Global Jet Capital has released its five-year Business Jet
Market Forecast reporting continued growth for the period. First introduced in
2021, the updated report contains insights and projections for the business
aviation market through 2026, including new deliveries and pre-owned
transactions. The report contains a high level of detail based on outputs
generated by Global Jet Capital’s proprietary transaction forecast model.
“If you are active in the business aviation environment, you
recognize that despite the continuing negative effect of COVID-19 on world
health and various business sectors, its effect on business aviation has been
altogether different. The pandemic more broadly socialized a value proposition
those of us in the business aviation industry have always understood. It’s the
unique value proposition of business aviation, supported by a mature industry
demonstrating balanced supply and demand dynamics, that will support
sustainable growth for the foreseeable future.” Andrew Farrant, Chief Marketing
Officer, stated.
Based on its model, Global Jet Capital projects $186.8
billion in total transaction volume of new and pre-owned transactions between
2022 and 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent during that
time.
The report also forecasts heavy and medium jet demand should
increase at faster rates than other size categories. North America will remain
the largest business jet market over the next five years with Europe being
second largest market. Additionally, Latin America will be an important
pre-owned market.
Global Jet Capital believes that the projections contained within the forecast will be a useful tool for individuals and organizations as they navigate the years to come. To download the Market Forecast, visit: www.globaljetcapital.com/forecast-22
The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has announced the 55th anniversary of its founding in 1967. Throughout those 55 years, NAFI, the largest and oldest association serving the flight instruction industry both in the US and 35 countries worldwide, has continued its original mission to raise and maintain the professional standing of flight instructors. In conjunction with this significant celebration, NAFI aired the 55th episode of the popular MentorLIVE broadcast in April. Over time, the MentorLIVE broadcast has reached over 140,000 unique viewers and provided 41,600 hours of instruction.
Recently appointed NAFI Board Chair, Karen Kalishek said,
“I am privileged to take on this new role at NAFI during the celebration of
these two significant milestones for the association. She added, “To honor
NAFI’s founding mission while also re-emphasizing our role in the broader
aviation community, NAFI has freshly updated its mission and vision
statements.”
NAFI’s vision is “Safer pilots through excellence in
flight instruction.” Excellence has been at the core of NAFI’s values since the
organization’s inception. Safety is the foundation of all flight training and
recognizes the ever-present need for ongoing proficiency training by all
pilots. To reach this vision, the organization’s mission states, “NAFI promotes
flight instruction excellence through education, mentorship, and advocacy.”
Reinforcing proficiency training, NAFI’s MentorLIVE
broadcasts are available as a free community service for all aviators.
MentorLIVE was introduced as part of NAFI’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Now,
after 55 episodes, this valuable programming honors NAFI’s commitment to
excellence and aviation safety.
NAFI President Paul J. Preidecker added “According to our
recent member survey, educational content was listed among the top reasons for
joining NAFI. We are proud to offer MentorLIVE programming as a service to the
aviation community.”
NAFI’s 55th-anniversary year includes the 25th
anniversary of the ongoing NAFI Master Certificated Flight Instructor
Accreditation Program (MCFI), the first-ever FAA-approved accreditation program
available for flight instruction. Designed by NAFI board members, this popular
program offers flight instructors recognition for their outstanding commitment
to the entire flight training community. Instructors receiving the
accreditation have met very specific criteria including instructor activity,
community service, and personal development.
Baldwin Safety and Compliance announced it has partnered
with JumpSeat to integrate the real-time crowdsourced application into the
Baldwin flight risk assessment tool.
Introduced last year, the JumpSeat app is currently free to users and a
first of its kind to allow pilots to share and access important operational
information that may not be addressed in a formal NOTAM and will save crews the
time needed to research multiple sources.
Jason Starke, Director of Safety at Baldwin Safety and
Compliance commented, “The JumpSeat app caught our attention immediately and we
recognized its value as another dimension to the risk assessment process. Now
we can make it even easier for our clients to access local intelligence at
their departure and destination airports from the Baldwin system to help make
more informed decisions regarding risk associated with their trip. It is simple
to use and as the user numbers go up, the more valuable it will become. I see
it as a must-have resource for every trip.”
JumpSeat co-founders Ben Zavadil and Bradley Doebelin worked
together to develop a first of its kind crowdsourced aviation app that now has
several thousand users. The intuitive
app allows users to search by airport using a map and offers a global events
feed with favorites section on the menu to quickly check frequent locations in
real-time. Reports are made quickly by choosing a category such as ATC,
Runways, Fuel, Ground Handling, Scams, Weather, and others.
“Our goal was to keep this app simple and easy to use,”
stated Ben Zavadil, JumpSeat co-founder.
