Airbus biz jets are now just a click away

23 Wednesday Oct 2019

Posted by in Airbus Corporate Jets, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, iflyACJ.com

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Airbus ACJLAS VEGAS, Nev. – Airbus has teamed up with 12 Airbus Corporate Jet operators worldwide to make VIP travel smooth.

Under a plan unveiled this week, Airbus jets can be chartered from any of the operators through the dedicated iflyACJ.com website.

The site was launched at the National Business Aviation Association’s Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas.

“The new website will appeal to VIP travelers because it groups together in a single place information about the Airbus corporate jet offerings of 12 operators such as details of their spacious cabins, characteristics and tailored on-board services,” Airbus said.

“Its simplicity enables users to find details about each ACJ VIP charter offering in a single click.”

ACJ operator fleets include the ACJ318, ACJ319, ACJ320 and ACJ340.

“For the first time, we connect business jet travelers to ACJ operators – just click to book a unique flying experience,” said ACJ president Benoit Defforge.

The participating airlines are:

  • Acropolis Aviation
  • AirX Charter
  • Comlux
  • Constellation Aviation
  • Emirates
  • Eva Air
  • Global Jet
  • K5 Aviation
  • MasterJet
  • MJet
  • Nomad Aviation
  • Tyrolean Jet ServiceACJACJACJAll images are courtesy of Airbus Corporate Jets.

 

Pilatus unwraps the PC-12 NGX

22 Tuesday Oct 2019

Posted by in Aircraft, Airshow, Aviation, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Technology

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PC-12 NGX PC-12 NGX LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Swiss aircraft maker Pilatus has unveiled its new single-engine turboprop – the PC-12 NGX – at the National Business Aviation Association’s Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

The PC-12 NGX incorporates an improved engine, smarter avionics and a completely redesigned cabin with larger windows, making this third generation of the PC-12 airframe the most advanced single-engine turboprop ever, the company said.

“Building on the experience gathered from the worldwide PC-12 fleet of over 1,700 aircraft with more than 7 million flight hours, the new PC-12 NGX brings the latest technology to the turboprop market.”

The aircraft is powered by the PT6E-67XP turboprop engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada.

PC-12 NGX

Images are courtesy of Pilatus.

Embraer strikes $1.4b deal at NBAA show

21 Monday Oct 2019

Posted by in Business Aviation, Embraer

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Praetor

The Praetor 600

Embraer

Michael Amalfitano (left), CEO of Embraer Executive Jets and Michael Silvestro, CEO of Flexjet, celebrate the US$1.4 billion deal.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Embraer has won the first major deal of the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

The Brazilian aircraft maker announced Monday that it had signed a US$1.4-billion agreement with private jet travel services provider Flexjet.

The deal comprises a fleet of Embraer business jets, including the recently certified Praetor jets and the Phenom 300, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2019.

With this purchase agreement, Flexjet has become the Praetor fleet launch customer, Embraer said.

“We are very grateful for Flexjet’s renewed commitment to Embraer through this new agreement, which reflects the growth and the strength of our partnership over the past 16 years and symbolizes our ongoing support for their journey ahead,” said Michael Amalfitano, president & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets.

“Flexjet owners will appreciate and enjoy a truly elevated customer experience in industry-leading aircraft, including the recently certified Praetor jets, which are different by design and disruptive by choice.”

Embraer

All images are courtesy of Embraer.

NBAA show focuses on sustainability

20 Sunday Oct 2019

Posted by in Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Biofuel, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, EBACE, Technology

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NBAA-BACELAS VEGAS, Nev. – Sustainability is the main focus of this week’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

As part of the show, Henderson Executive Airport will for the first time in its history make available Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the National Business Aviation Association said.

“Some 100 airplanes will take on the renewable fuel at the Clark County-owned and operated airport this week, including those on display at the show.”

SAF is a non-fossil power source that can reduce aviation’s carbon lifecycle emissions by up to 80 percent.

“After planes refuel and depart at the show’s close Oct. 24, an estimated 150,000 gallons of SAF are expected to have been pumped at the airport in conjunction with NBAA’s convention,” the NBAA said.

The NBAA is also holding various events throughout the week to promote sustainability.

Qantas tests longest non-stop flight

20 Sunday Oct 2019

Posted by in Australia, Boeing, Longest Commercial Flight, New York, New York to Sydney, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Sydney, Transport, Travel

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Qantas Longest Flight

The crew celebrates after landing in Sydney.

Qantas Longest Flight

Ready for departure from New York.

