European Business Air News May 2012

Faster 45XR keepsambulance costs

under control

FlyWales sees thefuture in turboprops

Having recently brought its first turboprop, a Super King Air 200, into AOCoperation FlyWales is immediately on the look-out for a second. Chief pilot,Captain Gwyndaf Williams believes this is a natural progression for the companythat has operated pistons for over a decade. See full story on page 3.

BUSINESS AIR NEWSE U R O P E A N

ISSUE 225 MAY 2012

Avcom customers are offeredaircraft-only hire within Russia

European Air Ambulance has commenced theprocess of renewing its current fleet of Learjet 35Aaircraft, replacing them with the larger Learjet 45XR.

So far EAA has purchased two of the new jets, andthe air ambulance operator has reported nothing butpositive feedback following the decision. “Theaircraft was a perfect fit for EAA and its clients,”explains Patrick Schomaker, EAA director sales andmarketing. “Upgrading to the 45XR meant we hadminimal overheads regarding additional training forpilot and crew, and it allowed us to maintain ourrelationship with a trusted manufacturer.”

The middle of a recession may seem a strangetime to consider fleet renewal, but Schomaker saysthe timing was actually ideal. “It shows our clientsthat we are a strong, reliable and stable long-termpartner, even in a period of insecurity. And it’s a goodtime to buy used aircraft as they are in good shapeand can be purchased at a reasonable price.”

The move up to the 45XR was also part of EEA’sstrategy to increase its capacity and service flexibility,as the aircraft allows for a range of double-stretcher,neonatal mission and passenger seatingconfigurations. It also has more room for medicalsupplies and permits EAA to carry out missions thatrequire additional medical crew. And in cases whererelatives travel with the patient, it also provides morecomfort for passengers with a higher cabin ceiling,separate toilet facility and better seating.

Russian air charter, maintenanceand FBO company Avcom ispromoting its Jet Travel Club,which allows its members to useJTC private aircraft for privatetravel inside Russia on rentalterms very similar to standard carrental schemes.

The first JTC flight was operatedfrom Moscow to St Petersburg andback during January using aCitationJet.

Qualified crew are available forJTC aircraft operations, butmembers are also able to use theirown pilots, provided they meet JTCand Russian aviation authorityrequirements.

The JTC fleet consists of threeCJs with Garmin 1000 modifiedavionics available for private useonly, and three 125-700s which areavailable both for private andcommercial operations.

All JTC aircraft are registered inRussia and have no limitations forflight operations between Russiandomestic points, which is atraditional ‘cabotage’ permitheadache for foreign aircraft

owners and operators in Russia.Domestic ATC charges, airportrates and fuel prices are alsoheavily discounted for RA-registered aircraft.

“Travelling privately by JTCrented aircraft and paying allairport and handling charges

directly, JTC members can save upto 35 per cent of expenses,” thecompany says. “JTC memberexpenses for CJ operations areequal to three business classairline fares on any up to 1,000nmsectors, giving all the advantages of business aviation for free.”

There are three JTCmembership card types, allowingdifferent levels of access toservices. The fleet is based at theAvcom-D FBO in Moscow’sDomodedovo airport, which isopen 24-hours for business aircraftoperations without any slotlimitations.

“This private travel programmeis an invaluable business tool formanagers and directors of a widerange of enterprises who deal withRussian regional business, andwho frequently have to fly toRussian domestic points whereairline service is rare orinsufficient,” says Evgeny Bakhtin,Avcom Group's chairman.

“Private travel on JTC aircraftreally saves time and money for the member."

Avcom chairman Evgeny Bakhtin uses his RA-registered fleet todomestic advantage.

AUSTRIA ANDHUNGARYREGIONALREVIEWS

Pages 19-21

www.bgad.aero

Patriot Aerospace has acquired amajority share in Cardiff-basedcommercial helicopter charterspecialist Veritair Aviation.

“We are delighted to announcethe completion of a deal which notonly incorporates another profitableand successful company, but meansthat Patriot Aerospace takesresponsibility for Cardiff Cityheliport, one of the best purpose-built facilities in Europe,” said Patriotfinance director Paul Southall. “Tomove forward sustainably, ourhelicopter operations must moveaway from solely private charter,private pilot training and lighthelicopter engineering to more

stable and lucrative work in thecommercial field, and thisannouncement marks a significantstep in that direction.”

Veritair founder and md CaptainJulian Verity, who remains with the company, sees increasedopportunities to expand commercialand utility services under the PatriotAerospace banner: “Becoming thespecialist commercial helicopterdivision of Patriot Aerospace givesVeritair considerably more muscle toflex when competing for theexpanding business opportunitiescoming our way. While our Welshroots are exceedingly important, weneed the economies of scale that onlycome with being part of a bigger UKoperation. This move gives Veritairthat chance to expand and I am verypleased to be part of a good newsstory from a Welsh companypunching above its weight.”

Southall adds: “Veritair brings asolid and respected track record incommercial operations, which givesus a great start in creating a credibleBritish competitor for oil and gascontracts and also establishedoperations with the police and airambulance services. We look forwardto working with the latest additionsto the Patriot team as we consolidateand expand the group’s commercialoperations across the UK.”

MAY 2012 3EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

HANGARAGE IN LONDON

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To arrange a visit to the site or for any further details please contact Robert Walters, who will be pleased to answer any queries about the lateststage in Biggin Hill’s new business developments. London Biggin Hill Airport

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Sir Peter Rigby takes a hands-on interestin the helicopter businesses under thewing of his Patriot Aerospace group.


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Patriot targets commercial contractswith acquisition of Veritair

Competition between Middle Eastoperators is now less price-basedand more focused on service, to thebenefit of both client and operator,according to Empire Aviation Group.

The company’s charter divisionreports that it is continuing toperform strongly. Executive directorParas Dhamecha says: “EAG’s recentcharter passenger mix was heavilyskewed towards leisure, reflectingthe seasonal demand, whilebusiness charter continued but at alower level.

“Many of our seasonal charterclients were from outside the UAE –mainly from Russia and SaudiArabia, with Indian and Swedishclients also prominent. Our mostpopular charter aircraft were theEmbraer Legacy 600 and the Hawker900XP – both of which offer a lot of space and comfort to largergroups and families travelling onholiday, with a full service area andcrew of three.”

Increasing demand for charter

flights means more competitionamong operators: “After a relativelyslow period for the charter business,demand is now returning and clientsare looking for value for money andservice. This suits us very well as wehave a strong focus on customerservice, which is vital in an industrythat caters to a highly demandingclientele and where word of mouthand personal recommendation iscritical,” adds Dhamecha.

“We see this as a healthydevelopment and as charter demandreturns to the region, we can see thatthe private aviation industry hasdeveloped and matured, with agrowing number of private jetspositioned in the region.

“Private jet charter is increasinglyregarded as a business service or aleisure service with real functionalbenefits rather than an expensiveluxury and this all points to a verypositive future for jet charter in the region.”

Leisure charters dominated the

recent festive season as familiesheaded for the Indian Ocean whilethe business charter travellers took abreak. As demand returns, charterrates have firmed and service hasbecome the main differentiatingfactor for clients in selecting theirpreferred operator, EAG says.

Top of the seasonal jet charterdestinations were the Maldives and Seychelles, followed byAnkara/Istanbul and Phuket, withCIS destinations also provingpopular. Around 75 per cent of EAG’s seasonal charter flights werefor leisure.

Empire Aviation Group says itoperates the Middle East’s largestmanaged fleet of private jets from itsbase at Dubai International Airport,with around 20 jets undermanagement on behalf of theirowners, several of which areavailable for charter. EAG offersprivate jet charter, charter brokerageservices anywhere in the world, andmedical evacuation.

Paras Dhamecha, executive director of Empire Aviation Group, reports significant charter demand from Russia, Saudi Arabia and India.

Leisure charter demand stays strong butbusiness use is on the up for Empire

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The opinions expressed by authors and contributors to European Business Air Newsare not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. Articles appearing inEuropean Business Air News may not bereproduced in whole or part without theexpress permission of the publisher.European Business Air News is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork.

FlyWales sees the future in turboprops

Having brought its first turboprop, a Super King Air 200, into AOC operationrecently FlyWales is immediately on the look-out for a second. TheHaverfordwest-based company has operated Piper PA31 Navajo and Chieftainaircraft, along with Cessna 172s, for well over a decade and reports that there isstill good demand for the piston workhorses. However, md Jonathan Rees saysthat adding the King Air to the fleet is allowing FlyWales to offer clients andbrokers a greater choice: “The number of requests for the King Air hasprompted us, and the demand so far has well exceeded all expectations.”

In particular, requests for medical repatriation flights from within Europehave been significant, and this has spurred FlyWales to start the search for asecond Super King Air 200. Clients who have travelled on the King Air aircrafthave all responded positively and are extremely satisfied with its comfort andspeed, the company says.

Chief pilot Captain Gwyndaf Williams, who has been with the companysince its formation 15 years ago, says: “This is a natural progression for thecompany. FlyWales has been operating Piper PA31 piston unpressurisedaircraft, and previously Seneca aircraft successfully for many years and theacquisition of a turboprop pressurised aircraft has proved, without doubt, to bethe right decision for the company. The success of FlyWales has been attributedto continually providing a first class service including 24/7 operations from ourbase at Haverfordwest.”

Italian operator of Agusta A109SGrand helicopters and a Premier I jet,Air-Dynamic has celebrated asuccessful first year of its ‘Excellence’pre-paid flight cards, and reveals thatit now has over 1,000 cardholders.

The company launched its pre-paid option for its customers toaccess flights at a lower cost per flight hour in spring 2011. The‘Excellence’ cards start at €5,000 andenable cardholders, individuals orcorporations to book flights by jet orhelicopter at any time and at notice asshort as two hours, without spendingtime on payment management.

The card also allows Air-Dynamiccustomers to access privileges,discounts and special offers at the 600 partner organisations includinghotels and restaurants, cars andyachts rentals, clubs, conciergeservices, tailors and boutiques. A catalogue and its online inter-active version is expected to beavailable soon.

“On 15th March, after almost ayear since the launch of Excellencecard, we celebrated the great successof our card, which had never beenproposed by any other privatetransportation company before andis today an ever-growing success,”says sales and operations managerDorothea Hess.

At the Hub Hotel in Milan, morethan 800 guests and partnersattended an event featuring aperformance by pianist MasterMaurizio Mastrini and the works ofart of Ludmilla Radchenko andRiccardo Foccaci, which weredisplayed during the evening.

Partner companies presentincluded: Anissej Life, BetellaFranciacorta, BMW, Centro MedicoGaleno, Don’t Cry Baby, Dr. Kleein,Esperienze Dinamiche, Ethic, FuciliFabbri, I Love Chocolate, King Rent,Lake The Group, Lux Society, MyPersonal Dresser, Pleasure of Luxury,Red Travel, Revolution, Rich Eventi,Seconda Base, SpaceTV, StregaComanda Color, St Regis Bora Bora,Tartuflanghe, Travel Trade, Trimatt,and White Fashion.

4 MAY 2012 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS

GainJet maintenance manager Stavros Arampatzis accepts delivery of the G550 from Gulfstream’s Pete Buresh.

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10000 passengers per month. It is important always to keep in touch with the customers with necessity to participate in

different exhibitions and to organize conferences and meetings.

One of such events titled Vnukovo-3 April Meeting took place on the 11th of April 2012. The conference was held in Vnukovo-

3 and was organized for the managers of operations departments. 27 representatives of world leading business aviation

operators: Qatar Executive, JetAlliance, Avcon Jet, Airfix Aviation, TAG Aviation, Global Jet Concept, Fair Jets, Luxaviation,

Net Jets, Perfect Aviation, PrivateJet International, Vista Jet, Linxair, Amira Air, Imperial Jet took part in the conference.

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GainJet Aviation has acquired aGulfstream G550 which is to be basedin Athens. This latest addition and therecent upgrade of its vip Boeing 757with a stateroom and en-suite, reflectGainJet’s priority in expanding itsheavy jet and corporate airlinermarket presence.

“The G550 offers the longest flightrange capability available on thecurrent executive market today,before the highly anticipated releaseof the Gulfstream G650 later thisyear,” says marketing directorAndrew Hallak.

GainJet’s G550 is elegantlyappointed with dark wood finishingsand comfortable leather seats, and astylish exterior colour scheme thatthe company says “oozessophistication”. The aircraft’s cabinhas been designed to providemaximum comfort and conveniencefor its passengers, even while hosting

the aircraft’s capacity of 16. GainJet ceo James McBride

explains, “The acquisition of such ahigh performance and versatileaircraft is a major advantage forGainJet, especially when consideringwho our customers are and where inthe world they wish to go. The G550’sversatility and range, along withGainJet’s excellent vip service, will

allow for a customised journeytailored to the passengers’ needs.”

GainJet’s fleet is based throughoutEurope, the Middle East and Africa toprovide maximum convenience forits main target markets. The initialbase of the G550 in Athens wasselected as it can serve all threemarkets equally. McBride elaborates,“We feel the G550 will be a popularaircraft in all three of our markets, sowe’ve chosen Athens as a centralhome base location. This gives usgood access to most major cities inEurope, the Middle East and Africa”.

The G550 joins an alreadyimpressive long range fleet consistingof a vip Boeing 757, a Global XRS, anda Gulfstream G450 among others.GainJet is expecting delivery of itsGulfstream G650 ultra-long rangeexecutive jet in 2013, and has otherplans to expand its long range fleeteven further.

GainJet’s G550 extends long range capability

G550 interior: “oozes sophistication”.

Air-Dynamiccelebrates firstyear of pre-paidcharter packages

Lee’s‘dangerous’reputation

appeals to JotaReacting to an increased demand inpassenger requests, Southend-basedJota Aviation has added a King Air E90to its expanding fleet.

