WINTER 2012/13
JOY ALUKKAS One Man, His Jet And A Vast Jewellery Store Network
A SLICE OF PARADISE Visit Some Of Asia's Exclusive Private Islands
MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS JETS
ISSN 2046-3022
The Tools That Fix The Middle-Ground Travel Need
CONTENTS 044 060
072 SPECIAL FEATURES 060
The Man With The Midas Touch Joy Alukkas: Owner of a Vast Jewellery Chain and Phenom 100 Business Jet
068
Style Counsel
How TAG Farnborough FBO Makes Business Travel Seamless
072
A Slice Of Paradise Exclusive Private Island Resorts in Asia
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Medium-Sized Business Jets
The Jet Class That Suits the ‘Middle-Ground’ Travel Requirement
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BIZJET ADVISOR WINTER 2012/13
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Bird Of Paradise
A Private Tour of a Luxurious Airbus ACJ318 VIP Cabin
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088 124
096 011
Editor’s Letter 012
Jet Life Review
034
080
Buy According to your Need
Connecting the More Remote Places by Airplane
Aircraft Acquisition 038
Small Jet Attraction
Cars, Yachts, Watches, Travel, Art and Investment
Spreading the Pie Across India
020
044
Jet News Review
Your Private Flight
A Selection of Stories from Around the Regions
What to Expect & How to Save
024
Exporting A US-Registered Aircraft
050
Options for Business Jet Usage
Knowing the Rules That Govern the Deal & the US Seller
028
054
To Borrow, Buy Or Share?
Hotter Than Chile
The Business Aviation Sweet-Spots of Southeast Asia
A Study In Business Aviation The Business Tool That Knows No Borders
The World Of Seaplanes
084
The Insider Guides
My London, by Rani Singh 088
The Insider Guides
My Dubai, by Rani Singh 092
Showtime For The Middle East
Dubai Prepares for a Bigger MEBA at Al Maktoum Int’l Airport 124
Plumbing The Heights
The Fluid World of Cabin Shower Design WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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Jack Olcott holds degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Business Administration, has held senior positions within aviation publishing, and led the National Business Aviation Association for over a decade. Jack is Editorial Director of BizJet Advisor . Email: jack@avbuyer.com.
Liz Moscrop has written extensively about Business Aviation for several years, and specializes in Interiors, China and Southeast Asia. She has written three books on aviation, is an industry consultant and is Managing Editor of BizJet Advisor . Email: liz@fourforces.aero.
WINTER 2012/13 Cover Photoshoot at TAG Farnborough, Photo by Tom Gordon, Billypix www.BizJetAdvisor.com
Jayne Jackson is a former Editor of Australia’s leading luxury travel magazine, “Vacations ”. She has travelled extensively in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Jayne has also worked for Reed Books and News International. She is the Lifestyle Editor of BizJet Advisor . Email: Jayne@avbuyer.com. Greg Cirillo is a Partner at Wiley Rein LLP. He has a multinational practice in aviation transactions – including acquisitions, related contracts and Federal Aviation Administration/Department of Transportation regulatory compliance. Email: gcirillo@wileyrein.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Jack Olcott MANAGING EDITOR: Liz Moscrop EDITOR: Matthew Harris LIFESTYLE EDITOR: Jayne Jackson CONSULTANT EDITOR: Sean O’Farrell TEL: +44 (0)20 8255 4000 EMAIL: Editorial@avbuyer.com
Neelam Mathews has covered major aspects of aviation for
aviation magazines worldwide for over a decade. Based in New Delhi, she runs a successful aerospace blog and is a strong advocate for the introduction of rational and coherent regulatory aviation policies in India. She is BizJet Advisor's Contributing Writer for India. Email: neelam.mathews@gmail.com.
SALES & ADVERTISING
Rod Simpson is an experienced journalist and aircraft historian who specialises in Business Aviation. He is the author of more than a dozen aviation books and has worked as a consultant in the US General Aviation industry, contributing to many journals on both sides of the Atlantic. Email: rod@aeroplan.freeserve.co.uk.
Carla Kopenski EMAIL: Carla@avbuyer.com
Rani Singh is one of our Contributing Writers for the Middle
DESIGN: Ye Li EMAIL: Yeli@Yelidesign.com
Glenn Webster EMAIL: Glenn@avbuyer.com
East, India and Southeast Asia. Rani writes for Forbes India and presents for the BBC on security issues from the regions. Email: Rani@avbuyer.com
PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR John Brennan EMAIL: John@avbuyer.com BIZJET ADVISOR HEADQUARTERS Cowleaze House, 39-45 Cowleaze Road, Kingston, Surrey, KT2 6DZ, UK TEL: +44 (0)20 8255 4000
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BIZJET ADVISOR WINTER 2012/13
Mike Vines is author of seven books, and is a specialist Business
Aviation writer/photographer for several highly-respected industry publications. His aviation career spans approximately 40 years. Email: mikevines@blueyonder.co.uk.
David Wyndham is an owner of Conklin & de Decker where the focus of his activities is on aircraft cost and performance analyses, fleet planning and aircraft life-cycle costing for clients. Email: david@conklindd.com
EDITOR'S LETTER
STABLE CHOICE FOR CHANGING TIMES
B
usiness Aviation is uniquely
Safe and Secure
appropriate for these interesting times. Across the globe and especially
Business Aviation provides a level of safety and
in the regions that are featured in this
security that is reassuring for passengers. The
publication, opportunities as well as challenges
safety record of twin-engine business jets flown
are surfacing with increasing frequency.
by a professional crew that annually engages
Advances in communications made possible
in recurrent training is on a par with the most
by satellites, the Internet and pervasive social
admired Airlines. With the ability to control
media have quickened the pace of business and
scheduling, oversee maintenance and implement
affected the way people think about themselves
appropriate procedures that can exceed national
and their neighbors.
standards if so desired, operators of business
Aspirations are soaring, even as a slowing
aircraft can establish safety parameters that meet
world economy gives rise to great concerns. In
their own concerns and expectations, and those of
this era of change, uncertainty remains high.
their passengers.
Universally, governments and industry seek
Security available with Business Aviation
effective responses to a global recession that
is without parallel. No one enters a business
stubbornly prevails in Europe, the USA and parts
aircraft unless they are known to either the lead
of Asia. Business Aviation is an important and
passenger or the aircraft’s captain. Experts
proven tool for economic development that must
in safety and security insist that the best form
not be overlooked during this time of change.
of identification is personal recognition, which
Economic Tool That Works
comes naturally when colleagues and family members are passengers on business aircraft.
BizJet Advisor presents examples of As an important element of transportation,
companies and individuals who use the recognized
Business Aviation enables entrepreneurs and
power of Business Aviation to facilitate economy
innovators to reach new markets quickly, planting
expansion and generate returns for shareholders.
seeds that will grow into new areas of business,
We also feature individuals who employ business
seizing opportunities as they emerge and creating
jets to use their time more efficiently, thus gaining
clients by addressing hitherto unfulfilled needs.
increased productivity in their business lives and
Using the flexibility and proven capabilities of
greater fulfilment in their personal lives. And we
business aircraft, today’s leaders as well as
illustrate how operators and passengers exercise
tomorrow’s job creators can be at the right place,
control to assure maximum peace of mind.
at the right time, well ahead of the crowd to forge
edition of BizJet Advisor will excite your interest
personal hospitality.
in Business Aviation and expand your knowledge
interaction in business. As noted by world-
Editorial Director Jack holds degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Business Administration, has held senior positions within aviation publishing, and led the National Business Aviation Association for over a decade. Jack is Editorial Director of BizJet Advisor. Email: jack@avbuyer.com
We trust the information contained within this
relationships using the timeless tradition of Nothing will ever replace face-to-face
Jack Olcott
of this highly productive, safe and secure form of transportation.
famous investor and business guru Warren Buffett, “How can you ever see eye-to-eye if you’re not face-to-face? ” [Mr. Buffett, incidentally, refers to his business jet as “The Indispensable.”] WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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JET LIFE
SUPER CARS
The Best Car in the World?
McLaren B entley GT
McLaren unveiled its ultimate supercar at the Paris Motor Show. Inspired by McLaren’s racing heritage, the company believes the P1 will be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track. The production version will be revealed over the next year, with sales beginning in the following 12 months. >> More from www.mclarenautomotive.com
Bentley’s New Racing Continental GT 10 years after introducing the Continental GT concept at the
Paris Motor Show, Bentley showcased the GT3 race car at the
2012 event. Signalling Bentley’s return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003,
the new GT3 Speed is the fastest road-going Bentley ever— a supercar that can be used every day, whatever the weather and road conditions. >> More from www.bentley.com
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SUPER CARS
JET LIFE
M aserati The New GranCabrio MC Maserati introduced the new GranCabrio MC at the Paris Motor Show in September. The new car completes the open-top range with a highly sporty and aggressive look inspired by the cars of the Maserati Trofeo MC World Series whilst keeping the characteristics of a true Grand Tourer. Ideal for long journeys. >> More from www.maserati.com
Fisker
Fisker Luxury Hybrid Cars’ Middle East Launch Fisker, the world’s first environmentally-responsible luxury car, made its first official Middle East appearance on 23rd October, 2012. Trading Enterprises and Fisker Automotive leadership unveiled the award-winning Karma sedan in front of global and regional media at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City. >> More from www.fiskerautomotive.com
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JET LIFE
SUPER YACHTS
L umen Yacht Oceanco’s Bright Light
Oceanco and Adriel Design’s stunning new yacht project, Lumen, has been designed to exploit natural light. The yacht’s incredible features include a stunning atrium, many skylights, state-of-the-art lighting and azurite glass panels back-lit by RGB LED sheet lights that are synced to musical selections. >> More from www.oceancoyacht.com; www.adrieldesign.net
S anchaya The Sanchaya Hideaway A new exclusive hideaway private estate, the Sanchaya, on the northern shores of Indonesia’s Bintan Island opens in 2013. The luxurious development of Lagoi Bay will include residences, hotels, a golf course and an international airport. Guests will be able to arrive by private yacht. >> More from www.thesanchaya.com
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Real Madrid’s $1bn Luxury Island Due to open in 2015, the island will include sports facilities, a marina, luxury hotels, villas, an amusement park, a club museum and a 10,000-seat stadium with one side open to the sea. The 4.6 million-square-foot venture, in partnership with the government of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, is expected to attract a million visitors in its first year.
SUPER YACHTS
JET LIFE
Fly-board The Latest Must-Have-Everything! A big hit at the Monaco Yacht show and the 1st Fly-board world championships in Doha, Qatar in October, this amazing gadget has to be seen to be believed. According to its inventor Franky Zapata with the fly-board attached to a jet ski, you can fly like a bird or dive like a dolphin. >> More from http://flyboard.com
World’s Largest Superyacht, Azzam Boat International revealed earlier in the year that the building of the world’s largest superyacht is underway at the Lurseen shipyard. Designed by Italian designers, Nauta Yacht Design, the 180 metre motor-yacht will be 17.5m longer than Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse, currently the largest yacht in the world at 162.5m.
R oyal
Phuket Marina Marina Doubles Capacity Phuket’s lovely marina is already double the size of any other marina in Thailand. But berthing for 150 vessels of up to 35 metres – including 50 ‘dry’ berths for vessels up to 40 metres – is now stretched to capacity. Extensive new moorings for an additional 100 berths are currently being developed. >> More from www.royalphuketmarina.com
WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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JET LIFE
WATCHES
N avitimer Limited Edition Piece
For the 60th anniversary of the Navitimer chronograph, Breitling is introducing a 500-piece limited edition in blue. In 1952, Breitling created a new "wrist instrument" for aviators with a circular slide rule capable of handling calculations for airborne navigation. In an era preceding electronic calculators, it soon became the timepiece of choice for pilots worldwide. >> More from www.breitling.com
Hublot’s Big Bang in Singapore Luxury watch retailer, the Hour Glass and Swiss timepiece maker, Hublot launched the world’s first Hublot pop-up store in Singapore in September. The store looked amazing, bedecked with 3,500 hand-folded black gems. And there were three watches worth over a million dollars on display plus 70 limited-edition models presented together for the very first time. >> More from www.hublot.com
A. Lange & Söhne’s First Middle East Boutique German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne recently opened its first boutique in the Middle East at the exclusive ‘Avenue at Etihad Towers’ in Abu Dhabi. With welcoming,
Jetman and Breitling take to the Skies
perfectly crafted surroundings,
Yves "Jetman" Rossy took to the skies with fellow "Breitling Flyer" pilot,
- offers a collection of fine,
Nigel Lamb in a Spitfire at an Aviation festival in Bex, Switzerland during
handmade precision timepieces
September. Yves has now flown alongside Breitling’s Stearman aircraft, two
from Saxony.
L-39C Albatros Jets and played "Superman" flying alongside a DC-3 aircraft
>> More from
to the delight of the 20 journalists on-board.
www.alange-soehne.com
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the boutique - the 6th worldwide
TRAVEL
JET LIFE
C halet Spa Escape to the Chalet Spa, Verbier My Private Villas is a club which offers its members the opportunity to rent private estates all over Europe such as the Chalet Spa in Verbier. The five-bedroom timber chalet, a short walk from the Savoleyres lift, has five bedrooms, spa, swimming pool and an outside Jacuzzi and exceptional Alpine views. The services of a chef, a concierge and professional spa therapists are available. >> More from www.myprivatevillas.com/chaletspa
New Private Cigar Lounge at Raffles Paris Le Club Viñales is a welcome sanctuary for aficionados. The exclusive lounge has private humidors for each member where their cigar collection will be stored and preserved. Membership benefits include exclusive gifts, concièrge service, made-to-order cocktails and private tastings conducted by connoisseurs such as Dom Perignon. >> More from www.raffles.com/paris
The Bentley Suite, St Regis Hotel, New York Bentley Motors and the St. Regis Hotel New York have created a unique new hotel suite. The 1,700 square foot suite features the hallmarks of Bentley design and many unique touches including a dining table made of Bentley’s smoked fiddle-back eucalyptus veneer offset with metal engine-spin place settings. With floor to ceiling windows offering incredible views over Central Park and a bespoke 2013 Bentley Mulsanne joining the house fleet, the St. Regis Hotel New York is a must visit for Bentley fans everywhere.
Albermarle A Design Classic
The Albemarle Briefcase is made in England from refined Breuninger grained vegetable tanned leather and lined with plum silk. The interior provides a practical space for a laptop, files and paperwork with a slot for pens and a pocket for smaller items. Prices from £495. >> More from www.thomaslyte.com WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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JET LIFE
ART & INVESTMENT
C ourageous Spirit The First Bunder Diamond Jewels The Courageous Spirit collection comprising of a necklace and earrings made up of 25.34 carats of polished Bunder diamonds was unveiled in August. Created from the first diamonds from the Madhya Pradesh mine seven years after the initial discovery, Bunder is the most important diamond discovery in India for over 40 years, and is one of only four new diamond mines likely to become functional globally in the next decade. The Bunder mine is seven times richer than the Panna diamond mine, the only operating diamond mine in India, with a likely production rate at least 20 times greater than Panna. Madhya Pradesh will soon become one of the top 10 diamond producing regions in the world. >> More from www.riotinto.com
Christie's Auction sets 29 New World Records Christie’s concluded its 13th sales season in the Middle East in October selling $5 million/AED21 million worth of art and setting 29 new world records for Middle Eastern artists. The works of art represented 8 different nations of the Middle East, and new records were set for 5 artists, including: Gazbia Sirry; Hayv Kahraman; Ramazan Bayrakoglu; Shirazeh Houshiary; and Timo Nasseri, with 50% of lots sold above their high estimates. The top sale was Pecheurs à Rosette by Mahmoud Saïd, which sold for $818,500/AED 3,006,350 (estimate $400,000-$600,000). Painted in 1941 it is one of the artist’s most comprehensive works and a perfect expression of national Egyptian identity.
Woolmark Prize The Next Iconic Fashion Designers?
In July 2012, women’s wear designers Pankaj and Nidhi won the International Woolmark Prize India Award. They will now compete against the other regional winners in London in February 2013. This prestigious competition launched the careers of Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld in 1954. The winner’s designs will be sold by leading global retailers including Bergdorf Goodman in the USA and Harvey Nichols in the UK. >> More from www.woolmarkprize.com 018
BIZJET ADVISOR WINTER 2012/13
DUNCAN AVIATION Business Aircraft Service & Support ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Aircraft Acquisition & Consignment Airframe Maintenance Avionics Installation Engine & APU Government & Special Programs Paint & Interior Parts, Avionics, Instruments & Accessories Emergency Assistance (AOG)
Duncan Aviation, Inc. is an independent business aircraft support organization, providing complete service and technical support. The Duncan Aviation name is well-known and respected by manufacturers and service providers around the world. We have a strong reputation for providing premier aircraft services—delivered on time—for a wide variety of business aircraft.
