings have, however, been inhibited by the fear factor. Capt Christof Ramputh, flight operations manager of Europ-Star Aircraft GmbH, reported many clients reluctant to fly outward, fearing further eruptions and resultant airspace closures might possibly strand them. But he adds:

Bernhard Fragner: opportunities and setbacks at the same time.

“Undoubtedly we expect to see a certain segment of traveller avail themselves of the convenience and flexibility of private aircraft travel as a result of the disruptions of the volcano, which profoundly hampered scheduled commercial operations.”

London Executive Aviation (LEA) chief executive Patrick MargetsonRushmore says there was a welcome rise in bookings and enquiries as corporate and private customers tried to circumvent airline backlogs.

Bernhard Fragner of Globe Air says: “The volcanic ash cloud was a real mess and a disaster but definitely also an opportunity. Many people organised alternatives themselves using a substitute such as the car or train but we were still able to help many others.”

Dan Rusu of MJet GmbH points out: “Obviously there have been significant business opportunities, but there is not much you can do in force majeure conditions, especially when these are valid for such a large area. The damage that can be caused by the volcanic ash to the engine fan blades, external sensors and generally to the airframe represent a risk which cannot be taken, therefore we understand the safety concerns of the involved authorities.”

Seawings Seaplane arranged tours of Dubai for stranded tourists while Ray Mills, operations director Private Sky, reports that the volcanic ash problems presented a major opportunity to companies with an ability to react quickly when airspace reopened.

Konstantin Novikov, head of sales and marketing of Aero Charter Airlines, says it was an opportunity and a problem. “There were many requests related to stranded passengers who were trying to reach their homes in Ukraine mainly from EU but our CJ3 was stuck in Berlin losing revenue although the scheduled airline backlog then gave us further business opportunities.”

Tanya Molskaya, marketing and communications manager of PrivatAir SA, says there were increased requests for long haul

private flights from people who could not get back to Europe on scheduled services. “We are also transporting people in light aircraft at low altitudes to move them from open commercial airports. Overall, we have received many charter requests, but very few US carriers were prepared to fly into most of Europe and most EU carriers were grounded for several days due to the ash and the 80 per cent reduction in airspace capacity.”

Bel Air Aviation rued the cancellation of all flights offshore from Denmark but did what it could to help clients.

NetJets Europe Mark Wilson recalls: “The cancellation of more than 95,000 commercial flights across Europe over seven days lead to major backlogs at main commercial air hubs. However, NetJets Europe’s scale and ability to access smaller airports, such as Biggin Hill and Farnborough in the UK, got its owners home.”

Charter operators and brokers are refining their response techniques while hoping for a more fact-based and appropriate response from civil aviation authorities.

The damage volcanic ash can cause Volcanic ash comprises highly abrasive particles that may damage aircraft components, particularly forward facing surfaces of external parts and engine components. Airbus advises: “They are made of sharp rock fragments that will easily erode plastic, metal and even glass pieces. In service events show that aircraft may suffer from extensive damage after volcanic ash encounter.”

In some cases a wide variety of parts were removed and replaced after they were sand blasted.

These included windshields, forward cabin windows, navigation and landing lights cover, wing, stabiliser and fin leading edges, engine nose cowls and thrust reversers, and pitot and static probes.

“Ingestion of volcanic ash by engines may cause serious deterioration of engine performance due to erosion of moving parts and/or partial or complete blocking of fuel nozzles,” it warns.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

Oryx Jet and Rizon launch cooperative partnership Oryx Jet has established its operational base at London Biggin Hill. “Our initial managed fleet centres on the Challenger 604 but further aircraft types will be introduced as required,” says Mike Bradly Russell, ceo and major shareholder.

Rizon Jet plans to provide maintenance and technical support on the managed Challengers. “Oryx’s arrival at Biggin Hill complements the activities of Rizon Jet, which will offer a one-stop suite of services to business aviation,” says its ceo Patrick Enz. “In autumn last year Mike Bradly Russell was introduced to Rizon Jet’s management and the synergy between senior management was apparent from the outset,” he explains.

