DC Aviation Group and Comlux Sign Cooperation Agreement

DC Aviation Group and Comlux have signed a cooperation agreement for line maintenance and warranty work. The Stuttgart maintenance center of DC Aviation will perform the line maintenance and warranty work for Comlux customers based in Europe and CIS.

DC Aviation Group and Comlux are pleased to announce that they have signed a cooperation agreement. DC Aviation has been selected to perform the line maintenance and warranty work for Comlux customers based in Europe and CIS. 

The line and base maintenance services for aircraft of the Airbus ACJ Family, Global Express 5000/6000 and Challenger 604/605 will be carried out at DC Aviation’s dedicated 5,700 square meter Stuttgart Airport (EDDS) hangar, which also contains a large and well-equipped parts inventory, a certified battery and tire shop and a maintenance logistics center.

Juergen Sehne, Vice President Maintenance & CAMO of DC Aviation said: “Last year we have successfully carried out two A-checks for Comlux’ customers. We are very happy that, with this agreement, we can continue and consolidate our excellent cooperation with Comlux.”

Arnaud Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Comlux said: “We are extremely pleased with this agreement with DC Aviation, which allows us to serve our worldwide customer base even better. While Comlux has strong expertise on VIP interior upgrades and heavy maintenance in our facilities in Indianapolis, DC Aviation offers our European and CIS customers a closer-to-home solution for their line maintenance and warranty needs.”

DC Aviation has been offering line and base maintenance services for various types of aircraft since 1999 and can carry out exceptionally complex work with the highest level of reliability and competence. Due to 24/365 availability, combined with intelligent planning and smooth workflows, DC Aviation is able to meet challenging ground-times.

Carbon Emissions Per Passenger Decrease

TheInternational Air Transport Association (IATA)published information confirming that carbon emissions per passenger have declined by more than 50% since 1990. Much of the improvement has occurred because the industry has achieved an annual fuel efficiency improvement of 2.3% over the period since 2009, some 0.8 percentage points ahead of target. 

This progress is a combination of investments in more efficient aircraft and operational efficiencies.

“Cutting per passenger emissions in half is an amazing achievement of the technical expertise and innovation in the aviation industry. But we have even bigger ambitions. From 2020 we will cap net emissions. And by 2050 we will cut emissions to half 2005 levels. Accomplishing these targets means continued investment in new technology, sustainable fuels, and operational improvements,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Airlines have invested some $1 trillion in new aircraft since 2009, and in addition have signed forward purchase agreements for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) amounting to approximately $6 billion. In addition, the introduction of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) will ensure carbon-neutral growth on international flights from 2020 and raise around $40 billion in climate finance.  

Alternative measures are inefficient and fail to cut carbon

Analysis from IATA shows that efforts to deliberately suppress air travel through punitive passenger taxes are inefficient and largely ineffective at reducing carbon.

The CORSIA scheme’s effectiveness lies in its global scope. It is estimated it will reduce emissions by around 2.5 billion tonnes over the lifetime of the scheme. But global goodwill towards implementing CORSIA is being compromised by governments introducing a patchwork of carbon taxes. A series of decisions or proposals have been made in recent months to levy air passenger taxes, including in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

“Taxation aimed at stopping people from exercising their freedom to fly will make travel more expensive but do very little to reduce emissions. It is a politician’s feel-good solution, without taking responsibility for the negative impact it has on the economy or the mobility restrictions it imposes on people with lower incomes,” said de Juniac.

Long-term, aviation is aiming to reduce emissions with cleaner technology. This will require a financially sound airline sector capable of funding the significant investments that will be needed to make flying sustainable.

“Governments must focus their efforts correctly. Flying drives prosperity. It is not the enemy. Cutting carbon must at the forefront. And government leadership is needed to incentivize the commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels, drive efficiencies in air traffic management and support research into next generation low-carbon energy sources,” said de Juniac. 

2020: THE YEAR FOR BUSINESS AVIATION

MEBAA Show 2020 to Lead Regional Industry Promotion

2020 will be a good year for business aviation in the MENA region, according to Ali Alnaqbi, Founding & Executive Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). With the MEBAA Show 2020 taking place in December, the event is perfectly timed to lead the industry in this year of opportunity.

Alnaqbi stated that the business aviation sector in the MENA region is achieving a positive growth rate of around eight to nine percent, higher than the global growth estimate of four to six percent, pointing out that the UAE has become the sector leader in the region.

