EDITOR AT LARGE Rolland Vincent rvincent@rollandvincent.com
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Elite Wings publishes timely, structured, validated, unbiased, and relevant business aviation intelligence. ELITE WINGS MAGAZINE (ISSN 2816-4040) IS PUBLISHED BY ELITE WINGS MEDIA Inc, MONTREAL, CANADA.
Any information of a technical nature contained in this document may contain inaccuracies and is subject to change and should never be relied upon for operational use
EBACE 2024 exemplified the best in business aviation, where key industry players come together to showcase and celebrate innovation, collaboration and the industry drive to pioneer a sustainable future.
The show was also a great opportunity to detail the industry’s importance as an essential sector and effective partner to policymakers. The show also help sustaining our industry by attracting tomorrow’s talent and forging connections between them and today’s industry mentors.
EBACE 2024 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
EBACE2024 made clear that business aviation is spearheading a surge of innovation that will drive economic growth and enable a future of net-zero flight
EBACE2024 spotlighted some of the world’s most cutting-edge and efficient aircraft, including pistons, turboprops, purpose-built business jets, and corporate helicopters – some newly unveiled, others making their EBACE debut.
Advanced air mobility (AAM) was also featured prominently at EBACE, including an indoor lineup with game-changing electric, hybrid, and hydrogen aircraft. Included among the dozens of aircraft on display at Geneva Airport was be Piper Aircraft’s M700 Fury turboprop single (making its EBACE debut), the Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty business jet, a newly certified Gulfstream G700 (operated by Qatar Executive) and five aircraft from Textron Aviation, including the flagship Cessna Citation Longitude Jet and the Beechcraft King Air 360.
The Dassault Falcon 6X made its first EBACE appearance since receiving Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification.
For the first time, the outdoor aircraft display featured an AAM aircraft, with VoltAero’s Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft making its EBACE debut.
Inside Palexpo, Lilium unveiled for the first time its fullscale jet as part of the manufacturer’s largest EBACE presence to date. The Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft with zero operating emissions, represents a significant advancement in sustainable aviation.
Also inside, the show floor was the first Airbus ACH160 Line corporate helicopter in a Lounge cabin configuration.
Holger Krahmer, Secretary General European Business Aviation Association (EBAA)
EBACE 2024 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Qatar Executive showcased the world’s first Gulfstream G700
Dassault
displays the first in-service Falcon 6X
The Qatar Airways subsidiary was the first customer to receive delivery of Gulfstream’s latest ultra-long-range flagship jet. Qatar Executive is currently the only international operator of G700 on a private charter basis.
“We are proud to enhance our existing fleet of 15 Gulfstream G650ER aircraft to include the pinnacle of business aviation excellence and look forward to seeing our guests on board soon to experience this technologically advanced aircraft” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
The G700 truly represents the future of private air travel, offering a superior flying experience with unrivalled design, technology, comfort and style. The aircraft offers an exceptionally spacious passenger cabin consisting of four individual living areas including a dedicated private rear stateroom with a permanent fixed bed.
The bespoke cabins have been designed and meticulously crafted to meet Qatar Executive’s most discerning customers’ standards. The passenger experience has been augmented to include a revolutionary lighting system, the industry’s lowest cabin pressure altitude and natural lighting through 20 windows.
The G700 also prioritises passengers’ comfort with a whisper-quiet cabin, along with 100 percent fresh air replenished every 2-3 minutes, and an ionizing system for the cabin air providing the highest air quality possible today in a business jet. This ensures they arrive more refreshed than with any other aircraft type.
Qatar Executive expects an additional eight G700’s to be delivered in the near future, with two already delivered and two more due to delivery within weeks. The new G700 fleet will enter full commercial service in June
The recently certified Falcon 6X made its first appearance at EBACE since entering service in November this year. The latest long-range jet from Dassault Aviation features a spacious cabin that is taller and wider than competing aircraft.