+1.402.475.2611 ■ www.DuncanAviation.aero/worldwide Owned and operated by the Duncan family since our founding in 1956.
JET NEWS
MIDDLE EAST
Rizon Jet becomes the first ARG/US Platinum operator in the Middle East
RIZON JET GOES PLATINUM Qatar-based Rizon Jet has received the Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/
EMBRAER'S REGIONAL OFFERING
US) Platinum safety rating at its Doha facility. The award comes after a
Embraer Executive Jet customers met in Bangalore and Abu Dhabi in early
week’s audit conducted by ARG/US’ Middle East facilitator Nexus Flight
October at two conferences. The Asia Pacific meeting was dedicated to the
Operations Services.
entry-level Phenom 100 and the light Phenom 300, while the Middle East
The Platinum rating requires a well-developed and fullyimplemented Safety Management System, which includes a clear and workable Emergency Response Plan, as well as effective policies,
event focused on the ultra-large Lineage 1000 and large Legacy 650 and super-midsize Legacy 600. The conferences covered the latest technical, maintenance and flight
procedures and record-keeping for all major operational and
operations updates, as well as giving customers the opportunity for a
maintenance aspects. At the time of going to press Rizon is the first and
useful exchange of key observations and suggestions.
only aircraft charter operator in the Middle East and North Africa to achieve ARG/US Platinum rating. Rizon’s CEO, Captain Hassan Al-Mousawi, said, “Our clients demand
Embraer’s André Luis Vieira de Sousa, director, customer support & services for Asia Pacific said, “As our executive jet family of operators grows, it is increasingly important to maintain close relationships. Face-
excellence and achieving the highest aviation safety rating has been our
to-face meetings help improve the service and operation of our aircraft as
priority.”
part of our commitment to their success as operators.”
Rizon’s fleet comprises two Bombardier Challenger 605s and a
These conferences came hot on the heels of the certification of the
Hawker 900XP, with UK affiliate Oryx Jet providing access to additional
Phenom 300 in the Philippines, paving the way for sales in that region. The
aircraft, including two helicopters. The company’s managed fleet
Phenom 300 is now certificated in more than 40 countries.
includes a third Challenger 605 - which is available for private charter, a
>> More from www.embraerexecutivejets.com
Bombardier Global Express and an Airbus ACJ319 which is due to join on a private management contract in 2013. >> More from www.rizonjet.com
MEBAA GARNERS SUPPORT The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) continues to work hard toward gathering regional Business Aviation users and providers and garnering support. Indeed, resident flight training provider Ayla Aviation Academy sponsored a recent MEBAA networking conference held in October in Jordan. This forum addressed issues surrounding airspace and airport restrictions for Business Aviation, and also worked toward reducing grey (charter) market activities. >> More from www.mebaa.com 020
BIZJET ADVISOR WINTER 2012/13
The Embraer family of business jets is proving popular in the Middle East and Asia Pacific
INDIA
JET NEWS
BAOA MESSAGE GAINS TRACTION Unified under the banner of the Business Aviation Operators' Association (BAOA) of India and the leadership of Captain Rohit Kapur, Chairman, operators and suppliers throughout the Subcontinent have elevated government awareness of issues facing the Business Aviation community there. “The progress we are making is satisfying,” Captain Kapur outlined in a recent interview with BizJet Advisor. “Authorities at many levels within Indian Government now accept BAOA as the voice of business aircraft operators and suppliers. Our Members are participating as invitees to advisory panels addressing aviation issues,” he continued. BAOA is making progress with government agencies that affect the process of importing business aircraft. Presently, about 10 different entities within the Indian bureaucracy are engaged in granting import licenses, noted Captain Kapur. “We are interacting with the Ministry of Finance to help them understand the economic benefits of Business Aviation. “We are also addressing a multitude of operator issues, ranging from reducing the time required to obtain landing permits to access issues involving security. Training and minimum crew requirements are high on BAOA’s agenda. We have introduced the safety protocol known as International Standard-Business Aircraft Operations here in India, and there is constructive interaction between BAOA and the DGCA [the office of the Director General Civil Aviation]. “Other policy issues of considerable interest to our Members,” he added, “concern high charges for airport access and services. Taxes that apply to Business Aviation also are being addressed by BAOA. Membership is growing, and we now number 55 Member companies.” >> More from www.baoa.in
Captain Rohit Kapur, BAOA
NEW IN NEW DELHI Bombardier Aerospace announced that it has added a second Line Maintenance Facility (LMF) in India. Air Works in New Delhi has been named an LMF for Challenger 604, Challenger 605, Global Express and Global Express XRS business jets. The facility will complement the company’s Mumbai centre, which has been part of Bombardier's Authorized Service Facility network since 2008. >> More from www.bombardier.com
KEY 2013 SHOW DATES FOR INDIA The fourth annual Indian Business Aviation Exhibition (IBAE) is to take place in New Delhi, India on 19-20 February 2013. In addition, International General Aviation Expo 2013 is scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad, India on 7-10 March 2013. The General Aviation sector in India is valued at approximately $220 million, and is expected to be worth $320 million by 2017, making these key events to attend for anybody seeking to learn more about the developing General Aviation scene in India. >> More information - IBAE: www.miuevents.com/ibae2013; or International General Aviation Expo: http://igaexpo.com. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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JET NEWS
SOUTHEAST ASIA
AVIC ADE’s Vice President Fu Yumin, Director Shi Xingang and Fu Xinjian attend a signing ceremony with ASG’s Co-Founders and Directors Max Buirski and Wu Zhendong, Managing Director Jay Shaw, and General Manager Jeff Lowe
ASIAN SKY GROUP BOOSTS CHINESE MARKET Asian Sky Group (ASG) has partnered with AVIC International AeroDevelopment Corporation (AVIC) to source pre-owned business aircraft - both fixed-wing and rotary - from various key global markets for resale into China to meet growing customer demand. The agreement also covers the re-sale of mainland China-owned aircraft into the global market. “AVIC’s 15 years of rich experience in the China market and its extensive customer base encompassing the Chinese General Aviation, law enforcement and government sectors, will immediately translate into added value for the business,” predicted Jay Shaw, Managing Director, ASG. >> More from www.asianskygroup.com
AsBAA BEEFS UP STAFF Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) recently recruited a fulltime employee to bring the organisation to another level, thereby providing more benefits and services to members. Along with the Hong Kong Committee, AsBAA is in the process of developing the South East Asia Operator Committee, and the first South East Asia Committee Forum was held in Singapore on 28 Nov, 2012. >> More from www.asbaa.org
GRAND ENTRY FOR JAPAN The first corporate/VIP transport configured AgustaWestland GrandNew light twin-engine helicopter has entered service in Japan. This helicopter features a five-seat "Elite" cabin interior and five-cell fuel system, giving the aircraft a maximum range of over 850 km. Orders for almost 320 helicopters from AgustaWestland’s ‘Grand’ series have been placed by nearly 200 customers in almost 40 countries worldwide to date. >> More from www.agustawestland.com
NEW HANGAR FOR AMAC Switzerland’s AMAC Aerospace celebrated the opening of a third completions hangar for widebody aircraft at its Basel-MulhouseFreiburg HQ with a VIP party. AMAC has EASA Part 145 approval for Boeing 777, 747-400 and 747-8, and Airbus A330/A340 series aircraft. AMAC also launched a 1,500-sq-m hangar at Ataturk Airport in Turkey, where it will provide support for the PC-12 NG turboprop. >> More from www.amacaerospace.com 022
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BUYER'S GUIDE
TO BORROW, BUY OR SHARE? Understanding options for employing Business Aviation WORDS / Jack Olcott
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BIZJET ADVISOR WINTER 2012/13
Transportation by business aircraft is provided through a spectrum of delivery services, each with its own features and capabilities. BizJet Advisor considers some of the options available below.
C
orporations, entrepreneurs and individuals are able to use the considerable advantages of Business Aviation to satisfy their unique travel requirements, in part because a variety of options are available, ranging from chartering a business aircraft for an occasional trip to purchasing the newest model and establishing a flight department. Within those two ends of the Business Aviation spectrum, many variations are available - thanks to the sophistication of service providers and a growing realization that business aircraft offer a highly useful form of transportation. With a modicum of planning, access to business aircraft is easy and relatively economical. Far too many corporations and individuals, however, simply overlook Business Aviation due to misperceptions about cost and safety. Also, some potential users are apprehensive that their lack of familiarity with services associated with business aircraft may result in an undesirable outcome. You can rest assured there are sound reasons why Business Aviation makes excellent sense as a viable travel option, and that there are many circumstances where the alternatives to Business Aviation are inefficient and costly. Time is a priceless commodity. Too often valuable hours are consumed
reaching a destination that is not efficiently served by Scheduled Airlines, particularly in emerging markets where business opportunities exist but demand for mass travel is insufficient to interest major air carriers. A business aircraft, which will fly on your schedule, often can reduce travel time noticeably, in some cases by days when there is a need to connect with several Airline flights and infrequent service necessitates an overnight stay at a remote location. Once used, time cannot be recovered. Thus it must be managed wisely, which for business means that travel time should be as short as possible, passengers should be able to work efficiently and productively while traveling, and there must be minimal apprehension related to passenger safety and security. For the leisure traveler, the same considerations exist, although the ability to converse with family and friends while flying privately might also be a significant goal. The decision to select Business Aviation rather than some other form of transportation depends upon many factors such as the cost of opportunities lost, the number of travelers using the aircraft and how the decision-maker values time. Against that assessment the potential user must consider the cost of acquiring access to a business aircraft. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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BUYER'S GUIDE
Options Are Many Because fixed costs of acquiring and staffing a business aircraft are significant, occasional users are wise to charter, particularly if their need for business aircraft travel is less than 25 to 50 hours annually. Remember, charter aircraft are capable of carrying several passengers, so the cost per person may not be significantly greater than the aggregate price of individual Airline tickets (and the associated costs of adjusting to the Airline’s schedule). Usually a region has several good charter companies from which to select, but you can choose the best service benefits from obtaining knowledgeable advice. Charter brokerages exist to assist you with the selection process. The first level of consideration is verifying that the charter provider is certified by government authorities to offer air transportation for hire within the region. Insist on seeing the charter company’s Air Operating Certificate (AOC). Do not accept a charter, regardless of what may appear to be an attractive price, from a company that is not an AOC holder. Doing so is illegal and may compromise the insurability of the flight. (Obtaining charter services from non-regulated sources is referred to as participating in the Grey Market.) Several internationally recognized organizations audit charter providers, thus independent assessments are available to see on request. Such documentation should be an element in selecting among charter providers. Finally, ask companies and individuals about their experiences with charters within the region. Personal referrals are valuable. When a suitable charter provider has been identified, several purchase options 026
BIZJET ADVISOR WINTER 2012/13
are available. Each trip will be priced according to the time the aircraft will be employed. Ancillary charges include fees for airspace and airport access plus any special handling that might be required. If the client anticipates the need for several flights annually, bulk charter rates can be negotiated, although a common practice is to purchase a set block of flight hours (typically in 25-hour segments) in the form of a charter card. Actual flight time is then deducted from the initial level of the card, similar to the process of deducting funds from a pre-paid bank credit card.
Aircraft Ownership For the company, entrepreneur or individual with frequent need for Business
Across the spectrum of Business Aviation, which ranges from occasional charter to formation of a flight department, several variations and graduations are available.
Aviation or the desire to control his or her means of air travel, establishing a flight department and purchasing a business aircraft is an option. Obtaining the best aircraft to support travel needs, committing the funds for its acquisition, hiring and managing knowledgeable staff, obtaining suitable hangar facilities, and establishing safe and efficient operating procedures requires specific knowledge. Until an aircraft owner has such expertise, the recommended process is to employ an aviation management company with a proven track record for safety and sound business practices. Across the spectrum of Business Aviation, which ranges from occasional charter to formation of a flight department, several variations and
gradations are available. Companies and individuals may purchase a fraction of an aircraft, typically as small as a onesixteenth share (roughly 50 flight hours per year) to as many one-sixteenth shares as are desired. Ownership period is negotiable, but five years is the norm. Purchasers of fractional shares gain access to business aircraft while committing lower capital and receiving the expert services of an aviation management company with experience in Business Aviation. Business aircraft are proven business tools and very effective means of travel. For anyone with a need to move safely and quickly, with minimum time wasted and maximum productivity en-route, there is a Business Aviation option to meet your needs. BJA WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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HOTTER 028
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Jakarta, Indonesia
THAN CHILE The Business Aviation sweet spots of Southeast Asia WORDS / Liz Moscrop
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Although there are many desirable emerging markets in the world, BizJet Advisor gets a taste of why Indonesia and Myanmar are particular sweet spots for the Business Aviation industry.
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t’s official! Aircraft manufacturers think Southeast Asia is ‘hot’. US aircraft manufacturer Boeing officially confirmed to the Bangkok Post earlier this year that Indonesia, in particular, was high on its radar. Although Ralph Boyce, president of Boeing Southeast Asia was referring primarily to regional jets, business aircraft are likely to sell well there, too. The ASEAN region’s economies are predicted to grow by 5-6% a year over the next 20 years, leading to a demand for plenty of new airplanes. Boyce expected that Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia would lead the way (in that order), closely followed by Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, and he told the Bangkok Post, "Indonesia is potentially the largest market for Boeing because of its market size.” During 2011 the Indonesian economy grew at its fastest speed since the 1997-98 Asian crisis, with gross domestic product expanding by 6.5%. This expansion is reflected in the private aviation sector. According to the UK’s Financial Times roughly $250m worth of orders were placed there over the past 12 months for private aircraft, including products from Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, Learjet, Boeing Business Jets, Embraer and Gulfstream. The same publication reported that the number of Indonesian billionaires doubled to more than 20 in 2011 as the collective wealth of the 40 richest individuals swelled by some $30bn.
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About Indonesia’s Fleet Today Indonesia is possibly the fastestgrowing country for the private aviation sector. The installed aircraft fleet is predominantly fairly old, or made up of smaller types. Susi Air, for example, operates Piaggio Avanti 180s, Cessna Caravans (both turboprops) and helicopters. Another Indonesian company, Premiair, charters Fokker 100s to customers and bases three Legacy 600s out of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta. Premiair also handles the first Embraer Lineage 1000 in Asia, which entered service last year. On the same airfield Pegasus Aviation started business in 2007 and offers aircraft management, flight support, ground handling and aviation consultancy. By partnering with several other regional players it offers rotary (Eurocopter EC135, Augusta AW109 and Augusta AW139), turobprop (Cessna Grand Caravan, Beechcraft King Air B200, Piaggio Avanti, Beechcraft 1900D and the ATR 42), and jet (Cessna Citation XLS and Sovereign, Hawker 800XP, Bombardier Challenger 604 and Global Express, Embraer Legacy, Gulfstream IV, Fokker 100, Boeing BBJ and Boeing 737) charter. Director Kabul Riswanto summarized, “In today's global and fast-paced environment where your time gets to be more valuable than ever, traveling in private jets and executive air charters are no longer considered a luxury but more of a necessity.”
One of Pegasus’ partners is the country’s fastest growing charter operator Enggang Air Service, whose CEO Donnie Armand ordered 12 Cessna Caravans last year to serve charter customers in Eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. “There has been amazing growth in Indonesia over the last year driven by the growth in GDP,” he outlined, adding that the growth of personal wealth had created demand for new business jets, and that customers were requesting newer models, rather than pre-owned aircraft currently.
High Net Worth Individuals related to the mining industry are starting to take interest…
Keen Regional Interest Dan Keady, former Vice President of Hawker Beechcraft for India/South Pacific for Hawker Beechcraft also predicts big things for Indonesia, recalling that Hawker Beechcraft “sold four 900XPs there in the last quarter of 2011.” According to Keady, High Net Worth Individuals related to the mining industry are starting to take interest, as well as government flight inspection departments. Jean Michel Jacob, Vice President of international sales for Dassault Falcon
agreed, pointing to the sheer size of Indonesia. “It is much bigger than the US. There are 17,000 islands and lots of big industries. As people become wealthy they need to have comfort.” Other manufacturers report keen interest from Indonesia, too. Francois Chazelle, Vice President of worldwide sales for Airbus Corporate Jet revealed, “We are getting requests from the usual players there. People want to travel long distances in the region.” He pointed to the inconvenience of traveling commercially. “It is useful to have a private jet based in WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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Jakarta, either for business or personal travel. This will stimulate growth.” Ernest Edwards, Embraer’s Vice President, executive jets concurred that the archipelago was a sweet spot for the Brazilian OEM. “We just delivered a Lineage 1000 in Indonesia and see it as an up-and-coming market.” Raleigh, North Carolinaheadquartered broker Jetcraft Corporation, which helps its clients buy new and used business aircraft, recently increased its presence within this region in anticipation of an emerging pre-owned market in Southeast Asia. As with sales of new business jets, Jetcraft predicts that most future demand in the used market will be for longer-range, largecabin models catering for the typical trips of 4,800 to 6,500-plus kilometers that regional users are looking for. Jahid Fazal-Karim, co-owner and board member believes demand for preowned aircraft probably will appear first in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, then trickle to China “within the next ten years.”
