The business aviation community continues to try to absorb the ramifications of the White House’s rollout of global tariffs, but leaders are warning aircraft owners and operators to obtain expert advice on the applicability before they conduct a transaction or upgrade their aircraft. They also warn to be aware that the tariffs likely will have a broader economic impact, which in turn could affect aircraft valuations. Using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, President Trump on Wednesday rolled out global tariffs, announcing a baseline of 10% worldwide and, for imports from many countries, “reciprocal” tariffs that could become up to 50% higher. The 10% tariffs take effect on April 5, while the higher amounts start April 9. Most EU members, key markets in aerospace trade, are facing 20% additional tariffs, China 34%, and Switzerland 31%. Brazil remains at 10%. The announcement did not change the tariffs already assigned for imports from Canada and Mexico, and the exemptions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—including aircraft and certain components—remain in place for those countries. Speaking during an NBAA webinar yesterday, Jonathan Epstein, partner at Holland & Knight and member of the NBAA regulatory issues advisory group, noted that aviation has been largely duty free since 1979 under the World Trade Organization’s agreement on trade and civil aircraft but said the tariffs are now less clear for aircraft and parts from countries outside of Canada and Mexico, as well as parts that do not qualify for the USMCA. “We’re going from years of sort of stability to the only thing we know now is the change [and] there’s going to be potentially more change.” Adding layers of complexity, there are numerous murky areas with the tariffs,

Jet Aviation has delivered a VIP-configured aircraft that it says features the quietest cabin its completions team has yet produced. On Tuesday, the company reported that its facility in Basel, Switzerland, had achieved sound levels below 40 dB SIL (speech interference level) for an Airbus ACJ twinjet. The cabin interior of the narrowbody bizliner featured special sound-dampening materials developed by Jet Aviation’s engineers. These were installed using techniques that reduced the level of sound emitted from the various cabin interior fittings and structures, according to the business aviation services group. To be certain it had achieved its sound level targets, Jet Aviation developed its own acoustic laboratory. It uses this in conjunction with various techniques to achieve the right balance in sound and weight, as well as new technologies to assess different materials for their acoustic properties. In addition to the VIP areas of the cabin, where the area around the principle’s seat has the lowest noise levels, the aircraft’s cabin features four first-class suites, with lie-flat seats. The cabin also features curved ceilings over 2.1 meters (6 feet 11 inches) in height and has four flexible OLED entertainment system displays fitted flush to the sidewalls. Featured in the cabin interior is a mix of colors drawing on soft tones of cream and beige, accented with mother-of-pearl sinks, silk carpets, and gold surfaces. The bulkhead of the main cabin is decorated with a custom-designed embroidered silk bulkhead. According to Christoph Fondalinski, Jet Aviation’s vice president of completions, this is the second aircraft it has delivered to the private customer. This narrowbody interior is quieter than its predecessor thanks to advances in technology. “It is always very rewarding when a customer returns to us with the

Announced at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2025 in Hamburg, DirecTV In Flightis extending access to live television programming on international flights departing from and returning to the United States. With this update, DirecTV becomes the first U.S.-based video provider to deliver live content on these routes. The expanded offering includes more than two dozen U.S. channels across sports, news, and entertainment, aimed at providing passengers with a consistent in-flight viewing experience. Sports programming includes NFL Network, NFL RedZone, NHL Network, Fox Soccer Plus, Golf Channel, and CBS Sports Network. News channels featured are Fox News International, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox Business Network International, and Fox Weather. General entertainment options include Bravo, FX, USA, E!, NatGeo, Hallmark, and Disney Channel. Spanish-language programming includes Telemundo and Univision. According to DirecTV, the service is intended to provide broader access to live television during international travel while maintaining a familiar selection of content. Kimberly de Flesco, head of aviation strategy for DirecTV In Flight, noted that the move aims to support consistent passenger engagement and information access. The service is compatible with both seatback screens and personal electronic devices. Source: AI Online