E U R O P E A N
BUSINESS AIR NEWS ISSUE 210
DECEMBER 2010
Janez seeks to build air taxi service
Legislators warned that ‘grey market’ poses serious risk Four senior aviation figures – Marwan Khalek of Gama Aviation, Aoife O’Sullivan of aviation law firm Gates and Partners, David Macdonald of Air Partner and Anne Seckington of the UK BBGA – have formed a panel to tackle the controversial subject of illegal operations and how serious the grey market has become. The panel points out that any operator of aircraft offered for public transport must possess an AOC, and be approved by the relevant aviation authority to carry paying passengers. Khalek says: “An apparent increase in the number of illegal charters is causing concern to the professional operators within the industry. We are happy to compete on an even playing field, but in many cases we are clearly not.” It appears the increase in operators flying illegally is partly driven, says Macdonald, by the difficult current economic conditions. “Owners see an opportunity to make some money to cover costs, passengers see a discounted charter available, but the gap between the benefits and consequences are wide,” he argued. “The implications are serious,” says O’Sullivan, “many aircraft owners and charter passengers are simply unaware of the consequences.” An AOC holder takes all of the operational risk of public transport and is responsible if something goes wrong. For private owners who allow their aircraft to be used for illegal public charter, that risk, and therefore liability, remains with them. Stakeholder liability is a crucial, but misunderstood, issue. Should an illegal charter incident occur it is possible insurance cover would be denied as the owner would be operating in contravention of insurance policy conditions, leaving them to foot the bill. For aircraft owners, financial contracts are likely to include a clause stating the aircraft is not to be used for public transport. Financiers can recall financing or associated security if the owner is found to be in breach of the clause. The panel concluded that there is also a worrying trend in Europe Continued on page 4
Europe’s first R66 pilot is impressed
page 3
Lonesome Doves reunite page 4 Lord Sugar sweetens business journeys with Legacy page 5 Synergy bases King Air in Malta for dedicated air ambulance work
page 8
For details of how to enter, see page 3. For details of how to enter, see page 3.
Veteran operator sees signs of recovery Omni President and ceo José Miguel Da Costa, whose company recently acquired a Challenger 300, reports that the business tide may have turned in favour of operators partly thanks to major events such as the football World Cup and the coming demand generated by the Olympics. Full details in the regional review of Portugal on page 9.
Slovenia’s Janez let doo, which is developing a low-cost Eastern Europe air taxi service, is looking for another aircraft with similar capabilities to the Cessna C340. The company’s Matej Cerar says: “In the last year we have acquired a C340, and we also manage a variety of light aircraft.” Cerar says that Janez gives priority to acquiring aircraft with high safety ratios, low operating costs, flying capability in bad weather, cabin comfort and relative ease for compliance with regulations. “Due to the specific nature of the work we do, which revolves mostly around single pilot operations, we train and recruit pilots through our flight training organisation. We fly around 1,500 flight hours a year and we hope to increase air taxi operations to 500 hours per aircraft per year for the C340 in particular.” He adds: “The mix of our fleet is 30 per cent new and 70 per cent preowned which has served us in good stead since launch. “In 1997 we started with a corporate flight department that was launched as an independent company in 2005. The company’s income has increased by 20 per cent each year. We now want to develop a truly low cost air taxi service that will attract increasing numbers of people through building a reputation for safe and convenient travel.” Development of the Cessna 340 began in 1969. It had a pressurised fuselage which, at release, made it the only pressurised six-seat twin from a major manufacturer apart from the Beechcraft Duke.
Formula 1 champion lines up a Global 5000 to replace Challenger 300 Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda, through NL Holding GmbH, has ordered a Global 5000. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery at the beginning of 2012, will be the first Global 5000 to be delivered with the new Global Vision flight deck. “I recently had the opportunity to fly the Global 5000 jet and was extremely impressed with the aircraft’s performance and handling characteristics,” said Lauda, president of FlyNiki. “I am extremely excited to be the first operator to own a Global 5000 jet with this type of flight deck and I can’t wait to fly it. “Until then, I will continue to fly and travel in my Challenger 300 which still impresses me on every occasion.” Lauda, three times Formula 1
The Global 5000 offers comfort and range according to Niki Lauda.
world champion, has a long history in aviation and is the majority shareholder of the Austrian airline FlyNiki. The Challenger 300 jet is operated as his private aircraft, and he frequently uses it to travel to Formula 1 races around the world
from his home base in Austria. He says the Global 5000 combines superior transatlantic speed with an very spacious cabin and features high-speed internet connectivity, extremely good entertainment options, a heads-up flight display system, and one of the largest fields-of-view of any business aircraft. The range of 5,200 nm, Lauda adds, will enable him to fly nonstop to destinations worldwide, including Grand Prix venues, and connect from Vienna to New York or Vienna to Tokyo with three crew and eight passengers. Bob Horner, svp sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft, says: “Niki Lauda is a long-time Bombardier customer and vocal promoter of the Challenger 300
he currently operates. It has been a great year for the Global aircraft programme. Even in a difficult economy, we continue to see strong interest.” Lauda was born in Vienna and became a racing driver despite family disapproval. He started out in a Mini, moving into Formula Vee and then quickly progressing to driving private Porsche and Chevron sports cars. Lauda paid his way into the March team as a Formula 2 driver in 1971, where promotion to the F1 team rapidly followed. Lauda got into the BRM team in 1973 but his big break came in 1974 when Ferrari signed him. His racing career continued until 1985. Niki Luftfahrt GmbH was founded in 2003.
SPECIAL FOCUSES
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
DECEMBER 2010 3
Business aviation must win the critical battle for slots The German Business Aviation Association is stepping up its campaign to win a fair number of guaranteed airport slots for business aviation in Europe. It will be a difficult battle against the odds and the outcome is uncertain. The enemy is the EURegulation 95/93 which regulates slot allocation. This 95/93 is applicable at “coordinated airports” and therefore is in force at destinations which our business aviation community needs to fly to. We have to admit that the GBAA in Germany, other national associations and the EBAA, are up against strong, vested interests. The airlines are powerful lobbyists and they are themselves fighting for a greater share of slots. However, their approach is not really fair and, if acceded to, will hamper the development of trade and business in the European Union. The airlines do not like business aviation: it may be that their feelings
even run to hate some of the time. This is because the airlines think the business aviation community wastes valuable space at runways and in the air. However, the airlines’ arguments are emotive rather than rational. It is clear that a private jet flying a chairman of the board abroad on urgent business must be deserving of a slot because of the potential benefits for the economy. Sometimes such a flight has more merit than a low cost airline package deal bound for El Arenal, the “runway of beer” as it is known, in Palma de Mallorca. Ours is a rational position but it is a question of getting the authorities to listen to us. Slots are the cause of problems that bedevil the business aviation community every day. A private charter operator, for instance, might try to get a slot at Frankfurt airport for a 0730Zdeparture and a slot at Heathrow for a corresponding 0910Z-arrival. “Ha, ha, ha,” responds the coordinator for Frankfurt and “Ho, ho, ho” says the
EDITORIAL COMMENT
coordinator for London Heathrow. Together they state: “You might get a departure at 1405 and an arrival at 1125 – if at all. Our client, the chairman of ‘International Business Earners,’ says: “What is going on here? Why do I pay a lot of money to fly promptly and directly from
Frankfurt to Heathrow and end with a messy and uncertain timetable that jeopardises an important business deal?” The chairman is right. It is a mess. There are limits everywhere and the capacities are filled with scheduled carriers. According to the 95/93 enemy there is no space for business aviation at all. So something has to be done. Business aviation is an important segment of worldwide aviation and it should be assigned an equal share of the slots at coordinated airports. The GBAA wants specific rules in place that will help achieve this goal. Business aviation also has to overcome ill-informed decisionmaking. The restrictions imposed on it are often not only unfair but also unnecessary and unjustified. There is no need to withhold slots that are related to shortcomings in the passenger terminal which business aviation aircraft do not use. Business aviation should not be blamed if
apron space is scarce for the scheduled carriers especially if it actually uses a separate apron at the GAT. Where increasing movements is the problem, the focus should be on how the runways are operated. Business aviation is flexible and, if the possibilities to cater to the flights of small jets are looked at fairly and impartially, there will be scope for manoeuvre. Business aviation helps promote the prosperity that, even in poor economic times, enables growing numbers of people to enjoy scheduled trips abroad. It deserves to have a realistic number of movements set aside for it. We will fight for this sensible approach with commitment and passion. The outcome of any battle is always uncertain but this is one campaign that the business community must win. By Hans-Henning Romberg, GBAA ceo
GNAAS brings second AS365 N2 into service The UK’s Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has launched the second of two AS365 N2s. Both will be managed and crewed by Yorkshire’s Multiflight whose md Steve Borrowdale says: “The two new helicopters will be a great asset to the valuable service that the charity provides.” GNAAS ceo Grahame Pickering says: “For the first time in the charity’s history it has decided to purchase its own helicopters rather than leasing them, which in the long term will be more cost-efficient.” He says GNAAS will benefit from upgraded engines giving greater speed and endurance.
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Sean Brown is enthused by the R66.
Europe’s first R66 pilot is impressed after being put through his paces Sean Brown, Heli Air’s md, who will bring into service the first R66 in the UK and Europe, has become only the fifth pilot in the world to be put through his paces on the helicopter at Robinson Torrance in the United States. He concludes: “What a machine. I have over 15,000 hours flying everything from an R22 to a 747 and this beats them all! For the private owner you will never have had such huge safety margins in power, ease of operation, speed and passenger comfort in a helicopter before.” Brown adds: “For the flying school operator you have all you could dream for in a training and self-fly hire helicopter. No more will your instructors feel the need to creep around low level for fear of an engine failure in the hover. No more will students feel robbed as the instructors are all over the controls in limiting manoeuvres. The margins are so large in terms of handling and inertia that I can see all instructors feeling happy
The R66: huge safety margins.