“2020 will be a milestone in the history of business aviation and private aviation in the Middle East region in general, and in the UAE in particular, as a result of Expo 2020,” Alnaqbi said. He added, “The air traffic in Dubai is currently around 15,000 movements, and this is expected to double to at least 30,000 due to the event.”

There are two main driving factors for this growth, according to Alnaqbi: the official delegations travelling to the country for the expo, and the companies and business leaders attending the event.

The number of aircraft registered in the UAE market is almost 25% of the 600 aircraft registered in the Middle East. Investments in the sector are difficult to quantify as they are distributed among airlines, operators and buildings as well as airports. However Alnaqbi says the volume in the UAE is estimated at between $800 million and $900 million annually, with a contribution to GDP of around two to three percent.

In addition, the industry will benefit from government support for growth.The aviation sector is one of the main strategic sectors, targeted by government plans. It seeks to build a strong and sustainable economy, based on the diversification of sources of national income, and build a post-oil economy.

The MEBAA Show will take place 8-10 December 2020 at DWC, Dubai Airshow Site, and is expecting 500 exhibitors and 10000 trade attendees throughout the three days.

Among the companies already exhibiting at the MEBAA Show 2020 are Airbus Corporate Jets, Dassault Aviation, Gulfstream and Embraer, in addition to many other industry leaders. The event attracts key decision makers and VVIPs along with the whole supply chain of the business aviation industry.

“It’s very important to be close to our customers and to be part of the MEBAA Show,” Benoit Defforge, President of Airbus Corporate Jets, said at the last MEBAA Show. He added, “The Middle East is the number one market for ACJ and MEBAA Show is a very interesting venue because we have the proximity of the booths, the chalets and the aircaft.”

“2020 will be the year of business aviation in the Middle East and North Africa,” says Alnaqbi. He continues, “The MEBAA Show 2020 is the ideal platform for the entire industry to be part of it. I look forward to welcoming the key players in business aviation to Dubai in December 2020.”

ACJ and Sabena technics to co-operate in Self-Protection

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Sabena technics are to co-operate in proposing self-protection systems (SPSs) for Airbus corporate jets.

Each SPS would combine an existing, state of the art, directional infra-red countermeasure (DIRCM) system with installation on an Airbus corporate jet.

SPSs will initially be offered for the ACJ320 Family.

An SPS offers protection against missiles fired from man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), which are the most widespread missile-threat today.

Self-defence systems are already in service on some Airbus corporate jets.

The co-operation agreement was signed at the NBAA show, by Sabena technics Senior Vice president Sales and Business Development Daniel Soltani and ACJ President Benoit Defforge.

“This is a great new opportunity to work with ACJ on aircraft protection, which builds on an extensive portfolio of business-aviation services that includes cabin-outfitting and maintenance,” said Daniel Soltani. “We strongly believe that our ability to install and certificate these systems with airworthiness authorities, such as EASA and the FAA, is a key driver of success.”

“Offering self-protection is yet another way in which we care for our customers, and expands and consolidates the widespread range of modern aircraft and services that ACJ offers,” said ACJ President Benoit Defforge.

Around 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service worldwide, flying on every continent, including Antarctica.

ACJ to be at NBAA

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) are jointly exhibiting an ACJ319 and ACH145 at the NBAA show1, giving potential customers the chance to appreciate their benefits at first hand. 

ACJ and ACH are part of the only manufacturer to offer both corporate jets and helicopters, which are marketed as Business Aviation by Airbus in a partnership which began in 2017. 

The ACJ319 features lounge and conference/dining areas, plus two private rooms that can each be laid out as either a lounge or a bedroom, as well as an ensuite bathroom with shower. It is offered for VVIP charters by Comlux. 

“Our ability to offer the best comfort, space and freedom of movement is widely recognized in the marketplace, and customers are increasingly aware that we can offer similar operating costs to traditional business jets,” said ACJ President Benoit Defforge. 

The ACH145 at the show features a bespoke, locally made corporate interior. Additionally a full-scale model cabin of the ACH145 helicopter with a Mercedes Benz interior will be on display plus a 1:5 scale model of the new ACH145 with five blades. 

“We are very excited by the market momentum we are having especially with the ACH145 and ACH160 which have amazing traction. Our ability to offer fit for purpose and bespoke solutions to the private and business aviation market with special attention to customer service and detail is increasingly recognized. We are looking forward to telling our story of progress in North America as well as briefing customers on our current product range,” said Head of ACH Frederic Lemos. 

