OEM News and Industry Appointments

Final Commercial Gulfstream G550 Delivery

Gulfstream Aerospace announced the final commercial Gulfstream G550 delivery to an international customer, further increasing the worldwide fleet of more than 600 G550s already in service.

With the delivery being made on June 30, Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream reflected, “For nearly two decades, the G550 has been exceeding customer expectations. ”

The G550 set a high standard for performance and reliability, and continues to be popular within the preowned business jet market with its wide-ranging capabilities.

Burns offered reassurances to existing operators of the G550, adding “ we look forward to continuing to support all G550 customers around the world with Gulfstream Customer Support’ s extensive network. ”

The G550 entered service in 2003 as the launch platform for the Gulfstream PlaneView flight deck, and was also certified with Enhanced Vision System — now known as Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) — as a standard feature. The aircraft has a maximum range of 6,750 nautical miles, and has earned more than 55 speed records over the years.

Lower G700 Cabin Altitude… In other Gulfstream news, the G700 will offer a lower-than-expected cabin altitude. Originally announced with a cabin altitude of 3,290 feet when flying at 41,000 ft, the G700 cabin altitude at the same flight level has been improved to 2,916 ft.

With this enhancement, Gulfstream claims the G700 “ retains its leadership position with the lowest cabin altitude in the Business Aviation industry ” , and “ will provide even more comfort for passengers over the ultra-long-range flights the G700 is capable of achieving. ” More information from www.gulfstream.com Bell delivered a Bell 505 helicopter to W.A. Oil Factory and Distribution PLC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – its first corporate customer in the country. With this latest acquisition, there are almost 30 Bell 505s in operation across six countries in Africa and the Middle East. www.bellflight.com

Bombardier received a firm order for 10 aircraft from an existing customer. For competitive reasons, both the order mix and the customer remain undisclosed at present, but the agreement represents a total value of US$451.8m. “We are filled with pride as we announce the year ’ s largest business jet order, ” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier.

https://businessaircraft.bombardier.com/

Dassault announced that a third Falcon 6X recently joined the flight test campaign, moving the “longrange, extra wide-body ” twin-engine jet a step closer to its anticipated certification in 2022. Falcon 6X s/n 003 is fitted with a full interior and will be used for cabin design validation. www.dassaultfalcon.com

New Features Incorporated on the Pilatus PC-24

Based on customer feedback from over 50,000 hours of fleet operations, Pilatus has incorporated several new features into the PC-24.

Among the new features are fully-reclining executive seats that are designed to provide more comfort, more intuitive controls, and a lighter weight. Attached to the cabin ’ s flat floor with quick-release mechanisms, rapid seating configuration changes are possible.

Meanwhile, in lieu of the standard forward left-hand coat closet, operators may now choose to install a galley with options for a microwave oven, a coffee or espresso maker, a work surface, dedicated ice storage, and capacity for standard catering units.

Smarter Avionics In the cockpit, Pilatus and Honeywell have continued to develop and refine the Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE). A touch-screen avionics controller replaces the multi-function controller as standard equipment.

The PC-24’ s flight control system also now incorporates Tactile Feedback in both roll and pitch to prevent unintended, unusual attitudes. If the aircraft rolls through 51 degrees bank angle, roll limit protection will engage to bring the aircraft back to 31 degrees bank angle.

And if the PC-24 is predicted to exceed the Vmo/Mmo limits, the pitch servo will engage until the aircraft exits the potential over-speed condition. Tactile Feedback protection is provided even with the autopilot turned off.

Meanwhile, the standard auto-throttle system includes a new Automatic Speed Protection function offering both underand over-speed protection by automatically engaging the autothottle to adjust power during all phases of flight.

In addition, a new automatic yaw trim function further reduces flight crew workload during the departure and climb phase, and is automatically activated when the yaw damper is engaged, attempting to hold the aircraft to zero sideslip.

The Advanced Cockpit Environment now also features Pilot-Defined Visual Approach, allowing the pilot in command to easily set up an autopilot and autothrottle coupled visual approach to any runway, and precisely track a left-hand, right-hand, or straight-in pattern down to the runway threshold.

Among the other new avionics features offered on the PC-24 are Honywell’ s SmartRunway and SmartLanding advisory functions which enhance safety and reduce pilot workload. More information from: www.pilatus-aircraft.com Embraer has delivered the first limitededition Phenom 300E aircraft — part of the Duet collaboration with Porsche — to an undisclosed customer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aircraft was delivered at Embraer ’ s state-of-the-art Global Customer Center in Melbourne, Florida. https://executive.embraer.com/

VoltAero signed a MoU with Airways Aviation, the launch customer in France for its Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft. VoltAero is developing four, six, and ten-seat airplanes – the Cassio 330, 480 and 600, respectively – which could be deployed for regional mobility in Southern France, and in pilot training for Airways Aviation. www.voltaero.aero 

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JSSI Acquires SierraTrax

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) has acquired SierraTrax, a leader in aircraft maintenance tracking. SierraTrax provides maintenance tracking software for business aircraft worldwide through its modern technology interface.

As a Textron Aviation recommended provider of maintenance tracking services, the SierraTrax platform is used extensively by Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker operators.

The company supports most Turboprop, Light and Mid-size Jets, but will now focus on extending the service into the Super Mid-Size and Large Jet segments, enabling it to align with JSSI’ s coverage of virtually every make and model of business jet, turboprop and helicopter.

“The SierraTrax team has done an incredible job establishing a leadership position in a crowded maintenance tracking space in just five short years, ” said Neil Book, chairman and CEO of JSSI.

“Their remarkable rate of growth has been fueled by great technology, an easy-to-use interface and a commitment to customer service, innovation and data transparency. ”

“We started SierraTrax to provide a modern maintenance tracking solution at an affordable price, ” Jason Talley, CEO of SierraTrax added. “We share a common value system with JSSI, centered around exceptional customer service. Together, we will take the business to the next level and extend our offerings to a broader customer base, bringing modern, accessible technology and pricing to operators worldwide. ”

This strategic move into the maintenance tracking space will blend insight from SierraTrax with more than 30 years of JSSI operating cost data and complement the company ’ s existing portfolio, which also includes JSSI Advisory Services and Conklin & de Decker.

“This exciting new partnership will enable the JSSI platform to deliver a full suite of highly complementary services to the market that will simplify and optimize the entire maintenance experience, allowing owners and operators to manage their aircraft more efficiently, ” Book concluded.

More information from www.jetsupport.com

Global Jet Launches New Website

Global Jet started the summer by launching a brand-new website in English. Meanwhile French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese versions will soon also be available. Designed with a modern look with more functionality, the new site will also be highly interactive.

According to the company, all Global Jet services are highlighted intuitively, enabling the end-user to more easily understand the company ’ s philosophy, high standards and activities.

Charter & Brokerage: Users are given the opportunity to directly request charter quotes online. From Very Light, Light, Mid-size and Long-range Jets, through to VIP airliners, all aircraft are listed and are available for rent.

Users will find professional photos of the aircraft, 3D virtual tours, videos, floorplans, range maps and other new content.

Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions: A better search of the aircraft is also provided for aircraft sales and acquisitions, thanks to new filter criteria (Year, Price, and Manufacturer).

Moreover, the Aircraft Sale Process and Aircraft Acquisition Process are highlighted in order to provide full transparency for Global Jet’ s clients.

More information: https://globaljet.aero