The Myanmar Hope Meanwhile a massive emerging hope for the private aviation industry is Myanmar, the second largest country in Southeast Asia. Intriguingly, since Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s release from house arrest in 2012, the country has seen a 500% rise in charter requests and flights, according to Simon Wagstaff, president of private flight services company the ASA Group. Thailand-based Wagstaff explained that traffic into Yangon Airport is booming. He cautioned, however, that there was a “steep learning curve,” to undergo as the 032
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It is evident that the economy is booming, but good to see that the people are keeping to their own traditions, too. - Simon Wagstaff, ASA Group private aviation market comes online. “I’m a huge fan of Myanmar and have been going there for years. It is evident that the economy is booming, but good to see that the people are keeping to their own traditions, too. The government is being
admirably cautious about how it manages the growth of investment.” That said, operators also have to deal with the fact that it can take two weeks for permission to fly to Myanmar, and Wagstaff stressed just how important relationships are to doing business in the region. “We offer a sophisticated service to customers, who have their own aircraft. They expect VIP treatment, so we use people who know the environment and local customs, who also understand VIPs.” All things considered, Southeast Asia is definitely a hotspot for Business Aviation, affirmed Keith Morgan, a director of TAG Aviation Asia. “The strongest potential markets forecast private jets going to China, but we are seeing that Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia are not far behind,” he summarized. BJA
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BUYER'S GUIDE
AIRCRAFT ACQUISITION Buy according to your need WORDS / David Wyndham
Using a business aircraft is about the ultimate luxury: the luxury of time. Not only does the business aircraft require less time for travel than any other mode of transport, it also allows for the most productive and flexible use of that travel time.
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knew an individual who was obsessed with the big cabin of a business jet that he had seen at his local airport. He picked up a brochure on the airplane and only read the part about the cabin before deciding the aircraft was for him. He instructed his lawyer to start the process of acquiring the aircraft. It might have been on the second or third trip the proud owner took that he was informed by the pilot of the need for a fuel-stop en route to his favorite destination. Unbeknown to the owner when he was focusing on the aircraft’s cabin, his beautiful aircraft was lacking the range to routinely fly the most important trip it was required to make non-stop. This was an expensive lesson in Aircraft Acquisition Planning. Buying a car based on emotion (aesthetics and features) is fine. You can see the number of seats it has and how big the trunk is. Any car sold today will
transport you around town, and highway trips always have gas stations along the route. With aircraft, however, the types of travel are so much more varied. The sizes and capabilities available are astonishing. Unless you are flying transoceanic fuel stops can be made, but they can consume up to an hour of your time. With a little effort, and the right advice the experience of using business aircraft can be efficient, productive, and costeffective.
Identify the aircraft best capable of meeting most of your ‘required’ transportation needs
Plan Around Your Needs Whatever the reason for acquiring an aircraft (or changing your current aircraft), you must have a plan. An aircraft acquisition plan must include the following as a minimum: • Identify and quantify your air transportation needs. • Differentiate between ‘required’ (must have) criteria and ‘desired’ (would like to have) criteria. • Identify the aircraft best capable of meeting most of your ‘required’ transportation needs. • Analyze all the costs involved with acquiring an aircraft, including acquisition, operating and residual values. • Consider taxes and market depreciation of the aircraft. Just as a successful business has a plan for the future, so should aircraft ownership. Once an aircraft is in WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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operation, it usually is retained for at least five years (often much longer). Therefore your Aircraft Acquisition Plan should project at least five years forward, or for as long as you anticipate operating the airplane. Void emotional selection criteria, and stay as far from subjective criteria as possible. Having firm numbers will not remove all of your questions, but it will offer justification for your selection of an aircraft based on reasoned thought.
Splitting the Difference The foundation of the plan is to understand why you need an aircraft. It is rare that there is only one model aircraft that can meet all of your needs. Therefore, the plan has to enable making a choice focused on the ‘aviation mission’. When this mission is compared to the capabilities of an aircraft, the picture of where the aircraft meets the requirement and where it does not emerges. This is the crucial first step in identifying what aircraft should be considered. You will find that ‘bigger’ or ‘faster’ isn’t always ‘better’. More than one flight department has closed its doors in the past because it catered to the whims of an owner who wanted something big and 036
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fast before the economy soured, and the airplane proved too expensive to retain when the recession occurred. Quantify every requirement to the greatest extent possible. This will help you avoid those emotional decisions. Ultimately, objective reasoning will lead to a fully justified decision for aircraft ownership, regardless of who questions you.
Key Missions = Evaluation Parameters Be proactive and look ahead: Focus your planning on what will come. Although during times of rapid change it is difficult
to forecast, do so anyway. A typical aviation mission might outline “we need to transport persons and equipment to our locations in Southeastern Asia. ” Whatever it is, it needs identification. A key mission is one that defines success for your use of the aircraft. Also note that no single mission will be applicable to 100% of the flights. Use as a general rule of thumb that if making a trip with one fuel stop en route is acceptable to your travel plans, then non-stop capability on that trip is no longer essential to your selection process. A key mission might be from Doha
Do your groundwork correctly, and you will walk away with an aircraft packed with benefits for your personal travel requirements
to London. That key mission will define the ‘Evaluation Parameters’ to enable your plan to be successful. Evaluation Parameters include cabin size, door size, cargo capacity, range, payload and more. Regular flights from Doha to London might demand a fuel stop en route, which may or may not be acceptable to you. The distance from Doha to London is about 5,400 kilometers, so allowing for headwinds, you need at least 6,150 kilometers' range to make the trip non-stop. Identifying the key missions allows you to come up with the Evaluation Parameters needed to assess your ideal aircraft. You can identify aircraft that
Identifying the key missions allows you to come up with the Evaluation Parameters needed to assess your ideal aircraft.
meet all the requirements and those that fall short in one or more areas. If you have one, include your current aircraft in this list so it becomes a baseline for judging other aircraft. Once you have several aircraft in mind, the next step could be to charter them with a reputable charter broker. You can take a car for a test drive, and you can with the aircraft too. Chartering an aircraft for several trips will give you a good idea as to its capabilities and comfort, and allow you to better refine your needs for things such as galley, baggage and cabin communications. If you don’t do your homework, you either end up with too much aircraft, or worse, you end up with an aircraft that fails to do what was originally required – both outcomes are costly mistakes. There is nothing worse than having to explain why you can’t do the trip that was the justification for buying the aircraft in the first place. But it’s also worth remembering that no aircraft will perform 100% of your required trips so aim for aircraft that will perform 80% of them. For the remaining 20% of the planned need, there is the option of supplemental lift via chartered aircraft. Do the work upfront and the rest of the analysis will fall into place. BJA WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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SMALL JET ATTRACTION Spreading the pie across India WORDS / Neelam Mathews
Income trends hold the key to how consumption patterns unfold in India. Here, it’s all about the aspirations of a growing upper-middle class and High Net Worth Individuals – and is a reason why the market for the smaller four- to eight-seater jets and turboprops accessible to millionaires (not billionaires) is also increasing.
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ndia has 7,730 Ultra-High Net Worth individuals. 109 are billionaires with a combined wealth of $925 billion, according to the Wealth-X 2012 study. Meanwhile there are 6,150 Indians worth between $30 million and $100 million, and nearly 900 that are worth between $100 million and $200 million, with a combined net worth of at least $420 billion. A recent research report with a 10-year forecast released by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) reveals India is showing a slow, but sustained growth in business aircraft. There are currently 261 business turbine aircraft registered in India, according to JETNET, LLC, which is approximately 27 percent of Asia’s total. “We did a quick snapshot over a longer period,” reveals HBC’s Regional Sales Director, India, Todd Hattaway. “We expect business to take 12-18 months to start picking up. It is frustrating as it takes 3-4 times longer here – around nine months – to get [import] clearances.” High import customs duties are also hurting wallets, but despite all the bottlenecks, “this is a market worth fighting for,” Hattaway believes. As the numbers of first generation, mid-size entrepreneurs increase beyond the metros and into second- and thirdtier cities, smaller jets are being bought as an entry level into Business Aviation by this community. “It is easier (for firsttime entrepreneurs) to put less money in smaller jets on a trial basis to test the waters than it is to place block investment
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at the first try into a larger jet,” Invision Air managing director Vinit Phatak told BizJet Advisor. “Today, corporate jets are seen increasingly as smart investments by jewellery chains like Kalyan and Joyalukkas ” [see Page 60 of this edition for the Joyalukkas story ]. “India is a very important market for Embraer Executive Jets and one where we have had the privilege of developing the Entry Level jet segment…” concurs Jose Eduardo Costas, Vice-President Marketing and Sales, Asia Pacific for Embraer Executive Jets.
Retail to Boost Jet Need The growing awareness of small private jets can be seen in the recent procurement of Hawkers and Phenoms.
…sourcing of goods will require teams to fly all over India, particularly to airfields with shorter runways where access for larger aircraft is impossible… Invison Air is India’s newest charter operator with an order for six Phenom 100s and six Phenom 300s, and Phatak believes the recent opening of the retail sector to multi-nationals will reap benefits to companies such as his, as sourcing of goods will require teams to fly all over India, particularly to airfields with shorter runways where access for larger aircraft is impossible, but where his smaller Phenoms can land. Some of the world's biggest supermarket chains, including Walmart, Carfour and Tesco will enter India and are likely to invest around $10billion over the next three to five years in operations such as transportation and storage. Since the rules mandate foreign retailers spend half their investment on building supply-chain infrastructure, and source 30 percent of
manufactured goods from local smalland medium-sized companies, business can only move upwards. The precedent has already been set. “Walmart has one of the largest private jet fleets of any company in the US. As the company grows in India, it will need its senior executives to get work done faster,” Phatak observes. Given the poor air connectivity to remote areas within India, a business trip that might take three days to complete around a commercial Airline schedule, can often be completed in a day using a business airplane. Sameer Gaur, MD & CEO of Jaypee Sports International (part of the $4billion Jaypee Group with interests in real estate, civil engineering, power and hotels) says his King Air 200 turboprop gets him to remote areas very efficiently. “You fill WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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it, shut it, fly it and forget it,” he told BizJet Advisor. (Gaur is also the man behind India's $400 million Formula One Grand Prix and is the owner of the Buddh International Circuit race track on the outskirts of Delhi.)
Lowering the Bar Further? Slowly but surely, Entry Level jets will be making their presence felt in the subcontinent. Plans for India are currently being finalized by UK-based Ruchir Gupta (of Indian descent) who has launched Speedflight, an owners' club for business jets with an Entry Level Eclipse 500 jet. “I am looking for shareholders or endusers in any configuration really - charter or shared. The main goal is to keep the Eclipse 500 flying,” Gupta explains. His entrepreneurial activities have resulted in the purchase of three-star hotels in Wembley and Farnborough in the UK. Gupta feels the Eclipse is the ideal 042
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Major initiatives are on the way that are expected to boost the smaller jets market...
fit for the niche India businessman. “The biggest issue is educating the (Indian) customer not familiar with the type.” To date, industrialists in smaller cities have expressed interest, as well as Kapil Dev, a former India cricket captain. “We are also targeting celebrities and politicians.” Gupta believes in today’s tight economy, a niche will be available to him as some owners consider stepping down from more expensive models. What Gupta
likes most about his Entry Level jet is its value. “It has a small cabin, limited range and payload, but it’s cheap to run. With an average trip of 1 to 1.8 hours (most people don’t fly further) who cares about less cabin room?” Indeed, the jet runs to the schedule of its owner just as efficiently as a larger jet would on shorter journeys, but for a lower hourly cost. Major initiatives are on the way that are expected to boost the smaller jets market – and as they do, the Business Aircraft Operators’ Association (BAOA) is hoping permission will be given by the government to permit air charter companies to align their fares with the scheduled Airlines. “This will give a smooth connection to those heading to remote areas with short runways,” BAOA President, Rohit Kapur concludes. “It will also permit charter companies to advertise their fares and schedules which they are not permitted to do at the moment.” BJA
BUYER'S GUIDE
YOUR PRIVATE FLIGHT
What to Expect and How to Save
WORDS / Mike Vines
Whether your business flight is aboard your own jet or you’ve chartered an aircraft, the message is this: Look for attractive deals in these troubled and competitive times.
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ervices offered by Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) and Flight Planning operations vary enormously - especially ground handling charges, parking and fuel prices, and even in-flight catering. It’s up to the ‘guy in the back’ (that’s you) to get the best value for your money. Some pointers to consider include fuel and catering prices, and connectivity speeds and costs. If you balance these with the overall experience in terms of time saved and comfort, you could be well on your way to getting the best out of your business jet. “It pays to shop around,” Jason Hayward of Universal Aviation’s London Stansted FBO explained. “First, shop between the different FBOs at an airport as it’s very rare for the major centers to only have one FBO, so ask them for a deal on handling and parking. But shopping around for the lowest fuel price is probably the biggest potential cost-saver, with the price of a gallon of fuel varying by 60 cents to 80 cents per gallon between three of the major London Business Aviation airports, for example. “Part of our job is making sure that we can cater to all tastes, and I guess the reason billionaires become billionaires is because they’ve looked after the cents. Even some of the very big aircraft operators look very carefully at their costs, making sure that they’re delivering good value to the company. It’s not just the small jet operators who are trying to save money - it’s the same for most customers,” Hayward concluded.
Invisible Service When it comes to ground handling, Will Holroyd, Sales and Marketing Director of Harrods Aviation (an FBO and charter provider) explains it should be so efficient that it’s invisible. “When passengers get on board they don’t want to see anything out of the ordinary – they want it to feel 046
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…the most important features of a flight from the passengers’ perspective are safety, reliability, customer service, flight efficiency and fuel usage, the route plan and the punctuality of everything that is arranged.
like they’re in their own house or any hotel they’ve ever stayed in or lounge they’ve ever sat in.” To help achieve this ‘invisibility’ Mohammad Saideh, Chief Commercial Officer of Dubai-based FBO Palm Aviation, says he’s created the two hour rule, the sixty minute rule and the fifteen minute rule to ensure everything is in place to launch and receive a flight. As the countdown starts before the flight, he ensures everything is in place. One hour later comes a double check that everything is O.K. and at 15 minutes prior to take-off, a triple check is made. “It’s a very personalized service and people like it,” he noted. Jetex Flight Support provides services for Business Aviation and is headquartered in Dubai. Marketing and
PR Manager Sabina Makowska observed, “Passengers don’t get involved in the planning of routes that will cut costs, fuel and time. They are mostly concerned with time, quality, and how many stops will have to be made.” She felt that the most important features of a flight from the passengers’ perspective were safety, reliability, customer service, flight efficiency and fuel usage, the route plan and the punctuality of everything that is arranged. “Everything should be handled as efficiently as possible - passengers don’t want there to be any issues.” This year, Jetex launched a VAT exemption program. Clients requesting fuel uplifts can benefit from VAT exemption provided they are eligible (check for eligibility at vat@jetex.com).
Chewing Over Costs Catering costs can be trimmed, but of course you only get what you pay for. Competition between caterers is intense, so it pays to get a number of quotes and make up your own mind about the level of service and quality you require. At the top-end is in-flight catering firm Alison Price On Air (APOA). “We’re a little bit different from other companies catering to business jet clients, and 90% of our customers are private owners - we do very little on charter flights,” Managing Director Daniel Hulme revealed. “That maybe has something to do with the fact that we are probably one of the more expensive. “Each dish is designed into components by one of our trained Michelin Star chefs.
We send these components to the aircraft and they are assembled on board. I would say that catering to an aircraft is more expensive than in a 5-Star hotel. I have seven staff, seven days a week in my facility, regardless of whether we’re busy or not. It’s unlike a restaurant where you can predict the number of diners or size of the orders. “Companies are being price conscious, but it seems to depend on where they are from. There’s not much of a problem with US customers, while Russian and Middle Eastern clients don’t have a problem at all,” Hulme relayed. “Costs are watched carefully by European clients though.” Universal Aviation’s Hayward observed lots of belt tightening after the downturn started in 2008. Universal is one of the WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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few flight support companies with its own flight catering company, Air Culinaire, with dedicated kitchens in London, Paris and major US metropolitan hubs. These supply food to aircraft as small as Entry Level jets up to the BusinessLiners, worldwide. Jetex’s catering point of contact is usually through the flight attendant who meets the caterer and discusses the options. “The client decides what he wants, which is of course even more important if anyone has special dietary requirements,” Makowska explained.
