Business Aviation

São José dos Campos, Brazil, 2nd May, 2024: Embraer has reached a new delivery milestone on the small narrowbody aircraft program with the delivery of the 1800th E-Jet production aircraft. The new Azorra owned E190-E2 was handed over to Royal Jordanian Airlines at Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Today’s delivery is the third E2 for the airline which currently also operates four first generation E-Jets. RJ will recieve a total of eight E2s under the existing deal. E-Jets have enjoyed global success in the fleets of 90 airlines and leasing companies from more than 60 countries since the first aircraft entered service in 2004. The E190-E2 is part of a family of advanced-generation E-Jets that offer the quietest, lowest polluting, and most fuel-efficient aircraft in the under 150 seat market. In 20 years of service, the E-Jets have carried two billion passengers on 26 million flights a distance of 140 million kilometres with 90 airlines from 60 countries. Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian Airlines, said, “We are delighted to participate in the milestone celebrations for Embraer and the E-jet program, recognizing the longstanding collaboration between Royal Jordanian and Embraer, supported by our valued partners at Azorra. The E2 family of aircraft supports our strategic aims and seamlessly integrates with our vision for regional connectivity and growth. This represents a pivotal role in our fleet modernization efforts, offering unmatched efficiency, flexibility, and passenger satisfaction. Together with Embraer and our esteemed partners at Azorra, we look forward to delivering exceptional passengers experience, while contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry.” John Evans, CEO and founder of Azorra, said, “For Azorra to be part of this milestone is a true honor and we thank Embraer and our friends at Royal Jordanian for their ongoing partnership.With our E2 orderbook and growing number of airline customers, we continue to see a bright future for these aircraft and the compelling efficiency, superior passenger experience and clear economic advantages they provide.” Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, attributed the longevity of the E-Jets program to Embraer’s focus on excellence and continuous improvement, saying, “it’s great to mark this milestone along with two key partners, RJ and Azorra.” Meijer continued, “we’re always looking for ways to make our aircraft better – reducing operating costs, extending maintenance intervals, and adding new technology. Later this year we will announce a number of performance improvements for the E2, which has also proven it is ready to fly on 100% SAF. The E2 continues to demonstrate its advantages in fuel burn, emissions, quietness, reliability, and passenger comfort, and airlines are taking notice.”

London, 16th April 2024: The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted an updated Air Operator Certificate, Type A Operating License, and Route License to Ascend Airways, allowing it to commence flights. The carrier is one of the latest additions to Avia Solutions Group’s (ASG) expanding portfolio of ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) airlines. Avia Solutions Group is the world’s largest ACMI provider with a fleet of 212 aircraft. A UK AOC ensures unrestricted access to the UK ACMI and charter market, enabling ASG to increase its market share in this high-value market and worldwide. The airline plans to operate a fleet of two Boeing 737 aircraft this year and to further expand its fleet in the future. “Obtaining the Air Operator Certificate and license takes a huge amount of work and resources and I’m extremely proud of everyone involved that we have been able to achieve this in time for the summer season. We will now focus on repaying the faith of our launch customer and establishing our sister company, Ascend Airways Malaysia. Our aim is to move our capacity seasonally between UK and Malaysia to access the growing South-East Asian market and maintain year-round utilisation,” says Alastair Willson, the CEO of Ascend Airways. Irish-based Avia Solutions Group currently holds twelve AOCs internationally and aims to establish and acquire four additional airlines across various countries, including Brazil, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia by the close of 2024.

Baar, Switzerland & Westport, CT, 14th Feb 2024: The Swiss aerospace company,Sirius Aviation AG announced its partnership with MEHAIR, India based seaplane operator, to secure 50 orders of the Sirius Millennium Jet. The agreement includes 50 firm orders, with an option to add 50 more, totaling approximately $400 million in value. The Sirius Jet, the world’s first hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, features a high-speed capability, quieter ducted fan jets, and an innovative hydrogen powertrain. This state-of-the-art jet boasts an exceptional range of 1150 miles– eight times that of traditional eVTOLs, and an impressive speed of 323 mph– three times faster, set to redefine air travel. Under this historic deal, MEHAIR will oversee the assembly of 50 Sirius Millennium Jets and 1,400 Millennium Hydrogen Fan Jets, along with integrating 50 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrains and 10 Hydrogen Generation Units in India, marking a new era of zero-carbon aviation. “Joining forces with Sirius Jet marks a significant step for India’s aviation, promising passengers luxurious yet economical travel with zero emissions,” said Siddharth Verma, the Managing Director of MEHAIR. “This strategic alliance with MEHAIR lays the foundation for a greener future in air travel; embodying a commitment to eco-friendly aviation and technological excellence,” said Alexey Popov, the CEO of Sirius Aviation AG. Key Initiatives in Partnership: ● Establishing final assembly lines for hydrogen VTOL jets in India ● Creating franchise models for sales and after-sales support ● Navigating the certification process for Sirius Jet products in India ● Developing a robust green hydrogen infrastructure nationwide ● Designing and operating Verti-ports across India ● Providing comprehensive training for Sirius Jet fleet operation and maintenance Earlier this year, Sirius Aviation AG unveiled its Hydrogen-Electric Ducted Fan Propulsion System for the Sirius Jet in Switzerland. By 2025, the Sirius Jet will debut in two versions: the Sirius Business Jet, tailored for private use, and the Sirius Millennium Jet, designed for commercial operation.