SYDNEY, Australia – Australia’s national carrier has successfully tested the longest non-stop commercial passenger flight.

The Boeing 787-9, carrying 49 passengers and crew, flew from New York to Sydney in 19 hours 16 minutes.

“This is a really significant first for aviation,” said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.

“Hopefully, it’s a preview of a regular service that will speed up how people travel from one side of the globe to the other.”

The airline said the flight was used to run a series of experiments to assess health and well-being onboard.

“Tests ranged from monitoring pilot brain waves, melatonin levels and alertness, through to exercise classes for passengers.”

Data from the experiments will be used help shape the crew rostering and customer service of Qantas’ ultra long haul flights in future, the airline added.

“We had a lot of interest from air traffic controllers as we crossed through different airspace because of the uniqueness of this flight,” said Capt. Sean Golding, who led the four pilots operating the service.

“We also had a special sign off and welcome home from the control towers in New York and Sydney, which you don’t get every day.”

Qantas has plans for two more research flights – London to Sydney in November, and New York to Sydney in December.

Currently, Singapore Airlines operates the longest commercial flight — from Singapore to New York, which takes 18 hours and 25 minutes.

‘Jetman’ to inspire delegates at NBAA event

12 Saturday Oct 2019

Posted by in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, EBACE18, Las Vegas Convention Center, NBAA, NBAA-BACE, News

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“Jetman” Yves Rossy

“Jetman” Yves Rossy speaks at EBACE 2018 in Geneva.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The first man to fly with a jet-propelled wing will be among the key speakers at this year’s National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition, which opens in Las Vegas on Oct. 21, the group announced.

“Jetman” Yves Rossy is the inventor of the so-called jet packs. The Swiss fighter pilot has been a sought-after speaker at aviation events since he first flew them in 2006.

Rossy enthralled the audience at the opening of the European Business Aviation convention and exhibition in Geneva in 2018.

“We are delighted to have ‘Jetman’ Yves Rossy speak at NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

“His talk is sure to thrill and inspire attendees about possibilities for the future of flight. The ability to fly is one of the most fundamental human aspirations, and we’re looking forward to hearing Rossy’s motivational stories.”

Other major speakers include NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Maj.-Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, America’s first female fighter pilot.

Photo by Abdul Latheef

 

Airbus celebrates a major milestone

20 Monday May 2019

Posted by in Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Bombardier, Canada, CS100, Delta Air Lines, Life

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AirbusThe first Airbus aircraft, an A300B2, was delivered to Air France in 1974. Forty-five years on, Airbus is celebrating the delivery of its 12,000th aircraft.

The Airbus A220-100, previously known as the Bombardier CS100, was assembled in Mirabel, Canada, and handed over to Delta Air Lines on Monday.

Delta received its first A220 last October. The aircraft delivered on Monday was its 12th. The airline has placed a firm order for 90 A220s.

A2

Images are courtesy of Airbus.

Coming soon: AS2 supersonic business jet

05 Tuesday Feb 2019

Posted by in Aerion Supersonic, Aviation, Boeing, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Life, Supersonic

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Aerion_AS2_NewYork_LRAerion Supersonic received a major boost on Tuesday when Boeing announced “a significant” investment in the company to bring the first supersonic business aircraft to the market.

The Aerion AS2 is designed to fly at speeds of up to Mach 1.4 or about 1,600 kilometers an hour, saving three hours on a transatlantic flight, the two companies said. First test flight is slated for 2023.

Aerion_AS2_Vertical1_LRThe 12-passenger jet was announced in 2014 by Aerion, a company founded in 2003. The aircraft will be powered by a GE Affinity engine.

“Aerion is the industry leader mapping out a successful, sustainable return to supersonic flight,” said Tom Vice, chairman, president and CEO.

“The AS2 is the launch point for the future of regulatory-compliant and efficient supersonic flight. Together with Boeing, we’re creating a faster, more connected future with tremendous possibilities for enhancing humanity’s productivity and potential.”

Steve Nordlund, vice-president and general manager of Boeing NeXt, called the agreement a strategic investment in further maturing supersonic technology.

“Through this partnership that combines Aerion’s supersonic expertise with Boeing’s global industrial scale and commercial aviation experience, we have the right team to build the future of sustainable supersonic flight.”

A2

Images are courtesy of Aerion

 

Bombardier steals the show with new jets

27 Sunday May 2018

Posted by in Aircraft, Airports, Airshow, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Canada, EBACE18, Geneva, Life, Luxury Travel, Rolls-Royce, Transport, Travel, Travel Blog

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_DSC9351Bombardier has added two more aircraft to its Global family of business jets that the company says will deliver “unmatched total performance”.

