Private Jet and Air Charter News
Forecast links aviation activity and national economic growth
March 13th, 2010The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is forecasting that key airspace safety and efficiency modernization efforts will play a vital role in spurring long-term sustained growth in air travel and the nationâs overall economic health. This forecast, which comes after a short-term period of slow growth in aviation activity, underscores the need for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and continued investment in airport infrastructure projects.
âA safe, efficient and vibrant aviation system is vital to our nationâs economic health,â said Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. âWe must find long-term solutions that will keep the U.S. aviation industry competitive and moving forward into the future.â
The FAAâs 20-year forecast for Fiscal Years 2010-2030 predicts domestic passenger enplanements will increase by 0.5 percent in 2010 and then grow an average of 2.5 percent per year during the remaining forecast period. Total operations at airports are forecast to decrease 2.7 percent to 51.5 million in 2010, and then grow at an average annual rate of 1.5 percent reaching 69.6 million in 2030. At the nation's 35 busiest airports, operations are expected to increase 60 percent from 2010 to 2030.
The FAA predicts that U.S. airlines will reach one billion passengers a year by 2023, and the number of passengers on U.S. airlines domestically and internationally is forecast to increase from 704 million in 2009 to 1.21 billion by 2030. More forecast details are available here.
âThis forecast makes a very strong business case for NextGen,â said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "Without NextGen, we wonât be able to handle the increased demand for service that this forecast anticipates.â
NextGen is transforming air traffic control from the ground-based radar system of today to a satellite-based system of the future. These advancements are already showing safety, efficiency and environmental benefits. NextGen technologies and procedures will increase capacity and safety and reduce fuel burn, carbon emissions and noise by providing more efficient air routes and procedures. Other innovations include improved weather forecasting, data networking and digital communications. Hand in hand with these state-of-the-art technologies are airport improvements that are beginning to give pilots and controllers a more precise picture of the location of aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways. More information on NextGen can be found here.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides significant infrastructure improvements to meet growing airspace needs. It has provided $1.1 billion to airports nationwide. To date, 326 grants for over 360 projects have been distributed to airports that support passenger and cargo service as well as general aviation. Recovery Act grants are being used at both urban and rural airports to fund a variety of different modernization efforts including facility construction, safety enhancements and the rehabilitation of runways, taxiways and other infrastructure.
The FAA forecast was unveiled at an annual aviation conference in Washington that brings members of the aviation community together to discuss how the forecast projections may affect policies and plans for aviation.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
Embraer's Legacy 500 executive jet mock-up debuts in India
March 13th, 2010Embraerâs Legacy 500 executive jet mock-up has reached Mumbai, India. The full-size model will be on display at the Grand
Hyatt Mumbai Hotel, from March 15-18. This stop is part of the world tour to promote the companyâs midsize jet, and follows its exhibition at the Singapore Airshow last month.
âThe Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 aircraft are bringing new standards to the midlight and midsize executive jet categories,â said José Eduardo Costas, Embraer Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Asia Pacific â Executive Jets. âWith an exclusive flat-floor stand-up cabin, comfortable interior designed in partnership with BMW DesignworksUSA, and state-of-the-art technology including a full fly-by-wire flight control system, these jets are designed to be a reliable and convenient business tool for customers.â
The company continues working in the Indian market, not only promoting its products, in general, but especially focusing on putting a comprehensive support network in place to guarantee the high reliability of its aircraft throughout the region.
After having its Legacy 600 certified and operating in the skies of India for the last five years, the Phenom 100 gained approval in December 2009, from Indiaâs Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Embraer has 14 jets operating in India in the commercial, executive and defense aviation segments. Furthermore, the company has about 30 firm orders for the Phenom jets in the country, with the first delivery of the Phenom 100 scheduled for this year.
