The rule requires incorporating improved fuel-efficient technologies for airplanes manufactured after January 1, 2028, and for subsonic jet airplanes and large turboprop and propeller airplanes that are not yet certified.

The work on this rule began in 2016, when the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted standards for new aircraft to be 10% more fuel-efficient than previous models. The FAA, working in conjunction with industry stakeholders, then embarked on a multi-year process to develop its own, tailored rule specifically for the US market.

“We are taking a large step forward to ensure the manufacture of more fuel-efficient airplanes, reduce carbon pollution, and reach our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Mike Whitaker, administrator, FAA.

This rule applies to a wide range of aircraft, including popular models like the Boeing 777-X, Airbus A330-neo, and even business jets such as Cessna Citation and civil turboprop airplanes like ATR 72 and the Viking Air Limited Q400. Notably, it doesn’t impact currently flying aircraft, but focuses on shaping the future of a cleaner aviation industry.

This new rule is expected to deliver significant environmental benefits. Estimates suggest it could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 1.4bn tons over the next 50 years, equivalent to planting 74bn trees.

But the impact goes beyond just the environment. Airlines are likely to see cost savings from improved fuel efficiency, and the development of new technologies could boost innovation and create jobs in the aerospace sector.

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Our feature Wheels on Fire probes the business restructuring of Wheels Up. No aviation business has attracted as much attention as Wheels Up this year. This cover story feature probes how and why the restructuring happened. Plus how the company is preparing for a profit-focused future.

Star players in the feature include: (of course) Kenny Dichter, founder, former CEO and chair. George Mattson, new CEO of Wheels Up and, the man who appointed him to the role, Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines among many others.

Here’s a selection of quotes from our cover story feature. This from Dichter after his departure from the company: “I am very enthusiastic about the future of Wheels Up. The entire Wheels Up community has my unwavering support on the journey ahead.”

And here’s Bastion on Dichter’s contribution to the business. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Kenny Dichter for building the Wheels Up brand into a powerhouse in private aviation,” he said after closing the big financing deal. “We have grate appreciation for his steadfast devotion to the members, customers and employees and his role in elevating the private aviation experience, which will undoubtedly guide the industry’s path forward.”  Read the full story here.

When Dassault Aviation’s executive vice president Civil Aviation, Carlos Brana spoke to CJIQ, he stressed the technical qualifications of the manufacturer’s staff. “Most of us are engineers – we are a company of engineers,” he told us. It’s a discipline and an approach to business planning that infuses all of Dassault Aviation, he said.

Brana is responsible for defining and implementing global strategy for Falcon Aircraft sales and customer service. His to-do list includes defining the guidelines for the modernisation of Dassault’s product line. So Brana and the team had something to celebrate last month when the manufacturer confirmed its long-awaited Falcon 6X had finally entered service after the jet won type certification from both EASA and FAA on August 22nd.

During our interview, Brana looked ahead to the commercial launch of the 6X and its next development project – the Falcon 10X, due to enter service at the end of 2025.

Another leading business jet to feature in the current edition of CJIQ was the ACJ TwoTwenty in our popular First Look feature. Launch customer luxury resort company FIVE Hotels is so pleased with its new jet it’s reluctant to release the aircraft to exhibit at events. Chadi Saade, acting president, Airbus Corporate Jets told us: “FIVE Hotels seems delighted with its ACJ TwoTwenty and aircraft schedule is so busy – to the point we can’t get hold of the aircraft  as much as we would like or shows.” But he added: “It’s a nice problem to have.”

Aloki Batra, CEO FIVE Hospitality told us: “A dare-to-be-different jet, the ACJ TwoTwenty cabin is one of the most innovative and technologically-advanced aircraft cabins ever designed. One that boasts all the conveniences of luxury living, but in the sky.”  

No stranger to fast jets was the late Hamish Harding, the late chairman of Action Aviation, who tragically died on June 18th, 2023, when his submersible imploded during a dive to view the wreck of RMS Titanic in the North Atlantic. Our feature recalls happier times, as we documented his many adventures in the air, in space and below the sea.

