Month: April 2015

3 Tips for Safer, Healthier Travels

ThinkstockPhotos-78718889Sending employees abroad for a quick trip or assignment is an essential part of doing everyday business for many organizations, so much so that frequent business travel has become essential to thriving in a global economy. If you, or your employees, travel a lot on behalf of your business — both in the U.S. and abroad — it’s your legal responsibility to ensure their health and safety.

Many countries around the world have comprehensive legislation protecting business travelers, and Duty of Care legislation has become an increasingly hot topic in the corporate travel world. It holds companies liable for protecting the health and safety of their employees who need to travel for business purposes. Failure to comply comes with a range of legal and financial consequences. In Germany, for example, the liability for health-related costs extends beyond the traveling employee to family members who may be visiting the business traveler.

What’s the concern?

In some situations, the very act of traveling can be risky for an individual’s health. The CDC recently exposed how traveling can be an expensive health risk, and brought some scary statistics to light:

  • For every 100,000 travelers visiting a developing country, 50,000 will develop a health problem abroad.
  • A course of hospitalized treatment for malaria can be as high as $25,000 or more.
  • The cost of an emergency medical evacuation can be as high as $250,000.

How frequent business travel affects your health

Research conducted by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that people who travel often for business are less likely to be healthy than those who travel infrequently. Using the health records of 13,000 people from corporate wellness programs, researchers discovered that those on the road at least two weeks every month had:

  • Higher body mass index — a key indicator of weight issues
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Less ‘good’ cholesterol

In addition, the frequent travelers consistently rated their own health as ‘poor’ or ‘fair’ three times more often than light travelers did, showing their perception of health was also lower than average.

What you can do

When you and/or your employees travel often, having the right resources to stay safe and healthy is key. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Get educated on preventative health care while on the road. This means not only knowing how to find quality health care facilities, but also how to implement healthy habits of exercise, sleep, and clean food and water on the road.
  2. Get the right vaccinations well ahead of the trip, and ensure that you and your employees have access to the medications needed to prevent health emergencies while traveling.
  3. Put well-coordinated emergency procedures in place to ensure that every employee understands what to do in a health emergency. This should include having business travel insurance in place to protect your employees should a travel emergency arise.

As any business owner knows, the safety of you and your employees should always come first. Taking the necessary steps and providing the right education to traveling employees is essential. Being proactive about health and knowing what to do in an emergency can keep your company clear of legal and financial liability as well as ensuring that your employees remain on the job and healthy.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

 

First Step of NextGen Mandates May Ground Hundreds of Aircraft

ThinkstockPhotos-78769906You may have heard that the federal government has been working on a next-generation air traffic control system, but this may surprise you: private aircraft owners are already beginning to see the proposed changes take form. Last July, NASA presented the FAA with new software to better manage space between in-flight aircraft and reduce the number of course and altitude adjustments pilots traditionally have to make. It was also believed to improve communication between air traffic controllers and pilots, fuel savings, airplane flow at busy airports, and safety.

The NextGen integration efforts have begun with the mandatory installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, or ADS-B Out, on all aircraft requiring a Mode C transponder by January 1, 2020. ADS-B Out equips aircraft with GPS systems that communicate airspeed, altitude, and location to ground stations and other nearby aircraft. The FAA admits that this requirement will not make a significance change in safety, but claims it is necessary to advance NextGen.

Unfortunately, ADS-B Out comes with a high cost and a lack of certified solutions. The current cost of installing ADS-B Out equipment is $5,000 or $6,000 at minimum, creating a significant barrier for many general aviation operators. And with a large portion of the general aviation fleet valued at $40,000 or less, many aircraft owners would be spending as much as 10-25% of their aircraft value on a single piece of equipment.

