The event, held from May 28th to 30th, is co-hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Jet Aviation will deliver a 35% blend of SAF to GVA for the event, marking the company’s third year providing SAF for EBACE.

“We are delighted to bring SAF to EBACE again this year,” said Joao Martins, vice president of FBO operations in Europe and GM Zurich, Jet Aviation. Jet Aviation will also make SAF available through its book and claim program.

In addition to ensuring availability of SAF, the event offers a variety of sustainability-focused experiences including a dedicated summit to help the industry towards net-zero, cutting-edge alternative propulsion technologies, future of urban transportation,  and the Innovation Pavilion to unveil next-generation sustainable aircraft and new industry sustainability standards.

“Business aviation is increasing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions on the ground and in the air. SAF remains a cornerstone of our plan for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We thank Jet Aviation for stepping forward to make SAF and its benefits available to those joining us at what will be an exciting EBACE,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO, NBAA.

Meanwhile, EBAA Secretary General Holger Krahmer said: “We need to continue to increase the availability, production and use of SAF, and we applaud Jet Aviation for playing such an important role in expanding sustainable fuel supplies around the world.”

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Jeremie Caillet will replace David Paddock as president of Jet Aviation in April.

The post Jeremie Caillet new head at Jet Aviation, Paddock moving to tanks appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

Taking part were: Camber Aviation Management, Fokker Services Group, Greenpoint Technologies, International Jet Interiors, Jet Aviation and Winch Design. The first three questions were: How easy is it to find completion slots? Do buyers consider resale value when selecting interiors? And What differences do you see in the design preferences of younger and older buyers? Our final two questions were: How important is sustainability becoming in cabin design and What key interior design trends are you predicting for the next five years?

Focusing on the next five years, Boaz Bal, sales director, Aircraft Conversions and Completions, Fokker Services Group said trends were evolving to enhance functionality, passenger comfort and aesthetics. “Some key interior design trends in VIP interiors are new sustainable and lightweight materials, improved in-flight entertainment, cabin lighting design, cabin connectivity, aesthetic enhancements and modularity,” Bal told us.

McCahl Troupe, design manager, Greenpoint Technologies agreed: “We’ve seen growing interest in sustainability, as evidenced by more requests for sourcing sustainable materials.” For example, textile and leather providers are taking action to offer sustainably sourced options, she added.

Thomas Chatfield, CEO, Camber Aviation Management noted growing interest in sustainability, connectivity, wellness focused design, versatility and personalisation. “There’s a growing interest on using eco-friendly and sustainable materials to reduce the environmental impact of interiors,” he told us.

Highlighting the balance between comfort, style and sustainability was Eric Roth, president, International Jet Interiors. “As each year passes, new materials are introduced thar are environmentally friendly and if they makes sense to our clients, they are happy to take advantage of finding the balance between style, comfort and world environment.”

For Hendrik Janssen, head of Completion Sales, Jet Aviation offering sustainable interiors was part of a 10-year journey. “We are seeing increased interest from our customers on how we can support their efforts towards greater sustainability in business aviation …”.

Winch Design tended to avoid following trends, according to Greig Jolly, partner, Yachts & Aviation. But the company has noticed an increasing demand from clients for highly personalisted and unique cabin interiors. “The realm of private jet interior design has started to follow the evolution we see in other industries, most notably automative and yacht design, as owners are ultimately looking for a seamless transition between their home, their office and their aircraft.”

You can read the full story – including answers to our other four design questions – here.

Meanwhile, the digital version of CJIQ appears here. And,  why not sign up for the free print version of the magazine?  Also, we are always searching for new stories, so, if you have an idea, please let us know.

The post CJIQ maps top VVIP jet interior trends in five questions appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

The new hangar replaces a former 10,000 square-foot hangar attached to the FBO and has a 30-foot door opening with capacity for large cabin business jets such as the Gulfstream 700. It features a heated tarmac outside the hangar doors and on all walkways to ensure effortless arrival and departure in all weather. The company has also created additional customer parking and easier access onto the tarmac at the FBO.