The Cessna Citation range of business jets is the most popular in the world. The Cessna Citation Ascend is the latest upgrade of the legendary 560XL series. Extensively rethought and redesigned, it is anticipated to rule the Indian mid-size business jet market. Be it class, elegance, design or comfort, Textron Aviation takes them another level for the mid-size business jet category. As customers walk up to the Citation Ascend, they will appreciate its sleek design and modern features. The company worked with a Customer Advisory Board of owners, pilots, mechanics and passengers throughout the design process to better understand what they seek in the ultimate aircraft experience. The aircraft is designed to bring an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the mid-size business jet market. The aircraft has a standard seating configuration of nine passengers and will have a maximum seating capacity of 12 passengers. Cessna Citation Ascend is well suited for the Indian topography due to its advantages and many enhanced features. Its charismatic features makes its different from other mid-sized aircraft available in the market. Design improvements on the aircraft deliver the ability to carry a higher combination of payload and fuel load while retaining access to short runways. Preliminary aircraft performance targets include: *A four-passenger range of 1,900 nm at high-speed cruise power (with an estimated maximum range of 2,100 nm) *Cruise speed of 441 kts *Climbs direct to 45,000ft in 30 min *4 Passenger Range: 1,900nm; 3,519km *Maximum Cruise Speed: 441 ktas; 817 km/h *Maximum Passengers: 12 *Takeoff Field Length: 3,660 ft; 1,116m   CABIN THOROUGHLY RE-DESIGNED FOR ENHANCED PASSENGER EXPERIENCE With a fully customizable interior, customers can select from a range of standard and optional features to best meet their needs. One of the main features is the flat floor that will provide a new level of generous legroom and flexibility for passengers. This is a game changer when it comes to comfort. A flat floor gives passengers more room to swivel their seats, stretch their legs and comfortably move around the cabin. Another key feature that enhances the spaciousness of the cabin is the new windows. Being 15% larger than before, they allow more natural light and relaxing views for passengers in every seat. All windows come with electric shade controls. Better quiet cabin technology means more comfort and less fatigue for passengers. The Ascend will be significantly quieter than existing Citation 560 series of legacy aircraft flying in India today. New seats with an ergonomic design with electrical controls. It can be tracked and berthed for passengers to sleep or relax. All seat locations come with USB-C charging ports (A total of 19 charging ports located across the aircraft) and seat upholstery can be personalized with quilting patterns and tailoring. Customers can customize the cabin such as choosing the cushion firmness of every seat, selecting stone or luxury vinyl flooring finishes in the entry area and lavatory, as well as the size of the forward refreshment center.   Wireless controls for passenger windows and entertainment system via the app-based cabin management system. This eliminates the need to update hardware and parts which may become obsolete during the lifetime of the aircraft. THE BIG DEAL NetJets’, the world’s largest private jet company recently became the fleet launch customer for the Citation Ascend with confirmed order of 100 business jets. The projected deliveries of the Citation Ascend are expected to begin in 2025 when the aircraft, currently under development, will enter into service. MORE TIME IN THE AIR, LESS DOWNTIME, ENHANCED WARRANTY Textron Aviation offers some of the best-in-class maintenance intervals for its products. This means less downtime and greater conveninence for owners and operators. This Ascend is enhanced by increased warranty for its engines (5 years or 3,000 hours), as well as aircraft exterior paint and interior (2 years). RANGE OPTIMIZED FOR REGIONAL FLIGHTS FROM INDIA With a typical load of 4 passengers, the Ascend’s range of 1,900nm allows operators to fly non-stop direct flights from Delhi to Phuket, Chennai to Singapore, and from Dubai to any point in India. The range is more than sufficient to cover the most common regional city pairs from India without a larger capital cost and associated running expense. BASED ON A PROVEN MIDSIZE BUSINESS JET PLATFORM The Ascend is designed to outperform and take customers further in style. It builds upon over 20 years of the 560XL series success in the market. world’s best-selling mid-size jet. Over 1,100 Cessna Citation 560-series aircraft have been built and delivered over the years. Many are used by charter companies in North America, Europe and South Asia. The 560XL jet series includes the Cessna Citation Excel, Cessna Citation XLS and Cessna Citation XLS+ models, all designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc The Cessna 560 type rating and usage of the industry-leading Garmin G5000 avionics will make it easy to find trained pilots in India and the region as well as be trained and converted to the Citation Ascend. With its increased fuel load and useful payload, uses the improved Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D which delivers better efficiency, thrust and range to reach more destinations from airports with short runways. USP : EFFICIENCY AND CAPABILITY AT ALTITUDE PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA PW545D ENGINES The Citation Ascend is powered by new dual-channel, FADEC-controlled engines. New materials and technology in the engines means better efficiency, improved range and increased thrust. The FADEC-controlled engines are also SAF-ready (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) for owners who like to reduce their environmental footprint. GARMIN G5000 AVIONICS A modern flight deck built for now and well into the future with Garmin® G5000® avionics, featuring the latest software and hardware. INCREASED PAYLOAD The Citation Ascend™ jet enables you to do more—carry more passengers or more baggage. It gives you more of what you need to keep your business running smoothly and efficiently. FULL FLIGHT REGIME AUTOTHROTTLES An autothrottle-equipped flight deck for reduced pilot workload, smoother operations and a better flying experience. HONEYWELL RE100