to let the students actually flare and land in an engine off.” He says: “With the engine monitoring unit the days of guessing who wrecked your engine are a thing of the past: check the EMU on power on and the evidence is there for all to see. That said, the useful payload is so good that rarely will a student ever get near any limiting factors.” Brown advises commercial operators: “You have a helicopter that makes economical sense. Operationally, this is a comfortable five-seater with plenty of baggage
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room and a sensible cruise speed. Additionally, with fixed costs and the fact it will do the 2,000 hours to overhaul, you can actually feel confident when quoting for work as you have a good idea of your actual costs. Gone are the days of working out costs based on component times to half life inspections then having a shock that the component is scrap at half life!” Brown’s overall conclusion is that you cannot judge what a helicopter is like until you have actually experienced what it can do. “I have been known to describe the R66 as an R44 on steroids; I cannot believe how wrong I was.” The R66 is a five-seat turbinepowered helicopter with a two-blade teetering rotor system. It should be certified by the end of 2010, with customer deliveries in 2011. EBAN plans to document Sean Brown’s experience in EBAN February and there are further details on www.heliair.com
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
4 DECEMBER 2010
Legislators warned ‘grey market’ poses serious risk Continued from front page
towards criminalisation of aircraft accidents, so in a worst case scenario the private owner could end up in jail as the onus sits with them to prove they have shown due care at all levels as the aircraft operator. Passengers are increasingly requesting dry lease agreements to get round the AOC requirement. But the panel points out that what they often don’t realise is that under dry lease terms, they in effect become the operator and are responsible for all compliance and liability. Debate has centered on what the industry can do, and it was agreed that the panel represented a positive step towards raising awareness. The EBAA is preparing a campaign with the launch of a flyer which is being distributed to brokers, FBOs, airports and other interested parties. The leaflet which asks “Is my flight legal?” suggests passengers ask “is the aircraft on an AOC?”, “is it possible to see the insurance documents”, and “can I see the permit to fly?” in order to protect themselves. A number of European countries have signed up to the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft programme which sees ramp inspections made by member states assume a common format. Practically, this means for example if a German registered aircraft lands in the UK, local authorities can carry out checks. However, resources, as with most associations, remain an issue, and as yet the magnitude of the issue is not perceived to be that significant. Khalek says: “We are getting frustrated as we don’t want to wait
Hangar8 valued at £9.5 million by AIM placing Hangar8 plc has achieved its target of raising £2 million by way of placement on AIM, the London stock exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies (EBAN November 2010). Dustin Dryden, ceo says: “The placing of 1,333,334 new ordinary shares represents 21.05 per cent of the enlarged share capital of the company at admission. The market capitalisation of the company at the placing price of £1.50 per ordinary share is £9.5 million.” He adds: “We are pursuing plans to grow Hangar8 into the largest charter operator in Europe, Middle East, Russia and Africa.”
Nigel Payne, non-executive chairman, with Dustin Dryden, founder and ceo.
The panel discussing the problem of illegal operators. Clockwise from top left: Marwan Khalek, David Macdonald, Anne Seckington and Aoife O’Sullivan are warning that the ‘grey market’ could lead to an unfortunate accident where criminal charges could result.
until an accident happens for the serious implications of the grey market to receive the attention it would. We are a professional and well regulated industry, yet it may
need a case going to court for any real awareness to be achieved. While there is a lack of understanding from consumers and providers, and regulators are under resourced, all
we can do is continue to highlight the considerable risks and liabilities corporations and business travellers face if they do fly with a nonAOC operator.”
Hangar8 is understood to be adding new aircraft to its fleet. Dryden says: “The very fragmented charter market is growing, with business aircraft traffic forecast to grow by five per cent per annum from 2011. Hangar8 is perfectly positioned to take full advantage to act as a consolidator of smaller operations. We are looking forward to meeting the challenges of our next phase of growth.”
ÖAMTC reaches 100,000 flight hour milestone Austria’s ÖAMTC air ambulance services has chalked up more than 100,000 flight hours with the EC135 (pictured). ÖAMTC, which has a 28strong fleet, carries out about 15,000 operations each year. Alexander Wolf and Reinhard Kraxner, joint ceos, say that ÖAMTC recently flew its 200,000th mission with an EC135.
Wolf adds: “An EMS helicopter can be deployed to almost any location in Austria within 15 minutes, greatly improving chances of survival.” ÖAMTC acquired its first EMS helicopter, an AS355F named Christophorus 1, in 1983. Over the years the company added an additional 21 helicopters.
Single-source GSE Celebrating a unique reunion are (left to right) Barrie Prescott, ceo Conciair Ltd, with Dove pilots Capt Mark O’Neill and Capt Jos Rankin.
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Lonesome Doves are reunited at Goodwood Revival In a rare get-together, the world’s three remaining Doves were all present at the Goodwood Revival, the historic racing event held in the UK. Barrie Prescott, ceo Conciair, says: “Our Dove was previously owned by Mayfair before she became part of the Conciair Heritage Group based at Goodwood. The other two visiting aircraft were from Germany, one
private and one AOC. As well as her role in air charter our Dove has found a market in war battleground tours to northern France and operates currently twice a week on day trips.” He adds: “These are truly unique pictures of the last three DH Doves flying anywhere today.” Conciair’s principal aircraft is the Beechcraft Baron 58 series (EBAN August 2010).
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
DECEMBER 2010 5
Lord Sugar sweetens business journeys with a Legacy 650 British entrepreneur Lord Alan Sugar has taken delivery of the newlycertificated Legacy 650. The aircraft was piloted by Kevin McGrath from Embraer’s facilities in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, to its new home at London Stansted. The aircraft will be managed by Titan Airways Executive and maintained by Inflite. Lord Sugar, who previously used a Legacy 600, says: “The 650 has a considerably longer range, it’s fast, it has a very generous hold accessible from the cabin and is ideal for the 300 hours or so of business flying I do every year. I looked at several aircraft types, but this was the one that fully mirrored my needs.” He explains that the jet is configured with 13 comfortable leather seats, boasts an elegant and airy yet functional interior with three distinct cabin zones, stowable tables, a spacious galley and
Lord Sugar and Alastair Kiernan (right) celebrate the new arrival.
large washroom facilities. Sugar adds: “It also features
Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband system for high-speed internet in-flight and a
Esperia chooses AW119Ke to diversify fleet Esperia Aviation Services is working to develop the overall marketplace as well as increasing the appeal of its fleet by bringing into service two new AW119Ke to complement four Grands. Marco Rosati, ceo, says: “This sixstrong fleet will allow us to expand our operations and improve the variety of our offering already at the highest level of service in the helicopter market.” He says the AW119Ke was chosen because of its safety and comfort and “real excellence” in the sky. Rosati says: “If provides air conditioning, leather seats, Bose headset system, and an extraordinary performance and high standard of reliability.” Esperia is working with two major brokers, Air Dynamic and Helijet, to promote the AW119Ke with a strong focus on tourism. One helicopter will serve the centre and north of Italy and Tuscany in particular, and the other one the south and islands with a major focus on Sicily. Rosati says the entrepreneurs behind Esperia wanted to market helicopters as vehicles designed to solve issues linked to punctuality and distance. “Our portfolio includes the most important Italian companies and, due to its strategic presence in Rome Urbe and Milan Linate airports, it is able to guarantee a fast connection with the two city centres as well as a unique coverage of the entire Italian territory.”
great in-flight entertainment system.” Alastair Kiernan, Titan Airways executive commercial director, says: “We’ll bring this aircraft into third party charter service from early December and it will offer clients non-stop, long range flights with a very high level of comfort.” The aircraft, he says, has a maximum range of 3,900 nm and an impressive cruise speed of 500 mph. Kiernan says important nonstop city pairings include London to New York; Dubai to London or Singapore; São Paulo to Miami; and Singapore to Sydney. “The Legacy 650 performs outstandingly in both hot and/or high destinations thanks to the High Altitude Landing and Takeoff (HALTO) capability for operations out of airports at elevations up to 13,800 feet.This means it can fly into and out of London City and Cannes-Mandelieu.”
Prague-headquartered ABS Jets plans to further expand its fleet after it has completed new hangar facilities. Vladimír Peták, ceo says: “The new 6,000 square metre facilities will triple the company’s currently available hangar capacity and satisfy increasing demand.” The company currently has 11 aircraft having added one a year. Peták says: “In the next two to three years, after the hangar is built, we want to enlarge our fleet faster and continue moving along the same trajectory over the next 10 years in order to obtain optimal synergies between operations and services.” ABS executives recently broke ground to start construction of the new hangar which should be ready for operation by September 2011.
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
6 DECEMBER 2010
SPECIAL FOCUS – MEBA SHOW PREVIEW
European charter operators give priority to building quality business in the wider Middle East region Fly Comlux and Ocean Sky are among international charter operators and private aviation support companies building and expanding their operations in the Arab Gulf region as MEBA takes place at Dubai’s Airport Expo. MEBA 2010 is billed as an ideal platform to initiate business relationships in the Middle East but many also see bases in the UAE and elsewhere in the Gulf as critical to the overall development of services. This includes building business in Africa and facilitating access to the growing markets of Russia, India and China while complementing often well-established European and American operations. MEBA’s organiser F&E Aerospace predicts there will be more than 7,000 show visitors this year and points out that $1.5bn worth of deals were announced at the last MEBA in 2008 when 78 aircraft worth $1.6bn were on the dedicated static park and 250 exhibitors from 30 countries attended.
Comlux is basing an ACJ and an A318 Elite in Bahrain.
“We are on target for a growth rate of 40 per cent this year over the last show,” Alison Weller, md, says. Manufacturers showcasing their
Cessna Citation Authorised Sales Representative
aircraft and services this year include Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna and Hawker Beechcraft. Aviation companies represented include Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Dubai World Central-Aviation City, Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet, Saudi Arabia’s MAZ Aviation, Lebanon’s Executive
T R A INING
P L A NNING
Airport Services (EAS), Jordan’s Arab Wings and JetEx Flight Support. Fly Comlux, the operational vip charter division of the Comlux Group, will also display an ACJ which is part of its 11-strong fleet registered under a Maltese AOC that also spans the Challenger 605, Global Express XRS and Global 5000. Comlux will be promoting both
its dedicated Middle East fleet and what it has achieved in Malta at MEBA. “For more than two years we have been working extremely well with the Maltese civil aviation authorities and the industrial community of Malta. With a growing fleet, we have developed our teams in Malta, taking care of flight and ground operations, maintenance and finance,” Giovanni Corrieri, md of Comlux Malta, says. He adds: “On the Airbus fleet, we have been granted ETOPS 180 min which allows us shorter routings on our transatlantic flights. We also have been approved Cat3a auto land allowing us to land with our vip Airbus aircraft, irrespective of the weather and visibility conditions existing at any destination. This advantage, unique to Comlux, confirms our commitment to always offer the best quality of service to our vip passengers.” Comlux is expanding its Middle East-based services from a hub in Bahrain offering a portfolio of aircraft management and vip charter services in the region. “Comlux Middle East has a dedicated fleet of vip aircraft available for charter in the region including an A318 Elite with full vip
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configuration offering a large comfortable lounge, dining room, and a luxurious private area at the back,” says Richard Gaona, group president. “The dedicated fleet also offers an ACJ with a private bedroom with its own shower, a spacious lounge and an entourage area at the back with 12 first class seats. Both aircraft can accommodate up to 19 vip passengers offering to each of them ultimate comfort on board and outstanding baggage space in the cargo hold.” Gaona confirms: “Early 2011, a brand new A320 Prestige will join the Comlux Middle East fleet. The aircraft will feature a very stylish and modern cabin arrangement, with the latest connectivity systems such as GSM on board.” He adds: “Bahrain is an excellent location to service the business aviation market in the whole Middle East. Its modern aviation infrastructures will allow us to develop further in the future. “With our fleet based in Bahrain, we are more reactive on the charter market demand: it will allow our local customers to charter our vip aircraft with no positioning costs, hence creating competitive charter solutions for all the Middle East region. Presently, we are focusing on further expansion of our managed vip fleet in the region and we wish to add at least two more aircraft by the end of next year.”