“We knew this would help crews avoid issues not reported in NOTAMS and
it has exceeded expectations while saving them valuable time with risk
assessment research.” Bradley Doebelin JumpSeat’s co-founder added, “We are
excited to have Baldwin as our first JumpSeat partner and look forward to
working with them to explore additional segments in the industry as well as
other like-minded business aviation organizations.”
View, Inc. continues its expansion in the aviation sector,
announcing that its Smart Windows have been installed at Missoula Montana
Airport’s (MSO) new South Concourse Terminal expansion project.
Scheduled to open in early June, the new terminal includes
five new gates to accommodate record growth in passengers visiting the region’s
seven wilderness areas and blue-ribbon trout fishing rivers. View Smart Windows
are a key component of MSO’s expansion project, which aims to lower the
airport’s carbon footprint and establish MSO as Montana’s flagship airport. The
windows use artificial intelligence to automatically adjust in response to
outdoor conditions, providing continuous views of the surrounding Missoula
Valley and Northern Rockies while blocking heat and glare to optimize passenger
comfort and reduce energy consumption from lighting and HVAC by as much as 20%.
“MSO is the gateway to Western Montana, and we wanted the
new terminal to showcase the region’s spectacular natural beauty,” said the
airport’s Deputy Director Tim Damrow. “View Smart Windows help us deliver a
truly state-of-the-art facility that is energy-efficient and enclosed in
floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views.”
In a study on natural light and the airport experience, passengers who boarded at gates with View Smart Windows were 68% more likely to report a higher satisfaction rate and rated the airport as 33% more modern, efficient, bright, and comfortable. A similar study on daylight and views found that seats at gates with View Smart Windows were 15 degrees cooler than those with traditional windows, helping passengers stay comfortable and enabling them to spend more time and money at restaurants, bars, and shops within the airport.
“MSO recognizes that the airports of the future will be
designed to measurably enhance the passenger experience and improve facility
operations,” said Kristi Crase, Strategy Director, Aviation at View. “Airports
across the country are rapidly adopting View’s smart building technology, and
we are thrilled to partner with MSO to transform Western Montana’s biggest
airport into a destination in itself.”
MSO is part of a growing list of airports across the country with View Smart Windows, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Memphis International Airport (MEM), Spokane International Airport (GEG), and the recently announced installation at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is
awarding a $5.2 million American Rescue Plan Act grant to support
infrastructure improvements at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
(GSP), according to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.
The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District (District) will
provide $3.4 million in local matching funds to the $5.2 million EDA investment
for infrastructure improvements at GSP for a total investment of $8.6 million.
Improvements will include the expansion of the airport’s air cargo apron and
the extension of a roadway and utilities to facilitate the continued expansion
of air cargo facilities at GSP.
Air cargo activity at GSP has increased significantly in
recent years. In 2021, the airport experienced a record-breaking 96,800 tons of
cargo, an increase of over 48% from 2020. Included in that total is over 47,600
tons of international freight valued at $5.46 billion, an increase in value of
25.1% over 2020. In 2021, GSP was ranked #21 in the nation in terms of
international freight tonnage handled according to USTradeNumbers.com.
The Green Taxi System (GTS) is a concept that was developed by L3 Technologies and Honeywell together with Safran, in the latter part of the last decade. The design involved installing electric motors in the aircraft’s landing gear wheels. A new endeavor, Dallas TX-based Green Taxi Inc. was able to acquire the IP from L3 and Honeywell, along with an OEM patent for the technology and hired key team members who had been involved in the project. Green Taxi, Inc. (GTI) announced today that it is continuing the original development which uses the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generator to power motor(s) on the landing gear driving the wheels and enabling the aircraft to taxi without starting its main engines. The power electronics and system controller provide precise control to the pilots over speed and braking during taxi operations. Aircraft equipped with the GTI system will eliminate the need for pushback tractors or tugs, reducing gate and tarmac congestion and improving airline on-time performance.
“Green Taxi-equipped jetliners will save significant costs
on reduced ground time apart from the fuel savings” says Green Taxi President
and Founder David Valaer “and other benefits include extended engine life,
enhanced ground crew safety, and reduced noise at the airport” he said.
The aviation industry has shown significant interest in
Electric Taxiing Systems (ETS) in recent years. Big influences include the
current rapidly rising cost of jet fuel, the Clean Aviation movement and
substantial carbon brake savings offered by these systems. In the US, taxi time
ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, accounting for a significant 5-12% of the plane’s
fuel consumption, depending on aircraft type and flight duration. GTI
(https://greentaxi.solutions) is working on this ETS directed towards newer
short and medium haul aircraft models, that will eliminate the use of the
aircraft’s jet engines or towing tractors. The system is retrofittable to
legacy aircraft as well as newer aircraft.
