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Dassault Falcon 900LX Dassault has delivered the 2,500th Falcon business jet. The aircraft was a Falcon 900LX that was delivered to a long time Falcon client based in the US. Dassault reached the 2,500th delivery two years after celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Falcon 20 delivery in 1965. Originally called the Dassault-Breguet Mystère 20, the aircraft was renamed for the US market as the Fan Jet Falcon, but eventually shortened to the just the Falcon 20. Dassault delivered 508 Falcon 20s until the end of production in 1988. Major customers included the US Coast Guard, and US express delivery firm FedEx, who used the aircraft from its Memphis hub to smaller cities that couldn’t support the larger aircraft its fleet. Six years after the First Falcon 20 delivery, Dassault introduced the smaller Falcon 10. Unlike the Falcon 20, the Falcon 10 had a non-circular fuselage, and could carry up to four passengers. A total of 226 Falcon 10s were delivered until production was completed a year after the Falcon 20 in 1989. Whilst both the Falcon 10 and Falcon 20 were twin jets, the first of Dassault’s now iconic tri-jets was introduced in 1976. Using the cross section of the Falcon 20 as the basis, the Falcon 50 could carry up to nine passengers. Between the Falcon 10 and Falcon 50 development Dassault also worked on the Falcon 30 and Falcon 40, which were to be small commercial aircraft. Dassault built the prototype Falcon 30 and displayed the aircraft at the 1973 Paris Air Show – the year infamous for the crash of the Tupolev TU-144. But despite the prototype flying for around 60 hours, and receiving orders, both projects were

Gulfstream has delivered its 550th G550, to an undisclosed customer, 14 years after the large-cabin business jet was introduced. Company president Mark Burns says the milestone “affirms the continued demand for the G550, as one of the most dependable and sought-after aircraft in the world today”. Citing the aircraft's 6,750nm (12,500km) range and 19-passenger payload, he says the twinjet “has earned a lasting reputation as a versatile aircraft for business aviation and [is] an ideal platform for special missions”. The G550 is positioned in Gulfstream’s six-strong product line between the super-midsize G280 and developmental, clean-sheet G500. G550 Despite analyst predictions that the G550 will bow out in 2019 when its larger-cabin stablemate, the G600, enters service, Gulfstream remains committed to the programme. Speaking during a first-quarter earnings call in April, Phebe Novakovic, chief executive of Gulfstream parent General Dynamics, said that demand for the G550 remains strong and that the aircraft’s orderbook would “remain open for the foreseeable future”. Deliveries of the Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11-powered G550 have taken a hit in recent years, however: Flight Fleets Analyzer records 49 shipments at its 2011 market peak, falling to 37 units in 2015 and 20 in 2016.   Source: FlightGlobal.

Global 7000 interior Bombardier Business Aircraft has announced that its Global 7000 aircraft flight test programme is progressing as planned and has surpassed the 500-hour milestone. With three flight test vehicles (FTVs) in flight testing and two remaining FTVs to join shortly, the Global 7000 aircraft programme is on track to meet the aircraft's targeted entry-into-service in the second half of 2018. Bombardier also confirmed that the first several customer aircraft are progressing smoothly through production, with four Global 7000 business jets currently in final assembly at the Bombardier facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. "The three flight test vehicles have been meeting all performance and reliability expectations for this stage in the flight test programme, and the pace of testing will continue to accelerate with the two remaining FTVs progressing well towards their respective first flights. The aircraft's high degree of maturity is very encouraging as we continue to push the limits of every aspect of this game-changing aircraft's performance," said Michel Ouellette, senior vice president, Global 7000 and Global 8000 Programme. "With more than 500 flight test hours already logged, the program's development and certification schedule is on track. Our confidence level is high as we accumulate more flight hours and push towards entry-into-service in the second half of 2018." In November 2016, Bombardier began flight testing its state-of-the-art Global 7000 business jet with the maiden flight of first flight test vehicle 1 (FTV1). FTV1 came close to surpassing the speed of sound, reaching M 0.995 during a test flight in March 2017 - the largest business jet to operate so close to the sound barrier. The second flight test vehicle (FTV2) and third flight test vehicle (FTV3) joined the programme in March and May 2017, respectively. The comprehensive testing conducted using

