The annual European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) has ended its three day run in Geneva, Switzerland. The event encompasses exhibits by a variety of vendors, a display of aircraft, and sessions on education, maintenance, and operations related to corporate jets. It’s the biggest event in the aviation industry in Europe. By all accounts, the show was a success again this year and has energized the industry with some exciting announcements.
Let’s take a look at the numbers:
- There were 12,353 attendees through the doors during the 3-day event
- 460 exhibitors, which was the 3rd highest number in EBACE history
- 52 aircraft were on display at the Static Display of Aircraft
- There were over 400 reporters in attendance, covering over 30 press conferences during the event
- Four companies received the Safety of Flight Award, in recognition of their commitment to safe operations.
One of the items introduced during EBACE2013 was the new Challenger 350 from Bombardier. Forbes is predicting the Challenger 350 will be a “winner in the resurging business aviation market.” The 350 has many improvements over its predecessor, the 300, including better performance and amenities. Bombardier will continue to offer the 300, and deliveries on the Challenger 350 will begin early next year.
Representatives from Cessna spoke during the conference and said that despite the financial trouble the EU has experienced over the last few years, they are confident that the market is set to rebound. If that’s true, it could point to growth in the aviation market. Cessna said they are still on target to start delivering their new Citation X by the end of the year.
EBACE remains one of the most important events in the European private jet industry. It’s a terrific opportunity for buyers and sellers to connect with the European market. The conference will return to Geneva, May 20-22, 2014 for its 14th year.
Keeping your private plane looking polished on the inside is an important part of maintaining the overall value of your investment. Instead of replacing worn interior fixtures, consider the cost-efficient option of leather and vinyl repair.
A small business with vast experience
Colorado-based Complete Leather Solutions has been restoring leather and vinyl for more than 35 years. As a self-described perfectionist, owner Dick Fulsom believes the key to his company’s longevity is being a family-owned operation and striving for 100 percent customer satisfaction on every project, both large and small.
The company launched a car upholstery repair business in 1976, eventually moving into refurbishing office and home furniture. Today, Complete Leather Solutions caters to a diverse set of commercial clients, including moving companies, hotel and resort establishments and — you guessed it — private jet owners.
Restoration: A greener option
Complete Leather Solutions can correct a wide variety of issues including scratches, tears and ripped seams, frame and cushion damage. They can also eliminate difficult stains in many cases. Complete Leather Solutions matches the color of existing leather furnishings or gives dated leather upholstery a facelift by dying the fabric in a more contemporary color.
Leather and vinyl damage that may appear beyond repair is, in fact, the kind of challenging restoration project at which Complete Leather Solutions excels. To learn more about Complete Leather Solutions and their services, visit their website at completeleathersolutions.com.
Last week, we wrote about the current market trends in aviation. While it’s a mixed bag, Gulfstream and Bombardier are leading the way, as well as large-cabin corporate jets. Private air travel helps companies conduct business. But how they are getting aboard?
Some companies are turning to the convenience of corporate jet ownership. This is especially true for global enterprises. The desire to expand internationally has increased the number of large-cabin corporate jet deliveries, as these aircraft allow longer-range flights with more people aboard. These jets are often used by companies wanting to get into new and developing markets like Eastern Europe and Russia.
One of the other bizav trends is refurbishing older corporate jets. This gives a company the convenience of a private jet without the costs of purchasing a new one. Companies in developing markets are more likely to refurbish, allowing them to take advantage of the preowned jet market. Refurbishing is especially popular option for companies in Africa and South America.
Charter services and leasing options are filling the gap for companies that want the convenience of private jet ownership but don’t travel enough to warrant owning a jet outright. Online charter companies allow you to search for available private jets, much in the same way travel sites allowed you to book a seat on a commercial flight. Some bizav companies allow you to lease a private jet for 6- or 12-months at a time. Fractional ownership is another way to avoid taking on the cost and liability on your own, although you’ll find yourself having to work around the schedules of other people more often.
Trends like chartering are great for companies that own corporate jets, too. This is an opportunity for your company to defray some of your own costs. You’ll retain control of your jet but offer it up to others for a fee when it’s not being used. There are many websites that allow you to list your jet’s availability for a monthly charge.
Private jet travel is beneficial for any company working in international markets. Being able to meet face-to-face with international clients will save your company time and trouble in the long run. You’ll also have an edge over competitors who aren’t able to make that trip whenever needed. Private jets help businesspeople get business done.
In 1980, Taughannock Aviation Corp. began FAR 135 charter operations with a single Piper Seneca twin-engine aircraft based at TAC’s Ithaca Tomkins Regional Airport (KITH) facility.
In the more than 30 years since then, the company has added facilities, personnel, aircraft and services that allow it to meet virtually any aircraft need.
Taughannock Aviation Corp. has worked to become one of the Northeast’s largest and most competitive aircraft management and air charter companies. The highest levels of safety, integrity and personalized service are the foundations of its success.
Based at the Ithaca Airport, TAC employs nearly 50 full-time staffers, and it has amassed more than 40 million air miles and 100,000 flight hours without an accident or injury. TAC operates 12 business jet aircraft in charter service and maintains sales offices and aircraft bases in Teterboro, Miami and Ithaca.
