Corporate Aircraft Maintenance and Business Aviation
There is a paradox, business aviation is 30% down, but completion centres have never been so busy. Of course, heads-of-state, royal families, and even some high rollers remain unaffected by the recession, but this is not the whole story.
Swiss-based Jet Aviation has expanded in the USA. Lufthansa Technik and Marshall Aerospace with their business aviation centre are promoting corporate aircraft maintenance too.
Airlines who are suffering are deferring deliveries, so airframes are becoming available for VIP clients ahead of schedule and at a discount. Completion centres are therefore being pressured to accept them early. Meanwhile, many previous generation business jets are now due for refurbishment, and while airlines are looking to dump their regional jets, entrepreneurial opportunities exist to refurbish them to executive configurations, then offer them to customers for less than a new purchase. Part of the consolidation is also defensive. As the market contracts, OEMs are bringing more completion work in-house. Airlines slash capacity and offload and then refurbishment, interior upgrades, airborne Internet, adjustable LED lighting, and executive suites make a regional jet marketable as a corporate jet.
Lufthansa Technik (LHT) announced late last year that its completion and refurbishment centre at Tulsa, typically working on Falcons and Learjets, will deliver BBJs and its first A319. LHT is also repositioning narrow-body and RJ conversion support work to the former Swissair maintenance complex in Basel.
Similarly, Jet Aviation has been adding major hangar expansions on both continents. Fokker Services has moved into ACJ series completions and has a two-year business jet backlog. Comlux Completions USA is a new player, having bought into Airbus's ACJ Completions Centre in Toulouse, while its Zurich based Creatives division designs, specs and manages completions projects.
In the UK, Cambridge City Airport will now be known as Marshall Airport Cambridge with a new Marshall Business Aviation Centre with integrated corporate maintenance facility.
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Gulfstream G650 Business Jets - Faster and Bigger
Gulfstream G650 Business Jets - Faster and Bigger
Gulstream has a new member of their private business jet class, the Gulfstream G650. Still in production, this beautiful private jet will have an ultra-large cabin and ultra-long range, according to Gulfstream.
If you're one to fly long distances and your time matters, the Gulfstream G650 might be just the plane. It will be capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach or 5,000 nautical miles at 0.90 Mach, which makes it the fastest, farthest flying private jet for Gulfstream.
And airline congestion, plus poor weather conditions, aren't an issue with the G650, which will climb to 51,000 feet-safely avoiding it all. By the way, the maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach makes the G650 the fastest civil aircraft in existence.
So, yes, it can fly fast and high, which is great, but luxury has to be a concern. This private jet has a cabin that measures 102 inches wide by 77 inches tall making it, yes you've guessed it, the largest business-jet cabin out there. This bigger cabin allows for more comfortable seating, storage, lavatories, etc.
Even the windows, which measure 28 inches by 20.5 inches, are the largest in the industry. The G650 comes with 16 cabin windows, 8 per side, so there's always a great view.
If you want to see the G650 in action, it will take its first scheduled flight in the second half of 2009. Anxious customers will start to receive their private aircraft in 2012. The G650 is definitely the crowning jewel of the Gulfstream fleet. It has the speed and luxury to be a first-class private business jet.
Gulstream has a new member of their private business jet class, the Gulfstream G650. Still in production, this beautiful private jet will have an ultra-large cabin and ultra-long range, according to Gulfstream.
If you're one to fly long distances and your time matters, the Gulfstream G650 might be just the plane. It will be capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach or 5,000 nautical miles at 0.90 Mach, which makes it the fastest, farthest flying private jet for Gulfstream.
And airline congestion, plus poor weather conditions, aren't an issue with the G650, which will climb to 51,000 feet-safely avoiding it all. By the way, the maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach makes the G650 the fastest civil aircraft in existence.
So, yes, it can fly fast and high, which is great, but luxury has to be a concern. This private jet has a cabin that measures 102 inches wide by 77 inches tall making it, yes you've guessed it, the largest business-jet cabin out there. This bigger cabin allows for more comfortable seating, storage, lavatories, etc.
Even the windows, which measure 28 inches by 20.5 inches, are the largest in the industry. The G650 comes with 16 cabin windows, 8 per side, so there's always a great view.
If you want to see the G650 in action, it will take its first scheduled flight in the second half of 2009. Anxious customers will start to receive their private aircraft in 2012. The G650 is definitely the crowning jewel of the Gulfstream fleet. It has the speed and luxury to be a first-class private business jet.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Entering Business Aviation, Part I: Types of Aircraft
Entering Business Aviation, Part I: Types of Aircraft
The jets that people fly in corporate aviation are usually a lot smaller than those found with the airlines. Exceptions to the rule are Boeing's BBJ and Airbus' Corporate Jet, both of which are based on some of the smaller types of aircraft marketed to the airlines.
A corporate flight attendant is typically utilized on a "cabin class" aircraft. They are larger aircraft with usually 19 or less seats, where you can easily get up and walk around the cabin. Compared with a Westwind, Lear, or Cessna, the larger jets have an aisle to walk up and down upon and the headroom usually is adequate to allow easy passage of anyone under 6' tall.
Some of the major producers of cabin class aircraft include: Bombardier Challenger/Canadair, Dassault Falcon Jet, and Gulfstream aircraft. In addition, Embraer has recently entered the market and there are various Hawker 800XPs and other similarly sized aircraft that sometimes will utilize a flight attendant. It really all depends on what the customer wants.
Across the board, corporate aircraft are exquisitely outfitted. Just about every creature comfort imaginable is included; literally the corporate boardroom is transplanted from the 41st floor to 41,000 feet!
Custom mahogany cabinetry, full leather seating, premium carpeting, wood-veneer paneling, chenille sofas, are some of the things found in the cabin, while the galley can be equipped with elm-burl wood, complete with personalized crystal barware. Many galleys also contain items such as a high temperature oven, microwave, dual Krupps coffee maker and hot cup.
Most of the Gulfstream aircraft in flight are under the designation of Gulfstream II, III, IV, and V. Although in the past few years, the company has changed the designations to 200, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550 with the lower numbered aircraft being smaller in size.
Dassault Falcon Jet has several popular entries including the 900 and 2000. In a few more years the 7X will make its debut as the newest entry in the Falcon Jet family.
Bombardier has several aircraft under the Challenger and Canadair moniker. Their newer aircraft will all have the Bombardier name, but in the meantime, the popular Challenger 604 and Global Express along with their 5000 model are some of the cabin class aircraft being flown today.
Lastly, Embraer has recently entered the business jet fray with their Legacy aircraft. Long a builder of regional jets, Embraer aircraft should start showing up increasingly as they are the low cost price leader in their category.
