by Matt on January 27, 2012
Royal Jet has signed an agreement with Takhzeen Aerospace as part of its entry into the Jordanian market, according to Arabian Aerospace.
Ammar Balkar, managing partner of Takhzeen Aerospace, said:
“Royal Jet is a perfect fit for Jordan’s senior business travellers and this opportunity will allow us to expand our services and become a leader in the fast-growing luxury and leisure travel industry. At the same time, it will address emergency medical requirements and provide a wide choice of medical ambulance facilities to the Jordanian community during medical emergencies. “
The current fleet of Royal Jet consists of six Boeing Business Jets (BBJ); two mid-range Gulfstream 300s; a long-range Gulfstream IVSP; a Lineage 1000 and a Learjet 60.
by Matt on January 27, 2012
Steve Wilhelm of the Puget Sound Business Journal says the first delivery of Boeing’s largest jet, the 747-8 Intercontinental, was to a VIP customer.
“That means it’s secret, because most people who can afford an entire 747-8 (that’s a $332 million list price just for the plane, another $100 million or more for the interior) don’t want to be public.”
The Journal goes on to mention one company that develops such interiors is Kirkland, WA-based Greenpoint Technologies (a sponsor of this blog).
by Matt on January 24, 2012
Greenpoint Technologies (a sponsor of this blog) recently completed a Boeing 747 refurbishment program on-time, overcoming significant challenges and obtaining certification per the customer’s requirement and schedule.
Greenpoint ended 2011 with a perfect score of on-time and early deliveries and Greenpoint’s Operations Liaison Lead Stephen Zurel noted:
“During modification we’re not measured by what goes right, but evaluated on how well we react to challenges that arise. Our success with on-time deliveries is a result of the talent and dedication of our people and our ability to adapt and overcome obstacles.”
The 2012 year is significant for Greenpoint as they modify multiple Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) and 747-8 VIP aircraft. Greenpoint’s EVP and President of Denton Facilities Sloan Benson describe the contributing factors: “The right people, robust processes and dedication to on-time deliveries. Everyone has worked diligently to execute on plan without exception. Our motto “artistry engineered” is indicative of our learning; we’ve successfully demonstrated that strong processes from design through delivery enable us to complete our programs on time. Our customers tell us that our quality products, flexibility, and demonstrated track record are highly valued.”
Gre
by Matt on January 24, 2012
Near the end of 2011, Boeing Business Jets delivered a BBJ to Nanshan Jet in China, according to Aero News Network. The BBJ, a first for Nanshan and the largest in the fleet, will provide charter services in China.
Bin Yu, president of Nanshan Jet, said:
“Previously our jets were operated by Air China. We’re thrilled to begin this new adventure with Boeing as our partner.”
by Matt on December 10, 2011
Greenpoint Technologies (a sponsor of this blog) now has a firm contract for the VIP 747-8 completion.
Greenpoint views the 747-8 completion as extremely important to the company’s growth and business plan.
Greenpoint’s EVP and President of Denton Facilities, Sloan Benson, says:
“Four years ago Greenpoint set its aim on a 747-8 completion with strategic company investments and an organization restructure. We have never had a more capable team of professionals. The time we’ve spent with The Boeing Company working on understanding the unique qualities of the 747-8 related to our Aeroloft development enable an advantageous project launch. We are very excited about getting started on this project as we delivered our 17thBBJ early last month.”
by Matt on December 9, 2011
Two pandas recently arrived in Scotland in style on a FedEx-chartered Boeing 777, reports the Herald Sun.
The pandas enjoyed a pre-flight meal of carrots and protein cake, and indulged in bamboo while on board. The team of four pilots even donned traditional kilts in the spirit of the occasion.
A bagpiper watches as the FedEx Panda Express aircraft carrying two giant pandas taxis along the runway at Edinburgh airport in Scotland December 4, 2011. Photo: REUTERS/David Moir
by Matt on December 8, 2011
Some business jet operators are protesting a ticket tax they say was meant for commercial passengers only. As a result, they are suing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for $643 million says Andrew Welsh-Huggins of Newser.
The aircraft management service providers include four Ohio-based subsidiaries of NetJets Inc. who say “the ticket tax was not intended to apply to private aircraft owners and the fees they pay to maintain and operate their planes.”
The companies maintain they “do not transport these owners, but instead simply act as the owners’ agent and assist them in transporting themselves on their own planes.”
by Matt on December 8, 2011
While personal wealth is on the rise in Asia (in fact, Asians have overtaken Europeans on the Forbes list of billionaires), China dominates expectations despite some complex issues, according to Liz Moscrop of AIN Online.
Jean-Noel Rober, Airbus Corporate Jets area sales director for Greater China, Japan and Korea and Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) chairman, explains “one major area of difficulty is in finding people to manage and support any new aircraft. He said that management firms in Hong Kong, for example, are turning down opportunities to operate jets simply because they do not believe they can support them adequately in the places where they owners want them to be based. ”
Asia Jet in Hong Kong, which sells both jet card membership and ownership programs, is busy even though aircraft are in short supply.
CEO Mike Walsh says:
”There is certainly the will to fly privately, even though there is a lack of aircraft at the moment.”
Further, Business Aviation Asia (BAA) is expecting to have 34 jets by the end of 2011, and even more next year. BAA currently manages 23 private business jets, most of which are based in Mainland China.
by Matt on December 3, 2011
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced effective immediately that aircraft owners and operators who wish to have aircraft tail numbers blocked can now submit requests directly to the FAA without stating a reason.
According to the press release:
As a result of language in the fiscal year 2012 appropriations bill, the FAA is withdrawing its June 3, 2011 policy (76 Fed. Reg. 32,258-32,265) of requiring aircraft owners or operators to submit a Certified Security Concern in order to have their aircraft tail number blocked from view on the FAA’s Aircraft Situation Display to Industry (ASDI) or National Airspace System Status Information (NASSI).
by Matt on December 2, 2011
Greenpoint Technologies (a sponsor of this blog) has appointed a new Sales Director for VIP completions and modifications. Chad Thorne has over 15 years’ experience in the aerospace and defense industry, including time spent with Cessna Aircraft, Crane Aerospace & Electronics, Honeywell and Innovative Solutions & Support.
Having been a Vice President before, Thorne appreciates Greenpoint’s passion and the importance of customer relationships:
“I’m delighted to join Greenpoint infusing my knowledge and experience. We have a great deal of work ahead of us and relationships worldwide to maintain. Joining the sales team during such growth is a prime opportunity to support our customer’s individual requirements. The people and atmosphere are amazing. Everyone is friendly and eager to help – it’s a culture focused on our customers.”
