Category Archives: Private Aviation Industry News

Deal Creates World’s Second-Largest Operator

In a deal to create the world’s second-largest corporate aircraft operator, Luxaviation, a business jet charter and management group based in Luxembourg, today is acquiring Zurich-based ExecuJet Aviation.

Under the terms of the deal, Luxaviation will acquire the entire share capital of ExecuJet, which has operations in Asia, Australasia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and in Europe. Its fleet of about 180 managed aircraft will bring the number of aircraft operated by the combined entity to more than 250. This is second only the the fleet of 700 operated worldwide by US-based NetJets.

ExecuJet, operating since 1991, offers aircraft charter, management, and maintenance, and is based at 19 airports around the world.

Luxaviation has grown by acquiring four European operators since 2009, including London Executive Aviation (LEA) in 2014. Last week it agreed to a deal with China Minsheng Investments, a Chinese investment fund that is the biggest shareholder in business aircraft operator Minsheng International Jet.

Luxaviation’s strategy with its acquisitions has been to preserve their operational independence while benefiting from economies of scale in purchasing high-cost items such as fuel, insurance and training.

With the two latest deals, Luxaviation is making strides towards its stated goal of 500 aircraft under management by 2019.

– courtesy Financial Times, full article here.

Luxaviation and ExecuJet charter fleet details are available in FlightList PRO.

Luxaviation charter jet

Luxaviation Challenger 300 based Luxembourg

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Europe’s TAG Aviation and Bromma Business Jet Form Alliance

Charter Operator TAG Aviation announces the launch of a new charter alliance between Bromma Business Jet and TAG Aviation.

TAG is now the sole sales agent for Bromma’s Falcon 7X based in London Farnborough and Stockholm Bromma, according to the company.

Now TAG is the charter operator or agent for four Falcon 7X aircraft throughout Europe. The entire TAG charter fleet of 36 aircraft worldwide is available in FlightList PRO.

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Pentastar Operating Scheduled Hawkers On Behalf Of OneJet

Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc. has been named the direct air carrier for OneJet, a provider of regional scheduled nonstop flights in the Eastern U.S.

Based at KMKE Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport and KIND Indianapolis International Airport, OneJet began service on April 6, 2015. Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc. operates a fleet of Hawker 400 aircraft on behalf of OneJet.

OneJet is providing nonstop service between Milwaukee and Indianapolis. Flights will be offered Monday through Thursday, featuring one hour gate-to-gate service, TSA precheck access for eligible customers, expedited boarding, and complimentary on board amenities.

Service to Indianapolis began on April 6th, with tickets on sale via select corporate and online retailers, including American Express Global Business Travel and Expedia. Inventory will be limited during the introductory period according to OneJet.

FlightList PRO personnel searched Expedia for available seats one month in advance. A 2-day round trip, Indianapolis to Milwaukee, revealed round trip pricing of $533 per seat. OneJet was the only nonstop option.

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Charter Operators Joining Forces

Charter operators FUGA, Inc. of Phoenix, AZ, and SP Aviation of the San Francisco Bay Area are joining forces under the FUGA brand. Moved over to FUGA’s air carrier certificate (# ZC6A400N) already, is SP Aviation’s Falcon 2000EX and two Learjet 55’s, available for charter out of KOAK Oakland, CA.

According to SP Aviation President and CEO Darrin Perdue, “We could not be more excited about this opportunity. The team at FUGA are highly motivated professionals and we look forward to joining forces with them to continue growing the company and expanding our operations.”

Robert Salvo, CEO of FUGA echoed these sentiments, adding: “This is a classic example of the whole being bigger than the parts. Separately, our two companies have been successful for many years. Together, we truly believe the sky is the limit.”

This brings to 8 the total number of aircraft operated by FUGA, Inc. for charter based in California and Arizona, ranging from a Citation II light jet to the heavy jets Gulfstream IV-SP and Embraer Legacy.

The transitioning of SP Aviation’s fleet onto FUGA, Inc.’s certificate is expected to be completed by May. The entire FUGA fleet is available in FlightList PRO.

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Five Learjet 75 Now For Charter in U.S., Two in Europe

Learjet 75 Operated By Clay Lacy Aviation

Learjet 75 Operated By Clay Lacy Aviation

The newest Learjet 75 is available for charter out of KVNY Van Nuys, CA from operator Clay Lacy Aviation. Added in March, it brings to five the total number of Lear 75’s available for charter in the U.S. Others are based in Texas, Indiana and Tennessee. Two are available in Europe, based in Switzerland and Poland.