The jets that people fly in corporate aviation are usually a lot smaller than those found with the airlines. Exceptions to the rule are Boeing's BBJ and Airbus' Corporate Jet, both of which are based on some of the smaller types of aircraft marketed to the airlines.
A corporate flight attendant is typically utilized on a "cabin class" aircraft. They are larger aircraft with usually 19 or less seats, where you can easily get up and walk around the cabin. Compared with a Westwind, Lear, or Cessna, the larger jets have an aisle to walk up and down upon and the headroom usually is adequate to allow easy passage of anyone under 6' tall.
Some of the major producers of cabin class aircraft include: Bombardier Challenger/Canadair, Dassault Falcon Jet, and Gulfstream aircraft. In addition, Embraer has recently entered the market and there are various Hawker 800XPs and other similarly sized aircraft that sometimes will utilize a flight attendant. It really all depends on what the customer wants.
Across the board, corporate aircraft are exquisitely outfitted. Just about every creature comfort imaginable is included; literally the corporate boardroom is transplanted from the 41st floor to 41,000 feet!
Custom mahogany cabinetry, full leather seating, premium carpeting, wood-veneer paneling, chenille sofas, are some of the things found in the cabin, while the galley can be equipped with elm-burl wood, complete with personalized crystal barware. Many galleys also contain items such as a high temperature oven, microwave, dual Krupps coffee maker and hot cup.
Most of the Gulfstream aircraft in flight are under the designation of Gulfstream II, III, IV, and V. Although in the past few years, the company has changed the designations to 200, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550 with the lower numbered aircraft being smaller in size.
Dassault Falcon Jet has several popular entries including the 900 and 2000. In a few more years the 7X will make its debut as the newest entry in the Falcon Jet family.
Bombardier has several aircraft under the Challenger and Canadair moniker. Their newer aircraft will all have the Bombardier name, but in the meantime, the popular Challenger 604 and Global Express along with their 5000 model are some of the cabin class aircraft being flown today.
Lastly, Embraer has recently entered the business jet fray with their Legacy aircraft. Long a builder of regional jets, Embraer aircraft should start showing up increasingly as they are the low cost price leader in their category.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Private Aviation - A Must in the Modern Business World
Private Aviation - A Must in the Modern Business World
If your business often takes you out of the office and onto an aeroplane, you'll know the downside of traveling by air. It seems as if you're constantly waiting and at the mercy of the airlines you depend on to get you to your business meetings on time.
Fortunately there is an alternative, and although it may not be one you have previously considered you'll soon see the benefits that come with private jet charter.
Perhaps the most immediate benefit is the faster service that private plane hire offers you. Not only can you dispense with having to check in an hour or two before you fly, you'll also benefit from the quicker and easier service - no long queues to negotiate and no long delays caused by the previous flight running late. You'll also be able to schedule your flight exactly when you require it, instead of having to book a seat on the closest commercial flight you can get.
This type of VIP travel is for the busy business person who places a high value on their time. Private aviation is more flexible than any commercial airline, which means no time will be wasted arriving early for your appointment and having to wait to see your client. You can plan your itinerary right down to the last minute, and ensure you arrive for your meeting right on time. Furthermore, when you arrive you can disembark and be on your way far quicker than you would if you relied on any traditional flight.
Things can also change quickly in the business world - meetings can be postponed or run late, which could be disastrous if you are already on board your commercial flight when the news comes through. With private jet charter this isn't a problem - the fully flexible itinerary means you can rearrange your flight to suit your own needs.
The savings in time that this offers you and your business are considerable. If you rely on a regular plane charter to fulfill your corporate travel needs you will soon see the benefits in increased productivity. You will find that the cost associated with this kind of luxury travel is actually far less than you might think when offset against the greater productivity you will achieve as a result.
You may prefer helicopter hire to flying by plane, but as with a private jet you will be able to benefit from using landing sites that are inaccessible to commercial jets, all of which speeds your journey as there is no need to fit in with the scheduling of other airlines.
When you arrange your private hire, you will be able to select the closest available landing spot to your meeting destination, leaving even less time in the car at the other end than you would experience leaving a major airport - and without the hassle of lots of traffic either.
In short, private jet hire has a lot to offer your business. Not only does it project a professional image, it also makes traveling to those business meetings far more enjoyable.
If your business often takes you out of the office and onto an aeroplane, you'll know the downside of traveling by air. It seems as if you're constantly waiting and at the mercy of the airlines you depend on to get you to your business meetings on time.
Fortunately there is an alternative, and although it may not be one you have previously considered you'll soon see the benefits that come with private jet charter.
Perhaps the most immediate benefit is the faster service that private plane hire offers you. Not only can you dispense with having to check in an hour or two before you fly, you'll also benefit from the quicker and easier service - no long queues to negotiate and no long delays caused by the previous flight running late. You'll also be able to schedule your flight exactly when you require it, instead of having to book a seat on the closest commercial flight you can get.
This type of VIP travel is for the busy business person who places a high value on their time. Private aviation is more flexible than any commercial airline, which means no time will be wasted arriving early for your appointment and having to wait to see your client. You can plan your itinerary right down to the last minute, and ensure you arrive for your meeting right on time. Furthermore, when you arrive you can disembark and be on your way far quicker than you would if you relied on any traditional flight.
Things can also change quickly in the business world - meetings can be postponed or run late, which could be disastrous if you are already on board your commercial flight when the news comes through. With private jet charter this isn't a problem - the fully flexible itinerary means you can rearrange your flight to suit your own needs.
The savings in time that this offers you and your business are considerable. If you rely on a regular plane charter to fulfill your corporate travel needs you will soon see the benefits in increased productivity. You will find that the cost associated with this kind of luxury travel is actually far less than you might think when offset against the greater productivity you will achieve as a result.
You may prefer helicopter hire to flying by plane, but as with a private jet you will be able to benefit from using landing sites that are inaccessible to commercial jets, all of which speeds your journey as there is no need to fit in with the scheduling of other airlines.
When you arrange your private hire, you will be able to select the closest available landing spot to your meeting destination, leaving even less time in the car at the other end than you would experience leaving a major airport - and without the hassle of lots of traffic either.
In short, private jet hire has a lot to offer your business. Not only does it project a professional image, it also makes traveling to those business meetings far more enjoyable.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Business Jets - The Raytheon Hawker 4000
Business Jets - The Raytheon Hawker 4000
The Hawker 4000 is an all-new super mid size corporate jet built by the Raytheon Aircraft Company. It was originally announced under the name of Hawker Horizon in 1996, but didn't debut until November 2005.
The Horizon's design is based upon the philosophy of combining the earlier Hawkers' popular characteristics with new advanced technologies, so it was deliberately designed to look, feel and fly like a Hawker.
