Bombardier steals the show with new jets

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Business Aviation, News, Travel

Bombardier has added two more aircraft to its Global family of business jets that the company says will deliver “unmatched total performance”.

The Global 5500 and the Global 6500 were launched ahead of this week’s opening of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, EBACE 2018, in Geneva.

David Coleal

“Bombardier’s two newest Global aircraft are the result of our unrelenting commitment to innovation, excellence and most of all, our desire to deliver unmatched capabilities to our customers,” said David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, as he unveiled the Global 6500 at a TAG Aviation hangar on Sunday.

The Rolls-Royce Pearl

The Global 5500 can connect Sao Paulo and Paris, and Moscow and Los Angeles while the Global 6500 can connect Hong Kong or Singapore and London, and Toluca and Madrid, the company said.

An all-new Rolls-Royce engine will power the aircraft. The jets are expected to enter service at the end of 2019.

All photos are by Abdul Latheef

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‘JetBook is the jewel in our crown’

Antonia Lukacinova: Experiencing HondaJet

The Czech high-flier behind the Sapphire Pegasus business aviation awards is now making headlines as the author of JetBook.

The latest edition of the luxury aircraft and helicopter guide will be unveiled at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, EBACE 2018, in Geneva next week ahead of its official release in summer.

“Aviation has always been a huge passion of mine, and JetBook is a book that helps the industry by making it easier to fulfill people’s dreams of owning a private jet or helicopter,” Antonia Lukacinova said.

“There is no other guide on the market that offers such a comprehensive overview of the industry today.”

The 232-page book features 55 business jets and 20 helicopters as well as exclusive photos and interviews.

“JetBook is the jewel in our crown. We intend to support it with a wealth of up-to-date articles and information about the latest aircraft, along with lifestyle articles in our upcoming JetBook Life series,” said Lukacinova, who has been working in business aviation in the Czech Republic since 2004.

She also founded the Sapphire Pegasus Awards, which honors outstanding performances by companies and individuals in business aviation.

This year’s awards will be announced at EBACE on Tuesday. The winners were chosen from 74 nominees via an online ballot by more than 60,000 voters.

Photos are courtesy of Media Tribune and Sapphire Pegasus.

EBACE static display to feature 55 aircraft

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Business, News, Travel

Geneva hosts the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, or EBACE, later this month.

One of the world’s biggest business aviation shows, it opens at Palexpo on May 29.

More than 400 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and services at the three-day event.

The static display will feature 55 aircraft. The organizers say 13,000 aviation professionals will attend the show.

Photo courtesy: EBACE, Palexpo

Shaesta Waiz sets sights on global solo flight

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Afghanistan, Aircraft, Airports, Aviation, Beechcraft Bonanza A36, Business, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Environment, NBAA, News, Shaesta Waiz, Technology, Transport, Travel

Shaesta Waiz is already famous as Afghanistan’s first certified civilian female pilot.

The 28-year-old Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student is now setting her sights on a bigger feat – to become the youngest female to fly solo around the world.

Her 90-day, 33-city, 19-country, five-continent flight is scheduled to take off form Daytona Beach, Fla., on June 2, 2016.

The 43,964-kilometre flight was announced Wednesday at the National Business Aviation Association annual convention in Las Vegas.

Waiz will fly a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, being provided by High Performance Aircraft.

“As a pilot, I have this passion for aviation that I want to share. But it’s more than that. I want to show women that they can succeed in anything, including flying around the world,” Waiz said.

She is currently completing a master’s degree in business administration at Embry-Riddle, the world’s largest and oldest university specializing in aviation and aerospace studies.

“To have my university and the aviation industry support me and make this come true speaks volumes not only to their belief in me and this ground-breaking journey, but every young person with a dream,” Waiz said.

Also participating in the project are the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, Bose Corp., American Bonanza Society, Avfuel, Florida Aviation Business Association, MSK Concepts, Beeline, ICAO, UNDP and various individuals.

In 2014, 19-year-old Matt Guthmiller of South Dakota became the youngest person to fly solo around the globe when he completed his 46,570-kilometre journey, also in a Beechcraft Bonanza A36.

The images are courtesy of Embry-Riddle.

 

Ultra-fast Internet for Global business jets

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Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, Challenger 350, Embraer, Luxury Travel, News, Technology, Transport, Travel

Kurt Weidemeyer of Inmarsat, William Shatner, Jean-Christophe Gallagher of Bombardier Business Aircraft and Jack Jacobs of Honeywell at the announcement in Las Vegas.

Three companies are joining forces to offer what is being called the fastest Internet connectivity in business aviation.

Bombardier Business Aircraft said Tuesday that testing and validation for the service was nearing completion.