With deliveries that began in 2014, the Learjet 75 is a midsize jet capable of seating up to 8 passengers in double-club configuration with a rear enclosed lavatory. It is certified for 51,000 feet and leads the midsize category in high-speed cruise, capable of Mach .81. Cabin height is 5’0″, width 5’1″, and length is 19’10”. Up front are the latest in avionics, dominated by the Garmin G5000 three 14″ hi-res displays.

The 75’s new sister-aircraft, Learjet 70, with cabin seating for 6 is considered a light jet. Three Learjet 70’s are chartering in the U.S., based in Michigan and Florida.

All Learjet 70 and 75 for charter worldwide are available in FlightList PRO.

Learjet 75 Interior

Learjet 75 Interior

Learjet 75 fact sheet from Bombardier Learjet 70 fact sheet from Bombardier

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Corporate Flight Management Lands $61M DoD Contract

Charter Operator Corporate Flight Management (CFM) based in Tennessee has been awarded a U.S. Department of Defense contract worth $61.2 Million. The company is receiving an “indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, fixed-price contract for Domestic Charter Airlift Services.”

According to the DoD, the “type of appropriation is fiscal year 2015 Transportation Working Capital Funds to be obligated on individual task order.” The contract transportation is expected to be completed by September 30.

Corporate Flight Management operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, from turboprops through super midsize jets, including 10 BAE Jetstream turboprops seating between 8 and 30 passengers. CFM’s entire fleet and operator details are available in FlightList PRO.

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The Largest Private Jet In The World – Boeing 747-8

This aircraft is not for charter but we couldn’t resist posting the article and photos. Courtesy of Business Insider.

For most people, private jets such as the $65 million Gulfstream G650 or the Bombardier Global Series are the epitome of luxury air travel, but there are a select few who can afford more than that. They’re converting airliners into private flying palaces. To meet this demand, Airbus and Boeing have begun selling “VIP” versions of their airliners under the Airbus Corporate Jet and Boeing Business Jet brands. While most of these planes are based on smaller Airbus A320 series or Boeing 737 models, one recent VIP conversion took luxury to a new level.

One very lucky, very wealthy, and very confidential client took delivery of a personalized Boeing 747-8, completed by Greenpoint Technologies of Kirkland, Washington. Its incredible 4,786 sq. ft. of space features a stateroom, lounges, an office, and a massive dining room.

The Boeing 747-8 VIP is the longest and second-largest airliner ever built. Powered by a team of four General Electric GEnx engines, the plane can fly 8,000 nautical miles nonstop.

Boeing Private VIP Jet

Boeing 747-8 VIP Private Jet Interior Room

Courtesy of Business Insider. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-747-8-vip-private-jet-2015-3?op=1#ixzz3WwInQTsB

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Landmark Acquires TWC Aviation

Landmark Aviation’s latest acquisition is TWC Aviation, announced Friday. Van Nuys, CA-based TWC manages a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, including 32 available for charter which are based on the west coast and in Utah, Texas and New York.

The two companies will continue operating under their respective names as they begin the integration process. “TWC Aviation has built an impressive reputation within the aviation industry,” Landmark Aviation President & CEO Dan Bucaro stated. “We look forward to merging these two great organizations into one.”

Through a series of acquisitions in the past two years Landmark Aviation has been on a run, growing its charter and management holdings significantly to now over 120 aircraft. Only Executive Jet Management is larger, at approximately 200 aircraft, and 111 available for charter.

The Landmark Aviation and TWC Aviation entire charter fleets are available in FlightList PRO.

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Julie Black of Charter Brokerage Chapman Freeborn Appointed to BACA Council

Julie Black of Chapman Freeborn has been elected to join the council of the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA). The appointment took place following a recent meeting of the BACA council at the Baltic Exchange in London. Julie, who is UK head of VIP charter at Chapman Freeborn, has been in the aviation industry for more than 20 years and brings a wealth of aviation experience and vitality to the association.

Julie Black, Chapman Freeborn Air Charter Broker

Julie Black of Chapman Freeborn, Air Charter Broker

Julie’s aviation career began as a graduate in the marketing department of London City Airport, and was followed by roles at Regional Airports Limited at London Biggin Hill Airport. In 2003 Julie was invited to join Chapman Freeborn and quickly developed into an excellent charter broker, specializing in music and entertainment. In 2011 Julie was asked to take responsibility for the development and management of the Chapman Freeborn UK VIP team.