The 4000 follows the line of the previous Hawker 1000, but compared to its predecessor, the Horizon has a wider, slightly longer fuselage with a flat floor, a cabin with stand up headroom and a heavier maximum takeoff weight. The Horizon features an all-composite fuselage built in three sections and manufactured using the automated fiber placement technology developed for the Premier I, which was a parallel project that Raytheon was working on at the time. The empennage features an aluminum sub structure and carbon fiber skin.
The carbon composite construction used in the Horizon gives it more interior space than many jets in its class. This composite construction also makes the aircraft much lighter than a standard aluminum structure, allowing a maximum range of 3,445 nautical miles, and a service ceiling of 45,000 ft.
The flight deck systems feature a Primus Epic flight control system and flight management system. The navigation suite consists of a dual VHF omni directional radio navigation system, dual distance measuring equipment, dual inertial navigation system, dual global positioning system, an electronic ground proximity warner, a TCAS II terrain collision avoidance system and a Primus 880 color weather radar.
The Hawker 4000 is powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A turbofans, resulting in a 0.82 Mach cruising speed and a maximum speed of 0.84 Mach. The fuselage has a length of 69 ft 2 in, a wingspan of 61 ft 9 in and a height of 19 ft 7 in. The empty weight is 23,500 lb.
The aircraft is also equipped with twin-wheeled hydraulically retractable tricycle-type Messier-Dowty landing gear, which are fitted with hydraulically operated, digitally controlled carbon disc brakes and an electronic anti-skid system.
The Hawker 4000 has a crew of two pilots and can be typically set to accommodate eight people in a comfortable cabin configuration, arranged with four pairs of club chairs with writing tables. Additional cabin configurations are available, supporting a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.
The cabin air conditioning and pressurization system is digitally controlled. Cabin pressurization at a cruising altitude of 43,000 ft can be maintained at the equivalent of 6,000 ft altitude compared to 8,000 ft on conventional aircraft.
The Hawker 4000 is an all-new super mid size corporate jet built by the Raytheon Aircraft Company. It was originally announced under the name of Hawker Horizon in 1996, but didn't debut until November 2005.
The Horizon's design is based upon the philosophy of combining the earlier Hawkers' popular characteristics with new advanced technologies, so it was deliberately designed to look, feel and fly like a Hawker.
The 4000 follows the line of the previous Hawker 1000, but compared to its predecessor, the Horizon has a wider, slightly longer fuselage with a flat floor, a cabin with stand up headroom and a heavier maximum takeoff weight. The Horizon features an all-composite fuselage built in three sections and manufactured using the automated fiber placement technology developed for the Premier I, which was a parallel project that Raytheon was working on at the time. The empennage features an aluminum sub structure and carbon fiber skin.
The carbon composite construction used in the Horizon gives it more interior space than many jets in its class. This composite construction also makes the aircraft much lighter than a standard aluminum structure, allowing a maximum range of 3,445 nautical miles, and a service ceiling of 45,000 ft.
The flight deck systems feature a Primus Epic flight control system and flight management system. The navigation suite consists of a dual VHF omni directional radio navigation system, dual distance measuring equipment, dual inertial navigation system, dual global positioning system, an electronic ground proximity warner, a TCAS II terrain collision avoidance system and a Primus 880 color weather radar.
The Hawker 4000 is powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A turbofans, resulting in a 0.82 Mach cruising speed and a maximum speed of 0.84 Mach. The fuselage has a length of 69 ft 2 in, a wingspan of 61 ft 9 in and a height of 19 ft 7 in. The empty weight is 23,500 lb.
The aircraft is also equipped with twin-wheeled hydraulically retractable tricycle-type Messier-Dowty landing gear, which are fitted with hydraulically operated, digitally controlled carbon disc brakes and an electronic anti-skid system.
The Hawker 4000 has a crew of two pilots and can be typically set to accommodate eight people in a comfortable cabin configuration, arranged with four pairs of club chairs with writing tables. Additional cabin configurations are available, supporting a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.
The cabin air conditioning and pressurization system is digitally controlled. Cabin pressurization at a cruising altitude of 43,000 ft can be maintained at the equivalent of 6,000 ft altitude compared to 8,000 ft on conventional aircraft.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Business Case For Traveling on a Private Plane
Business Case For Traveling on a Private Plane
Business executives have taken much criticism for corporate extravagances of late. It has only grown louder during the current economic climate. One of the favorite targets of critics is executive aircraft. A business case can be made for the use of private aircraft, but corporate executives do have to think differently about it.
The most often used defense for executive aircraft is that it promotes productivity. Executives can get more done in air while traveling aboard a private aircraft, not to mention securely and privately. Also, by not having to deal security lines, flight delays, or connecting flights, corporate personnel can get to more destinations in a single day. It is even plausible that the trip that would take a week to get to five cities, could be completed in a single day with corporate aircraft.
While this productivity argument is true, corporate aircraft are nonetheless very expensive. They cost multiple millions to purchase and are almost as expensive to maintain annually. This is why critics, whether they are shareholders or politicians, point at the excesses of executives. However, there are number of alternatives to flying aboard private aircraft then outright ownership. This is where business leaders need to change their mindset- from ownership to charters. The good news is charters can also offer the executive more benefits than full ownership.
Chartering an aircraft is good route to go. Actually, almost all alternatives are some variation of the chartering theme. One of the main benefits to a corporate executive is that they are not limited to a single or a few aircraft. The executive has entire fleets of aircraft to choose their travel from. This means a private jet can have more seats for a larger group, or another corporate aircraft that has workstations for personnel to get a lot done in flight, or they can choose another private plane that has a bed and full bath for more luxury on a long flight.
The cost effectiveness of chartering an aircraft over ownership can be amazing. There are other cost effective options like fractional ownership or jet cards that can provide the business executive even more options. It only takes 5 to 7 hours notice within the continental United States to have a plane ready and waiting to take them where they need to go. Charters and the other options make it much harder for critics to criticize corporate travel as an executive extravagance.
Business executives have taken much criticism for corporate extravagances of late. It has only grown louder during the current economic climate. One of the favorite targets of critics is executive aircraft. A business case can be made for the use of private aircraft, but corporate executives do have to think differently about it.
The most often used defense for executive aircraft is that it promotes productivity. Executives can get more done in air while traveling aboard a private aircraft, not to mention securely and privately. Also, by not having to deal security lines, flight delays, or connecting flights, corporate personnel can get to more destinations in a single day. It is even plausible that the trip that would take a week to get to five cities, could be completed in a single day with corporate aircraft.
While this productivity argument is true, corporate aircraft are nonetheless very expensive. They cost multiple millions to purchase and are almost as expensive to maintain annually. This is why critics, whether they are shareholders or politicians, point at the excesses of executives. However, there are number of alternatives to flying aboard private aircraft then outright ownership. This is where business leaders need to change their mindset- from ownership to charters. The good news is charters can also offer the executive more benefits than full ownership.