Also showcased at the event is Vahana Alpha Two, one of the two electric vertical take-off and landing technology demonstrators being developed inside the company. Vahana Alpha One recently completed its 114th test flight in Pendleton, Oregon, proving the viability of the concept of self-piloted air taxis. To see Vahana, visit the Innovation Area in Hall D. 

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) create the world’s most rewarding flying experiences for customers by providing them with unique expertise, the finest service, best technology and highest standards of care in corporate aviation. All Airbus corporate jets and helicopters come from the most modern aircraft family on the market, derived from Airbus’ successful market-leading jetliners and rotorcraft. 

Around 200 Airbus corporate jets are in service worldwide, flying on every continent, including Antarctica, and more than 1,800 private and business aviation Airbus helicopters. 

IATA AGM Endorses 5 Resolutions

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that five resolutions have been passed by the 75thAnnual General Meeting. These are:

Environment:The overwhelmingly passed AGM resolution called on Governments to implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) as agreed through the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). CORSIA is the first global carbon pricing instrument for an industry sector. It will cap net CO2 emissions from international aviation at 2020 levels (carbon-neutral growth, or CNG). The AGM looked beyond CORSIA to the next climate action commitment—cutting net emissions to half 2005 levels by 2050. Airlines were urged to implement all available fuel efficiency measures and to participate fully in a long-term switchover to sustainable aviation fuels. These are key to achieving the industry’s 2050 commitment. A detailed releaseand full text of the resolution are available on the IATA website.

Slots:The AGM reaffirmed the importance of a harmonized global airport slot system, and called upon governments to urgently address capacity shortages. The resolution also reaffirmed that the Worldwide Slot Guidelines (WSG) is the global standard for the policies, principles, and procedures of airport slot allocation and management. In addition, it endorsed a Statement of Objectives focusing on delivering consumer benefit, proving convenient schedules, ensuring transparency and non-discrimination in the process and using existing capacity to its full potential. A detailed release and full textof the resolution are available on the IATA website.

RFID for Baggage Tracking:The AGM resolved to support the global deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for baggage tracking. The AGM also called for the implementation of modern baggage messaging standards to more accurately track passengers’ baggage in real time across key points in the journey. The resolution commits airlines to: transition to bar-coded bag tags with RFID inlays and use RFID data alerts to enact processes with airports and ground handlers that prevent potential mishandlings. A detailed releaseand full text of the resolution are available on the IATA website.

 

One ID:The AGM resolved to accelerate the global implementation of the One ID initiative, which uses a single biometric identifier to move passengers through the airport, without the need for paper travel documents. The IATA One ID resolution calls for stakeholders—including airlines, airports and government authorities—to work together to promote and implement a paperless passenger process utilizing biometric recognition. A detailed releaseand full textof the resolution are available on the IATA website.

Disabled Passengers:The AGM resolution aims to improve the air travel experience for the estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide. Airlines committed to ensuring that passengers with disabilities have access to safe, reliable and dignified travel, and called upon governments to use IATA’s core principles for accommodating passengers with disabilities. These principles aim to change the focus from disability to accessibility and inclusion by bringing the travel sector together with governments to harmonize regulations and provide the clarity and global consistency that passengers expect. A detailed release and full textof the resolution are available on the IATA website.

 

 

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Airbus celebrates 50 years of Pioneering Progress

Airbus has launched a global campaign celebrating the company’s

50 year anniversary, showcasing key moments of pioneering progress throughout the past five decades. The campaign begins today by marking 50 years since the French Minister of Transport, Jean Chamant and the German Minister of Economic Affairs, Karl Schiller, signed an agreement at the 1969 Paris Air Show for the joint-development of the A300 aircraft, a first European twin-aisle twin-engine jet for medium-haul air travel.

Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus said: “Airbus’ story is one of ambition and progress, and has been a showcase of European integration. Over five decades, we have brought together civil and defence aviation businesses from throughout the continent. For 50 years, we have pioneered many firsts through our passion and innovation, transforming the industry and helping to move society forward. Airbus is a story of incredible men and women, a story of great achievements in the past and, above all, in the future.”