Stay Connected Connectivity is also a major point to consider. Being able to communicate by telephone and email from your business jet is essential. When chartering a mediumor long-haul flight, passengers should ask about an aircraft’s internet connectivity and the associated costs; coverage area limitations and the sort of connectivity experience to be expected. How is the 048
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Being able to communicate by telephone and email from your business jet is essential. usage charged? Is it part of the quote, paid for via credit card or an additional charge at the end of the trip? David Stanley, Director of Satellite Services for ARINC Direct, says the smallto mid-size jet connectivity market is growing quite rapidly. As an Inmarsat Distribution Partner for SwiftBroadband and a Service Provider for ViaSat's Yonder Global Ku-Band service, the company provides wireless internet data, email, messaging and voice to every aircraft class.
In the past, smaller aircraft were limited for connectivity because the antennas were too large and expensive for the airplanes, but with the introduction of the I4 satellite arrangement from Inmarsat, three different antenna-sized solutions were created to fit the different aircraft classes. “Smaller aircraft can now take advantage of a blade style antenna that requires minimum space on the fuselage,” Stanley detailed. “ARINC Direct currently services just about every corporate aircraft type from Entry Level, all the way up to Airbus ACJ320s. Charter management companies have quickly realized that in order to have an advantage over their competition, internet connectivity is a huge differentiator.” So the message from the experts is clear: it pays to ask the questions to the various parties involved in arranging your trips to ensure you get the best value, productivity and comfort for that allimportant next flight aboard a private or chartered jet. BJA
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EXPORTING A US-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT WORDS / Greg Cirillo & Gary Horowitz
Due to the large US private aircraft market and high US standards for aircraft maintenance, many buyers plan to buy and import previously-owned United States-registered aircraft into their own country. Before they do, here is what they should know about exporting business aircraft from the USA.
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n order to export an aircraft from the US, the aircraft’s US registration must be canceled by contacting the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and filing a registration cancellation request. This document may be submitted by the aircraft’s last registered owner, the last owner of record, the foreign purchaser (when supported by evidence of ownership), or by the authorized party under an Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA). Requests to cancel a US aircraft registration for export must include: • A complete description of the aircraft (including manufacturer name, model designation, serial number and registration number);
• the reason for cancellation (export to foreign country); • the name of the country to which the aircraft is being exported; • the signature and appropriate title of the requester; • releases, discharges, or consents to export for all outstanding interests, security instruments and unexpired leases; and • a copy of the International Registry Search Certificate (if the aircraft is subject to the Cape Town Treaty). If the buyer is financing the purchase of the aircraft, the de-registration of the aircraft from the US and the reregistration in the buyer’s country must be coordinated. The lending bank will require a perfected mortgage on the aircraft, which
cannot occur until after the aircraft is deregistered in the US and re-registered in the buyer’s country. The seller usually will not allow its aircraft to be de-registered until receiving payment for the aircraft, but the lender will not want to release those funds until after the filing of a mortgage on the aircraft under the buyer’s home country registry. In many cases, the time difference between the selling and buying locations precludes a smooth, continuous de-registration and re-registration of the aircraft. In these cases, the careful use of independent escrows of money and registration documents is the best option for protecting the parties’ interests. As discussed below, the conduct of these transactions requires the use of WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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an experienced escrow agent as well as coordinating filings in the US and the nation of subsequent registration in order to address the concerns of the buyer, seller and lender(s). In addition to US registration with the FAA, some states require that aircraft based in their jurisdiction be registered or licensed in the state. State de-registration of aircraft within the US is a minor concern, but a US aircraft seller may be required to collect state sales tax from the buyer on the sale of the aircraft unless there is a state sales tax exemption.
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where the aircraft will be registered. The new nation of registry must be satisfied that the aircraft is safe and suitable for use. For an aircraft being exported from the US, that means obtaining a “Certificate of Airworthiness for Export” from the FAA. This document tells the subsequent nation of registration that the FAA finds the aircraft airworthy. In most cases, that will be sufficient.
Closing It is important to establish early in a transaction where the aircraft will be when the various steps take place, and what will be the order of those steps. This sequence may require coordination with the seller’s and buyer’s banks, and use of an experienced escrow agent. The established escrow agent will govern the release of documents and funds, and the filing of lien releases, deregistration, registration and new liens. It is not unusual for the entire transaction
to occur while the aircraft remains in the US, in which case the purchaser would need to have a representative of the new nation of registration in the US to perform any technical inspections required to issue the applicable certificate of airworthiness. Transactions all vary, but a typical closing sequence is as follows: • US liens/leases terminated; • International Registry liens/leases terminated; • Title documents released; • US de-registration; • New national registration; • New national liens/leases established; • New International Registry liens established; and • Physical possession and control to purchaser.
Anti-Money-Laundering The US seller of a private aircraft may have to perform a due diligence investigation of the buyer in order to comply with US
Ultimately, the US seller just wants to sell the aircraft, but must manage these US legal obligations or risk penalties and fines...
anti-money-laundering (AML) laws and regulations. Under AML, US financial institutions must identify their customers, establish risk-based controls, keep records and report suspicious activities. US businesses engaged in aircraft sales are considered “financial institutions” that are subject to AML compliance. Therefore, any US person or entity engaged in the regular or recurring sale of aircraft will have some level of due diligence to comply with AML. At a minimum, the US seller of an aircraft may evaluate each buyer (including entities known to be affiliated with the buyer) on a scale of low, medium or high risk for money-laundering abuse. As part of AML compliance, the US seller may check the “Specially Designated Nationals List” of the Office of Foreign Asset Control – Department of the Treasury (OFAC) and other US Government lists. OFAC’s programs are either list-based or country-based. Country-based programs target a particular government and include complete trade embargos. List-based
programs target persons (individuals or entities) involved in activities that threaten the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States. Accordingly, US sellers of aircraft may have procedures to evaluate and check-up on the buyer for AML compliance.
US Export In addition to the AML rules, US export control laws administered by the US Department of Commerce and US Department of State prevent the sale of certain technologies to certain foreign countries and end-users. Under these laws, US sellers cannot sell aircraft to individuals or companies from prohibited nations (e.g. Cuba or Iran). Accordingly, US sellers will likely perform an investigation of the buyer for US export control law compliance. If the buyer of the aircraft plans to resell it in a back-to-back transaction, US export laws may treat this as a sale by the
US person directly to the aircraft’s enduser. For example, if a US person sells an aircraft to an Indian citizen who then sells the aircraft to an Iranian citizen, US export laws may treat this as a sale by the US person directly to the Iranian citizen. Therefore, the US seller will want to investigate both the intermediate buyer and the end-user buyer to comply with US export control and AML laws. Note: The buyer of a US aircraft exporting the aircraft out of the United States and into its home country will need to deal with a US seller that must comply with several US laws as well as the requirements of several US Governmental agencies. Ultimately, the US seller just wants to sell the aircraft, but must manage these US legal obligations or risk penalties and fines for non-compliance on the sale and export of the aircraft. More information from Greg Cirillo: GCirillo@wileyrein.com; Gary Horowitz: GHorowitz@wileyrein.com. or Wiley Rein LLP: www.wileyrein.com BJA WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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A STUDY IN BUSINESS AVIATION The business tool that beats the clock WORDS / Jack Olcott
Companies and entrepreneurs throughout the globe use business aircraft to augment their travel capabilities. As exemplified by case studies, wise use of time is the common thread woven through the fabric of Business Aviation.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
W
hile cultures differ between regions, time is universal. So is the need for business leaders to travel within and between regions—meeting new clients, engaging with established associates and encouraging mutually beneficial relationships. Time and transportation are fundamental elements in facilitating economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Thus, corporations and entrepreneurs embrace the capabilities of Business Aviation to adjust to, and capitalize on changing patterns of supply and demand throughout the globe. The Middle East, India and Southeast Asia contain opportunities for economic growth that are realized when business aircraft are used to bring the ebb and flow of commerce to these regions. Currently, the fleet of business aircraft in these regions totals 813 jets and 396 turboprops, according to JETNET, LLC, a wellrespected demographer located in Utica, New York, USA. The experiences of an IT leader with headquarters on the technology-focused West Coast of the USA illustrate the significant role that Business Aviation plays in its global strategy to serve shareholders and contribute to society through facilitating commerce. A user of business aircraft since the 1960s, its flight activities have grown from intrastate travel to international flights that routinely include destinations in Europe and Asia. With the addition of long-range business aircraft to its fleet, the firm is able to reach distant locations non-stop from its home base. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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Typically, such flights save the company at least two days—one traveling outbound and a second day returning home—when compared with flights on scheduled Airlines. Being free from Airline schedules throughout regions in the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, company employees save more than a few days on some of their international trips.
Productivity The company’s executives routinely comment on their ability to use travel time more productively than is possible on Airline flights. Business aircraft are fitted with the latest in communications equipment for passengers, enabling connectivity with the home office as well as with business contacts globally, even while travelling to markets thousands of miles from the company’s headquarters. Travel time is put to good use, either concentrating on business or discussing topics of a proprietary nature that could not be addressed on an Airline flight for fear that a competitor might be listening. Research conducted by Harris Interactive, Inc., for the NBAA in 2009, reflects the comments of typical passengers. When asked to contrast their time aboard business aircraft and airliners, respondents to the research reported considerably more of their travel time on the company aircraft was devoted to company business. They also confirmed that the likelihood of discussing workrelated topics with business associates was rare and essentially non-existent when travelling with customers on airliners. 056
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Security is another feature that executives note is a particularly positive characteristic of Business Aviation. Companies routinely assess the safety and security risks of every mission, including a review of potential problems as well as an analysis of what might be encountered at unfamiliar destinations. Since all passengers are known to either the captain of the flight or the lead passengers, the risk of disruptions due to a security breach is essentially nil on a business aircraft. Flight department personnel stress
the need for enduring relationships with suppliers of goods and services to support aircraft operations while travelling internationally. Maintenance support from business aircraft is available essentially worldwide, but keeping the manufacturer appraised of travel plans and discussing contingency plans is helpful.
Operations In India Even though India’s economy has slowed somewhat from its blistering pace of recent years, opportunities for domestic as
Travel time is put to good use, either concentrating on business or discussing topics of a proprietary nature that could not be addressed on an Airline flight for fear that a competitor might be listening.
well as international companies are still favorable. Many NBAA member companies have substantial business interests in that country. Economic forecasters predict that in spite of uncertainty attributed to many factors, such as the world’s economy, inflation across the Subcontinent, and the need for government intervention in several areas ranging from expenditures on subsidies to curbs on the nation’s deficit, Indian GDP growth for 2012 should average an impressive 4.9 percent. In 2013 its GDP is forecast to approach 6.5 percent. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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…contrary to perception, most users of Business Aviation are small companies.
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Many Western nations in Europe and the USA would be very pleased to experience such growth. Expanding at a rate that averaged nearly 15 percent annually over the last five-or-so years, the fleet of business jets and turboprops registered in India as of October 2012 was 261 according to JETNET, LLC. By 2020, however, India is expected to be home to more than five times that number of aircraft used by companies and entrepreneurs for business transportation. Even with a substantial number of indigenously based business jets and turboprops on the Subcontinent and with the overall fleet expected to grow, operators find India’s infrastructure a challenge, though. Unique facilities designed to address the needs of business aircraft are limited. When preparing for a flight to India, aviation departments typically allow from five to seven days for obtaining flight permits
and landing slots (which, incidentally, is noticeably longer than the 24 to 72 hours that our leading IT business jet user would need to allot for flight planning into China). When asked to summarize the role of Business Aviation within a company’s global business, directors of aviation typically respond that meeting the unique travel needs of executives and technology leaders in today’s challenging economy requires an emphasis on using time intelligently. The remarks of one aviation manager capture the essence of Business Aviation for companies participating in the global economy. “We have to ensure that Business Aviation stays relevant to the travel needs of the enterprise. Corporations are moving so fast you need to be six months ahead of where you are today, preparing for the next strategic move and having the ability to accelerate a company’s business plan.”
Not Just for Mega Corporations Companies participating in the global economy are using Business Aviation to stay ahead, yet contrary to perception, most users of Business Aviation are small companies. In the USA, for example, the fleet-size of the average NBAA member company is less than two aircraft—typically consisting of small to medium-sized business jets. Furthermore, most operations are domestic, not international, although larger business aircraft with the ability to fly long distances non-stop are selling at a faster rate than smaller aircraft because of expanding business opportunities in global markets. For domestic travel, however, smaller business jets and propeller aircraft powered by turbine engines— i.e., turboprops—are well suited for missions within the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. The Edwards Group, for example, a privately held company located in
the Southeastern region of the USA, is an excellent example of why Business Aviation works for enterprises of all sizes and is an attractive tool for the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. This company of 350 employees, with business dealings throughout mid-America, satisfies most of its short- and medium-range needs by operating a Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop aircraft. “I don’t think we could run [The Edwards Group] without an airplane because when you have problems in a company our size, you have to handle them right now,” said Steve Edwards, president of the Group’s real estate division, when queried by NBAA. Continuing, he added, “[Our routine activities] require a time machine that gets you where you want to be. “For us, it’s about getting to the problem, fixing the problem and getting home. [Our business aircraft] is a great tool—one that we couldn’t live without.” Throughout all regions of the globe, the importance of using time wisely is universal. BJA
Steve Edwards, president of The Edwards Group’s real estate division steps out of his company’s PC-12 Photo Courtesy NBAA
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THE MAN WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH WORDS / Neelam Mathews
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There is an air of minimalism in Joy Alukkas’ office with everything understated, including the man himself. He is made of a different metal, and it is not gold.
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e has no gold ornaments on him as would be expected in South India, where even men don gold ornaments on their wrists, fingers and neck. (They might even have a waistband of gold!) It is hard to believe he produces high-end gold jewellery that touches the lives of over 10 million customers across nine countries. “I believe in simple living, high thinking,” says the billionaire, whose turnover is rumoured to be over $1billion - something he does not comment on.
Joy Alukkas - whose stores are named after him- is now the world’s number one 22-carat jewellery maker with over 100,000 designs in his portfolio, and growing. By the end of 2012, he will have added ten more showrooms in India and 25 by the end of 2013, of which 15 will be in India. As a matter of fact, his future plans are to have one shop in each Indian city within 150 km from each other, and it’s in this respect that his Embraer Phenom 100, part of his charter business, JoyJets,
will serve him well. Indeed, being a man with multiple business commitments, it is difficult for Alukkas to schedule his departure timings in advance to coincide with the timelines of commercial airlines. Even if he could, there are few point-to-point airline connections that exist from Kochi (where his head office is located) to the smaller towns where he has business branches, essentially making it imperative for a successful businessman such as Alukkas to own a business jet. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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Joy Alukkas’ family takes priority in his personal time – something that is undoubtedly assisted by his business jet
Alukkas’ Phenom 100 helps him travel India and beyond efficiently
"Time is money," Alukkas emphasises. A flight to Trichy - the third largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai and Coimbatore - takes around one and a half hours, versus the almost five hours required to take numerous airline connections and endure the wasted transit time at airports. And for those places without an airport to serve them, he lands at an airport close by, travels by car to the destination, and while passing through the smaller towns en route checks them out as prospective sites for future showrooms. 062
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Alukkas’ (presently settled in Dubai) is no rags-to-riches story, having “been comfortably brought up with his ten sisters and five brothers at Thrissur,” close to Palayur, where the apostle St. Thomas landed in 52 AD. He set up his first shop in Abu Dhabi in 1987, where he is the only jeweller conferred ISO 9001:2008 and ISO14001:2004 certification. Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain and Ras al-Khaimah, UK, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Singapore followed – and Malaysia is his next destination, he says.
Since starting out with jewellery, however, Alukkas’ business interests have spread to include charters, money exchange, fashion and silks, and speciality shopping malls. From the 200 sq.ft showroom his father ran in 1956, business has moved on somewhat. Last year, the 40,000 sq.ft. Joyalukkas Jewellery showroom in Chennai was recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the world’s largest. Here, a diamond cave giving a history of the stone has proved to be very popular with residents.