Chartering an aircraft is good route to go. Actually, almost all alternatives are some variation of the chartering theme. One of the main benefits to a corporate executive is that they are not limited to a single or a few aircraft. The executive has entire fleets of aircraft to choose their travel from. This means a private jet can have more seats for a larger group, or another corporate aircraft that has workstations for personnel to get a lot done in flight, or they can choose another private plane that has a bed and full bath for more luxury on a long flight.
The cost effectiveness of chartering an aircraft over ownership can be amazing. There are other cost effective options like fractional ownership or jet cards that can provide the business executive even more options. It only takes 5 to 7 hours notice within the continental United States to have a plane ready and waiting to take them where they need to go. Charters and the other options make it much harder for critics to criticize corporate travel as an executive extravagance.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Business Jets - The Cessna Citation Excel
Business Jets - The Cessna Citation Excel
The Cessna Citation Excel, Model 560XL, is a turbofan-powered small-to-medium sized business jet built by the Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas. Several jets in the Citation family, which includes the Excel, the Citation XLS, the Citation XLS+ and the Citation Sovereign, precede it. The Excel project was originally announced in October, 1994, and the prototype aircraft debuted on February 29, 1996.
Similarly to its main inspiration, the Citation X, which enjoyed great popularity by the time it was introduced in the market, the Citation Excel broke from the traditional image of the Citation line by using a new combination of technologies and designs. It represented a chance to hit the traditional Citation market with the new and revolutionary features introduced by the Citation X.
The basis of the Excel is a shortened Citation X fuselage combined with a modified unswept supercritical wing, a cruciform tail configuration and the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-545A series turbofans. This allowed the Excel to develop a maximum cruising speed of 429 knots.
Additional design features include a standard Honeywell Primus 1000 three 8 x 7in screen EFIS avionics package and trailing link main undercarriage units.
The Excel's maximum certificated altitude is 45,000 ft and its range at economical cruising speed with two pilots, four passengers and IFR reserves is 2,080 nm. It weights 11,910 lb empty and has a maximum takeoff weight of 20,000 lb. The fuselage has a 51ft 10in length, 55ft 10in wingspan, and a height of 17ft 3in. The Excel has several interior configurations with seating for up to 10 passengers in the main cabin.
The Citation XLS superseded the Excel, featuring the upgraded PW545B engines with increased performance. It was later upgraded to the XLS+, with the inclusion of FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls) engine controls and improved PW545C engines.
The Model 680 Citation Sovereign debuted in February, 2002, and featured FADEC equipped, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306C turbofan engines. It surged to cover the need for a high-performance jet midway between the Excel/XLS size and the Citation X.
The Sovereign is flown by two pilots and can seat between 8-12 passengers. With a length of 63.6 ft, a wingspan of 63.2 ft and a height of 20.4 ft the Sovereign provides adequate room for a mid-sized business jet. It has a 17,700 lb empty weight and a 30,550 lb max takeoff weight. The Sovereign is able to develop a max speed of 458 knots and a range of 2,603 nautical miles, with a rate of climb of 3,571 ft/min and a service ceiling of 47,000 ft.
Cessna's mission of reinvigorating the Citation line is proceeding strongly. What started with the introduction of the Citation X continues with the Citation Excel.
The Cessna Citation Excel, Model 560XL, is a turbofan-powered small-to-medium sized business jet built by the Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas. Several jets in the Citation family, which includes the Excel, the Citation XLS, the Citation XLS+ and the Citation Sovereign, precede it. The Excel project was originally announced in October, 1994, and the prototype aircraft debuted on February 29, 1996.
Similarly to its main inspiration, the Citation X, which enjoyed great popularity by the time it was introduced in the market, the Citation Excel broke from the traditional image of the Citation line by using a new combination of technologies and designs. It represented a chance to hit the traditional Citation market with the new and revolutionary features introduced by the Citation X.
The basis of the Excel is a shortened Citation X fuselage combined with a modified unswept supercritical wing, a cruciform tail configuration and the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-545A series turbofans. This allowed the Excel to develop a maximum cruising speed of 429 knots.
Additional design features include a standard Honeywell Primus 1000 three 8 x 7in screen EFIS avionics package and trailing link main undercarriage units.
The Excel's maximum certificated altitude is 45,000 ft and its range at economical cruising speed with two pilots, four passengers and IFR reserves is 2,080 nm. It weights 11,910 lb empty and has a maximum takeoff weight of 20,000 lb. The fuselage has a 51ft 10in length, 55ft 10in wingspan, and a height of 17ft 3in. The Excel has several interior configurations with seating for up to 10 passengers in the main cabin.
The Citation XLS superseded the Excel, featuring the upgraded PW545B engines with increased performance. It was later upgraded to the XLS+, with the inclusion of FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls) engine controls and improved PW545C engines.
The Model 680 Citation Sovereign debuted in February, 2002, and featured FADEC equipped, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306C turbofan engines. It surged to cover the need for a high-performance jet midway between the Excel/XLS size and the Citation X.
The Sovereign is flown by two pilots and can seat between 8-12 passengers. With a length of 63.6 ft, a wingspan of 63.2 ft and a height of 20.4 ft the Sovereign provides adequate room for a mid-sized business jet. It has a 17,700 lb empty weight and a 30,550 lb max takeoff weight. The Sovereign is able to develop a max speed of 458 knots and a range of 2,603 nautical miles, with a rate of climb of 3,571 ft/min and a service ceiling of 47,000 ft.
Cessna's mission of reinvigorating the Citation line is proceeding strongly. What started with the introduction of the Citation X continues with the Citation Excel.
Business Jets - The Boeing BBJ
Business Jets - The Boeing BBJ
The Boeing Business Jet, also known as the BBJ, is a long-range corporate jet developed from the 737-700 and 800. The aircraft, a joint venture between Boeing and General Electric, was intended to be a corporate version of the popular 737 airliner. The BBJ first flew on September 4, 1998.
The BBJ is a direct competitor to several large business jets. After its launch, Airbus announced the ACJ, derived from their A319 commercial airframe. The BBJ also competes with the larger A320 Prestige and the smaller A318 Elite, but even with these competitors, the Boeing BBJ is currently the largest production business jet on the market. The Embraer Lineage, the Bombardier Global Express and the Gulfstream G550 can also be named as smaller competitors.
The BBJ was designed to combine the 737-700's airframe with the strengthened wing, fuselage centre section and landing gear of the 737-800, adding 3 to 10 belly auxiliary fuel tanks, resulting in a fuselage that has a length of 110ft 4in, a wingspan of 117ft 5in and a height of 41ft 3in. The BBJ features the 737 advanced LCD screen EFIS avionics flightdeck package, equipped with embedded dual GPS, TCAS, enhanced GPWS and a Flight Dynamics head-up guidance system.