The midsize Legacy 500 and midlight Legacy 450 design concepts were presented on September 24, 2007 during a press conference at the 60th National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting & Convention, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. The development programs were formally approved by Embraerâs Board six months later, and they were commercially launched during a ceremony at the European Business Aircraft Conference and Exhibition (EBACE), May 20-22, 2008, in Geneva, Switzerland. Development work on the Legacy 500 is ongoing at Embraer and supplier facilities, and the first flight is on schedule to occur in the second half of 2011.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
Key Air appoints new CEO
March 12th, 2010Key Air, a leading national provider of FBO services, best-in-class aircraft management and worldwide executive charter services, announced today that Brad D. Kost, President and CEO, has decided to leave the company at the end of March and will be succeeded by Bob Marinace effective immediately.
"I have enjoyed working for a company that is an industry leader in customer safety, convenience and trust. The team at Key Air shares a strong commitment to providing our clients with an exceptional product and it has been an honor to be a part of that team," Mr. Kost said. "I am more than confident that Bob Marinace will provide excellent leadership to continue to grow the company."
Mr. Marinace joined Key Air in August of 2009 as a Senior Vice President and was responsible for many of Key Air's efforts in national expansion, client service and development of internal operating processes. An aviation industry veteran with over 30 years experience, Mr. Marinace has held several senior leadership positions across the aviation industry including Chief Operating Officer, Senior VP of Flight Operations, Business Development and VP of Integration. Prior to his career in private aviation, Mr. Marinace served in the United States Air Force as a Lockheed C-5A crewmember.
"Key Air is a company with an outstanding and experienced group of people who have dedicated themselves to providing the finest private aviation experience," Mr. Marinace said. "I look forward to working with this team in building upon the solid foundation Brad helped to create."
"We are very pleased to have a senior executive with Bob's industry knowledge and experience leading the organization," said Suhail Rizvi of Rizvi Traverse Management, the principal equity investor of Key Air. "Bob has significant experience with complex business aviation fleets which will serve us well as we expand over the next few years. Under his direction, we are well positioned to continue our current growth and national expansion."
Mr. Marinace has been elected to serve on the National Air Transportation Association Board of Directors and is a former Chairman of its Air Charter Committee. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Governors for the Air Charter Safety Foundation and is a former member of its Executive Committee. Mr. Marinace has held board member and leadership positions in several regional business aviation interest groups and has served on several FAA rulemaking and advisory groups as well as a leading manufacturer's aircraft certification committee. He is also a recipient of the Flight Safety Foundation/PAMA Joe Chase Award.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
New Zealand and Turkey sign new air services agreement
March 12th, 2010New Zealand and Turkey have signed a new air services agreement, granting fifth freedom rights to carriers from both countries.
Under the agreement, New Zealand airlines can serve any point in Turkey, via any intermediate point, and beyond to any other airport. Turkish carriers have reciprocal rights. This is the first air services agreement between the two countries.
"The agreement provides for Turkish and New Zealand airlines to code share on each others' services, and on the services of airlines from other countries," said New Zealand's foreign minister Murray McCully, who signed the agreement in Ankara on 5 March.
Air New Zealand and Turkish Airlines are both members of the Star Alliance. The agreement will allow the two carriers to expand networks through code share agreements if they want to do so, says the foreign affairs ministry.
Turkey is a popular destination for New Zealanders, so improved air links between the two countries will be beneficial, says McCully.
"The new agreement will provide a sound basis for developing civil aviation links between our two countries as the relationship grows," he said.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
European business aviation fears airline flight time limitation rules
March 11th, 2010European business aviation sees the application of scientifically designed crew fatigue risk management systems by operators as preferable to being forced to comply with new flight time limitation rules designed for airline operations, says European Business Aviation Association president Brian Humphries.
With that in mind, the EBAA is asking its membership to collaborate in a study of crew fatigue exposure to enable information to be gathered for study by sleep and fatigue scientist Dr Mark Rosekind of US-based Alertness Solutions.
The EBAA is emphasising the importance of plentiful high-quality feedback: "Until now, business aviation has been inadequately covered by EU-Ops Subpart-Q for flight time limitations. As the European Aviation Safety Agency prepares to amend these rules, the EBAA has launched a fatigue factors survey and will use the input of pilots to propose a new set of tailored rules [for business aviation operations] to be included in the revision."