TAC offers a full range of aircraft management, charter, aircraft maintenance and FBO services to a broad spectrum of aviation users. It provides long-term aircraft management and operating agreements with Fortune 100 companies as well as individual aircraft owners, offering:
- Charter marketing as required by the owner
- Clarity in accounting maintenance and all other issues
- Fully rated and qualified professional flight crews (primary or supplemental)
- All flight crew and technician training
- Competitive hull and liability insurance
- Heated hangar space at its ITH/TEB/OPF or any other aircraft base
- 24/7 dispatch and flight following, including free access to our interactive Internet-based flight scheduling system
- The highest revenue return if the aircraft is made available for third party charter with guaranteed utilization levels
TAC has delivered secure, private, comfortable and convenient air charter service for three decades, and it prides itself in providing a level of service that exceeds its customers’ expectations at a reasonable price. Two of the three company founders are full-time employees of the firm, assuring a level of service unavailable from “chain” aircraft management companies.
As the sole FBO at its airport, TAC has its own fuel supply and more than 50,000 square feet of new heated hangar space, including a fully staffed, state-of-the-art maintenance repair station. TAC currently operates a mixed fleet of jets, including Gulfstream, Dassault, Challenger and Hawker aircraft.
TAC’s Certified Repair Station provides expert maintenance and repairs of aircraft, ranging from routine inspections to major repairs and alterations. Its crew specializes in Gulfstream II, III, IV and V; Falcon 20, 50 and 2000; Hawker 700, 800a and 800xp; King Air; and various general aviation single and twin aircraft and light aircraft.
At its FBO in Ithaca, the company offers arrival e-concierge services, local information, fuel programs, hangar accommodations, aircraft aesthetics and amenities.
For more information about Taughannock Aviation Corp., visit its website or call (800) 876-1551.
We’re nearly halfway through 2013, so this is a great time to take the pulse of the aviation market. The numbers are mixed, but generally positive. The high-end, large-jet market and twin turboprop deliveries were the main cause of positive growth within the industry. The light jet market is showing negative growth, with Cessna and Learjet deliveries at a crawl and the manufacturers slowing production lines. Overall, however, the industry continues to make gains:
- Worldwide, there was a 4% increase in deliveries of corporate jets
- Q1 of 2013 saw a total of $4.6 billion in billings for all general aviation airplanes—a 31.7% increase over the same period last year
- The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said there was a nearly 10% growth in aircraft shipments in the Q1 of 2013 compared to the same period last year
- The twin turboprop market showed an 80% increase, due in part to demand from the agriculture industry
Gulfstream and Bombardier led the industry in positive growth:
- Gulfstream increased its year-over-year output of jet deliveries by more than 50%
- Bombardier saw a 34% increase in their jet deliveries compared to last year
- Bombardier also shipped 13 more business jets in Q1 than they did in Q1 2012
We wrote about predictions for the 2013 jet market last December. Honeywell’s prediction about slow but steady growth holds true, and may have even been a little conservative. While we haven’t seen wild gains, we have seen a steady increase in deliveries over the last year especially within large-cabin jets. That’s better than the flat or slight growth predicted for 2013. The fuel cost roller coaster and unease in foreign markets continue to cloud the ability to predict how 2013 will wrap up. However, if the demand for high-end-large corporate jets and twin turboprops continue, we should all have reasons to celebrate by year end.
Corporate jet travelers spend a lot of time sitting. Today’s aircraft interior designers and engineers are working harder than ever to perfect the business jet seat. In the January 2013 issue of Business Jet Interiors International, experts in design, manufacturing, certification, installation, and maintenance discuss the bright (and cozy) future of jet seats. The efforts to improve jet seating involve an array of considerations:
- Visual appeal — Designers are working to make seats look less like airplane chairs and more like luxury furniture.
- Comfort and ergonomics — Engineers have come up with creative solutions to adjust seating to accommodate passengers with different height and weight needs, including extendable head and leg rests for a customized and comfortable fit.
- Use — Advances in technology are making airline seats into multi-tasking marvels that allow complete reclining for rest, double seats for comfort, in-seat storage, as well as track-and-swivel mechanisms.
- Safety — Always a prime consideration, engineers are constantly improving seat safety while ensuring aircraft seating meets flammability and passageway certification requirements.
- Arrangement — Designers are looking at new ways to position seating and develop aircraft floor plans that are functional, comfortable, and attractive.
Modern advances in materials and increased user expectations mean standard seats will soon offer features similar to those you’d expect from luxury cars. Heated jet seats are currently available, but future seats could be cooled as well. And composite frames, as opposed to the standard aluminum, may eventually help designers make seats lighter-weight and more visually appealing. In addition, travelers are asking for seats with memory settings for sleeping and favorite positions, mechanical lumbar support, and massage functionality.
Are you ready to upgrade?
Is your jet ready for a seat renovation? If so, it’s a big investment that you’ll want to protect. Heed these expert tips on making a seat upgrade last:
- Choose materials capable of handling wear and tear.
- Avoid extremely light colors.