The first adventure we featured was his world-record breaking circumnavigation of the Earth via the North and South Poles at the controls of a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER together with a specialist team. Last year Harding blasted into space aboard the Blue Origin New Shepard 4 space rocket.

The feature, Jules Verne planted the idea, recalled another record-breaking achievement, his dive aboard the Triton submersible DSV Limiting Factor to the deepest part of the world’s oceans. Accompanied by submarine explorer Victor Vescovo, Harding crossed the Challenger Deep in March 2021. Read the full feature – including his many other accomplishments – via the link.

Meanwhile, you can read the digital version of CJIQ here. And, if you like what you read, why not sign up for the free print version of the magazine?  Also, we are always searching for new stories from the fast-moving world of private jet aviation. So, if you have an idea, please let us know.

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Last week it revealed a $10m investment designed to improve client services by boosting recruitment for its businesses, which include Private Jet Services and Keystone Aviation, and growing infrastructure.

Elevate joins a long list looking to recruit (and retain) new talent to replace a rapidly ageing workforce. One of the biggest recruiters is Airbus. Last month the manufacturing giant confirmed it is on track to recruit more than 13,000 employees worldwide this year (after recruiting a similar number last year). So far, 7,000 new staff have been hired despite what it describes as “a challenging labour market”.  

Challenging is the word. The size of that challenge was identified recently by flight training company CAE. Global business aviation will need to recruit an additional 32,000 pilots and 74,000 maintenance technicians by 2032, its Aviation Talent Forecast revealed. Commercial aviation will need to recruit an astonishing 1.18m staff including: 252,000 pilots, 328,000 maintenance technicians and 599,000 cabin crew. 

“The industry has a big challenge ahead to meet the demand for aviation personnel,” Roger Marszalek, director of Market Strategy and Product Marketing, Civil Aviation, CAE tells Corporate Jet Investor. “To meet the demand, industry stakeholders will have to work together, everyone from operators and regulators to training providers and educational institutions to attract, train and retain talent.”

The way ahead was to embrace new solutions, technology and partners, including those from outside the aviation industry. “For example, we must find ways to attract digital natives who spend most of their time browsing and interacting online to reach and appeal to Generation Z and open their minds to the possibilities and benefits of a career in aviation,” Marszalek tells us.

So, is Elevate daunted by the prospect of launching its latest recruitment campaign? The question draws a measured response from Jeannie Thorne, vice president, Human Resources, at Elevate. “While recruitment of talent is always a challenge in any industry, Elevate Aviation Group has enjoyed a great deal of success of late,” Thorne tells us. “As such, we have the opportunity to reinvest in our team members, offering opportunities for advancement and career development while also enjoying the stability of a company founded over 20 years ago. Of late, we are finding that our unique client-centric focus offers a compelling reason to join our team.”

Another industry insider who remains sanguine about recruitment prospects is Brian Foley, founder of the aviation consultancy Brian Foley Associates. “Perhaps the pilot shortage has been discussed for so long in our industry that it has just become a given that it exists, even if it doesn’t,” he tells us. “There hasn’t been a lot of pilot job hopping, suggesting there’s not unlimited opportunities due to some shortage. In speaking to flight departments, I have not heard of a systemic lack of candidates.” 

If there’s any pilot constraint it lies with training capacity, he says. “I’ve heard some classes require the name of the pilot for a reservation, and that making pilot substitutions or reserving an open slot cannot be made.” That makes it difficult for a company onboarding a new pilot who needs recurrent or type training. And on the the technician side: “If a firm is willing to pay for talent, then they aren’t as scarce as we’ve been led to believe.” 

So, is business aviation likely to suffer predatory recruitment from commercial airlines? “Regional airlines have parked aircraft due to lack of crew to fly them,” says Marszalek at CAE. “Several airline executives have commented on the need for more pilots. Based on these market dynamics, commercial airlines will explore any possible avenue to recruit aviation talent.”  The number of commercial aircraft in service (31,000) and the fleet is expected to grow significantly (39%) over the next 10 years. The business jet fleet is smaller (at about 22,000 aircraft) and is growing at a slower rate (18% increase over 10 years).