Two CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans power the BBJ, allowing it to develop a normal cruising speed of 0.80 Mach. Maximum speed is 0.82 Mach. At 0.79 Mach the BBJ's maximum range, which is between 5510 and 6200 nautical miles, depending on the quantity of passengers and cargo. The maximum certificated altitude is 41 000 ft. Operating empty weights is 94 570 lb, with a maximum takeoff weight of 171 000 lb.
The BBJ has a flight crew of two pilots. The rear cabin is capable of seating 24 passengers with a conference area or exercise gym, or up to 63 passengers. However, the typical configuration supports a more luxurious layout, including a crew rest area, forward lounge, private suite with double bed and private bathroom facilities including shower, 12 first class sleeper seats at four abreast and 60in pitch, and rear galley and bathroom facilities.
The BBJ2, launched in1999, is based on the stretched 737-800 airframe, which is 19ft 2in longer than the BBJ. It also offers a larger cabin and more baggage space, but has slightly reduced range. Additionally, it is fitted with three to seven auxiliary belly fuel tanks. The BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER series, and along with the BBJ2 and the BBJ, includes certain non-specific changes to the airframe.
The BBJ2 supports a range between 4935 and 5735 nautical miles, depending on the quantity of passengers. The empty weight is 100 815 lb, with a max takeoff weight of 174 200 lb. The fuselage measures are the same except for the length and height, which are 129ft 6in and 41ft 2in respectively.
The BBJ's size and range have increased the luxuries and functionality, and size of the modern business jet.
The Boeing Business Jet, also known as the BBJ, is a long-range corporate jet developed from the 737-700 and 800. The aircraft, a joint venture between Boeing and General Electric, was intended to be a corporate version of the popular 737 airliner. The BBJ first flew on September 4, 1998.
The BBJ is a direct competitor to several large business jets. After its launch, Airbus announced the ACJ, derived from their A319 commercial airframe. The BBJ also competes with the larger A320 Prestige and the smaller A318 Elite, but even with these competitors, the Boeing BBJ is currently the largest production business jet on the market. The Embraer Lineage, the Bombardier Global Express and the Gulfstream G550 can also be named as smaller competitors.
The BBJ was designed to combine the 737-700's airframe with the strengthened wing, fuselage centre section and landing gear of the 737-800, adding 3 to 10 belly auxiliary fuel tanks, resulting in a fuselage that has a length of 110ft 4in, a wingspan of 117ft 5in and a height of 41ft 3in. The BBJ features the 737 advanced LCD screen EFIS avionics flightdeck package, equipped with embedded dual GPS, TCAS, enhanced GPWS and a Flight Dynamics head-up guidance system.
Two CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans power the BBJ, allowing it to develop a normal cruising speed of 0.80 Mach. Maximum speed is 0.82 Mach. At 0.79 Mach the BBJ's maximum range, which is between 5510 and 6200 nautical miles, depending on the quantity of passengers and cargo. The maximum certificated altitude is 41 000 ft. Operating empty weights is 94 570 lb, with a maximum takeoff weight of 171 000 lb.
The BBJ has a flight crew of two pilots. The rear cabin is capable of seating 24 passengers with a conference area or exercise gym, or up to 63 passengers. However, the typical configuration supports a more luxurious layout, including a crew rest area, forward lounge, private suite with double bed and private bathroom facilities including shower, 12 first class sleeper seats at four abreast and 60in pitch, and rear galley and bathroom facilities.
The BBJ2, launched in1999, is based on the stretched 737-800 airframe, which is 19ft 2in longer than the BBJ. It also offers a larger cabin and more baggage space, but has slightly reduced range. Additionally, it is fitted with three to seven auxiliary belly fuel tanks. The BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER series, and along with the BBJ2 and the BBJ, includes certain non-specific changes to the airframe.
The BBJ2 supports a range between 4935 and 5735 nautical miles, depending on the quantity of passengers. The empty weight is 100 815 lb, with a max takeoff weight of 174 200 lb. The fuselage measures are the same except for the length and height, which are 129ft 6in and 41ft 2in respectively.
The BBJ's size and range have increased the luxuries and functionality, and size of the modern business jet.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Business Aviation
Business Aviation
As we enter 2010, we are provided a clean slate of sorts to demonstrate the importance of general and business aviation to the public, the media, and the government. The idea of advocating this industry's major role in our national economy and to the public at large is certainly nothing new. But as our national air transportation system evolves from antiquated hub-and-spoke commercial air service to a point-to-point service, general and business aviation continues to enhance its footprint in the skies. Customers want to get from point A to point C without having to go through point B. They want to get to their destination as quickly and safely as possible. Customers don't want to have to deal with the continuing security checkpoint and volume delays at many major commercial airports.
Enter our opportunity. Over the next ten years, business aviation will play an ever-larger role in moving the travelling public within our own borders and throughout the world. Whether it is a Part 135, 91k, or 91 operation, this type of aviation provides a more efficient means to travel with infinitely better customer service and a stellar safety record. Businesses large and small that have used business aviation know the true benefits in time savings and increased work productivity. And while in 2009 some in the media and on Capitol Hill tried to paint a black mark on businesses using business aviation aircraft, 2010 is the time to speak even more loudly and clearly that business aviation is here to stay, for now and the future.
As in years past, the association invites all members of the general aviation industry to participate in NATA's Day on the Hill. This well-attended grassroots event provides our community with the opportunity to educate congressional officials on just how important our industry is to the public and the economy (as if they didn't know!). This is an opportunity for the business aviation community to come together to voice our concerns and tell those on Capitol Hill how general aviation is the backbone of the whole aviation industry, comprising small businesses from Washington, D.C., to Washington state. This is also the time to meet with local newspapers and media outlets to highlight the economic value of business aviation. We must stop fearing the press and start educating them about how important the industry, and the small businesses that play such a large role in general aviation, are to the American economy and to the thousands of small towns across this country that rely on small airports for access to the national and global air transportation system. Invite local members of the media to your business at a local airport to give them a hands on look at the folks you employ and the value business aviation provides to the local economy. If we don't all start making a greater push to educate the media, we will continue to fight an uphill battle both on and off Capitol Hill.
Finally, become active in your local Chamber of Commerce. The sole purpose of these groups is to promote the value of small businesses and defend their interests. While we certainly want all of our members to continue playing an active role in NATA advocacy efforts, joining a local Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding complementary activity that will bolster the importance of your business to the community.
We have heard the old Tip O'Neill adage many, many times over the years because it is so very true. All politics are local, so get a leg up by becoming active in your!