Fully refurbished in January 2012and complementing the existing KingAir passenger aircraft, the newaddition seats up to six passengers.The E90 is strategically based atBiggin Hill airport, with crews onstandby so that it can be airborne inless than an hour from confirmation.

The company has also appointedAndrew Lee as a new member of itscommercial team.

Previously commercial managerwith Skydrift, Lee brings with him awealth of knowledge and experiencehaving worked in the aviation andlogistics industry for over 20 years.Among other specialist projects he will be overseeing theimplementation of the DangerousGoods Licence.

“We are delighted to welcomesuch a successful and well respectedmember of the industry to JotaAviation,” says md Andy Green. “Theadded skills, expertise and credibilitythat Andrew brings to complementthe team make this a very excitingappointment, and we look forward tofurther successes with him on board.”

“It will be great to work with Andyand the team at Jota Aviation; withnew appointments and somefantastic opportunities ahead it’s anexciting time to be joining thecompany,” says Lee of his new role.

IN OUR NEXT ISSUEMe & My Aircraft:

Twin turbine helicoptersPUBLISHED JUNE 6TH

JetRanger boosts Copenhagen fleet

Copenhagen Air Taxi expects, incooperation with Charlie9 Helicop-ters, to add a Bell JetRanger to itscharter AOC during May, as well as afifth Robinson R44. These will beoperated alongside the company’scurrent fleet of R44s and a single R22.As Denmark’s longest establishedgeneral aviation operator CATcelebrated its 50th anniversary lastyear. In April it took on the operationof a Citation 500, a type last seen in itsservice around a decade ago. In Mayit entered helicopter operations forthe first time with the Robinson.

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Following European Skytime’sacquisition of Manhattan Jet Charter,the aircraft charter and managementcompany reports that it has gone fromstrength to strength and rebranded asManhattan Jet Management. The newmanagement team has implementeda strong compliance structure whichwas evident in an exceptional auditresult during March.

The CAA representative was said tohave been sufficiently impressed bythe improvements set in place overthe course of the year, that herecommended the Farnborough-based Learjet specialist work towardsthe Compliance Plus standard, thehighest CAA standard of compliancean operator can achieve.

“We are thrilled with the latestaudit result,” says md Steve Westlake.“This is testament to all the hard workthe team has put in to take Manhattan

Jet Management from where it wasjust 12 months ago to where it is today.The key to these positive changes hasbeen to take a clear and simpleapproach to regulatory compliance.Safety is of course everyone’s numberone priority but we strive to go aboveand beyond the minimumcompliance standards, instead aimingto set a ‘compliance benchmark’ inprivate aviation standards.

“To be recommended we worktoward the Compliance Plus standardby our CAA official in such a shortspace of time is a very satisfyingexperience. Since we took overManhattan Jet Management in 2011we have pushed hard to setprocedures in place and encouragehigh standards across the board.Those procedures are clearly workingand we will continue to improve inevery way we can to satisfy both theCAA and the industry as a whole.”

Earlier this year the CAAauthorised the name change toManhattan Jet Management, and thecompany says that its subtlerebranding reflects the specificdirection it is now taking. A new logo,featuring a triple-stroke wingeddesign, adorns the hangar andoperational offices at Farnboroughairport, and the web site features anonline booking facility.

Farnborough airport is home tofour of the five jets currently undermanagement.

Steve Westlake aboard one of ManhattanJet Management’s two Learjets.

Rebranded Manhattan workstowards ‘compliance plus’

London Executive Aviation has takenon the operation of a Challenger 300on behalf of Andreas Panayiotou, oneof the UK’s foremost propertyinvestors.

Panayiotou, chairman of TheAbility Group, has built a diverseportfolio of luxury hotel, commercialand high-end residential properties.He will use his aircraft to visit hisinvestments across Europe, whichinclude multiple Hilton Hotels in theUK, the Club Med Kamarina resort inSicily and retail properties inGermany. However, other thanoccasional owner use, the Challenger300 will be extensively available forcharter from its base at Luton airport.

George Galanopoulos, managingdirector of LEA, says: “We have anestablished relationship withAndreas, for whom we havepreviously managed aircraft. Whenhe decided to buy another businessjet, we were very pleased to advisehim on his choice. We identified theChallenger 300 as ideally suited to hisneeds and, as the only UK charteroperator with extensive experience ofoperating this type, were well placedto source the perfect aircraft. We dealtwith all the importation andregistration matters and have had theChallenger refurbished to Andreas’sexacting standards.”

The Challenger can seat up toeight passengers, two flight crewmembers and a stewardess. With a3,600-mile range and the ability tooperate from runways as short as 1,300m, the Challenger 300 canserve destinations as far from

London as Dubai and Moscow.“The Challenger 300 is an

immensely accomplished super mid-size jet,” says Galanopoulos. “Fromthe operator’s standpoint, we havebeen very impressed with theaircraft’s quality and dispatchreliability and with Bombardier’s field support.”

Panayiotou says: “LondonExecutive Aviation has consistentlyproved straightforward, dependableand professional in our dealings. Thecompany really understandscustomer service and makes theownership experience painless.”

Confirming his reputation as ashrewd buyer of assets, Panayiotoutook advantage of the depressed usedaircraft market to secure hisChallenger 300 at a deep discount tocurrent list prices. Galanopouloscomments: “Now is a great time tobuy a used private aircraft, as pricesremain low in the prevailingeconomic climate. However, the‘smart money’ is beginning to act onthis opportunity, leading to increasedactivity in the used market. It won’t belong before used aircraft values riseagain, so potential buyers would dowell to make their acquisitions soon.”

“However, as with anything, it isimportant to buy wisely,” hecontinues. “The aircraft manager hasa crucial role to play in this regard,particularly when advising a newaircraft owner. By selecting the rightaircraft type for the owner’s needs,and locating the best exampleavailable, we can ensure the aircraftperforms well.”

Andreas Panayiotou took advantage of the depressed used aircraft market to securehis Challenger 300 at a deep discount to current list prices.

Property mogul placesChallenger 300 with

‘dependable’ LEA

Cello plays on short runwaycapabilitiesThe small town of Zilina in Slovakia,near to the Czech and Polish border,is home to a major European engineplant for Korean-based internationalcar maker Kia Motors.

So far, Kia Motors, two EuropeanChampions League football teamsand an international football teamhave taken advantage of CelloAviation’s BAe146 aircraft to avoidroad or rail transfers by flying directlyinto Zilina. Now the Birmingham-based operator hopes to build on thisbusiness with its ability to transport46 passengers with generous legroom and a hold capable of takingthree tonnes of cargo from anywherein Europe.

Cello has also been cleared tooperate from Sion in Switzerland inthe heart of the Valais Alps, despitethe airport’s steep approach and take-off requirements.

Cello ceo Nim Bains with a canvaspresented by Captain Chris Smith who wasin charge of the flight that took the BritishQueen on a state visit last year. Smith hasnow taken up a post with carrier Emiratesbut leaves Cello with fond memories.

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FlairJet, the Oxford-based EmbraerPhenom operator, is ready to widenits portfolio with other managedaircraft types. That is the messagethat ceo David Fletcher and hismanagement team will be taking toEBACE in Geneva this month.

“We love the Phenoms and wedon’t see ourselves diluting ourexpertise with the type,” hesays. “However, we have some highlyexperienced ex-airline pilots in ourteam, three of whom have loggedsome 10,000-15,000 hours flyinglarge cabin Airbus aircraft.

“We have learned a lot buildingFlairJet from scratch, achieving ourAOC in record time and creating astrong, operationally and technicallyfocused team. We are now ready tobroaden the fleet.”

Within the past two and a halfyears FlairJet has bucked the trend inEurope’s light jet fraternity andgrown its team from four to morethan 22 personnel. The company is profitable and has doubled theoffice space at its Oxford airporthome and established a summerbase in Cannes, where it positioned aPhenom 300.

FlairJet has also lent its technical

expertise to Phenom operatorsaround the world, offering numeroustraining solutions and has managedthe acquisition, acceptance anddelivery of more than 12 aircraft.

Since entering operations inDecember 2009 FlairJet has loggedsome 3,120+ hours with its youngfleet, the Phenom 100 having loggedin excess of 2,300 hours and the Phenom 300 having logged 760+ hours. To date, the longestsector flown was from Bursa inTurkey to Liverpool, a distance of1,760 statute miles.

FlairJet says it has garnered a loyalfollowing from charter brokers, who

account for more than 90 per cent ofits bookings. As its clientele andgeographical reach widened thecompany expanded its AOC area toembrace the Middle East, Africa, theCaucuses and Russia. “Now we’reready to grow that capability with aworldwide AOC,” says Fletcher. “Theaddition of larger cabin aircraft inour managed fleet goes hand in handwith that ambition.”

Chief pilot Gerry Rolls formerlyheld the same position at AirAtlantique and was an A320 pilot forBMI before joining FlairJet. “At start-up, the FlairJet team bought a greatdeal of experience from both thebusiness aviation and airline worldwhich has been consolidated overthe last three years of development,”says Rolls.

“We are now absolutely ready forthe challenge of larger aircraft andworldwide operations. We haveimbued a safety focused team in a professional, commerciallyminded environment, with a provenability in introducing new aircraft tomarket. The difficulties we havefaced, and overcome, stand us ingood stead for the next phase of thecompany’s growth.”

Captain Gerry Rolls, FlairJet’s chief pilot, head of training and flight operationsdirector believes the company is well prepared for expansion.

Phenom experts aim to cast the managed aircraft net wider

A flurry of activity from UK operatorOcean Sky has seen work begin on a major upgrade of facilities at Luton airport, the appointment of anew md for the aircraft managementdivision, and a fresh approach topublic relations.

A multi-million poundtransformation of its Luton FBO isexpected to be ready in time tohandle the anticipated rush ofinternational passengers to Londonduring the Olympics. The enlargedfacilities will include a luxuriouspassenger lounge, a new conciergeservice and seamless screening.

Chief executive Stephen Grimessays: “We are forecasting a significantincrease in turnover at Lutonfollowing the new FBO’s opening.With space for up to 30 aircraft at anyone time we will have the capacity inour first year to double our annualmovements.”

The charter division of thebusiness is a customer of the jetcentre part of the group and isdelighted with the developments. “InOcean Sky Aircraft Charter, ourphilosophy is simple; we believe thatflying privately should be hassle free,”says md Sam Clouder.

“We care about our customers’journeys and the importance theyplace on it. Our number one priorityand focus, alongside safety, iscustomer service excellence.

“Having the Luton FBO run byOcean Sky Jet Centre means that weare able to guarantee the highest levelof customer service and a hassle freeexperience – it gives both us and our

clients peace of mind,” Cloudersays. “The new development is awonderful USP for us as we are notonly able to assure our clients arelooked after during the flight, but alsoon the ground.”

Meanwhile, Steve Evans has beenappointed md of Ocean Sky UKLtd. Growing the business acrossEurope, he will work with both theLondon and Moscow aircraftmanagement offices. Evans is taskedwith developing aircraftmanagement, an area of the OceanSky Group that supports all otherareas of the business.

Grimes comments further: “Our

diversified model covering ownershipservices, charter, sales andacquisition, interiors, engineeringand handling protects us fromfluctuations in the demand forprivate aviation travel. We arestrongly committed to growth, whichwill see us expand our luxury offeringto new locations in Europe andemerging territories.”

Ocean Sky is a privately heldcompany that began as an aircraftbroker in 2003, expanding into full aircraft service in 2005. Inaddition to its fixed-base operationsin the UK, the Ocean Sky group hasoffices in Germany, Italy, Zurich and Moscow. The company managesa fleet that ranges from Airbus aircraftto Mustang.

It has recently appointed LuchfordAPM to handle its global PRcampaign aimed at expanding indeveloping markets, such as Indiaand China. “The upcomingcommunications campaign will becentred on raising Ocean Sky’s profilein each of the six facets of its businessin line with their respectivedevelopment: private jet charter,aircraft management, sales andacquisitions, aircraft interiors,engineering and aircraft handling. Inevery instance, the emphasis will beon the ability of Ocean Sky to provideoutstanding, professional service,”the agency says.

‘As the European business jetmarket continues to mature, brandwill become even more important inunlocking growth opportunities.”says Grimes.

Sam Clouder, md of Ocean Sky AircraftCharter, is delighted at the prospect ofexpanded in-house handling facilities at Luton.

Luton expansion under way as Ocean Sky eyes opportunities overseas

An Embraer Legacy that arrived in themiddle of March under theownership and operation of Skylineand Kocoglu has already undertakenmany domestic flights in Turkey andinternational flights to Kosovo,Moscow, Greece and Iraq.

“Thanks to our experienced pilotsand organised system, we are able toperform flights all over the world.”says Efvani Aybike Koc.

“Skyline is proud of being theowner and operator of the first Legacy600 in the world which is designedand used for emergency medicalservices.”

Based in Ankara, the aircraft hasspace for four intensive care patientswith its professional medical stretchersystems and medical equipmentsapproved by international aviation

authorities. It will also serve as vip airtaxi, as Skyline says it is the only jet inits category that creates a comfortableenvironment for 14 passengers withthree separate cabin zones.

Skyline Transportation Trade Inchas been a subsidiary of KocogluGroup, which is involved in varioussectors including construction,tourism, energy, healthcare andaviation, since 2008. Its fleet includesan EC130, an EC145, ten EC135s, nineAW109s, a Bell 407, a Bell 230, two Bell407, two Bell 206s and two Hawker400XPs.

As such, Skyline is the owner andoperator of the largest civilianhelicopter fleet in Turkey, and servesthe Ministry of Health for EMSoperations across Turkey with 19helicopters in 15 cities.