A spokesman for commercial carrier United Airlines tells CJI: “To date, we’ve hired more than 10,000 people and are on track to bring on more than 15,000 people by the end of the year. Last year, we hired 15,000 people.” The carrier is looking for a broad range of positions including: pilots, technicians, flight attendants and agents plus accountants, technologists, lawyers, finance experts, cyber experts and network planners to help run its business.

Delta Air Lines is hiring pilots at a rate of about 200 per month. “We expect to hire more than 2,000 pilots in 2023 to support future growth,” a spokesman tells us. Launched in 2018, the company’s Propel Pilot Career Path Program, has seen more than 100 Propel participants graduate to Delta airline cockpits with another 700 in the programme.

Turning to technicians, Delta has hired more than 700 so far this year. The carrier has established partnerships with more than 50 FAA-certified aviation maintenance training institutions around the US.

So, recruitment looks like a challenge – but not an unsurmountable one. Let’s leave the last words to the late (and much-lamented) Steve Jobs. Here’s the last part of his insight on recruitment. “We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”

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Recruitment will be necessary to to fill vacancies due to retirement, and the aviation industry’s expansion, according to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast. More than one third (38%) of pilots are older than 50, according to FAA estimates.

Nick Leontidis, group president, Civil Aviation, CAE said the report revealed the scale of the recruitment challenge facing aviation. “With a need for 1.3 million people by 2032, CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast is a call to action for the industry to promote careers in aviation to the next generation to reach out to underrepresented communities and develop innovative support programmes to expand the pool of talent needed for the continued growth and safety of our industry,” he said.

As the growth in business aviation overtakes pre-pandemic levels and commercial aviation nears full recovery, new ways will be needed to find and retain staff. “CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast shows that the demand will continue to grow and the industry will have to come together and find creative ways to ensure a steady pipeline of highly trained personnel for the next 10 years and beyond,” said Leontidis.

The business aviation fleet is predicted to grow by 18% in the years to 2032, from 22,000 to 26,000 aircraft. By contrast, the commercial airline fleet will achieve 39% growth to reach 43,000 jets.

The report identifies how many people will be needed in each region over the next decade, reasons for the high demand and what the industry can do to attract talent. It also offers insight on the industry’s use of advanced training, sustainable practices, and diversity recruitment. Highlighted are the roles of technology in shaping the industry, the importance of sustainability and the impact of diversity in filling the talent pipeline.

According to the report’s introduction: “The ebbs and flows we have seen in the industry, especially post pandemic, have reinforced that people will always need to travel for business, want to fly away for leisure, and millions will be attracted the excitement generated by a career in aviation.” Read more at  the 2023 Aviation Talent Forecast.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Airbus has confirmed it is on track to recruit more than 13,000 employees worldwide this year. So far, 7,000 new staff have been recruited despite a challenging labour market, said the manufacturer. Plans are underway to fill the remaining positions with recruits playing key roles in boosting production ramp-up and delivering the company’s decarbonisation goals, it said.

Thierry Baril, chief Human Resources & Workplace officer, Airbus said: “Our recruitment efforts are paying-off and will continue to support our production ramp-up and company transformation. We are focused on attracting, training and developing the best diverse talents in our company to help us shape the future of sustainable aerospace.”

The company is offering job opportunities in manufacturing, engineering and disciplines including: cybersecurity, software engineering and new propulsion technologies such as hydrogen, cryogenics and fuel cells. A third of the total recruitment will be allocated to recent graduates.

Aviation’s recruitment needs – in numbers

Business aviation: 106,000 new recruits

• 32,000: Extra pilots
• 74,000: Maintenance technicians.

Commercial aviation: 1.18m new recruits

• 252,000: Extra pilots
• 328,000: Maintenance technicians
• 599,000: Cabin crew.

Source: CAE.

Top: Business aviation needs to recruit 32,000 pilots and 74,000 maintenance technicians by 2032.