RAF Phenom 100 Embraer has delivered the first Phenom 100 business jet to Affinity Flight Training Services. The aircraft has been selected to provide Multi-Engine Pilot Training to UK Armed Forces as part of the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence´s Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) programme. The contract with Affinity comprises a firm order for five Phenom 100s and services support, as well as an option for additional follow on aircraft. “The departure of the first Embraer Phenom 100 from Brazil, en route to the UK, marks a significant milestone in preparation for delivering the MFTS Fixed Wing programme.” Iain Chalmers, managing director of Affinity said: “The departure of the first Embraer Phenom 100 from Brazil, en route to the UK, marks a significant milestone in preparation for delivering the MFTS Fixed Wing programme. Affinity is delighted this has been achieved ahead of the original programme schedule, and look forward to seeing the aircraft at RIAT 2017.” “We are very happy with our partnership with Affinity and for the opportunity to take part in the UKMFTS programme.” said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The Phenom 100 delivers a sound combination of top performance, reliability, low operating costs and high availability. There is no doubt that the advanced technology of the Phenom 100 makes it the right solution for the Multi Engine Pilot Training of the UK Armed Forces, and will reduce costs whilst ensuring the proficiency of flight crews.” Source: CorporateJetInvestor

First, a disclaimer (and it’s one we use every time): “A paper aircraft can always beat a real aircraft when you compare them,” says the head of one aircraft manufacturer. “Until an aircraft is flying, it is unfair to compare it with an aircraft that is still being designed.” Comparing the G500 and the Falcon 5X with the 11 year old Global 5000 seems a bit unfair.   Maximum range Source: Manufacturers/Corporate Jet Investor Maximum range on a long-range aircraft might be a moot point for most of the year when the aircraft’s normal mission profile will be trips around two hours or less, but an extra 200 nm on those occasions where the aircraft is used to its full capabilities will sure be appreciated by those in the back. While 200 nm might not seem like a great deal, on a transatlantic flight to Paris, it might mean the difference between having to stop over in London for fuel, or flying directly to the destination (although wind could change that). Saying that, the G500 can fly further than 650 nautical miles further than the extremely popular G450 (Gulfstream has sold more than 350) so it is an upgrade for existing G450 owners. Cabin Aircraft Width(m) Length(m) Height(m) Volume(cu-ft) Falcon 5X 2.58 11.79 1.98 1,766 Gulfstream G500 2.41 12.65 1.93 1,715 Global 5000 2.41 12.41 1.88 2,002 Source: Manufacturers/Corporate Jet Investor The cabin can be one of the most important factors in choosing a business jet and there is very little difference here – just 9cm. All three of them are roomy and comfortable. Indeed one buyer told us they prefer the smaller G450 cabin where they do not need to raise their voice to speak. Whilst the

M600 Piper Aircraft and its regional sales representative for Africa, National Airways Corporation (NAC), plan to organize an exhibition tour for the company’s flagship aircraft, the M600, in Africa. According to a company statement, the tour will occur throughout the entire month of July, with various stops across the African continent. The aircraft will make stops in several key countries, starting in the West coast and continuing through Nigeria, Angola and Namibia to South Africa for a couple of days of performing demonstrations, after which it will travel north along the East coast, through Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt. This will be the first time that an M600 aircraft is on display in Africa. “Africa is a key region for Piper Aircraft,” says Piper International Direct Sales VP Drew McEwen. “The arrival of the M600 shows Piper and NAC’s commitment to providing modern turboprop, cabin class aircraft with industry leading safety features to this region. The aircraft’s performance and market leading value proposition is perfectly suited to the Sub Saharan market.”   “NAC has been successfully representing Piper in our territory for the past seven years and we are thrilled to be able to bring the latest Piper model to our customers in Africa,” adds NAC Aircraft Executive Director JP Fourie. “This aircraft is perfectly suited for the conditions in our region.” About the Piper M600: The Piper M600 features a new, clean sheet design wing and a sophisticated Garmin G3000 touchscreen-controlled glass flight deck. The M600 seats six and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A 600shp engine. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 274 ktas/507 km/h, a max range of 1,484 nm / 2,748 km, and a standard useful load of 2,400