Aircraft on Ground or AOG is situation which no operator would like to face as it not only impacts the revenue but also bring sour experience to the client. In this feature the author who is industry expert dwells upon various key points to highlight AOG situation and solutions to overcome it. By Sudip Sharma When faced with an Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situation for a private jet, it’s crucial to act swiftly and efficiently to minimize downtime and get the aircraft back in the air. Here are the steps to handle a private jet AOG situation: Notify the Maintenance Provider: Contact your maintenance provider immediately and inform them about the AOG situation. Please provide them with all relevant details, including the aircraft type, the nature of the issue, and the aircraft’s current location. Request AOG Support: Ask your maintenance provider to activate their AOG support team. Many maintenance providers have specialized teams that handle AOG situations and can provide you with the necessary assistance. Define the Problem: Work closely with the maintenance provider to accurately diagnose the issue. They may ask you for additional details or request you to perform certain checks or tests to help identify the problem. Spare Parts Availability: Inquire about the availability of spare parts required for the repair. If the required parts are not readily available at the current location, explore alternative options, such as shipping them from another location or sourcing them from a nearby maintenance facility. Arrange for Technical Support: If the problem is beyond your maintenance provider’s capabilities, they may recommend bringing technical support from the aircraft manufacturer or a specialized vendor. Please coordinate with the necessary parties to ensure they have the required information and access to the aircraft. Consider Temporary Solutions: In some instances, temporary repairs or workarounds may be possible to get the aircraft back in service temporarily until a permanent fix can be implemented. Please consult with your maintenance provider and follow their guidance in such situations. Coordinate Logistics: While the repairs are being carried out, coordinate logistics such as accommodation for passengers and crew, transportation, and other support services as needed. Ensure clear communication with all stakeholders, including passengers, crew members, and other relevant parties. Follow-up and Updates: Stay in constant communication with your maintenance provider and keep track of the progress of the repairs. Regularly update passengers, crew, and other affected parties regarding the situation, estimated timelines, and necessary changes or adjustments. Quality Assurance: Once the repairs are complete, conduct thorough inspections and quality assurance checks to ensure that the aircraft is in proper working condition and meets all safety standards. Verify that all necessary paperwork and documentation are in order. Preventive Measures: After resolving the AOG situation, analyze the root cause of the issue and take appropriate preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of similar problems occurring in the future. This may involve maintenance process improvements, component reliability assessments, or other corrective actions. Remember, AOG situations can be challenging, but by promptly engaging the right professionals, coordinating effectively, and maintaining clear communication, you can expedite the resolution process and minimize the impact on your private jet operations. HOW TO HANDLE CLIENTS DURING AOG SITUATION ? In addition to the technical aspects of handling an AOG situation for a private jet, managing and communicating with your clients throughout the process is essential. Here are some guidelines for client handling during an AOG situation: Promptly Inform the Clients: As soon as you become aware of the AOG situation, inform your clients who are scheduled to use the aircraft. Be transparent and provide them with accurate information about the issue, the expected downtime, and any necessary changes to their travel plans. Prompt communication is crucial to building trust and managing expectations. Offer Alternatives: Present your clients with alternative travel options, such as arranging a substitute aircraft, booking commercial flights, or utilizing charter services from other operators. Discuss these options with the clients and assist them in making the necessary arrangements. Be flexible and accommodating to their needs as much as possible. Provide Regular Updates: Maintain open lines of communication with your clients throughout the AOG situation. Keep them informed about the progress of the repairs, any timeline changes, and any other relevant updates. Regularly check in with them to address any concerns or questions they may have. Offer Concierge Services: During the AOG situation, go the extra mile to provide concierge services to your clients. Offer assistance with rebooking hotels, ground transportation, or any other travel-related arrangements that may have been affected. This level of support can help alleviate stress and demonstrate your commitment to client satisfaction. Maintain Professionalism: Handle client interactions with professionalism and empathy. Understand that they may be frustrated or inconvenienced by the AOG situation. Listen attentively to their concerns and address them promptly and courteously. Show compassion and understanding, and assure them that you will resolve the situation quickly. Consider Compensation: Depending on the severity and duration of the AOG situation, you may need to consider compensation for your clients. Evaluate the circumstances on a case-by-case basis and, if appropriate, offer compensation or other gestures of goodwill as a token of apology for the inconvenience caused. Keep Clients Informed of Resolution: Once the AOG situation is resolved, inform your clients about the successful repair and the aircraft’s readiness for service. Reconfirm their travel plans and provide any necessary updates. Offer assistance in rescheduling their flights or making any additional arrangements required. POST-AOG FOLLOW-UP: After resolving the AOG situation, follow up with your clients to ensure their satisfaction and address any remaining concerns. This post-AOG support helps maintain a positive relationship with your clients and demonstrates your commitment to their satisfaction. Clear and transparent communication, empathy, and proactive assistance are essential to effectively handling clients during an AOG situation. You can strengthen your relationships and maintain client confidence by providing exemplary service even in challenging circumstances. “AOG situations can happen unexpectedly, and preparing for such events is crucial. Here are some additional considerations