The high cost combined with a lack of clear benefits to the operators means a great deal of resistance to the change and reluctance to take action until conditions improve. As of the end of 2014, the FAA estimates that only 10% of the general aviation fleet has been properly equipped. Others have appealed to the FAA to play a more active role in getting less expensive technology tested and approved.

joint letter from 14 general aviation groups, representing thousands of aircraft owners, was sent in January to Michael Huerta, FAA Administrator. The letter outlined general support for universal participation in ADS-B Out but acknowledged the concerns of the aircraft owners they represent. With so many private aircraft owners resisting the changes due to cost, here’s to hoping for a solution that helps everyone meet the mandate and move one step closer to safer skies.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

2015 Brings Optimism for Future Jet Growth

Airplane taking off in front of sunsetAs the economic outlook for major global corporations has improved, so has their investment in private air travel. It’s encouraging to see corporate heads traveling by private aircraft once again. However, out of the stir of market activity, new questions arise about the state of the jet aircraft market: How healthy is the market? What’s happening with prices? And most importantly, how does the current atmosphere affect you as a buyer or seller?

Uncertainty in the market

The reality is that the answers aren’t completely concrete, as there are many factors that affect the market and prices, such as the overall health of the economy, demand and supply, corporate profits, wealth creation, emerging markets (notably Asia and Latin America), and global trade.

The slow recovery of the aircraft market since 2008 adds to the sense of uncertainty. According to a report from Flightglobal Ascend Consultancy, there were only around 650 aircraft deliveries in each of the past five years. And jet sales aren’t the only indicator of a slow turnaround. Even commercial flight sales lagged: The Private Jet Services’ PJS 2015 Market Outlook report cites the Bureau of Transportation and Statistics, reporting that commercial airlines only reached an average of 80% capacity on flights over the past 5 years.

In addition, prices have stayed low and depreciation has been unsteady. Pre-2008, the most widely accepted depreciation figure for aircraft value was 5% per annum. However, Ascend saw depreciation values skyrocket to 12% at the end of 2013. This atypical rate of depreciation has fed financers’ reluctance to lend for the past five years.

A turn for the better

However, demand is up! As the economy has steadily recovered, so has business growth. Businesses are once again turning to corporate jets for transportation: PSJ found that 77% of survey respondents use private aircraft for business and personal use. The third quarter of 2014 saw 3.5% growth in the U.S. economy and a 24% rise in demand for private aircraft over the previous year. With a healthy increase in business travel, the need for private transportation has once again become a priority.

So what does this mixed bag of factors mean for the market today and moving forward? Industry experts predict that demand will foster better growth in 2015 and in coming years. Ascend anticipates deliveries of just under 10,000 aircraft in the next 10 years as OEMs bring new aircraft models to market. With five new models already stimulating demand in 2014, it is a good sign that the trend will continue and encourage more sales PSJ also predicts a shift in interest to larger aircraft, from super-midsize to VIP airliners — two classes that are expected to account for 45% of new aircraft purchases and 75% of total value.

The takeaway from all these statistics? As the economic well being of global corporations turns skyward, the private aircraft market follows.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

Browse More — And Pay Less — With the Help of a Broker

Businesspeople shaking handsWorking with an aircraft broker offers many advantages — you have a knowledgeable expert with your best interests in mind working at your side to assist you through the complicated and sometimes daunting process of procuring an aircraft. One of the greatest advantages of this partnership is access to off-market aircraft.

Before an aircraft is widely advertised for sale on the Internet, a broker may be notified of the upcoming plan to sell. How is this good news for buyers? A broker can give you access to these to-be-listed aircraft before they are publically announced.

In fact, a broker is often on the lookout for aircraft that interest his or her customers — and when an off-market jet that meets the customer’s needs comes onto the radar, a good broker can offer the lead to the customer before the listing is picked up by the masses.

With their extensive list of business and personal connections within the industry, brokers can connect you with sellers you would never come across simply through an Internet search or by browsing listings.

An offer you can’t refuse

Off-market aircraft are good news for buyers. Who wouldn’t want early access to the most recently listed aircraft? Off-market and unlisted planes increase buyers’ selection and offer competitive pricing. You also have the potential to work directly with the selling owner rather than another broker, perhaps garnering intimate knowledge about an aircraft’s past use and condition. This avenue saves you money and speeds the buying process.