There is little wonder, then, that Alukkas is clear that gold and diamonds will remain his core business, and “though young people are buying the latest consumer electronic goods, in my lifetime, the craze for gold will remain,” he says assuredly. However, underlying ethics is his mantra. “We are very stringent about the quality of the product and outsourcing is done from reputed companies. There are no two ways about it…”
‘Phenom-enal’ Response to Business India’s marriage and festival season that generally starts from September, and during which the rich and poor alike buy gold - keeps the business moving and Alukkas’ Phenom 100 flying. “I had a sixseater Italian Vulcanair turboprop aircraft for my own use. I don’t have that much travel to do, so we have now changed the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) license to a Non-Scheduled Operating WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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A model poses for a photoshoot to advertise Alukkas’ charter operation, JoyJets
JoyJets is the first business jet charter operator in the state of Kerala
Permit (NSOP) to run a charter operation,” he outlined. JoyJets is the first and only business jet charter operator in the state of Kerala. Just 20% of the flights are made for Alukkas’ personal use. Alukkas adds that he is planning to buy a Phenom 300 or Legacy 450 that will double for JoyJets. “A lot of customers like bigger airplanes. (We find) an eight-seater versus four seats is more popular. Personally, I am happy with the smaller Phenom 100. It is economical, given that aviation fuel in India is costly and landing and parking fees are also less for the aircraft.” The Phenom 100 is ideal for short trips of up to 1,200 miles and requires 064
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minimum manpower, says Asif Punathil, chief pilot and a native of Kochi (who flew Boeing 747-400s for Singapore Airlines till 2009 but who wanted to return to his roots in Kerala and landed the job of flying Alukkas’ Phenom 100). Punathil feels there is no difference between flying a small versus a large aircraft. “We are aloft between 3540 hours a month. Embraer’s support is fantastic…and maintenance is not demanding." Due to salt in the atmosphere, a desalination wash is performed every 14 days instead of the recommended 30 days. There are currently seven Phenom 100s owned in India, with more on order.
By 2016, JoyJets plans to have five aircraft in its fleet, including one helicopter – useful for sightseeing and visiting religious sites. The company is believed to have shortlisted a Hawker 900 and Legacy 450 “because of their longer range and the fact that they can fly from Cochin to anywhere in India," according to Punathil.
Thirst for Gold As business expands, Alukkas expects to fly more in the coming years. The fact that India is the world's largest importer of gold and a family's wealth has traditionally been determined by the quantity of gold and land that is owned
Regardless of the regional preferences, Alukkas will continue to satiate the needs of his fervent followers – aided by his trusted Phenom 100.
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Meanwhile, the hankering for gold continues.
may have something to do with projections for increased aircraft use. South India, in particular, has a voracious appetite for the yellow metal that has roots in a 4,000-year old culture. There, the first food consumed by a new born baby will contain a miniscule paste of gold dust, believed to bring prosperity to the child. Besides, being an easier bet to hedge against inflation and other risks, gold is looked at as an investment. Demand is for the purer 22-carat metal as against 18-carat in the west, and that is what Alukkas offers. A large family takes priority in Alukkas’ personal time. For a man with memberships in major golf clubs within the region, he confesses he has no time 066
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to play. His Embraer Phenom 100 is often seen taking off from Kochi airport in Kerala to transport him to smaller regional towns where he is feverishly opening new showrooms to satiate the cravings of his rural buyers. This activity has led to recognition for a need for more regional airports. “There are many places we cannot go to because of a lack of airstrips,” Punathil rues. Although infrastructure can be problematic to Business Aviation users in India, finding pilots to fly your jet will not be an issue as the fleet size within India increases (as it’s predicted to do). “We have 3,000 pilots who were unemployed following the explosion in aviation between 2004-2008,” Punathil adds.
“What would save headaches for us is a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) to operate at the airport and provide aeronautical services such as fuelling, hangars, tiedown and parking, aircraft rental, flight planning and more.” Meanwhile, the hankering for gold continues. “Jewellery trends are regionspecific,” Alukkas explains. “ In North India, for instance, more stones are embedded in ornaments, South Indians like pure gold designs and Turkish designs are popular in the Middle East.” Regardless of the regional preferences, Alukkas will continue to satiate the needs of his fervent followers – aided by his trusted Phenom 100. BJA
WORLD TRAVEL
STYLE COUNSEL WORDS / Liz Moscrop
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Our cover story shows just how easy it is to travel, work, and rest when you fly privately. For those that want to rest, some of the seats convert to beds, and the windows can be covered with shades – or not, as the passenger desires. Once on the ground, the concierge at the airport can arrange for a chauffeur to pick you up at the airstairs and whisk you to your hotel.
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n this edition of BizJet Advisor , we have selected TAG Farnborough Airport, one of Europe’s flagship private airfields as a key destination for entrepreneurs from the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. In 2011, international movements represented more than 65 percent of the airfield’s total operations, which numbered approximately 16,000. Brandon O’Reilly, TAG Farnborough Airport CEO explained, “We value our customers from those regions and work closely with them to promote the facilities and services we have to offer. We have built strong working relationships with customers, operators and flight planning companies and continue to showcase our offering through local advertising and exhibiting at regional shows such as Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA). “We also work alongside TAG Aeronautics, which distributes Bombardier products in the Middle East, on joint
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initiatives such as the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) to further spread the word.” Located less than 40 miles from central London, O’Reilly said that TAG Farnborough was designed “to give our customers what they want most: privacy, ease of access and business services.” The airport also offers a wide range of amenities and services including on-site office space, aircraft maintenance, concierge service and direct airplane access for customers wanting to drive directly to waiting jets. O’Reilly continued, “Our customer service team is dedicated to providing a personalized service for all of our customers. Our team is trained to understand and be sensitive to different cultures and customs. When possible we also speak to protocol representatives in advance of VIP arrivals to ascertain any special requirements.” For those wishing to stay in the lounge
a while, the airport has become the first Business Aviation airport in the world to showcase the works of British artist Damien Hirst and designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, following their striking contributions to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Paintings by Damien Hirst, including his iconic butterfly, spin and spot paintings and a hanging light sculpture by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, which the designers say is inspired by the “hidden beauty of aviation technology”, are currently on display in the airport’s state-of-the-art terminal. Farnborough also offers an onsite luxury hotel – the Aviator. The hotel is one of the UK’s most strikingly-designed, and works seamlessly with the airport to complement its services to crew and passengers alike. The hotel consists of 169 bedrooms, a Brasserie, Brasserie Bar, Deli, Sky Bar, Sky Lounge, seven meeting rooms, and an exercise studio. BJA
The airport also offers a wide range of amenities and services including on-site office space, aircraft maintenance, concierge service and direct airplane access...
Top left: Artwork by Damien Hirst can be viewed at TAG Farnborough; Top right: A view of the Aviator Hotel’s exquisitely designed stairway; Bottom left: Brandon O’Reilly, TAG Farnborough CEO; Bottom right: TAG Farnborough is positioned well for visitors to London. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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A SLICE OF
PARADISE
Exclusive private island resorts in Asia
WORDS / Isabel Putinja
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Privacy is the ultimate luxury - particularly when taking some time out from a demanding business schedule. Who wouldn’t dream of having their own private island retreat for those moments? Some of the most exclusive Asian luxury resorts do offer a whole island as a playground, while others are designed to offer as much seclusion and privacy as possible. Photo c/o Song Saa WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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Photos c/o Aman Resorts
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ith secluded locations, deserted white sand beaches, and stunning surroundings, following is a review of some of the most luxurious Asian private island resorts. Some have their own private airstrips to land your private or chartered airplane, whilst others offer facilities for seaplanes or yachts from the mainland.
Amanpulo Resort, Philippines The Philippines is perhaps not the first destination which comes to mind when planning an Asian getaway, but this spectacular Southeast Asian archipelago has over 7,000 islands and exquisite beaches which easily rival those of Mauritius and the Maldives. Part of the Aman Resorts luxury chain, the Amanpulo is the only property on 074
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Just 300 metres offshore are colourful coral reefs in sparkling turquoise waters. picturesque Pamalican Island, nestled in the Sulu Sea. The pristine beaches here are made of powder-fine white sand and the backdrop of tiny islands dotting the shoreline provides a stunning seascape. Just 300 metres offshore are colourful coral reefs in sparkling turquoise waters. The 40 twin-roofed casitas, inspired by traditional Philippine architecture, are set in the tropical hillside, along the sandy beach or perched among the treetops. The hilltop casitas have dazzling views of the
seascape and offer complete privacy while the beach-side casitas are just steps away from the sand along a private pathway. Guests who want to indulge should choose one of the 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom holiday villas complete with a private pool, living and dining pavilions, an outdoor terrace, and the exclusive services of a cook and housekeeper: Everything that is needed for a relaxing and rejuvenating escape! 2
Best time to go: November to May.
Nearest airport: Amanpulo has its own private airstrip on Pamalican Island. Flight time from Manila International Airport is 1 hour. Yacht mooring: Private yachts can moor at the island with prior approval from the management. More information from www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo
Photos c/o Song Saa
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia Cambodia’s untouched islands of tropical rainforests and white sand beaches are reminiscent of Thailand before the days of mass tourism. Less than a year old, Song Saa is a stylish and elegant 27-villa resort which has been generating enthusiastic reviews. Set in the Gulf of Thailand among tropical reefs and a spectacular, unspoilt habitat, this is the perfect romantic getaway. Everything here is steeped in 5-star luxury, from the lavish outdoor bathrooms to the huge infinity pool. This eco-friendly resort has been built with sustainable materials and with utmost respect for the natural surroundings. The sloped, thatched roofs and natural wood furnishings blend seamlessly into the tropical rainforest setting.
The overwater villas are for those who like to be as close to the sea as possible the ocean is just feet away from the private balcony, while guests who want complete
privacy can opt for a jungle villa facing east or west, providing perfect vantage points for stunning sunrise or sunset views. Ocean view villas have private beaches facing east to the sunrise. All villas have private outdoor plunge pools and sun decks where guests can unwind and relax in seclusion. 2
Best time to go: November to May.
Nearest airport: Sihanouk International Airport (flight time is 45 minutes from Phnom Penh and 75 minutes from Siem Reap). Song Saa is 40 minutes from Sihanouk on the resort’s luxury speedboat. There are also four weekly services by helicopter to Song Saa from Phnom Penh (70 minutes). Yacht mooring: Yachts can moor close to the island. More information from www.songsaa.com
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Pulau Joya, Indonesia For those who dream of a private tropical hideaway, Pulau Joya in the Indonesian Riau Archipelago is a picture-perfect destination. Originally the private residence of a prosperous shipping family, today the whole six-villa island can be booked for groups of 10 to 16 guests. Alternatively, the villas can also be booked out individually for a minimum of two nights’ stay. These beautiful luxury villas built of driftwood in traditional Javanesestyle are perched on raised stilts with high thatched roofs, and are tastefully decorated with elegant wooden furniture, creating a cosy atmosphere of rustic charm. The wrap-around verandas, sea-view terraces, open and spacious lounges and high ceilings provide ample opportunities for outdoor living with the sea breeze naturally cooling the interiors. This is the perfect place to relax, recuperate and truly feel as though you have a tropical island to yourself. There’s a 25-metre swimming pool to splash around in and a white sand beach to stretch-out on, while the island’s 140-foot yacht The Hang Tuah is available to guests who want to explore the surrounding islands. Dolphin sightings are common!
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Best time to go: March to November.
Nearest airport: Fly to Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam. The island is easily accessible by boat from Batam, or Singapore to Tanjung Pinang ferry terminal on Bintan island. From there, the resort arranges land transfers to its private jetty (45 minutes) and by speedboat to the island (20 minutes). Yacht mooring: Yachts can moor at one of four moorings set off the island. More information from www.pulau-joya.com Photos c/o Dedy Goh 076
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Taprobane Island, Sri Lanka Perched on a two-acre rocky island jutting into the sea just off the south-west shore of Sri Lanka sits an eccentric octagonshaped luxury villa. Built in the 1920s by an English Count, Taprobane Island is the only privately-owned island in Sri Lanka. It offers a slice of old-world charm and a unique holiday experience to guests who come here to leave the rest of the world behind them. This has been a favourite retreat for writers, including Robin Maugham, Arthur C. Clarke and Paul Bowles, who wrote The Spider's House here. The adventure starts on arrival: Guests have to wade 180 metres through shallow waters to access the island. The staff are happy to carry luggage, and sometimes an elephant is on hand to help provide a truly majestic arrival. The romantic villa has four comfortable bedrooms with 4-poster beds and colonial-style furniture, each with an ensuite bathroom and a balcony or patio. Book the four rooms with a few friends and you can have the whole island to yourself. Six staff members will take care of guests, including a resident chef who will prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner to order. The only things to do are relax in the infinity pool overlooking the sea, stroll through the tropical gardens, or lounge on the large veranda which offers views over the bay of Welligama. On the mainland, meanwhile, the nearby World Heritage city of Galle, famous for its Dutch fort, is definitely worth a day-trip.
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Best times to go: August and September; December to March. Nearest airport: The closest airport is Koggala airport, a 15-minute drive away. Yacht mooring: Yachts can moor close to the island. More information from www.taprobaneisland.com
Photos c/o Taprobane Island WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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Photos c/o Anantara Kihavah Villas
Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives The Maldives is one of the most luxurious destinations, and is famed for picturepostcard beaches which are often voted the best in the world. Chic resorts are aplenty here, but Anantara Kihavah Villas, located on Kihavah Huravalhi Island – which opened in 2011 – is definitely one of the most exclusive. It boasts the country’s longest swimming pool at 49 metres, six distinctive restaurants and bars, a six-suite overwater spa and an underwater wine cellar. The atmosphere here is one of sophisticated elegance and elaborate luxury. All the 74 villas and four residences have elegantly furnished interiors and 078
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many irresistible extravagances such as private infinity pools, outdoor showers, oversized bathtubs, sundecks, and swinging daybeds. The overwater villas and residences are literally in the lap of nature, with direct access to the sea and a glassbottomed bathtub through which fish and other sea life can be seen. The ultimate luxury is, perhaps, the 24-hour personal host assigned to each villa and residence who will attentively, but discreetly attend to guests’ needs and requirements. With coral reefs so abundant, diving is one of the most popular activities in this island paradise. Guests are assigned their own personal boat and diving guide. Nearby Hanafaru Bay is one of the most spectacular diving destinations in the
world, and a hotspot for underwater photographers. Here divers can enjoy the unique experience of seeing hundreds of manta rays and even swim with whale sharks. BJA
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Best time to go: January to April
Nearest airport: Male International Airport. The island is a 35-minute flight away by seaplane. Yacht mooring: Yachts up to 35 metres can moor off the island while super yachts can drop anchor. The waters are too shallow for yachts to sail up to the resort’s jetties, however. More information from http://kihavah-maldives.anantara.com
M/Y IMPERIAL PRINCESS
A member of the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton family
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www.princessyachts.com
WORLD TRAVEL
THE WORLD OF SEAPLANES Connecting the more remote places by airplane WORDS / Rod Simpson
Could your next flight be in a seaplane? It may not be as unlikely as you think because, strange as it may seem, it is becoming increasingly popular to use coastal seaways, lakes and rivers to fly into places that are remote or difficult to reach with normal land-based aircraft.
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he concept of the seaplane could particularly be applied to owners of exclusive properties around the world who value seclusion and personal privacy, and who can afford access to the finest of beach facilities and remote hunting and fishing locations. The very remoteness of these places poses a major transportation problem (not all are served even by a basic landing strip), but seaplanes can often offer a fast and comfortable way to arrive easily and with a minimum of fuss. While floatplanes are used for many commercial applications, they have always been very practical as private aircraft for anyone with a remote hideaway. During the 1940s, American company Grumman was building stylish flying boats, with retractable wheels for land operations, such as the Widgeon, the Goose, and the Mallard (purchased by very rich customers that included King Farouk of Egypt). Italian company, Piaggio, meanwhile, sold its P136 amphibian to customers like Greek multi-millionnaire Aristotle Onassis who would commute from Athens to his private island of Skorpios. Quite a number of these desirable aircraft are still operating, together with a good number of smaller four-seat Lake amphibians, but if you want to buy a new aircraft the choice mainly comes down to one of Cessna’s high-wing models equipped with twin amphibious floats. The floats are fitted with retractable wheels, meaning that these aircraft are equally at ease landing on the water or a conventional land airfield. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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The Caravan Amphibian, Stationair and Twin Otter For those who can afford it, the Cessna Caravan Amphibian is a highly desirable nine-passenger airplane, which has established a world-wide reputation for comfort, speed and reliability, and can be purchased with an interior that provides the upholstered luxury of a business jet. It comes with a price tag of $2,469,000. The Caravan Amphibian has a generous range of 1,519 km, and a cruising speed of 306 km/h which makes it extremely versatile, with plenty of space for carrying baggage - including large compartments in the floats – or passengers (or a combination of both). If you don’t need the passenger/ luggage capacity of the Caravan, however, a good alternative may be Cessna’s sixseat Stationair which, again, has a very comfortable leather-trimmed cabin and can easily accommodate floats. While this is designed as a piston-engine aircraft, it can be fitted with a turboprop engine conversion to give it extra performance if desired. Alternatively, if your need requires an aircraft with even more capacity than the Caravan, the twin-turboprop Viking 082
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Twin Otter 400 on floats is well worth consideration. Nearly 850 Twin Otters were built by De Havilland Canada before production ceased in 1988, but such has been the demand for these venerable machines that Viking Aircraft has brought the aircraft back into production and has no shortage of orders. For commercial operations the Twin Otter 400 can carry up to 19 passengers, but Viking has gained orders for examples with a luxury VIP interior.