Above: Airbus has confirmed it is on track to recruit over 13,000 employees worldwide this year. 

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“Today is a special day,” said Richard Gaona, Executive Chairman and CEO of Comlux. “First of all, I want to thank our client, FIVE for their trust. I also wish to thank the Comlux and Airbus Teams who worked so diligently to bring this magnificent space to life. This is the first of many amazing ACJ TwoTwenty cabins we will develop.”

The ACJ TwoTwenty is equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines and a cabin that has been engineered and designed to be the first of its kind. The spacious cabin boasts all the conveniences of modern luxury living, but in the sky.

Gaona added “This aircraft is a spectacular new chapter for FIVE,” said Aloki Batra, CEO, FIVE Hospitality. “A world-famous frontrunner in entertainment driven hospitality, FIVE now expands its’ award-winning portfolio to include a FIVE-styled experience that extends the unique and matchless ‘Vibe at FIVE’ from our hotels on–ground to a luxe immersive experience amongst the clouds.

We will now be able to offer a flawless and bespoke experience by establishing the next level in private aviation. Fly FIVE is FIVE Hotel and Resort’s newest home in the skies – and we are excited to welcome our guests on board!”

Benoit Deforge, ACJ President added “With its stunning design, spacious two times larger cabin than a typical business jet and state-of-the-art technology including unparalleled on-board connectivity, the ACJ TwoTwenty sets a new standard in long-haul business travel. We are immensely proud to see this game-changing aircraft complete, offering unbeatable operational efficiency, and unmatched comfort. I have no doubt that it will be embraced by its users and raise the bar in the business jet market.”

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Of the total US fleet of 14,999, 11.5% (1,726) are based in Texas, closely followed by 11.3% (1,696) in Florida. Almost a tenth (1,454) are located in California.

The other seven locations in the top 10 states for business jets were New York (3.4%), Georgia (3%), Ohio (3%), Tennessee (2.6%), North Caolina (2.6%), Michigan (2.5%) and Illinois (2.5%).

Going by aircraft type, the state with the most long-range, ultra-long-range and bizliner jets was California, with 16.7% (258) of the US’ 1,548-strong fleet. Again, Florida and Texas ranked in the top three states for this aircraft type, with 163 (10.5%) based in Florida and 137 (8.9%) in Texas.

The analysis also compared the percentage of US business jets for sale with ACJ’s fleet for sale. It found that around 5.4% (815) of the US fleet was on the market, whereas only 1.4% of ACJ’s fleet was for sale.

Sean McGeough, vice president Commercial North America, ACJ said he attributes this to ACJ’s “unwavering commitment to commonality, dependability and efficiency built into every aircraft”.

Recent data from WINGX shows that Teterboro remained the busiest business jet airport this last quarter, although departures were down 1% compared with quarter one (Q1) 2022 and 3% compared with Q1 2019.

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Around 7,000 of the hires will fill newly created roles, including posts to achieve the company’s decarbonization goals. If achieved, the new staff will match the 13,000 additional staff added to the firm’s payroll in 2022.

Airbus said it will place an emphasis on technical and manufacturing roles, as well as in developing areas such as new energies, cyber and digital roles.

Over 9,000 roles will be based in Europe, with a third of the total recruitment number to be allocated to recent graduates.

“In 2022 we welcomed more than 13,000 new employees within Team Airbus around the world, in a complex environment which tested our resilience and attractiveness as a global employer,” said Thierry Baril, chief Human Resources and workplace officer, Airbus. “We call on talented individuals from all over the world to join us in our journey to make sustainable aerospace a reality and to help us build a better, more diverse and inclusive workplace for all our employees.”

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Chadi Saade, vice president of Commercial, ACJ told CJI: “We’re having a strong year in terms of orders so far. We’re seeing people upgrading from the G650 to the TwoTweny which is positive news because that’s why we designed the TwoTwenty, as the ideal upgrade from the G650.

“The TwoTwenty is a very important aircraft for us. We had promised this aircraft will come into service early next year and we’re on track for that.”

