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

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,

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

The third quarter was one of stabilization for the business jet market with operations, orders, available aircraft, and pricing all ebbing but at the same time normalizing, according to Global Jet Capital’s latest Business Aviation Market Brief. “Despite this shift, the market continues to show strength and resilience,” Global Jet Capital maintained, pointing to strong OEM backlogs, operations that remain above pre-pandemic levels, and still-low availability of newer and more desirable preowned aircraft. In the third quarter, flight operations decreased by 1.3% year over year (YOY) but were 1% higher than the second quarter and still 14.6% above pre-pandemic third-quarter 2019. Global Jet Capital said this dynamic reflects “an enduring expansion in the user base for business aviation.” Fractional operations remain the strongest sector in terms of growth, expanding slightly in the third quarter. OEM revenue was up by 15.3% YOY while backlogs remained high at $45.6 billion—just a 1.1% dip YOY. Orders in the quarter declined YOY but were still up 20.4% from 2019. Preowned transactions remained stable as more aircraft came on the market. New preowned public listings were up 13.3% YOY. Aircraft 13 years and older represented 69.6% of the new listings at the end of the quarter. Aircraft available for sale represented 7.8% of the total fleet as of October 31—still below the 10% average of the last decade. “As inventory increased, the market shifted from a seller’s market to a more neutral state,” Global Jet Capital said. Values for older aircraft (13+ years) decreased by 4.4% but increased by 0.8% for newer aircraft. Further, market conditions remain favorable, the aircraft financier said, with stable GDP growth of 2.7% during the first three quarters of the year and declining inflation, despite

Bombardier’s Mach 0.925 Global 7500 has now accrued 75 speed records, the company reported today. The announcement comes as the ultra-long-range business jet category continues to establish scores of speed records traveling the globe. Just last week, rival Gulfstream noted that its newest model in the portfolio, the Gulfstream G700, had already accrued 65. As far as the Global 7500’s latest feats, it has established city-pair records on flights between Tokyo and Hong Kong (3 hours 40 minutes); New Delhi and Tokyo (7 hours); and Los Angeles to Auckland (11 hours 55 minutes). Other record flights Bombardier mentioned were Miami to São Paulo, Tokyo to Los Angeles, Tokyo to San Jose, and Jeddah to London. These missions using the Global 7500 join others that Bombardier has in the books for its flagship model, including an 8,225-nm flight in October 2019 from Sydney, Australia, to Detroit, Michigan—the longest flight recorded in a business aircraft, according to the company. “What’s even more impressive about these Global 7500 records is they are flown as part of routine aircraft movements, including some missions that have passengers onboard,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive v-p of aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense. “We have on more than one occasion been thrilled to have customers and prospects be aboard for the record-setting city pairs.” The Global 7500 fleet is approaching 200 aircraft and has accrued more than 200,000 flight hours. Source: AIN Online

The in-service fleet topped of the Gulfstream G700 700 hours within the first 100 days in the market Gulfstream Aerospace’s G700 program has been picking up steam since FAA certification on March 29, accumulating type validations from eight nations along with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The Savannah, Georgia airframer listed Mexico among the latest nations to approve the 7,700-nm business jet. After receiving the U.S. nod a little more than 100 days ago, Gulfstream delivered the initial copies in April. While not specifying how many have been handed over since—Gulfstream cannot report deliveries ahead of its July 24 quarterly earnings call—analysts and others estimated eight by early July, with others at the time pending a believed modification. However, Gulfstream this week reported the in-service fleet has already topped more than 700 flight hours, showing a maturity in the program. “We planned for a seamless entry into service for the Gulfstream G700, and this incredible start is a testament to both the maturity of the program and the dedication of the Gulfstream team,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “Thanks to the investments we made across our business, from research and development to manufacturing and completions, the Gulfstream G700program is exceeding customer expectations—they are flying their aircraft around the world immediately upon delivery, and the feedback we are hearing is outstanding.” The Gulfstream G700 Along with accruing hours, the Gulfstream G700 continues to rack up city-pair speed records, including from Paris to Montreal in 6 hours 16 minutes and São Paulo to White Plains, New York, in 8 hours 46 minutes. Both flights averaged a speed of at least Mach 0.90. The flights of the Gulfstream G700 are pending U.S. National Aeronautic Association and Fédération