As we enter 2010, we are provided a clean slate of sorts to demonstrate the importance of general and business aviation to the public, the media, and the government. The idea of advocating this industry's major role in our national economy and to the public at large is certainly nothing new. But as our national air transportation system evolves from antiquated hub-and-spoke commercial air service to a point-to-point service, general and business aviation continues to enhance its footprint in the skies. Customers want to get from point A to point C without having to go through point B. They want to get to their destination as quickly and safely as possible. Customers don't want to have to deal with the continuing security checkpoint and volume delays at many major commercial airports.
Enter our opportunity. Over the next ten years, business aviation will play an ever-larger role in moving the travelling public within our own borders and throughout the world. Whether it is a Part 135, 91k, or 91 operation, this type of aviation provides a more efficient means to travel with infinitely better customer service and a stellar safety record. Businesses large and small that have used business aviation know the true benefits in time savings and increased work productivity. And while in 2009 some in the media and on Capitol Hill tried to paint a black mark on businesses using business aviation aircraft, 2010 is the time to speak even more loudly and clearly that business aviation is here to stay, for now and the future.
As in years past, the association invites all members of the general aviation industry to participate in NATA's Day on the Hill. This well-attended grassroots event provides our community with the opportunity to educate congressional officials on just how important our industry is to the public and the economy (as if they didn't know!). This is an opportunity for the business aviation community to come together to voice our concerns and tell those on Capitol Hill how general aviation is the backbone of the whole aviation industry, comprising small businesses from Washington, D.C., to Washington state. This is also the time to meet with local newspapers and media outlets to highlight the economic value of business aviation. We must stop fearing the press and start educating them about how important the industry, and the small businesses that play such a large role in general aviation, are to the American economy and to the thousands of small towns across this country that rely on small airports for access to the national and global air transportation system. Invite local members of the media to your business at a local airport to give them a hands on look at the folks you employ and the value business aviation provides to the local economy. If we don't all start making a greater push to educate the media, we will continue to fight an uphill battle both on and off Capitol Hill.
Finally, become active in your local Chamber of Commerce. The sole purpose of these groups is to promote the value of small businesses and defend their interests. While we certainly want all of our members to continue playing an active role in NATA advocacy efforts, joining a local Chamber of Commerce is an outstanding complementary activity that will bolster the importance of your business to the community.
We have heard the old Tip O'Neill adage many, many times over the years because it is so very true. All politics are local, so get a leg up by becoming active in your!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Registering, Operating and Managing a Business Jet From Malta
Registering, Operating and Managing a Business Jet From Malta
Having been a colony of Great Britain for 164 years (1800-1964), and then continued to serve as a base for Britain's Armed Forces for a further 15 years, Malta was introduced to the world of aviation from a very early start.
From the construction of the first airfield to the ravages of World War Two, the build up for the Suez canal, through four hi-jacks, and on to today's Malta International Air show, Malta has seen almost all the uses an aircraft can be put to.
The Malta Department of Civil Aviation records show that when the Maltese aircraft register was opened in 1969 introducing the Maltese register prefix 9H, the first aeroplane to be registered, 9H-AAA was in fact a Cessna 172. The next two aircraft on the register were also general aviation aircraft, as were many others that followed. The aircraft were largely owned and operated by Maltese general aviation pilots.
Today, the local general aviation fleet includes a wider variety of aircraft types and categories ranging from microlights to single engine private planes and public category aircraft available for rental. A small fleet of training aircraft is operated by two flying schools.
Malta has an excellent climate, is strategically located at the centre of the Mediterranean and has one of the last 24 hour airports. It has one of the longest runways in Europe with practically no slots issues. Local business and the Maltese government are only now starting to fathom that there could be a great potential for managing and operating business aviation aircraft from Malta, offering very competitive licencing fees, in an English speaking country in an EASA/JAA environment. This combined with excellent tax structures for foreign investors, whereby, although corporate tax is fixed at 35%, foreign shareholders are refunded 30% within 14 days.
Strictly speaking an owner who is operating his aircraft for his own use, will not require an AOC, as the aircraft will be operated in the private category, however this scenario can be very restrictive, as it is unclear whether employees of the owner and sub-contractors can legally use the aircraft, as this could be deemed that there is gain and hence an AOC might required.
Further more if the aircraft is given under management to a third party company, even if the aircraft is not available for third party charter, the third party company managing the aircraft must obtain an AOC.
Simply put, an aircraft can be operated in the private category without an AOC, however to obtain an AOC, the company must also have an ASL. The applications for the AOC and ASL, should be submitted together to the Director of Maltese Civil Aviation.
In order to apply for an AOC, a company must demonstrate ownership of an aircraft, or a lease agreement for an aircraft.
An aircraft need not be registered to be operated by a Maltese AOC, however the registered aircraft must have a European Union and JAA country registration. The reverse is also through, ie a Maltese registered aircraft can be operated on a European Union and JAA AOC, however both of these scenarios are not preferred by the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation.
Similar procedures are required by the company applying for an AOC as for company applying for an ASL.
The process for obtaining an AOC, ASL and registration of aircraft should take from three to six months, subject to demonstrating to the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation full compliance to JAR OPS 1.
As per statistics published in 2006, Malta had the 10th cheapest labour cost in the private sector from all European Union Countries. At just under 10 Euro per hour, Malta is cheaper than Portugal, Slovenia, Cyprus, Greece and Spain. More importantly the rate of salary increase was the second lowest from the 10 countries with the cheapest labour cost, at under 3.5%.
That said, aviation being a very specialized industry, salaries in this sector are higher than the average, and with big players, such as Air Malta, Lufthansa Technik, and Servisair Globe Ground already established in Malta, there is already a healthy pool of aviation trained personnel, in all the major areas, such as Flight and Ground Operations as well as with Technical staff. Malta has two flight schools and the Local Government has assisted Lufthansa Technik amongst other ways by means of a collaboration between The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, and Lufthansa for the training and development of their local employees.
A company operating a Challenger 605 and a Lear 60 XR will pay the authority just over 36,000.00 Euros for the first issue of an AOC and then barely over 16,000.00 Euros per annum for renewal fees. Hardly forbidding charges. More importantly an aircraft registration and/or AOC should be obtained within 90 days.
This is achievable in Malta, as the Department of Civil Aviation is still relatively young and can give interested parties undivided attention. Assuming the owners/operator provide all the necessary information and documents.
Other costs involved would be the setting up a company structure to own the aircraft and or apply for the Air Operating Certificate. These costs are estimated to be in the region of 2,000 to 5,000 Euros per annum, depending on the level of actual presence of the company on the island.