Saade said ACJ is “continuing to see how strong the US market is”, adding that other sectors of the global market are beginning to recover from the pandemic. He said: “We’re seeing Asia opening up, slowly but surely, with activity starting to pick up quite importantly in the area.”

When asked by CJI if there is any sign of a slowdown in the market, Saade said: “I don’t see it personally. I’m optimistic things will continue at the same pace as today.”

His comments follow ACJ research published today, which found that the US business aviation market is continuing to enjoy strong growth.

ACJ’s research, compiled by independent research company Pureprofile, analysed Wing X data, as well as a survey of 53 senior executives of S&P 500 companies, and 47 senior executives of US-based companies with an annual turnover of $500m or more.  

It found that departures were up 12.3% in the first eight months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2018. ACJ also found that 65% of executives interviewed use private jets. Of these, nearly four out of ten (37%) said they started flying privately during the pandemic. Some 8% said they first used business jets in 2019, while 51% said they have been flying privately prior to this.

 In the next two years, the research found that 72% of senior US business executives expected their organisations to make greater use of business aviation, with one in three (34%) anticipating a “dramatic increase” in use.

The report also found that, of the senior US business executives interviewed, 60% said their businesses owned at least one private jet. Of the remaining executives that do not own one, 58% said they might buy one within the next three years.

Nine in ten (90%) of executives whose companies already own private jets said they may want to upgrade them over the next five years, due to new models launching and wanting to make greater use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

See the reasons for increased use of business aviation below.

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Asam is leaving to pursue a new opportunity as chief financial officer (CFO) at software company SAP. Airbus will now look to appoint a successor, while Asam remains fully in charge until his departure.

“Airbus is now in a better competitive position and I have great faith in my colleagues’ ability to continue writing this unique success story,” Asam said. “I am looking forward to supporting this flagship European company for the remainder of my tenure by working with the management to ensure a smooth transition with the next Airbus CFO.”

Guillaume Faury, CEO, Airbus said Asam has been “a great wingman” during the pandemic and a “key contributor to the solid financial performance of Airbus”.

In the first half of 2022, Airbus recorded a revenue of €17.5bn, compared with  €17.8bn in the first half (H1) of 2021, however order intake was up to 259 compared with just 38 in H1 2021. In February this year, the company reported revenues of €52.1bn for the calendar year 2021, having completed 771 orders, up from 383 the previous year.

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Over the past year, average salary budgets climbed by 42% and were 13% up on the actual salaries spending in 2021. Smaller organisations reported larger budget increases, while bigger organisations recorded the smallest budget increases. 

“The business aviation community operates in a new world, where competitors are just as likely to be Part 121 operators as they are other flight departments or management companies, and where the salaries of every legacy carrier, ultra-low-cost airline and cargo operator are shared as very public infographics on social media,” said Jo Damato, senior vice president of Education, Training and Workforce Development, NBAA.

“As an industry, we must retain that experience because we need these leaders to keep business aviation strong and to be mentors and coaches for the next generation,” she added.

“Now, more than ever, it is imperative that flight departments appreciate that you can’t buy experience and that by accessing the data provided by NBAA’s Compensation Survey, they will be in a stronger position to retain their most valuable employees.”

Christopher Broyhill, aviation compensation expert and NBAA Business Aviation Management Committee Volunteer, said the survey provided key data on the strong demand for personnel as well as “some surprising results” that will help hiring managers and the broader business aviation community better understand private jet aviation as it is shaped by large numbers of new owners and users.

According to an unrelated NBAA workforce retention study, pilots reported leaving business aviation in favour of commercial airlines due to more predictable scheduling, better compensation, more generous retirement benefits and greater job stability.

The 35th NBAA Compensation Survey canvassed the views of 382 NBAA members employing more than 3,000 staff.  The data was independently collected and audited by global accounting firm BDO.

NBAA Compensation Survey – at a glance

• Average salary budgets rise 42% over past year
• Salary budgets up 13% on actual spending in 2021
• Largest budget increases in smaller organisations

Source: NBAA.

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