Taxi to your Exclusive Resort Seaplanes are finding favour with visitors to the most desirable destinations available around the world. Take, for instance, the Maldives - a popular destination for many tourists looking for the tranquility of a coral island and incredible diving experiences. The Maldives is a chain of 1,190 tiny islands set in an area of 90,000-sq.km., and many of the most beautiful spots are only reached after a trip by boat - or in a seaplane. After flying into the modern airport at Male the visitor can quickly transfer to the nearby seaplane base and embark on a short flight of less than an hour in the Maldivian Air Taxi Twin Otter, which drops
you at your paradise resort. Elsewhere, every lake in Canada, Alaska or Washington State has its share of floatplanes to give residents and visitors easy transportation to their fishing lodges and vacation homes. At Kenmore Air Harbor near Seattle, Washington, a constant stream of floatplanes take off to Victoria Island and up to Campbell River on Vancouver Island (known as the Salmon Capital of the World). While the aircraft used here include some four-seat Cessnas and larger Caravans, they are predominantly single-engine De Havilland Beavers and Otters. Plenty of these airplanes started their lives as tough, utility transports for the United States Army - but then found a second life with companies such as Kenmore Air that adapted them for their current purposes.
A New Breed of Flying Boat The new awareness of using the water as a ready-made runway has re-awakened one of the greatest names in flying boat history. In the 1930s, the German designer, Professor Claude Dornier produced the giant Wal flying boat, and later the Dornier Do.24, which served the
Left: Cessna’s Caravan Amphibian; Top right: A Viking Twin Otter 400; Middle right: The Twin Otter 400 in service as a Maldivian Air Taxi; Bottom right: The Dornier Seastar CD2
Luftwaffe. Today, his grandson, Conrado Dornier heads the Dornier Seaplane Company, which is developing the allcomposite Seastar amphibian. First flown back in 1984, the Seastar is an imposing aircraft with the same design of two-step boat hull used on the pre-war Dorniers with large stabilising sponsons containing the fuel tanks and wheel wells for the retractable undercarriage, on either side. It is powered by a pair of turboprop engines mounted high on the centre section well out of the way of water spray, in a tractor/pusher arrangement that eliminates the asymmetric thrust problem of conventional twin-engine configurations. The Seastar CD2 has been much refined during the past two decades and is fully certificated in preparation for production. On a recent demonstration flight for BizJet Advisor it was clear that the Seastar brings a new dimension to water-borne aircraft. The comfortable eight-seat cabin is similar to that of Hawker Beechcraft’s King Air, and the high-mounted engines make the interior pleasantly quiet. The Dornier Seaplane Company is currently finalizing its plans for production, possibly in Canada, India or China with first deliveries set to occur in 2015. The company already has a large order backlog, with many customers in Southeast Asia where the aircraft is felt to be ideal for accessing distant and remote communities. The company sees a potential market for 500 aircraft and, priced at around $6 million, the unique Seastar could become a leader in this buoyant seaplane market. BJA WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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WORLD TRAVEL Top left: The London Skyline - courtesy of Visit Britain; Bottom left: Afternoon Tea at the Horseguards Hotel; Bottom right: Bond - courtesy of Visit Britain
THE INSIDER GUIDES: MY LONDON WORDS / Rani Singh
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aving travelled far and wide for the BBC as a presenter reporter, it’s always great to get home to London, writes Rani Singh. This fair city has had an amazing year –first with the Royal Jubilee, and then the Olympics and now London town is celebrating 50 years of James Bond, it's positively buzzing. London is such a welcoming city, and whether you are planning a quick detour whilst travelling on Business or you are visiting for a much-needed leisure vacation, you can be assured of history, charm and a friendly welcome… and great shopping! In fact, I’ve fallen in love with my home town. So here is my whistle-stop tour of some of my favourite places in London.
WHERE TO STAY?
The Lanesborough The most expensive hotel suites in London, at $21,000 per night. Lady Gaga, Madonna, Beyonce and Will Smith have stayed here. www.lanesborough.com St Ermin’s Hotel This boutique hotel has historic links with MI5 and MI6! I first met tennis championturned-businessman Boris Becker here before an enjoyable two-part interview. www.sterminshotel.co.uk Café Royal Re-launched, contemporary luxury! Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill and Muhammad Ali were all patrons here. http://hotelcaferoyal.com/
EATING OUT
The Royal Horseguards Hotel This historic hotel in its iconic location is a favorite for varied sumptuous afternoon teas; with a harpist, and friendly, knowledgeable staff led by Marta Czekalo.
Top: Trafalgar Square - courtesy of Visit Britain Bottom: The Café Royal
The Ritz Tea in The Ritz’s Palm Court; a perennial classic. www.theritzlondon.com China Tang Located in Park Lane’s Dorchester Hotel, China Tang is justifiably London’s most expensive Chinese restaurant! www.thedorchester.com India Club One of London's oldest Indian restaurants started just before Independence, in 1946. Jawaharlal Nehru and Lady Mountbatten were founding members and an image
of PM Indira Gandhi hangs on the wall. Original red lino flooring, tables and Formica tops! Chef Purushattam Krishnaswamy has cooked for 35 years. www.strand-continental.co.uk Winter Garden Restaurant, Landmark Hotel Enjoy piano in the evenings, and a glassroofed atrium. Hostess Victoria Gomez welcomes and Head Waiter Anton Barbu is persuasive; he can change the wine and food habits of a lifetime! www.landmarklondon.co.uk WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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WORLD TRAVEL Top left: Turnbull & Asser - courtesy of Visit Britain Bottom left: Selfridges - courtesy of Visit Britain Top right: The James Bond Experience Bottom right: The Horseguards - courtesy of Visit Britain
SHOPPING
Burlington Arcade The longest covered luxury shopping street in Britain dates from 1819. www.burlington-arcade.co.uk Bond Street This is the playground of London’s most stylish and wealthy, and offers special facilities for VIP clients. Harvey Nichols High-end, exclusive department store. www.harveynichols.com Harrods Unique in the UK: A personalised shopping experience in any or all three private instore apartments. You get a stylist and space to view launches, fashion shows and can create a bespoke experience. http://harrodsbyappointment.com/ Westfield An all–in-one shopping mall within which The Village houses luxury brands. Personal service packages include concierge services, hands free shopping, personal stylists, valet parking, and more. http://uk.westfield.com/london/
MUSEUMS & EXPERIENCES
Mughal India: Art, Culture and Empire British Library, 9 November 2012 - 2 April 2013. It’s the first time the entire period has been put together in manuscripts and paintings. Look out for The 'Great Mogul,' seated on a jewel encrusted throne! www.bl.uk/mughalindia Valentino: Master of Couture An Exhibition at Somerset House. 29 November 2012 – 3 March 2013. Includes designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Sophia Loren, much of which has never been seen outside the Valentino atelier. www.somersethouse.org.uk Walking with Dinosaurs The Arena Spectacular O2 Arena, December 2012 - May 2013. Based on award-winning BBC television series, incomparable high-tech animatronic puppetry, life-size dinosaurs, and cinematic realism! www.dinosaurlive.com 086
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The James Bond Thames RIB Experience Buy seats or charter a high-speed Rigid Inflatable Boat to Canary Wharf or the Thames Barrier; sail past MI5 and MI6. When the boat accelerates to 35 knots, with Bond music playing, imagine you are Ian Fleming’s famous secret agent! www.thamesribexperience.com Brick Lane Warehouse art exhibitions, trendy clubs and bars, the hub of East London’s Bangladeshi community. www.visitbricklane.org
SHOWS, THEATRE & NIGHTLIFE
Viva Forever! Piccadilly Theatre, from December. From the producer of Mamma Mia; friendship, fame and fortune - inspired by the Spice Girls’ songs. www.vivaforeverthemusical.com Royal Opera House A sophisticated mix of opera and ballet offerings; The Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake, La Bohéme, Bravo Figaro, etc. www.roh.org.uk The Playboy Club & Casino The welcoming VIP Executive is Sophian Ejjanfi. Indian and Chinese guests adore American - Korean chef Judy Joo. Open 24/7. www.playboyclublondon.com
SPORTING EVENTS
Tennis at Wimbledon: www.wimbledon.com Polo at Guards Club: www.guardspoloclub.com Racing at Ascot: www.ascot.co.uk For more information about London please see www.VisitBritain.com
LONDON BY PRIVATE JET
There is an excellent choice of Fixed Base Operators to handle your flight to London. FBOs Harrods Aviation at Stansted www.harrodsaviation.com Universal Aviation at Stansted www.universalaviation.aero Jet Centre at London City Airport
www.lcacc.org Jet Aviation at Biggin Hill www.jetaviation.com Rizon Jet at Biggin Hill www.bigginhillairport.com Premiair at Denham, Blackbushe and Oxford Airport www.premiair.co.uk
TAG at Farnborough www.tagaviation.com
Rani Singh is a writer for Forbes India, reports with the BBC on foreign affairs, and is the author of Sonia Gandhi: An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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WORLD TRAVEL Top: Desert safari at sunset; Below: The Palm, Dubai (One & Only Resorts)
THE INSIDER GUIDES: MY DUBAI WORDS / Rani Singh
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risscrossing the world on journalistic adventures, I feel most at home in Dubai. Created out of the desert by the Al Maktoum family, Dubai is where east meets west, and where anything is possible. The members of the Indian business community that I know really rate Dubai and feel very comfortable there, highly recommending it for conducting business. And, it's one of the few places you'll find Boeing 747s routinely being used as private jets. Here are my favorite places to visit in Dubai.
WHERE TO STAY?
Al – Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Hotel Al Qasr means 'The Palace’. It’s designed like a Sheikh’s summer residence and is the centre-piece of this Arabian resort. I
Top left: Armani Suite, Dubai; Top right: The Palm, Dubai (One & Only Resorts); Bottom image: Al Maha Resort
was talking to Deepak Kuntawala, chairman of DVK Group incorporating DVK Aviation, who flies to Dubai regularly. He always stays here, and enjoys the swimming facilities, the gym and the spa. “I normally dine in the Pai Thai restaurant in the hotel complex, where there is a great selection of vegetarian food,” he revealed. Deepak enjoys strolling through the Souk Madinat Jameirah, and buying “authentic Arabic-themed artefacts.” www.jumeirah.com Burj Al Arab This all-suite seven-star hotel remains one of my international favourites, taking hospitality to another level. www.jumeirah.com
Armani Soaring high above downtown Dubai is the first hotel designed by Giorgio Armani. It’s in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. www.armanihotels.com The Palm Award winning, with stunning gardens, spa and fantastic cuisine. http://thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com/ Al Maha Resort and Spa Apparently guests include Sir Richard Branson and Matt Damon. www.theluxurycollection.com/almaha Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Grand Ski Chalet suite overlooking Ski Dubai’s indoor slopes! www.kempinski.com; www.skidubai.com WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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EATING OUT
Zuma (Japanese), and La Petite Maison (Nicoise) are both owned by Divya Lalwani of the millionaire Lalwani family. www.zumarestaurant.com; www.lpmdubai.ae Hakkasan & Nobu These are both bigger and glitzier than any of their other international branches. www.hakkasan.com; www.noburestaurants.com One & Only The resort boasts three elegant restaurants – ZEST, STAY and 101 - all under Michelin chef Yannick Alléno. http://thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab Hotel Step into one of the express panoramic lifts travelling six metres per second and look forward to dining 200 metres above sea level. www.jumeirah.com Al Mahara Deep under the Burj Al Arab complex, eat the finest seafood in the world while watching a wide selection of exotic fish. This is one of my favourite places. www.jumeirah.com AOC French Brasserie At Sofitel, refined French cuisine plus the latest in international fusion dishes. www.sofitel.com 090
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Above: A view of Dubai at night; Below: Seawings plane (Courtesy of Dubai Tourist Board)
Aquarium Spectacular, calming views of Dubai Creek; a natural inlet by this sprawling city. www.dubaigolf.com
Mall of the Emirates Strategically located in 'New Dubai'. www.malloftheemirates.com
SHOPPING
Seawings Dubai Seawings Silver is a 40 minute "dock-todock" aerial excursion, with a thrilling water take-off, providing views of landmarks including The Palm Jumeirah, The Burj Khalifa, The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Creek, Port Rashid and more. www.seawings.ae Desert Safari Most desert safaris offer a camel ride and sand-boarding before sunset observation and a traditional meal in the desert. Special guests are driven in Hummers or other high-end 4x4 vehicles. There is also
Gold Souk Dubai Gold Souk is in the old town, or Medina as it is called. It has 300 jewellery stores and is the centre of gold trading. Collectors buy 24k gold coins and investors buy 24k gold bricks! www.goldsoukdubai.net The Dubai Mall The world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination: 1,200 retail outlets; two anchor department stores; and over 160 food and beverage outlets. The palm dubai dining resort www.thedubaimall.com
EXPERIENCES
hot air ballooning, a marina cruise dinner, yachting, scuba diving and more. www.thedubaisafari.com ‘At the Top’ Visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The observatory deck on the 124th floor boasts the city’s greatest views. You can see past the skyscrapers to the desert beyond, and get a great view of The World, the man-made cluster of islands off the Dubai coast. www.burjkhalifa.ae
SPORTING ACTIVITY
Dubai Racing Club Dubai’s legendary race course culture celebrates the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest race. www.dubairacingclub.com Emirates Golf Club Hosting the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. www.dubaigolf.com
SPA
Raffles Raffles Spa Dubai has private spa suites, a VIP Suite and a private garden sanctuary in the Raffles Botanical Garden. www.raffles.com The Spa at Jumeirah Beach Hotel The spa has a Jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool. A combination of professional massage treatments and facials are offered, including Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Swedish and sports. www.jumeirah.com
NIGHTCLUBS
Armani Privé & 360 degrees Vikrant Bhalerao, the CEO of Londonbased company Credere Wealth, that focuses on ultra-high-net-worth clients from emerging markets travels to Dubai (usually by private jet) once a month or more. He says that Dubai’s “super-clubs” are in a league of their own. A great place for conducting business. http://dubai.armanihotels.com.
DUBAI BY PRIVATE JET: FBOs in Dubai
Jet Aviation www.jetaviation.com Execujet www.execujet.net Royal Jet Group at Abu Dhabi Airport www.royaljetgroup.com For more information on Dubai please visit www.dubaitourism.ae BJA
Above: Souk at Madinat Jumeirah (Courtesy of Dubai Tourist Board); Below: Etihad Towers
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SHOWTIME
SHOWTIME FOR THE MIDDLE EAST Dubai prepares for a bigger MEBA at Al Maktoum Int’l Airport WORDS / Matt Harris
Dubai will host the Middle East’s largest dedicated Business Aviation event, MEBA, on December 11-13. The show has become firmly established on the calendars of all the leading players within the industry. Ahead of this year’s event, organizer F&E Aerospace’s Managing Director Alison Weller took time to speak with BizJet Advisor. 092
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Top left: Experience a plethora of business jets in person; Top right: Meet and learn about the supply chain in Business Aviation; Bottom left: Meet and discuss ownership with those who already enjoy the benefits of Business Aviation; and Bottom right: Learn about many aspects of using an airplane within the region.
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ake no mistake, just because of its title – Middle East Business Aviation – MEBA’s appeal is not restricted to within the region specifically. More than 7,000 visitors are expected to attend the 2012 event, up sharply compared with the 6,200 attendees recorded for the 2010 event. Approximately 40% of those attendees were from outside of the United Arab Emirates, and 16% hailed from the Far East and Indian subcontinent, according to Weller. “We are fortunate as Dubai offers a resounding amount of multi-cultured visitors,” she outlined. “In just five years, MEBA has achieved recognition as the third largest Business Aviation event in the world, offering value to the Middle Eastern region and beyond. Business Aviation is recognised around the world, and this is definitely reflected within our exhibitors and visitors as many are from outside of the region.”
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the mix of visitors is so diverse. Aside from its convenient positioning with respect to many of the regions of the world, “every sector of industry has been affected over the past few years by the global economy,” Weller notes. But the Middle East marketplace she adds, although it has slowed somewhat, is still growing. MEBA itself remains unchanged in its upward pace of growth. “We are extremely confident the show will exceed all expectations. Not only was the floor plan already showing an increase on the 2010 event in the build-up, but Dubai is the aviation hub of the Middle East, making access easy for exhibitors and visitors alike to come together.”