The revision of EU Ops Subpart Q is proving controversial with airlines as well as business aviation, and it is driving more operators of both types to develop fatigue risk management systems for approval as a part of their safety management system. The result of applying a tailored fatigue risk management system can be greater operational flexibility than flight time limitation laws allow, combined with a reduced fatigue risk.
The unpredictability of business aircraft operations compared with the airlines' timetabled schedules makes airline flight time limitations insufficiently flexible for the former, but a study of the risks peculiar to business aircraft can enable solutions to be developed to minimise fatigue risk, says Rosekind.
These include developing and maintaining alertness strategies to address crew fatigue, particularly during critical phases of flight; learning how to maximise the benefit from crew rest both on and off duty; and the best ways of coping with the effects of long-haul flights.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
India unveils details of indigenous 70-seat turboprop
March 11th, 2010India has adopted a turboprop design for its first indigenous regional aircraft and has released preliminary specifications for the planned 70-seater.
National Aerospace Laboratories is looking for foreign partners for the Regional Transport Aircraft RTA-70 and hopes to secure additional government funding later this year.
NAL officials say that they plan to design the RTA-70 with the Indian market in mind, adding that existing turboprops do not meet those requirements. These include improved fuel efficiency, short landing and take-off capability, and the ability to transport cargo.
This will give the aircraft 25% lower acquisition costs, 25% lower operating costs and 50% lower maintenance costs than existing turboprop regional aircraft, says NAL.
"Many towns and cities remain unconnected due to the cost of operations. Short take-off and landing abilities, capability to land on ill-equipped airfields, including all weather operations, can be of very high benefit," NAL says in its RTA-70 brochure.
"Given the high cost of fuel and its implication to operating economics, developing an aircraft that is fuel-efficient compared with present regional aircraft can be very promising. Lower weight, lower drag can mean higher performance and lower emissions. Capability to carry cargo means additional revenue to an operator," NAL says.
"Initial seed funding has enabled preliminary studies preliminary studies to start," it adds. This has been used for work on aerodynamics including computational fluid dynamics and windtunnel studies, it adds, while preliminary studies on sizing, specifications and performance are in progress.
NAL is eyeing a composite airframe. The aircraft will be powered by two "next-generation turboprop engines", it adds. It would have a fly-by-wire control system, open distributed modular avionics, automatic dependence surveillance - broadcast navigation capabilities, and advanced displays.
The aircraft will have better "energy efficiencies" than its current rivals, says NAL. However, it is unable to say when it hopes to move into the detailed design phase and begin the production of the aircraft.
India's state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics will manufacture the aircraft. This agreement will be similar to a deal to produce the Saras utility/transport turboprop, which NAL has developed primarily for the military, and the Tejas light combat aircraft.
NAL is seeking international partners to help it in several areas. Diehl has come on board to help design the cabin and the two teams unveiled a proposed cabin at India Aviation 2010 in Hyderabad.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
New Jet International expands sales representation into Switzerland
March 11th, 2010CharterX Professional Plus broker New Jet International is delighted to announce that it has been appointed as Bombardier Business Aircraft's exclusive sales representative for Swiss territories. Its representation includes the complete family of Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets. Having already been Bombardierâs exclusive representative for Italy and Monaco for almost twenty years, this extension is a natural progression for the growing company.
"We are very excited to further develop our relationship with Bombardier and most of all increase our presence and sales in the local region," said Valerio Zamboni, President of New Jet International. "Switzerland has traditionally been and remains a vital part of the European business aircraft market and we look forward to promoting our extensive product line in country."
The company also works with Bombardier for pre-owned aircraft sales, in addition to maintaining exclusive pre-owned aircraft listings. New Jet assists clients in every step of the purchase and sale process, from market research and product selection, to contract negotiation, aircraft inspection, delivery and entry into service. With a phenomenal record of over 145 aircraft transactions, their experience and expertise ensure client satisfaction throughout.