Skyline puts world’s first EMSLegacy 600 to work

Merged companies muster nine helicopters

VLL and Cheshire Helicopters havemerged to operate under the name ofGB Helicopters, and now have acombined fleet of an Agusta A109S,an A109SP, two EC135s, an AS355NP,two AS355Ns, an AS355F1 andAS350B3 at locations around the UK.

The combined company will beVLL Limited, trading as GBHelicopters, and will continue to flyunder VLL’s AOC number.

Phenoms have been a successfulstarting point for FlairJet.


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See us at EBACE

booth 1953Bombardier and Arab Wings executives mark the delivery of the first Global 5000 jet with Vision flight deckto fly in the Middle East at Bombardier’s facilities in Canada in April. Left to right: Ali Abu Ghalyon, ManalObeid, Sheikh Khaled Anzi, David Smith, Sameer Hdairis, Dereik Gregory and Tarek Galal.

Arab Wings of Amman,Jordan, has become the firstoperator in the Middle East totake delivery of a Global 5000featuring the Vision flightdeck. The managed aircraft isexpected to be available forcharter next year, andbecomes the longest-rangejet in Arab Wing’s fleet ofChallenger 604 and 605,Legacy 650 and 600,Gulfstream G450, Hawker800XP, Citation Sovereign,Hawker 400 and King AirB200 aircraft.

“It is an amazing aircraft,”says head of sales andmarketing Manal Obeid. “Iflew with the aircraft directlyfrom Montreal to Ammanand it was an amazing flight.The crew love the newVision.”

“The Global 5000 jet’s

performance combined withits luxurious and spaciouscabin makes it the idealaircraft to meet the needs of our discerning customers.”says Mohammad AbuGhazaleh, chairman of Arab Wings.

Further expansion of thefleet is expected soon,beginning with the Hawker800XP expected in Amman asEBAN went to press andowned by Arab Wings, then the managed Global 5000, and finally an additionalChallenger 605 which will be added to Gulf Wings fleetin Dubai.

Founded in 1975, ArabWings is one of the first andlongest-standing privateexecutive jet charteroperators in Jordan and in the Middle East. It also offers

aircraft handling, aircraftmanagement and medicalevacuation. Arab Wings isowned by the InternationalWings Group, an aviationholding company establishedin 2009.

“We are delighted towelcome Arab Wings, a long-time Bombardier customer,to the Global jet family,” saysKhader Mattar, regional vp,sales, Middle East, Africa andIndia for BombardierBusiness Aircraft. “TheGlobal 5000 business jet,featuring the new VisionFlight Deck, combinescomfort, speed and range with the latest in avionicstechnology. Arab Wings’customers will be among thefirst in the world toexperience this fantastic jet,”he adds.

Expanding Arab Wings takes landmark Global 5000

with Vision flight deck

Specialist Aviation Services,the UK-based emergencyservices and utility operator, iscelebrating having achieved100,000 flying hours with theMD 902 Explorer.

The group is the largestoperator of MD 902 Explorersin the world and firstintroduced the type into theUK in 1998 as a dual-roledpolice and air ambulancehelicopter. The company nowsupports over 20 Explorersflying in a variety of rolesacross the UK, this fleet alsohaving amassed over a quarterof a million flights. Several areoperating 24 hours a day andachieving between 1,200 and1,500 flying hours per annum.

Henk Schaeken, group mdsays: “Reaching this level ofutilisation demonstrates thesignificant role that theExplorer plays for our

customers in the industry.“We now have over 30

engineers operating in andaround the UK, and compre-hensive spares holdings at ourGloucestershire headquarters.

“Also, our significantexperience with the MD 902means that we have been able to develop technicalenhancements locally, drivingcomponent extensions andstreamlining maintenanceprogrammes. These all help tofurther enhance the reliabilityand maintainability of thefleet as the hours continue to build.”

The group which operatesin the air ambulance, policeand utility markets, isanticipating further growth inits Explorer fleet and in itsbroader fleet of aircraft typesin the coming months as theindustry continues to develop.

The Specialist AviationServices Group comprisesPolice Aviation Services Ltdand Medical Aviation ServicesLtd and European SupportCentre bvba in Belgium.

Emergency operator tops 100,000hours with Explorer

Specialist Aviation Servicesgroup md Henk Schaeken hasfaith in the Explorer.


+1 208-378-9888 | www.aerospecialties.com

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Allow two days to find your wayaround the EBACE maze

I doubt there is an easier exhibitionvenue to access than Palexpo inGeneva – the home of the EBACEevent. You collect your luggage afteryour flight, turn left, left again and then right – and you’re there! It’s more or less the same routineif you are arriving by train. All withinwalking distance of your arrival pointin Geneva.

But, as a long time exhibitor atEBACE – and pleased to have beenassociated with the show since itstarted – we at EBAN are also aware that perhaps visitors do notknow exactly how much there is tosee within the various areas of theEBACE site.

Explore the hallsSo, you have arrived at the main doorof Hall 7 at Palexpo, collected yourbadge, and you can head off to theright, to the all-singing, all-dancingmanufacturer booths, or carrystraight on, to be equally seduced bythe extensive static aircraft display,just a short walk away.

Hall 7 always seems to be thebusiest hall at EBACE – thosemanufacturers don’t want you to gobeyond their domain. But, unlike theNBAA convention, where the big boysare round the edges and the smallerexhibitors are in the middle, atEBACE, you need to venture throughHall 7, ascend the escalator, up some more stairs, traverse the semi-open helicopter display and then youfind your way into Halls 5 and 6.

After your brief open air excursion(parallel to the runway at Geneva’sAirport for those who enjoy a bit ofviewing) the other halls are where –arguably – a lot of the real EBACEbusiness is conducted. You will findairports, charter operators, most ofthe flight support and fuel companiesand the myriad of specialistcompanies, including us at EBAN,who proudly serve business aviation.

This is where you can sit down andhave a good conversation with yourcontacts – the further into this areayou venture, the more of their timeyou will receive.

How long are yougoing to need?EBACE has become a major businessaviation event by anyone’s standards.If you can spare at least two days,

then I would suggest that your timewill be well spent. Perhaps considerdays two and three, the last day isalways more quiet and people arehappy to talk. And remember that you can walk from EBACE back toboard your return flight. Some of the legacy carriers allow you to check-in first thing on the morning, so youcan leave your luggage and head offto do business.

Take a train ridedowntownIf you are staying in Geneva, thenyour hotel should provide you with afree local transport pass for theduration of your visit. The traintransfer from Geneva Airport stationto the city centre station is swift andmuch more pleasurable than the roadroute, which can be quite congested –especially in the morning andevening peak hours.

Ironically, in the years that ourteam has been attending EBACE, wehave come to realise that, unless yourhotel is within walking distance of theEBACE site, it is actually quicker tostay downtown and transfer by trainthan to reach some of the airporthotels. And then of course you arealready in the zone for any eveningevents you have been invited to.

Whatever your reason forattending EBACE, we hope it will be aworthwhile event. And if you’d like tocome and meet us, you will find EBANon booth 580.

The EBACE exhibition will take place from May 14 to 16 at Geneva airport,and is the major event on the European business aviation calendar.13,000 attendees, 60 aircraft on display and 500 exhibitors are expected.

We know that many of our readers travel to the show and we’d like to helpyou to make the most of your visit. In this feature we have asked a cross-section of industry experts to tell us the latest developments to look outfor, and in conjunction with our sister publication the Handbook ofBusiness Aviation in Europe we have created a uniquely detailed web guide to the exhibitors.

Go to www.ebanmagazine.com and follow the link to our EBACE coverageand you will be able to search not only by name, country and type ofcompany, but also by type of aircraft. Simply select the aircraft type youare interested in and our guide will list relevant charter, maintenance,sales and other companies.

During the show we will be posting news as it happens on the same site,so if you can’t travel to Geneva there is no need to miss out.

Check out our unique showguide on the web

by EBAN’s Mark Ranger

BUYER’S GUIDE

The jet world has changed. If you stillbelieve the old adage: “If you have toask how much fuel it burns, you can’tafford it’’, you have not tried to sell ajet to the new buyers of today. Thenewer models are focusing onwinglets with longer range andefficiency. Interior pressurisationlevels for longer range aircraft arebecoming more and morecompetitive. Cabin features are superhi-tech and more luxurious. At theend of the day, size matters! Here is ashort recap of the newest products bythe manufacturers that are expectedin the very near future.

Citation M2Projected first delivery early 2013

This is a higher entry level Citationthat fits between the Mustang and theCJ2+, bridging the gap between an‘entry-level’ jet and a model that isslightly more established and shouldbe a great one if you are a first timebuyer and testing the waters.

It has a maximum range of1,300nm, which will offer the bestrange in its class giving you morevalue for money. It also comes with acompletely redesigned cabin withnew cabinets, more space efficientside rails and upgraded chairs. As abonus it also gives you better hot-and-high airport performance thanits direct competitor, giving youmuch more flexibility on yourdestination airport. This model coulddefinitely tempt turboprop ownerswho want to upgrade to a jet for thefirst time, but not wanting tocompromise on size.

Embraer Legacy 500 Projected first delivery Q4 2013

This aircraft will be a new entry intothe super mid-size category. One ofthe biggest selling points for it will bethe largest, most spacious cabin in itsclass and its particularly impressive

range (3,000nm). Also, for those withbaggage concerns, its baggagecompartment is accessible in flight aswell as an external heated (optional)compartment. This aircraft mightalso appeal if interior design is ofparticular importance as it offersgreat flexibility with a choice of fivefloor plan configurations. Who wantsa jet like this? It would most likely suitthose who want the cabin of a supermid-size jet, at a lower purchase andoperating cost.

Gulfstream G650Projected first delivery Q3 2012

One of the most impressive featuresof the G650 is its ability to fly eightpassengers (plus four crew members)a total distance of 7,000nm non-stop,which is by far the furthest capabilityof any business jet on the market. Ithas a longer, wider and taller cabinthan any other in its class as well asone of the lowest cabin altitudes ofany business jet. It boasts 16signature super-sized oval windowsto flood the cabin with natural light

and also has 12 floorplans to choosefrom. This latest Gulfstream willcertainly appeal to loyal G-V/550owners, but also Global Express/XRSowners lured by the extra rangecapability. Of course with the pricebeing the highest of any business jetbelow the VIP airliners, you get whatyou pay for. If speed matters, there isno faster corporate jet in the sky.

Global 6000Projected first delivery Q2 2012

This aircraft is the newest version ofthe Global XRS. It is reported to besuper quiet with an average noiselevel of just 48.3db SIL. The Global6000 also boasts impressive newtechnology, including the GlobalVision cockpit and, as an addedbonus, the auto brake is equipped asstandard. The Global 6000 willdefinitely appeal to loyal Bombardiercustomers already content with therenowned spacious cabin andcomfort provided by the Globalfamily.

Gulfstream 280Projected first delivery Q3 2012

This aircraft has the longest rangeand fastest cruise speed in the supermid-size category along with themost spacious cabin, seating 10passengers. The G280 is also breakingnew ground with the introduction ofauto-braking in this category ofbusiness jet. It is not just a G200upgrade. With the new wing, thisaircraft is a completely differentanimal capable of airporttemperatures, elevations and lengthsunobtainable with the previous G200.


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Grand Opening of our new FBO Geneva during Ebace. Get further information at our booth 1369, hall 6.

The aircraft manufacturers like to keep their major model announcementssecret until show-time, so look out at this year’s EBACE for Airbus, Boeing,Bombardier, Cessna, Daher-Socata, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream,Hawker Beechcraft, Honda, Piaggio and Pilatus, along with rotary offeringsfrom AgustaWestland, Bell and Eurocopter. See contact details and newsfrom all of them on our web guide to EBACE.

EBACE is all about new business aircraft

The future is not what it used to be

By Steve Varsano, The Jet Business

BUYER’S GUIDE

Citation M2

Embraer Legacy 500

Gulfstream G650

Global 6000

Sourcing aircraft finance has beenincreasingly difficult since wellbefore the demise of LehmanBrothers, the money markets by then having tightened significantlyand the world shocked to havealready seen oil at US$150 a barrel. Business aviation wassuffering well before the depressing2008 NBAA meeting when misplacedoptimism permeated the OrlandoConvention Center.

Following Lehmans’ collapse andsubsequent global economic turmoil,aircraft values undoubtedly fell offthe proverbial cliff and most have notmaterially recovered since.

Manufacturers who had robust orderbooks at the time found thatindustry-established and new buyersalike immediately cancelled anddeferred valuable orders. Corporatessought to manage cash in times ofserious recession, also criticallyavoiding stockholder revolts andincreasing press scrutiny.Commercial charter and fractionaloperators saw demand collapse andcould neither justify nor fundacquisitions.

HNWIs optimised strategies totake full advantage of a depressedmarket, continuing to buy in muchsmaller numbers. Those having earlypositions on new or replacementaircraft were forced to take delivery at

contracted prices while havingnowhere to sell their redundant olderaircraft. Values plummeted further ateach turn of events and even thebravest of financiers became wary ofsupporting deals as the environmentdeteriorated.

As lenders were forced to rebuildfragile balance sheets, book values ofassets against which they had securedloans reduced to a fraction of theirpre-downturn figures, forcingsignificant write-downs. While manyvalues have undoubtedly stabilised,some uncertainty continues as towhere some might finally settle and

with an advanced cabin managementsystem including HDTV monitorsand a media centre with multipleaudio video sources.

For those who value something alittle different about the interior,Falcon have partnered with BMW tocreate a new design concept. This is agood option for those who want thecomfort of a larger cabin at the cost ofa smaller aircraft.