So where would one start? Sierra Aviation was established in 2002 as a business aviation service company. As the only dedicated business aviation company in Malta, Sierra Aviation's main line of business is namely;
o Aircraft Charter Brokers
o Aircraft Handling at Malta International Airport
o Aircraft Sales and Leasing
o Aviation Consultancy
o Aircraft Management
Sierra Aviation can provide a number of services to owners/operators who may wish to exploit the great opportunities which Malta can offer to the international business aviation community.
Namely Sierra Aviation can be the co-ordinator between the foreign party and the Maltese authorities, providing constant follow-up from the day go to the day that the aircraft is registered in Malta, and/or an Air Service Licence and Air Operator Certificate is obtained.
For owners, Sierra Aviation can provide aircraft management. Through our numerous international partners, we can provide an unprecedented support that commensurate with the best in the industry at a fraction of the cost. Our staff, experienced in business aviation, and with local knowledge, in so far as, personal familiarization with the Civil Aviation Authority, the Airport Authority, the local Government, as well as the local labour market, company formation legislation will make sure that each customers requirements are met efficiently, safely, and legally.
Having been a colony of Great Britain for 164 years (1800-1964), and then continued to serve as a base for Britain's Armed Forces for a further 15 years, Malta was introduced to the world of aviation from a very early start.
From the construction of the first airfield to the ravages of World War Two, the build up for the Suez canal, through four hi-jacks, and on to today's Malta International Air show, Malta has seen almost all the uses an aircraft can be put to.
The Malta Department of Civil Aviation records show that when the Maltese aircraft register was opened in 1969 introducing the Maltese register prefix 9H, the first aeroplane to be registered, 9H-AAA was in fact a Cessna 172. The next two aircraft on the register were also general aviation aircraft, as were many others that followed. The aircraft were largely owned and operated by Maltese general aviation pilots.
Today, the local general aviation fleet includes a wider variety of aircraft types and categories ranging from microlights to single engine private planes and public category aircraft available for rental. A small fleet of training aircraft is operated by two flying schools.
Malta has an excellent climate, is strategically located at the centre of the Mediterranean and has one of the last 24 hour airports. It has one of the longest runways in Europe with practically no slots issues. Local business and the Maltese government are only now starting to fathom that there could be a great potential for managing and operating business aviation aircraft from Malta, offering very competitive licencing fees, in an English speaking country in an EASA/JAA environment. This combined with excellent tax structures for foreign investors, whereby, although corporate tax is fixed at 35%, foreign shareholders are refunded 30% within 14 days.
Strictly speaking an owner who is operating his aircraft for his own use, will not require an AOC, as the aircraft will be operated in the private category, however this scenario can be very restrictive, as it is unclear whether employees of the owner and sub-contractors can legally use the aircraft, as this could be deemed that there is gain and hence an AOC might required.
Further more if the aircraft is given under management to a third party company, even if the aircraft is not available for third party charter, the third party company managing the aircraft must obtain an AOC.
Simply put, an aircraft can be operated in the private category without an AOC, however to obtain an AOC, the company must also have an ASL. The applications for the AOC and ASL, should be submitted together to the Director of Maltese Civil Aviation.
In order to apply for an AOC, a company must demonstrate ownership of an aircraft, or a lease agreement for an aircraft.
An aircraft need not be registered to be operated by a Maltese AOC, however the registered aircraft must have a European Union and JAA country registration. The reverse is also through, ie a Maltese registered aircraft can be operated on a European Union and JAA AOC, however both of these scenarios are not preferred by the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation.
Similar procedures are required by the company applying for an AOC as for company applying for an ASL.
The process for obtaining an AOC, ASL and registration of aircraft should take from three to six months, subject to demonstrating to the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation full compliance to JAR OPS 1.
As per statistics published in 2006, Malta had the 10th cheapest labour cost in the private sector from all European Union Countries. At just under 10 Euro per hour, Malta is cheaper than Portugal, Slovenia, Cyprus, Greece and Spain. More importantly the rate of salary increase was the second lowest from the 10 countries with the cheapest labour cost, at under 3.5%.
That said, aviation being a very specialized industry, salaries in this sector are higher than the average, and with big players, such as Air Malta, Lufthansa Technik, and Servisair Globe Ground already established in Malta, there is already a healthy pool of aviation trained personnel, in all the major areas, such as Flight and Ground Operations as well as with Technical staff. Malta has two flight schools and the Local Government has assisted Lufthansa Technik amongst other ways by means of a collaboration between The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, and Lufthansa for the training and development of their local employees.
A company operating a Challenger 605 and a Lear 60 XR will pay the authority just over 36,000.00 Euros for the first issue of an AOC and then barely over 16,000.00 Euros per annum for renewal fees. Hardly forbidding charges. More importantly an aircraft registration and/or AOC should be obtained within 90 days.
This is achievable in Malta, as the Department of Civil Aviation is still relatively young and can give interested parties undivided attention. Assuming the owners/operator provide all the necessary information and documents.
Other costs involved would be the setting up a company structure to own the aircraft and or apply for the Air Operating Certificate. These costs are estimated to be in the region of 2,000 to 5,000 Euros per annum, depending on the level of actual presence of the company on the island.
So where would one start? Sierra Aviation was established in 2002 as a business aviation service company. As the only dedicated business aviation company in Malta, Sierra Aviation's main line of business is namely;
o Aircraft Charter Brokers
o Aircraft Handling at Malta International Airport
o Aircraft Sales and Leasing
o Aviation Consultancy
o Aircraft Management
Sierra Aviation can provide a number of services to owners/operators who may wish to exploit the great opportunities which Malta can offer to the international business aviation community.
Namely Sierra Aviation can be the co-ordinator between the foreign party and the Maltese authorities, providing constant follow-up from the day go to the day that the aircraft is registered in Malta, and/or an Air Service Licence and Air Operator Certificate is obtained.
For owners, Sierra Aviation can provide aircraft management. Through our numerous international partners, we can provide an unprecedented support that commensurate with the best in the industry at a fraction of the cost. Our staff, experienced in business aviation, and with local knowledge, in so far as, personal familiarization with the Civil Aviation Authority, the Airport Authority, the local Government, as well as the local labour market, company formation legislation will make sure that each customers requirements are met efficiently, safely, and legally.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The New China Jet Set - Private Business and Personal Jets Soon Available to Chinese
The New China Jet Set - Private Business and Personal Jets Soon Available to Chinese
After reading China's Five-Year Aviation Plan it should be obvious to anyone looking that general aviation will be an industry that China will gain a strong foothold in the future. China will be building light aircraft, corporate Jets, airliners, and it will continue to build military aircraft and helicopters. Soon, wealthy Chinese will be able to fly their personal aircraft or corporate aircraft throughout the country, and to neighboring nations to do trade deals.