Bradly Russell adds: “Our clients will have access to a brand new and luxurious Rizon FBO facility, which they will enjoy using.”

JUNE 2010 15

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Prayer rooms Rizon Jet, which is based also in the Middle East, is expecting completion of its new 130,000 sq m hangar and FBO/vip terminal facility at London Biggin Hill. Enz says: “The terminal is being designed to cater for an international clientele mainly from Europe and the Middle East. The ground floor level will feature five open seating areas and the mezzanine floor will offer enclosed lounge areas with two private lounges for clients as well as a crew lounge with work stations and a dedicated rest area. Separate prayer rooms for male and female are also being built.”

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I knowledge of trend monitoring and diagnostic experience.

I significant computer literacy and the flexibility to work on a rota to support a 24/7 operation

Rizon Jet’s London Biggin Hill hangar.

800B

2010 model, 0 hours. Premium passenger door, weather radar, 2nd Mode S transponder, electronic Jeppesen charts, TCAS 1, ADF, ELT/NAV, cockpit flood lights.

Contact: Mark James. Tel: +44 (0) 1246 868 902 Global Brands.

Email: mark@globalbrands.co.uk

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT

Challenger 604

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

Rizon Jet ceo Patrick Enz, Oryx Jet ceo Mike Bradly Russell and Jackie Nikolajsen, gm Rizon Jet, Biggin Hill, celebrate ‘one-stop-shop’ plans.

Phenom 100

Further details are available on the Jet-Care website at www.jet-care.com Please apply with CV, quoting previous salary, to joansmith@jet-care.com OR by post to: Joan Smith, Jet-Care, Palace Gate, Odiham, Hampshire, RG29 1NP, UK.

ASO has worldwide for sale listings of business jets and turbo-props that will meet every mission profile. With thousands of listings, ASO.com is the most up to date and comprehensive online marketplace for pre-owned business aircraft. With powerful search capabilities, customized aircraft email alerts and enhanced buying tools, ASO is the best place to find your next aircraft. Spend less time searching and more time choosing the business aircraft that’s right for you.

Buyers use ASO For more information call +1-732-704-9561 or visit us at www.aso.com

A

THE HAWKER 750.

30% MORE SPACIOUS CABIN.

TALLER, WIDER, LONGER THAN CITATION XLS+

21% FASTER. 30% MORE SPACIOUS. BUILT WITH EUROPE IN MIND. 1

The Hawker 750—the midsize jet at a light-mid price—makes a strong case for business, especially today. It delivers superior speed, longer range, a 30% more spacious cabin and greater payload capacity than the Cessna Citation XLS+, all with comparable Direct Operating Costs.2 Experts also agree that the Hawker 750 is the right-size solution for your missions, offering smart businesses unmatched value described by Jetadvisors.com as “the midsized aircraft with the superlight price tag.” Plus, you can enjoy access to the world’s largest factory-owned service network, available 24/7/365.

Learn more. In Europe, Africa & the Middle East: +44 (0)1244 523803 / Asia-Pacific: +852.3756.3755 or visit HawkerBeechcraft.com/Hawker

1. “21% FASTER” BASED ON LONG-RANGE CRUISE, 35,000 FEET. 2. OPERATING COSTS CALCULATED USING HBC SUPPORT PLUS+ PROGRAM AND CESSNA PRO PARTS AND POWER ADVANTAGE PROGRAMS. MAINTENANCE MAN HOURS DERIVED FROM CONKLIN DEDECKER AIRCRAFT COST EVALUATOR (FALL 2009). CONSULT WITH A HAWKER BEECHCRAFT SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION. RESTRICTIONS APPLY. ©2010 HAWKER BEECHCRAFT CORPORATION. HAWKER AND BEECHCRAFT ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF HAWKER BEECHCRAFT CORPORATION.