Citation TenProjected first delivery Q4 2013

Lured by speed? Then the newCitation Ten is one to watch. With amax speed of Mach .91 it is evenfaster than its predecessor, theCitation X. Design changes include alonger fuselage allowing for morelegroom in the cabin and additionalstorage space, and the addition of

winglets as standard meansincreased range and fuel efficiency.With its increased maximum take-offweight, the Citation Ten allows you tocarry a higher payload ever further.The new Rolls-Royce engines havebeen installed with redesigned fanblades and give additional thrustduring take-off, climb and cruise.This aircraft will certainly appeal toexisting Citation X owners who want

to benefit from the increased speed,range and longer cabin. Steve Varsano has been in aviation since 1977, selling over 300 aircraft todate. He has worked for the AmericanAssociation of Airport Executives and theGeneral Aviation ManufacturersAssociation in Washington DC where helobbied various Congressional and SenateCommittees. His latest venture, The JetBusiness, is the world’s first corporateaviation showroom for new and pre-owned business aircraft.


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Falcon 2000SProjected first delivery Q1 2013

This aircraft offers buyers aninnovative wing design and ultra-efficient engines for reducedconsumption and lower emissions. It also offers a 20 per cent larger cabin than most other mid-size jets.For those who value advancedtechnology, the Falcon 2000S comes

A unique ‘flying camera’ Falcon 50has made its maiden flight to theMarrakech Air Show in April andwill be presented at EBACE, for thevery first time, with its pod camera.

Aerovision says it is the onlyEuropean operator of this type ofaircraft and can now enable air-to-air or air-to-ground pictures to becarried out at high altitude and highspeed. The images can be broadcastlive or retransmitted. A rotation of350° in all directions can becombined with a rotation of 20° upor 120° down for aerial pictures.

The company’s previoustriumphs include flights for Airbusfor photography of the A380 andA400M in particular, feature filmssuch as Tomorrow Never Dies, andspecial operations carried out with Corvette jets. It believes theFalcon 50’s performance will allow Aerovision to broaden itsmarket appeal.

It is now expected to beoperational for aerial photographyahead of schedule from this

summer. Modified by Uniair, themaintenance centre of Jet Services,the aircraft has a gyro-stabilisedpod located underneath and aworkstation in the cabin. It has a

quick change set-up offering dualuse, certified for aerial work as wellas maintaining public transportapproval to carry out businessflights, to complement Aerovision’s

other Falcon, Citation and HawkerBeechcraft jets. The gyro-stabilisedpod and camera piloting systemare easily removed to transform thecabin into vip configuration.

Aerial filming Falcon on target for summer

Aircraft financing post-Lehman

by Gary Palin, Interavia

Our online guide to EBACE 2012 lists the finance and leasing providersexhibiting in Geneva, including the major players such as Bank ofAmerica Leasing, Credit Suisse and GE Capital, and more specialistbusiness aviation providers.

Quick links to money lenders

Falcon 2000S

Citation Ten

Gulfstream 280

The Aerovision Falcon 50 with aerial photography pod will be shown at EBACE for the first time this year. Picture copyrightSpot’Air/M Garcia.

BUYER’S GUIDE


Bombardier Challenger 605 TrainingComing to London Farnborough

Operators of Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft

will soon have the option to train at FlightSafety’s

London Farnborough Training Center. Our high-

quality Challenger 605 training offers exceptional overall

value and can be tailored to your specific requirements.

Our experienced instructors use comprehensive courseware,

a new Level D-qualified full flight simulator, and our exclusive

MATRIX training system to maximize the efficiency and

effectiveness of your training.

This is just one of the many initiatives we’re taking to serve

business aircraft operators in Europe and around the globe.

We continue to invest in new high-quality training programs,

advanced-technology simulators for current and next-

generation aircraft, and in expanding our global network

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Now that you have a choice, take advantage of our new

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Challenger 605 image provided courtesy of Bombardier Inc.

lenders are far more cautious withmodels financed, age and condition,amount financed, and true ability ofborrowers to perform.

Yet aviation is fundamental topromoting global business andeconomic growth, consequentlyaircraft continue to be in demand andrequire financing support. Lendersgenerally see aircraft as good securityso long as they can be comfortablewith the integrity of asset value andthe ability of a borrower to repay.While all stronger banks havesupported key relationshipcustomers throughout, manyrevitalised financiers have returnedto the sector seeking only the betterpropositions.

Opportunities for lenders areabundant, but they can and mustnow be highly selective, todaypreferring modern, in-productionmodels, either new or under fiveyears old. Most prefer larger, long-range types such as the Falcon 7X,Global Express and biggerGulfstreams, viewed as safe bets.Light and medium-sized jets aremore difficult to finance, as there hasbeen oversupply and an excess ofmodels, some viewed as having aparticularly difficult future.

The optimism of 2006-08 for verylight jets is now a faded memory.Many very light, light and mid-cabinjets transacted in the post-Lehmanera have traded for cash and at a heftydiscount, as have a significantnumber of Challengers – an aircrafttype hit hard – as buyers realised thatthey could now afford ‘more aircraftfor their dollar’.

To a large extent, lenders havebeen unwilling to enter this territoryunless in support of an establishedhouse client, or well supported byOEM or export credit agency (ECA)guarantees.

OEMs have been forced by weaksales and increasing unsold inventoryto support buyers unable to securefunding themselves. In order todeliver aircraft, they have discounteddeals, maximised their own bankingrelationships and additionally soughtGovernment agency funding tosupport deliveries of pre-contractedaircraft, with a number ofgovernments focused on keeping jobsand supporting commercial bankfunding with ECA guaranteespreviously used to primarily supportBoeing, Airbus and other airlinerdeliveries.

Lenders are again funding aircraftif the loan to value ratio is right for themodel and if the aircraft is new orotherwise relatively young and wellmaintained. They have very preciseviews on values and proportionadvanced. In days gone by, borrowernet worth of perhaps five times theloan value would have securedfunding for, say, 90 per cent ofappraised value.

Today, a borrower’s real net worthmay be dependent on fragile assetvalues and other variable factors, soproven cash flow is therefore viewedas being much more important. Atypical new large cabin aircraft maywell today secure funding of 75-80per cent of its value, if the applicant isa known client of the lender and hasgood cash flows.

A five-year-old Challenger withrelatively low time and an excellentmaintenance history may, however,only secure 60 per cent funding of a significantly reduced appraisal,but again established borrowerrelationships and cash flow arecritical if the deal is to be done with ease.

Loans with mortgages remain themost common form of financing,along with lease purchase andfinance leases. Operating leases aremore rare in the segment. No-recourse funding is scarce, not leastas values remain in flux, with lenders

seeking security beyond the assetitself. Key players for larger businessaircraft and customers with a solidtrack record remain the biginternational banks, including Bankof America, Barclays, BNP Paribas,Credit Suisse, Deutsche, DVB, HSBC

and Lombard (RBS). Lessors CIT andGE are also highly active.

If contemplating a purchase intoday’s market, cash is king and willsecure the best price from any seller,whether new or used. If financing,then, though funding is increasingly

available, a quick deal can only be puttogether if one has a history with thelender. Expect the lender to beaggressive on the loan to (proven)value ratio, to want sound accountsand to likely seek additional personalguarantees.

Gary Palin is an industry veteran havingmanaged the operation of most modernbusiness jet types and personally overseenover 200 jet transactions in more than 30years of business jet sales. He is managingdirector at consultancy firm Interavia(www.interaviagroup.com).

The European Business AviationAssociation has established a focusgroup to look specifically at financeand leasing issues, and this met forthe first time in March under newlyappointed chair Aoife O’Sullivan ofGates and Partners.

The group will focus on dealingwith the challenge of reducedfinancing options as it explores andidentifies new means of finance. Itwill also promote solutions at a

European level that aim to reducerisks from a financier’s perspective.

The group brings togetheroperators, manufacturers,financiers and insurers to reviewand assess aircraft finance inbusiness aviation. “We knowaviation, it’s what we do day in andday out, so we really are in a strongposition to provide this kind ofeducational platform,” saysO’Sullivan. “Combined with EBAA’s

associate member advisorycommittee finance and leasinggroup, we are able to encourageand provide excellentopportunities to collate and thendisseminate valuable informationto an even wider audience,” shecontinues.

O’Sullivan will be speaking atthe EBAA safety workshop, and thetransactions conference both to beheld on May 13 during EBACE.

EBAA group to explore future financing options for business aviation

Aoife O’Sullivan chairs the EBAA’s newfinance and leasing group


When you advertise to the business aviation community, it is easy to be seduced by claims that you’ll get to thousands upon thousands of recipients.

But are you getting to the RIGHT people?

Here at European Business Air News, the circulation of both the printed magazine and our web site is independently audited, which means we have to prove that we are reaching the people we claim to.

It is part of our commitment to you - we will deliver your message to the people you most want to reach - owners and operators of business aircraft in Europe and the Middle East. And we will do this using the best printing and

production techniques, and the most accurate

distribution list possible.

We’ve got a wide range of advertising options,

both print and digital, that are designed to make

the most of your valuable promotional spend.

EBAN – the magazine of choice for business aviation in Europe and the Middle East

Contact Mark Ranger on:

+44 (0)1279 714509 [email protected]


Training to go the distance

In the current climate, in-housesolutions and hard bargaining canpay dividends for training budgets.

At the best of times, the job of thechief training captain (or head oftraining) for a business aviationcharter operator is a challenge. Thetask entails delivering a pilot trainingscheme fully fit for purpose, yetdeliverable on a budget that does notcause senior managementpalpitations. In the current climate ofrecessionary cost-consciousness,that challenge is even greater.However, with a little imaginationand careful planning, there arevarious steps operators can take toextract the maximum value fromtheir training budgets.

London Executive Aviation (LEA),where I have led the training function

for eight years, is one of the UK’slargest charter operators. Wepresently operate a 23-strong, all-turbine fleet of business aircraft,consisting of six aircraft types, whichare spread across seven bases and

flown by more than 90 crewmembers. However, while the scale ofour training programme is unusuallylarge, many of the managementissues we face are common to mostoperators.

Perhaps most obviously, operatorsshould not be afraid to negotiate forbetter prices with external trainingproviders. We are accustomed to our own customers driving hardbargains, but charter operators arenot the only parties who have tocompromise and compete in aneconomic downturn. Most trainingorganisations are commercial realistsand can still find an acceptable ‘win-win’ situation in agreeing improvedterms with valued customers.

At the same time, a policy we havefound delivers valuable cost savingsand a better overall training outcomeis developing an in-house trainingcapability to complement our use of

outside suppliers. Although external type rating

training organisations (TRTOs) offerhigh-quality, generic type ratingcourses, in-house recurrent trainingcan often prove more cost-effective in the long term and better tailored to an operator’s exact requirements.In LEA’s case, we employ type rating examiners (TREs) for all theaircraft types we operate and selectinstructors from our flight crew for ground-based courses in areassuch as first aid, customer

relationship management anddeicing, as well as providing aircrafttechnical refreshers.

This self-reliance can, of course,create its own administrativeheadaches. For example, keeping anoverview of crew operating standardsduring training ‘on the line’ (in thenormal course of operations) can bedifficult, especially when aircraft andcrew are dispersed across multiplebases. However, we have foundtechnology to be an effective solutionin this area, with electronic reporting enabling us to keep track oftraining progress.

We are presently extendingelectronic reporting to all trainingdocumentation, enabling the rapidupdating of our central database,which in turn permits a company-wide overview of matters such asratings, licences and air operator’scertificate (AOC) requirementvalidity. While creating such a systemmay entail some investment at theoutset, the expense can quickly berecouped through efficiency gains.

A deterrent to in-house recurrenttraining has been the high dry leasingcost of flight simulators in Europe.The US has not necessarily provided acost-effective alternative solution, asexternal training providers based inthe US took a long time to understandthe different training requirements ofthe European operatingenvironment. Lately, though, such UScompanies have begun providingshort recurrent programmes thatmeet the need for six-monthly crewchecks at a price that is no longerprohibitive.

The cost of simulator trainingremains higher in Europe than in theUS, partly because of limitedcompetition between providers.Currently, Europe-based simulatorsalso cater for a narrower range ofaircraft types than the marketdemands. As a result, Europeanoperators can often find it cheaper,and sometimes unavoidable, to sendcrews to the US for training,especially for longer courses.

The alternative to simulator-based training has been to carry outaircraft-based instruction, takingadvantage of ‘dead legs’, when use ofthe aircraft is effectively ‘free’ to theoperator. However, in an industrycommitted to maximum safety, it is an inescapable fact thatsimulators offer superior trainingexperiences. In consequence, itseems likely the European AviationSafety Agency (EASA) will come tomandate the use of simulators whereavailable, irrespective of the costimplications. I am therefore sure alloperators would loudly welcome anexpansion of simulator supply inEurope and the price reductions thatought to result.

Of course, some challenges in thetraining area are more intractablethan others, not least the time andassociated administrative andtraining costs of complying withEASA’s Part-FCL (Flight CrewLicensing) regulations. Nevertheless,by taking stock of one’s bargainingposition with suppliers andconsidering which training might bebetter conducted in-house, operatorscan find various ways in which toenhance their training whilepreserving their commercial viability.

Find exhibitors relevant to your aircraft

BUYER’S GUIDE

by Neil Onions, chief training captain,London Executive Aviation

In our online guide to EBACE 2012 you can simply search for your ownaircraft type and immediately find connected charter, maintenance andtraining organisations, with full contact details. Data comes courtesy of Europe’s most comprehensive business aviation industry directory, the Handbook of Business Aviation in Europe.