“The 6X offers an incomparable passenger experience and impressive reliability for an aircraft that has just entered service” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation.
The 6X on display is the first production aircraft and has been on a world tour since December. Over that time, it has crisscrossed the world, flown more than 500 flight hours, and conducted up to four two-hour demo flights a day. It has exceeded book performance, flying more than 5,500 nm en route from Paris to São Paulo.
EBACE 2024 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
When equipped with the latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite, the Latitude and Longitude will feature an array of new advanced features and technology from Garmin, including Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) shown on the primary flight displays, that couples with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) to support approach minima as low as 150 ft (46 m). SVGS provides a continuous, geospatially correct depiction of the external scene topography, including obstacles, augmented by the display of the runway.
SVT enhancements include a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi® airport environment to aid situational awareness while taxiing.
The Latitude and Longitude can utilize the standard ADS-B In capability for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS).
The new G5000 advanced features are planned to enter service in new Latitude jets beginning in 2025 and new Longitude jets in 2026.
In-Production Purpose-Built Business Jets Static Display
Citation Latitude and Longitude to get avionics enhancements
EBACE 2024 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Alliance Aviation unveiled its newly redesigned Bombardier Global 6000
Operated by Alliance Executive Jets, a subsidiary of the Alliance Aviation Group of Ireland, the ten-year-old super twin jet has undergone a comprehensive makeover, establishing new benchmarks in luxury and innovation within the aviation industry.
One standout feature of the aircraft’s exterior is its bold new livery a striking pearlescent white graphic pattern on a rich, metallic, teal-colored fuselage and winglets. Painted by General Atomics in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, this design is more than just visually stunning, introducing an industry-first QR code. Passengers can scan this code to see which of their trips have been offset with carbon credits, aligning with AllianceJet’s sustainability vision.
Inside, the Bombardier Global 6000 has been meticulously crafted by renowned British yacht designer Andrew Winch of Winch Design. The transformation has turned the long-range jet into a contemporary masterpiece. Light, neutral-colored leathers provide a sleek and elegant foundation, complemented by straight-grain walnut timber and gold almond metal accents that add warmth and richness.
The Aft Lounge bulkhead features bespoke marquetry with colour-tinted burr, while the mid and forward bulkheads are adorned with vertical 3D slatted screens of light wood and mirror, blending privacy and transparency.
The hand-tufted wool carpet, with its wave-like pattern in bright aqua blue, reflects natural textures and ocean colours, transitioning through subtle gradients. This pattern is echoed in the stitching on the leather inlays of the tables, while the wave-like design continues across the upper side walls and ceilings, adding depth and character to the cabin.
The refurbishment project involved meticulous planning and coordination by Alliance Executive Jets to coincide with a 120-month scheduled maintenance inspection and modification with the Satcom Direct Ka Band high-speed broadband internet for passenger and crew use.
This element of the project was undertaken at Bombardier’s facility at London Biggin Hill Airport. This extensive overhaul was a collaborative effort involving the integration of multiple specialists with interior refurbishment production handled by F/List, based in Austria and Berlin, Germany, and the final fit-out completed at Biggin Hill Airport.
Every detail was perfected before the aircraft’s debut under the quality control of the Alliance Executive Jet team supported by Winch Design.
EBACE 2024 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Cessna Citation CJ1+/2+ aircraft registered in Europe can now be upgraded with the advanced functionality of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® integrated avionics system after receiving certification approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
“Clearing this certification hurdle is a major step forward in providing European CJ customers with a solution that not only enhances their aircraft operations but can also extend the life and functionality of an aircraft,” said Nathan Voight, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Avionics at Collins Aerospace. “This milestone underscores Collins’ commitment to supporting the global network of CJ operators with the flight deck technology that makes operations safer, more efficient and predictable each and every flight.”
When entering service in 2005, original Cessna CJ1+ and CJ2+ were delivered with Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 avionics.
