Yearly Archives: 2017

Dassault has formally begun the process of cancelling its new Falcon 5X business jet, due to ongoing issues with its Safran engines. Falcon 5X First fly Cancelling a business jet programme is never an easy decision to make, especially if the first aircraft has been built. And had its first flight. Bombardier faced this several years ago when it cancelled the LearJet 85. And earlier last week, Dassault cancelled its Falcon 5X. The Falcon 5X was to be a twin-engine business jet capable of flying up to 5,200nm, developed at an estimated cost of around $1.3 billion. The reasons for both aircraft cancellations are very different. Bombardier says that the LearJet 85 was cancelled due to weak market conditions. Dassault cancelled the Falcon 5X because of well publicised delays with the Silvercrest engines. Dassault took a huge gamble when it chose the Silvercrest. Although Cessna had chosen the engines for the Citation Longitude, it took the aircraft back to the drawing board and swapped out the engines for a pair of Honeywell HTF7700s. So the Falcon 5X would have been the first time the engine had been used. The first issues arose around the time of the Falcon 5X’s rollout in June 2015. Although the delay was announced later, the aircraft that was rolled out had preliminary versions of the engines installed. Dassault had hoped to fly the aircraft shortly after the rollout. But with the initial delay this slipped back by two years, causing the company to postpone building more 5Xs. Further issues were announced, although the aircraft did finally fly for the first time this summer. The latest delay, announced during last month’s NBAA, seems to have been the final straw

Business aviation industry watchers expect 2018 to be a “reset year,” with business aircraft deliveries generally expected to be flat compared with 2017's, with an upward growth track projected to begin in 2019. This is reflected across the board in the market forecasts from JetNet iQ, Teal Group, Bombardier, Embraer, Honeywell, and others. “The manufacturers appear to be planning for flat industry deliveries in 2018 with new model introductions—Cessna Citation Longitude, Gulfstream G500 and Bombardier Global 7000—offsetting declines in certain older legacy products,” noted UBS Global Research. Thus, it expects Bombardier Business Aircraft, Gulfstream, and Textron Aviation to see higher deliveries this year and fewer at Dassault and Embraer Executive Jets. According to JetNet iQ, business jet deliveries were expected to land at 653 units in 2017, rising to 662 in 2018. However, these numbers include 10 Cirrus SF50 Vision personal jets for 2017, and 41 for 2018, meaning traditional business jet deliveries will be down by 22 in 2018. On the turboprop side, the aviation information firm is calling for 337 shipments this year, down from the projected 361 last year. Beyond the delivery numbers, optimism continues to rise in the industry. The latest UBS business jet market index was 53, 10 percent higher than its prior survey and back to its post-U.S. election high. An index ranked at over 50 denotes an improving market. In addition, preliminary results of JetNet IQ’s fourth-quarter global business aviation survey indicates that 53 percent of respondents believe that the business aviation industry is now past the low point, with 27 percent declaring the market is at the low point and only 19 percent saying it has yet to reach the low point. Underpinning this optimism is the strengthening

Pilatus obtains PC-24 Type Certificates   PC-2 Pilatus has obtained type certificates from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US-American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the first ever Swiss business jet. Certification of the Super Versatile Jet prepares the ground for initial customer deliveries, which will see the PC-24 business jet take off from Central Switzerland for its entry on the global market. In any project to develop a new aircraft, certification by the aviation authorities is by far the most important milestone, given that it means deliveries to customers may go ahead, generating revenue for the manufacturer. The PC-24 development project was officially announced in 2013, but work on the Super Versatile Jet has in fact been in progress for the past eleven and a half years Complex project with a tight schedul The first PC-24 prototype completed its maiden flight in May 2015. All three prototypes used in the certification programme have flown a total of 2205 hours worldwide so far. Some flight tests were conducted in extreme environments: in icing conditions and very hot temperatures, at altitudes and speeds not usually encountered in everyday operations. Other tests have included bird impacts, structural stress tests, noise tests and general function. All this to prove that customers may depend on this aircraft to operate safely and reliably at all times, in line with statutory requirements. In fact, Pilatus test pilots took the aircraft to the very boundaries of its limits and even beyond, flying it in configurations and maneuvers forbidden to the commercial pilots who will subsequently occupy the cockpit. Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman at Pilatus, said: “The PC-24 is the first ever Pilatus business jet. Naturally, the requirements associated