- Arm rests and seat cushions are the most replaced items, so choose these components wisely.
- To maintain resale appeal and value, keep colors and aesthetics in mind; sometimes funky or custom designs are more difficult to sell.
- Make sure replacement parts are available.
- Use seat covers when seats are not in use and have seats cleaned and protected regularly.
With thoughtful consideration and consistent care, your seating investment can look and feel great for a long time — or at least until those air-conditioned seats come along!
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313), or visit us online.
In the U.S., we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12. What a terrific time to remember some of the adventurous female aviators! These women in aviation pioneered the field before women even had the right to vote. Amelia Earhart is a household name in aviation, but many women before her paved the way for her famous solo Atlantic flight.
Here are just a few of the influential women in aviation history:
Raymonde de Laroche
Born in Paris, Laroche originally pursued a stage career before falling in love with flying during a flight demonstration by Wilbur Wright. She went on to become the first woman in the world to earn her pilot’s license in 1910 at the age of 24. Laroche suffered serious injuries after a crash, but didn’t let it keep her out of the sky. She went on to train to become the first female test pilot.
Harriet Quimby
Harriet’s job as a reporter in New York City brought her in contact with a flight instructor, who Harriet asked to give her flying lessons. She showed a knack for flying, especially at a time when most learning was done through experimentation in the air. Harriet became the first American woman to earn her pilot’s license, and she also became the first woman to fly across the English Channel. The accomplishment earned her the title of “America’s First Lady of the Air.”
Bessie Coleman
Bessie was working as a manicurist in Chicago when she first heard stories from the pilots returning from WWI. When she was unable to get into flight training because she was an African-American woman, she traveled to France to train as a pilot. In 1921, she was not only the first black woman to gain her pilot’s license—she was also the first ever American to gain an international pilot’s license. She joined the exhibition circuit as a stunt flyer, hoping to make enough money to start her own school for aspiring black pilots. Bessie didn’t live long enough to make that dream come true, but she did inspire generations of pilots after her.
These few examples show us that women have been in aviation for a long time. They’ve helped pave the path for both men and women in aviation today, from the pilots of commercial aircraft to those in a private jet. To learn more about women in aviation, check out the terrific resources on Women in Aviation International’s website, including their list of 100 most influential women aviators.
Private jets are an undeniable necessity for many business travelers. Businesses undertake jet purchases to address a variety of requirements: to save time, ease the financial burden of corporate commercial travel, gain privacy, increase efficiency, and so on. The ideal jet model’s specifications address all of these needs for its owner. But needs change. Perhaps the eight-passenger capacity of your company’s midsize jet is no longer practical, or you’re simply interested in the luxurious upgrades of a larger model.
Purchasing a new or pre-owned jet is complicated enough; throw in the sale of your current jet, and you’ve got a time-consuming and complicated project on your hands:
- Where will you find a buyer?
- How will you find a new aircraft that meets all of your needs?
- Can you ensure that all the proper paperwork, including certifications, registrations, and records, are up to date for your current jet as well as your potential purchase?
These tasks are highly specialized and difficult to juggle on your own. To ensure a smooth transition, enlist the help of a partner who can shoulder the burden of both the sale and purchase. A broker can simultaneously take care of the sale of your current aircraft while helping you with the acquisition of a new or pre-owned executive jet that meets all of your requirements. Professional brokers offer many valuable skills:
- They know the jet market.
- They have access to a variety of private and public contacts.
- They can find exactly the jet you’re looking for without having to make exceptions.
Why waste your time and resources by undertaking an aircraft upgrade alone? Ensure your business gets the best value and the most suitable aircraft by procuring the services of an experienced broker. You can’t beat a hassle-free upgrade!
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at 877-453-8276 (+1.305.754.3313), or visit us online.
Yesterday was May Day, but it might have escaped your notice. May Day is less popular in the United States than it is in Europe, where larger celebrations take place in Germany and England. The holiday started in pre-Christian times as a welcome to the summer season and the midpoint of the year. Revelers celebrate by dancing around the May Pole and anonymously delivering small baskets of sweets and treats to their neighbors’ doorsteps.
If you’re a pilot or private jet owner, you’re probably more familiar with another kind of may day: the distress call primarily used over ship and aircraft radio communications. The phrase originated in 1923 when a senior radio officer was asked to think of a code word to use to express distress. The mayday call comes from the French “vener m’aidez,” which means “come help me.”
The mayday call should be repeated three times over the radio so it is clearly heard over noise: Mayday Mayday Mayday! The call can be used by pilots on a commercial flight as well as on a corporate jet, but making a false mayday call can carry a penalty in the U.S. of up to a $250,000 fine and six years of imprisonment.
Another well-known distress signal is the SOS call. The SOS letters have been said to mean “save our ship,” “save our souls,” or “sink or swim.” In fact, none of these are true. The SOS signal was chosen because it‘s easy to remember and communicate over Morse code: three dots, three dashes, and three dots. The signal was agreed upon at a 1906 conference and became the official Morse code distress signal in 1908.
Ideally your May Day was filled with candy and celebrations, not distress calls! Now you have some aviation trivia to share at your next hangar party or on your next flight.