Since most of the general aviation aircraft are produced in the United States, and those aircraft which are the best performing and safest, it will be a good next decade for those aircraft manufacturers. However, after that we can expect that China will take over the industry worldwide, and they will be buying up general aviation manufacturing companies, or partnering up with them as they build facilities in China.
Now then, it is true that China is having a challenge with producing the amount of electricity and energy needed to run these factories, and aircraft are considered light manufacturing, and therefore use quite a bit of energy. But I imagine China will eventually be over its drought, and those hydroelectric power plants will once again be turning at optimum, and that China will continue to build more coal-fired energy generation plants to solve that problem.
There was a very interesting article in Forbes [dot] com recently titled "Private Jet Sales in China Cleared for Take-Off" by Kelvin Chan published on May 25, 2011 - Also in Associated Press. The article stated
"Authorities are gradually loosening restrictions on airspace and easing bureaucratic formalities that still pose hurdles for luxury fliers. A decade ago, there were essentially no private jets in China and only a handful in Hong Kong. At the end of April this year, there were 90 registered in China and 10 of those - worth about $500 million in total - were delivered since the start of January."
There will surely be fractional jet aviation companies based in China and partnered with US companies as foreign subsidiaries. China could purchase more general aviation aircraft in the next decade than has been purchased in the United States in the last 20 years. That is a significant boon for general aviation worldwide. The question is will the United States be able to compete due to the labor costs available in China as they begin selling aircraft globally.
One has to wonder if China will also take this industry away from the United States, or take a significant chunk making it less than viable here at home. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
After reading China's Five-Year Aviation Plan it should be obvious to anyone looking that general aviation will be an industry that China will gain a strong foothold in the future. China will be building light aircraft, corporate Jets, airliners, and it will continue to build military aircraft and helicopters. Soon, wealthy Chinese will be able to fly their personal aircraft or corporate aircraft throughout the country, and to neighboring nations to do trade deals.
Since most of the general aviation aircraft are produced in the United States, and those aircraft which are the best performing and safest, it will be a good next decade for those aircraft manufacturers. However, after that we can expect that China will take over the industry worldwide, and they will be buying up general aviation manufacturing companies, or partnering up with them as they build facilities in China.
Now then, it is true that China is having a challenge with producing the amount of electricity and energy needed to run these factories, and aircraft are considered light manufacturing, and therefore use quite a bit of energy. But I imagine China will eventually be over its drought, and those hydroelectric power plants will once again be turning at optimum, and that China will continue to build more coal-fired energy generation plants to solve that problem.
There was a very interesting article in Forbes [dot] com recently titled "Private Jet Sales in China Cleared for Take-Off" by Kelvin Chan published on May 25, 2011 - Also in Associated Press. The article stated
"Authorities are gradually loosening restrictions on airspace and easing bureaucratic formalities that still pose hurdles for luxury fliers. A decade ago, there were essentially no private jets in China and only a handful in Hong Kong. At the end of April this year, there were 90 registered in China and 10 of those - worth about $500 million in total - were delivered since the start of January."
There will surely be fractional jet aviation companies based in China and partnered with US companies as foreign subsidiaries. China could purchase more general aviation aircraft in the next decade than has been purchased in the United States in the last 20 years. That is a significant boon for general aviation worldwide. The question is will the United States be able to compete due to the labor costs available in China as they begin selling aircraft globally.
One has to wonder if China will also take this industry away from the United States, or take a significant chunk making it less than viable here at home. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Aircraft Washing Business Tip - Interior Private Jet Cleaning
Aircraft Washing Business Tip - Interior Private Jet Cleaning
Aircraft Interiors of personal and corporate jets have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested. We have had an opportunity to speak at length in Tucson, AZ recently about the special custom interiors the weight they cost in performance and the needs in cleaning. There is a large company there that specializes in putting in new aircraft interiors for several large biz jet manufacturers and also does custom work for nearly anyone in the world who wants it right and perfect;
[http://www.ainonline.com/Publications/nbaa...ecranepg84.html]
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KTUS/PREMIER .
Most aviation carpet is 85 lb count the ones that are less you have to be very careful in cleaning so you do not damage them. When spraying led lights with cleaner you must be careful otherwise you can get yourself into an electrical issue. Often spot stain remover or moist towels with cleaner on them are best. Most small spots are merely Pepsi or coffee stains and come off relatively easy, the less you use a tool to clean inside an aircraft the better. Be also careful to ask manufacturer before treating with Scotch-Guard, it can cause problems and some of the various products of this type are flammable.
FAR 25.853b talks about carpet treatments and flammability, check it out if you are unsure before using an off shelf Home Depot name Brand household product.
FAA Advisory Circular 23-2 also has some things to be said and information references from former NTSB reports of incidents. Another issue we take seriously is the problem of gold plated seat buckles, ashtray covers, etc. Strong cleaners can remove the coating. Also a problem with ink stains on leather, it is not wise to use strong cleaners or chemicals on such stains. Many of the leather dye types are very light. Discoloration is all too easy. For some additional information on this subject check out;
Stevenson Aviation http://www.StevensAviation.com
http://www.ApperanceGroup.com .
We hope we have assisted you in your research that brought you to this page. Continued Success in everything you do.
Aircraft Interiors of personal and corporate jets have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested. We have had an opportunity to speak at length in Tucson, AZ recently about the special custom interiors the weight they cost in performance and the needs in cleaning. There is a large company there that specializes in putting in new aircraft interiors for several large biz jet manufacturers and also does custom work for nearly anyone in the world who wants it right and perfect;
[http://www.ainonline.com/Publications/nbaa...ecranepg84.html]
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KTUS/PREMIER .
Most aviation carpet is 85 lb count the ones that are less you have to be very careful in cleaning so you do not damage them. When spraying led lights with cleaner you must be careful otherwise you can get yourself into an electrical issue. Often spot stain remover or moist towels with cleaner on them are best. Most small spots are merely Pepsi or coffee stains and come off relatively easy, the less you use a tool to clean inside an aircraft the better. Be also careful to ask manufacturer before treating with Scotch-Guard, it can cause problems and some of the various products of this type are flammable.
FAR 25.853b talks about carpet treatments and flammability, check it out if you are unsure before using an off shelf Home Depot name Brand household product.
FAA Advisory Circular 23-2 also has some things to be said and information references from former NTSB reports of incidents. Another issue we take seriously is the problem of gold plated seat buckles, ashtray covers, etc. Strong cleaners can remove the coating. Also a problem with ink stains on leather, it is not wise to use strong cleaners or chemicals on such stains. Many of the leather dye types are very light. Discoloration is all too easy. For some additional information on this subject check out;
Stevenson Aviation http://www.StevensAviation.com
http://www.ApperanceGroup.com .
We hope we have assisted you in your research that brought you to this page. Continued Success in everything you do.
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