About her new role on the BACA council Julie commented, “I’m really excited to join the BACA council. The unique air charter industry has never been so vibrant and challenges abound for all sectors. I consider it a key message to help promote the value of the brokering industry to customers and suppliers alike and to widen the profile of the air charter industry.”

BACA is a worldwide association of air charter professionals. As the world’s largest Air Charter Association, BACA was founded nearly seventy years ago for its members of Air Charter Brokers and operators from around Europe and the rest of the world. BACA’s principal objective is to promote integrity and ethical business practice in the aviation industry.

Full press release

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Operator Richmor Aviation Added to ACSF Industry Audit Standard Registry

Richmor Aviation of New York is the newest addition to the growing Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry, by the Air Charter Safety Foundation.
“All of us at Richmor Aviation have worked hard to achieve the high level of performance required by the ACSF standards,” said Peter Schafer, Richmor’s Director of Operations. “Being added to the ACSF Registry places us in an elite group of companies and demonstrates to our clients that we take their safety seriously.”

Air Charter Safety Foundation The IAS is the first and only extensive audit program specifically created for on-demand operators by a committee of Part 135 and 91K industry leaders. It is conducted every 24 months and is in-depth in its evaluation of regulatory compliance and the operator’s SMS program against both FAA and international standards.

Operating for more than 46 years, Richmor Aviation charters 9 aircraft in the New York state region, from the Beechcraft King Air 200 to the Gulfstream IV-SP. The Richmor fleet is available in FlightList PRO.

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Operator Silver Air Equips Entire Charter Fleet With Wi-Fi Internet

California jet charter operator Silver Air installs Wi-Fi broadband Internet in its heavy, super mid and midsize jets. The Gogo® Biz mobile broadband Internet enabled aircraft currently include Gulfstream GV, Gulfstream G450, Gulfstream GIV, Citation X, Lear 60, Beachjet 400 and Citation CJ2 models.

Additional Silver Air managed aircraft that are in the process of receiving Wi-Fi capabilities include Citation V, Citation II, Citation CJ2, Citation I, and Phenom 100 models.

“The private aviation industry is changing, and our clients have come to expect mobile Internet on board the aircraft to keep them connected and productive while in the air,” said Jason Middleton, Silver Air’s CEO.

Silver Air operates 12 jets for charter based in Southern California including at KSBA Santa Barbara, KVNY Van Nuys and others. The entire fleet is available in FlightList PRO.

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Operator Sun Air Jets Announces Two Promotions

Sun Air Jets, of KCMA Camarillo, CA just Northeast of Los Angeles, announced the promotion of Leigh Ann Spooner and Geoff Savage to senior director positions in its charter department. Leigh Ann moves to Senior Director of Charter Sales and Geoff is now Senior Director of Flight Control.

Said Brian Counsil, Sun Air’s president and C.O.O., “Leigh Ann and Geoff are two of the many individuals within Sun Air that have contributed to its success and growth over the last 15 years. Rewarding them with these promotions is a tribute to their hard work and achievements.”

Sun Air Jets operates 9 midsize to long range jets for charter, from Hawkers to Gulfstream V and Global 5000. The operator touts all four top safety ratings available. Sun Air Jets’ full fleet is available in FlightList PRO. Sun Air Jets’ full release here

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Aura Jets Introduces Sunrise to Sunset Private Jet Escape

Private Jet Charter Broker Aura Jets has partnered with two of Ocean Properties resorts to offer jet setters a unique experience of sunrise on Cadillac Mountain in Maine followed by sunset in Key West, Florida – all in one day.

Travelers will spend the first night at the boutique West Street Hotel on the water front in downtown Bar Harbor, minutes from Acadia National Park. Guests will rise early for a short ride to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, then return to town for a custom breakfast. Then 3-1/2 hours later after a private flight down the coast, travelers arrive in Key West. A boat ride to Sunset Key, a secluded 27 acre island oasis in Key West, transports everyone to ‘island time’ and a later famous Key West sunset.

