NetJets announced yesterday that it placed the largest general aviation aircraft order in history–for up to 425 Bombardier and Cessna jets worth as much as $9.6 billion. The deal includes a firm order for 75 Bombardier “Challenger 300 series” twinjets, and options on 125 more, with deliveries beginning in 2014; a firm order for 25 “Challenger 605 series” jets, and options on 50 more, with deliveries beginning in 2015; and a firm order for 25 Cessna Citation Latitudes, and options on another 125, with deliveries starting in 2016.
AINalerts » June 12, 2012
June 12, 2012 - 3:45pm
Last week, JPMorgan economists lowered their global GDP growth forecast for the second half of this year by 0.5 percentage points, to 2.1 percent. “If it persists,” JPMorgan Equity Research said in its just-issued business jet monthly report, “the disappointing economic data should pressure new bizjet demand, further postponing a recovery in a market in which 2011 deliveries were still about 40 percent below the 2008 peak.”
June 12, 2012 - 3:43pm
The FAA released Advisory Circular 120-76B late last week, updating the “Guidelines for the Certification, Airworthiness and Operational Use of Portable Electronic Flight Bags.” Naturally, much of the interest surrounding the updated AC involves how it applies to tablet computers such as the Apple iPad, which has gained a huge following among pilots in all segments of aviation.
June 12, 2012 - 3:40pm
London Stansted Airport is set to get a fourth FBO, with The Diamond Hangar scheduled to open in time for the start of the 2012 Olympic Games on July 27. The main shareholder in the new venture, which is trading on the Aero Toy Store brand, is Ben Shirazi, son of the U.S. aircraft sales and completions group’s founder, Morris Shirazi.
June 12, 2012 - 3:35pm
The Sikorsky S-76D medium-twin helicopter is progressing toward certification, although this goal has been moved to the right once again. Aircraft certification is now expected in October, at least four months later than the previous estimate.
June 12, 2012 - 3:22pm
The Eurocopter X3 arrived in the U.S. today for a month-long tour to demonstrate the high-speed hybrid helicopter’s “unique operational capabilities” for both civil and military operators. It was transported from Eurocopter’s Istres, France flight test center to American Eurocopter in Grand Prairie, Texas, aboard a chartered cargo jet. The X3’s five-city U.S. tour will start on June 20 in Grand Prairie. In addition to aerial demonstrations performed with Eurocopter’s test team, the X3 will be available for flight evaluations by selected U.S.
June 12, 2012 - 3:18pm
NBAA Air Traffic Services is warning business aircraft operators that the G20 Summit, which starts tomorrow in Los Cabos, Mexico, is resulting in “some significant impacts to air traffic” at Los Cabos International, Cabo San Lucas International and Gen. Manuel Marquez Airports. A five-mile TFR is expected around the as-yet unannounced hotel, possibly near Los Cabos International Airport, where head-of-state VIPs will be staying. Additionally, a second-tier TFR might be implemented that would cover a 10- to 30-mile radius.
June 12, 2012 - 3:12pm
TSA Administrator John Pistole announced the retirement of deputy administrator Gale Rossides last week , effective July 1. Rossides has been with the TSA since its inception 10 years ago and, according to Pistole, “was one of the original six hired in 2001 to build the TSA.” During the TSA’s first years, she built the foundation for the agency’s workforce planning strategy. She later served as senior advisor to the deputy secretary of DHS to assist in the stand-up of the TSA’s parent agency and returned to the TSA in September 2005.
June 12, 2012 - 3:10pm
Crewmembers can now complete their initial and recurrent training requirements for both first aid and emergency procedures through new bundled offerings from MedAire and FlightSafety International. Under the new program, crewmembers can schedule, attend and complete required emergency preparedness training offered by FlightSafety and MedAire at one location, reducing travel time and expenses.
June 12, 2012 - 3:05pm
Business aircraft sales, acquisitions, trading and brokerage services firm Jetcraft promoted David Dixon to president of Jetcraft Asia. He helped the company establish its formal presence in Asia earlier this year. In his expanded role, Dixon will manage overall operations and lead sales initiatives for Jetcraft Asia, spanning a territory from Beijing to Sydney. Dixon has been based in Asia for more than 30 years and previously was Bombardier Business Aircraft’s regional vice president for the Asia Pacific region.