Next phase Ocean Sky, meanwhile, is signaling the next phase in its growth with the opening of a representative office in Dubai. Steve Grimes, ceo, says: “The new office will serve as a base for Ocean Sky’s expansion in the Middle East over the next several years. Initially, the Dubai operation will focus on providing air charter and aircraft management services,
DECEMBER 2010 7
High-end attraction
Neil Backhouse predicts Ocean Sky will fly high in the Middle East.
but we anticipate expanding into further areas, such as aircraft acquisition and sales and FBO operations.” He adds: “The Middle East is a natural fit for Ocean Sky. There is significant and growing demand for private aviation services and our breadth of activities makes us excellently placed to meet a client’s entire needs. We start in Dubai with a strong offering in aircraft charter and management but see exciting opportunities to introduce other elements of our fully-integrated business model.” Ocean Sky’s Dubai office will be headed by Neil Backhouse who joins from ExecuJet Middle East where he was charter sales manager for the company’s managed aircraft fleet. Backhouse originally moved to Dubai
Al Bateen: attracting new business.
in 2001 with Bombardier Skyjet, tasked with introducing the Skyjet brand to the region. He says: “I have almost a decade of experience of the Middle East and will use the insights I have gained both as a broker and an operator to spearhead our growth in the region.” Ocean Sky, which is among exhibitors at MEBA, began as an aircraft broker in 2003, expanding
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into full aircraft service in 2005. “Many Middle East clients know us from using our offices in the UK, the Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Russia to charter aircraft,” Backhouse says. The company manages a fleet that ranges from Airbus aircraft to the Cessna Citation Mustang. F&E Aerospace’s Alison Weller says: “The business aviation industry was not immune to the recent global economic downturn and many companies are now willing to encourage purchasing again by offering aircraft at attractive rates.” Many Middle East clients are attracted to the comforts of high-end private aviation as well as the efficiencies and the top end of the market sector will be well represented at MEBA.
David Crawshaw, ceo of Acropolis which took delivery of its aircraft earlier this year and bases it at Farnborough in the UK (EBAN June 2010), says: “We are delighted with our ACJ.” He is not alone in that assessment. “We are finding that our A318 Elite is increasingly ordered by vips generating more revenue for us which helps our business model a lot, as well as helping us to position ourselves as a top-level service provider,” says Mohammed Al Jaber, ceo of AJA which took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft earlier this year. (EBAN September 2010). DC Aviation ceo Michael Kuhn says: “As a former subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, we already flew a 48-seater ACJ as a transatlantic corporate shuttle at least four times a week. This year we added a further three vvip Airbus aircraft to our charter fleet. They are already highly in demand and we are happy that they fully meet and exceed our customers’ requirements. With more than 30,000 flight hours’ experience we are very pleased with the reliability and comfort of our Airbus.” Omni Aviacao president and ceo Jose-Miguel da Costa says: “We can offer an ACJ with vvip seating for 29 people, which is something you cannot do in traditional business jets. We will soon add a vvip 19-seater Airbus aircraft to our fleet. We offer an unmatched range of high-quality options to our clients,” John Keeble, chairman of Twinjet Aircraft which currently operates an ACJ from Luton in the UK on behalf of the Al Kharafi Group in Kuwait, says: “We were the first in the world to fly an ACJ, as well as the first to offer one for vvip charter, and the first to place a repeat order.” Continued on next page
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
8 DECEMBER 2010
Synergy Aviation bases King Air in Malta for dedicated air ambulance work
Continued from preceding page
Airbus coo customers John Leahy says total sales of ACJs now stand at more than 170 aircraft. MEBA organisers and exhibitors stress that, although the GCC states of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar are important markets, the region is a hub from which to organise and service business in a wider Middle East context in countries ranging from Iraq to Egypt and Libya. A newly authorised Citation Service Centre is being opened in Egypt by Smart Aviation. It is under construction and should open in the first quarter of 2011. Cessna says: “It will be only the second one in the Middle East, after Wallan in Riyadh.�
Middle East hub The focus of private aviation is not confined to the Gulf but is also on its contribution to the wider Middle East economy. Eurocopter is supplying seven AS350 B3s to the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture for crop spraying missions over vast fields of date palm trees which provide a major source of agricultural revenue for the country. Deliveries of the single-engine workhorse aircraft will begin in the first quarter of 2011, with Eurocopter providing training sessions for Iraqi personnel at its facility in South Africa. MEBA will highlight the build-up of facilities that is accompanying the GCC’s growing importance as a hub serving the wider Middle East region and global private charter movements. Al Bateen executive airport, which promotes itself as the Gulf region’s first and only dedicated private aviation airport, reports rising numbers of aircraft movements. The airport can accommodate up to 70 business jets and its capability was highlighted when it received vips, F1 drivers, officials and race enthusiasts from Europe, South America, USA, Africa and Russia who enjoyed the final Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season. Operated and managed by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) Al Bateen points out that arriving clients can step off the aircraft and directly into the executive terminal to be met by a waiting chauffeur car, just metres away on the other side. The company says: “From the moment the client touches down he or she can be in the heart of Abu Dhabi in a matter of a few minutes. Alternatively they could make use of Al Bateen’s spectacular FBO facilities and hospitality en route to their destination.� Al Bateen is 20 minutes’ drive from the Yas Island Marina Formula 1 circuit and just 10 minutes from the Abu Dhabi Corniche, home to some of the best hotels. “We accepted a range of aircraft from all over the
ACJ operators celebrate growing business: Pictured left to right are Brad Bruce and Severine Cosma of Comlux with Francois Chazelle of Airbus and Paul Desgrosseilliers of Deerjet.
world, from light helicopters to Boeing 757s and handled many high profile visitors,� says Steve Jones, gm. “The Ethiad Airways Grand Prix proved a terrific opportunity to showcase Al Bateen executive.� Yousef Al Hammadi, Al Bateen’s deputy gm, says: “The aim is to encourage clients to use Al Bateen as their travel hub of choice based on the comfort and convenience we offer.� Operators based at Al Bateen include Al Jaber Aviation, Falcon Aviation, Prestige Jet and XO Jet. The UAE is also a growing hub for companies, such as JetEx Flight Support, which are developing wideranging global businesses. JetEx is expanding in China, consolidating and developing in the Ukraine and Russia and cementing business in Europe from Paris Le Bourget. JetEx Flight Support, headquartered in Dubai, is undertaking a controlled and coordinated expansion programme of services and representatives. The company says: “The JetEx Beijing office is now the point of contact for clients in China and the Far East. The potential for development is exciting as Chinese mainland enterprises are increasingly ordering aircraft and private jets and helicopters are earning growing acceptance as useful business tools.� Some analysts are predicting a rise of up to 20 to 25 per cent each year in the operation of business jets in China in the next decade. JetEx says: “The actual growth
Comlux’s Richard Gaona in Bahrain.
remains to be seen but there is a rising demand for flight planning and we believe new legislation will benefit those who invest now in providing quality services to the private aviation sector.� The JetEx drive to be on-hand to support its clients in China comes hard on the heels of the rapid development of its network throughout Ukraine and the success of its 24-7 multi-lingual operation at Kiev airport. JetEx ceo Adel Mardini says: “There is a strong JetEx focus on private aviation developments in Russia and we are also responding to growing client demand in the Ukraine. JetEx, however, is a global company that is always improving its worldwide network and will never rest on its laurels. China is going to become ever more
important to our clients so we will be there for them as well.� JetEx Flight Support, he says, wants to keep adding to more than 260 locations around the world and reports a rise in applications to join its agent network. “The company’s excellent name and strong support package for its agents’ means we are dealing with a rising number of enquiries from interested parties. “But however well we are regarded, we never stand still as our philosophy is to always try to improve. So all enquiries that might extend our coverage and client service, are most welcome.� JetEx is one of a number of companies increasing its business profile at MEBA. Air Partner, for instance, has launched what it describes as the most flexible jet card scheme on the market for travel within the Middle East, reflecting a significant improvement in the quality and quantity of private aircraft available for charter in the Middle East over the last 12 months. (See charter broker news page 14). Air Partner and other charter brokers and charter operators have helped mitigate humanitarian disasters in the Caribbean, Americas and Asia. This year’s MEBA is showcasing an industry which contributes not only to economies and jobs but which is also key to helping governments respond quickly to events that threaten lives and well-being.
UK-based Synergy Aviation has based a King Air 200 and flight crew dedicated to air ambulance work at Malta’s Luqa Airport. Synergy md Glen Heavens says: “Configured with a Lifeport stretcher system and five passenger seats, the aircraft is available 24-7 and will primarily serve North Africa.â€? The King Air was quickly booked for a flight to Tripoli to help an oil worker with acute appendicitis. “Having an air ambulance based in Malta and another based in London gives us the flexibility to react quickly to our customers’ requirements throughout Europe and North Africa,â€? says Heavens. “We are eyeing further opportunities in the Mediterranean.â€? In Malta, Synergy is co-operating with Medilink International which serves clients throughout Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean. Prime minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi says Synergy is providing a welcome contribution to Malta’s high level of medical care. Back in the UK Heavens recently made a novel landing on to a polo field in a Piper Warrior trainer to raise money for local charity Children with Special Needs Foundation. Synergy Aviation donated a flying lesson from its flying school, Fairoaks Flight Centre, located near Woking in Surrey, which was raffled after the final of the Smatt’s International Eduardo Moore Polo tournament, raising ÂŁ178.
Synergy Aviation md Capt Glen Heavens (right) with Malta’s prime minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi.
Synergy’s management team topped the total to £250 and the winning ticket went to an amateur pilot. More than 200 guests watched the popular polo fixture at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club event in Windsor.
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
DECEMBER 2010 9
PORTUGAL REGIONAL REVIEW
Portugal is enjoying better times according to business operators.
Operators enjoy upturn in international business to Russia and the Middle East The Omni Group is among major operators in Portugal enjoying better times fuelled by a growing demand for helicopter services and the burgeoning international charter requirements in major markets ranging from Russia and the Middle East to Brazil. President and ceo Capt José Miguel Da Costa reports: “On the executive aviation side, Omni acquired a Challenger 300 for charter mainly to European customers and operated by OMNI Aviação e Tecnologia. We managed to sign a longterm contract with a Russian client right after delivery of the aircraft – therefore the aircraft is now mainly operating to and from Russia. The Challenger 300 is the perfect aircraft for Europe: stand-up cabin, sufficient range for continental flights and good maintenance service coverage.” Da Costa says: “The charter business has recovered from last year’s downturn. Propelled by major events, such as the Winter Olympics and the World Cup, but also by the improvement of the markets, we have managed to achieve satisfactory utilisation of our fleet. Our 48-seater ACJ enabled us to make a good impression on the air cruise sector, operating three cruises to South America, Africa and Asia. In addition we repeated our success of 2008 by deploying two Airbus 310 to India to perform Hajj pilgrim flights to Jeddah and Medina.” Da Costa adds: “At present we have no new aircraft on order, but this might change rapidly. Our policy on the executive aviation side is to mainly order new aircraft. For the even more cost-conscious commercial aviation sector we lease pre-owned aircraft. Helicopters are always ordered new, according to client requirements.
