Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (October 2024)

October 15,  2024

Jet Aviation Redelivers Two BBJ 737-8s Within 10-Month Downtime

Jet Aviation announced the redelivery of two Boeing Business Jet 737-8 aircraft to an undisclosed customer, completed in less than 10 months. According to the company, it is the shortest downtime the completion center has achieved for two simultaneous aircraft. “Our in-house teams worked hand-in-hand with the customer to understand their specialized requirements and craft interiors that met these through a combination of state-of-the-art engineering and innovative production techniques,” says Chirstoph Fondalinski, Jet Aviation vice president of completions.

Lilium Jet Completes First Systems Power-On Milestone

Lilium announced the completion of a major milestone for the Lilium Jet, an electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The aircraft conducted a ground test where all systems were powered on for the first time. The lab test aircraft, referred to as MSN 1 or ironbird, will eventually become a “fully functional aircraft and key asset for the certification program, being used to prove safety of flight and compliance with airworthiness requirements,” according to Lilium. MSN 1’s successor, MSN 2, is currently in final assembly and will be used for the platform’s first flight tests in 2025.

October 14, 2024

Duncan Aviation Refurbishes Gulfstream G200

Duncan Aviation announced its completion of a paint and interior refurbishment of a Gulfstream G200 at its Lincoln, Nebraska facility. According to Duncan Aviation, the design was provided by Autumn Elizabeth Design, featuring a merlot paint scheme with gold details. Additionally, the aircraft was outfitted with Gogo’s AVANCE L5 inflight connectivity system. The interior features off-white leather seating with custom quilted inserts made at Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Michigan location. “When the aircraft first came to us, the interior and exterior had seen better days,” says Jeff Beaudette, Duncan senior modifications and completions sales representative. “It was looking tired and lacked an inflight connectivity solution. They took advantage of the downtime to complete the 192-month inspection to completely transform and customize their aircraft interior, exterior paint and equip it with a high-speed connectivity system.”

MBA Aviation Launches JumpseatSMS

MBA Aviation, an aviation advisory firm, announced the launch of its Safety Management System (SMS), JumpseatSMS. According to the firm, the SMS is designed to increase efficiency in SMS development and implementation for air operators, describing it as “engineered with the dynamic operational environment of aviation professionals in mind, JumpseatSMS integrates a comprehensive suite of tools to simplify safety management and operational efficiency in one intuitive platform.”

October 11, 2024

Fargo Jet Center Opens $25M Hangar Complex At KFAR

Fargo Jet Center (FJC) announced the opening of its $25 million hangar and office complex at Hector International Airport (KFAR) in North Dakota. The 112,000 ft.² complex includes a 27,000 ft.² maintenance hangar, a 23,000 ft.² hangar for special mission modifications and dedicated spaces for composite fabrication, paint, sheet metal and avionics, according to FJC. Each hangar will also be equipped with 30-ft.-tall doors to accommodate aircraft such as the Bombardier Global 8000. Additionally, the construction repurposes 32,000 ft.² of existing hangar into increased aircraft storage.

Chimes Aviation Academy Expands Training Fleet With Tecnam

Chimes Aviation Academy has purchased four Tecnam P2010 TDI aircraft for the school’s training fleet. The academy, based in India, operates from two airbases and maintains a fleet of 22 aircraft. According to Tecnam, the school has an additional 90 aircraft on order, expected to enter operation by 2030. Each P2010 TDI aircraft comes equipped with a Continental CD170 engine and Garmin’s G1000 NXi avionics suite.

October 10, 2024

National Aviation Hall Of Fame Inducts Garmin Co-Founders

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) inducted Garmin Co-Founders Dr. Min Kao and Gary Burrell during its 60th annual enshrinement ceremony, held at the National Museum of the U.S.Air Force in September. Dr. Kao currently serves as Garmin’s executive chairman of the board. Gary Burrell, whose leadership inspires the company today, passed away in June 2019. “Thirty-five years ago, Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao founded Garmin with the strong belief that superior navigation and communications products could enrich and even save people’s lives,” says Garmin President and CEO Cliff Pemble.<\/p>

Fokker Services Asia Becomes Authorized Embraer Service Center

Fokker Service Asia has been appointed as an Embraer Authorized Service Center. The deal was made during Aviation Week’s MRO Asia Pacific 2024 event in Singapore. The center is now authorized to provide maintenance services for Embraer’s first-generation E-Jet family, with a focus on E190 aircraft, according to Fokker Services Group (FSG). “This will potentially provide more capacity, capability and help us to keep expanding Embraer’s Authorized Service Center footprint in Asia-Pacific,” says Frank Stevens, vice president of MRO services at Embraer Services & Support.

October 9, 2024

Elfly Group, Nordic Seaplanes Sign Agreement For Noemi Electric Aircraft

Elfly Group announced its new partnership with Nordic Seaplanes, which will become the first “Noemi” airline, it says. Elfly’s Noemi, short for “No Emissions,” is a fully electric seaplane. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for five Noemi aircraft with an option for an additional 10. According to Elfly, the order will be delivered over the coming decade.

Clay Lacy Aviation Receives NBAA Sustainability Accreditation

Clay Lacy Aviation has received the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation in the category of infrastructure. The accreditation acknowledges flight departments that meet exceptional environmental sustainability standards across flight, operations, ground support and infrastructure. According to Clay Lacy Aviation, it is one of eight companies globally to achieve the status, and the first FBO to receive the accreditation for infrastructure.