The Canadian aircraft manufacturer is partnering with Honeywell and Inmarsat to offer the so-called Wireless Access Virtually Everywhere, or WAVE, on its Global business jets from next year.

“Passengers can now stage a videoconference, browse the Internet or stream online shows high above land and water, as seamlessly as they would on the ground,” the company said on the opening day of the 2015 National Business Aviation Association conference and exhibition in Las Vegas.

“Bombardier is the first business aircraft manufacturer to make ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi services available in flight globally and the first to offer performance commitments for network availability and speed,” it said.

The service will be available on new Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft.

There will also be a retrofit option for Global Express, Global Express XRS, Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft.

“Our Global aircraft can link virtually any key city pair worldwide, non-stop, at close to the speed of sound, and the Bombardier WAVE system is intended to match this performance with its exceptional speed, promise of reliability and worldwide reach,” said David Coleal (left), president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.

“WAVE is a further example of how Bombardier is leading the industry in delivering the ultimate cabin experience to its customers.”

The system leverages Honeywell Aerospace’s JetWave hardware and Inmarsat’s JetConneX solution to deliver high-speed access, consistent performance and seamless coverage across the globe, Bombardier said.

“Our JetWave hardware, coupled with Inmarsat’s JetConneX solution, is ushering in a new era of connectivity in the skies,” said Kristin Slyker, vice-president at Honeywell Aerospace.

“The industry continues to demand better, more consistent and faster in-flight Wi-Fi to make the travel experience better and our next generation technology is leading the way to satisfy these demands.”

The images are courtesy of Bombardier, Honeywell and Inmarsat.

A thousand reasons to celebrate

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Airbus, Airbus Corporate Jets, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Challenger 650, Embraer, Gulfstream, Luxury Travel, NBAA, NetJets, News, Transport, Travel

Bombardier’s 1,000th Challenger 600 series aircraft is set to enter into service this year …and that airplane will be the first Challenger 650, built for private aviation leader NetJets Inc.

Bombardier made the announcement as business aircraft manufacturers descended on Las Vegas for the 2015 National Business Aviation Association conference and exhibition.

The airplane will be on static display at the three-day show opening Tuesday.

Pat Gallagher (left) of NetJets with David Coleal of Bombardier in Las Vegas on Monday.

“Our collaboration with NetJets to create their Signature Series concept on our Challenger and Global platforms is evidence of what can be accomplished when two visionary industry leaders join forces,” said David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft.

The aircraft is part of an original NetJets order announced in June 2012 for 100 Challenger aircraft with options for an additional 175, Bombardier said.

NetJets has also placed a firm order for 50 Global jets with options for an additional 70 aircraft in March 2011.

“The Challenger 650 aircraft will be a wonderful addition to our fleet,” said Pat Gallagher, NetJets’ executive vice-president of sales and marketing.

The airplane received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada this month.

With a range of more than 7,400 kilometres, the aircraft can fly from London to New York, Dubai to London or Sao Paulo to Miami non-stop.

In other show news:

Embraer Executive Jets is forecasting a global demand for 9,100 new business jets, worth $259 billion, over the next 10 years.

“This is the total market opportunity to be serviced by all manufacturers and represents a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 3 per cent per year over the next 10 years, Embraer said.

“The analysis foresees that demand is likely to exceed the last decade’s deliveries and market value, when approximately 8,190 business jets were delivered, worth $198 billion.”

Earlier in the day, Boeing Business Jets announced orders for four new BBJ MAX 8 airplanes.

Three airplanes were ordered by an undisclosed customer based in the Middle East while one order came from an undisclosed customer in Asia, Boeing said.

Nearly 100 business aircraft will be on display at NBAA15, which has attracted more than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world.

Meanwhile, Cessna Aircraft Co. debuted its new Citation Longitude business jet.

It also announced plans to enter the large business jet category with the Citation Hemisphere.

“The Longitude and Hemisphere will join the Citation Latitude to complete a new, large-cabin, three-aircraft Citation family,” the company said.

Images are courtesy of Bombardier, NBAA, Embraer, Boeing and Cessna.

 

Vietjet orders 30 Airbus A321s

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A320, A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, CS100, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Lufthansa Technik AG, News, Transport, Travel, Vietjet

A Vietnamese budget airline, which was launched just four years ago, was the top newsmaker on the third of the Dubai Airshow.

The Ho Chi Minh City-based Vietjet announced an order for 30 Airbus A321s.

“Today’s order for additional A321s responds to our growth strategy and to the need for additional seat capacity on both domestic and international routes,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, president and CEO

“Our aim is to be Vietnam and Asia’s new-age carrier, known for quality, efficiency and comfort and our A320 fleet has earned us this reputation.”