Delhi,20th July 2023: Airavat Aviation (Airavat), a new venture by Transworld Group launches hyper-personalized air services with luxury private jet travel in the Middle East. Airavat has a fleet of Hawker 4000 super-midsize business jets which will operate on-demand flights to Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East from its Dubai base. India will be one of the major markets, among the Asian countries. According to reports, the Middle East and Africa Jet Charter market size is expected to grow from USD 511.52 million in 2023 to USD 851.90 million by 2028. With an eye on the growing market for luxury travel in the region, Airavat aims to cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and business leaders and capture 8 to 10% market share over the next five years. “Today’s UHNWIs, HNWIs, business leaders, and C-suites not only seek customized travel experiences but are also increasingly environmentally conscious,” said Ramesh S. Ramakrishnan, Chairman of Transworld Group. “With the launch of Airavat, we aim to introduce a new dimension of bespoke luxury that seamlessly blends aviation, travel, and hospitality with sustainability. Airavat’s focus is to deliver best-in-class luxury private jet services to our customers.” The strategic selection of Airavat’s routes also aims to strengthen the Indo-Arab relationship by facilitating private aviation travel between these regions. As the private aviation sector experiences exponential growth, with some markets witnessing up to a 150% increase compared to pre-pandemic years, the Middle East has emerged as a destination renowned for unrivaled luxury experiences, innovative enterprises, and sustainable mega-developments. This vibrant region attracts affluent individuals and influential thought leaders from around the world.