Omni’s EMI subsidiary won two major long-term contracts, operating one Learjet 45 from Lagos in Nigeria and one from Abu Dhabi. “The helicopter market has grown exponentially, and with the regular discovery of new ‘pre-salt oil reserves’ this business will keep its momentum for quite a while,” Da Costa predicts. Omni is also opening a new vip lounge at Lisbon airport operated by its handling company, Groundforce One. Da Costa says: “The inauguration of our new lounge means we can strive to serve even better not only our clients in Lisbon, but also those at our other bases in Faro, Oporto and Cascais.” Groundforce One hopes to profit from the strategic decision to expand the airport allowing more executive aircraft to park in Lisbon. The handling business has been able to grow its market share in the busy market of Algarve, in the south of Portugal.
LSKY meals for vip aircraft.
Da Costa adds: “White Airways has added another A320 to its charter fleet. We also have founded our sixth AOC, Whitejets in Brazil, which is now operating an Airbus A310, and will soon get an A320. Finally, the biggest fleet growth is with our helicopter operator in Brazil, Omni Taxi Aéreo. In 2010 it added 10 new helicopters taking the fleet to a total of 35 aircraft operating for the oil and gas industry in Brazil.” Da Costa says: “Both in Portugal and Brazil we experienced an increasing demand in 2010 and hope the trend will continue next year. The helicopters are
MESA maintains ACJs and several business jets.
contracted to major oil and gas companies in Brazil, flying from different bases to onshore and offshore oil platforms.” Helicopters are chosen according to client need and criteria detailed in requests for tender. Da Costa says: “This is the reason why the helicopter fleet is very heterogeneous. We have also added to models already operated in the airline: the Airbus A310 and A320. This gives us cost savings due to the commonality of the fleet.” Omni gives priority to recruiting from within the group or from students graduating from its flight school, the Omni Aviation Training Center. The company’s Stefan Buschle says: “We also have an efficiently functioning human resources department that constantly scans the market and always has some ‘spare CVs’. Based on requirements, the department checks the profiles of candidates and can quickly contact them. We only work with fulltime employees and do not have any freelance pilots on our payroll.”
Helicopters prove key to development of market The fact that Vinair Aeroserviços SA has taken delivery of the first GrandNew light twin further confirms that the demand for helicopter services is key to much of the success enjoyed by private charter operators in Portugal. Continued on next page
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
10 DECEMBER 2010
PORTUGAL REGIONAL REVIEW
Continued from preceding page
Vinair says: “The next generation of the Grand model will significantly enhance operations. The GrandNew provides a combination of advanced technology, cabin space and comfort, performance, safety and low operating costs and offers a very good flight experience for clients.” The company says the GrandNew is the first type certified light twin to enter service with a new EFIS featuring Synthetic Vision and the first helicopter in this class on the market fully compliant with the latest advanced global positioning systembased navigation requirements for all-weather operations. Vinair provides vip and corporate transport services based on a mixed rotary and fixed wing fleet. “There is a large range of customer transport requirements which revolve around connecting Cascais airport to several destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia,” it says.
Service providers focus on both rotary and fixed wing There may be a major focus on developing the role of the helicopter in private aviation but much of the business of service providers also caters to fixed-wing operators. Catarina Martins, md of BlueHeavenPortugal.com, says it is consolidating business because of the economic recession. It offers chauffeur driven car services in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve ranging from the Mercedes S class to stretch limousines and luxury buses. Ogma – Indústria Aeronautica de
Comprehensive Portuguese data online free-of-charge The 2010/11 EBAN Handbook of Business Aviation in Europe is out now, and gives details of many more Portuguese 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
LSKY is preparing new menus for the high end of the market.
Portugal, has started its first 96Mo Inspection on an Embraer Legacy 600. The company says: “This heavy maintenance event will involve the aft tanks removal for bladder replacement. OGMA has, since 2003, been serving operators of Legacy executive aircraft.” It says the dedicated Ogma executive jets centre offers a onestop-shop. It is also a Rolls-Royce AMC for the AE3007 engines, a field support team provider, and a player in the Embraer executive care programme. Ogma adds: “Within the MRO market, the company offers a complete portfolio of services for commercial, executive and defence
Safeport Executive’s Lisbon FBO has benefited from refurbishment.
aviation, increasing the aircraft availability and ensuring higher reliability standards and shorter downtime periods, which ultimately impacts on lesser costs for the operators. As for the Aerostructures
market, Ogma is nowadays a major supplier of integrated solutions to OEMs and first tier suppliers.” Ogma specialises in executive and commercial Embraer aircraft including the Legacy 600 and the Lineage 1000. There tends to be more helicopter movements than fixed-wing flights in Portugal. Tires airport’s Paulo de Andrade says: “We have each year about 7,000 helicopter movements and 3,000 business aircraft movements.” The airport reports close to 90,000 annual movements mainly related to pilots schools. He adds: “Tires airport is located in an area of great tourist attraction, the Estoril/Cascais
coast, and is situated only 20 kilometres from Lisbon with the advantage of also being near Sintra and Oeiras.” De Andrade adds: “Private and corporate flights enjoy all the facilities they need when coming to the Lisbon region and Tires provides these without all the delays that a major airport such as Lisbon causes to business people to whom time is money.” Inflight catering company LSKY has now introduced new catering menus for business aviation. The company says: “The meals are specially prepared for private, corporate, vip, government and royal aircraft.”
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
DECEMBER 2010 11
SPECIAL FOCUS – TAX-EFFICIENT AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION
Choosing a jurisdiction may be a business and lifestyle choice but service and reputation are priorities The Isle of Man and Malta are among European jurisdictions that highlight the issues and advantages inherent in registering an aircraft offshore. However paradoxical it may seem, it is not inaccurate to state that Malta can claim to be an onshore jurisdiction with offshore advantages. DC Aviation’s Malta-based Stanley Bugeja explains: “Perhaps one of Malta’s biggest advantages is that it is not an offshore jurisdiction but an EU country in the Eurozone area with quasi-offshore advantages. Furthermore Malta is not selling itself as a flag of convenience but a flag of excellence. Malta is banking on its experience in the shipping and yachting industry, where it is one of the most highly respected flags worldwide, and the jurisdiction’s main aim is to emulate these successes in the aviation sector.” Tax efficiency is becoming an increasingly important driver in the owner and operator decision of where to locate (see accompanying article European operators face taxing issues, page 13). The wider issues include the status and reputation of the jurisdiction; the expertise and contacts of its professionals; geographic convenience and the quality of its facilities and associated services. There is also a need to ensure registry requirements enable the staff to meet the owner’s individual needs and that it has the staff and expertise to provide a prompt and cost-effective registration service. Advantages for owners and
Malta: offshore jurisdiction that offers offshore advantages within the EU.
operators are that there is a good range of jurisdictions offering competitive services to choose from but this also ensures that making the right decision is complex. Bugeja says the Maltese aircraft registration act of 2010 is designed to place Malta at the forefront of Europe’s aviation jurisdictions. He lists Malta’s main advantages
QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE
as the provision of: • Good transparency of rights and interests in the aircraft; • Stimulus for the development of finance and operating leases of aircraft; • Clear rules on the tax treatment of the finance charge combined with tax deductions that are available to finance lessors complemented by
capital allowances for lessees; • Broader registration possibilities. There is also an absence of a withholding tax on lease payments where the lessor is not a tax resident of Malta and competitive minimum depreciation periods for aircraft. Bugeja says: “The private use of an aircraft by an individual who is not resident in Malta and is an employee
or officer of an employer or company or partnership whose business activities include the ownership, leasing or operation of aircraft used for international transport does not constitute a taxable fringe benefit.” Malta, he adds, implements the provisions of the Cape Town convention on international interests in mobile equipment and its aircraft protocol. “Effectively this grants secured lenders a higher degree of protection and more effective remedies while allowing lower borrowing costs,” Bugeja says. “Over the past five years, Malta has slowly but surely been registering significant growth in all sectors of the aviation industry. It has attracted the likes of SR Technics and Lufthansa Technics as well as Comlux and DC Aviation. The number of AOCs issued has risen to 14 and we expect a continued increase.” Malta, he points out, is an EASA country held in the highest regard by the FAA and ICAO. “It is a geographically convenient Englishspeaking jurisdiction set on making aviation, and particularly business aviation, feel at home. The government, through the ministry for infrastructure, transportation and communication, Transport Malta, the civil aviation department, and Malta Enterprise, is working together with the Malta Business Aviation Association, to deliver one of the most respected and popular aircraft registration jurisdictions.” Continued on next page
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
12 DECEMBER 2010
Continued from preceding page
Transport Malta, Malta Enterprise and the MBAA are participating for the first time together in MEBA (see show focus on Page 6).
Fast growth The Isle of Man aircraft registry is in its fourth year since its launch on May 1st 2007 and the number of registered aircraft is fast approaching the 300 mark, according to Graham Sowrey, senior administrator, Intertrust Services (IOM). “There was a 63 per cent growth during the third year and the Isle of Man Register is now the fastest growing offshore corporate aircraft register in the world,” he reports. The island’s ‘M’ register was established to provide a high quality alternative for private and corporate jets and twin turbineengine helicopters. Sowrey says: “The expansion of the register has seen the increase of a very professional and enthusiastic team at the aircraft registry together with 14 authorised airworthiness surveyors based throughout the US and Europe.” But he points out that the registration of fixed-wing aircraft under 5,700 kgs is not permitted other than for Isle of Man residents or businesses operating from the island. The Isle of Man says its development of a shipping register and the super yacht management has providing a sound experience and basis for the establishment of an aircraft register. Sowrey says the benefits of using the Isle of Man include: • High regulatory standards, service levels and quality international reputation • Dedicated European-based private and corporate aircraft register • Neutral nationality registration of the prefix ‘M’ • Competitive scheme of charges • Secure mortgage register to provide comfort to any potential lenders • Absence of insurance premium tax as opposed to five per cent in the UK • European time zone • AAA rated jurisdiction and professional infrastructure with experience in aviation finance • Status on the OECD ‘white list’ of countries complying with the global standard for tax cooperation and exchange of information • Clear and simple taxation regime • Stable legal and political environment. Sowrey adds: “The jurisdiction has the capability to provide experts
A chosen registration.
makers can only benefit the Isle of Man when it comes to winning business in competition with other jurisdictions. Indirect benefits to the Isle of Man are harder to quantify but are likely to be more valuable in the long-term. The Isle of Man is probably the most cost effective jurisdiction in the world for corporate and corporate-owned business aircraft.”
