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Falcon 6X Time does not wait.  Rather paradoxically, this quote from Lenin has never been more poignant than for Dassault and the launch of their new Falcon 6X on 28th February 2018. In fact, the manufacturer has precious little time when faced with competition and following the delays in the 5X program and their decision to stop the latter in December 2017.   Never mind. Dassault has been through worse. The Falcon 5X program will leave its mark within the manufacturer’s ranks for sure. But its years of development will not, in fact, be in vain… Far from it. The advent of the Falcon 6X tends to show the manufacturer’s incredible flexibility and the fact that it remains a front-runner in the latest high-end aircraft race. Less than two months will have elapsed between the official announcement of the discontinuation of the Falcon 5X program and the public presentation ceremony of the Falcon 6X. An all-time record.   Quick decision The decision to launch the aircraft’s program was taken in September 2017 just as Dassault’s management was told by Safran that an additional delay was expected on the SilverCrest. Such a delay was inconceivable for the aircraft manufacturer who has already “sacrificed” more than three years on its initial schedule. This resulted in all hands on deck for the consulting firms of the St Cloud aircraft manufacturer, who were under pressure to find new solutions.  Dassault needed to once again be present in this market segment which the French aircraft manufacturer could not leave to its only competitor Gulfstream. At the NBAA convention, Dassault Aviation approached Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) to find a replacement engine. A derivative of the P&WC PW800, the PW812D

Gulstream delivered the first G650ER into mainland China in March 2016. Gulfstream Aerospace recently delivered the 300th aircraft in the Gulfstream G650 family, just over five years after the aircraft entered service in December 2012. At least 70 of the G650 and G650ER aircraft are in service in Asia-Pacific, including 57 in Greater China, according to data from Hong Kong consultants Asian Sky Group. “The continued popularity and demand for the G650 affirms its position as the leader in the ultra-long-range segment,” says Gulfstream president Mark Burns, “The aircraft amassed an impressive backlog of orders when we announced it in 2008, and that backlog is still strong today. The introduction of the G650 was a turning point — not just for Gulfstream, but for the industry as a whole. We set out to change the game and ultimately, we did just that.” The G650 is the fastest large-cabin, non-supersonic aircraft to circumnavigate the globe, having flown westbound around the world in a record-setting 41 hours and 7 minutes, claiming 22 city-pair speed records along the way. In late 2017, the G650ER proved its performance capabilities with a worldwide record streak, setting five records in six days, including New York to Paris and Tokyo to New York. Together, the aircraft have set 70 city-pair records. The G650 can fly up to 7,000 nm when flying at Mach 0.85. The extended-range variant, the G650ER, can fly up to 7,500 nm at the same long-range cruise. Both aircraft are capable of a near-supersonic maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925.   Source: AVIATIONWEEK

Phenom 300E Embraer has delivered the first new Phenom 300E business jet, having received its type certificate in the first quarter from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC – Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil). The new light jet model was launched—and debuted—at the 2017 National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), in October 2017. The new aircraft is designated “E” for “Enhanced” in reference to its entirely redesigned cabin and the addition of the industry-leading nice® HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik. The Phenom 300, the new model’s successful predecessor, has been the best-selling and most delivered light business jet for the last six years. “We are thrilled to deliver the first Phenom 300E on schedule, only five months after its launch, with overwhelming positive reviews from customers and the market,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “I want to congratulate our teams, who have so passionately worked to bring to market yet another best-seller, delivering true value to customers. I am also elated for our first Phenom 300E owner, a return customer who will enjoy an even more elevated customer experience with all the truly innovative value in this amazing new aircraft.” “The Phenom 300E is an elegant and comfortable aircraft that is the best match for our travel needs throughout Africa,” said Mr. John McCormick, a South Africa businessman. “The interior architecture and design are modern and all the customization options allowed us to make the aircraft perfect for us. The Phenom 300 has served us quite well and we’re even more excited to fly the Phenom 300E home.”

Some charter companies looking to keep up with consumer demand are accepting a new method of payment: Bitcoin. bitcoin Bitcoin is the world’s first and highest-valued decentralized digital currency, meaning all transactions take place directly between users without a central administrator or intermediary. It is the most recognized example of a cryptocurrency – “crypto” denotes the highly secure encryption that protects data – which are digital assets built from a technology called “blockchain,” a public, unalterable ledger for recording transaction histories. Originally associated with the underground internet, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (and competitors like Ethereum and Ripple) have become increasingly common in mainstream businesses. There are numerous reasons why charter companies have begun accepting cryptocurrencies – 24/7 transaction ability, faster processing times, lower fees – but the most common factor is customer feedback. Adam Twidell, founder and CEO of PrivateFly, was initially turned on to Bitcoin’s business possibilities by a question in a post-flight customer review: “Can I pay in bitcoins next time?”   “I started to investigate and couldn’t find a good reason not to accept it,” said Twidell, whose company began taking Bitcoin payments in 2014. After learning how simple it was to set up the company’s secure cryptocurrency wallet – a software program that effectively stores bitcoins, enables transactions and monitors the user’s balance – the decision ultimately came down to providing the best customer-service experience possible. “We don’t have the luxury as a charter company to dictate to our customers how they interact with us,” said Twidell. “Bitcoin is just another payment method we put in front of the customer that they’re welcome to use or not use.” Cryptocurrency payment options may also open doors to new customers. Bloomberg