“Bozeman is a key destination in our US network and the opening of this new hangar is the latest step in our commitment to continuing to provide our customers with an effortless experience across the region and beyond,” said David Best, Jet Aviation’s senior vice president of regional operations and general manager of the Americas. “We are seeing high demand for hangar space, particularly for newer and larger business jets, and as we continue to grow and invest in our network, we are focused on providing our customers with the services and facilities they need, where they need them.”

Bozeman joined the Jet Aviation network in 2020 following the acquisition of the FBO from Arlin’s Aircraft Services. Since then, Jet Aviation has invested in an FBO re-model, all new fuel trucks, and additional ground support equipment.

“As the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone Club, and the Big Sky Resort area, Bozeman is Montana’s busiest airport and a key destination for many of our customers,” said Richard Layson, vice president FBO operations in the Americas. “This latest development ensures that we are able to provide our customers in Bozeman with the seamless service they expect from our destinations.”

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The completion of the new hangar brings the total capacity to 88,000sqft and represent one in a number of infrastructure investments Jet Aviation is making, it said.

David Best, Jet Aviation’s senior vice president of regional operation and general manager of the Americas, said: “Scottsdale has grown to be a key location in our FBO network, and we are pleased to open the doors on another new hangar there. We are seeing high demand for business aviation hangar space, and we look forward to the opportunities this build will provide for our customers. Investing into this key location is a priority for us and will enable us to continue offering a seamless experience for all who use Jet Aviation Scottsdale.”

Jet Aviation entered Scottsdale in 2020 as part of its US expansion. In addition, Jet Aviation is on track to complete a 40,000sqft hangar at its Bozeman facility in July of 2023. In Houston, it is rebuilding its 30,000sqft hangar and an FBO lobby space. The FBO is set to be finished in June and the hangar in the fourth quarter.

Richard Layson, vice president of regional FBO operations in the Americas, said: “We are committed to investing into all of our locations in order to provide the highest standard of safety, quality and service to our customers. While Scottsdale, Bozeman, Houston, and Teterboro are key locations in our FBO network, we keep all of our facilities on a refurbishment cycle to ensure that each one of them represents the exceptional services that Jet Aviation provides.”

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Kurt Edwards, director general, IBAC said: “We are excited to have these two distinguished business aviation leaders join IBAC as partners and thank them for their support. IBAC’s work serves the diverse needs of the global business aviation community and we welcome industry participation to further build our resources, capabilities, and ultimately strengthening the voice of business aviation.”

With about 4,000 employees and 50 locations worldwide, Jet Aviation’s offerings include: aircraft management, charter, completions, defence, FBO, maintenance and staffing. “We are delighted to partner with IBAC to continue to work together to strengthen the industry in service of our customers and our employees,” said David Best, senior vice president regional operations & GM Americas, Jet Aviation.

“We are committed to enabling global flight, with passion and we look forward to the opportunity to contribute the knowledge we have gained over 55 years as a global business aviation service provider to further the important work that IBAC does to keep business aviation flying around the world.”

Corporate Jet Investor strengthens business aviation by informing and connecting the aircraft transactional sector, since 2010, with its global events, and conferences and timely industry editorial commentary and guidance, said Edwards.

Alasdair and Louisa Whyte are co-founders of Corporate Jet Investor. “It is an honour to join IBAC as an Industry Partner and we look forward to working with them to further advance business aviation, especially as the industry evolves with advanced air mobility and a heightened focus on sustainability,” said Louisa.

The IBAC Industry Partner programme is open to business aviation manufacturers and service providers including MRO, aircraft management, transactional and other sectors. As an Industry Partner, members have the unique opportunity to assist IBAC in shaping standards before they are adopted and applied as regulations by CAAs in their sovereign countries.