The Global 5500 and the Global 6500 were launched ahead of this week’s opening of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, EBACE 2018, in Geneva.

_DSC9327

David Coleal

“Bombardier’s two newest Global aircraft are the result of our unrelenting commitment to innovation, excellence and most of all, our desire to deliver unmatched capabilities to our customers,” said David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, as he unveiled the Global 6500 at a TAG Aviation hangar on Sunday.

_DSC9337

The Rolls-Royce Pearl

The Global 5500 can connect Sao Paulo and Paris, and Moscow and Los Angeles while the Global 6500 can connect Hong Kong or Singapore and London, and Toluca and Madrid, the company said.

An all-new Rolls-Royce engine will power the aircraft. The jets are expected to enter service at the end of 2019.

All photos are by Abdul Latheef

‘JetBook is the jewel in our crown’

25 Friday May 2018

Posted by in Airbus Corporate Jets, Airbus Helicopters, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Books, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Embraer, Europe, European Union, Gulfstream, IATA, ICAO, Life, Luxury Travel, Transport, Travel, Travel Blog

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Hondajet

Antonia Lukacinova: Experiencing HondaJet

The Czech high-flier behind the Sapphire Pegasus business aviation awards is now making headlines as the author of JetBook.

The latest edition of the luxury aircraft and helicopter guide will be unveiled at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, EBACE 2018, in Geneva next week ahead of its official release in summer.

“Aviation has always been a huge passion of mine, and JetBook is a book that helps the industry by making it easier to fulfill people’s dreams of owning a private jet or helicopter,” Antonia Lukacinova said.

Book“There is no other guide on the market that offers such a comprehensive overview of the industry today.”

The 232-page book features 55 business jets and 20 helicopters as well as exclusive photos and interviews.

“JetBook is the jewel in our crown. We intend to support it with a wealth of up-to-date articles and information about the latest aircraft, along with lifestyle articles in our upcoming JetBook Life series,” said Lukacinova, who has been working in business aviation in the Czech Republic since 2004.

SaphireShe also founded the Sapphire Pegasus Awards, which honors outstanding performances by companies and individuals in business aviation.

This year’s awards will be announced at EBACE on Tuesday. The winners were chosen from 74 nominees via an online ballot by more than 60,000 voters.

Photos are courtesy of Media Tribune and Sapphire Pegasus.

EBACE static display to feature 55 aircraft

02 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Airbus, Airbus Corporate Jets, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, EBACE, IATA, ICAO, Life, Travel

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PalexpoEbGeneva hosts the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, or EBACE, later this month.

One of the world’s biggest business aviation shows, it opens at Palexpo on May 29.

Eb2More than 400 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and services at the three-day event.

The static display will feature 55 aircraft. The organizers say 13,000 aviation professionals will attend the show.

Photo courtesy: EBACE, Palexpo

Bombardier CSeries finally takes off

29 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Bombardier, Business, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Delta Air Lines, GE Aviation, IATA, ICAO, Life, Quebec, SWISS, Transport, Travel

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CS8The world’s newest commercial aircraft is being delivered on Thursday.

After years of delay and billions of dollars in budget overruns, Canadian manufacturer Bombardier will hand over the first CSeries aircraft to launch customer Swiss International Air Lines at a ceremony in Montreal.

The airline, widely known as SWISS, has ordered 30 CSeries aircraft. The airplane being delivered on Thursday is a 125-seat CS100, the smaller of the CSeries family.

The bigger aircraft, the CS300 with a seating capacity of up to 150, is expected to be certified soon. Air Baltic is the launch customer of that airplane.

“SWISS is proud to be the first airline to take title of the CSeries. The aircraft performed exceptionally well during its acceptance flight, as expected,” said Thomas Kluhr, chief executive officer of SWISS.

“Along with the CS300 aircraft that we’ve also ordered, the CSeries fleet will allow us to perfectly tailor our capacity to demand on various European routes, while providing an excellent travel experience for our passengers.”

Fred2Fred Cromer (right), president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, called it the first “right-sized aircraft in the 100- to 150-seat market segment in nearly 30 years.”

“Today is a significant moment for Bombardier, SWISS and their employees – many of whom have dedicated years to designing, building, marketing and defining the flight network for the C Series aircraft,” Cromer added.