Dassault has launched the $47 million Falcon 6X, as the replacement for the Falcon 5X that the company was obliged to cancel last year.   Falcon 6X The Falcon 5X was officially canceled in December 2017 following continuing issues with the Snecma Silvercrest engines that were due to have powered it. The Falcon 6X will instead use Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D series engines, each capable of producing between 13,000 – 14,000lb of thrust. Swapping to PW812D engines means that the aircraft will also be more fuel efficient than its abandoned predecessor, as well as being able to fly further. The Falcon 5X was projected to have a range of 5,200nm, but the Falcon 6X will be able to fly 5,500nm. The cross-section from the 5X is reused but has been stretched by 20 inches. The structure of the wing has also been completely redesigned, with a new structural aerodynamics.   As with most other Falcon aircraft, the 6X will be able to use steep approach paths and short runways, including those at Aspen and London City airports.   Falcon 6X—Industry Leading Cabin Space The Falcon 6X cabin is six feet, six inches (1.98 m) high and 8 feet 6 inches (2.58 m) wide -- the highest and widest cross section in a purpose built business jet – and is nearly 40 feet 8 inches (12.3 m) long. The cabin can accommodate 16 passengers in three distinct lounge areas, affording room for multiple configurations including a large entry way/crew rest area and a spacious rear lounge. Every element of cabin style and design has been totally rethought, the result of an extensive survey of customer tastes and inputs from Dassault Aviation’s own in-house

Gulfstream G500 Gulfstream has launched a 12-country tour of its new fly-by-wire G500. It started at Dallas Love Field and will conclude in June, stopping at “select cities” such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Milan, Moscow, Beijing, and Melbourne, Australia.  Gulfstream Aerospace’s soon-to-be-certified, large-cabin G500 has embarked on a world tour for current and potential customers, the Savannah, Georgia-based aircraft manufacturer announced yesterday. The 12-country tour of the new fly-by-wire business jet began on January 8 at Dallas Love Field and will conclude in June, stopping at “select cities” such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Milan, Moscow, Beijing, and Melbourne, Australia. The tour G500—S/N 72005, registered as N505GD—is scheduled to be on display tomorrow at the NBAA regional forum at Florida's Palm Beach International Airport, a Gulfstream spokeswoman told AIN. “This is a momentous year for the G500, with the aircraft’s planned certification and entry into service,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “It’s an ideal time for customers to explore an aircraft that is already noted for its large, wide cabin, performance, and technology. It also gives us an opportunity to thoroughly test and examine the fully outfitted interior as we prepare for the aircraft’s service entry.” The aircraft can fly 5,200 nautical miles/9,630 kilometers at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, providing operators even greater mission flexibility over the aircraft's original 5,000-nm/9,260-km range. At its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, the aircraft has 4,400 nm/8,149 km of range, a 600-nm/1,111-km increase over its projected range of 3,800 nm/7,038 km. Five aircraft are undergoing flight testing, with type certification anticipated in early 2018.   Source: AINONLINE

G450 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced that it has delivered the final Gulfstream G450 as it prepares to usher in the next generation of business aviation with the all-new Gulfstream G500. “For the past 12 years, the G450 has been one of the best-selling business jets in the industry, beloved by pilots and passengers alike for its technological advances, smooth handling, impressive range and unsurpassed passenger comfort,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “During its 30-year history, the GIV series transformed business aviation, and the G500 is already well on its way to doing the same, with the industry’s first active control sidesticks and the most integrated application of touch-screen controls in the flight deck.” A performer from the start, the G450 entered service in 2005 after demonstrating even more range than originally anticipated – 4,350 nautical miles/8,056 kilometers at Mach 0.80. The aircraft can sprint 3,500 nm/6,482 km at Mach 0.85. It's fleet, comprising more than 360 aircraft, has amassed more than 964,000 hours and more than 461,000 flights. “It made its mark in aviation history and remains an important member of the Gulfstream family. We will continue to provide industry-leading product support and sustaining engineering for our G450 customers,” Burns said. The G500 will deliver more range than originally announced. The aircraft will fly 5,200 nm/9,630 km at Mach 0.85 and 4,400 nm/8,149 km at Mach 0.90. The G500 is in flight test with five aircraft in the test program. The first test aircraft made its first flight in 2015. The fourth test aircraft made its first trans-Atlantic flight in July. The fifth aircraft is a fully outfitted production aircraft that focuses on the cabin interior. The flight test program has amassed more