YOUR SIDE

TIME IS ONWITH US

Aircraft upgrades – what’s new?adds massive additional capabilitiesas well as providing upwards of 100Kgin weight saving with installed pricesfrom around US$300K. The G1000system is also now available throughCessna-owned service centres for theCJ1 Citation Jet.

Universal Avionics 890R retrofitglass cockpit is gaining a significantmarket share and can be seen inmany popular light jets as well asturboprops and simplifies theprocess by allowing connection toexisting nav radios. The Garmin G600is selling well as an affordable glasscockpit for the small class 3 aircraftand is also now available as theG500H for popular light VFRhelicopters.

Aspen Avionics also has itsEFD1000H certified on lighthelicopters and it is proving to be avery competitive low cost alternative

to the Garmin system. All of theG500/600 and EFD1000 systems canbe complemented by the new GarminGTN series of touch-screenNav/Com/GPS systems that benefitfrom Garmin’s unique EASA AML STCapproval and therefore reduce thecertification effort.

All of these retrofit EFIS systemsnow offer synthetic vision options forimproved situational awareness, sohopefully adding to safety andreducing the risk of CFIT accidents.

In the cabin, the primary growtharea seems to be SwiftBroadband,with lower cost systems from Aircell,Cobham, Thrane & Thrane, etcoffering systems starting at 200kbpsfor a relatively modest cost.Unfortunately, the additional benefitof wireless connectivity in the cabinfaces the certification hurdle of anautomatic STC for what could

by Harry Lees, managing director, Gama Engineering

A King Air C90 flown privately byAélia Assurances has become thefirst aircraft to be upgraded withBlackhawk engine and systemmodifications by Canadianservice company Flying Colours.Flying Colours Corp, a globalaviation service companyspecialising in aircraft comple-tion, maintenance and refurbish-ment, signed a service agreementwith Blackhawk Modifications Incat the NBAA 2011 conference.

This first project, which wascompleted at the end of February,entailed modifications to Aelia’sKing Air C90 at Flying ColoursCorp’s Peterborough location inCanada. The aircraft underwent aseries of maintenance, avionicsand interior modifications whichhave improved cost effectivenessand performance from theaircraft. The principal modifica-tion involved a full Blackhawk XP135A engine upgrade whichprovides increased true air speed,maximises aircraft range andsupports more efficient climbrates. The upgrade also reducesmaintenance requirements in thefuture. Operating costs and safetysystems were also enhancedfollowing a complete fuel cellreplacement, a general propelleroverhaul and a full radar upgrade.

The woodwork throughout theaircraft was completely refinishedand there were numerous softfurnishing enhancements.

“The first modification underthe agreement with Blackhawkhas gone to schedule anddemonstrates that Flying Coloursis committed to providing thisservice to King Air and Caravanowners and operators,” says SeanGillespie, director of sales andmarketing Flying Colours Corp.

“The aircraft was completed ontime and delivered to highcustomer praise, which isprecisely what we are looking forin our distributors,” says BobbyPatton, Blackhawk Modificationsdirector for internationaldistribution.

French King AirundergoesBlackhawk mods

BUYER’S GUIDE

In the current depressed market forused aircraft sales, particularly at thelower end of business jets andhelicopters, it is perhaps the upgrademarket that provides the bestopportunity for adding value to anolder aircraft and providing an edgeover a competitor in the chartermarket by offering something abovethe competition. The growth of newproducts appears to have slowed,with many fewer new avionicsystems being debuted at the recentAircraft Electronics Associationconvention in Washington. However,there are still many opportunities out there for installers, both in cabin systems, avionics andperformance packages.

On the avionic front, glass cockpitEFIS upgrades seem to be progressingwell for the turboprop and light jetmarket. Garmin’s G1000 system onthe venerable Beech 200 King Air

otherwise be a simpler and cheaperminor change.

Cabin entertainment and cabinmanagement systems have seenmassive changes with new systemssuch as Venue from Rockwell Collins,Ovation from Honeywell and a much cheaper but equally effectivesystem from Flight Display Systems,all of which allow touch-screencontrol of aircraft systems, as well asallowing passengers to plug in theirown iPad or iPod to import music orvideo into the aircraft system. Appseven allow control of the cabinfunctions from the iPad!

Aircraft performance changemodifications are a much morelimited market but do provide somesignificant benefits to operators. KingAir operators can see considerableperformance gains from engineupgrades such as Blackhawk or SilverHawk. Coupled with BLR wingletsand Raisbeck wing lockers, thecapability of this workhorse can seeconsiderable improvement.

For the future, we may see moreengine upgrades such as alreadyavailable on the Beech 400 and olderCitations, to improve fuel efficiencyand reduce noise.


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Investment in fabric and veneerduring downtime can pay off

Upgrading an aircraft interior is asimportant as making a good firstimpression. When passengers andguests come on board, the overalllook of the interior can either give thenotion that the aircraft is wellmaintained or deliver a shady senseof doubt that what’s under the skin isas outdated as the interiorcomponents.

The best time to upgrade theinterior is when an aircraft is down for maintenance work. Minorchanges, like new carpet, can be themost economical way to have a bigimpact without major expense.Whenever possible, plan severalweeks ahead! Almost all aircraftcarpeting requires extended leadtimes for ordering and delivery. Thiswill also allow for time to perfect

colour matches and procure a higherquality carpet. In addition, higherend carpet pad will allow betteracoustics and extend the life of theaircraft carpet.

Skandia Inc makes a high qualitycarpet padding that is being used onnew aircraft by many OEMmanufacturers. New upholstery canalso bring new life to an aircraft. Newfoam and leather will not only makethe seats look better, but be morecomfortable. Lately, leathers thatshowcase their natural qualities havebeen very popular. Garrett Leatherhas introduced a line called Nativethat has a rugged and mottledappearance.

Other exciting, new textures andcolours are being produced by Mooreand Giles specifically for aircraft.They vary from subtle textures to wild exotics. Finishing the seat

stitching with a heavy thread addscustom detailing.

Re-veneering cabinetry is a morecostly upgrade, but sometimesessential, especially for lighter aircraft(like Citations) on the resale market.Replacing worn-out veneer orlaminate with a modern woodspecies makes a grand firstimpression when coming on board.Straight-grain species such as awalnut or eucalyptus are very popularfor their neutral brown colour andavailability of high quality logs. CPIAircraft Interiors offers reconstitutedwoods that are becoming verypopular for their modern aestheticand variety of fresh tones.

For operators who want tocustomise their jet with theircorporate logo and identity, there aremany vendors that can provide thislevel of customisation to their

by Lori Browning, aircraft interior designer, Duncan Aviation

Abu Dhabi-based operator Royal Jethas selected Sabena Technics tocarry out a full upgrade for one if itssix-strong fleet of Boeing BBJs.

“We are entering our ninth yearof operations on a record of stronggrowth,” says Shane O’Hare, RoyalJet president and ceo. “Ourcommitment is to provide guestswith the most luxurious in-flightexperience possible and so it isimportant that our jet interiors andsystems are up-to-date and of thehighest quality.

“This refurbishment project ispart of Royal Jet’s developmentstrategy in which we have investedheavily to ensure that we continueto offer the very best in cutting-edge technology and luxury in the

private jet travel market.”Ahmed Al Mamari, the

company’s chief operations/technical officer, says: “The BBJ isthe mainstay of our fleet. Theproject will last five months and weare leasing a replacement aircraft toensure that customer service ismaintained. I am confident thatSabena Technics will be able tominimise downtime through its Part21G certification and its extensivemaintenance, repair and overhaulworkforce.”

The aircraft will undergo an in-depth cabin refurbishment, liverypainting, maintenance and asystems upgrade including state-of-the-art entertainment, satcom, wifiand global mobile systems.

Royal Jet selects Sabena for BBJ refurbishment

Aircraft owners will always be on the look-out for engine, propeller andavionics upgrades, and the major manufacturers will be on show inGeneva once again. See contact details and news from each on our web guide to EBACE.

Track down the top aircraft upgrades

Simply visit our web guide to EBACE 2012 and see all of thecompanies exhibiting aircraft interior products and services in oneconvenient listing.

No need to suffer an inferior interior

Air Alliance Express (AAE) of Germany has purchased a third Raisbeck ZR Lite Performance System for its GRO fleet of Learjet 35As. AAE hasbeen flying Lear 35As for more than eight years, and installed its first ZRLITE two years ago. One Learjet is also equipped with Raisbeck’s AftFuselage Locker.

Air Alliance has recorded overall fuel savings of 5-7%, along withbetter take-off and climb performance, especially from hot and highairfields, and increased range. The company says the ZR Lite system ispaying for itself in fuel savings alone.

“The improved take-off performance with the system enables us todepart our home base EDGS with a full fuel load,” reports MatthiasKupisch, AAE head of ops. “However, a big part of our decision to install iton 35A-504 is the fact the system increased the value of the aircraft – it iseven possible to sell an ageing Lear 35 if it has been equipped with theRaisbeck systems.”

Raisbeck’s ZR Lite Performance System enhances the takeoff, climb,cruise and descent performance of Learjet 31, 35 and 36 aircraft. Inaddition to being able to fly higher, faster and farther from more airports,ZR LITE saves at least 5% on fuel at normal cruise and up to 14% or morewhen pilots can take full advantage of the Learjet’s improved climb andcruise capabilities.

Air Alliance orders third Raisbeckperformance system for 35As

BUYER’S GUIDE


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1 4 L O C A T I O N S I N T H E U K T O M E E T Y O U R L O N D O N T R A V E L N E E D S

products. Goodrich Cabin Systemsand Booth Veneers can incorporatejust about any design or logo into asheet of veneer.

Spinneybeck Leather is usinglasers to engrave designs and ScottGroup Carpets can also incorporatedesigns in their materials. Freshen up cabinetry in the galley andlavatory with new countertops.Dupont Corian has added newcolours to its palette. Solid surfacessuch as Corian are more durable thanlaminate or stone and can easily berepaired or polished to removescratches.

Solid surface can also beincorporated in the cabin on tables ordrink rails for a more durable surfacethan traditional veneer. Protecting anaircraft’s surfaces, whether solid orsoft goods, is always at the forefrontof the maintenance crew’s concerns.

For fabrics, FTS Inc is offering astain protection treatment that isbeing used by Dassault Falconjet andhas proven very effective inpreventing against wet stains. It canbe applied to almost any fabric usedfor upholstery or covering panels, butit is best if applied to the roll ofmaterial before application.

When selecting products with anyof these vendors, the most importantthing is to have clear expectations.Ask about the negatives or risks ofusing certain materials and look atactual samples whenever possible.Plan in advance as much as possible so any potential availabilityissues will not have a large impactand the interior upgrade processshould be a success.

Lori Browning is an aircraft interiordesigner at Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek,Michigan (BTL), facility, specialising inbusiness aircraft modification,completions and refurbishments. DuncanAviation is a well-known maintenance,repair and overhaul facility head-quartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Satellite communication first arrivedon the scene for maritime use in the70s and quickly spread to use inaviation. Connectivity requirementsin the cockpit, and increasingly in thecabin, have driven the proliferationof satellite services in recent years tosatisfy this demand. With thecontinued development of faster andever-more complex passengermobile devices using technologiessuch as streaming video on demandand cloud computing, this trend isbound to continue.

Business jet and vvip operators inEurope, the Middle East and Asia(EMEA) have a number of choices tomake in determining the bestsatellite communications solutionfor their aircraft. Choosing correctlyrequires a full understanding ofexactly what the particular aircraftsatellite communication systemneeds to achieve.

EMEA has several satellitecommunication providers, each

offering various levels of capabilitywith relative cost structures. Iridium,for example, offers communicationpackages with lower data transferspeeds, which are better suited topure telephone communications.Telephone-only systems arepreferred installations for smallaircraft.

This type of system can be linkedto hardware in the aircraft suppliedby Aircell, ICG, Truenorth, orRockwell Collins. Prices for such asystem generally start at US$75,000for a simple installation. As with allsatellite communications, theoperator will also need to factor inthe installation of an antenna. Whilethis can be achieved through severalmeans, the simplest is for theinstaller to purchase a ServiceBulletin from the aircraft OEM, or anexisting Supplemental TypeCertificate (STC). A small antennainstallation starts at US$50,000,assuming an STC for the installationis available.

Inmarsat also provides satellitecommunication services that, with

the exception of the Polar regions,have global coverage. LinkingInmarsat satellites’ Swift Broadbandservice to hardware in the aircraftsupplied by Thrane & Thrane,Rockwell Collins or Honeywell/EMS,via EMS, CMC, Chelton or Ballantennas enables a whole host ofservices for the cabin. Typically, thesepackages offer relatively high voicequality and data transfer speeds upto 432kbps per channel. Though notcomparable to speeds offered on theground, the packages at the higherspeeds can enable telephony, textmessaging, VoIP, email and internet,as well as secure cockpit safetyservices. Prices for such systemsrange from US$500,000 to $1.2m.

Customer requirements andavailable space on the fuselagedetermine whether a high,intermediate or low gain antenna willbe installed. Though these types ofinstallations are suitable for smallthrough to large aircraft, systemperformance depends on the size ofthe antenna used.

For customers demanding ahigher data transfer rate, Jet Aviationalso offers KU band satellite systemsolutions from ViaSat or PanasonicAvionics Corporation. Coverage isnot yet global, with coveragecurrently missing in India andPakistan, up into China and EasternRussia, but this is expected to berectified in Q1 2013.

The KU band solutions are only available for medium to largeaircraft and are best suited to thosewhich require fast data transferspeeds. They range from installationprices of US$800,000 for a mediumbusiness jet up to US$2m for largeraircraft. While the speeds varydepending on the communicationdirection, whether aircraft to groundor ground to aircraft, connectionspeeds experienced are between 1and 2Mbps. Future satellitecommunications will see theintroduction of KA band satellites,offering greater bandwidth and evenfaster data transfer speeds.