NBAA Members Urged to Contact Congress on Aviation Tax Reform Issues Aviation tax reform As the highly publicized aviation tax reform legislation moves forward in Washington, DC, NBAA continues its advocacy work, and urges association members to contact Congress on aviation-related issues included in the larger aviation tax reform bills. Three issues impacting business aviation are in question: Immediate expensing Like-kind exchanges Taxes applicable to aircraft management companies The House and the Senate have taken slightly different approaches on dealing with bonus depreciation. Both bills contain provisions regarding depreciation of business assets (including aircraft), which allow 100 percent immediate expensing, or bonus depreciation, for property used in business, if that property is placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017, and before Jan. 1, 2023. In the House bill, both new and pre-owned equipment qualify for immediate expensing. However, the Senate bill allows immediate expensing only for new equipment; pre-owned equipment does not qualify for bonus depreciation. Immediate expensing expires in the House bill on Jan. 1, 2023, while the Senate language allows immediate expensing to continue after 2023, with annual phase downs until 2027. Both bills repeal like-kind exchanges for business assets, including aircraft. Currently, like-kind exchanges allow property used in business to be exchanged for a similar business asset while deferring any taxable gain on the sale. “The immediate expensing provision helps make up for the like-kind exchange repeal, but there is, of course, a sunset date for immediate expensing,” said Scott O’Brien, NBAA’s senior director of government affairs. “But the Senate language, which does not allow immediate expensing for pre-owned equipment, is a disincentive for the purchase of pre-owned business aircraft.” NBAA has been an active member of the Like-Kind Exchange

Supersonic boost as Aerion links with Lockheed Martin Two leaders in supersonic technology, Aerion and Lockheed Martin have announced an MOU to explore the feasibility of a joint development of the world's first supersonic business jet, the Aerion AS2. Over the next 12 months, the companies will work together to develop a framework on all phases of the programme, including engineering, certification and production. Aerion Chairman Robert Bass said: “This relationship is absolutely key to creating a supersonic renaissance. When it comes to supersonic know-how, Lockheed Martin’s capabilities are well known, and, in fact, legendary. We share with Lockheed Martin a commitment to the long-term development of efficient civil supersonic aircraft.” Lockheed Martin, known for developing the world’s leading supersonic combat aircraft, the F-16, the F-35, and F-22, as well as the Mach 3+ SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft, is committed to fostering new innovations and developing supersonic technologies with civil and commercial applications. “We are excited to work with Aerion on their development of the next-generation, efficient supersonic jet that will potentially serve as a platform for pioneering future supersonic aircraft,” said Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. The MOU is the result of extensive discussions between Aerion and Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® Advanced Development Programs team. For close to 75 years, Skunk Works has existed to create revolutionary aircraft that push the boundaries of what is possible. “Following our initial review of Aerion’s aerodynamic technology, our conclusion is that the Aerion AS2 concept warrants the further investment of our time and resources,” said Carvalho. “We are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of aerospace technology and are excited to examine the contribution we might make to working with Aerion on making aviation

A delayed supplier has forced Gulfstream to backtrack on a promise to deliver the first G500 ahead of schedule by the end of this year, says parent company General Dynamics’ chief financial officer. But the super-large cabin business jet will enter service in the “early part of 2018”, which aligns with Gulfstream’s original development schedule outlined in 2014, says General Dynamics senior vice-president and chief financial officer Jason Aiken, speaking on a third quarter earnings call on 25 October. Aiken declined to identify the supplier or the component involved, but said the delay was a matter of misjudging the paperwork required by the supplier to comply with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification requirements. The G500 is the first Gulfstream aircraft that is seeking joint certification by the US Federal Aviation Administration and EASA at entry into service. This is not any type of risk item to the programme,” Aiken says. “It's strictly a matter of getting paperwork through that certification process.” The aircraft will enter service as Gulfstream delivers the last G450 in January and begins to phase out G550 deliveries, Aiken says. The long-range G600 is on track to enter service a year later. In mid-October, Gulfstream announced that the aircraft will be introduced with greater range than expected, allowing the aircraft to fly up to 4,400nm at Mach 0.90 and 5,200nm at M0.85. The G500 and G600 feature a cockpit with active sidesticks and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 turbofan engines. The all-new Gulfstream G500 stretches the limits of high-speed travel. The advanced airframe design and powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada engines give the aircraft a range of 5,200 nautical miles/9,630 kilometers at Mach 0.85. The aircraft’s nonstop reach connects distant cities

Middle East carriers' fleet size to more than double by 2036 The fleet size of operators in the Middle East is forecast to more than double from 1,250 to 3,320 aircraft over the next two decades, according to the Airbus Global Market Forecast. The Middle East will need some 2,590 new aircraft by 2036, for replacement of 520 older generation aircraft, and 2,070 aircraft for growth, 730 are expected to remain in service over the period. This demand includes 1,080 for twin-aisle aircraft, with the same number of single-aisle aircraft (1,080), and 430 very large aircraft. Overall, future demand for the Middle East’s fleet is valued at US$600 billion from a total market value US$5.3 trillion. The current orders from Middle East-based carriers stand at 1,319 aircraft, of which 687 are single-aisle, 409 twin-aisle and 162 very large aircraft. Passenger traffic to from and within the Middle East will grow 5.9% annually until 2036, well above the global average of 4.4%. While traffic between traditional markets will grow at a steady rate, the highest growth is expected to be on routes to Latin America (8.5% per year to 2036). Global freight traffic will see an annual 3.8% increase to 2036. Freight traffic growth from the region is expected to be highest between the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific, with 4.0% annual growth to 2036. “Thanks to the A350, the A380 and also the A320 Family, most people around the world are just one flight away from the Middle East. The region’s proximity to the world’s population and growth markets has been a key in its aviation success and Airbus is proud to have been a partner in its development from day one,” said John Leahy,