New Hub, New Features Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai World Central is the new location for
MEBA and is located in Jebel Ali, which can be accessed from both the Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, and is within just 20 minutes’ drive of Dubai Marina, 35 minutes away by car from Downtown Dubai, and 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The entirety of the Passenger Terminal – Duty Free-and-all – will be taken up by the footprint of MEBA, and at its new venue the organizers expect the show to achieve a growth to 375 exhibitors from an estimated 35 countries, which will be approximately 10% more than were at the 2010 event. This, Weller predicts, will be helped by some of the new features offered at the new venue. “MEBA 2012 will not only develop in size, but will also include focused areas of Business Aviation: we’re launching areas such as VIPinteriors@MEBA; Business Airports@MEBA; Helicopters@MEBA; and Luxury@MEBA,” she outlined. “The WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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Above: Alison Weller; Right: The location of Al Maktoum Int’l Airport, Dubai World Central
demands for these products and services are strong, and as anticipated we have generated a lot of interest in all focus areas. “We will also be launching a US Pavilion, organised by Kallman Worldwide. With the US presence it will not only showcase American Business Aviation and values at its best, but will also demonstrate how far MEBA has come in just five shows,” Weller predicted.
Platform to Inform and Explore With its increased focus on specific interest areas of Business Aviation providers within the region, other issues exist that should not be overlooked by any prospective buyer or current operator within the Middle East. MEBA will provide a platform for attendees to address many of the challenges and opportunities that affect operators and suppliers within the region. Chief among the issues affecting Business Aviation here (and several other regions for that matter) remains how to reduce grey market activity – a highly dangerous practice that is sadly prevalent. Essentially it involves the provision of charter flights by an aircraft owner who has not obtained an Air Operators' Certificate to do so. Grey market operators often attract business by advertising considerably cheaper hourly rates. Quite apart from the issue of such flights being illegal, such operators are not insured to charter their aircraft out and can offer no guarantee of certified safety, posing a significant safety risk to those who fly 094
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charter trips with them. “This initiative will be tackled by the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) at a conference held during the show,” Weller promised. “There will be numerous summits and networking events over the course of the show to help address key issues, and to ensure everyone gets together for collective thinking and hopefully develop solutions that MEBAA can implement to help resolve those issues. “Another key element in the region is the importance of Business Aviation as a business tool. If you charter, lease or own an aircraft, you already understand that Business Aviation is as essential as your mobile phone,” she added. In fact, even if you don’t fully understand the necessity of Business Aviation to your own entrepreneurial or business activities, and the knock-on effect on your personal life, including more time at home with the family and for leisure pursuits, MEBA is a good event to find out more. “Attendees come to a show like MEBA to not only view the aircraft they could possibly lease, manage, purchase or fly, but also to just find out about the benefits of Business Aviation,” Weller explained. “Here, visitors can see the entire supply
chain, from the operating companies to the interior suppliers and insurance brokers. “They can use the show as a place to research and/or source the best the industry can offer to satisfy their requirements, and they can do this all in one place over three days. Because of the wishes and requirements of those who come to view the exhibits, MEBA has developed over the years to include more of the supply chain and not just the OEMs.” Charter Brokers and Aircraft Brokers make up a combined total of 25% of the industry break-down at this event, while owner/operators add another 9% to that total.
Growth Spot? With Honeywell Aerospace forecasting sales and delivery of new business jets worldwide to reach approximately $230 billion from 2011 through 2021, Asia, Africa and the Middle East regions rank among the highest in ‘purchases expected’, in spite of the present economic environment. “This provides us with a particularly buoyant outlook on the region,” Weller summarised – hinting at why MEBA would seem to have a particularly bright future moving forward. More information from www.meba.aero BJA
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SPECIFICATIONS
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MEDIUM-SIZED
BUSINESS JETS WORDS / Rod Simpson
Many business jet users will find themselves in the ‘middle ground’ when it comes to choosing a business aircraft that suits their travel requirements. Their regular travel pattern does not justify the long-range or big cabin of a larger aircraft, yet a smaller business jet just can’t carry enough load or fly to the places necessary. Enter, the Medium-size Jets.
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or prospective owners who find themselves in the ‘middle ground’ there is typically an occasional need to fly outside of the region, but many of their travels are confined to within the region. Equipped to help with ‘middle ground’ requirements, the medium-size aircraft are able to meet both needs. Not surprisingly, the aircraft manufacturers all have an excellent choice available to the aircraft buyer that can do a very satisfactory job and will give the owner long and faithful service. We have selected the sixteen medium-size jets that are either in production or are in development with the major aircraft manufacturers today.
As with all business jet buying decisions, the vital issue is to decide what is important to you and which aircraft fits your budget. The candidate aircraft in this field vary widely in price, cabin sizes and aircraft ranges. Each model is designed to fit a different type of travel requirement. Among such variety there are three key questions that you will need to ask in order to decide which is the most suitable for you. • Firstly, how many passengers will you regularly need to carry on your trips, and is a large and luxurious cabin important to you? • Secondly, is speed an important factor to your travel needs?
• Third, what range does the aircraft need to have to travel comfortably between your home town or city and the places you visit regularly? You may already have a particular preference for one of the aircraft manufacturers following a previous ownership or charter experience. However, all the business jet producers build very efficient high-quality machines, so it is wise to look at all the choices and be willing to change from the company you are familiar with if another provider’s aircraft is better for your needs. Remember that needs evolve as your business does - what worked for your travel needs previously may not do so today. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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SPECIFICATIONS
…if the medium-size jets fit your travel needs, it is hoped that the following outline of the main aircraft on the market today, or soon to be on the market will be of value to you. Passenger comfort Internally most of the aircraft in our survey offer a central aisle with a row of seats on each side, and some of them have a fully-flat cabin floor giving a particularly spacious feel while offering more options for seat movement. Seats are generally arranged in “Club-Four” groupings but one can often increase the seating capacity by 098
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of these are simple “refreshment centers” suitable for storage of drinks and snacks, but many of the aircraft have a substantial galley fitted with an espresso coffee machine, refrigeration and a microwave or convection oven that allows for relatively ambitious meals to be served.
Aircraft in development substituting a side-facing three-seat divan for one of the pairs of seats. All the aircraft we have chosen come with a fully private lavatory, and if an extra seat is needed, the toilet normally provides a belted seat that is suitable for one passenger on shorter journeys. On all of the featured aircraft there is also some form of galley situated opposite the main entrance. Some
Some of the aircraft described over the following pages are still under development and are not yet available to customers. These include the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, both of which will start to reach new buyers in 2015-17 and promise to bring new standards of comfort and performance to this medium-size category.
Also at an advanced stage of testing is the Bombardier Learjet 85 which will provide a much larger cabin for the iconic Learjet. Another pair of aircraft under development and due to enter service in 2013/14 are the Brazilian-built Legacy 450 and 500, which promise to be extremely comfortable and efficient. Despite the fact they are not in production, all these new models are certain to be in high demand, so they deserve your serious consideration, even though it may be a few years before you can actually take delivery of one. Ultimately, if the medium-size jets fit your travel needs, it is hoped that the following outline of the main aircraft on the market today, or soon to be on the market will be of value to you. BJA
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EMBRAER LEGACY 450
BOMBARDIER LEARJET 60XR
4,262 km
4,454 km CESSNA CITATION LATITUDE
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT HAWKER 750
4,630 km
4,019 km
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT HAWKER 900XP
5,378 km
London
Moscow Beijing Tokyo
Dubai
Hong Kong Mumbai Singapore
EMBRAER LEGACY 500
Cape Town
5,556 km
Sydney
CESSNA CITATION SOVEREIGN
5,556 km GULFSTREAM G150
5,556 km BOMBARDIER LEARJET 85
5,556 km
BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 300
5,676 km
GULFSTREAM G280
6,667 km
CESSNA CITATION LONGITUDE
7,408 km CESSNA CITATION X
6,004 km
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT HAWKER 4000
6,038 km
DASSAULT FALCON 2000S
DASSAULT FALCON 2000LX
6,200 km
7,413 km
AIRCRAFT MAXIMUM RANGE
MEDIUM BUSINESS JETS One of the key advantages of Business Aviation is the choice and diversity offered. Selecting the correct business aircraft should be tailored to each individual user, based on the number of people regularly transported and the distance regularly covered on a business trip. Both impact the performance of an aircraft model. San Francisco
While the ranges depicted on this map represent a generalised maximum range for each Medium jet model featured, actual ranges can vary significantly from the overall average represented - sometimes by several hundred kilometres.
New York
Los Angeles
Sao Paulo
Therefore, while this map is provided for illustrative purposes, a prospective buyer should always speak with a Technical Advisor to discuss his or her mission requirements in relation to an aircraft category or a specific model.
SPECIFICATIONS
BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 300
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
This medium-size business jet first started reaching customers in 2003. Since then nearly 350 have been completed. The roomy cabin has a flat floor and is normally laid out for eight passengers in two groups of four seats although a three-seat divan can be fitted to raise seating to a capacity of nine or, if necessary, a tenth passenger can ride on a belted toilet seat. The baggage compartment is accessible in-flight, and the Challenger has a well appointed galley. The Challenger 300 is one of the faster jets in this class of aircraft, and with over 5,600 kilometers’ range it can fly from Delhi to Singapore.
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Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
470 kts 3,065 nm 45,000 ft 8 6 ft 1 in 7 ft 2 in 28 ft 7 in 860 cu ft 113 cu ft 68 ft 7 in 20 ft 0 in 63 ft 10 in $24 million
870 km/hr 5,676 km 13,716 m 1.86 m 2.19 m 8.72 m 24.35 cu m 3.2 cu m 20.9 m 6.1 m 19.4 m
BOMBARDIER LEARJET 60XR
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
The Learjet 60XR is one of the smaller aircraft in our survey but is currently the largest of the in-production Learjet series and has a 30-year pedigree in Business Aviation. Surprisingly large inside, the Learjet 60XR has a dropped aisle that allows a passenger of average height to walk comfortably within the cabin. The normal layout is for six passengers but seven can be carried when one of the front seats is replaced by a two-seat divan.
At the front is a compact, but efficient galley unit complete with an espresso coffee machine. Bombardier’s elegant Signature Red rear restroom gives access to the baggage compartment. With just under 4,500 kilometers’ range, the Learjet 60XR can connect Dubai to Istanbul non-stop.
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
466 kts 2,406 nm 51,000 ft 7 5 ft 7 in 6 ft 0 in 17 ft 8 in 453 cu ft 50 cu ft 58 ft 8 in 14 ft 7 in 43 ft 8 in $14 million
863 km/hr 4,454 km 15,545 m 1.74 m 1.83 m 5.39 m 12.83 cu m 1.42 cu m 17.89 m 4.44 m 13.35 m
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SPECIFICATIONS
BOMBARDIER LEARJET 85
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS The Learjet 85 is currently under development, and will be the flagship of the Learjet fleet, offering a substantially longer cabin than that of the Learjet 60XR to give it comfortable seating for eight in a double-club layout. Its range of 5,556 kilometers puts it in the same category as Embraer’s Legacy 500, Gulfstream’s G150 and the Challenger 300, with capability to fly between city pairs such as Riyadh and Berlin or Dubai and Chengdu. The Learjet 85 is expected to enter service in 2013.
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Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
470 kts 3,000 nm 49,000 ft 8 5 ft 11 in 6 ft 1 in 24 ft 9 in 665 cu ft 130 cu ft 68 ft 1 in 19 ft 11 in 61 ft 6 in $20 million
870 km/hr 5,556 km 14,935 m 1.8 m 1.85 m 7.54 m 18.83 cu m 3.68 cu m 20.76 m 6.08 m 18.75 m
CESSNA (NEW) CITATION SOVEREIGN
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
458 kts 3,000 nm 47,000 ft 9 5 ft 8 in 5 ft 6 in 25 ft 3 in 620 cu ft 100 cu ft 63 ft 6 in 20 ft 4 in 72 ft 4 in $17.895 million
848 km/hr 5,556 km 14,326 m 1.73 m 1.68 m 7.7 m 17.56 cu m 2.83 cu m 19.35 m 6.2 m 22.05 m
Cessna’s Citation Sovereign received a recent update. Along with the New Citation X, The New Sovereign is currently one of the larger business jets produced by Cessna, but even greater capacity will be available when the newly-announced Citation Longitude comes into service. The Citation Sovereign has been in service since 2004, and more than 300 Sovereign aircraft have been delivered to date. It has one of the longest cabins in this class of business jet, but is slightly slower and shorter on range than some of its competitors - although it is very competitively priced. The new Sovereign offers some exciting improvements, including new range-boosting winglets, an all-new Intrinzic flight deck, an integrated cabin management system, new passenger seats, and airborne Internet capabilities. Mumbai is within non-stop range of Beijing for the Sovereign owner. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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SPECIFICATIONS
CESSNA (NEW) CITATION X
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Cessna is currently updating its very successful Citation X model to offer a longer cabin. The new Citation X is expected to enter service shortly. This Citation is the fastest aircraft in our medium-sized jet review group, and its speed is only matched by Gulfstream’s much larger G650. The Citation X will have a cruising speed of 976 kilometers per hour, meaning that it can cover its maximum range of 6,000 kilometers in less than seven hours. Hong Kong is within non-stop range of Dubai in a Citation X. Interior improvements over the original Citation X include a new touch-screen cabin management system with dual Blu-ray players and MP3 player input.
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Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
527 kts 3,242 nm 51,000 ft 9 5 ft 8 in 5 ft 6 in 25 ft 2 in 630 cu ft 82 cu ft 73 ft 7 in 19 ft 3 in 69 ft 2 in $22.5 million
976 km/hr 6,004 km 15,545 m 1.73 m 1.68 m 7.64 m 17.84 cu m 2.32 cu m 22.43 m 5.86 m 21.1 m
CESSNA CITATION LATITUDE
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
440 kts 2,500 nm 45,000 ft 9 6 ft 0 in 6 ft 5 in 21 ft 9 in 685 cu ft 100 cu ft 62 ft 3 in 20 ft 10 in 72 ft 4 in $14.9 million
815 km/hr 4,630 km 13,716 m 1.83 m 1.96 m 6.63 m 19.4 cu m 2.83 cu m 18.97 m 6.35 m 22.05 m
Cessna’s Citation Latitude (first announced in 2011) will provide an important upgrade on Cessna’s very successful Citation XLS+, offering a substantially wider, longer and higher cabin and more range. This is an aircraft which will connect New Delhi to Beijing. The cabin, which will employ the Clairity cabin management system, is designed with a flat floor and nine passenger seats - including a three-place sidefacing divan. It will also offer a rear restroom. The prototype Latitude is expected to fly in 2014, and first customer deliveries should begin in late 2015.
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SPECIFICATIONS
CESSNA CITATION LONGITUDE
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
During 2012, Cessna announced it would develop the Citation Longitude. This will become Cessna’s flagship business jet when it enters service in 2017. It is based on the Citation Latitude but is nine feet longer. Several 8-passenger layouts will be available inside the spacious cabin and an extra side-facing seat can be installed beside the front door. The Longitude (which is the first aircraft to be powered by the new Snecma Silvercrest engines) will offer just over 7,400 kilometers’ range - enabling non-stop flights from Mumbai to Tokyo, for example. Apart from the Citation X, this will become the fastest aircraft in the class when it achieves certification.
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Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
490 kts 4,000 nm 45,000 ft 8 6 ft 0 in 6 ft 5 in 30 ft 8 in 967 cu ft 100 cu ft 87 ft 0 in 26 ft in 86 ft 0 in $26 million
908 km/hr 7,408 km 13,716 m 1.80 m 1.96 m 9.35 m 27.38 cu m 2.83 cu m 26.5 m 7.92 m 26.21 m
DASSAULT FALCON 2000LX
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
462 kts 4,000 nm 47,000 ft 8 6 ft 2 in 7 ft 8 in 26 ft 2 in 1,024 cu ft 130.6 cu ft 66 ft 4 in 23 ft 2 in 70 ft 2 in $ 33 million
858 km/hr 7,413 km 14,325 m 1.88 m 2.34 m 7.98 m 29.0 cu m 3.7 cu m 20.23 m 7.06 m 21.38 m
Among the aircraft in this survey, the Falcon 2000LX is the most expensive - but it has the largest cabin and, with a 7,413 kilometer range can fly further than the other mid-sized business jets within this section, allowing it to link Dubai and Beijing or Singapore. The very spacious cabin typically has ten seats, includes a four-seat dining area, and there is a fully equipped galley at the front. The seats are berthable to provide comfortable beds on overnight flights. The 2000LX is also very fuel efficient.
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SPECIFICATIONS
DASSAULT FALCON 2000S
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Dassault introduced the Falcon 2000S as a less expensive version of the 2000LX. It offers approximately 1,200 kilometers less range, but will still comfortably operate non-stop from Dubai to Paris when deliveries begin shortly. The Falcon 2000S is designed to accommodate ten passengers in a very light and relaxing cabin created by BMW DesignworksUSA. While some interior options are available to customers of the Falcon 2000LX, the 2000S has a standardized seating and equipment layout.