The latest edition of the XLS series features new powerplants, updated avionics, and a flat floor. Could this be a mini Citation Latitude? That was my first impression when I saw the Cessna Citation Ascend mock-up at the European Business Aviation Convention and Expo in Geneva. Textron Aviation (NYSE:TXT) pulled back the curtain on the new model Monday morning at EBACE 2023. The $16.725-million Ascend will be the fifth-generation Citation 560XL when it arrives in 2025, and its refreshed appearance heralds dozens of improvements aimed at sustaining demand for the best-selling business jet in the last quarter century. Almost 1,100 Excel, XLS, XLS+ and XLS Gen 2 Citations have been delivered since 1998. The Ascend has plenty of qualities aimed at extending this sales performance. “The Cessna Citation Ascend builds upon more than 20 years of the 560XL series success in the market,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, global sales and flight operations for Textron Aviation. “It’s designed to outperform and take our customers further in style.” Under New Power ​Most noticeably on the outside, it has a new and larger flight deck and cabin windows, giving it a sleeker, more contemporary appearance. Under the cowls, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 4,213 lb thrust PW545D engines offer a modest 1 percent thrust increase, but they’ve been upgraded with more efficient high-pressure cores that boost flow rate and improve durability, compared to the PW545C powerplants that propel the Ascend’s predecessor, the Citation XLS Gen2. The PW545Ds also have enhanced deep-fluted mixer nozzles to mix hot core gas and cold bypass air flows in the exhaust section with less turbulence, resulting in better fuel efficiency and reduced noise. Mid-life inspection and overhaul intervals have been extended to 3,000 hours and

Falcon 10X Dassault Aviation is moving forward on the assembly of its 19-passenger Falcon 10X as it marches toward entry into service in 2027. The Falcon 10X elevates comfort, style and flexibility beyond all expectations. It has the largest cabin of any purpose-built business jet and pioneering safety innovations. Its 7,500 nm (13,890 km) range and Maximum Mach Operating (MMO) speed of Mach .925 make it a powerful business tool. The timeline has slipped behind the original target of 2025. During the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva last May, Dassault Aviation CEO and chairman Éric Trappier indicated some skepticism about the 2025 timeline, pointing to vendor problems and the longer-than-anticipated effects of Covid. However, Carlos Brana, executive v-p of civil aircraft for Dassault Aviation, told AIN that despite the schedule delay, “development is going smoothly” as plans to assemble the aircraft this year proceed. “We are starting to manufacture the parts,” Brana added. “Right now, everything is going according to plan, even if the schedule has slipped a tiny bit.” Once certified, Dassault will bring to market its largest, longest-range Falcon 10X yet, putting it into the realm of the Bombardier Global 7500 and Gulfstream G700. Powered by Rolls-Royce Falcon 10X turbofans producing 18,000 pounds of thrust, the Mach 0.925 aircraft will have a cabin that is 9 feet, 1 inch wide and 6 feet, 8 inches tall, larger than any of the purpose-built business jets in service today. With the longer range, the Falcon 10X opens new city-pair options, such as New York to Shanghai or Hong Kong, and Los Angeles to Sydney. The longer reach allows Dassault to cast a wider offering in the Asia-Pacific market as it continues to expand its

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Private Jet? The cost to rent a private jet varies from $2,000 – $14,000 per billable flight hour. These hourly rates include a broad selection of aircraft from turboprops to the finest executive jets in the skies. In addition to the hourly rental rates, several other factors contribute to the overall price of renting a private jet. The most economical private jets - Turboprops, Very Light Jets, or Executive Light Jets - cost around $2,600 to $3,500 per flight hour. Midsize or Super Midsize Jets cost between $4,000 and $8,000 per hour. Large and Ultra Long Range Jets cost between $8,000 and $14,000 per hour within the US, and possibly higher internationally. Ultra-luxury VIP airliners such as the BBJs and ACJs in executive configurations cost anywhere from $16,000 to 23,000 per billable flight hour. Below you can see various factors that influence the price. Private Jet Rental Price Factors Aircraft Category The aircraft category refers to the size of an aircraft. The bigger the jet the more expensive it is to hire it. Private jet prices vary from very light jets to ultra-long-range jets, from $2,000 to $14,000 per hour or more. Aircraft Type There are a variety of aircraft types within each category of private jets. Some aircraft types are slightly more expensive than others based on market demand. You can expect price variations from $200 to $2,000 per hour or more. Age of Aircraft The hourly rental rate of a newer rental aircraft is higher per hour than an older aircraft's. Prices can vary from $100 to $1,000 per hour or more. Billable Flight Time The total billable flight time includes positioning fees, time in the

Embraer's Phenom 300 Continues Its Reign The The light jet was the top-selling business twinjet for the past four years Following the release of the 2023 year-end delivery numbers by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Embraer announced that for the 12th consecutive year, its Phenom 300 was the best-selling jet in its class, with 63 of the series delivered last year. It was also the top-selling twinjet for the fourth year in a row. Over the past decade, the Brazil-based airframer has delivered more than 730 of the light jets, with the fleet surpassing 2 million flight hours. Its U.S. customers flew their Phenom 300s more than 360,000 times last year. With its high-speed cruise of 464 knots, the Phenom 300 is also the fastest light jet in production, and it has a five-occupant range of 2,010 nautical miles with NBAA IFR reserves. Its avionics include the first Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System to be certified for a business jet as well as other innovative features such as an Autothrottle, Coupled Go-around, and Emergency Descent Mode. “For more than a decade the aircraft has earned well-deserved recognition and continues to excel in terms of performance, technology, comfort, and support,” said Michael Amalfitano, CEO of the OEM’s executive jet division. “With our ongoing dedication to our loyal customers, we will continue to develop the program based on customer feedback, industry trends, and new technologies.” Source AIN Online