Hard choice
Malta is wooing the business aviation community.
in finance, fiscal issues, law and asset ownership and will work closely with clients and advisers in order to fully understand their requirements. Comprehensive aircraft management should include and cover import, legal and safety regulations, finance, insurance, fuel bunkering, maintenance, concierge services and project management, whatever the specification of the aircraft.” He says: “The best professionals understand the pleasure and enjoyment of owning a high value jet. At the same time they appreciate the financial commitment that is made by the client and will optimise the investment and guide the client through all aspects of the ownership experience, easing the burden of any complex issues and, at the same time, create viable financial and management solutions.”
International focus Sowrey points out that it is important for jurisdictions to attract firms with offices around the world that can provide individually-tailored packages for internationallyoriented clients. Douglas-based ICM Aviation Ltd says the Isle of Man is quickly becoming the leading jurisdiction for the registration and ownership of high quality private and corporate owned business jets and turbineengine helicopters. “It is a first class service with no unnecessary bureaucracy and many of those who work at the registry
Registered on the Isle of Man.
have worked with other civil aviation authorities throughout the world and offer a wealth of combined experience,” says Martin Kennaugh, head of aviation. “The success of the registry is down to its speed and efficiency. We know the requirements for applications and their processing and this helps to promote the process for the client.” Unlike other aircraft registries, he says, the Isle of Man’s is not intended to be a profit-making venture for the government. “Its charges only cover its operating costs and it does not impose a requirement that aircraft are owned by Isle of Man companies. Bodies incorporated in the Commonwealth and undertakings formed and managed in European economic area states are all qualified to own Isle of Man registered aircraft. Having said that, an Isle of Man Company makes a perfect aircraft holding vehicle, being tax neutral and cost effective.” Kennaugh observes: “Some owners find the political neutrality of the ‘M’ prefix to be desirable while others enjoy inventing registration marks that are personal to them or
their business. The registry permits the registration of out-of-sequence marks and the transfer of registration marks to future aircraft.” Aircraft, crew licences and maintenance organisations that comply with reputable international standards are generally accepted by the registry without the imposition of further requirements, such as modifying the aircraft or retraining crew. He stresses: “The island is one of the world’s most respected and well regulated international financial centres, providing a stable political and legal environment in which to do business. “It is the only international financial centre with a dedicated business aircraft register that appears on the OECD ‘white list’ of countries complying with the global standard for tax co-operation and exchange of information.” Isle of Man corporate and trust structures, Kennaugh points out, are frequently used by major international organisations for aircraft ownership and financing transactions. ICM Aviation’s sister company, Inter-Continental Management Limited frequently forms and manages structures such as these. “One unexpected benefit of the registry has been its role in creating a favourable impression of the Isle of Man with chairmen and senior executives of multinational companies,” he adds. “Being held in high regard by the corporate decision
Choosing a jurisdiction can be hard and companies such as Switzerland’s AeroEx point out that it is crucial to register the aircraft with the most suitable “offshore” authorities. It warns: “With the new upcoming EASA regulation for commercial and non-commercial air transport operating into and within the EU coming into force in 2012, all registrations performed in different countries will be more difficult. This will decrease the tendency, for example, to register many aircraft in the United States, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Isle of Man in order to act under less bureaucratic oversights.” AeroEx offers counselling and assistance on the choice of the right register as well as training on issues such as third country operators and EASA port organisation requirements. Mark Byrne, a director of ICM Aviation of the Isle of Man and Martyn Fiddler Associates of Stansted airport in the UK says that wealthy individuals will also select aircraft registries that provide lifestyle and business advantages. “We are already heavily involved in the yachting industry providing registration services and holding companies. The Isle of Man is a very good jurisdiction from which to offer the same kind of services for aircraft.” He adds: “It makes sense if people already have yacht assets looked after in the Isle of Man for them to consider locating other assets, such as aircraft, in the same jurisdiction. They will share similar advantages with the advantages of dealing with one set of professionals that they know. It would be a yacht-aircraft one-stop-shop.” Martyn Fiddler is a specialist in VAT and European Union customs regulations. It is owned by ICM which in turn is owned by Inter-Continental Management. ICM will use its expertise in company incorporation and related financial services. Byrne says: “We deal with aircraft ranging from 747s to King Airs but our clients tend not to deal in small aircraft. They rarely deal in aircraft worth less than US$1 million to US$5 million or more. A great many long range aircraft are owned by potential clients.” Simcocks is another company preparing its marketing plan. Phil Games, ceo of Simcocks Advocates and a director of Simcocks Yachts, says: “I have been talking to clients including one who has got three jets within his organisation. A great deal of interest has been expressed and it is just a matter of how many will want to change aircraft jurisdictions and move their aircraft to the Isle of Man. We as a company have scores of people that have shown initial interest.” Katherine Ellis, manager of the Anglo Irish Trust Company based in Douglas, Isle of Man, says: “The commercial yacht register has been a big success. It has established the Isle of Man as a place that gives excellent
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Issues to examine and questions to ask • Does the registr y have an excellent reputation for safety and service? • Is your aircraft compatible with the registr y as currently specified? • Can your pilot’s type rated license be endorsed by the registry without the necessity for training or re-training? • Is the registr y user friendly and led by people who care about aviation? • Can you choose from a wide selection of registration marks to make up your own names or phrases? • Can you transfer your registration mark from aircraft to aircraft? • Is the registr y cost effective to register and maintain? • Does the registr y provide standardised manuals for things like RVSM? • Is your aircraft holding structure compatible with the registry? • Is the registr y in a convenient time zone? customer service from known staff at a local office. That will apply to aircraft registrations. We will be happy to market our range of aircraft services in conjunction with the official launch of the register by the Isle of Man government.” Brian Johnson, director of civil aviation, says the Isle of Man will offer an aircraft registry that combines credibility for technical requirements with flexible and attractive fiscal terms of an international financial centre. That is a combination that all offshore centres aspire to. It is up to owners and operators to ensure that the jurisdiction they pick is suited to their personal requirements.
DECEMBER 2010 13
European operators face taxing issues as UK changes VAT rules on goods and services Jet owners and operators with business activities in Europe face increasingly difficult tax issues from 2011 especially where the UK is an important part of their overall market. The problems bring into stark focus the perceived attractions of buying, selling and operating aircraft from jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man and Malta. Universal Weather & Aviation responded to industry concerns when it introduced two new services – tax minimisation and online fuel tankering analysis. It opened UVair European Fuelling Services Limited in Shannon, Ireland, to help clients calculate VAT on their European fuel purchases, headed by general manager Steve Woods. Woods says the new operation provides a VAT compliant and exempt invoicing service. “We are working with accountancy firms to obtain advice on how our clients can qualify for exemption from these taxes and enjoy the resultant fuel price benefits,” he adds. “The service was launched with a detailed examination of the tax laws of nine European countries and has been expanded from there.” The service enables charter owners and qualifying aircraft to benefit from fuel savings that could be in the region of 20 per cent. However tax issues go beyond savings on fuel and affect the large capital sums inherent in acquiring aircraft for operation in the UK. Graham Brearley, senior manager Grant Thornton UK LLP, explains: “Under the European Union VAT system, it is normally up to the
The choice of location is crucial to minimise tax liabilities.
supplier to decide whether his supply of goods or services is subject to VAT. However, from the beginning of next year the liability of the supply of an aircraft will depend upon the status of the purchaser and the use to which the aircraft will be put. That will not always be clear to the supplier, and it will therefore be necessary for the customer to provide evidence of the intended use of the aircraft by way of a ‘declaration of status’.” Brearley warns. “All purchasers of aircraft will therefore need to take great care in future, as any relief from VAT which was based on an incorrect declaration could result in the imposition of a substantial financial penalty.” Under the current rules, an aircraft weighing in excess of 8,000 kilos can be purchased in the UK VAT free. However from 1 January 2011, unless the aircraft is ‘of a type used by an airline operating for reward chiefly on international routes’, it will no longer
Offshore registrations are taking off.
be entitled to gain relief from the tax. Brearley says: “The new definition must be satisfied irrespective of the size of the aircraft and so it is more likely that private owners in the UK will have to account for VAT when an aircraft is acquired. “However, things will get even worse for private owners because the standard rate of VAT in the UK will increase to 20 per cent just a few days after the new ‘usage’ rule is introduced. The rate change applies from 4 January. The combined effect of these changes means that a fairly modest jet costing £15 million will have a further £3 million added to the purchase price. Where the aircraft
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will not be put to any ‘business use’ for VAT purposes, the tax will have to be borne in full by the private owner. Even where there is some business use, the ‘non business’ element will still leave the owner with a significant additional cost. With such large figures at stake, the forthcoming changes are bound to have a major impact on the sector in the UK.” Brearley says that, while HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published draft guidance on the application of the new rules, it is by no means clear how they will be applied to the general aviation sector. “What is clear though, is that the term ‘airline operating for reward’ – defined in the guidance as ‘an undertaking which provides services for the carriage by air of passengers or cargo’ – should apply to anyone holding an AOC. If the AOC holder also operates chiefly on international routes, it seems that all of his aircraft will be regarded as ‘qualifying’ and so will be eligible for zero-rating. “The draft guidance also confirms that the term ‘operating chiefly on international routes’ means that the extent of the UK operator’s non domestic flights must exceed domestic flights. It is, however, left to the operator to make the apportionment by a fair and reasonable method.” Brearley continues: “Although the turnover derived from international flight operations as a proportion of total turnover from all flights will be a major indicator, other information can be taken into account when making the split. Any method that is Continued on next page
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
14 DECEMBER 2010
Continued from preceding page
used will, however, have to be capable of verification by HMRC.” The guidance recognises that in certain situations, aircraft are not always supplied directly to an airline. “For example, the supply chain may involve an initial transaction to a bank or other intermediary. In circumstances where an aircraft is supplied to a bank or leasing company, the supplier can ‘look through’ the transaction (or series of transactions) and zero-rate his supply of the aircraft. However, that is provided that it is known at the outset that the ultimate supply of the same aircraft by the bank or leasing company to the end user will also qualify for relief.” He points out that aircraft operating in the business jet sector are often owned by a private individual, or at least owned indirectly by an individual through a corporate body.
Malta: building business.