Rather than taking on the search for an aircraft alone, enlist an experienced broker to help you. Jet experts, such as L & L International, are immersed in the industry and have access to more aircraft, both on and off the market, and can advise you during your search.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

Fierce Competition for the “Oscar” of Aircraft Interior Design

Holding TrophyKnown as the “Oscar” of aircraft interiors awards, the 9th annual Crystal Cabin Awards selected the best of the best in 2015 aircraft interior innovations. A record number of submissions were entered this year, all contending for this prestigious recognition. The 68 entries that met award criteria were narrowed down to 21 finalists, who were judged by an international jury of 24 men and women who represent airlines, manufacturers, specialists, and technical service suppliers.

Awards were presented in seven categories:

  • Greener Cabin, Health, Safety & Environment
  • Industrial Design & Visionary Concepts
  • Material & Components
  • Passenger Comfort Hardware
  • Passenger Comfort Systems
  • Premium Class & VIP
  • University

Judges looked for novelty, ability to meet general market demand, aesthetics or engineering qualities (where applicable), usability, and cost-effectiveness.

The winners were determined at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, April 14–16. Standout innovations that won awards include:

  • Peter Bishop of Bishop Aeronautical Engineers’ “Solar Eclipse” concept, which uses a sun visor to provider passengers with electricity to charge their devices.
  • Tony Dixon of Airliner World Magazine’s “SANTO Seat” (Special Accommodation Needs for Toddlers and Overweight Passengers), which makes use of normally wasted space at the rear of the aircraft to meet special needs.
  • Marc Spille, university student at Hamburg University of Applied Science, for his development of a mobile trash container that uses vacuum technology to compress trash.

Past winners include brands such as Paperclip Design Limited, Lufthansa Technik, and Diehl Aerospace. With so many big industry names joining the competition in 2015, anyone could go home with a Crystal Cabin award in next years’ competition.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

Get More From Your Aviation Experience with an NBAA Membership

Pilot holding his hatThe National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has been a widely used and respected resource for those in the aviation industry since its founding in 1947. Its members have been involved in major aviation events and rallied around numerous policy changes and movements, tremendously impacting the direction of the industry.

Those looking to join the ranks of the NBAA’s 9,000 member companies, and growing, can look forward to numerous benefits:

A voice in aviation policy — Representation by the leading organization in Washington, which advocates for the betterment of the aviation industry.

Access to knowledgeable experts — Members can receive prompt answers for their most pressing questions from industry specialists via email or phone.

Business management tools — A toolkit that includes the NBAA Compensation & Benchmark Survey, shipping discounts, 10% off the Complete Aeromedical Services Program (CASP), attendance at the NBAA Leadership conference, and more are offered to membership businesses.

Discounts on attendance at industry events — You can attend or exhibit at business aviation events worldwide at discounted rates.

Networking opportunities — Build your contact list at numerous NBAA events, seminars, conventions, and conferences.

Even without a full membership, the NBAA offers a great deal of resources for website visitors, including updates on the latest aviation-related legislation and regulatory matters, information about upcoming events, and numerous free resources covering aircraft operations and flight department administration.

For more information, and to add your company to the growing list of NBAA members, check out the full list of membership benefits and access the application here.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

A Personal Theatre, Wherever You Are

Avegant Glyph headsets

Avegant’s Glyph headset

What better way is there to escape the mundane of everyday life than to immerse yourself in a virtual reality? Avegant Glyph headsets let you do just that, converting TV, films, and video games into a truly immersive escape.

The Glyph headsets, which look like bulky headphones, can be pulled over users’ eyes and set to video mode for an amazing visual experience. The device uses new technology to offer exceptional image quality that cannot be matched.

Rather than looking at a LCD of OLED screen through the lens, images are project directly into the users’ retinas through “virtual retinal display.” This combines special optics and millions of tiny mirrors in a way that replicates the way we see the world around us. The end result rivals, and even surpasses, the experience of a home theatre — all in one portable device!

Glyph headsets are in production mode now, but the beta version will be mass marketed in fall 2015. For those who cannot wait to try the experience themselves, the headsets can be pre-order from Avegant for $599.

