EBACE 2022

Eviation readies for Alice maiden sortie as ground tests wrap up

Eviation is gearing up for the first flight of its all-electric Alice prototype in the coming months having completed ground testing earlier in May.

Rolls-Royce powers ahead with Pearl programme pair

Rolls-Royce is accelerating testing of its Pearl 10X business aviation engine for the Dassault Falcon 10X as it closes in on certification for the Gulfstream G700-powering Pearl 700.

How sustainability has risen up the business aviation agenda

A quick glance at the conference sessions at this year’s EBACE leaves visitors in no doubt about the topic of the day: sustainability. About half of all the sessions have a green focus ranging across strategy, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon offsetting, efficiency, standards, and training.

Embraer punches up in business aviation

The head of the Brazilian airframer’s executive jets division has high hopes for Europe as its best-selling types continue to thrive in the fractional market and elsewhere

Business aviation on a high as sector readies for EBACE return

As the European business aviation convention returns for the first time in three years, many believe prospects for the sector are stronger than at any time since 2007.

Coming down the line: business aviation’s key programmes

Ahead of the first EBACE gathering since 2019, we review business aviation’s most important current development efforts.

Smartflyer eyes electric training revolution with innovative SF-1

A Swiss start-up with a unique concept hopes to be the first to bring to market a purpose-built electric training aircraft.

EcoPulse partners hail ‘major milestone’ and weigh next moves

Following the end of flight testing, three partners behind the EcoPulse hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator are already contemplating next steps, with a series of follow-on projects to debut next year.

Pilot errors caused 2023 Challenger 300 upset that killed one passenger: NTSB

Failure to remove a pitot probe cover and a cascade of resulting pilot missteps caused a 2023 inflight upset near Hartford that involved a Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet and killed one passenger.

Pilot deliberately crashed Cessna 208 while returning from parachute drop

French investigators believe a Cessna 208 pilot, under psychological pressure, deliberately flew the aircraft into a mountain ridge while returning to Gap-Tallard airport after a parachute drop.

Gogo completes acquisition of Satcom Direct

In-flight data provider Gogo completed its planned acquisition of once-competitor Satcom Direct on 4 December and named Satcom’s former president Chris Moore as CEO.

First flight for all-electric Integral E trainer

French aircraft developer Aura Aero has performed the first flight of its Integral E – the all-electric version of its two-seat trainer.

Valo Aviation becomes first business aviation operator with Bahrain AOC

Valo Aviation has become Bahrain’s first home-grown business jet charter operator, marking its formal launch at the country’s air show on 13 November with its first aircraft, a Kuwaiti-owned Gulfstream G550.

Bombardier swings to $117m Q3 profit and plans year-end delivery push

Strong performance from Bombardier’s aftermarket services business pushed the Montreal business jet manufacturer to a $117 million profit for the third quarter of 2024, reversing a $37 million loss during the same period last year.

Lilium appoints KPMG to handle sale process

Lilium has appointed accountancy firm KPMG to sell the business, as the cash-strapped air taxi developer seeks new investment.

Air campaigns: how business jets play a key role in US elections

Business jets play a key role in any presidential election, the USA’s vast size requiring candidates to traverse thousands of miles to win votes

Supply chain pressures dent Gulfstream’s G700 delivery forecast

Gulfstream has slashed the number of G700s it expects to deliver this year on the back of continued supply chain issues.

Industry seeks privacy amid private jet tracking concerns

Aviation leaders have at least one thing in common with pop star Taylor Swift: they want to make it harder for private jets to be publicly tracked.

FAA’s eVTOL rule sets safety ‘baseline’ but flight limitations remain unclear

While electric aircraft manufacturers insist they are close to certificating their designs, uncertainty abounds about operating limitations and how the aircraft will be integrated into complex airspace.

Gogo sees gains from deal with long-term target Satcom Direct

While Gogo agreed to acquire fellow connectivity specialist Satcom Direct at the end of September, the company’s interest in teaming up with the established player in the business aviation market long pre-dated that.

How Garmin’s new G3000 Prime avionics suite builds off 20 years of experience

Leaning on the institutional knowledge that comes with installing more than 30,000 flight decks across various aircraft types over the past 20 years, Garmin’s latest avionics suite – the G3000 Prime – is the Kansas firm’s most advanced yet.

Wheels Up to acquire used Phenom 300s and Challengers in overhaul of jet fleet

Charter aircraft provider Wheels Up has secured fresh financing and revealed plans to replace its fleet of owned jets with used Embraer Phenom 300s and Bombardier Challengers.

Viasat sees bright response to enhanced connectivity for business aviation market

Satellite communications specialist Viasat is yielding the benefits of acquiring fellow network provider Inmarsat as it receives positive feedback from initial trials of an enhanced in-flight connectivity programme for business aviation, called JetXP.

FAA finalises rule establishing new class of ‘powered lift’ aircraft to enable commercial air taxis

Clearing the way for a new class of “powered lift” aircraft to get off the ground, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 22 October released a finalised rule outlining operational and pilot-training requirements for the burgeoning electric air taxi sector.

Jet Out eyes more expansion after opening Florida base

A blend of hometown service and national reach is how emerging ‘co-ownership’ operator Jet Out describes its offer. The Milwaukee-based company has opened its second base and is eyeing more

FlyExclusive chief sees strong year ahead after IPO milestone

After a turbulent run-up to its IPO late last year, fast growing private flight provider FlyExclusive chief executive Jim Segrave anticipates a strong 2025 thanks to a growing fleet and customer base