SINGLE ACHIEVEMENT
A Daher Socata TBM 700 has become the first single-engine aircraft to complete a 2,220km (1,200nm) flight from Hong Kong to Beijing, China. The milestone was achieved by owner flyer Wei Chen during his 10-week trip around the world with stopovers in 40 cities and 21 countries.
EUROCOPTER CENTURY
Eurocopter has handed over the 100th EC225 to UK offshore transport company Bristow Group. The UK-headquartered company became the oil and gas market launch customer for the medium twin-engine helicopter in 2005. To date more than 50,000h have been logged by Bristow's EC225s, representing around one-third of all flight time accumulated by this type worldwide. The 19-seat EC225 is the latest generation of the Super Puma/Cougar family, which has flown more than 4 million flight hours. The aircraft can accommodate up to 19 passengers for offshore crew change flights.
MUSIC BOOMS
UK aircraft charter broker Air Charter Service has witnessed "particularly high demand" this year to transport music bands and artists to festivals and concert tours. "Many American bands and artists combine festivals within their European tours which, whilst logical, often mean very tight schedules that simply cannot be kept unless charters are involved. We've used everything from Metroliners up to Boeing 747s and Antonov An-124s." says ACS.
MILESTONE FOR HUMPHRIES
Business aviation finance company Milestone Aviation has appointed Brian Humphries - president of the European Business Aviation Association and British Helicopter Association - to its advisory board. Humphries will help to bring "much-needed capital to the helicopter and private jet communities", said Milestone. Since its launch last August, Milestone has leased two dozen helicopters and private jets valued at over $200 million. The company has also signed commitments that will push that total to over $300 million by the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