Collins Aerospace receives EASA approval for Pro Line Fusion retrofits
Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business has modified a Prince Aviation Cessna 525 Citation Jet with its IRT NX Satellite Communication (SATCOM) system, providing high-speed cabin connectivity through the Iridium Certus® 700 satellite service. EASA certification and design approval was obtained by Q.C.M. Design GmbH with Prince Aviation installing the hardware onto the aircraft, becoming the first customer to retrofit a business jet cabin with the Collins SATCOM solution. Iridium’s network of satellites connect with Collins’ advanced ARINCDirect℠ connectivity services, enabling speeds up to 704 kbps. The comprehensive solution provides users reliable, secure and cost-effective connectivity to browse the internet, make voice calls, text, access email and utilize social media applications.
Collins Aerospace completes industry’s first retrofit of Iridium Certus
Gogo Business Aviation is partnering with ALAMO Engineering Gmbh to develop EASA STCs for the Gogo Galileo HDX antenna for Cessna Citation Latitude midsize jets. This will be the fourth STC for the HDX Gogo Galileo system. Other European STCs include the Cessna Citation 525 series of aircraft, encompassing the CJ1, CJ2, CJ3, and CJ4, and the Embraer Phenom 300 through EASA. Gogo had a CJ1+ available for in-person demos of the Gogo Galileo service at the EBACE static display.
Gogo Business Aviation extending its portfolio of Gogo Galileo EASA STCs
EBACE 2024 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Leonardo strengthens its market position in the single-engine segment with the AW09
Leonardo hosted an AW09 dedicated event at EBACE 2024 where Léman Aviation and Sloane have been appointed official distributors for the next generation AW09 single engine helicopter.
In February of this year Sloane and Leonardo announced a major reinforcement of their collaboration in the UK and Ireland commercial helicopter market, dating back to 1995, with the signing of preliminary sales contracts for nine AW09s.
Headquartered in Switzerland and France with a strong presence in Monaco and the French Riviera, delivering world-class helicopter services at the industry's highest standards, Léman Aviation signed Preliminary Sales Contract for ten AW09s in late 2023. Loenardo also announced a first private end-user customer from France has ordered one aircraft through Léman Aviation for passenger transport duties, becoming the launch customer for the type in the country.
Leonardo also announced that they are in advance talks with Blueberry Aviation, a leading private company that offers a wide array of services to operators, owners, financiers and investors in the fixed wing aircraft and helicopter sectors, to extend their collaboration in Central/Southern Europe to include the AW09 in their portfolio and achieve the distributorship in these regions.
At EBACE, Universal Vulkaan Aviation Pte Limited, appointed as Leonardo’s distributor for the Indian civil helicopter market earlier this year, signed preliminary sales contracts for five AW09s.
Airbus Corporate Helicopters handed over the first ACH160 Line in Lounge cabin configuration
The helicopter on display at EBACE is the first of five ACH160s for Verona-based Air Corporate of Italy and was announced as part of the company’s order for 43 Airbus helicopters at last year’s show. Air Corporate also ordered a further two ACH145 helicopters with ACH Line cabin solution in addition to the previous order. Paolo Serini, CEO of Air Corporate said: “The Lounge configuration is perfect for our customer passengers and we greatly appreciate the opportunity that we had to contribute to Airbus’ design process. The result is a highly practical layout that uses the finest materials, has excellent sound-proofing and is a superb asset for our company.”
The ACH160 now includes two ACH cabin offerings: the ACH Line and the ACH Exclusive. The ACH Line is synonymous with the corporate cabin and is aimed at users who want an interior design that offers the right balance of comfort, ergonomics and functionality. Available across the entire range, from the ACH125 to the ACH175, ACH Line provides a higher level of fit and finish with premium upholstery and more comfort while maintaining optimized performance, including a lower operating empty weight.
EBACE 2024 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Launched in February 2024, the new model is part of the Florida-based manufacturer’s PA46 line of highperformance aircraft.
The Piper M700 Fury is a single-engine, 700-shaft horsepower turboprop.
This new model represents the first step towards a new generation of the M-Class family, outperforming past PA46 models and several competitive aircraft in performance, operational cost efficiencies, and overall value. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, the M700 Fury boasts a maximum cruise speed of 301 ktas with a max range of 1,149 nm / 1,849 km (at max cruise speed, 1,424 nm at normal cruise speed) while maintaining its Basic Med compliant 6,000-pound MGTOW limit. At a 301-knot max cruise speed, the M700 Fury stands alone as the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s enviable 87-year, 134,000-unit production history, and it’s the second fastest model of all time. Only the mighty Piper Cheyenne 400LS turbine twin is faster.
Piper Aircraft’s M700 Fury makes its EBACE debut
Static Display | TurboProps
Daher Aircraft | TBM 960 Pilatus Aircraft | PC-12 NGX
Beechcraft | King Air 360 Piaggio Aerospace | P-180
Lilium unveiled a full-scale Lilium Jet model for the first time at EBACE 2024
The developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) jet and global pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM) unveiled the full-scale Lilium Jet model for the first time at EBACE 2024. This was the first public premiere of the full-scale Lilium Jet model.
The Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, represents a significant leap in sustainable aviation. With its pioneering architecture leveraging the advantages of Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust (DEVT), the Lilium Jet will bring remarkable efficiency and accessibility to regional aviation. Lilium started production of the Lilium Jet in 2023.
The full-scale Lilium Jet model was part of Lilium’s largest presence at EBACE to date and as one of the largest exhibitors at the show.
France’s VoltAero and the Swiss-based SKY2SHARE business-to-business air transport operator joined forces at EBACE to highlight their vision for sustainable regional mobility –combining VoltAero’s electric-hybrid Cassio aircraft with SKY2SHARE’s solution for private business flights that will be truly sustainable. In the static exhibit area, VoltAero showcased its Cassio S testbed aircraft, which has validated the company’s parallel electric-hybrid propulsion system during more than 220 flights, covering more than 15,000 km.
French startup Beyond Aero showcased how business aviation decarbonization can be achieved with hydrogen propulsion. The company is working to bring to market its first business aircraft named One equipped with hydrogen fuel cells. In this architecture, electricity is generated by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only liquid water as a byproduct. The estimated range of One is 800 nm , with a desired speed of 310 KTAS.
EBACE 2024
CLIMBING.
FAST. Toward Net-Zero Through Collaboration, Innovation, and SAF
Chief executives from many of the world’s top business jet manufacturers gathered at EBACE2024 in Geneva, to discuss what the future holds for the sector and what will be the keys to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The industry leaders agree that the most important tools to reaching net zero will be a mix of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), new low-emissions propulsion systems, improved aircraft designs and manufacturing processes and most of all: collaboration.
“There’s not a single company that can take this challenge by itself,” said Chadi Saade, president, Airbus Corporate Jets. “So, it’s a question of collaboration; it’s a question of an ecosystem that we’re trying to build. As a catalyst for this ecosystem, working with partners from all around the industry, including airports,energy producers, engine manufacturers and so on. We need this collaboration for the industry to work all together to reach this target.”
In addition to collaboration, the panel agreed that more emphasis needs to be put on producing and uploading SAF. In addition, they encouraged government regulators to further incentivize the industry on the supply side as well as demand.
Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets, predicted OEMs will likely develop new low-emissions platforms with hybrid electric propulsion systems.
“Then we’ll take the power density up for longer-haul distances that will bring us to the ultimate solution, which will be hydrogen,” Amalfitano said. “That will get us to the 2050 goal of net zero. It’s the combination of SAF and the technological advancements that are happening at the OEM level – and putting that together as a fuel solution – that will allow us to travel distances that we currently travel with our current liquid fuels.”
Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation, reminded attendees that the rate of innovation in the industry has been “exploding” for decades and, thanks to robust investment, he doesn’t expect it to slow down.
“If you look at this industry, just in the last few decades, it has reduced emissions 40%, just by trying to drive a little more fuel efficiency in aerodynamics and jet engine propulsion,” Draper said. “Without the amount of investment that’s going in the industry today, the amount of investment from small electric aircraft and advanced air mobility all the way up to larger aircraft – looking at hydrogen power – the amount of investment is enormous and accelerating. The amount of technology that’s going to mature and come to market in the next five-to-20 years is going to accelerate this change”.
Joe Benson, president, Boeing Business Jets, mentioned that Boeing was selected by NASA to lead the sustainable flight demonstrator project – specifically designed to support the 2050 net-zero goals.
“We could see up to 30% gains in fuel efficiency for that. So, when you start talking about an industry where a 1-to-2% gain in fuel efficiency is very impactful and meaningful, something like 30% is, amazing. We have big goals for this,” Benson said. “We expect to start ground testing and flight testing in 2028”.
Carlos Brana, Dassault executive vice president, civil aircraft, presented his big picture view of the industry’s journey to net-zero emissions.
“What is really interesting for me is that we have created the problem and we have found solutions” Brana said. “That’s where the things are, for me. It makes me very optimistic”.
Bizliners are commercial airliners modified for a lower passenger count usage in business aviation missions. They are mainly used for government transportation including Head of state (~45% of the market), private including corporate operations (~40%), and charter operations (~15%).
Since most regional and narrow-body ranges are fuel limited at lower payload, OEMs or completion centers will certify Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (ACT) installation on these jets to increase their range capability.
Boeing in collaboration with General Electric launched Boeing Business Jets in 1996 followed by Airbus who entered the market in 1997 with the launch of Airbus Corporate Jets business unit.
Bizliners have a large number of benefits in comparison with purpose-built business jets, notably their large cabin and baggage capability but also some drawbacks in terms of performance, mission capabilities, and versatility.
COMPLETION CENTERS
In contrast to purpose-built Business jets that are delivered ready for operations straight from aircraft OEMs. Bizliners are delivered “green” (generally) not painted with only a green primer application. The interior is literally empty and requires design and outfitting at a completion center.
Completion centers often offer customized interior design, engineering, and certification of the interior outfitting and additional modifications such as airstairs, connectivity, in-flight entertainment systems, and even airborne protection systems for government and VVIP aircraft.
Completion centers will also perform the interior installation and final certification. Completion centers also specialized in bizliners in-service maintenance and follow-on cabin retrofits.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Bizliners offer the ultimate customization opportunity for having a jet crafted absolutely down to the last detail in accordance with customers’ needs.
Interior designers will design the optimum cabin through a thorough understanding of client needs, cultural requirements, and expectations. Although most completion centers offer their internal design team, independent interior designers are often hired by customers or completion centers.
These independent interior designers will not only bring their experience in aviation but also from other luxury markets such as yachts or luxury homes and or hotel designs.
COMPLETION MANAGEMENT
Although the completion process may seem complex, customers can rely on completion managers who will work closely with the interior designer and completion center, to transition design intent into a cabin that is comfortable, functional, and reliable, and then oversee the entire outfitting process to ensure that client expectations, budget and quality standards are met.
Green BBJ enroute to outfitting
A Boeing 787 at Greenpoint Technologies, a Safran Company, for interior completion
A Lufthansa Technik, Middle-Eastern Inspired BBJ 777-9 VIP cabin concept
London-based ALTEA offers Bizliners completion management and VVIP interior design
2024 IN-PRODUCTION
MODIFIED AIRLINERS Guide
CORPORATE HELICOPTERS QUICK GUIDE
BY VISWANATH TATA
Turbine Powered Helicopters Categories
LIGHT MTOW < 7,000 lbs
With their large mission versatility and efficiency, Light helicopters are the most popular helicopters in the civil market. The Light category is divided into two sub-categories: single and Twin-engine.
The primary differences between single and twin-engine helicopters lie in their power and speed capabilities. Twinengine helicopters provide greater overall power and speed when compared to their single-engine counterparts. The engine redundancy is especially valuable when flying over water, densely populated areas, or inhospitable terrains.
INTERMEDIATE
7,000 lbs < MTOW < 10,000 lbs
The Intermediate category combines light helicopter versatility with increased cabin size and range capabilities making them perfect for a large number of missions ranging from Emergency Medical Services to Search & Rescue and offshore operations.
MEDIUM & SUPER-MEDIUM
10,000 lbs < MTOW < 20,000 lbs
Developed primarily to support the offshore oil and gas industry, the Medium and Super-Medium category helicopters have proven very popular in corporate transportation applications as their large and unobstructed cabins can embody the hallmarks of elegance, style, and sophistication. These helicopters can often be equipped with state-of-the-art telecommunications and entertainment systems, dedicated workspaces, and refreshment and stowage areas.
HEAVY 20,000 lbs < MTOW
Designed primarily for the long-range offshore oil and gas market, Heavy helicopters are very popular on the VVIP market for government officials and heads of state transportation.
CORPORATE HELICOPTERS Guide
CORPORATE HELICOPTERS Guide
2024 IN-PRODUCTION TURBOPROPS Guide
BY ABDELMAJID JLIOUI
2023 Deliveries
TURBOPROPS Guide
PILATUS AIRCRAFT | PC-12 NGX
BUSINESS AVIATION GUIDES
PRE-OWNED TURBOPROPS
CORPORATE HELICOPTERS
IN-PRODUCTION BUSINESS JETS BIZLINERS
CONNECTIVITY QUICK GUIDE 2024 BUSINESS AVIATION
THE PATH TO NET-ZERO BUSINESS AVIATION SOLUTIONS GUIDE
A sustainability program requires first a solid assessment of operation’s carbon footprint. To maximize integrity total gallons of fuel used each month should be privileged vs simply using aircraft flown hours
Offsets are generated through carbon credits from projects that reduce or avoid carbon emissions, such as reforestation projects and renewable energy initiatives.
SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF)
THE PATH TO NET-ZERO BUSINESS AVIATION SOLUTIONS GUIDE
Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF - is any next-generation aviation fuel, made from 100% approved sustainable sources such as used cooking oil, organic waste, residue raw materials, forestry or agriculture waste...etc
35 | ELITE WINGS MAGAZINE
SAF
Through its production life cycle, SAF highly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to fossil fuel and can be used as a direct replacement (drop-in) for fossil jet fuel as it is chemically similar. SAF has the potential to reduce net CO2 lifecycle emissions by more than 80% compared to conventional jet fuel production life cycle.
The current issues with SAF is its higher pricing and the limited availability and logistical challenges that can be solved through Book-and-Claim solutions as they effectively transfer sustainability claims to final customers.
Scan the QR Code for the 2024 sustainability edition
Project examples include helping make the transition from fossil-based power generation to renewable sources and projects like the protection of existing forests or starting new ones.
AIRCRAFT EFFICIENCY
Newer generation more efficient aircraft can bring a large contribution to reducing carbon and non-carbon emissions together with the reduction in the noise footprint.
Over time the improvement rate in business Jet engines Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) was roughly 1% per year.
In addition to aircraft manufacturers continuous aircraft improvement program, third party solutions exist to improve aircraft performance and operational efficiency such as in-service retrofit winglets.
ELECTRIFICATION & HYDROGEN
Sustainable aviation fuels play a major role in the decarbonization of aviation, especially when it comes to long-range missions.
Air Transport electrification (eg eVTOLs, eCommuter) currently support short range flights.
Electrical power and propulsion systems will lead the way for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), enabling silent short and vertical take-off and landing capabilities while lowering emissions and reducing fuel consumption. Hybrid and hydrogen propulsion systems are looking promising for future medium range missions.