Based in Monte Carlo, Monaco, New Jet International is also the exclusive representative for Sikorskyâs civil helicopter line in Italy and Monaco.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com....more info
2010 football bookings slow, says Elite Jet CEO
March 11th, 2010Steve Anderson, CEO of Elite Jet, a large aircraft operator based at Lanseria airport in Johannesburg South Africa, says that the overall impression by charter operators of the Football World Cup taking place in South Africa between June and July is not turning out to be the boost to the rather depressed industry that operators thought it would be.
âWe are seeing a lot of interest, and I understand from colleagues that everyone is quoting like mad â but there are very, very few people placing depositsâ he said. âEven the airlines are reporting sluggish demandâ.
Anderson feels that the world economy coupled with the distances fans have to fly are also impacting negatively on demand.
âWith a European event, fans could fly out in the morning, watch a game, and be home for work the next morning. To do this for our event is not possible,â he said.
Many operators were expecting fans to couple the football extravaganza with a holiday, taking into account the favourable exchange rates. But with local establishments increasing prices ahead of the event, this is not happening.
âAs charter operators, we do expect a spike in demand as the quarter and semi finals approach and fans make plans to support their teams, but this will be a small increase and short lived,â said Anderson.
He reiterated that incoming aircraft and operators do however arrange parking, slots and handling as soon as possible, as planning by authorities has been oriented to airline traffic.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
Avinode and CharterX Join Forces
March 11th, 2010
Avinode AB and CharterX Corp. today jointly announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement to merge their operations. Under the terms of the agreement, Avinode will purchase all outstanding shares of CharterX. As a result of the merger, Avinode and CharterX will offer the most comprehensive source of information for private aviation professionals worldwide.
âAvinode and CharterX have long shared a common vision for air charter,â said Niklas Berg, Chief Executive Officer of Avinode Inc., and continued. âTogether, we will move closer to that vision by offering one global platform for finding and marketing aircraft, making the charter industry much more efficient.â
The Avinode and CharterX teams will use their combined resources and experience to refine and expand their portfolio of information services and online technologies, including the merger of their charter marketplace systems.
âRather than maintaining separate information and technology platforms within the industry, the combined entity will better serve our customers and provide additional resources for greater innovation,â said Jim Betlyon, Chief Executive Officer of CharterX, and continued. âTogether, we will deliver the most accurate and timely business and aviation safety intelligence worldwide.â
With this acquisition, CharterX becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avinode. Work on merging the two platforms will start immediately to ensure a smooth transition and increased value for members and partners. The companiesâ offerings will continue to be marketed under the brands Avinode and CharterX. Wyvern will continue as an independent operation. Closing is expected in several weeks.
Avinode serves the global air charter industry as the leading B2B platform to buy and sell charter flights. Over 4000 aviation professionals use Avinode daily to charter flights worldwide. The marketplace currently lists over 3000 aircraft with online quoting, availability reports, empty leg postings and picture galleries. Avinode AB is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Avinode Inc., is located in Miami, Florida, USA. For more information, visit www.avinode.com.
CharterX provides technology, online marketing, distribution and data services for the air charter industry. Corporate flight departments, travel departments, fractional programs, charter and sophisticated business travelers use Wyvern, wholly-owned subsidiary of CharterX, as their primary source of aviation safety information. Wyvern also works with business aviation providers to develop safety programs that comply with or exceed minimum Federal Aviation Administration standards. CharterX has its headquarters in Trenton, NJ, USA. For more information, visit www.charterx.com....more info
Kirk Communications Launches Comprehensive New Web Site for Charter Auction Online Jet Exchange
March 11th, 2010Portsmouth, N.H.a ' Kirk Communications, a leading global provider of integrated marketing solutions,today announced that it has launched a new Web site for Charter Auction, an online jet exchange service for jet charter pricing the uses an exclusive aircraft locater technology to make private jet charter affordable for executive travelers....more info
Kirk Communications Launches Comprehensive New Web Site ... - PRLog (free press release)
March 11th, 2010... site allows travelers to post their travel needs online and receive competitive bids on jet charters from domestic and international private jet operators.This competitive bid process makes air charter more affordable,accessible and convenient ......more info
Chinese-built large civil copter to make maiden flight in March
March 10th, 2010The AC313, China's first independently developed civilian helicopter, has its maiden flight scheduled for mid-March in the eastern province of Jiangxi, a company official said Saturday.