“Jet engines have 16-38 times the CO output at idle than at
take-off thrust and the GTI system reduces these taxi emissions by 85%”
continued David Valaer. “The GTI system will be well received by airlines and
passengers in these CO sensitive times. The GTI system provides at least a 70%
return on investment in total operator savings. The ETS is a great incremental
approach and can be deployed much more quickly than an all-electric aircraft but
with many of the same environmental benefits”.
Several major airlines are pursing in depth discussions with
GTI to bring this technology to their fleets to benefit from the economic,
operational and environmental viability of the system.
ALSIM has announced that Kanata Aviation Training has bought
an ALSIM AL250 simulator. Based at High River Airport in Alberta, Canada, this
will be their first ALSIM device.
The AL250 simulator addresses initial phase training needs
(PPL, CPL, IR/ME) and is SEP/MEP re-configurable simulator certified as an EASA
FNPT II and TC Level 2 IPC. In addition, it offers both classic and glass
cockpit instrumentation for each flight model at the simple flick of a switch.
This device has been extremely well received since its creation and more than
65 of these have already been installed and are in successful operation
worldwide.
“The addition of the ALSIM AL250 will make a
significant contribution to our students and the provision we offer, together
with continuing our goal of providing consistent and quality training. We have
invested in modern training aircraft using the Diamond DA20 and we see the
ALSIM AL250 as the frontrunning simulator to complement our fleet. The ALSIM
will not only support our initial training provision but will be extensively
underpin our IFR and multi IFR programs. The installation is set to coincide
with the opening of our new purpose-built facility at the High River Airport
and we are naturally very excited.” according to Gigi Shamba, Chief Flight
Instructor of Kanata Aviation Training.
Dr Scott Firsing of ALSIM’s North America office adds: “We
are pleased to welcome Kanata Aviation Training to the ALSIM family. The new
AL250 simulator will help provide consistency and quality in their training. We
are excited to see the superb pilots Kanata produces.”
Xeriant, Inc., has announced the appointment of Air Force
Brigadier General (ret.) Blaine “Blaino” Holt to the Company’s Board of
Advisors. Over his brilliant military career, General Holt has been an
innovative leader and future-focused strategist, inspiring excellence and
fostering disruptive thinking to leverage capabilities and deliver exceptional
results. In his advisory role, he will provide strategic vision and assist in
assessing future technologies and revolutionary aircraft concepts for potential
acquisition. As U.S. Deputy Military Representative to NATO, he was the second
highest ranking military official in the U.S. delegation to the alliance,
supporting the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy and providing
guidance and advocacy on behalf of the Military Representative and the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Brig. Gen. Blaine D. Holt, U.S.’s deputy military representative to NATO. Photo: Erik Luntang, NATO HQ.
“We are privileged to have Blaine on our advisory team.
Throughout his impressive military service as a general officer in the Air
Force and as a business leader, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence
and innovation. His aerospace industry background, access to emerging
technologies, and network of relationships around the globe will be a major
asset to our company,” stated Keith Duffy, CEO of Xeriant.
As Director of Logistics for the U.S. European Command
(EUCOM), General Holt was charged with implementing U.S. political-military
strategy, directing logistical operations within the European Theater for the
Department of Defense, which included coordinating the movement of U.S. forces,
equipment and supplies throughout the region. He was unanimously voted as
Chairman of the NATO Multinational Logistics Coordination Center (MLCC) for
NATO members and all partnership nations, the first U.S. General to hold the
two-year post in the history of NATO and was designated by the Supreme Allied
Commander Europe as his “#1 strategist,” becoming one of the top ten logistics
leaders in the Department of Defense. At the Pentagon, he was Director of the
Commander’s Action Group (CAG) to the Air Force Secretary and Air Force Chief
of Staff, leading a senior executive team across multiple disciplines to
develop, plan and coordinate events and communications. His command experience
includes the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, stationed in Kyrgyz Republic, and
the 16th Airlift and 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadrons. As a command pilot,
he logged over 3,900 flight hours, more than 300 in combat, on the Boeing
C-17A, the Lockheed C-141B Starlifter, the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker, the
Northrop T-38A Talon and the Cessna T-37, receiving two air medals.
“Xeriant is an enterprise that has no interest in simply
‘making the trains run on time.’ To lead in aerospace, visionary leadership and
breakthrough technologies are indispensable elements in the formula. Xeriant is
building an ecosystem of aerospace technologies that naturally cross-pollenate
across the enterprise and move the goal post on the competition. I look forward
to working with Xeriant’s team as they evaluate opportunities and execute their
business strategy,” commented General Holt.