Bombardier has presented its spectacular new Premier cabin for Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft to U.S. customers for the first time. The new interior’s elevated level of visual and functional refinement is showcased on board a Global 6000 aircraft on static display at the 2017 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 10-12, 2017. “At Bombardier, we understand that our customers look beyond superior performance capabilities when selecting an aircraft. Our business jets have long been recognized for exceptional cabin comfort and leading-edge amenities, and our Premier cabin interior elevates this standard to a whole new level,” said Brad Nolen, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We are delighted to unveil our impressive new Premier interior for our American and international customers here at NBAA.”   The new Premier interior blends contemporary design, luxurious materials and flawless craftsmanship with exceptional comfort, drawing inspiration from the superior comfort and productivity of the Global 7000 aircraft cabin. It establishes a unifying aesthetic across the entire portfolio of Bombardier aircraft. The refined aesthetic complements the Premier interior’s advanced cabin management system (CMS) and Ka-band connectivity, which blend seamlessly into the cabin’s clean, uncluttered lines. The cabin’s unmatched functionality, common across the Global aircraft family, features the cutting-edge CMS and Ka-band, the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity in the skies. Combined, these technologies enable passengers to be as productive in the air as they are in their offices or living rooms. The intuitive CMS can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet, for example, and the lightning-fast Wi-Fi service lets passengers use FaceTime® or stream movies with ease. The Premier cabin, coupled with the unique wing design on Global aircraft, provides passengers with the most comfortable flight experience in the industry. With superior wing flexibility and a higher wing loading,

G600 interior Gulfstream Aerospace has debuted its fully outfitted Gulfstream G600 at the 2017 at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. “The G600 cabin, like that of its sister ship, the Gulfstream G500, is the most functional, flexible and comfortable in business aviation,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “In the three years since our G600 cabin was on display at NBAA-BACE, we received considerable customer feedback and have incorporated many of those suggestions into our first production G600.” The G600 has the longest cabin in its class and can be configured for up to four living areas, including the option for a fixed bed. Divans that convert into beds are also available for those who want to take advantage of the G600’s long legs. At Mach 0.85, the aircraft can fly travelers 6,500 nautical miles/12,038 kilometers.   The G600’s flexible cabin allows for a high level of customization. The aircraft has forward and aft lavatories and a full-size galley that can be located forward or aft. The galley features an optional steam oven, an interchangeable beverage maker and a refrigerator that can be positioned above or below the counter. Flooring options, including stone, can be chosen for the entry, vestibule, galley and lavatories. Design features in the G600 cabin include three all-new mission-focused seating styles for enhanced comfort, reduced fatigue and ease of use. Material finish options for furniture and interior elements, such as bulkheads, add to the customization and versatility available. The G600 is designed to seat up to 19 passengers. Once aboard, they can work, dine, relax and sleep. The cabin enables passengers to stay connected through satellite communications and various high-speed internet options, including Jet

Bombardier's Global 7000 Global 7000 Bombardier Business Aircraft president David Coleal, who said he is “very excited” to have brought the ultra-long-range Global 7000 for its first public display at this year’s NBAA show, said production is already sold out through 2021 for the company's flagship business jet. With 7,400-nm range and a four-zone interior, “The Global 7000 is positioned to come into service at the right time. We’re poised to capture market growth,” he said. Certification and entry into service is planned in the next 12 to 18 months, in the second half of 2018. There are eight customer airplanes already in production at Bombardier’s Toronto factory. Completions will be done at Bombardier's facilities in Montreal. On display at the NBAA static display at Henderson Executive Airport is Global 7000 FTV4 (flight test vehicle). FTV5 is expected to begin flying shortly.   “The four FTVs are performing extremely well,” said Michel Ouellette, senior v-p of the Global 7000/8000 program. FTV5 will be used to validate the entry-into-service program. This week during NBAA 2017, Bombardier is inviting position-holders to view the interior of FTV4. The jet has a full interior with 13 belted seats, but there is still some flight-test equipment in zone one, according to Ouellette. The Global 7000 is priced at $72.8 million. The Global 7000 aircraft is the industry’s largest purpose built business jet and the only one with four living spaces and a permanent crew rest area. Define your space in each of its four luxurious suites and discover a private jet beyond compromise. A convergence of business and pleasure Step on board and step into a Club Suite that means business. Resplendent with masterfully designed seats and extra-large windows, this bright and inviting living space creates the perfect environment for quiet reflection,