 In addition, there are opportunities for Industry Partners to work closely with the 15 IBAC member associations, participate in an IBAC advisory committee, and be recognised for leadership and commitment to the global business aviation community.

Pictured above, Alasdair Whyte (L) and Louisa Whyte, co-founders of Corporate Jet Investor, receive their certificate marking their admission to IBAC’s Industry Partners programme from the council’s Kurt Edwards and Leo Knappen. They received the certificate at CJI’s Dealmakers Dinner at EBACE 2023.

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You can expect at least one significant announcement from a manufacturer, at least one visit from protestors and at least one discussion about how expensive Geneva is. And a lot of talk about the cooling business aviation market.

This time last year, EBACE took place when there were real concerns about an upcoming global recession. This has not arrived. But it has not gone away either. As well as the US government debt ceiling approaching fast, many European countries are just managing to avoid technical recessions.

This economic uncertainty is hitting demand for business.

WINGX data shows that all business jet flights are down 8% so far this year compared with 2022. In North America flights are down 9% for the past four weeks. European flights were down 6% compared with the same week last year.

AMSTAT says that the proportion of aircraft for sale is rising. In May 2022, 4.31% of light jets were for sale. Now it is 6.23%. The number of midsize aircraft has also risen – 3.08% in 2022 versus 5.49% today – and large jets – 3.13% last year to 6.12%.

But this is nothing to panic about.

Flights are still above 2019 – pre-pandemic levels – and the proportion of aircraft for sale is still well under recent averages. We are just getting to a rational market. Of course it will not stay like this forever. But it is too early to be depressed.

One depressing thing that you can forecast is that the show is going to be targeted by environmental protestors. In one pre-EBACE press release an environmental group criticises the organisers for encouraging attendees to use refillable water bottles and reuse hotel towels. (If you are lucky enough to be in a hotel which provides towels.)

The protestors are asking people to bike to Palexpo on Tuesday at 1645. Of course, they may appear at other times. 

EBAA and NBAA are taking security seriously so bring ID and allow extra time for bag checks. This is especially important if you are coming to see the stars of Netflix’s Drive to Survive (and Formula One principals) Toto and Susie Wolf who open the show.

Jet Aviation and TotalEnergies are providing a 30% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all jets flying into EBACE. In their release, the protestors complain that SAF is just 0.1% of all jet fuel (in 2022 it was actually 1% and it will be a lot more this year). They then argue that everyone should just stop flying.

You can expect an important announcement on how business aviation is committing to stopping the illegal wildlife trade by signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration.

These are all great discussion points if you end up sitting next to a protestor on your flight over. Just don’t let them see your refillable water bottle.

This is from Corporate Jet Investor’s One Minute Week email – you can sign up for free here

The post It is going to be a noisy EBACE appeared first on Corporate Jet Investor.

The company’s midsize jet deliveries remained level with last year, having delivered four in both Q1 2023 and Q1 2022, but it delivered only 17 large cabin jets compared with the 21 this time last year, according to parent company General Dynamics’ (GD) financial results.

The drop in deliveries was due to supply chain disruptions which also impacted on manufacturing efficiency, according to GE. Its book-to-bill ratio was 0.9:1 for the quarter.

Revenue for the aerospace division, which also includes services provider Jet Aviation, decreased from $1.9bn in Q1 last year to $1.89bn, with operating earnings also dropping from $243m to $229m.

GD’s backlog for its aerospace division rose from $17.6bn in Q1 last year to $19.3bn, with the total estimated contract value increasing to $20.1bn, up from $19.4bn.

“Aerospace held its own in a very difficult operating environment,” said Phebe Novakovic, chairwoman and CEO, GD. “Importantly, this is the first quarter in which we have missed an airplane delivery as a result of supply chain issues.”

In an investors call, Novakovic said the company expects supply chain issues to be resolved in the final half of the year

She added that certification of the G700 is still expected to happen in late summer this year.

