Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (January 2025)

January 10, 2025

VIP Completions Converts Gulfstream G550 To Air Ambulance

VIP Completions announced its successful conversion of a Gulfstream G550, operated by Hatzolah Air, from a business aircraft to a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) air ambulance. According to VIP Completions, the aircraft reentered service in summer 2024 and immediately began flying life-saving missions. Hatzolah Air operates as a non-profit MEDEVAC provider, staffed by more than 360 volunteer flight physicians, paramedics and other emergency personnel. The configuration includes a life support zone, galley and lounge, with capacity for up to 12 medical crew and passengers in single stretcher configuration, or up to eight when transporting two patients. “For VIP Completions, the conversion of a business aircraft to an air ambulance is a departure from our typical projects. As an extension of our expertise, we are able to leverage years of experience in interior completions, exceptional craftmanship and the attention to detail of our team of experts. We invite other parties interested in MEDEVAC conversions to contact us at their convenience,” says VIP Completions President Ben Shirazi.

January 9, 2025

Robinson Helicopter Co. Receives EASA Approval For Improved Empennage

Robinson Helicopter Co. (RHC) has received EASA approval for its symmetrical horizontal stabilizer. According to RHC, the approval covers all Robinson helicopter models and is applicable across EASA jurisdictions, Argentina, Japan and India. The approval follows the FAA’s approval of the same configuration for RHC’s R44 and R22 models in 2024. “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to continuous safety, reliability and customer satisfaction around the world,” says RCH President and CEO David Smith. “This certification is a testament to our team’s tireless pursuit in enhancing the Robinson flying experience and setting new standards for safety and performance in the industry.”

January 8, 2025

Northern Jet Expands Fleet

Northern Jet closed out the fourth quarter of 2024 with the addition of seven aircraft to its operating fleet. According to the company, the new aircraft include an Embraer Phenom 300, a Cessna Citation XLS+, a Citation Jet CJ4, a Citation Sovereign+, a Bombardier Challenger 300, Challenger 3500 and a Gulfstream G450. Northern Jet’s choice of aircraft is made to address its capabilities for both short- and long-range missions. “These fleet additions reflect our dedication to delivering tailored solutions that prioritize efficiency, reliability and service excellence,” says Northern Jet CEO Chris Bull. “We are focused on offering a wide range of travel options that address the needs of clients who value their time and seek personalized travel experiences.”

Air India Acquires Three Diamond Aircraft

Air India announced its deal with Diamond Aircraft for the acquisition of three new twin-engine DA42-VI aircraft for Air India’s Flight Training Organization (FTO) based in Amravati, Maharashtra. The deal also gives Air India the option for six additional aircraft, with deliveries expected in summer 2025. “We are excited to partner with Diamond Aircraft as we set up India’s first airline-owned and operated cadet pilot school. We see this as the beginning of a partnership with Diamond to support Air India’s vision to strengthen the aviation training ecosystem in India and become self-reliant,” says Sunil Bhaskaran, director of Air India’s Aviation Academy.

January 7, 2025

Textron Aviation’s SkyCourier Earns Canadian Approval

Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier turboprop has earned type certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation, allowing the aircraft to support operations in some of the most remote areas of North America, the company says. The first delivery of a SkyCourier in the region, a freighter variant, is planned for delivery in 2024 to Air Bravo Corp., a passenger, cargo and air ambulance flight services company based in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie and Meaford, Ontario. The company was founded in 2001.

WSU, Groover Labs Partner On Regional Business Support

Wichita State University’s (WSU) College of Engineering announced its partnership with Groover Labs, a nonprofit collaborative workspace, to innovate prototype building and low-volume manufacturing for regional businesses. The initiative provides WSU students with opportunities to pursue real-world engineering experience to support the needs of local businesses and entrepreneurs. “The partnership between the college and Groover Labs underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the regional economy through collaboration, creativity and education,” says Dr. Anthony Muscat, dean of WSU’s College of Engineering.

January 6, 2025

Eve Air Mobility, Signature Aviation Partner On AAM Ground Operations

Eve Air Mobility, an eVTOL manufacturer and FBO provider Signature Aviation have signed a memorandum of understanding to research the ecosystem requirements and ground services that will be needed to support and scale advanced air mobility ground operations in a safe and efficient way, they say. They will leverage their expertise in aircraft and passenger services to gain insight on ground service needs, local knowledge, private aviation terminal operations and passenger services to guide the procedures and ecosystem required for eVTOLs to launch and to scale, says Luiz Mauad, Eve Air Mobility vice president of services, operations solutions, strategic design and ecosystem. The two companies will also explore potential future commercial partnerships, he says. The partnership means that 2025 will be a “transformative year” for Signature, officials say. The two companies have also signed a letter of intent (LOI) for Eve’s urban air traffic management software called Vector. Eve has LOIs for 2,900 eVTOLs.

Starlink Names Skyservice Business Aviation An Authorized Dealer

Skyservice Business Aviation has become an authorized Starlink dealer, which extends the availability of Starlink’s in-flight connectivity services to additional aircraft owners and operators, it says. Starlink’s advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network delivers low-latency, resilient, high-speed internet connectivity. The company has obtained FAA approval for Gulfstream 450 and Bombardier Global aircraft with Transport Canada Civil Aviation approvals in progress.

January 3, 2025

Vantage Aviation To Build FBO In Rifle, Colorado

Vantage Aviation in Rifle, Colorado, in partnership with Business Aviation Group, will begin construction on a fixed base operation (FBO) featuring a 40,000 ft.2 hangar and a 25,000 ft.2 hangar with premier lobby. The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners approved the development, which includes an expanded apron, doubling of fuel storage on the airfield and heated hangars with a deicing pad. Construction will begin in summer 2025 with completion expected in late 2026. Under the plan the apron and parking areas will expand by nearly 25%.

Qatar Executive Adds MedAire’s MedAir360 Services To Fleet

MedAire is integrating its MedAir360 services across Qatar’s executive fleet, including Qatar’s newly acquired Gulfstream G700s, to elevate aviation safety, MedAire announced. Qatar Executive is expanding its fleet with the G700s. Integration of MedAire 360 throughout the fleet enhances its capabilities to deliver advanced medical and security support, it says. MedAire360 will give Qatar Executive immediate access to medical expertise and security intelligence, including access to advanced diagnostics and security insights through MedAire’s Aviation Security Portal it says.