FORTUNE TELLING
This year could mark a turnaround in the fortunes of business aviation, according to the latest market forecast from US analyst JP Nadol. "We see a reasonable chance [there will be an increase in business jet demand this year], underpinning our forecast for an 18% increase in deliveries in 2012," says Nadol. A recovery is not a foregone conclusion, however, he adds, "and a stubbornly high number of used business jets available at attractive prices remains a key obstacle. There was little progress in whittling down that number last month, with the proportion of the fleet of in-production aircraft available for sale remaining flat at 11.3%."
ATLANTIC ACQUISITION
Ross Aviation has acquired the assets and the leasehold of the fixed-base operation formerly run by Atlantic Aviation at Fresno Yosemite International airport in California. The facility will be merged with Ross Aviation's Corporate Aircraft FBO, maintenance and service centre, which is also based at the airport. "With the additional ramp and hangar space we are able to accommodate local demand and the relocation of aircraft from more congested and expensive FBOs and airports in the region. Furthermore, we now have the capacity to expand our aircraft maintenance operation, " says Ross Aviation chief executive Jeff Ross.
EXECUTIVE APPROVAL
US maintenance company Executive Flight has clinched US part 145 approval for its facility based at Boeing Field, Seattle, paving the way for the company to provide maintenance support to a range of turbine-powered aircraft at the new 6,000ft² facility.
FLYING CHALLENGERS
Canadian completions and maintenance company Flying Colours has delivered its first Bombardier Challenger 850 to China. The 14-seat aircraft will be operated and managed by Hong Kong-based business aviation services provider Metrojet on behalf of an undisclosed customer. The company, based in Peterborough, Ontario, is completing four more Challenger 850's for customers in China.
FLIGHTWORKS FALCONS
US charter and management company FlightWorks has added two Dassault Falcon business jets to its expanding fleet. A large-cabin 2000EX will be based in Virginia and a super midsize 50EX in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Source: Flight International
