Category Archives: Private Aviation Industry News

Gulfstream 550 changes operators in U.K.

Operator SaxonAir Charter LTD at Stansted, UK, has taken on management and charter of the 2012 Gulfstream 550, G-MRLX. Previously with Gama Aviation LTD, it began operation under SaxonAir in late May, and is the only G550 based at Stansted. With it’s 6,000 mile range it can fly nonstop to Los Angeles or Hong Kong. The ultra long range jet features Wi-Fi on board, individual passenger entertainment screens and seats 16 passengers with three cabin seating areas.

Three Gulfstream 550’s are available for charter in the UK, this one at EGSS Stansted and two at EGLF Farnborough.

SaxonAir Charter now operates a total of 9 aircraft in the wide variety categories of turboprop, very light, light and midsize jets, long range jet and helicopter. The SaxonAir Charter full fleet is available only in FlightList PRO.

SaxonAir Charter Gulfstream 550 based EGSS Stansted, UK

SaxonAir Charter Gulfstream 550 based EGSS Stansted, UK

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Broker Air Charter Service Opens Another Office

Aircraft charter brokerage Air Charter Service has announced the opening of its seventh European operation, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Andy Christie, the company’s Group Executive Jets Director, commented, “We recognized the necessity for an office in Switzerland a few years ago and felt that now was the right time to make the move, having established an already strong Swiss client base through our French and German operations.”

“We chose Geneva as it is an important hub for private aviation and a popular destination for many of our clients – we will benefit from having people on the ground here. A lot of our current clients are based here too and we are now not only closer to them, but we are also able to reach more new potential customers that we couldn’t before. Having a locally registered company and bank accounts will hopefully help us to win more clients that prefer a local service, as we have done with many of our other offices.”

Andy Christie, ACS Director of private jets

Andy Christie, ACS Group Executive Jets Director

“We have brought in experienced staff, who have been working out of our London, Paris and Frankfurt offices over the past six months, in the run up to opening the doors earlier this month.”

The Swiss office is ACS’s 19th global office, with two more planned in the coming nine months.

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Pilot Who Flew Depp Facing Jail For Dog Smuggling

(Avweb) – The pilot of actor Johnny Depp’s private flight last month is facing up to two years in prison for his role in the alleged smuggling of the Pirates of the Caribbean star’s two Yorkshire terriers into Australia. The country’s justice system is now considering what to do with the unidentified pilot, and with Depp, who faces up to 10 years in jail after the dogs Pistol and Boo were allegedly intentionally hidden from Customs officers to avoid the 10-day quarantine that Australia demands for pets being brought into the country.

If the prosecution goes ahead, Depp can apparently dodge the prison time by paying a $265,000 fine but there’s no such relief for the pilot mentioned in various news reports on the topic.

Authorities learned about Pistol and Boo when they were spotted being pampered at a Sydney dog salon. Australia has strict quarantine laws and while Depp and the pilot will undoubtedly be inconvenienced if charges proceed, the Yorkies escaped a more permanent fate. Depp was able to get the dogs out of Australia just before the government was about to kill them. “It’s time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States,” Australian Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce warned at the time. “Now Mr. Depp has to either take his dogs back to California or we’re going to have to euthanize them.”

– courtesy Russ Niles and Avweb biz, Belvoir Media Group, LLC

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XOJET Sales VP Leaves For Flexjet

D. J. Hanlon, a 13-year veteran of the private aviation industry, will join Flexjet, LLC as Senior Vice President of West Coast Sales. Hanlon will help meet the growing demand for large-cabin extended range aircraft Flexjet is experiencing.

D.J.Hanlon

DJ Hanlon [LinkedIn]

Most recently, Hanlon served as Vice President of Sales for California-headquartered private jet charter company XOJET and as founding partner of integrated large-cabin charter management company Jet Edge International. Earlier, he was responsible for California and Pacific Northwest sales at fractional provider NetJets for nine years. Hanlon was educated at Boston University and lives in Newport Beach, California, with his wife and two children.

Backed by the resources of Directional Aviation, which acquired Flexjet in 2013, the company is celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2015 by making a major investment in its fleet. The company already has made firm orders for 207 new planes and options from Bombardier, Gulfstream and Embraer that could bring the total number of aircraft to 445, an investment that potentially could top US $8 billion.

In addition to Flexjet, Directional Aviation holds a variety of private aviation companies including charter brokers Sentient Jet and Skyjet, and aircraft re-manufacturer Nextant Aerospace.

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Charter Broker Acquired by Operator Altius Aviation

EmreAir Charter Solutions (EA Jet Charters), an air charter broker based in Teterboro, NJ, has agreed to an acquisition by charter operator Altius Aviation.

Headquartered in Syracuse, NY and operating throughout the Northeast with locations at the Portland Jetport, ME, the Manchester Airport, NH and the Essex County Airport, NJ, Altius Aviation operates 7 aircraft for charter including turborops, light and midsize jets.

Henry Laughlin, President & CEO of Altius commented: “We are delighted to
welcome the team from EmreAir Charter Solutions to the Altius family.
Throughout the negotiations it became very apparent that the EmreAir assets
and personnel would create significant synergy throughout our activities. The
net effect to Altius is accelerated growth and a better experience for both our
retail charter customers and the broker community”.

Speaking from Teterboro, NJ, Omar Diaz, Director of EmreAir stated: “Merging
our experience and passion with Altius Aviation is a logical next step for the
EmreAir team. Altius has proved to be a highly capable operator with significant
nationwide growth potential. We look forward to the future as we achieve our
goals with both Altius and the Laughlin Group companies”. The acquisition will
see the founders of EmreAir become equity stake holders in the larger company.

Altius Aviation LLC is part of the Laughlin Group family
owned aviation company. Founded in 1949, group activities span FBO
operations, maintenance, special missions design and install, avionics STC
development, airline handling, de-icing, aircraft charter and aircraft sales.

Altius operates seven aircraft for charter based throughout the Northeast US; two Learjet 60, a Learjet 31, King Air B200 and three Pilatus PC-12.

The full Alitus charter fleet is ONLY available in FlightList PRO.

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Private Jet Charter Market Article On Forbes.com

“Is the private jet charter market ready to be disrupted?” Forbes.com just published an in-depth article analyzing the current jet charter market, players, technologies and future.

Many charter companies – operators and brokers – are named in the article which is a look at leveraging technologies to make a more efficient consumer market, and the actual practicalities and complexities of booking and managing individual charters. Author Doug Bollan also relates his experiences trying to search and book a charter through different methods.

This is a very interesting read for anyone involved in the jet charter market today as well as private charter consumers.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/douggollan/2015/05/13/is-the-private-jet-market-ready-to-be-disrupted/

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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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