The maiden commercial flight of the CS100 will take passengers from Zurich to Paris on July 15. SWISS will gradually replace its Avro RJ100 fleet with the CSeries aircraft. The airline is a subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

In all, Bombardier has won 370 firm orders and 252 options and purchase rights for the CSeries aircraft. Delta Air Lines Inc. is the biggest customer, with an order for up to 125 aircraft.

“A new aircraft program like the CSeries comes around once in a lifetime and it’s a proud achievement that belongs to many,” said Rob Dewar, vice-president of the program.

CS1

All photos are by Abdul Latheef

 

 

ANA celebrates a Dreamliner milestone

12 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Airlines, Airports, All Nippon Airways, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Life, News

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anaJapan’s biggest airline has been celebrating a milestone – its 100,000th revenue flight with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The launch customer of the Dreamliner, All Nippon Airways is also the first airline in the world to reach 100,000 787 flights. 

“The 787 Dreamliner has played an important role especially in forming the backbone of our international fleet,” said Osamu Shinobe, president and CEO of ANA, as the airline and Boeing held a ceremony at Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport to mark the occasion.

“As the largest customer of the 787, we look forward to introducing the entire family of Dreamliners into our fleet as we aim to celebrate another 100,000 flights and beyond.” 

ANA started operating the Dreamliner In 2011. With 44 aircraft, it has the world’s largest Dreamliner fleet. Another 39 are on order. 

“We are honoured to celebrate this important milestone with ANA, especially here in Seattle,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“This milestone demonstrates the strength of our long-standing relationship and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with ANA going forward.”

The image is courtesy of Boeing.

 

Emirates keeps its fleet young

07 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by in Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Emirates, Emissions, Environment, IATA, Life, News, Transport, Travel, UAE

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EK2Twenty Airbus A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs will join the Emirates fleet next year as part of a fleet renewal program, the airline announced Monday.

Some of these airplanes will replace 26 retiring aircraft, including 12 A330-300s, 4 A340-300s, one A340-500, six Boeing 777-200ERs, two Boeing 777-300s and one Boeing 777-300ER, the company said.

EK2

“At the end of 2016, the aircraft retirements and new deliveries will put Emirates’ average fleet age at 5.6 years, dramatically younger than the global average,” the airline said.

It noted that the average fleet age for the top five airlines in North America is 13.6 years, while the average fleet age for the top five airlines in Europe is 10.7 years.

The airline will retire 13 more aircraft in 2017 and another 13 in 2018.

EK3“We are fully committed to flying a modern fleet that is better for the environment, and provides our customers with a superior level of comfort and safety,” said company president Sir Tim Clark (left).

“With the retirement of older aircraft and the introduction of new, more fuel efficient aircraft in 2016, Emirates will continue to lead the industry in reducing the age of our fleet, while at the same time defining new levels of service that our customers have come to expect.”

The world’s largest international airline, Emirates currently has 243 airplanes, including 26 it received this year. It has an additional 263 aircraft on order.

The images are courtesy of Emirates.

 

Plan unveiled to make jet fuel from Canadian forestry waste

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Air Canada, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Biofuel, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, CO2, Life, Masdar City, Masdar Institute, News, Oil & Gas, Transport, Travel, Travel Blog, UAE, WestJet

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ForestThe world’s largest aircraft manufacturer is collaborating with Canada’s aviation industry, the University of British Columbia and Amsterdam-based SkyNRG to turn forestry waste into sustainable aviation biofuel.

The project was announced Wednesday at the 2015 Canadian Bioeconomy Conference in Vancouver.

Boeing has in the past partnered with the Abu Dhabi-based Masdar Institute and the Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer to advance sustainable aviation biofuel development.

ubcUnder the latest initiative, a consortium that includes Boeing, Bombardier, Air Canada, WestJet, research institutions and industry partners will assess whether forestry waste could also be harnessed to produce sustainable aviation biofuel, Boeing said.

Thermochemical processing will be used for this, the company added.

b2“Sustainable aviation biofuel will play a critical role in reducing aviation’s carbon emissions over the long term,” said Julie Felgar, managing director of environmental strategy and integration at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Canada is in a terrific position to leverage its sustainable forests to make environmental progress for its aviation industry and other transport sectors.”

Boeing said a 2015 company-sponsored study by UBC had found that aviation biofuel made from forest waste could meet 10 per cent, or about 175 million liters, of British Columbia’s annual jet fuel demand.

greenThe Green Aviation Research and Development Network of Canada is funding the project as part of a portfolio of investments in technologies to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that using sustainably produced biofuel will reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by 50 to 80 per cent compared to conventional petroleum fuel.

The images are courtesy of Boeing, UBC and GARDN.