Running from 29 May to 17 July, the campaign will bring stories to life through new, engaging content published across Airbus channels. With a new story released each day, for 50 consecutive days, the campaign will highlight the people and ground-breaking innovations that have driven the company. The campaign shines a light on many different aspects of the Airbus business, including commercial aircraft, helicopters, space and defence, in addition to programmes and initiatives.

The 50th anniversary campaign also looks to the future, exploring how Airbus continues to shape the industry with pioneering innovations that address some of society’s most critical issues, whether that be pioneering electric flight to reduce emissions, digitising aerospace design, or developing new urban air mobility options.

Airbus industrial sites will also celebrate this milestone, starting in Toulouse with a fly over from the full Airbus Commercial Aircraft family accompanied by the Patrouille de France at 12:00pm today.

Comlux takes delivery of its first ACJ320neo

Comlux ACJ320neo take-off.jpg

Comlux has taken delivery of the first of three ACJ320neo1 aircraft, which will now enter VIP cabin-outfitting by Comlux Completion in Indianapolis. It is the largest customer for the ACJ320neo Family, which has already won a total of 11 orders. 

“The new ACJ320neo gives us the means to deliver nonstop flights to even more of the world. CFM International has supported Comlux over the years, and we have chosen its new, fuel-efficient and highly reliable LEAP-1A engines to power the aircraft. Comlux Completion will install a unique VIP cabin interior, using the most advanced technologies to offer the best comfort and luxury to our customer,” says Comlux Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Gaona. 

The ACJ320neo family uses new engines and wingtip mounted Sharklets to deliver a 15 per cent fuel-saving, which also translates into a leap forward in range for business jet operators. 

It comprises an ACJ320neo that can fly 25 passengers 13 hours or 6,000 nm/11,100 km, and an ACJ319neo that can transport eight passengers 15 hours or 6,750 nm/12,500 km. 

“Airbus corporate jets already have a reputation for comfort, reliability and value, already enjoy similar operating costs to traditional business jets through their airliner heritage, and are now even more economical in their NEO versions,” says ACJ President Benoit Defforge. 

More than 700 A320neo Family aircraft are already in service with airlines and, with over 15,000 firm orders for the whole A320 Family, it is the clear leader in its class. 

Airbus’ A320 Family pioneered features that are now standard in most new-generation business jets – such as enhanced-protection fly-by-wire controls, cost-saving centralised maintenance and weight-saving carbonfibre – ensuring that it has a long and successful future ahead of it. 

More than 190 Airbus corporate jets are in service worldwide, flying on every continent, including Antarctica. 

Flying Colours Corp. moves into fifth St. Louis hangar as customer demand grows

flyingcolourscorp.st.louisfifthhangaropenforbusiness

Flying Colours is open for business at the company’s fifth St. Louis hangar.  Hi-res available on request

Flying Colours Corp., the North American maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions business has taken up residence in its fifth hangar at the Spirit of St. Louis airport. The existing building, which is ideally located adjacent to the KSUS runway, adds a much-needed 30, 000 square feet to the St. Louis footprint, and complements the expanded cabinetry and interiors workshop opened at the facility in January 2018.

Since taking over the hangar lease in December 2018 the local team has been outfitting the building, installing new state-of-the-art tooling and supplementary maintenance equipment as well as revamping the office décor. The completed facility accommodates up to three parallel large-jet maintenance, avionics upgrades and interior projects at once. It is initially expecting to support heavy maintenance work and two Bombardier Global aircraft are already in-situ for 120-month heavy maintenance checks.

A recruitment drive is ramping up to source more than 50 extra maintenance engineers, technicians and administrative support personnel, bringing the St. Louis workforce to more than 200 in total.

The addition of the fifth hangar runs in parallel with the construction at Flying Colours’ Peterborough, Ontario headquarters of a fourth hangar which will be large enough to manage completions, refurbishment, maintenance and paint work in a new dedicated paint shop for Bombardier and Gulfstream large jet types, as well as executive airliners.

“Our business continues to grow as we build our reputation for maintenance, refurbishments and completion projects on time and on budget. Our customers also value the fact we can run interiors and maintenance simultaneously, so reducing down time. We were turning work away in St. Louis so it’s great to have the hangar ready and open for operations,” says Sean Gillespie, Executive VP Flying Colours Corp. The addition of the St. Louis hangar, and the building of new workshops in Peterborough, represent Flying Colours ongoing expansion plans driven by growth in customer demand.

 

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