Blaine applies his strategic acumen, analytical abilities
and proven leadership principles from his military experience to his business
endeavors, whether as a principal, executive management or an advisor. After
retiring from the Air Force, he became President of Million Air and American
Jet International, a privately held aerospace organization with 30 locations
across the globe, where he crafted and implemented an action plan to stabilize
the company and drive future growth, raising $150M. Within a year after taking
control, Million Air was ranked the “#1 Large FBO chain for 2016” by
Professional Pilot Magazine. Currently, he is CEO of Alchemai, a leading-edge
software company that uses AI technology and predictive analytics to manage
supply chain risk in the defense, commercial and non-profit sectors. He is also
CEO and Founder of Irascible Strategic Advisors, where he provides consulting
for seed stage startup companies focused on bringing emerging and disruptive
technologies to market. His expertise in international business, foreign
affairs, national security and military strategy is sought after by high level
civilian and government officials throughout the world. A Military Fellow and
life member on the Council on Foreign Relations, he has published numerous
articles on foreign policy and defense issues. He has been a keynote speaker at
various conferences, events and international committees, and is a contributor
and writer for Newsmax, where he regularly appears.
His major awards and decorations include the Air Force
Distinguished Superior Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the
Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the
Defense Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal
with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air
Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Joint Meritorious Unit
Award with Gold Border, the Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and seven oak leaf
clusters. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
Information Systems from the University of Georgia, Athens, a Master of
Education in Education Technology from Georgetown University, and a Master of
Science in Strategic Studies from the Air War College.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the
Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that 10 Maine airports
will receive a total of $14,795,574 to make critical infrastructure
improvements. This funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s
(FAA) Fiscal Year 2022 Airport Improvement Program. Senator Collins co-authors
the appropriations bill that funds this program each year.
“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s
transportation network that promote job creation and economic development.
Throughout the state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying
residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in
rural communities in emergencies when seconds count,” said Senator Collins.
“This significant investment will allow airports across our state to make
much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, improving the safety and
efficiency of operations.”
Maine airports will use this funding to support airport
improvement projects, such as runways and taxiways. The funding will be
allocated as follows:
Bangor International Airport will receive
$300,000 to rehabilitate its runway.
Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport will receive
$650,000 to improve airport drainage and erosion control.
Brunswick Executive Airport will receive
$147,000 to seal its taxiway pavement surface and joints.
Eastport Municipal Airport will receive $136,375
to install a runway vertical and visual guidance system.
Newton Field Airport in Jackman will receive
$531,000 to extend its runway, reconstruct its apron, and rehabilitate its
taxiway.
Portland International Jetport will receive
$11,249,447 to rehabilitate its runway.
Presque Isle International Airport will receive
$971,752 to acquire aircraft rescue and firefighting safety equipment,
construct a taxi lane, reconstruct perimeter fencing, and seal apron, runway,
and taxiway pavement surface and joints.
Princeton Municipal Airport will receive $60,000
to seal its apron pavement surface and joints.
Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland will
receive $600,000 to acquire snow removal equipment.
Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport will receive
$150,000 to update its airport master plan.
In a letter to the Bahamas’ acting director general in the
Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association President Mark Baker requested a delay in the implementation of a
customs clearance system for private pilots and passengers to enter the
country. This new process for private pilots was scheduled to take effect yesterday
on May 30.
Photo by Chris Rose.
The Click2Clear program is an online portal designed to
facilitate the customs process for pilots and their passengers. While
Click2Clear has been in existence since 2018 for air cargo operators, there has
been no formal announcement or information published on the Bahamas’ government
website for private operators.
Baker has heard from a number of AOPA members all suggesting
that the Click2Clear program is untested and nonintuitive for private pilots,
and he formally requested the launch of Click2Clear for private aviation be
postponed until the end of the first quarter of 2023.
“This pause will allow the necessary time to obtain feedback
from impacted stakeholders to make any necessary improvements to the
Click2Clear initiative, provide education and training on any new customs
processes, and to implement the initiative during a lower air traffic period to
avoid confusion and any major disruptions in the event of a system
malfunction,” Baker wrote.
Baker added that AOPA stands ready to help the Bahamas vet
the Click2Clear program for private pilots, with the goal of reducing complexity
and confusion and avoiding any risk of deterring and alienating private
operators from visiting the Bahamas.
“While I appreciate the initiative by The Bahamas in
supporting new and efficient methods to improve the customs process, I believe
reasonable notice with adequate instruction is also warranted “… as we work
together to ensure an efficient and functional program for private pilots,”
Baker added.
Baker also reminded the director general that AOPA is a
significant supporter of travel to the Bahamas. The AOPA Pilot Guide: Bahamas
Edition has been the go-to resource for private pilots flying to the Bahamas
for many years and includes information for 57 airports in the country. This
guide features maps with airport data and the layout of each island, customs
and immigration information, and much more.
With a rushed rollout and no notice for implementation,
information on Click2Clear would not be included in the newest edition of the
AOPA Pilot Guide: Bahamas Edition, causing further confusion for pilots looking
to fly to that country.
AOPA will provide updates on a response from Bahamian
authorities and their plans and timing for Click2Clear rollout.