Dassault Falcon 5X Deliveries of  Dassault Falcon business jets remained flat in 2017, but, at 49 units, output was almost 9% higher than the 45 aircraft Dassault had forecast for period. It is the first time in four years that the French airframer has not recorded a year-on-year decline in deliveries. Net orders climbed by 17 aircraft, to 38, for the 12 months ended 31 December, with the intake "fairly evenly split", Dassault says, between its four high-end models – the twin-engined 2000LXS and the 900LX, 7X and 8X trijets. Dassault also recorded three cancellations for the 5X in 2017, compared with 12 for the ultra-wide type the previous year. The programme was finally axed in December because of recurrent technical issues with the jet's Safran Silvercest engines, which had forced Dassault to delay entry into service from its target date of 2017 to beyond 2020. While the majority of 5X orders have now been cancelled, Dassault says an unspecified clutch of "loyal" customers have chosen to wait until they can transfer their commitments to the new Falcon business jet announced by the manufacturer in December as the eventual replacement for the axed model. Those hold-outs are counted in the 52-strong Falcon backlog, although the company insists its in-production aircraft make up the bulk of the order mix. At the end of 2016, it had 63 aircraft in its orderbook, falling from 91 the previous December. Dassault Falcon 8X The formal launch of the new Falcon is planned for 2018, says Dassault. The airframer has already revealed that the yet-to-be-named aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2022, featuring the same cross-section as the 5X, but with range increased by 300nm

HondaJet: Buyer’s and Investor’s Guide HondaJet What is it? To say that the HondaJet has been one of the mostly closely followed business jet developments in history is something of an understatement. It is also not to everybody’s taste. It does stand out, though, as it is currently the only business jet that has its engines mounted above its wings. This makes it look different and, while looks are not the main reason why people buy aircraft, it is refreshing to see an aircraft that does not look like every other business jet. But Honda Aircraft did not design the aircraft to look different, as there are several advantages to having this engine configuration. The most important one is that it reduces drag on the leading edge of the wings, which has the dual advantage of letting the aircraft fly faster while burning less fuel. As a result, the HondaJet is one of the fastest aircraft in its class. It is also one of the most comfortable in its class, although, being a very light jet, it is not designed to fly long distances. Flying You do not buy a very light jet and expect to be able to party on it, or to sleep as you cross oceans. You expect to get a functional cabin that is comfortable for journeys of several hours or less. But the cabin of the HondaJet is one of the selling features. Step inside and you will be forgiven for thinking you are in a much larger aircraft. Honda Aircraft has borrowed from its parent company’s knowledge of car interiors and come up with a refreshingly fresh interior. The standard configuration is for two forward-facing club seats,

Recent comments from Bombardier executives portray a clouded future for the company's Global 8000. Compounding this uncertainty is a still-undefined certification schedule, an apparent paucity of orders, and, according to industry analyst Rollie Vincent, “unclear” market requirements. (Photo: Bombardier Aerospace) Global 8000 While Bombardier remains on track to certify and deliver the first Global 7000s later this year, recent comments from company executives portray a clouded future for its truncated, longer-legged sibling—the Global 8000. Compounding this uncertainty is a still-undefined certification schedule, an apparent paucity of orders, and, according to industry analyst Rollie Vincent, “unclear” market requirements. During an investor day late last month, Bombardier Business Aircraft president David Coleal said the Global 8000 accounts for “a very, very small percentage of our backlog,” implying that demand is lukewarm for a variant that trades nearly eight feet of cabin space for an extra 600 nm of range, to 7,900 nm. He avoided any kind of concrete schedule for the new jet, saying the Canadian aircraft manufacturer will “determine the right schedule for the 8000…probably sometime after” the Global 7000 enters service. Coleal also touched on the fact that the models might not have enough differentiation in the marketplace. “We're also going to look very closely at the performance of the 7000 in determination with the 8000 and understand the differences between the two.” Recent remarks by Bombardier president and CEO Alain Bellemare that there has been an “overinvestment in aerospace" over the past few years cast doubt on whether the company would even invest more to differentiate the Global 8000 from the 7000. “My thought is that the Global 8000 is no longer on their radar, per se,” said Vincent, the managing director