Given the numerous satellitecommunication systems and optionsavailable, the sky really is the limit. Buyers need only be absolutelyclear about client needs andexpectations – not to mentionbudgetary constraints.

by Jonathan Allwood, SCM categorymanager, Jet Aviation Basel

Simple telephone or full broadband, the choice has never been greater

BUYER’S GUIDE

Communication systems is just one of over sixty fully researchedcategories you can use to search through the exhibitors at EBACE2012 using our online guide. Data comes courtesy of the Handbook ofBusiness Aviation in Europe.

Communicate with the top suppliers


Skyfleet owner heads for AfricaPolish business aviation consultantSkyfleet Aviation Consulting hasembarked on an extraordinarycharity action called “Flight forAfrica”. Managing partner MajaWazniewicz together with acrobaticpilot Dawid Sobieszek is about todepart on a flight of over 10,000kmfrom Warsaw to South Africa with aWilga 2000 light aircraft. The flightsupports the Water Campaign byPolish Humanitarian Action andmoney collected in course of theflight will be allocated to theconstruction of wells in SouthSudan, a region greatly troubled bythe lack of access to potable water.

The Wilga 2000 will be deliveredto its new owner in South Africa.“The flight with Wilga to Africa is agreat challenge. We will spend sevenhours a day in a small cockpit,carrying fuel reserves on the backseats”, says Wazniewicz.

Cambridge unveils furtherdevelopmentCambridge Airport is to furtherexpand with a major infrastructureupgrade and development of airportland into a vibrant business hub. InJuly work will start on the green fieldsite to the south site of the runway.The investment will focus on a newtaxiway, which will provide a keyaccess route to the south of therunway, and on a majorrehabilitation of the runway.

“Tenants will be offered a range ofproperty development optionsincluding self-build, build and buyback or lease of properties, built byMarshall Aerospace. A vibrantbusiness park, a hotel for crew,operator bases, this is the type ofproject that could be achieved,” saysairport director Archie Garden.

Embraer shows off 650interiorEmbraer has launched the globaltour of the Legacy 650 with the new2012 interior.

“The 2012 Legacy 650 interiorsignificantly raises the bar for thelarge executive aircraft class,” saidErnest Edwards, president, EmbraerExecutive Jets. “We offer a new cabinmanagement system, reduced noiselevels and avionics advances thatequip the aircraft for the future airtraffic control system. It alsoincludes new finishing materials forcabin, galleys and lavatories. Withthis new interior, customers willhave a more advanced andcomfortable environment in whichto relax or to maintain theirproductivity.”

The interior includes an 8.9-inch

touchscreen CMS controller in thegalley as well as individual, in-seattouchscreen units that control video,audio, lighting and temperature. A17.5-inch LCD monitor comesstandard but customers can choosefrom a number of monitor optionsincluding up to a 32-inch credenzaversion, a 24-inch, aft-bulkheadconfiguration or individual seatmonitors.

PW210 engine to power X4Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW210engine has been selected byEurocopter to power the next-generation X4 helicopter. ThePW210-powered X4 is expected toenter into service by 2017.

The X4 marks the third applica-tion for the PW210 family of engines,joining the PW210S certified in 2011and the PW210A which is slated forcertification in 2013.

Rusaero doubles up onquality controlRussian flight support companyRusaero has established a newquality control department tomonitor the daily tasks of dispatch,train new personnel, and developnew innovations and technology inorder to deliver top notch service toits clients.

Svetlana Shilkova, who wasdeputy head of dispatch, heads theteam of five – which is due to grow toten in coming months.

“We take precision very seriously.Our quality control department is anessential group of individuals whoconsistently test and retest all theaspects of operational work,” saysShilkova.

AW139 flight training deviceis qualifiedFrasca International’s AW139 flighttraining device has been qualified tothe new JAR FSTD-H FTD 2standards. The FTD is in use byRotorsim at its facility in Italy.

EASA approves King Air 250The Beechcraft King Air 250 hasachieved EASA certification. Newfeatures include composite wingletsthat improve efficiency in all phases

I NDUSTRY NEWS . . . How to maintainhigh standards

Choosing the right maintenanceprovider may be just as important asfinding the right aircraft, and whileselecting a maintenance facility maysound easy, it can drive costs upsignificantly. For example, anorganisation with maintenancefacilities at the same airport as youraircraft is based may seem to be thecheapest option available, but thiscould be only half the truth. If thatcompany does not hold sufficientspare parts stock your aircraft couldbe grounded unnecessarily.

Another issue to be taken intoaccount is whether your aircraftoperates globally or is limited to acertain region; in the latter case, asmall and flexible maintenancecompany dedicated to your aircrafttype may be a better option than theglobally operating enterprise.

However, in some cases size doesmatter, at least when we are talkingabout fleet size. Operators with largefleets may receive discounts andservices that a single aircraft operatormay not be able to procure from itsmaintenance partners.

Aircraft buyers should talk to theiroperators, maintenance managers orCAMOs to decide which option willbest suit their needs. These partiesshould have the knowledge to talkover the options available and, as anaircraft owner, you should alwaysseek to get an independent view.

Some aircraft operators are largeenough to have their own mainten-ance departments. Even though thissituation has certain advantagesthrough the close connection, usuallypromoted as a one-stop-shopsolution, it can have majordisadvantages as maintenance costsare more or less uncontrolled andprices cannot be compared. Besidesthis, you could lose the leverage to getwhat you, as the aircraft owner, wantfrom a maintenance provider.

I strongly recommend that any

aircraft is enrolled on a supportprogramme and the same consid-erations apply when making yourchoice, with a proper comparison ofthe costs, benefits and disadvantagesof all options. It may seemincomprehensible to start payingfrom the first flight for events that mayoccur in future, but it does truly makesense as it equalises maintenancecosts and removes unexpected billsfrom the equation, shifting them todirect operating costs.

As an aircraft owner you will knowin detail what the expected costs perflight hour should be. Most aircraftare put up for sale after the warrantyperiod and, at that point, thoseprevious regular payments start topay off, keeping the value of theaircraft up and helping resale. Someproviders of ‘power by the hour’agreements provide a payback optionif the funds are not used.

Independent advice should alwaysbe sought, as not every programmewill suit every need, with the optionsavailable less and less transparent forthose who are not experts. Everysalesperson wants to sell theirproduct, be it a vacuum cleaner, a car,an aircraft or maintenance servicesand seeking independent advicecould save you millions. ■

Eurocopter España has acquired an80 per cent stake in new companySabadell Helicopters Service Center(SHSC), which brings together theaircraft maintenance and repairactivities of the Cataloniancompany TAF Helicopters SL.

With an initial staff of 35technicians based at SabadellAirport near Barcelona, SHSC willenable Eurocopter to providedirect, specialised support for allcivil helicopter fleets.

There are currently more than700 civil helicopters registered inSpain and this number has steadilyincreased over the last 20 years atan annual rate of 5 per cent, withEurocopter products accountingfor 60 per cent of the Spanish fleet.Eurocopter also aims to increase

the turnover deriving from after-sales activities, which are expectedto undergo similar growth in themedium and long term.

“This acquisition is an integralpart of Eurocopter’s strategy ofdeveloping support and servicesactivities,” says Francisco Vergé,Eurocopter España ceo. “The newlogistics platform will enable us torespond to the support needs of theoperators in a faster and moreefficient way.”

SHSC plans to sign ad hocagreements with operators toprovide maintenance andairworthiness activities. In additionto providing support for operators,the new company will also performhelicopter customisation,modernisation and retrofits.

by Stephan Krainer, maintenancepostholder for Avcon Jet and gm

Primus Aircaft Management Solutions

Eurocopter España and TAF Helicopterscreate support platform for light helicopters

It's simple. Select your aircraft type from the drop down menu on ouronline EBACE guide and you can find a list of maintenance companiesapproved to provide services to you.

Find the exhibitor to maintain your aircraft

BUYER’S GUIDE

Maja Wazniewicz aims to raise money for water provision in South Sudan.

of flight, composite propellers thatprovide new aerodynamictechnology and lighter weight, andengine induction modificationsthat contribute to its increasedperformance.

“We’re looking forward tostarting deliveries in Europe verysoon,” said Sean McGeough,president, Asia, Europe, MiddleEast and Africa. “According toEurocontrol, the King Air B200series has been the most flownbusiness aircraft in Europe overthe last four years.”

CEPA names advisoryboardThe Central European PrivateAviation organisation hasappointed an advisory board. Thiscomprises: Oliver Stone, md ofLondon-based Colibri Aircraft, theprivate aircraft brokerage andasset advisory firm; AlanCunningham, asset financepartner at DLA Piper, a worldwidepractice which represents banks,leasing companies, operators andowners on aircraft sales/purchase;Philippe Liénard, who jointlycreated the Aelis Group inBratislava, Slovakia; and JeanMichel Bonte, co-founder andshareholder of Aelia Assurances,the specialist insurance broker.

Karl Lagerfeld to designvip AW139AgustaWestland has called onleading fashion design house KarlLagerfeld for the design of viphelicopter interiors and exteriors.Work has begun on the AW139medium twin but may laterinclude other models. The fashionhouse will be entering thehelicopter exterior/interior designsector for the first time.

DA52 makes maiden flightThe newest twin engine modelfrom Diamond Aircraft, the DA52,has made its first flight, poweredby two Austro Engine 180 hpturbo-diesel engines. It is designedto carry up to seven people. Withfive knots headwind the take offroll was less than 300m withoutflaps.

Falcon 2000S on trackDassault’s Falcon 2000S hascompleted its first year of flighttesting, chalking up 260 flighthours in over 110 flights.

Outfitted with inboard slats andwinglets that work together toreduce landing speeds, the 2000Salso features a unique autobrakesystem which will allow it to accessshorter and more challengingrunways.

The Rusaero quality control team is setto grow from five to ten staff in comingmonths. From left to right: IrinaEfimenko, Igor Khotentsev, SvetlanaShilkova, Vladimir Klementiev.


Tentative recent growth signals increasedbusiness on the Austrian horizon

commercial officer Ian Moore said: “No one else in the privatebusiness aviation sector is takingdelivery of brand new aircraft at therate we are, nor is anyone morecommitted to maintaining theyoungest fleet in the skies.”

ABC Bedarfsflug GmbH offersfractional operations, passengerflights, freight services, trips forfilming and leisure from its based at Innsbruck.

Available for charter are a fleet ofthree Citation 560XL and five

CitationJet 525 series aircraft.Helmut Eder, ceo, admits that,

although flight hours have increaseda little over recent years, the pricescurrently being charged are very low.That said, he believes that the effectsof the Europe-wide economic crisis

have been no more negative to thecompany than they were around2009.

And what does the company planfor the remainder of the year? “Keepon going...” says Eder.

AUSTRIAREGIONALREVIEW

Major business aviation airports*

1. Vienna Schwechat LOWW VIE2. Salzburg W. A. Mozart LOWS SZG3. Innsbruck LOWI INN4. Linz Blue Danube LOWL LNZ5. Graz LOWG GRZ

* ranked by the number of handler, charter,

maintenance, sales and training organisations

based at each.

Leading fixed-wing charter operators**

1. VistaJet2. Airlink Luftverkehrs3. International Jet Management4. Amira Air5. GlobeAir

Leading helicopter charter operators**

1. Heli Austria 2. Hubi-Fly3. Helios Hubschraubertransport4. Goldeck-Flug

** ranked by number of aircraft for charter

Leading maintenance centres***

1. Gate V Aircraft Maintenance2. Austrian Technik3. Diamond Maintenance4. Jetalliance Technical Services5. Punitzflug Aircraft Maintenance

*** ranked by number of aircraft types covered

Data extracted from the Handbook

of Business Aviation in Europe,

and the EBAN reader roster.

Business aviationin the Austria by

the numbers

13 business aviation airports

79 business charter operators

18 business aircraftmaintenance organisations

OE 455 business aircraft onthe Austrian register

When EBAN first carried out areview of Austria’s business fleet 20years ago, a total of 166 jets, propsand helicopters made up thenumbers. Nowadays that figure hasrisen to 455, making the country'sfleet one of the fastest growinganywhere in Europe.

According to the latest statisticsfrom Avinode, international charterrequests are predominantly toGermany and the Ukraine, andinbound from more widespreadlocations in France, UK and Italy -indicating perhaps that Austriaremains a business and holidaydestination rather than an overseasinvestor country. Charter demand toGermany may not be surprising giventhe historical links and commonlanguage, whereas to the Ukrainemay result from geographicalconvenience.

Austrian charter operators includeone of the biggest in Europe – if notthe world – Vistajet. The companyrecently signed an agreement withBeijing Airlines to investigate jointmarketing, sales and operationalopportunities, with VistaJetestablishing a base in Beijing andeventually operating point-to-pointwithin China. As reported in April’sEBAN, a significant increase indemand has arisen for the companyto base aircraft in the country fromChinese businessmen who haveflown VistaJet internationally.

With a roster of more than 30aircraft and a $2 billion aircraftpurchase order backlog, the fleet isexpected to double by 2015. Chief

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

MONDAY, MAY 14;

TUESDAY, MAY 15;

& WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012

PALEXPO AND

GENEVA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

LEARN MORE AT www.ebace.aero

Traffic into Austria can depend upon the quality of the skiing season. Image by High Contrast [CC-BY-3.0-de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Continued on next page

both Euro 2012 and the LondonOlympics and is ready to tackle thechallenge of obtaining suitable slots.