GD Aerospace Q1 financial results – at a glance

• Revenue down to $1.9bn
• Operating earnings down to $229m
• Operating margin 12.1%
• Backlog up to $19.3bn
• Estimated backlog value up to $20.1bn

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The company launched the facility in May last year under a temporary extension of Jet Aviation’s Basel site authorisations and has now been approved following a successful audit early this year.

“Zurich is a key hub for our customers and providing permanent line maintenance on-site was a natural next step in our commitment to an effortless maintenance experience in Europe and beyond,” said Cyril Martiniere, vice president MRO Services Europe and general manager Basel, Jet Aviation.

Stefan Verkaik, director of Aftermarket Services and AOG, Jet Aviation said: “The station has been very well received by our customers, who appreciate the opportunity for line maintenance on-site. The audit was a fantastic opportunity to continue strengthening this service in Zurich and ensure efficient, safe and seamless on-site line maintenance for customers visiting our facility.”

Jet Aviation has maintenance bases in Geneva, Singapore and Dubai, as well as global AOG services. The firm expanded its maintenance capability at its Dubai DXB airport in December, adding modular tail docking and extended refurbishment facilities.

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Since 2019, nine of the 20 largest Part 135 US operators have been acquired by competitors. Five were bought by Vista Global – which also acquired Air Hamburg in Europe last year. Jet Edge went from being an acquirer to being acquired.

Wheels Up bought four of the top 20 operators. It also acquired Air Partner for $110m less than a year ago. Wheels Up reported its figures for 2022 yesterday. While it grew last year, the company’s key focus is on becoming profitable next year. It is much more focused on integrating its past acquisitions than looking for new ones. While Thomas Flohr likes surprising the market, the same appears true at Vista Group.

“In the last few years operators have been focused on securing supply to meet the increased demand from both new and existing customers. Now that they have secured additional lift, they will be focused on optimizing their fleets and infrastructure to make operations as efficient as possible,” says Bobby Femia, aviation investment banker at Jefferies, the investment bank that has worked on the most business aviation mergers. “We are likely to see more acquisitions where operators are investing in technology, maintenance or software enhancements.”

Flexjet’s acquisition of sister Directional Aviation company Constant Aviation is a clear example of this. Constant Aviation, a well-regarded independent maintenance shop, will now focus on supporting the Flexjet fleet.

In a statement announcing the deal, Jay Heublein, senior vice president maintenance Flexjet, described the acquisition as “one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of our industry”.

This might sound like an exaggeration – especially for a deal involving two sister companies – but it is a fair comment. There are two big reasons why Flexjet wants Constant.

First, every operator has faced challenges keeping aircraft flying in the past few years. Flexjet, which now plans to list on the NYSE American exchange as part of a SPAC, believes that having its own maintenance division – which includes 28 mobile aircraft on ground teams – is an advantage.

The second, most significant reason, is that in recent years only manufacturers (and their subsidiaries like Jet Aviation) have made big maintenance investments as they try to grow their services businesses. While it makes sense for OEMs to do this, not all customers want them to have this power.

Directional could easily have sold Constant to a manufacturer. But instead, as one of the largest operators in the world, Flexjet can continue to push back against manufacturer dominance just as airlines with large MROs – such as Delta TechOps or Lufthansa Technik – do. Like these airline divisions, Constant Aviation says it intends to stay in the retail market space and keep its brand.

The last three years have been dominated by operators looking for supply with 2023 focused on efficiencies. You will know that demand for charter falls when they start buying demand – as Directional did with Sentient Jet in 2012. One major broker that was in talks to buy competitors, says they are holding back on any acquisition for the first half of the year until they can judge customer demand.

It is not always a mistake to buy at the top of the cycle. General Dynamics’ acquisition of Jet Aviation in 2008 was a good one. But like aircraft owners, sellers of operators in 2022 can be happy with their timing.

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