PRE-CLEARANCE EXTENDED
The US Customs and Border Protection agency has expanded the pre-clearance programme that allows business aircraft passengers and crew to complete immigration and customs procedures in Shannon, Ireland, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Aircraft operated commercially under FAR Part 135 are now included in the programme along with private FAR Part 91 operators - for which the service was originally intended. The US agency will now allow one crew member to remain aboard the aircraft to oversee fuelling and catering, while the other crew and passengers proceed to the pre-clearance facility. Part 135 operators must give 48h notice to use the pre-clearance service and Part 91 requires only 24h notice. Once cleared in Shannon, operators have to fly into one of 230 designated US airports.
EXECUJET EXPANSION
ExecuJet Middle East has recently added two Bombardier Challenger 605s to its managed fleet as demand for widebodied business aircraft charter continues to rise to record levels at the business aviation services provider's Dubai facility. Additional aircraft are expected to join the fleet over the coming months, taking the total number to over 20 aircraft. ExecuJet says it manages over 150 aircraft worldwide.
NETJETS CONSOLIDATES
US fractional ownership company NetJets has ditched its plans for a $200 million operations and training facility in Columbus, Ohio in favour of a less expensive $21 million expansion to its existing base at Port Columbus regional airport. Building work includes a 13,000m2 (140,000ft2) facility that will be connected to NetJets' Bridgeway Avenue facility. This is designed to consolidate NetJets' headquarters and operations centre in Columbus.
Source: Flight International