“The aircraft owner will typically enter into an operator’s agreement with an AOC holder, who will in turn operate the aircraft for reward,” Brearley says. “It is not clear from the draft guidance whether, in circumstances where the owner has such an agreement with an AOC holder, the supplier will be able to ‘look through’ his supply to the owner (in the same way that he could with a bank or leasing company). “If the AOC holder operates chiefly on international routes such that a direct supply to it would qualify for zero-rating, it would be inconsistent to treat the supply to an owner in a different way. It is also not clear whether an owner’s private use of an aircraft should be taken into account by the AOC holder when calculating the extent of international versus domestic operations. In my view, such private use by the owner should be ignored because, according to the draft guidance and the proposed wording of the new legislation, it is only the use of the aircraft by the airline that is to be taken into account.” European owners that conduct business in the UK may be able to save millions of pounds by ensuring that their operation and acquisition of aircraft do not fall foul of tax disadvantages.
C H A R T E R
B R O K E R
N E W S . . .
Air Partner launches Middle East JetCard as quality and quantity of aircraft improve Air Partner has launched what it describes as the most flexible jet card scheme on the market for travel within the Middle East. “The new 25 hour Air Partner Middle East JetCard follows last year’s successful introduction of the company’s European and Continental US service area cards to GCCoriginating travellers flying within these continents,” explains Kevin Ducksbury, Dubai-based director of Middle East and Asia. The six GCC countries are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar. Ducksbury says: “Demand from clients worldwide, and the significant improvement in the quality and quantity of private aircraft available for charter in the Middle East over the last 12 months, prompted us to expand our JetCard offering.” The Middle East JetCard is aimed at local business and leisure travellers wishing to fly within their home region. “Many have already purchased one of Air Partner’s other JetCards,” Ducksbury says. “It is also designed for overseas visitors to the Middle East, including European and USA JetCard holders, who need or want to undertake multi-centre trips. “Following the recent formation of a strategic alliance with Bahrainbased MENA Aerospace (EBAN September 2010) the new Middle East JetCard will be promoted in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia by MENA.” He adds: “Elsewhere, Air Partner is in discussion with several other high-profile aviation companies with the aim of forming more marketing partnerships.” The Middle East JetCard promises fixed price aircraft availability guaranteed at 48 hours’ notice. Ducksbury says: “Competitive prices are fully inclusive with no ferry costs and no fuel or airport surcharges. Aircraft cabin upgrades or downgrades are permitted, there are no peak day restrictions, return trips qualify for a 15 per cent discount, unused airtime can be refunded and flight credit never expires.” Outside the GCC, Air Partner’s Middle East service area also encompasses Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Yemen. Additionally, the card includes the special destinations of Tehran and Esfahan in Iran, and Kabul in Afghanistan, for flights to or from the Middle East service area.
Essential reading wherever you are Handbook of Business Aviation in Europe The reference book for fixed wing and rotary business aircraft owners and operators in Europe and the Middle East. www.handbook.aero
Handbook of Business Aviation in Asia Pacific The reference book for fixed wing and rotary business aircraft owners and operators in the Asia Pacific region. www.handbook.aero
Global Business Jet Yearbook The reference book for long range business jet owners and operators worldwide. www.gbjyearbook.com
Middle East JetCard promises good aircraft availability.
Three aircraft cabin sizes are available in the Middle East: midsize jets for up to seven passengers at US$230,000 (US$9,200 an hour), large cabin aircraft for up to 10 people at US$358,750 (US$14,350 an hour) and global jets capable of taking 14 passengers for US$487,500 (US$19,500 an hour). The European JetCard offers these aircraft plus very light, light and super midsize jets.
turnover topping £294 million – and CF says the 2009 figures are set to show further significant growth. Banham says: “We provide private jet and helicopter charter services to a diverse client base including major corporations, governments and heads of state, as well as high net worth individuals and prominent figures from the entertainment world. We have 32 offices in 22 countries worldwide and arrange over 5,000 charters annually. ”
the client can board the aircraft and disembark without any baggage concerns or constraints. They simply get their bus or limousine to the airport, go to the apron and board, leave the aircraft and head for the hotel to find the luggage waiting.”
ProAir’s standing rises in the boxing community
CF strengthens management team Chapman Freeborn Airchartering (CF) has appointed Alex Berry (pictured above) as director of executive aircraft for its worldwide operations with responsibility for expanding the company’s activity in vip and corporate markets. Berry has worked in senior roles with NetJets Europe, Marquis Jett, VistaJet and Bombardier Skyjet International and focused on generating sales across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Darren Banham, group passenger director, says the appointment comes at a time when CF is growing fast. Audited accounts for 2008 report a 33 per cent increase in sales with
Germany’s ProAir boxed clever to fulfil a tall order. The company explains: “We are quite often asked to provide not only small jets but also aircraft with a stand-up cabin. This is being requested more and more for flights over short distances within and outside of Germany. “This factor was all the more important when we welcomed aboard a boxing world champion standing more than two metres tall onboard a Citation jet cabin, height 145 cm, at Stuttgart airport at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning.” ProAir joked: “Solving the problem increased our standing in the sports community.”
‘Baggage free’ trips generate client loyalty Significant client passenger loyalty and business gains have been generated by attention to detail on logistics, according to ProAir. “Our charter specialists and logisticians work hard together to make sure luggage or equipment arrives at the hotel or the event venue on time,” the company says. “We make sure, for instance, that
Private jet division appoints UK manager Simon Wheatley (pictured above) has been chosen by Air Partner to help spearhead the development of its private jets division. Wheatley, newly-appointed the division’s UK manager, joined the company in 1998 as a member of the ServicePlus support team within the commercial jets division. Wheatley says: “I have been involved with the broadest range of charter missions imaginable over the last 12 years ranging from financial road shows, flights for royalty and organ transplant emergencies to product launches for thousands of guests and evacuations from war zones and impending natural disasters. “I look forward to putting all this experience to good use and will focus on our core strengths as a team to drive the company.”
Restful idea boosts Jet-Link’s 7X business Switzerland’s Jet-Link AG reports increased client interest in its Falcon 7X – thanks to a modification that gives an extra divan for sleep or rest. Roland Kalmus, director ground operation and sales, says: “The Falcon 7X, with its BMW-designed interior, was very popular anyway but the aircraft was delivered from Dassault with one single seat and one
divan in the rear compartment. The feedback from our clients was that this was not totally convenient for them, especially on long haul flights when rest was the priority. “We therefore decided to modify the single seat to a second divan. The 7X now has two divans in the rear compartment giving a total of six beds for sleeping and 12 passenger
seats compared to the previous five beds and 11 passengers. It is just more restful and the upgrade has increased client satisfaction even more than we expected.” Kalmus adds: “We took the opportunity to refurbish the rear cabin and the new configuration has certainly generated additional interest in the marketplace.”
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
DECEMBER 2010 15
SPECIAL FOCUS – VERY LIGHT JETS
Operators develop home markets after grand pan-European designs fly into reality check Grand designs for pan-European VLJ operations seem to have been largely superseded by the reality of operators focused on more modest ambitions. These include plans to build outwards from suitable home country markets that rely on around half-a-dozen Mustangs, Phenoms or the revived Eclipse. Operators in Spain, Austria, Germany and the UK are among those who reported signs of slowly increasing demand as delegates at MIU’s fourth annual Light Jets Europe conference at Oxford focused on issues and opportunities such as a shortage of suitable airports and a perceived demand for a short haul business class alternative. Edwin Brenninkmeyer, ceo of Oriens Advisors, suggested that entry level business jets could well become the future business class on short haul flights. He cited Lufthansa, Swiss, Qatar Airways, Delta and British Airways and its newlyannounced partnership with CitationAir in the US as its private jet partner. These initiatives demonstrated that this was “a feasible and growing new trend among the legacy carriers.” This view was supported by Lars Welender from Ventana Aviation, who suggested that passengers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the regular business service. Legacy carriers are looking at serious alternatives to keep their premium passengers loyal. Delegates were told that the competitively-priced new generation of light jets could complement the existing airline carrier offering and dramatically change the lives of business travellers. But Eurocontrol’s Alex Hendriks pointed out that restriction of business growth may rest not in the skies but at the airports. He warned that by 2030 Europe’s existing airports could have a capacity shortfall equivalent to around 6,500 flights per day with as many as 50 per cent of all flights facing delays as a consequence.
of managing and owning aircraft was one path to successful operations, he suggested. This is a view shared by UK businessman Ruchir Gupta who has launched an Eclipse 500 and Mustang share ownership scheme (EBAN October). Gupta says: “The air taxi model is extremely expensive in my opinion due to the excessive start-up costs. I believe that a professionally managed shared ownership programme is needed to pass on the true cost savings of the VLJ.” Certain country markets are proving attractive. Charter operator Jet Ready, which launched this summer (EBAN July 2010) and
Capt Mark Oliver and Maria Briggs, event and training organiser of Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, enjoy space aboard Flair Jet’s Phenom 100 at BGAD.
Assistair Business Aviation Handling are among those to confirm that Spain is a country proving suited to
the development of VLJ operations. Ursula Brzoska confirms that GlobeAir, with business established in
Dan Martin, Sloane Helicopters. Photo by Claire Matches.
James Dillon-Godfray, Oxford airport’s bdm, said many airfields in Europe cannot actually accommodate light jets as their runways are too short for their limited braking systems but, ironically, many of the larger jets can land at these secondary airports. Patrick Margetson-Rushmore, LEA ceo, said operators must recognise that key drivers are not just price, but also airfield availability, hold size, comfort, range, performance and environmental factors. “Understanding client needs is just one part of a complex set of variables that any operator needs to understand if they are to be profitable and scalable,” he said. Glen Heavens, md of Synergy Aviation, said operating costs and pressures for low pricing highlighted the perpetual challenge to building a scalable business. A hybrid model
®
Austria, is considering developing other countries as well. “Spain is definitely in our focus,” she says. “We already do some business and are fully focused on ramping up next spring, in particular around the airports at Palma, Ibiza and Barcelona.” GlobeAir is servicing inbound and outbound services at all three. “There is potential for the service we offer and we see increasing demand in a sector for which the Mustang is specifically designed,” Brzoska adds.