Sun Cong, deputy chief engineer of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), told Xinhua on the sideline of the national advisory body's annual session in Beijing, that the new aircraft is the country's first domestically developed large helicopter for civilian use.
The AC313, designed and manufactured by AVIC, has a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tons and can carry 27 passengers or 15 wounded personnel, said Sun, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body.
The new helicopter was designed for a variety of uses, including search and rescue, fighting forest fires, and even assisting in fighting fires within cities, Sun said.
The CPPCC National Committee opened its annual sessions in Beijing on Wednesday.
E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
Green Jets Incorporated - CharterX
March 10th, 2010Fly Greenjets Shared-Ride Private Jet Service and you will pay only for the seats you need and save a lot of money. In fact, you should save over 50% compared with conventional air charter prices. You will obtain an all-inclusive guaranteed price for ......more info
Interflight (Air Charter), Ltd. - CharterX
March 9th, 2010Interflight offers hassle free worldwide travel, specialising in last minute flights to difficult destinations including Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Interflight is a versatile private jet operator, who prides themselves on their ......more info
Private Jets - Saving Time and Nerves
March 9th, 2010This story is based on a real experience of someone from London who had to go to a conference not far from Britain - to Bordeaux. But this trip with commercial flights was turned into an exhausting and devastating experience. Not everyone can travel with private jets but this voyage proves that jet charter is much better for important trips....more info
How to Rent Private Jets
March 8th, 2010If you are looking for a more convenient way to travel than the commercial airline industry, looking into private jets as a form of transportation is a good idea. If you want something more comfortable and less stressful than public flights, this is the way to do that. With all sorts of different sizes, types, and prices, you can find the jet that is right for you....more info
Stratos Jet Charters Coordinates Charter Flights in Northeast
March 5th, 2010This week's record-breaking snowstorm in the Northeast has left many commercial flight passengers stranded at airports across the Eastern seaboard....more info
Air Charter Service Comes To Salinas
March 3rd, 2010For the first time in 15 years, the city of Salinas has its own charter service and unlike the commercial flights, the plane moves when you want it to move and once you're back on the ground you are greeted by world class service....more info
Business Jet - The Best Decision For a Big Company
March 3rd, 2010Organizing a trip for a group of people would be easier with a private jet charter. This story tells about the advantages of flying by private aircraft if you are not just a passenger but also a person who is responsible for the voyage....more info
Benjamin Murray Named President Of XOJET
March 3rd, 2010XOJET announced Wednesday that Benjamin Murray, former EVP of NetJets, Inc., and CEO of Executive Jet Management has joined as president....more info
Benjamin Murray Named President of XOJET, Inc.
March 2nd, 2010Business aviation leader XOJET announced that Benjamin Murray, former EVP of NetJets, Inc., and CEO of Executive Jet Management has joined as president....more info
Benjamin Murray Named President of XOJET, Inc.
March 2nd, 2010Business aviation leader XOJET announced that Benjamin Murray, former EVP of NetJets, Inc., and CEO of Executive Jet Management has joined as president....more info
New president takes controls at XOJet
March 2nd, 2010Benjamin Murray has been named president of XOJet Inc. , an air charter services company with operations in the Sacramento region....more info
Aircraft Charter Repairs the Wounds of Private Aviation (PRWeb)
March 2nd, 2010Fourth quarter 7% increase in business jet use forecasts profitable year (PRWeb Mar 3, 2010) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Air_Partner/Private_Aviation/prweb3671244.htm...more info
Benjamin Murray Named President of XOJET, Inc. (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
March 2nd, 2010Business aviation leader XOJET announced that Benjamin Murray, former EVP of NetJets, Inc., and CEO of Executive Jet Management has joined as president. Mr. Murray will assume responsibilities for XOJET's global business effective immediately, and will initially be focused on revenue and business development initiatives with a goal of continuing to expand XOJET's market share growth....more info
News Sources: Yahoo News, topix, MSN News, GoArticles.com, CharterX.com, and ezinearticles.com