Vietjet already operates a fleet of 29 A320s and with Tuesday’s announcement, the airline has placed firm orders for a total of 99 A320 family aircraft.

Airbus also won an order from Oman Air to upgrade the cabins of its A330s.

This interior modernization will harmonize the airline’s business class cabins across its long range fleet and ensure the latest standards in its in-service A330s, Airbus said.

The project is to be completed next year.

In other show news:

Mercedes-Benz Style and Lufthansa Technik AG unveiled their new VIP cabin design to initial customers.

The two German companies said they had been working on the design since it was first announced at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva in May.

“The floor plan presented here visualizes the typical Mercedes-Benz modern luxury combined with Lufthansa Technik’s highest quality design approach,” said Walter Heerdt, senior vice-president at Lufthansa Technik.

“The result is a unique, organic and functional design for a modern VIP Jet. Together with Lufthansa Technik’s latest in-flight communication and entertainment innovations, the new cabin will be ideal for global players wishing to travel in style.”

The images are courtesy of Airbus and  Lufthansa Technik.

Emirates signs $16B service deal with GE Aviation

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3D Printing, 737 MAX, A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Canada, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, Emirates, GE Aviation, Jet Airways, News, Transport, Travel, UAE

Emirates has announced the biggest deal yet of the 14th Dubai Airshow — the UAE national carrier has signed a US$16 billion agreement with GE Aviation for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the GE9X engines that will power the airline’s fleet of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft over a period of 12 years.

This is the airline’s single largest engine MRO contract to date. Emirates ordered the 150 aircraft at the last show in 2013.

Earlier Monday, Indian carrier Jet Airways announced an order for 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

The order includes options and purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft, Boeing said.

“Incorporating the latest design and technology features, the highly efficient 737 MAX will allow us to drive our operational efficiency and reaffirms our commitment to providing a best-in-class full service travel experience to our guests,” said Naresh Goyal (below), chairman of Jet Airways.

“This order is an endorsement of our confidence in the long-term prospects of the Indian aviation sector, which reflects the positive forecast for the country’s economy and offers tremendous potential for growth and development.”

Jet Airways will be the first airline in India to take delivery of the single-aisle aircraft, said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“The 737 MAX will bring new standards for fuel efficiency and economics, and a premium passenger experience to Jet Airways.” The deal is worth about $8 billion.

In other show news:

The UAE Air Force announced the purchase of two new Saab Global 6000 long-range surveillance aircraft.

Under the $1.27-billion deal, a further two Saab 340 jets already in UAE ownership will undergo systems upgrades.

Meanwhile, GE Aviation announced the opening of its Middle East Aviation Technology Center in Dubai. It will serve as a regional customer and product support hub.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Aviation to work towards the establishment of Abu Dhabi Aviation as an authorized service facility for the Q Series aircraft.

“When a final agreement is reached, Abu Dhabi Aviation will become the first ASF for Q Series aircraft in the Middle East and will offer line and base maintenance services,” Bombardier said.

A 3D-printed drone, billed as the world’s fastest, largest and most complex, was unveiled Monday as part of the 3D Printshow.

The jet-engine powered aircraft took just two months to create and can break speeds of 320 kilometres an hour, the show organizers said. It was manufactured by 3D printing-technology leader Stratasys.

“This is the final piece in the puzzle for aerospace and we’re really excited to present it today,” said Jay Shelby of Stratasys.

“We’re here to show manufacturers what can be done when you take this technology and build your design around it. ”

The images are courtesy of Boeing, GE Aviation and F&E Aerospace.

Dubai Airshow in pictures

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A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Canada, CS100, CSeries, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, News, Sheikh Mohammed, Transport, Travel, UAE, UAE Space Agency

A few images from Sunday’s opening of the 14th Dubai Airshow by the emirate’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Visiting the brand new two-class Emirates Airbus A380.

Touring Qatar Airways A380 with the airline’s GCEO, Akbar Al Baker.

Touring the CS100 with Fred Cromer, president of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

At the UAE Space Agency pavilion.

The images are courtesy of F&E Aerospace, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Bombardier and the UAE Space Agency.

Stars of the Dubai Airshow

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A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, CSeries, Dassault Falcon, Dreamliner, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Embraer, Gulfstream, News, Textron, Transport, Travel

The 14th edition of the Dubai Airshow opens on Sunday. DAS 2015 is the biggest in the show’s history. More than 160 aircraft will be on display at the five-day show.

Featured below are some of them: The first two-class configured Emirates A380, the Sukhoi Superjet 100, the Bell 429, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Airbus A350XWB, the Bombardier CS100, the Bombardier Global 6000, the Gulfstream E650ER, the Embraer Legacy 650, the Dassault Falcon 9000LX and the Embraer Phenom 100.

Images are courtesy of their respective owners.