OEM News and Industry Appointments

Embraer Reveals Zero Carbon Emission Concept Aircraft

Embraer recently announced the Energia family of aircraft, which would use renewable energy propulsion technology, as the company explores ways to help the industry achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050…

The details of the Energia family, the latest in Embraer’s Sustainability in Action initiative, were broadcast live via YouTube from Embraer’s manufacturing facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

The company partnered with an international consortium of engineering universities, aeronautical research institutes, and small and medium-sized enterprises to better understand energy harvesting, storage, thermal management, and their applications for sustainable aircraft propulsion.

The Energia Family is comprised of four concept aircraft of varying sizes that incorporate different propulsion technologies – electric, hydrogen fuel cell, dual fuel gas turbine, and hybridelectric. These include:

Energia Hybrid (E9-HE) • Utilizing hybrid-electric propulsion • Offers up to 90% CO2 emissions reduction • Nine seats • Rear-mounted engines • Technology readiness – 2030

Energia Electric (E9-FE) • Full electric propulsion • Zero CO2 emissions • Nine seats • Aft contra-rotating propeller • Technology readiness – 2035 • Zero CO2 emissions • 19 seats • Rear-mounted electric engines • Technology readiness – 2035

Energia H2 Gas Turbine (E50-H2GT) • Hydrogen or SAF/Jet A turbine propulsion • Up to 100% CO2 emissions reduction • 35 to 50 seats • Rear-mounted engines • Technology readiness – 2040.

Each aircraft is being evaluated for its technical and subsequent commercial viability. “We see our role as a developer of novel technologies to help the industry achieve its sustainability targets,” said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, Technology, and Corporate Strategy.

“There’s no easy or single solution in getting to net zero. New technologies and their supporting infrastructure will come online over time. We’re working right now to refine the first airplane concepts, the ones that can start reducing emissions sooner rather than later.

“Small aircraft are ideal to test and prove new propulsion technologies so that they can be scaled up to larger aircraft. That’s why our Energia family is such an important platform,” he concluded. More information from https://embraercommercialaviation sustainability.com

Airbus delivered an ACH145 recently with a fully vegan interior. Fitted with the ACH Line interior configuration, the leather elements essential to its luxury feel were replaced with Ultraleather, which captures the visual and tactile leather experience with comparable durability. Items specially designed and fabricated in the replacement material include the passenger seats, central storage cabinet, rear partition and cockpit controls cuffs. www.airbus.com

Bell Textron says its Bell 525 Relentless completed its first flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the summer. “The Bell 525 continues to demonstrate unprecedented performance as it progresses through flight testing,” noted Doug May, Vice President of Flight, Bell. Bell is currently engaged with the FAA on Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flight testing, and is submitting certification artefacts to the FAA in parallel. www.bellflight.com

Daher delivered the first TBM 940 from an order of four to DGA-EV, France’s government-run Flight Test organization. The handover occurred at the TBM final assembly line in Tarbes, France. Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of Daher’s Aircraft Division, provided the keys to General Arvind Badrinath, Director of the Flight Test organization for the DGA procurement agency. www.daher.com

FIVE Buys Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty From Comlux

FIVE, a Dubai-based Group with interests in Real Estate, Hospitality, Investments and Philanthropy, has purchased the first Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty from the Comlux Group…

Starting next month, Comlux Completion, based in Indianapolis, will build the interior of the VIP cabin selected by FIVE from among the multiple cabin arrangements and options that the ACJ TwoTwenty offers.

The “dare-to-be-different” interior will incorporate 16 seats, a dining table for eight passengers, a Master Suite with a king-sized bed and shower, electrochromatic window shades, and full LED lighting. In addition, it will offer a fully equipped kitchen, non-stop streaming high-speed connectivity, and two ultralarge 55-inch screens. Ultimately, when complete the ACJ TwoTwenty will offer a state-of-the-art flying experience.

With its new ACJ TwoTwenty, FIVE aims to provide its diverse and loyal customer base with a “unique journey with FIVE Flair, blending its signature award-winning gourmet cuisine from home-grown venues such as The Penthouse, Maiden Shanghai, Cinque, and Soul Street”, along with music from FIVE’s famed and popular in-house DJs, and a world-renowned level of guest services amidst a sumptuous, tailor-made setting in the skies.

As with FIVE’s other properties on the ground, the ACJ TwoTwenty cabin invites guests to experience a fresh new entertainment experience, allowing passengers to dine, entertain, and invigorate in the most opulent and private environment.

Comlux to Operate the Jet

FIVE has also selected Comlux Aviation to operate its ACJ TwoTwenty commercially through an exclusive charter agreement under Comlux’s Maltese AOC. The aircraft, registered 9H-FIVE (to be pronounced “Nine-Hotel-FIVE”), could enter into service in early 2023.

“With a substantial fleet of large-cabin, long-range VIP aircraft, Comlux has positioned itself as a leading provider of luxurious group travel,” noted Richard Gaona, Executive Chairman and CEO, Comlux. “It is an honour to partner with FIVE on their thrilling new project - from aircraft acquisition, to cabin interior completion, as well as aircraft operations.”

Dassault Falcon Jet, in partnership with Duncan Aviation, has developed Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and installation packages for the Aviation Clean Air (ACA) ionization system for three Dassault Falcon models – the 7X, 2000/2000EX and 900/900EX, including all EASy variants. www.dassaultfalcon.com or www.duncanaviation.aero

Gulfstream signed the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow 2030 Ambition Statement, becoming the first business aircraft manufacturer to do so. Developed by the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition Steering Committee, the ambition statement is a declaration of intent to accelerate the supply and use of SAF technologies to reach 10% of global jet aviation fuel supply by 2030. www.gulfstream.com

Savback Helicopters (Sweden) and GHT (Italy) are working together on a unique two-seat helicopter they say will excite the ultralight aircraft ownership and training markets. Equipped with FADEC, the new ultralight delivers both turboshaft efficiency and reliability, with performance. It will offer a speed in excess of 100 knots, and a 255 nautical mile range. https://savback.com/ 

Gulfstream Picks Empire Aviation Group as India Rep

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has appointed Dubaibased Empire Aviation Group as its authorized International Sales Representative (ISR) for Gulfstream business aircraft sales activities in India.

Under the (L to R) Paras Dhamecha, Empire Aviation agreement, Group and Nic Robinson, Gulfstream Empire Aviation Group will be responsible for promoting and supporting Gulfstream with customers and prospects throughout India.

“As interest in the Gulfstream family of aircraft grows throughout India, we wanted to ensure we have local representation that not only possesses significant experience dealing with Gulfstream aircraft, but can also deliver a personal approach…” said Scott Neal, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Gulfstream.

“Empire Aviation Group will provide Gulfstream with both as we continue to expand our presence in this important market.”

“Empire Aviation is honored to have been selected by Gulfstream,” added Paras P. Dhamecha, Founder and Managing Director of Empire Aviation Group. “We have been doing business in India since our inception, and we continue to be very optimistic about the unique opportunities for private aviation in the subcontinent.”

Empire Aviation Group provides all the major services associated with private aviation — aircraft management, flight operations and charter, as well as aircraft sales and Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO).

“There's a growing interest in aircraft acquisition, and we are already working on prospective transactions in India, where we act as a trusted advisor to owners and potential buyers with a highly personalized approach,” said Dhamecha. “We will use our local presence, customer reach, experience, and expertise to support Gulfstream’s success in India.” More information from www.empireaviation.com

P&WC Carbon Offset Service Extended to Rotorcraft

Pratt & Whitney Canada has expanded its year-old carbon offset service to include operators of the company’s helicopter engines enrolled in the Eagle Service Plan (ESP) and Fleet Management Program (FMP) pay-per-hour maintenance programs.

Across all of the diverse missions served by its helicopter customers – from search and rescue to corporate passenger transport – Pratt & Whitney Canada is seeing growing demand for products and services that promote sustainability in airborne operations, says Scott McElvaine, Vice President, Customer Programs for Pratt & Whitney Canada.

“Our carbon offset service provides a fully transparent and cost-effective solution to address this demand, so that operators easily compensate for their carbon emissions footprint.”

Pratt & Whitney Canada’s carbon offset service automatically aligns operators’ flight hours with offset purchases, in collaboration with South Pole, a globally recognized carbon offset provider. Carbon offsets that are purchased are invested in accredited schemes for reducing CO2 emissions, such as initiatives focused on renewable energy or forest conservation.

The service was introduced in December 2020 for Business Aviation operators enrolled in the ESP program. Along with continually advancing engine efficiency and increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), carbon offsetting plays an important role in reducing aviation’s environmental footprint. More information from www.pwc.ca

Jay Bushouse was appointed by Mente Group as Managing Director – Midwest recently. He has an office in Kansas City. Prior to joining Mente Group, Bushouse was a sales director for Textron Aviation, selling new Beechcraft and Cessna Citations. Randy Miller is the new Manager of Duncan Aviation’s Paint Shop in Battle Creek, Michigan. Miller was appointed to the position having previously performed maintenance on aircraft at Duncan Aviation for the last eight years. Melanie Prince was promoted to the new role of Head of Innovation at F/LIST with immediate effect. Ms. Prince is responsible for identifying prospective new materials, advanced techniques, and innovative concepts that result in original products to enhance F/LIST’s product portfolio and improves the customer in-flight experience. Ricky Vongsiprasom is the new Maintenance Director for Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems’ AOG division. He joined Stevens in early 2018 as a technician on the AOG Team, quickly advancing to AOG team coordinator. Vongsiprasom brings to Stevens a decade of experience maintaining corporate aircraft from manufacturers such as Textron, Embraer, Pilatus, and more. ❚

Randy Miller