The Sunrise to Sunset Private Jet Escape is completely customizable with Aura Jets and travelers can choose their length of stay in each destination. The private jet escape is available June 1 – October 18, 2015. Rates start at $36,000 for a same day transfer and includes:

One night accommodation at West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor
One night accommodation at Sunset Key Cottages, a Luxury Collection Resort, Key West
Private Aura Jets charter flight from Bar Harbor, Maine to Key West, Florida (jet can seat up to six passengers)
All transfers to and from private airports
Transfer to and from Acadia National Park
Private ferry transfer to Sunset Key

Full news article, details & links here.

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Accident Notification – 3/12/15 Premier-1 EGNH Blackpool Airport UK

March 12, 2015 – A Raytheon 390 Premier I jet suffered a runway excursion upon landing at Blackpool Airport (BLK), U.K. The nose gear collapsed as the aircraft traveled over the grass.

Reported on Aviation Safety Network, a service of Flight Safety Foundation
http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20150312-0

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Alert – TFR’s In Place For Los Angeles and Phoenix Areas This Week

Temporary Flight Restrictions have been announced for the Los Angeles basin this Thursday and Friday, March 12-13. Consult your normal TFR information source for details.
FDC NOTAM 5/2361
FDC NOTAM 5/2358
FDC NOTAM 5/2353

Temporary Flight Restrictions have been announced for the Phoenix area this Friday, March 13. Consult your normal TFR information source for details.
FDC NOTAM 5/2555

FAA Graphic TFR web page

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Air Charter Service Secures Over $25M in Cargo Charters During US Port Strike

Air Charter Service’s (ACS) North American and Asian offices have secured more than $25M in cargo aircraft charters in three weeks due to the port strike on the US West Coast. The charter firm said it has arranged more than 40 large charter flights so far, mainly with Boeing 747 Freighters.

ACS US operation president Richard Thompson said, “The port strikes here have affected 29 ports on the West Coast, which account for around 70% of all exports and imports to and from Asia, and many of these goods aren’t able to wait or production lines will be forced to shutdown, costing tens of millions of dollars.”

It is estimated that almost 5,000 tons of automotive parts, perishables and other urgent cargoes have been flown on wide body charter aircraft.

Full article in ship-technology.com

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Jennifer Cook to Lead Miami Air International Sales Team

Miami Air International, the US charter operator of seven Boeing 737 aircraft, announces the promotion of Jennifer Cook to Director of Sales. Jennifer has been an Account Executive since 2005. Cook reunited with Miami Air International in 2005 as an Account Executive, a position that she also held in the 1990s.

“I am passionate about this business and the awesome customers I get to work with every day, and over the years I have developed my own style and processes that have really made it easier for those customers to buy the premier charter experience from us,” Cook explained.

Miami Air International began operating two Boeing 727 aircraft in 1990 around the Caribbean for vacations. Today the air carrier operates five Boeing 737-800’s configured for 172 passengers, and two Boeing 737-400’s VIP-configured 68 passengers. The fleet is based along the eastern seaboard and in Texas.

Miami Air International’s entire fleet is available in Flightlist Pro.

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Phoenix Air Rises – “The Biggest Company You’ve Never Heard Of”

Georgia-based cargo and passenger charter operator Phoenix Air comes to worldwide recognition of late after the U.S. government taps it for Ebola evacuation charters out of Africa. The company’s Aeromedical Biological Containment System (ABCS) comes of age…

See the article from Airport Business magazine

Phoenix Air’s entire fleet is available in FlightList Pro.

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Charter Operator Advanced Air Added to ACSF Industry Audit Standard Registry

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) announces that Advanced Air, LLC, headquartered in Hawthorne, CA has been added to the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry.

“We are pleased to add Advanced Air to the IAS Registry,” said ACSF president Bryan Burns. “We also congratulate them as the first operator to successfully complete a combined audit of the IAS, ARGUS Platinum and IS-BAO.”

Advanced Air LLC operates 5 King Air and Pilatus turboprops for charter based in Southern California.

More info on Air Charter Safety Foundation and the Industry Audit Standard Registry can be found here. http://www.acsf.aero/registry/

Advanced Air’s fleet is available in FlightList Pro.

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Accident Notification – 3/1/15 Challenger 601 KMKY Marco Island, FL

March 1, 2015 – The aircraft experienced a runway overrun and subsequent nose gear collapse upon landing at the Marco Island Airport (KMKY), on Marco Island, Florida. The airplane sustained unreported damage and one possible injury was reported among the nine occupants on board.

Reported on Aviation Safety Network, a service of Flight Safety Foundation
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=174207

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