October 8, 2024

Corporate Angel Network Moves To Connecticut

The Corporate Angel Network (CAN), an aviation nonprofit organization, has moved its offices to Danbury, Connecticut. The organization provides free transportation to cancer patients on business aircraft. Since its inception in 1981, it has coordinated more than 68,000 flights. “Corporate Angel Network provides an incredible and valuable service to cancer patients in their most significant times of need, and I am so glad to welcome this respected organization and its staff to Connecticut,” says Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont.

Flexjet To Open New Private Terminal At Farnborough Airport

Flexjet announced plans to open a new private terminal at Farnborough Airport. According to the company, the terminal is scheduled to open in early 2026 and will be Flexjet’s biggest infrastructure development outside the U.S. to date. The planned terminal will feature a 2,098 m² ramp-side building, which will begin construction in early September. The terminal will complement its existing facilities and complement Flexjet passengers travel experience, the company says.

October 7, 2024

Flightways Columbus Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Flightways Columbus is celebrating its 15th anniversary of aviation service. The FBO is located at Georgia’s Columbus Airport (KCSG) and has served as an Avfuel-branded location since 2021. During the celebration, the FBO announced plans for a new facility, which is expected to be completed over the coming years.

Signature Aviation Receives Green Power Leadership Award<\/p>

Signature Aviation announced it has received a 2024 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its clean energy initiatives. According to Signature, the company currently uses more than 97 million kilowatt-hr. (kWh) of green power annually. “As an organization committed to shaping the future by meeting 100% of our electricity needs through green power procurement, we have seen firsthand that clean energy is an affordable, accessible choice that can reduce the risks brought about by climate change,” Signature CEO Tony Lefebvre says.

October 4, 2024

Aerodynamics Academy Purchases 15 Tecnam Trainer Aircraft

Aerodynamics Academy, based in Spain, announced its purchase of 15 Tecnam P2008JC MkII aircraft. According to Tecnam, the academy is one of the fastest growing flight schools in Europe, instructing 200 students in 2024. The 15 aircraft will join the academy’s fleet of more than 30 aircraft and five “high generation” simulators, according to Juan Manuel Martín, CEO of Aerodynamics Academy.

Private Jet Services Launches VIP Boeing Fleet

Private Jet Services (PJS) announced the launch of its VIP Boeing 757 fleet. Each of its 78-passenger aircraft will feature a business-class configuration with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi. According to PJS, the new fleet is designed for corporate shuttles, meetings and incentive travel. Included in the service are nonstop flights and white-glove service “through every step of the planning and execution of travel logistics,” PJS says.

October 3, 2024

Private Jet Services Announces Boeing 757-200 VIP Configuration

Private Jet Services (PJS) announced its VIP configuration of three Boeing 757 aircraft. According to PJS, the configuration is the result of a multi-million-dollar investment, equipped with 78 business seats, high-speed Wi-Fi and in-seat power for every passenger. “As a hospitality-centric air services firm, our entire team is committed to making continuous investments in our mission to provide our clients with the very best product in the group travel market,” said Elevate Aviation Group CEO Greg Raiff.

National Aviation Hall Of Fame Inducts Garmin Co-Founders

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) inducted Garmin Co-Founders Dr. Min Kao and Gary Burrell during its 60th annual enshrinement ceremony, held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in September. Dr. Kao currently serves as Garmin’s executive chairman of the board. Gary Burrell, whose leadership inspires the company today, passed away in June 2019. “Thirty-five years ago, Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao founded Garmin with the strong belief that superior navigation and communications products could enrich and even save people’s lives,” says Garmin President and CEO Cliff Pemble.<\/p>

October 2, 2024

Jet Out Announces Expansion To Florida, Wisconsin

Jet Out announced its plans to open its first base outside of the Midwest at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Southern Florida. The new operations will be located at Sheltair Aviation at FLL, where they will host two Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen 2 aircraft. Additionally, Jet Out is constructing a 22,000 ft.² private terminal at Waukesha County Airport (UES) in Wisconsin. Construction of the terminal is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
 

Schweizer Names Elicuneo As Authorized Sales And Service Center

Schweizer is welcoming Italy-based operator Elicuneo P.S.C.R.L. as its latest Schweizer Sales and Service Center in Europe. According to Schweizer, Elicuneo serves as the largest operator of the Schweizer 300 line of helicopters in Italy. “Elicuneo’s expertise and experience with Schweizer helicopters made it an ideal partner for supporting our customers in Italy,” said Schweizer CEO David Horton. “As our parts and aircraft production have grown, so has the number of customers in Europe seeking maintenance, parts and aircraft.”

October 1, 2024

PremierMRO Dayton Designated As Williams Engine Service Center

PremierMRO announced its designation as a Williams Engine Service Center in Dayton, Ohio. The certification enables the company to service variants of the Williams FJ-44 engine, particularly on a “range of Cessna Citation models, including models retrofitted by Sierra Industries.” Additionally, PremierMRO offers service on Williams engines on Hawker Beechcraft Premier IA, Nextant variants and Syberjet SJ 30 models. PremierMRO is a division of Premier Private Jets, based in Stuart, Florida.

Heart Aerospace Unveils Full-Scale Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator

Heart Aerospace unveiled its first full-scale 30-seat hybrid-electric demonstrator aircraft (pictured). The aircraft, dubbed Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1), is the company’s development platform for its planned regional hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30. The Heart X1 demonstrator sports a 32-m wingspan and will be used for testing ground-based operations. According to the company, the Heart X1 is scheduled to make its first fully electric flight in the second quarter of 2025.