Tyrolean Jet Services has anextensive fleet offering passengercharter, ranging from the 19-seatAirbus ACJ 318 wide body businessjet, through the nine-seat GulfstreamG200 to the six-seat Cessna CJ2. Theextended range Airbus was added insummer 2011 and has alreadyperformed flights to severalcontinents due to the additionalcentre fuel tanks.

A recent task for the Innsbruck-based operator was a global roadshow taking in Korea, Vietnam, Japanand Russia, finishing with a flightfrom Moscow directly to Los Angelesto continue with the next project.

TJS’s Karin Schöpf says: “We havenoted an increased demand for oursmaller and heavy aircraft but all-in-all flight hours per aircraft kept stablein comparison to 2010.”

The way in which clients utilisedthe company’s services was affectedby the banking crisis across Europe,notes Schöpf, with customers whomight previously have flown on thesmaller aircraft switching to airlinebusiness class, whereas customers forthe midsize segment downsized tosmaller aircraft.

“Our ceo Martin Lener has beenwith TJS from the very beginning in1980. He has succeeded incompensating for the reduced flighthours of our own aircraft by winningseveral managed aircraft and byintroducing a ‘floating base’ conceptfor the first time in our company formiddle and long range aircraft.”

Schöpf highlights the charter salesteam – Corina Platter, MichaelaTriendl and Toos van der Leeuwen –as deserving special mention, facingtough competition but working hardto fulfill all demands.

For the future, reorganisation of the current owned fleet is planned, along with acquisition offurther management aircraft.

then our business will fail.”Ambitious plans are afoot for the

company’s future. Fanini reports thatfleet expansion is in mind, along withmore tailored crew training. “We needto ensure that our entire crew isfamiliarised and trained to operatewhere our clients want to go,therefore we have planned increasedtraining into airports such as La Mole(St Tropez), London City andLugano.” And there is more: “We havealso started to add capacity to ourcustomer care/sales team as we havelearned that our clients all deserve amore tailored service.” she adds.

Managing director ReinhardKraxner at Heli Ambulance TeamGmbH & CoKG reports that businessusually involves HEMS during thewinter season in Austria out of sixbases at Zürs, St Anton am Arlberg,Sölden, Hintertux, Zell am See andPatergassen.

The company has a fleet made upentirely of EC135s and Kraxnerreports that this type performs as wellas needed for mountain operations.Although the European economicsituation resulted in a slight decreasein the number of tourists visiting theAustrian ski resorts overall, followinga perfect winter season, flight hourstook an upward turn.

Kraxner believes that no singlemember of the team is moreimportant than another, with eachmission bringing special challengesfor one or more of the team, be itmedical, rescue or pilots.

2012 marks five years of operationfor MJET. Asset manager Dan Rusujoined the company in 2007, the sameyear the company received itsoperating licence and AOC, and tookdelivery of its first jets. He reports thatMJET’s fleet currently features aGulfstream V, two G450 and two G200,two Hawker 900XP and three Fokker100EJ, based mainly at easternEuropean airports, with a midsize jetbased in Geneva.

As reported in April’s EBAN, MJETsis expecting short notice bookings for

GlobeAir AG has recently receivedapproval for its maintenance shopand Claudia Fanini, marketing andcommunications manager, toldEBAN of a recent flight that tested thecompany’s expanded capabilities.“We flew to Bergen, Norway, which isnot very common for us andunfortunately while parkedovernight, with gusting winds up to70kts, we suffered a shatteredwindshield. The only good news wasthat, as we had just received approvalfor our maintenance shop, we wereable to take care of the AOGinternally.”

A fleet of 10 Citation Mustangsoperate out of 11 bases in Austria,France, Switzerland, Italy and the UK.The newest aircraft was delivered inAugust 2010 which Fanini reports hasbeen performing well, accumulating1,400 hours with very fewunscheduled events.

Since the GlobeAir fleet expandedto 10 aircraft flight hours have, in fact,gone down. “However the reductionhas mainly been as a result of beingable to better optimise our flightschedule,” says Fanini. “We have beenable to reduce our ferry ratio andtherefore each aircraft is flying aboutthe same amount of occupied flightbut with fewer empty legs.”

Business was inevitably affectedby the financial crisis in Europe, shereports. “In the last quarter of 2011,when the media bombarded us withGreece, Italy and the weakening euro,we saw a significant reduction inbookings. The good news has beenthat since January bookings haveoutpaced our expectations – maybe itis the ‘Monti effect’.”

When it comes to an effectiveworkforce, a team focused on thesame goals is most important forGlobeAir. “We have a great customercare and dispatch team on duty 24/7,our crew is fantastic and togetherwith the office team everyone isfocused on ensuring that we arealways able to handle our clients’needs,” says Fanini. “Our clientschoose to fly on private aircraft inorder to have greater flexibility and ifour entire team is not ready to follow,


Continued from previous page

Apron Aviation sets itssights on Bursa Turkish air charter company ApronAviation has welcomed a newinvestor with a 25 per cent stake, inthe person of the president of theArab Tourism Organization, DrBandar Bin Fahd Al Fuhaid.

The partnership agreement wassigned in Istanbul in April andaims to set up a new airlinecompany which will be based inBursa, and to convert the region toa new aviation centre byexpanding the use of Bursa airport.

Apron Aviation chairman ZaferYesilgul and Dr Al Fuhaid areaiming to start the project with aninvestment of US$50m in the firstphase. “Bursa Airlines willtransform the airport,” says ApronAviation md Gökcehan Dace.“Within the scope of theinvestment plan air taxi and anaircraft maintenance centre arealso under consideration.”

Nordic reports top resultsThe winter and spring have beenvery busy for Nordic Air Brokers.“When we close our books forthe last 12 months at the end ofApril we’ll present the best resultsince the company started 2004,”says Robert Almqvist.

“Our latest employee CarinaKjellgren has contributed a lot,with experience from her previousposition as charter sales managerat City Airlines. We now have agreat aviation team with deepknowledge in aviation manage-ment, charter and operations.”

The broker has seen a rise inlarger group travel, and reportshaving had two Boeing aircraftflying parallel to Nice a month agowith a four day stay. “The companyevent was very much appreciatedand we are well booked withsimilar flights during the autumn,”adds Almqvist.

First hand experience ofheaven and hellMany brokers have intimateknowledge of business jets,without ever having the chance toset foot aboard one. So Jens Dreyerof Aviation Broker GmbH leapt atthe chance to be the onlypassenger on an empty leg from

Billund to Miami operated by AirAlsie with a Falcon 7X recently. “Itwas a super experience with ahighly professional crew. I wouldrecommend this company toeverybody,” he says. “I flew back to Europe by commercial carrier in economy, in a seat that wasdamaged and could not beadjusted. Heaven and hell can bevery close in the aviation industry!"

Chapman Freeborn offersyachting in Asia Chapman Freeborn and AquaVoyage have partnered to provideprivate aircraft and luxury yacht(PALY) travel packages in Asia.

Private air travel might be newto the Asia market and commonlyperceived to be an experiencelimited to the ultra-rich andfamous, but Nicolas Chemin,senior manager of ChapmanFreeborn in Singapore, believes thenewly launched PALY packagesopen up opportunities in Asia formore people to experience flyingin a private aircraft: “We aredelighted to be the first tointroduce this one-of-a-kind travelexperience with yacht chartercompany Aqua Voyage. With theseunique packages, we are offering acomplete lavish experience fromthe moment clients step into alimousine; to on board the yachtthat is exclusive to themselves; tothe luxurious accommodation onthe island; and a flight back in aprivate aircraft coupled with alimousine ride home.”

Chemin adds: “Our aim is tooffer a complete luxury travelexperience. The combination ofprivate aircraft and yacht is anexperience to be enjoyed at leastonce in a lifetime.”

JetLogic expands to IndiaUK-based broker JetLogic is toopen its first office in India in May.“With the increase in demand forflights from India we believe thathaving local representation is keyto developing this market further,”says Leigh Wilson. “To coincidewith this we are also launching anaircraft acquisition arm of thebusiness to clients which willinclude aircraft management on aprivate or commercial basis.”

CHAR TER BROKER NEWS . . .

Apron Aviation chairman Zafer Yesilgul seals a partnership with Arab TourismOrganization president Dr Bandar Bin Fahd Al Fuhaid.

Demand for Tyrolean Jet Services’ heavy aircraft has grown.

Helmut Eder has seen an increase inABC Bedarfsflug’s flights hours.

Martin Lener of TJS has introduced a ‘floating base’ concept to boostbusiness.


HUNGARYREGIONALREVIEW

“Moreover, TJS is working onacquiring shareholdings andcompany set-ups in aviationbusiness,” Schöpf explains.

Heli Austria’s Bell 412 and BO105Superlifter were called upon to helpafter an avalanche in Switzerland. RoyKnaus says: “We had to fly manyRussians out of Ischgl by the end ofJanuary when the road was closed forsome days. Due to the heavy snowfalls and the imminent avalanchedanger the road was closed and thehelicopter was the only option to getin our out. Furthermore, ourhelicopters were used to clear thepower lines and to prevent treesfalling into the power line.”

Knaus is full of praise for theBO105 Superlifter: “We have been inSwitzerland with it and Air Zermattwas very impressed that the aircraftcould climb on one engine at 15,000ftwith a 1,200fpm climb rate and fourpeople onboard, 250kg of fuel and70kg baggage. They said it evenoutperforms the Lama and B3 at thataltitude. That’s what we expectedbecause two C30P engines with726HP each give a lot of power.”

At Heli-Line GmbH, fourRobinson R44 and three RobinsonR22 are to be joined by an R66 inSeptember 2012, reports thecompany’s Wolfgang Pitterle. A rangeof pleasure flights are offeredalongside aerial work and taxi flightsfor business.

Meanwhile at EBACE in Genevathis year, Amira Air is planning to runa lottery once more and is offeringprizes of an iPad, an iPod Touch andNano to entrants who drop theirbusiness card in the bowl on thecompany’s stand.

Amira Air was founded in 2005 andis based in Vienna, operating thebiggest fleet of BombardierChallenger 300 in Europe as well asGlobal Express, Global 5000,Challenger 604, Hawker 400XP andCessna CJ2 aircraft. ■

The 2012/13 EBAN Handbook ofBusiness Aviation in Europe is out now, and gives details of manymore Austrian and Hungariancharter operators.

It also lists business aviationfacilities and services includingairports, FBOs and maintenancecentres.

The details can be accessedonline through a search of aircraftoperated or the airport bases. Formore information please visitwww.handbook.aero

Comprehensive datafor Austria andHungary online free-of-charge

Stunning architecture may be the draw for film studios in Budapest. By Maurice [CC-BY-2.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0], via

Wikimedia Commons.

Russian twins babies were evacuated byHeli Austria after roads were closed.

There are just 61 business aircrafton the Hungarian register, only fiveof which are business jets. Twin-engine turboprops are wellrepresented, albeit at the larger endof the size range.

Fly-Coop Ltd operates a large fleet of helicopters that are variously used for taxi flights, pilotrating, sightseeing, photography,agricultural spraying and oil pipework. A fleet of light aircraft carriesout taxi flights and sightseeing work.

The company has a Part 145maintenance and repair licence andmakes periodic inspections, repairsand overhauls as well. “We repairengines, airframes, including crashedaircraft, we do paintwork and alsocarpeting,” says Erno Jakab. “We carryout type rating for pilots as well. Ourairfield is located in Kadarkút with ahangar built just two years ago.”

“Compared to last year we areflying more this year, though this isdue to oil pipe checking works,”reports Jakab. “The company doesnot feel the effect of the bank crisisdirectly but sometimes we feel thatthere is less work to do, for examplein agriculture.”

In the future, he says that Fly-Coopwould like to expand its services,adding: “It is important for us to keepup the interest of customers withmailshots and advertising. We wouldlike to expand the number of aircraft,as well as employees, and extend thecompany more within Hungary andin Europe.”

Ground handling expert Euro Jethas locations in 28 countries at 175airports offering flight support and itsown people on the ground forhandling supervision. Euro Jet says itis the only flight support companywith a presence on the ground inHungary, providing support to morethan half of all general aviation goinginto Hungary.

Peter Pazurek is Hungariancountry manager for Euro JetIntercontinental, based in Budapest.

He says: “Budapest has a GAT that,while it is not branded by one of themajor world FBO networks, functionsin the same way with the sameservices provided, including acomplete vip service.” On offer at theGAT is standard aircraft and baggagehandling, customs and immigrationand a vip lounge.

Pazurek continues: “The majorityof Hungarian aircraft are based out ofTokol as it is more cost-efficient.While there is a Challenger andFalcon aircraft based out of Budapest,the rest are based out of Tokol. Theseinclude several Citation jets and aBeechjet.”

He explains that approximately 15business flights arrive daily, however,as the summer season trafficincreases, up to 40 flights a day can beexpected in July and August.

So what does the future hold for

Budapest – is it a lucrativeopportunity waiting to be developedby an aspiring FBO chain?

“The GAT does not have any plansto be changed to one of the majorworldwide FBO chains,” Pazurek says.“Budapest is an active privateaviation airport, but already has theinfrastructure in place to properlyhandle business jets to the higheststandards. What we do see is thecontinued development of Hungaryand as more business investment ismade here that will lead to moreprivate aviation flights.”

There are several industries inHungary that have brought privateaviation to the country, including themovie business, the automobile

industry, and oil and gas. Automanufacturing and oil refinery plantsare common in Hungary reportsPazurek, and several US filmmakershave been attracted to Budapestmeaning it has become a hot spot formovie making. “Right now there aretwo major movie studios. Perhaps it isBudapest’s ability to look like severalEuropean cities, or that theHungarian people are very friendlyand accommodating!”

He continues: “In early August wealso have Formula One racing. Thisevent will cause a significant increasein business aviation traffic. It is notunusual to have 45 flights in a givenday during this period.”