Spanish connections Ignacio Garcia, Jet Ready ceo, points out: “Spain is a good base due to the Continued on next page
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
16 DECEMBER 2010
Continued from preceding page
difficult or non-existent connections from a lot of cities with cities in central Europe. These difficulties mean businessmen have to lose productivity and stay overnight if they attend meetings in the morning in most European cities. Jet Ready wins business by taking them to the city where the meeting is and out as soon as the meeting ends, having them back at home in the same day. The appeal is based on the affordable price of the Eclipse combined with the avoidance of wasting time at airports and hotels.” He adds: “Our clients are mostly businessmen travelling around Europe and northern Africa. We have our FBO in Valencia and are opening a base in Madrid and later on in Barcelona. After that we will start opening bases outside Spain.” Garcia reports a good response to what is billed as Europe’s first air taxi operation based on the Eclipse 500. “We met our targets in the summer and there is a very good response to
PrivateFly’s Carol Cork and Flairjet’s Danielle Stoney praise new VLJ spaciousness.
our second aircraft based in Valencia. Our clients up to now are around 80 per cent businessman and the rest
leisure. When we started operations we contacted most national and international charter brokers. There
is a good interest in our services. Every day we receive several requests for quotations from them and up to
now approaching 70 per cent of our flights have been booked through a charter broker.” Catherine Gaisenband, ceo of Assistair Group, confirms: “We are beginning to see a start to VLJ charters in Spain. In fact in one week we handled six separate flights from a Spanish-based VLJ operator. We are also seeing some activity from Mustangs but less as yet from Phenoms. VLJ charter is still quite new for Spain but it is definitely starting to happen.” She adds: “Mustangs and Phenoms are suited to private charter in Spain because of their cost effectiveness. At the moment the economy is still challenging but these types of aircraft are often more cost effective than the regular jets.” Increasing VLJ activity is welcomed. Assistair Business Aviation Handling, the FBO division of the Mallorca-based aviation company, reports that business across its five FBOs of Palma, Ibiza, Barcelona, Valencia and Gerona has seen an increase in activity of 10 per cent compared with the same period in 2009. “While the economic climate in Spain and Europe generally is still very difficult, we have seen an increase year on year,” Gaisenband says. “It has been a very challenging 12 months with a challenging start to the year, but we have seen growth from a variety of sectors including private clients, which now form about 12 per cent of overall handling. We are noticing that corporate business is also slowly developing again having come to a standstill in 2009. We handle commercial flights into Palma too and this has seen positive development with new clients arriving from France and Eastern Europe.” Assistair had one of their busiest weekends this year at Valencia, when the F1 European Grand Prix took place in the summer. Over a four-day period the company handled some 30 aircraft, including private and corporate jets, with passengers varying from vips and celebrities through to those actively involved in the F1 event.
Edwin Brenninkmeyer: genuine need for VLJs in the marketplace.
Oriens Advisors’ Brenninkmeyer says: “The existing hub-and-spoke system calls for most flights to pass through Barcelona or Madrid which predicates a significant potential for the air taxi model. Following the General Franco years there is a high concentration of airports that can be further developed to support the infrastructure required to develop the light jet model for which there is a growing requirement.” He points out that Spain has been particularly affected by the global economic crisis but says some Spanish banks are showing signs of recovery which will aid financial support for new infrastructure and a steady return to private and commercial business aviation. It is early days and there are no operators with a sufficient operating history of VLJ operations in Spain to
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
DECEMBER 2010 17
David Fletcher, ceo of Flairjet, based at Oxford says: “The Phenom 100 is proving very popular with yacht owners in the Mediterranean area. The summer was hugely successful with increasing activity from the leisure and business sectors. We find more and more of our clients wanting to organise business meetings during the week and then take their families away on the Phenom to weekend retreats or, increasingly, to their yachts in places such as Cannes, Nice, Olbia and Figari. We are looking forward to the winter season with most ski destinations catered for.” He adds: “The increased speed and range of our first Phenom 300 will open up new markets for FlairJet and the additional seating capacity will increase our ability to compete with other business jets in the light jet sector of the market.” Operators in different countries stress a varied range of appeal. Blink, based in the UK and operating seven Mustangs, sees potential in the event and pleasure trip sector. It is promoting trips such as lunch in the walled old city of St. Malo at Le Chalut seafood restaurant; the Belgian 27-29 August Grand Prix against the backdrop of the forests of the Ardennes and the Palio di Siena Italian horse race.
Blink expansion slows but international Mustang vision remains intact
Catherine Gaisenband: VlJ charters picking up.
confirm a long-term market. However Brenninkmeyer points out: “The fact that JetReady is now operating demonstrates a genuine need within the business fraternity.”
Empty leg returns LEA’s Margetson-Rushmore says: “Perhaps there was a time when people hoped to achieve point-topoint pricing with VLJs – in other words, they assumed that the aircraft would always be flying on with a paying passenger, without the cost of empty leg return sectors. But, at LEA, we really see VLJs as entry-level jets rather than as parts of an air taxi model. “The reality is that although we can describe VLJs as being available at a ‘lower’ price than conventional business jets, the price can still not be called ‘low’. VLJs are fairly expensive to buy and to finance. Crew training costs nearly as much on a VLJ as it does on a larger aircraft. And organising a four-sector VLJ flight around Europe, for example, requires much the same personnel as flying any other business jet.” He continues: “When you factor in every expense, the charter price for VLJs is inevitably not going to be an insignificant amount of money. “To achieve what I would call a ‘low’ charter price for a VLJ, you
Peter Leiman, md and co-founder, says Blink remains committed to building a pan-European Mustang based operation. “With seven Mustangs currently in operation we can see the efficiencies that come from scale. Over the past two years of revenue operation, we have proven many aspects of our original business plan such as high asset utilisation, leveraging of technology, and lowering of fixed costs.” He adds: “In 2010, we slowed our originally planned capacity growth but remain committed to fleet expansion. We will recommence aircraft deliveries later this year and continue with further fleet expansion next year. A smaller business model is not the way to go but in the growth stage, prudent decisions need to be made which will ensure a long term future.” Blink now operates from three year-round bases in London, Geneva and the Channel Islands and seasonal bases in the south of France, the Balearic Islands, and Sardinia. “This ensures we have a strong footprint in which to cover pan-European travel needs,” Leiman says. Blink is not focused on the event would need each aircraft to be flying for around 4.5 hours every day, amounting to over 1,000 hours each year. Such figures are not viable for short range aircraft. Usage of 500-600 hours a year is more realistic.” Margetson-Rushmore firmly believes in an optimistic future for well-managed business jet charter operators, with VLJs playing an
Blink: sticking with Pan-European vision.
and pleasure trip sector in particular. “It is one vertical within an overall sales and marketing strategy. Overall, we have created products that appeal to a wide variety of audiences from frequent travellers to once-a-year travellers to those that have never flown privately before. Averaged across the year, 70 per cent of our users are business travellers who are taking either day trips or multi-city return trips. “While we experience seasonal variation with an increase in leisure demand during the summer, the important role. He believes the Phenom 100 will prove a valuable addition to LEA’s charter fleet. “We may also begin operating the Phenom 300 by early 2011. Light jets and VLJs could really start to thrive in the post-recessionary world when the business aviation market recovers but people remain very cost-conscious. VLJs are lowering the price of entry-
business traveller remains our core client base.” Leiman says Blink has experienced a strong rebound in traffic throughout 2010 from the lows of 2009. “Underpinned by strong contract demand and loyal repeat customers, we remain optimistically hopeful that the recovery will continue in the second half of 2010 and into 2011. Having consolidated our business in 2010, we believe we are well positioned to benefit from a period sustained demand going forward,” he says.
Streamlined operations Germany’s AirCab says its focus on streamlining operations on the ground, rather than flying faster, saves client time. It operates short, direct routes, generally between 300 and 1,000 kilometers, especially where airlines are virtually absent. “Efficiency, high load factor and price are key. If you think that you can go one hour without food or drinks, then AirCab is for you.” A major VLJ focus might be on developing country markets but there
level business aviation, which is naturally attracting new people.” With bases at seven airports (London City, Stapleford, Biggin Hill, Farnborough, Luton, Stansted and Oxford), LEA currently operates seven Mustangs, within an overall fleet covering the spectrum of business aviation needs up to the transatlantic Dassault Falcon 900EX.
Continued on next page
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Exhibitor list updated 22 November 2010 ABS Jets | ACC AvServ | Access Flight Support FZE | Air Link International | Air Service Basel GmbH | Airchef Holdings LLC | ASE Handling | Alaska Aerofuel - PAFA | ALPAR AG | ALTO General Aviation Services GmbH | Ambassador Jet Center | Argos Vip Private Handling S.r.l. | Astra Aviation Services | AviOne | AVISA Aviation Safety Systems Ltd | Avjet Routing | Baia Mare Airport | Bangor International Airport | Blackbushe Airport Limited | Blackpool International | British Business and General Aviation Association | Conciair Ltd | Cotswolds Airport | DC Aviation Limited | Ecclesa Aviation | Enniskillen Airport | Enterprise Jet Center | Equity Aviation Services (T) Ltd | Euro Ops International | EVA International | Evo Jet Services | Excel Handling sp. z.o.o. | ExecuJet Aviation Group | ExecuJet UK Ltd | Executive Aircraft Services | Exeter Airport | First Class Cars | Flughafen Bern-Belp | Fly Aviation Services | Gander International Airport Authority | GBS Designs Ltd | GDN Airport Services SP Zoo | GGR Group | Global Fuel Ehf | Grafair Jet Center | Granitize Aviation EU. Ltd | Hadid International Services | Hadid International Services | Hadid International Services | Hadley Executive Chauffeurs | Hadley Executive Chauffeurs | Harrods Aviation | Hayward Aviation Limited | IAM Jet Centres of the Caribbean | Inflite The Jet Center | Jet Assist | Jet Services | Jet Support | Jordanian Airports for Development & Services (JADS) | London Biggin Hill Airport Ltd. | London Oxford Airport | MoonJet Flight Support | Morristown Municipal Airport | MS4 Aircraft Management Group Ltd | Munich-Executive (Oberpfaffenhofen) Airport | Ocean Sky Jet Centre Ltd | Port City Air | Rheinland Air Service GmbH | Robin Hood Airport | Royalblue Executive Services | Shannon Airport | Signature Flight Support Corporation | Sky Aviation Services | Skylink Services, Ltd | TAG Farnborough Airport | Ultimate Jet & Helicopter Magazine | United Aviation Services - HDQ | Vienna Aircraft Handling | VIP Aviation | Vipport | Westair Aviation Ltd | Weston Aviation | World Fuel Services | Yarmouth International Airport Corporation | Zela Aviation Ltd | Aeroport Lyon Bron
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
18 DECEMBER 2010
Continued from preceding page
is also profit mileage in developing niches and differentials. Flairjet says it has received a good response from clients who have been made aware that it offers the first “wide aisle” Phenom 100.
Delegates at the MIU light jet conference.
Flairjet first officer Danielle Stoney and PrivateFly’s Carol Cork say that the roominess of the Phenom 100 has to be seen to be appreciated. Stoney adds: “Many clients are pleasantly surprised by the space and the competitive price. It is proving very popular for leisure trips to destinations such as Nice and Cannes.” Cork says that the price for chartering VLJs such as the Phenom are competitive for business and leisure travellers but that it is a question of managing expectations with regard to what must be charged. “There is a basic cost for four people to travel from, say, northern Europe to Majorca,” she says. “I think it has very much turned out to be the case,
perhaps because of market conditions, that successful VLJ operator fleets are generally around a compact half-dozen and that they have strong home markets. That is likely to continue to be the case in general at least for as long as the global economic recession affects business levels.” The issues begin with pricing. Oliver Stone of Business Air International suggests that the market is still pretty volatile in terms of light jet pricing although he says the Phenom 100 and Mustang have undoubtedly become the two hottest sellers in the market. The future buyer will be influenced by new technology and design, good range and good value, he predicts. Aoife O’Sullivan of Gates & Partners says banks are still reticent to finance individual aircraft without recourse to personal assets. Generally lenders must know there is solid financial backing behind the purchaser, she says. Owners and operators have proved resilient in developing niches, cost-effective business models and strong home country bases as they seek to maximise revenues in difficult business conditions. While there are major challenges to come, such as overcoming airport restrictions, aircraft including the Phenom and Mustang have become an established part of the ever more diverse business jet offering.