 

SMS Certification Ensures a Culture of Safety

ThinkstockPhotos-82632575In February 2015, Gulfstream’s Aerospace Corporation became one of the first original equipment manufacturers to earn International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 2 certification. The voluntary, but arduous, process was developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its members associations such as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as a standard code of best practices designed to enhance flight department safety. At the core of the certification is a scalable Safety Management System (SMS) tool for business aircraft operators.

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet issued SMS regulations to U.S. registered flight operators, some civil aviation authorities in other countries are in the process of developing their own SMS regulation mandates. It is still unclear whether the FAA will require IS-BAO and SMS certification for U.S. flight operators, and it is further unclear whether flight operators currently exempt from the certification requirements in the U.S. will need to meet certification requirements while operating in SMS-required countries.

Dan Nale, Senior Vice President of Programs, Engineering, and Test with Gulfstream, clearly felt the voluntary certification would validate the safety management processes for the company. The certification was achieved prior to the start of two flight test programs for the all-new Gulfstream G500 and G600.

The certification arms the organization with:

  • A structured decision-making process
  • Improved risk controls and safety assurance processes
  • A framework to promote safety culture

But the primary purpose behind an SMS certification is to identify and manage flight risks before accidents occur. Gulfstream Flight Operations Test had to work with IBAC auditors to implement IS-BAO protocols into their operational practices to effectively evaluate their flight test procedures.

Flight tests inherently involve flights that are significantly different from the standard business aircraft operator; experimental test flights are designed to demonstrate that design goals have been met and to earn type-certification from government entities. The IBAC auditors evaluated Gulfstream’s operating, scheduling, and dispatch processes and how those coordinate with the company’s production and service facilities — more than 16 worldwide!

If you, or your organization, are interested in learning more about the certification process, the NBAA website’s Safety Management System (SMS) information is a great place to start. The best way to stop accidents is to ensure they don’t happen, and SMS certifications can help you develop organizational processes that keep aircraft operations safe.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.

In-Flight Connectivity Sees Potential Advancements

stk166206rkeUp until very recently, getting on a plane meant being cut off from any sort of communication with the rest of the world. It meant spending the flight wondering about important calls and emails, and hoping that things would run smoothly until you were back on the ground. Technology is quickly catching up, however, and our ability to stay connected while in flight has dramatically increased to include our phones, television, and most recently, the Internet — making midflight connectivity nonnegotiable for many passengers.

But some manufacturers such as Honeywell, Satcom Direct, and others have designed their equipment to be installed in a certain way, while other vendors have found a different range of methods to integrate their communications systems. Without standardization or alternative methods for integrating these solutions, providing in-flight connectivity can be a challenging task for aircraft owners.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) formed a working committee two years ago to address this problem and to create a standard for cabin electronic systems. Headed by Boeing’s Mike Wuebbling and IBM’s manager of aircraft maintenance services, Jim Janaitis, the committee aims to establish common equipment as well as create performance and serviceability standards.

A competitive market

With the rising popularity of in-flight connectivity solutions for business aircraft, advances in technology have made in-flight email and texting possible through the utilization of new communications frequencies. New players in the field such as Gogo Inc. are already creating next-generation aviation technology systems to improve air-to-ground connectivity. Other newcomers, like SmartSky, strive to bring airborne 4G LTE-based wireless networks to the business aviation market, with their beta launch planned for the end of 2015.

One roadblock newcomers to in-flight connectivity solutions may face is getting regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to gain spectrum rights for their air-to-ground (ATG) systems. Gogo currently dominates holdings of FCC spectrum licenses, but if access to other spectrums is granted to competitors by the FCC, Gogo’s position may become more precarious.

But the FAA approval process for installing connectivity equipment on planes is reportedly an arduous endeavor, and some experts predict that commercial services may not launch until well after 2020. In the end, standardization for in-flight connectivity must happen. And when it does, it will make it easier than ever to stay well connected while in flight.

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 +1.305.754.3313, or visit us online.