The fifth flight-test Global 7000, which is currently on the production line, has already been outfitted with the new lighter, and final, version of the wing for the ultra-long-range jet. (Photo: Bombardier) Bombardier Business Aircraft is planning to incorporate a slightly lighter wing on its Global 7000, beginning with its fifth flight-test vehicle (FTV), but the company maintains that the certification program for what will become its top-of-the-line business jet remains on track for entry into service in late 2018. The company is not detailing the changes involved with the wing, but stresses that the only change involves the weight, not aerodynamics. Previous issues involving the wing design contributed to the nearly two-year delay in the development program and led to the legal dispute between Bombardier and its wing supplier, Triumph Group, that was recently settled. Triumph disclosed earlier this year that it had filed a lawsuit seeking $340 million from Bombardier, citing costs and delays associated from “Bombardier-directed changes to the original wing requirements for the Global 7000 program.” Bombardier had responded the claims were “without merit” and said it would assert its own “major claims against Triumph.” But at the same time, both companies stressed they continued to work collaboratively, and this culminated in a settlement announced last month that Triumph said “resets the commercial relationship” between the companies. “Our aerospace structures business has been dedicated to supporting Bombardier on this critical program since entering into the contract and remains committed to the program’s continued success as the aircraft transitions from flight testing to entry into service,” Triumph president and CEO Daniel Crowley said of the settlement. Bombardier had remained quiet about the issues related to the rework of the wing until earlier this

 Bombardier celebrated the 3,000th Learjet delivery and delivery of the 100th Learjet 75 on June 2. learjet 75 Bombardier’s ceremonial handover of a Learjet 75 to Leggett & Platt on Friday commemorated two major milestones: the 3,000th Learjet manufactured and the 100th Learjet 75 delivery. The milestone comes more than 50 years after Bill Lear helped pioneer the business aviation industry with the introduction of the Lear Jet 23, which it claims as the first purpose-built business jet to enter production. The nascent Lear Jet company, which had established a home in Wichita, handed over the first Model 23 to Chemical and Industrial Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1964, about a year after first flight, according to the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. Originally known as Lear Jet (two words), the company built a little more than 100 of the $540,000 model 23s before moving to the 24 in 1966, followed by a succession of later models. Along the way, its corporate brand changed to one word, Learjet. Bombardier bought the storied manufacturer in 1990 and in 1997 introduced the Learjet 75 predecessor, the Learjet 45. The 75, with its Mach 0.81 speed and 2,000-nm range, offered a number of enhancements over its predecessor, including new canted winglets and other aerodynamic improvements; and the Garmin G5000touchscreen-controlled avionics suite, the first implementation of this system in a Part 25 jet. The first of the 75s was delivered in late 2013. Leggett & Platt, the recipient of the 100th Learjet 75, is a repeat customer for Bombardier; this 75 is its second. Founded in 1883, the company also is a pioneer, but in sleep technology. Leggett & Platt introduced its first bedspring nearly 125 years ago and now is a diversified

Bombardier Global 5000 and 6000 Bombardier are displaying a Global 6000 with its new ‘Premier’ cabin at the EBACE show this year. Available on both all current in production Global family aircraft, the new interiors feature KA-band connectivity, currently the fastest internet solutions available. The new cabins take their design cues from the upcoming Global 7000 and Global 8000 cabins. “Cabin comfort and sophistication are top priorities for our customers. Global aircraft already lead the industry with spectacular cabin interiors, and our new Premier cabin demonstrates that we are committed to remain ahead of the curve across all of our products,” said David Coleal, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. As well as connectivity, Bombardier also reworked the seats on the aircraft, which now include higher armrests and sculpted backrests. “The refined aesthetics, luxury and ambience of our new Premier cabin, combined with an advanced cabin management system and Ka-band connectivity, will result in an even more productive experience for our Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft passengers.” added Coleal.   Source: CorporateJetInvestor.

Waves EBACE 2017/Cessna Grand Caravan EX Waves Technologies has ordered a Cessna Grand Caravan EX single engine turboprop for a new on-demand, user-driven air taxi service for the UK Channel Islands. The order was announced during EBACE 2017 in Geneva. Tom Perry, vice president of Sales, Europe said: “We are thrilled Waves has chosen the robust Grand Caravan EX platform to launch this exciting new air taxi service.” “We are confident that the Grand Caravan EX will provide Waves and its customers a dependable and comfortable experience with the aircraft’s ability to land on short runways, carry high payloads and take on nearly any mission with efficiency and simplicity,” added Perry. The Guernsey-based flight service is set to launch in August and will fly customers to and from the Channel Islands using a reservation system that will allow customers to reserve flights in real time based on user demand. The Grand Caravan EX will be the company’s primary air taxi platform. Nick Magliocchetti, CEO of Waves said: “We are very excited to be working closely with Textron Aviation. The support and encouragement has been priceless. The Grand Caravan EX is the perfect choice for our inter island air taxi service and the positive feedback it has received during our demos across the islands has been outstanding. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship together.” Recently, EASA passed commercial air transport (CAT) single-engine turboprop (SET) instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) regulations. These new rules open up operations for companies like Waves to start air taxi services.   Source: CorporateJetInvestor