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Biggin Hill wins recognition for business growth
Armstrong Aviation Clothing (AAC) supplied pilots uniforms for UK pop band McFly (pictured) when they recently played a secret gig at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. The band also switched on the Christmas lights at the terminal. AAC, who supply many uniforms for business aviation companies, were delighted to have been asked to do this special assignment. “Actually, we only provided the male uniforms,” AAC’s Neil Wright told EBAN , “but we were delighted to see the band entering into the spirit of things.” AAC have also supplied a sheepskin flying jacket to be won by a lucky voter in the EBAN FBO survey. To have your chance of winning, check the carrier sheet that accompanies every copy of EBAN to vote, or log in to you personal page on the EBAN web site.
Biggin Hill airport won the Best Business Aviation Airport award at this year’s AOA annual conference. For this award, judging was carried out independently by members of the BBGA whose ceo Guy Lachlan says: “The judges were impressed with the achievements at Biggin Hill in attracting a number of new topflight businesses .”
PremiAir’s Forrest receives BHA award
Gama Aviation has won the Baltic Air Charter Association’s (BACA) Excellence Award for best general aviation operator for the third consecutive year. Paul Cremer, commercial manager, collected the award from sports presenter and broadcaster John Inverdale at the annual BACA Awards luncheon at London’s Guildhall. TAG Farnborough airport, Gama’s UK base, was awarded the title of best airport 2010 also for the third year in a row. Gama Group company Airops was also celebrating as several winners use Airops software to manage their operations in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Pictured above (from left) are: Adam Neaves, commercial executive, Gama Aviation; Elaine Turner, events and marketing manager, TAG Farnborough; Paul Cremer, commercial manager, Gama; Daniel Tee, md Airops and Tom Wells, commercial manager, Gama.
PremiAir’s group operations director Christopher Forrest has received The Eric Brown Award from the British Helicopter Association in recognition of his contribution to the UK helicopter industry. Forrest originally learned to fly helicopters in the Army while on a four-year attachment with the Army Air Corps. He holds an ATPL (H)/IR and has accumulated more than 6,500 hours on various types of helicopter undertaking charter, management, HEMS and Police Air Support duties.
C90 King Airs top 2,000 Hawker Beechcraft has rolled out the 2,000th Beechcraft King Air C90. The milestone aircraft, a King Air C90GTx, is scheduled for customer delivery later this year. The first 90 series entered into service more than 45 years ago and represents a significant portion of the entire King Air production of more than 6,500 aircraft.
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Private jets offered fare from Harrods restaurant Ladurée UK, which provides luxurious macaroons and French cuisine from London’s Harrods and Burlington Arcade, has launched an in-flight catering service dedicated to private jets. “The company has put in place a highly experienced team to deliver a cuisine selection ranging from canapés, starters and main courses to fine patisserie,” it says. “There will be a large menu selection that is produced in the Ladurée Harrods restaurant.”
Business jet inventory falls The used aircraft inventory has fallen about three per cent in the past 12 months and aircraft operators are reporting a continued increase in revenue hours over the same period, reports the International Bureau of Aviation. But the sale of both new and used aircraft is still sluggish, it adds.
AMAC receives first 777200 LR for vvip completion AMAC Aerospace Switzerland has received a brand new Boeing 777200 LR, purposely built for vvip conversion, after a 10-hour flight from the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington. The completion work on the aircraft has already started and the aircraft is planned to be delivered to AMAC’s client in the Middle East during 2012.
Hat trick for Gama Aviation at BACA awards
Universal announces new EU-ETS service offering Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. will begin offering European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EUETS) reporting services in time for operators to comply with the 31 March 2011 deadline to submit verified 2010 emissions data. Universal has chosen CICS Inc as its preferred partner for verification services. In Dublin, Universal has relocated into a newly refurbished facility and has acquired dedicated fuel trucks to further increase the speed and ease of fuelling requests. “The new facility has several benefits for clients, including a secure private car parking area for exclusive use by clients and employees,” the company says.
Cessna expects growth in worldwide sales International demand will make an important contribution to the business jet market’s gradual recovery and account for an increased proportion of future sales, according to Trevor Esling, Cessna’s vp for international sales. “Cessna expects that increased customer demand will first become apparent in certain international markets, and that regions such as Eastern Europe and Russia, Latin America and the Middle East will become more significant markets alongside the United States and European Union,” he said.
Paolucci steps up as Whyte retires Roger Whyte (pictured) svp, sales and marketing, will retire at the end of the year after 28 years with Cessna. His replacement is Mark Paolucci, currently svp customer service, and Brad Thress, currently vp product support, will take Paolucci’s place.
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
DECEMBER 2010 19
Marketplace Contact Mark Ranger on: +44 (0)1279 714509 mark@ebanmagazine.com
Aircraft for sale Special packages are available for advertising aircraft for sale in EBAN and on our web site (www.ebanmagazine.com).
direct access door to large baggage compartment, P&W 306B engines on ESP Gold, ER-Tanks, max. range 2,000 nm, APU Honeywell on MSP, Avionics Honeywell Primus 2000, 5 CRT, two owners since new, always hangared, n.d.h., Jörn Deistler, Germania Executive Aviation. Tel: +49 4881 936693. Web: www.germania-executive.com. Email: eurojets@germania-executive.com
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Challenger 604 2003, S/N 5562, registered Isle of Man and UK-based. 1,582 hours and one owner since new, never chartered. Fresh inspections. 10-passenger beige interior. Large washroom. Engines on GE OnPoint. SatCom. Triple IRS. Offered for immediate sale with/without turn-key management. Gary Palin, Air Fleet Operations Limited. Tel: +44 1293 517151. Mobile +44 7986 168790. Web: www.airfleetops.com.
CESSNA
new. FalconCare-maintained. Fresh engine MPIs. 12-passenger cream interior. SatCom. Triple FMS. Offered for immediate sale with/without turn-key management. Gary Palin, Air Fleet Operations Limited. Tel: +44 1293 517151. Mobile +44 7986 168790. Web: www.airfleetops.com.
DORNIER
TAWS, Stormscope and many more options, Reduced price. Winair Germany. Tel: +49 6332 97200. Web: www.winair.eu. Email: sales@winair.eu
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PIPER
400XP 2007, 1,116 Hrs, 723 landings, 7 pax, P&W engines JT15D-5/-5R, CAMP maintained. 8.33 KHz, RVSM, CVR. Range 1,565 nm. Major maintenance accomplished in September 2010 B Check. Arabian Jets. Email for price at yhafiz@arabianjets.com
PIAGGIO
G-IVSP 2002, 7,112.3 hrs, 2,701 landings, 14 pax, Rolls Royce Tay 611-8, CMP maintained, 8.33 KHz, RVSM, CVR, FDR Range 4,220 nm. Major accomplished in June 2010, ASC 469 complied with. Arabian Jets. Email for price at yhafiz@arabianjets.com
P180 Avanti 2001, Only 1,150 hours total, in Europe since new, JAR-OPS, HF-Radio, TCAS,
PA-31P-425HP Navajo Lycoming TIGO-541EA1 L/R SMOH: 15H. New paint Nov. 2008. Altimatic V AP/FD. Garmin GNS 430. Garmin Transponder GTX 327+330. New Tyres. KX-165 w/GS NAV/COM. KING KTR-900 VHF (COM-2). King ADF w/RMI. Narco DME 890. Intercom. Bendix Color w/Radar. AeroMedical STC stretcher with Oxygen and external slide ramp. Extra 28V plug for 220V installation. Orange Aviation Ltd. Tel: +972 8 923 5751. Web: www.or-av.com. Email: zvi@eaavip.com
For the latest job opportunities, see:
www.ebanmagazine.com/mag_jobs.html 328JET “Envoy 3” ER
2001, HB-AEU, MSN 3199, TSN 1,911, CSN 1,527, EASA, JAR-OPS 1, 8 VIP Seats in double club configuration, 6 airline seats, all beige leather, Airshow 400, DVD player, Sat-Phone, Selcal, large galley fwd, toilet and wardrobe aft,
G-V 1998, 1,898 Hrs, 905 landings, 18 pax, Rolls Royce BR700-710A1-10, CMP maintained, 8.33 KHz, RVSM, CVR, FDR. Range 5,800 nm. Next maintenance A & C checks 31st July 2011. Arabian Jets. Email for price at yhafiz@arabianjets.com
Career opportunities Job advertisements can be placed at a cost of UK£50 per single column centimetre, the minimum depth being five centimetres. Job opportunity advertisements are also included on the EBAN web site free-of-charge.
Do you want to join one of the largest private jet operators in Europe? Hangar8 are looking to recruit Sales Executives to be based in our UK office.
CitationJet 525 1999, S/N 525-0358; 2,959 TT; 5 passenger executive interior; on ProParts and Williams International TAP Elite. Make Offer. Contact: John Keeble, Twinjet Aircraft Sales (UK) Ltd. Tel: + 44 (0) 1582 733615. Web: www.twinjet.co.uk. Email: jk@twinjetsales.com
A very competitive remuneration package is available for the right person. For more details please see http://www.hangar8.co.uk/ contact-us/job-vacancies, or send your CV with covering letter to Miles.Bailey@hangar8.co.uk
DASSAULT
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Falcon 900EX EASy 2006, S/N 0159, registered UK. Full EASA OPS1. 2,600 hours and one owner since
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Beechcraft KING AIR / WHY I FLY
For Per and Lars Thrane, King Airs are a part of the family.
THE BEECHCRAFT KING AIR FAMILY: INSPIRING CONFIDENCE LIKE NO OTHER AIRCRAFT Per and Lars Thrane believe in Beechcraft. The brothers have owned quite a few over the years, and they have confidence in the King Air’s ability to perform with greater comfort and more advanced technology compared to some larger, less efficient jet aircraft. Lars operates a broadband-enabled King Air B200GT when on business for Thrane & Thrane, a leader in global satellite communications. Per recently retired as a partner with Thrane & Thrane, but his flying needs continue to expand. Whether visiting northern shipyards for business or going south to client meetings, Per knows that his environmentally-friendly King Air C90GTi will reliably take him from home in Copenhagen, to anywhere in Europe—without fuel stops—safely and with an ease of control that no light jet can match. Hawker Beechcraft Corporation wish you many happy landings and success as we fly into the New Year. LEARN MORE, VISIT HawkerBeechcraft.com/Beechcraft EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA +44 (0)1244.523.803 ASIA-PACIFIC +852.3756.3755
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