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Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
462 kts 3,350 nm 47,000 ft 8 6 ft 2 in 7 ft 8 in 26 ft 2 in 1,024 cu ft 130.6 cu ft 66 ft 4 in 23 ft 2 in 70 ft 2 in $ 26 million
858 km/hr 6,200 km 14,325 m 1.88 m 2.34 m 7.98 m 29.0 cu m 3.7 cu m 20.23 m 7.06 m 21.38 m
EMBRAER LEGACY 450
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
Due to follow the larger Legacy 500 into service in late 2014, the Legacy 450 is a companion model with a slightly shorter cabin equipped for up to eight passengers. The seats are berthable to convert into flat beds and the Legacy 450 and 500 have the largest baggage capacity in their class. The Legacy 450 has a shorter 4,262 kilometer range, but this still allows it to fly from Dubai to Nairobi or Seychelles.
Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
470 kts 2,300 nm 45,000 ft 8 6 ft 0 in 6 ft 10 in 22 ft 5 in 678 cu ft 150 cu ft 62 ft 10 in 22 ft 1 in 66 ft 5 in $15.25 million
870 km/hr 4,262 km 13,716 m 1.82 m 2.08 m 6.83 m 19.2 cu m 4.25 cu m 19.15 m 6.74 m 20.25 m
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EMBRAER LEGACY 500
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS This new medium-size jet is under development. With a cabin which is 6 foot high and 6 foot 10 inches wide, the Legacy 500 offers plenty of space. Standard seating is for eight passengers - with a ninth belted seat available in the restroom. The Legacy 500 offers range of 5,556 kilometers (making non-stop trips from Hong Kong to Mumbai or Jakarta possible), and it is expected to enter service in late 2013.
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Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
470 kts 3,000 nm 45,000 ft 9 6 ft 0 in 6 ft 10 in 26 ft 10 in 820 cu ft 150 cu ft 67 ft 4 in 22 ft 1 in 66 ft 5 in $18.4 million
870 km/hr 5,556 km 13,716 m 1.82 m 2.08 m 8.2 m 23.2 cu m 4.25 cu m 20.52 m 6.74 m 20.25 m
GULFSTREAM G150
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS The G150 is a six-to-eight passenger aircraft, and is derived from the earlier Gulfstream G100 but offers a more spacious fuselage. First delivered in 2005 its nearest competitor in this group is the Learjet 60XR which has a very similar cabin, but the Gulfstream has 1,100 kilometers more range putting Singapore within non-stop range of Beijing. This aircraft is also able to operate into challenging airports such as London City Airport.
Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
488 kts 3,000 nm 45,000 ft 7 5 ft 9 in 5 ft 9 in 17 ft 8 in 465 cu ft 80 cu ft 56 ft 9 in 19 ft 1 in 55 ft 7 in $15 million
904 km/hr 5,556 km 13,716 m 1.75 m 1.75 m 5.38 m 13.16 cu m 2.26 cu m 17.3 m 5.82 m 16.94 m
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SPECIFICATIONS
GULFSTREAM G280
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
The G280 is the successor to Gulfstream’s G200 supermidsize jet. Among the many improvements are a more elegant external look and a longer cabin, made possible by eliminating the G200’s rear fuselage fuel tank (which also allows access to the baggage compartment in flight). The G280 has three optional seating layouts for eight, nine or ten passengers with a restroom to the rear and a forward galley. Passengers can use the Gulfstream Cabin Management System for control of climate, lights, and for the entertainment and communications systems. The G280 is one of the fastest and longest-range aircraft in this class with Mumbai and Jakarta within non-stop range of Beijing. 114
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Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
488 kts 3,600 nm 45,000 ft 8 6 ft 3 in 7 ft 2 in 25 ft 10 in 935 cu ft 154 cu ft 66 ft 10 in 21 ft 4 in 63 ft 0 in $26 million
904 km/hr 6,667 km 13,716 m 1.91 m 2.18 m 7.87 m 26.5 cu m 4.4 cu m 20.3 m 6.5 m 19.2 m
As this publication went to press, Hawker Beechcraft Company indicated that it would not continue to produce jet products. It is unclear at this time if or when another OEM would step forward and buy the rights to continue to produce this model in the future.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT HAWKER 750
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
466 kts 2,170 nm 41,000 ft 8 5 ft 9 in 6 ft 0 in 21 ft 4 in 604 cu ft 79 cu ft 51 ft 2 in 18 ft 1 in 51 ft 4 in $13.9 million
863 km/hr 4,019 km 12,497 m 1.75 m 1.83 m 6.5 m 17.1 cu m 2.24 cu m 15.6 m 5.51 m 15.65 m
The ‘Hawker’, which was one of the world’s first business jets, has been in production since 1964. It has been upgraded many times and remained in production at Hawker Beechcraft’s factory because of its reputation as a very comfortable, reliable and wellbuilt aircraft. Today’s Hawker 750, introduced in 2006, features an external baggage hold (in lieu of the long range fuel tank) which essentially makes it a shorter-range version of the Hawker 800XP from which it was developed. Bangkok, Manila and Kolkata are all within non-stop range of Beijing in this aircraft, however. This aircraft represents excellent value for money at $13.9 million. Inside, the 750 will typically have five individual seats but can accommodate eight passengers with a rear three-place divan. WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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SPECIFICATIONS
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT HAWKER 900XP
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
The venerable Hawker 800/800XP airframe was upgraded to become the Hawker 900XP, with deliveries starting in 2008 - and today over 200 have been built. This model uses the same airframe as the Hawker 750 but is fitted with winglets that, together with more fuelefficient TFE731-50 engines and a belly fuel tank give it a substantially longer range of nearly 5,400 kilometers, placing Beijing within non-stop reach of destinations like Singapore and New Delhi.
As this publication went to press, Hawker Beechcraft Company indicated that it would not continue to produce jet products. It is unclear at this time if or when another OEM would step forward and buy the rights to continue to produce this model in the future. 116
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Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
466 kts 2,904 nm 41,000 ft 8 5 ft 9 in 6 ft 0 in 21 ft 4 in 604 cu ft 50 cu ft 51 ft 2 in 18 ft 1 in 54 ft 4 in $16.1 million
863 km/hr 5,378 km 12,497 m 1.75 m 1.83 m 6.5 m 17.1 cu m 1.41 cu m 15.6 m 5.51 m 16.56 m
As this publication went to press, Hawker Beechcraft Company indicated that it would not continue to produce jet products. It is unclear at this time if or when another OEM would step forward and buy the rights to continue to produce this model in the future.
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT HAWKER 4000
Moscow London
San Francisco Beijing Dubai Mumbai
New York
Tokyo Los Angeles
Hong Kong Singapore
Sao Paulo
The Hawker 4000 is arriving on the business jet market in increasing numbers, with around 80 built so far. The Hawker 4000 is presented as having low operating costs and is praised for its comfortable and stable ride. Priced in the mid-range at $22.9 million, it has a high cruising speed and a similar range to the Citation TEN and Falcon 2000S, putting Mumbai or Jakarta within nonstop reach of Beijing, and Dubai in range of London. The Hawker 4000 offers a bright and spacious cabin laid out for eight or nine passengers with a rear restroom giving access to the baggage compartment. At the front of the airplane is a large and functional galley.
Sydney
Cape Town
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Maximum Cruise Speed Maximum Range Flight Ceiling Typical Passenger load Cabin Height Maximum Cabin Width Cabin Length Cabin Volume Baggage Volume Aircraft Length Aircraft Height Aircraft Wingspan Price
482 kts 3,260 nm 45,000 ft 8 6 ft 0 in 6 ft 5 in 25 ft 0 in 762 cu ft 109 cu ft 69 ft 6 in 19 ft 9 in 61 ft 9 in $22.9 million
893 km/hr 6,038 km 13,716 m 1.83 m 1.97 m 7.62 m 21.58 cu m 3.09 cu m 21.18 m 6.02 m 18.82 m
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BIRD OF PARADISE WORDS / Liz Moscrop
This Edition’s featured aircraft is a lavish version of the smallest offering under the Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) brand, the ACJ318. Formerly named the A318 Elite, Airbus changed the naming conventions of all its airliner conversions earlier in 2012.
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P
hilip Rushton, president of Aviatrade Incorporated told BizJet Advisor , “With no more than eighteen ACJ318s currently in service, this is truly a ‘rare bird’, and offers a premium example of this versatile and spacious BusinessLiner type.” Entering via the main entryway, to the left the cockpit has the familiar Airbus uncluttered appearance thanks to a sidestick fly-by-wire control system. This cockpit also benefits from an additional fourth seat that allows for either two observers or, for short-haul flights, two additional passengers. The ACJ318 is usually configured for between fourteen and eighteen passengers, and this aircraft can seat fourteen passengers for take-off and landing, but
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offers eighteen seats in total. Crew amenities are located next to the large entry air-stair door, and, as is customary in these BusinessLiners, the full galley enclave separates the ‘businessend’ of the pilots and flight crew from the passenger zones. When you enter the first of the three cabin zones aboard this airplane, on the right - traditionally the entourage area - there are two crew rest seats and a spacious closet and stowage bin area. For the most visually striking aspect of this particular interior, a passenger must look upward, where the headliner centre panel is punctuated with enormous dome lighting which is designed to enhance the cabin experience and lend a greater sense of volume to the cabin. This upgrade is
a niche offering that is only found within the ACJ family of airplanes. Meanwhile, throughout the cabin the fixtures and latches are finished in a luxurious 24-carat gold plate.
Dining, Relaxation & Passenger Amenities Next, the main salon - or Executive Lounge - is comprised on the right of the aircraft (when facing the rear) of a four-place dining table and a visually appealing ‘L’shaped couch, which is fronted by the lead passenger’s seat. All seats are fabriccombined with the finest quality leather in shades of blue and tan. Opposite is a threeplace couch with a credenza and a two-place seating arrangement.
All seats are fabriccombined with the finest quality leather in shades of blue and tan.
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Moving down the aircraft the midcabin lavatory affords access to passenger amenities when the aft stateroom-cumoffice is in use. Although this lavatory upgrade is installed where otherwise would be a full-height stowage area, plenty of other cabin stowage space exists throughout the passenger cabin.
Work, Rest & Play The third zone of the cabin is the dualpurpose office/stateroom with adjoining VIP washroom, and is designed to allow for complete privacy and self-sufficiency, whether it is in use for meetings or for sleep or relaxation. (All couch areas on this ACJ318 convert 122
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to beds, incidentally, and similarly all single seat groups and the dining group can be quickly and easily converted for sleeping.) This modern ACJ318 boasts the latest entertainment and air-to-ground communications equipment. All areas of the cabin can access multiple independent DVD systems coupled to high-definition viewing screens. There is also a unique entertainment option for the more vocally-gifted, as the airplane comes with a built-in Karaoke player with Hi-Fi loudspeakers – and since this luxurious BusinessLiner offers a range of 7,400 km there could be plenty of time to enjoy a good sing-song. All the while non-stop trips between New York and London, or from the Middle
East to Europe with a loading of eight passengers on board can be flown in comfort, and style. BJA
*This airplane is currently on the market. Additional details can be obtained from Aviatrade Incorporated: Telephone: +1 908 696 1174 or +1 908 578 8080; Email: philiprushton@aviatrade.aero; Website: www.aviatrade.aero. *Aircraft completion by LufthansaTechnik: www.lufthansa-technik.com.
This modern ACJ318 boasts the latest entertainment and air-to-ground communications equipment.
The Luxurious Office/Stateroom and its bathroom suite.
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PLUMBING THE
HEIGHTS
The fluid world of cabin shower design WORDS / Liz Moscrop
Cleanliness is next to godliness, they say. Do travellers on private jets therefore have an advantage when showering at 30,000 feet? BizJet Advisor gets all in a lather about bathrooms on board.
Design concept for a bathroom aboard a Boeing 787 VIP aircraft. Photo Courtesy of Altitude Aerospace Interiors
WINTER 2012/13 BIZJET ADVISOR
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here is the most exclusive spa in the world? Oman? Dubai? Or 30,000ft over the Red Sea? If designer Jacques Pierrejean has his way the last of the three options would be the correct answer as his spa concept appears in a business jet sometime soon. Pierrejean is currently working on the project. Indeed, he has been working on aircraft interiors for decades and has created what he believes is the perfect onboard spa. “I want to produce steam water like a hammam,” he outlined. “I’m looking for the sort of wellbeing that you’d find in a five star hotel.” The ambitious project will prove complex to execute. To produce water for steam and create good ventilation to take the hot airflow demands a great deal of ingenuity, including using a small diffuser inside the shower. Pierrejean’s thinking is based on how to promote optimum
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…today a shower on board has almost become a necessity. - Jacques Pierrejean
he produced was for an Airbus A340 presidential aircraft, boasting a marblecovered floor. Pierrejean revealed, “It was difficult to convince the engineers initially. However, today a shower on board has almost become a necessity.”
Customer expectations
health in flight. He consulted with medical experts who advised him on how to install gym equipment into the cabin, so that clients are able to exercise at altitude, and subsequently his team has now added a gym for one private customer. Pierrejean knows what he is talking about in terms of wet areas and washrooms. He designed small bathrooms for Dassault - in the Falcon 20 and 50 series business jets - and the first shower
Today’s business travellers expect to see a shower on board a long-range jet, especially on ACJ and BBJ types. After six to eight hours, passengers like to freshenup – arriving at their destination ready for action. Typically on an ACJ340 there will be three or four showers; for example three bedrooms with showers, and one shower that is an extension of a communal lavatory. According to Boeing, 80- to 90-percent of BBJ owners install at least one shower and some owners install more than one. Using today’s systems, however, passengers need
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INTERIORS
to give crew two hours’ notice should they wish to shower during the flight. Now Bombardier has raised the bar for smaller long-range jets with the introduction of a new shower design for its Global 6000. The cubicle is installed at the back of the aircraft. Marianna Rivera, supervisor interior designs, says. “The thinking is simple. On a 14-hour flight from Dubai to Montreal (for example), passengers are likely to want to freshen-up in comfort. “We have had so much positive feedback about the shower, customers really appreciate it,” Rivera revealed. Bombardier went through four fullsized foam mock-ups, as well as an initial 3D drawing to get the space exactly right. The design the OEM settled on allows users to enter from the enclosed aft stateroom through a sliding glass door. A window was incorporated into the 128
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We have had so much positive feedback about the shower, customers really appreciate it. - Marianna Rivera, Bombardier shower, giving the feeling of open space, and the manufacturer added a carpet, which matches the stateroom carpet and is removed when the shower is in use. It entered service in March this year on Bombardier’s demonstrator aircraft. The shower itself includes a new ‘n-line’ water heater, which heats the water from 3˚C to 45.5˚C instantaneously as it is
pumped, eliminating the need to pre-heat the water or use a separate water tank. Waste water is removed from the jet at the aircraft's main drain (and is heated so it can be used in flight and won't freeze). The shower can take up to 75% of the 45.6 gallons of water stored on board, which translates into 40 minutes of shower time in flight. This is generally enough for passengers on board. In case a customer eats into the remaining 25% of water (reserved for systems use), however, the shower is designed to shut down automatically. Should that happen, users can press a button to get one extra minute of water to rinse out shampoo, for example. The option of a shower aboard the Global 6000 costs more than $1m, and it is likely to be a feature of the two new Global models in development, the Global 7000 and 8000.
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A shower is almost becoming a standard item on the larger jets, so bathrooms are set to become increasingly luxurious.
Other innovations Pierrejean is also developing a Jacuzzi for installation in aircraft, and says that the key challenge is to ensure that there is a big drain to catch water as the aircraft moves. Edèse Doret is designing a Jacuzzi, too. “It is a complex item that is allenclosed like a shower,” Doret explained. “We have also added an integrated 32-inch video monitor.” 130
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Doret’s Jacuzzi is connected to the flight management system, so that when the captain puts the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign on during heavy turbulence the water drains to a water tank. Naturally everything on board has to be certified, and big new concepts such as Jacuzzis or steam rooms take time to develop. Pierrejean has an advantage in that he creates interiors for private and commercial jets, so is working with the same suppliers for both.
In terms of décor, Doret says that aircraft customers have moved toward the same feel in an aircraft bathroom as they have at home. He works closely with Tangent Manufacturing, a US polycarbonate manufacturer. New Zealand completions company Altitude Aerospace Interiors, meanwhile, has created some extremely impressive design concepts of bathrooms which could be installed in the roomy VIP variant of the Boeing 787 aircraft. Although it is technically possible to recycle water that has been used for showers, research indicates that VIP travellers are just not ready to accept this concept yet, fearing that this would be unhygienic - so many aircraft use two tanks; one for clean water and one for dark. A shower is almost becoming a standard item on the larger jets, so bathrooms are set to become increasingly luxurious. David Velupillai, product marketing director for Airbus Corporate Jets summarises, “Our customers want to take a shower after a long flight, which means they arrive and are ready to go straightaway, and are not obliged to go to the hotel before a meeting. “Customer expectations are always increasing in private aviation. People used to be satisfied with a traditional cabin, now they require something more comfortable.”
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