Paris Air Show, 19.06.2023: At the Paris International Air Show, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) announced the launch of the DHC-6 Twin Otter® Classic 300-G™ with combined purchase agreements and letters of intent totaling 45 aircraft. “For over 50 years, the DHC-6 Twin Otter has stood alone as the most reliable and versatile aircraft in its class,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “After extensive consultation with our customers, we are poised and proud to take this iconic aircraft to new heights with the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G.” “With the same rugged airframe, propelled by Pratt & Whitney technology, the lighter weight Classic 300-G will deliver increased payload range and decreased operating costs for our customers,” added Chafe. “Along with an all-new cabin interior and flight deck featuring the Garmin G1000® NXi fully integrated avionics suite, De Havilland Canada is once again driving the utility transport aircraft market forward.” “De Havilland Canada continues to shape aviation with innovative utility aircraft, and we are proud to offer our G1000 NXi integrated flight deck with the latest version of the iconic DHC-6 Twin Otter,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing. “The G1000 NXi will bring wireless cockpit connectivity, enhanced situational awareness, visual approach capability, and our fully integrated GFC™ 700 autopilot with envelope protection to the Classic 300-G aircraft.” Over the course of the Paris International Air Show, De Havilland Canada will announce Purchase Agreements with our valued Twin Otter Classic 300-G launch customers. The Classic 300-G is the fifth generation of the Twin Otter aircraft, joining the current Series 400. All DHC-6 Twin Otters carry passengers, transport VIPs, move cargo, conduct medivac operations, and perform special missions in the world’s most unforgiving environments. When mounted on amphibious floats, these aircraft move seamlessly between paved surfaces and water-landing areas. As De Havilland Canada continues to grow its footprint in Canadian aerospace, the launch of the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G will bolster the local economy by creating 80 and 91 permanent production jobs in Calgary, Alberta and Victoria, British Columbia, respectively.

Reigate (UK); 16th May 2023: As part of the expansion plan in the Middle East, ACC Aviation has appointed Hassan Chamas to head the company’s charter offering throughout the region. Hassan previously held senior positions at prominent operators and aviation companies across the US, Europe and the Middle East and brings a wealth of experience to the business. Joining ACC’s consulting and leasing departments already established in the region, Hassan will be working closely with ACC’s charter departments in Europe and United States to grow the company’s client and supplier footprint across the Middle East. At his appointment, Hassan said,”I am delighted to join the highly respected team at ACC Aviation and to begin a new chapter in my career. Thanks to the unparalleled knowledge and skill set of ACC’s global teams, I am confident that we can further develop the charter business here in Dubai and in the wider region.” Based in ACC’s Dubai office located in the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA), Hassan’s immediate focus will be on bolstering the company’s offering for existing clients before laying plans for regional development and future growth. Richard Smith, ACC Aviation Air Charter Director, added,”ACC Aviation’s global charter business has grown rapidly in the last few years. With Hassan Chamas joining the team, we will further strengthen our aviation networks and breadth of experience. Our growing client base relies on a great understanding of how to execute charters safely and seamlessly while delivering fantastic customer service. We are excited to bring Hassan into the team and to help him build on the recent success we have seen.”

1st March 2023, Dublin: Avia Solutions, the aviation business group, has become an Irish-based company. Following the transfer of its controlling headquarters to Ireland, Dublin, the group also became the second largest Irish-registered aviation business behind aviation giant Ryanair. “Moving the company’s controlling headquarters to Ireland was a strategically important step for us in terms of our further development plans,” explains Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group. “Ireland is known as the hub of aviation. A large number of aviation companies are located here, hence, being closer to the aviation community we will be able to implement the group’s development plans faster and maintain market leadership.” According to Janukenas, the company’s financial instruments on the Dublin Stock Exchange have been purchased by the world’s largest institutional investors from the USA and Europe, so this was also one of the reasons for choosing Ireland. The group has offices spanning all across the world: Ireland, Lithuania, the US, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Australia and Asia Pacific.Avia Solutions Group is the world’s leading and largest ACMI (aircraft leasing, maintenance and insurance) services group with a fleet of more than 165 aircraft. The group also provides various aviation services, such as aircraft maintenance, pilot and crew training, ground handling, and others. Avia Solutions Group employs more than 11,000 highly skilled aviation professionals across different regions of the world.

WICHITA, Kansas : 20th Feb 2023: Textron Aviation announced that it will now offer a gravel kit for its new twin-engine, large-utility Cessna SkyCourier turboprop that gives customers the flexibility to operate their aircraft in and out of unimproved runways around the world. First deliveries of the SkyCourier with the installed option will commence later this month. The Cessna SkyCourier is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.The clean-sheet design aircraft achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in March 2022 with first deliveries following just two months later. “Cessna aircraft have been moving people and critically-needed goods in and out of remote areas for decades, and this new capability allows SkyCourier customers to operate in some of the world’s most demanding environments,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Sales and Flight Operations. “The addition of this new gravel kit greatly enhances the already rugged reliability of the SkyCourier.” This additional option for the SkyCourier paves the way for further use in global markets by a variety of customers, including government agencies, law enforcement and militaries, air ambulance operators, freight haulers, corporations and humanitarian organizations. The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, passenger and special mission operators. In addition to the freighter version, there is a 19-passenger variant of the SkyCourier that includes separate crew and passenger entries for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both configurations offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds.