Category Archives: Business

Archer’s electric air taxi wraps up demonstration flights

19 Monday Oct 2026

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The Midnight's demonstration flight.
The Midnight flying over the San Francisco Bay. Photo: Archer Aviation.

SILICON VALLEY, Calif. – Archer Aviation’s Midnight air taxi has wrapped up piloted demonstration flights in the Bay Area, capping a month-long tour dubbed “No Roads,” the startup announced Monday.

The Midnight is an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that can carry four passengers and one pilot.

The Northern California tour was intended to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to connect cities seamlessly, Archer said. The next series of flights are planned for Los Angeles.

The program kicked off Sept. 4 with a roundtrip between Salinas Municipal Airport and Hollister Municipal Airport.

The announcement comes as executives gather in Las Vegas for NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, opening Tuesday. Archer is an exhibitor at the event.

“Flying (The) Midnight across multiple cities in Northern California shows we can connect communities with no roads, no traffic, and no emissions in minutes instead of hours,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. “That’s the future we’re working toward bringing to the Bay Area, Los Angeles and cities across the country.”

The flights were conducted in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration as it prepares for future operations under a federal eVTOL pilot program.

The NBAA-BACE runs through Thursday.

Bombardier opens Wichita learning center as part of $50M investment

15 Thursday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Canada, Las Vegas, NBAA-BACE, Quebec, Transport, Travel

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The Wichita facility is Bombardier’s first dedicated in-house skills development center. Photo: Bombardier.

WICHITA, Kan. – Bombardier opened its North American Learning Center in Wichita on Thursday, part of a new $50 million investment by the Canadian business aircraft maker, less than six weeks after President Donald Trump threatened to block the company from selling aircraft in the United States unless they are built in America.

Bombardier has pushed back against the rhetoric, saying it employs thousands of Americans and supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs through its operations and supply chain. The company spends more than $2.5 billion annually with U.S. suppliers.

The learning center will provide specialized training for newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics who will support customers through Bombardier’s American service network. It is the company’s first dedicated in-house skills development center.

The investment also includes a recently expanded Wheel and Tire Shop, which uses specialized equipment and employee training to expand the company’s component repair and overhaul capabilities.

Bombardier said the projects will strengthen its U.S. operations and position the Kansas site for continued growth.

“Wichita has long been an important part of Bombardier’s story, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity for the site,” said Paul Sislian, executive vice president of aircraft sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Lt.-Gov. David Toland, Bombardier executives and industry representatives.

Kelly said her administration had partnered with Bombardier since 2019 to expand its presence in Wichita, which is home to the company’s U.S. headquarters and Bombardier Defense.

The company has about 3,500 employees and 10 service and manufacturing facilities across the country. It is also planning to open a service center in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Bombardier Global 8000.
The Global 8000 will be among Bombardier aircraft on display: Photo: Bombardier.

At NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, opening in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Bombardier will put its Global 8000, Global 6500 and Challenger 3500 aircraft on static display.

The company will also host a discussion with John Travolta. The actor, who is type-rated on more than a dozen aircraft, including the Global Express, will share experiences from his 50 years of flying.

Avolon orders 250 Boeing, Airbus jets

09 Friday Oct 2026

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Avolon said the orders would strengthen the company’s delivery pipeline. Photo: Avolon.

DUBLIN – Irish aircraft lessor Avolon has placed firm orders for 250 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, the company said in its third-quarter update Friday.

The orders are for 140 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 110 Airbus airplanes, comprising 75 A320neo jets and 35 A330-900s. Avolon has also secured options for 100 additional Airbus aircraft, the company said.

No financial details were disclosed.

The orders increase Avolon’s total firm aircraft commitments to 749. They are subject to approval by shareholders of Bohai Leasing, which owns 70% of Avolon. The approval is expected before the end of October, the company said.

Avolon CEO Andy Cronin said the orders would strengthen the company’s delivery pipeline and help it meet customers’ fleet renewal and expansion needs. He said the company continued to see strong demand for aircraft, supported by its leasing and trading activity during the third quarter.

The Airbus order comprises 35 A330-900s and 75 A320neo aircraft. Photo: Aircraft

Airbus said in a news release the A330neo offers 25% lower fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and operating costs than previous-generation competitor aircraft. The A320neo family delivers at least 20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than previous-generation single-aisle aircraft, it said.

During the third quarter, Avolon acquired 10 aircraft and sold 29, with a further 112 agreed for sale. It also placed 28 aircraft with lessees and executed 84 lease agreements, extensions and amendments, the update said.

Avolon is the world’s third-largest aircraft lessor, after AerCap and SMBC Aviation Capital. All three are headquartered in Dublin. No financial details of the aircraft orders were disclosed.

Canada opens up four key airports to private investment

15 Tuesday Sep 2026

Posted by in Airports, Aviation, Business, Canada, Investment, Montreal, Transport, Travel

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The airports are in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s largest. Photo: GTAA.

TORONTO – Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday that his government will seek private investment to operate Canada’s four largest airports while retaining ownership of their land and assets.

Carney was addressing business leaders from around the world gathered in Toronto for the first Canada Investment Summit, which aims to mobilize C$1 trillion for 167 projects by 2030.

Mark Carney at a campaign rally in 2025. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

“Following best practice in other countries, the Government of Canada will retain ownership of the underlying land and assets, but we will unlock their true value, by bringing new capital and expertise to their operations and growth,” he said.

“We will reinvest the tens of billions of dollars of capital we raise into the infrastructure that Canada needs for the next generation.”

The announcement came amid speculation that the government was planning to privatize the airports outright.

The Canadian Labour Congress warned in a report released last week that privatization would “put upward pressure on the cost of flying and put airport workers at risk.”

Carney, however, stressed what his government is offering is a long-term concession, not privatization. He said the investment will help provide better and more affordable air connections to regional and remote communities.

Carney noted that Canadian pension funds already invest successfully in many airports around the world.

“It is time to bring that same expertise home to more directly benefit all Canadians,” the prime minister added.

Alaska Airlines unveils new livery, inspired by the Northern Lights

05 Tuesday Aug 2025

Posted by in Airlines, Airports, Alaska Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Business

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Alaska Airlines said its new livery was inspired by the Northern Lights.

SEATTLE – Alaska Airlines unveiled a new livery on Tuesday as the company sets sights on becoming a premium global carrier.

The U.S. airline, which already flies to over 140 destinations, also announced that it will launch two new nonstop routes to London and Reykjavik from its Seattle hub, starting next spring.

They will be the fourth and fifth of at least 12 intercontinental destinations Alaska plans to serve from Seattle by the end of this decade.

“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,” said Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci. “We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us.”

The airline said the new livery on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners was inspired by the Northern Lights.

Alaska calls the design “the first phase of a new global experience for long-haul flying” on the aircraft.

The 787s with the new livery will debut in January, and the airline hopes to have its entire fleet of 17 Dreamliners to feature the new design by spring.

“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage,” said Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison.

The daily Seattle-London Dreamliner flight will feature 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in Business Class, the airline said. The service will operate throughout the year.

On the seasonal Reykjavik route, Alaska will operate a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, Alaska added.

Images are courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

Airbus unveils concepts for zero-emission aircraft

21 Monday Sep 2020

Posted by in Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Biofuel, Business, Hydrogen, Zero-emission

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Airbus ZEROe

The blended-wing body design for up to 200 passengers.

Toulouse, France — Airbus has revealed three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft, which could enter service by 2035.

Each represents a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight, Airbus said Monday.

The three concepts — all codenamed ZEROe for climate-neutral zero-emission commercial aircraft — are:

ZEROe

The turbofan design for up to 200 passengers.

A turbofan design (120-200 passengers) with a range of 2,000+ nautical miles, capable of operating transcontinentally and powered by a modified gas-turbine engine running on hydrogen, rather than jet fuel, through combustion. The liquid hydrogen will be stored and distributed via tanks located behind the rear pressure bulkhead.

A turboprop design  (up to 100 passengers) using a  turboprop engine instead of a turbofan, and also powered by hydrogen combustion in modified gas-turbine engines, which would be capable of traveling more than 1,000 nautical miles, making it a perfect option for short-haul trips.

A blended-wing body design (up to 200 passengers) concept in which the wings merge with the main body of the aircraft with a range similar to that of the turbofan concept. The exceptionally wide fuselage opens up multiple options for hydrogen storage and distribution, and for cabin layout.

ZEROe

The turbofan design for up to 100 passengers.

All of these concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source, an option which Airbus believes holds exceptional promise as a clean aviation fuel.

“This is a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector as a whole and we intend to play a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.

“I strongly believe that the use of  hydrogen, both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft, has the potential to significantly reduce aviation’s climate impact.”

  • All images are courtesy of Airbus

 

Boeing-Embraer bid to challenge Airbus fizzles

25 Saturday Apr 2020

Posted by in Airbus, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Embraer

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EmbraerBoeingCHICAGO — Boeing announced Saturday that it has terminated its Master Transaction Agreement (MTA) with Embraer.

Under the deal announced in late 2018, the two companies had planned to create a joint venture comprising Embraer’s commercial aviation business.

The $4.2-billion tie-up was mainly aimed at challenging Airbus in the market for midsize planes.

The two companies also planned a second joint venture to develop new markets for the C-390 Millennium military aircraft.

“Under the MTA, April 24, 2020, was the initial termination date, subject to extension by either party if certain conditions were met. Boeing exercised its rights to terminate after Embraer did not satisfy the necessary conditions,” Boeing said in a statement.

“Boeing has worked diligently over more than two years to finalize its transaction with Embraer. Over the past several months, we had productive but ultimately unsuccessful negotiations about unsatisfied MTA conditions.”

The planned partnership had received approval from all regulatory authorities, with the exception of the European Commission, Boeing said.

There was no immediate comment from Embraer.

The image is courtesy of Embraer.

Air New Zealand unveils ‘a game changer’

25 Tuesday Feb 2020

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ANZANZ2AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Air New Zealand has unveiled sleeping pods for longhaul economy passengers, calling it “a game changer”.

The Economy Skynest, which would provide six full length lie-flat sleeping spaces, is the result of three years of research and development, the airline said Wednesday.

The company has filed patent and trademark applications for the Skynest.

Air New Zealand plans to make Skynest available on longhaul flights, but the airline said a decision will only be made after it assesses the success of the upcoming Auckland-New York service. That flight would take 17 hours and 40 minutes.

“We have a tremendous amount of development work underway looking at product innovations we can bring across all cabins of the aircraft,” said chief marketing and customer officer Mike Tod.

“A clear pain point for economy travelers on longhaul flights is the inability to stretch out. The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge.”

ANZ 3Customer and cabin crew feedback on the Skynest during its final phase of development has been outstanding, said Nikki Goodman, general manager of customer experience.

“We see a future flying experience where an economy-class customer on longhaul flights would be able to book the Economy Skynest in addition to their economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go. This is a game changer on so many levels,” said Goodman.

All images are courtesy of Air New Zealand.

Boeing 777X takes to the skies

26 Sunday Jan 2020

Posted by in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Boeing 777X, Business, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Technology, Travel, UAE

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777X

The Boeing 777X takes off from Everett, Wash., on Saturday.

SEATTLE, Wash. — “The 777X flew beautifully,” said Capt. Van Chaney after successfully flying Boeing’s newest aircraft Saturday.

“Thank you to all the teams who made today possible. I can’t wait to go fly your airplane again,” added the chief pilot for 777X test and evaluation

With that first flight, the world’s longest and largest twin-engine airliner entered the next phase of its test program.

The 777-9X is based on the popular 777.

777XThe aircraft took off in front of thousands at Paine Field in Everett, Wash., at 10:09 a.m. local time for a three-hour, 51-minute flight over Washington state before landing at Seattle’s Boeing Field, the company said.

Chaney called the flight very productive.

The first of four dedicated 777-9 flight test airplanes, WH001 will now undergo checks before resuming testing in the coming days, Boeing said.

“Our Boeing team has taken the most successful twin-aisle jet of all time and made it even more efficient, more capable and more comfortable for all,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Today’s safe first flight of the 777X is a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication from our teammates, our suppliers and our community partners in Washington state and across the globe.”

Boeing has won 340 orders and commitments for the 777X from leading carriers, including Emirates, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.

The first delivery is expected in 2021.

Images are courtesy of Boeing.

 

Air Canada flying high with new honors

02 Monday Dec 2019

Posted by in Air Canada, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner

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Air Canada

Calin Rovinescu

Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu

Just last week, Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu was named the CEO of the Year by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine.

This week, the airline is celebrating another achievement – it has been recognized as the 2019 Airline of the Year by industry publication Global Traveler.

“The success we have had transforming our airline into a leading global carrier is being recognized worldwide and we continue to invest in new aircraft, onboard services, airport amenities and a new loyalty program to build on our leading position,” Rovinescu said.

“Mostly, however, this award recognizes the hard work of our employees and their commitment to deliver customer service excellence every day, for which I thank them,” he added.

The airline said Global Traveler’s advisory board weighed the nominees’ financial data, safety records, product offerings, onboard menus and overall image as a brand before selecting Air Canada as Airline of the Year.

Maple Leaf Lounge

Maple Leaf Lounge offers dishes prepared by celebrity chefs.

Since 2010, Rovinescu has presided over a rapid expansion of the airline, investing $12 billion on new aircraft and routes.

Rovinescu’s fleet renewal program has seen the deployment of new Boeing 777s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The airline’s popular Maple Leaf Lounge, featuring dishes prepared by celebrity chefs, is also part of his program to elevate the travel experience.

Rovinescu has been at the helm of Air Canada since early 2009.

Images are courtesy of Air Canada.

Pilatus unwraps the PC-12 NGX

22 Tuesday Oct 2019

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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.

NBAA show focuses on sustainability

20 Sunday Oct 2019

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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.

‘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

 

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.