EX-GOVERNMENT LEASE
Air Niugini of Papua New Guinea has leased an ex-government Boeing 767-300ER from Icelandic lessor Loftleidir. The late-model 767 was leased to Loftleidir by BAE Systems on behalf of the Presidential Flight of Abu Dhabi, and is in Iceland awaiting delivery on a sublease to Air Niugini.
ENGINE CONVERSION
US engineering company Aero Twin has received US approval for improvements to its Honeywell TPE331-12JR-701AT/-703AT engine conversion for the Cessna 208 Caravan, Grand Caravan and Super Cargomaster. Supplemental type certification for the engine upgrade - which became the first US Federal Aviation Administration-certificated Honeywell conversion for the single-engined turboprop family - was originally awarded to Anchorage-based Aero Twin in July 2007. Recent improvements include flight into known icing for gross weights of up to 4,115kg (9,060lb) for the Grand Caravans and the Super Cargomasters and 3,595kg for the 208 Caravan.
BONUS DEPRECIATION
The business aviation manufacturing community has welcomed a proposal from the US senate to extend bonus depreciation for equipment purchases throughout 2010. "Bonus depreciation is a proven incentive for businesses to accelerate replacement and purchases of essential equipment, including aircraft," says Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association.
AFRICAN DEMAND
German business aircraft charter provider DC Aviation says the African business aircraft market has grown significantly in the past 12 months. The Stuttgart-based company says it operated more than 50 flights and transported around 670 passengers over the past year, with demand driven by the continent's under-developed transport infrastructure, and the World Cup football tournament in South Africa.
Source: Flight International