Pazurek has been in aviation for

more than 30 years, spending sevenyears working for ATC at BudapestAirport and then at the GAT for 20years. “I was the GAT manager for fouryears before I left to work for Euro Jet,where I have been ever since.”

Hungary is a very aviation friendlyplace, believes Pazurek, and if allproper procedures are followed andappropriate paperwork filled in, therewill be no issues. “While any placecan have issues that pop up, they arevery rare in Hungary, and the flightshere go very smoothly,” he says. ■

Hungary’s continued developmentpoints to more flights in future

Major business aviation airports*

1. Budapest Franz Liszt Int’l LHBP BUD2. Tokol LHTL 3. Nyiregyhaza LHNY 4. Debrecen LHDC DEB5. Sarmellek Balaton LHSM SOB

* ranked by the number of handler, charter,

maintenance, sales and training organisations

based at each.

Data extracted from the Handbook

of Business Aviation in Europe,

and the EBAN reader roster.

Business aviationin the Hungary by

the numbers

11 business aviation airports

HA 61 business aircraft on theHungarian register


Aircraft for sale

Special packages are available for advertisingaircraft for sale in EBAN and on our web site(www.ebanmagazine.com). Picture adverts (40words of text plus colour picture) cost £75 each.You can also choose our new display advertisingoption for larger inventories.

MarketplaceContact Mark Ranger on: +44 (0)1279 714509 [email protected]

environment with excellent rest facilitiesand delightful family & diningenvironment with large rear monitor forentertainment. It has an excellentoperating pedigree– worth a viewing.Andrew Pearce Tel: + 44 7557-237730Innotech Aviation. Email:[email protected]

Challenger 604

1995, S/N 5302, 5838 hours TTAF. SmartParts Plus. APU on MSP. Majorinspections (6/12/24/48/96/192/240/gear overhauls) complied withNovember 2011 at Duncan Aviation.Precision Plus avionics upgrade. TripleCollins FMS 6000. Dual Litton LN-101IRS. Airshow Genesys. Great paint andinterior. Asking: $7,950,000 USD. Videoand blog about this aircraft on ourwebsite. Tel: +1 303 444 6766 J. MesingerCorp Jet Sales, Inc.. Web:www.jetsales.com. Email:[email protected]

Global Express

D-AFAM, Entry into service in 2000, S/N9028 | EU-OPS 1. Available for sale or

BOMBARDIER

Challenger 604

This aircraft has undergone all recentinspections and is being offered with afresh 48 month, 96 month and 192month gear inspection completed.Enrolled on the GE on Point engineprogram, CAMP, and an APU serviceplan, this aircraft is well suited forextensive flying without any significantscheduled maintenance coming due.Andrew Pearce Tel: +44 7557 237730Innotech Aviation. Email:[email protected]

Challenger 604

VP-CAP, The owner has appointedInnotech as its new exclusive broker.Impeccably maintained CL604. Theinterior is configured to offer both acomfortable business working

OUR NEXT ISSUE: JUNE 2012FINAL BOOKING DATE: MAY 24th

Career opportunities

Job advertisements can be placed at a cost of UK£52 per single columncentimetre, the minimum depth being five centimetres.

Job opportunity advertisements are also included on the EBAN web site free-of-charge.

Based in Geneva (Switzerland), we are one of the largest companies of private jets inEurope. We provide our international clientele with the ultimate service in air transportefficiency, comfort, safety and convenience. To reinforce our international growth we are

offering an opportunity for a pro-active, convincing and motivated personality as our

CHARTER SALES EXECUTIVE

The challenge:

Reporting directly to the Charter Sales Director, you are responsible for the sales of charterflights on the phone. Within a team, you strengthen long term relationships and develop repeatbusiness. Your success is constructed on a dependable network of clients for whom “time ispriceless”. You know the product you are selling and provide clients with the most tailoredsolutions adapted to their needs. You guarantee the highest quality of services.

Yourself:

You are customer oriented and have a previous experience in charter sales. You are alert,dynamic, you have a quick mind and you focus primarily on the quality of the services you areoffering. You are able to work under stress, you know how to prioritize and you have a strongteam spirit. You have a perfect command of the English language; additional languages will bean asset. You do like telephone contacts and have very good communication skills.

We offer:

The opportunity to join a company whose name has become familiar to the demanding clientsof private business travel. Highly professional support, administrative and logistic teams whospare no effort to deliver services to clients’ full satisfaction. The perspective to be part of thecompany’s success and growth.

Location:

Geneva

Please reply in strictest confidence with CV, motivation letter & picture to

[email protected]

Charter Sales ExecutiveB

ased in Geneva (Switzerland), we are one of the largest companies of private jets in Europe. Weprovide our international clientele with the ultimate service in air transport efficiency, comfort, safetyand convenience. To reinforce our international growth we are offering an opportunity for a pro-active,

convincing and motivated personality as our

INTERNATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR

The challenge:Reporting directly to the General Manager, you are a stakeholder in the charter sales strategy of the companyand play a key role in the expansion of the charter business. You are also responsible for the charterdepartment of the company & for the commercial growth of our private and business jet charter division. Youfix objectives to the team to develop the business but you also develop your own network of new clientsstrengthening long term relationships and developing repeat business. Your success is constructed on adependable network of clients for whom “time is priceless” and an aircraft an essential part to business.Together with your management, you define the goals of the charter team and make sure they are reached. Asthe central contact person, you coordinate internally to ensure that optimal service is delivered at all times.

Yourself:

You have a confirmed and solid experience as a Sales Director in aviation, preferably in business aviation andare therefore used to the high demanding expectations from this sector. Ambitious and dynamic you are aseasoned negotiator and understand the importance of personalised start-to-finish executive air travelservices. Pro-active in your market approach, you are result oriented and both look and find creativesolutions. Your high level business environment is multifaceted and multicultural. Skilled at time and prioritymanagement, you are dedicated to your customers’ needs. You are between 30-40 years old. You hold avalid Swiss work permit or are E.U national. You have a perfect command of English, any additionalEuropean language will be an asset.

We offer:

The opportunity to join a company whose name has become familiar to the demanding clients of privatebusiness travel. Highly professional support, administrative and logistic teams who spare no effort to deliverservices to clients’ full satisfaction. The perspective to be part of the company’s success and growth. Arewarding and attractive financial remuneration based on your skills, performance and achievements.

Location:

Geneva

Please reply in strictest confidence with CV, motivation letter & picture to

[email protected]

International Sales Director

lease. 4,723 hours. Smart Parts Plus, R/RCorporate Care. To be delivered withnew interior including woodwork andfresh 8C inspection. 14 pax + 2-seat crewrest area configuration. Forward and aftlav. Contact: Thierry Huguenin. Tel: +49911 36009 375 or +1 561 771 1322 FAIrent-a-jet AG. Web: www.rent-a-jet.de.Email: [email protected]

Global XRS2006, S/N 9203, 1,701 TTAF. Excellentpedigree and condition. RRCC.HUD/EVS/triple FMS. High speed datawith wireless LAN. Tailwind 500 satelliteTV. CES (Collins) software 7 upgrade.High service bulletin compliance. Asking$41M. Watch a video about this excitingaircraft on our web site. Tel: 800 6716766 or +1 303 444 6766 J. Mesinger CorpJet Sales, Inc. Web: www.jetsales.com.Email: [email protected]

Learjet 55C

1989, D-CFAZ, S/N 136. EU-OPS 1.Available for sale or lease. 7,002 hours.MSP-Gold. Extended fuel capacity to7705 lbs. Delta Fins. 7 pax configuration.4 single-seats and private lavatory.

Career OpportunitiesHunt & Palmer are seeking to recruit experienced aircraft

charter brokers to join their renowned executive aviation team based near Gatwick Airport in the UK.

Applications are invited from motivated individuals who can demonstrate sound commercial acumen, at least 3 years proven track record in a similar environment and with a strong focus on

B2B sales and business development.

Excellent remuneration packages, including competitive salary, company bonus scheme and an attractive benefits package are

offered to successful applicants.

Full details of all vacancies may be found on our website at:

www.huntandpalmer.com/careersApplications in writing with full CV for the attention of Suzanne Clitheroe to:

[email protected] Date 31 May 2012


GULFSTREAM

G550

2004, S/N 5060, 3,198 hours TTAF. In-service date August 2005. Two ownerssince new. Engines on RRCC. Airshow4000, Honeywell Planeview w/HUD &EVS. Forward crew rest area. Aft fullservice galley. Asking $35,900,000 USD.Watch a video about this outstandingaircraft on our websiteat www.jetsales.com. Contact: Tel: +1303 444 6766 J. Mesinger Corp Jet Sales,Inc.. Web: www.jetsales.com. Email:[email protected]

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT

Premier 1A

OM-VPB MSN 256, YOB 2008, 738hours, 784 landings, engines 100%under JSSI, single point refueling, fullEASA OPS1 compliance, immediatelyready, excellent beige interior, oneowner, one operator since new,agressive pricing 3,150,00 USD.Philippe Lienard Tel: +421 911 973 114Aelis Group. Web: www.aelisgroup.com. Email:[email protected]

Contact: Thierry Huguenin. Te: +49 91136009 375 or +1 561 771 1322 FAI rent-a-jet AG. Web: www.rent-a-jet.de . Email:[email protected]

CESSNA

Citation S/II

1985, Airframe TT: 8,576, Cycles: 6,755,TSO: 1,304, Pro Line II, GNS-XLS, GPWS,CVR. New windows 2007, RVSM, Freonair, cosmetics refreshed & Perma-guarded. Looking for offers. +1 403 2919027 John Hopkinson & Associates. Web:www.hopkinsonassociates.com. Email:[email protected]

Citation Ultra

Citation Ultras available. HoneywellPrimus 1000 3-Tube EFIS, HoneywellGNS-XLS FMS, Honeywell MKVIIEGPWS, Honeywell TCAS II w/Change 7,w/ski tube. Recently Permaguard.Recently refreshed interior. Fresh phase1-5. One year cescom enrollment. Zeroengine option. Tel: +1 403 291 9027 JohnHopkinson & Associates. Web:www.hopkinsonassociates.com. Email:[email protected]

DASSAULT

Falcon 2000

1997, S/N 48, 5,788 hours TTAF. Engineson CSP. Heads-up display. Triple FMS.

Honeywell FDR. Great maintenancehistory. 10 passenger configuration.Great paint and interior. Asking$9,250,000 USD. Watch a video and reada blog post about this exciting aircraft onour website. Tel: +1 303 444 6766 J.Mesinger Corp Jet Sales, Inc.. Web:www.jetsales.com. Email:[email protected]

Falcon 2000LX

2008, S/N 141. TT1275, 675 landings. 10seats. EU-Ops compliant. Engines onESP. Owned from new. Beautiful paintand interior. Superb condition.Exceptionally low operating costs.$23.75m. Contact Roger Stainton tel: +441353 661636 JetFlight Ltd. Email:[email protected]

Falcon 900DX EASy

2009, D-AMIG, 2009, S/N 623 | EU-OPS1. Available for sale or lease. 2,037 hours.Head Up Guidance System, FalconCareand MSP-Gold. 14 pax configuration.Forward and Aft Lav. Contact: ThierryHuguenin. Tel:+49 911 36009 375 or +1561 771 1322 FAI rent-a-jet AG. Web:www.rent-a-jet.de. Email:[email protected]

Falcon 900EX

1999, S/N 048. This aircraft has anexcellent pedigree, having been

operated on UK registry since new.Operated by TAG Aviation UK onbehalf of a London FTSE listed groupfor last ten years. Maintained tohighest standards. No damage history.Major 2C check and Landing GearOverhaul January 2012. Andrew PearceTel: 44-7557-237730 Innotech Aviation.Email: [email protected]

EMBRAER

Legacy 600

2007, G-CGSE, Visit Airclaims atEBACE 2012, stand # 2360. For sale andlease, hangared in London Stansted.T/T SN 2,112 hours. Enrolled onEmbraer and R-R corporate careprogrammes. Integrated Primus 1000avionics suite. 13 pax interior, inc 3-seat divan. Forward crew and aftpassenger lavatories. Contact BenDean. Tel: +353 1 6650 443/ +44 7525411652 Airclaims Ltd. Web:www.airclaims.com. Email:[email protected]

EUROCOPTER

EC120B

2008, SX-HVR, S/N 1565. Available forsale. 141 hours. VFR/Night, dualcontrols, emergency float. Onecorporate owner and pilot since new.Contact: Thierry Huguenin. Tel: +49 91136009 375 or +1 561 771 1322 FAI rent-a-jet AG. Web: www.rent-a-jet.de. Email:[email protected]

Coming up in EBANJune - Twin turbine helicopters

- Business aviation in Czech Republic and Slovakia

July - Farnborough show issue- Light jets- Business aviation in Belgium

August - Long-haul operations- Business aviation in Ukraine and Belarus

September - ILA Berlin and BGAD12 show issue- Cabin class piston twins- Business aviation in Germany

October - NBAA show issue- Social media and business aviation apps- Business aviation in Poland

HawkerBeechcraft.com

Business. Class.“We considered several other aircraft,

but the Hawker 900XP delivered a combination of range, speed, payload and comfort that we could not find in another midsize jet.”

CHRIS MACE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SAXONAIR

Non-stop service from the UK to Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North America, when Saxonair clients demanded it Managing Director Chris Mace’s choice was unequivocal – the Hawker 900XP. Innovation Above All.

To learn more about Chris Mace’s Hawker experience contact Faye Goodyear at +44 (0)1244 523 803 or email [email protected] to receive a complimentary copy of Journey magazine or download from the iTunes store.

Visit us at EBACE at booth no. 7060.

Documents

European Business Air News May 2012