GAMA MEMBER
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has approved Eclipse Aerospace as its newest member, bringing the international trade association's membership to 67. Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Eclipse Aerospace is supporting the fleet of more than 250 Eclipse 500 very light jets following the takeover of Eclipse Aviation in September 2009.
SHANNON CLEARANCE
Business aircraft passengers and crew have been given the go-ahead from the US Department of Homeland Security to clear all US customs, immigration and agriculture procedures at Ireland's Shannon airport. The arrangements allow non-US operators and their passengers to fly direct from Shannon to any airport in the USA as if they were making a domestic flight. The pre-clearance process is conducted in a purpose-built facility approved by the US Customs and Border Protection agency.
RECORD ATTEMPT
A four-strong European crew will on 19 March attempt to break the record for the fastest round-the-world flight currently held by the late Steve Fosset. The 30-year-old Sabreliner midsize business jet must circumnavigate the globe in under 67h 1min 10s to fly into the history books.
LEA ADDITIONS
London Executive Aviation is adding a fifth Embraer Legacy 600 and a Cessna Citation XLS to its 22-strong business aircraft fleet. The aircraft will be managed by the London-based operator and made available for charter.
GULFSTREAM JET
Jet Aviation has added a Gulfstream G550 to its management and charter fleet. The 14-seat, large-cabin aircraft is based in Switzerland and available for charter throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
DISCOUNT CARD
Fractional ownership and charter provider CitationAir has launched a discounted Jet Card for customers who fly "non-peak days for 355 days out of the year". The rates, says CitationAir, "amount to 24% per hour savings" over the offering from jet card market leader Marquis Jet.
Source: Flight International
