Archive for March, 2010
China gets its first BBJ
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
Beijing-based Deer Jet has taken delivery of China's first Boeing Business Jet.
"The introduction of the BBJ is a milestone in the development of business aviation in China," says Deer Jet.
Its BBJ has local registration B5266 and is configured with 18 passenger seats and a bedroom, conference room and open bar, says the airline.
The BBJ increases Deer Jet's fleet to 23 aircraft, it says, adding that it aims to have 35… Continue reading
MJets Becomes Exclusive Handler at Bangkok Don Mueang
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Flight planning and handling groups have abandoned Bangkok Don Mueang Airport after Airports of Thailand (AOT) awarded exclusive handling rights for business aircraft operations to local charter operator MJets. They say they have been compelled to establish alternative handling operations at the Thai capital’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport amid concerns about the new handling operation at Don Mueang.
Royal Airport Services, which lost out in the bid, filed a lawsuit in Thailand’s… Continue reading
Metrojet eyes China and India in next phase of growth
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
Strong growth figures from Hong Kong-based business aviation charter and management provider Metrojet have prompted it to eye new prospects in China and India and an expansion of its maintenance unit at home The growth over the past year has come despite the economic downturn.
The company's fleet doubled to 20 business aircraft in the past 12 months with the addition of Bombardier Global Expresses and Gulfstream G550s and G200s. Four… Continue reading
Air Partner Shuts Down Aircraft Operating Division
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
UK-based charter broker Air Partner today announced that it has shut down its aircraft operating division–Private Jet Operating Company (PJOC)–in a bid to stem mounting losses. PJOC has been put into administration, which is similar to U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy laws, after the company failed in attempts to establish a joint-venture partner for the business or to find a buyer.
In financial results released today for the six months ending January… Continue reading
MJets opens Thailand’s first FBO in Don Mueang
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
Thai business aircraft operator MJets has opened the country's first dedicated fixed-base operation at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport to exploit the growing demand for business aviation throughout the South-East Asian country.
The 186m2 (2,000ft2) executive lounge includes shower facilities, a business centre for passengers and pilots, plus flight planning and pilot briefing facilities. The company's flight dispatch support team is also at the site.
Two hangars, each 1,500m2 (16,150ft2), are being constructed… Continue reading
Avinode and CharterX join forces
Monday, March 15th, 2010
Avinode AB and CharterX Corp have signed a definitive agreement to merge their operations. Under the terms of the agreement, Avinode will purchase all outstanding shares of CharterX. As a result of the merger, Avinode and CharterX will offer the most comprehensive source of information for private aviation professionals worldwide.
“Avinode and CharterX have long shared a common vision for air charter,” said Niklas Berg, Chief Executive Officer of Avinode Inc… Continue reading
EBAA calls on US border agency to extend pre-clearance offering for business aircraft
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
The European Business Aviation Association is calling on the US Customs and Border Protection agency to extend its pre-clearance approval to all business aircraft operations at Shannon airport in Ireland.
The plea follows the decision by the US agency earlier this month to give the go-ahead for private flights only to clear all US customs, immigration and agriculture procedures at the airport. The arrangement - the only one of its kind… Continue reading
India’s Taj Air adds two new aircraft
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Indian charter operator Taj Air has added two new aircraft to its fleet - a Dassault Falcon 2000LX business jet and a Piaggio P180 Avanti II twin turboprop, for which it is the exclusive distributor for Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Taj, which showcased the two aircraft at Indian Aviation 2010 earlier this month in Hyderabad, says the new additions to its fleet will "enhance its… Continue reading
JSSI opens European headquarters in Farnborough
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the independent provider of hourly cost maintenance programs for the business aviation industry, announced that it is opening a new and vastly expanded European Headquarters in Farnborough, to better serve its extensive and growing client base in Europe.
JSSI continues to strengthen its commitment to the business aviation community in Europe with the establishment of its new headquarters, along with an expanded JSSI support team in… Continue reading
ASA adds completions to its portfolio in tie-up with Renaissance International Holdings
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Hong Kong's ASA Group, which offers VVIP security, ground handling and aircraft management services in the Asia Pacific and Middle East has allied with Canada’s Renaissance International Holdings (RIH) to establish a base at one of Britain’s fastest-growing airports – Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster.
ASA’s chief executive Simon Wagstaff says: “Now that we have moved into the aircraft management area, we anticipate that we will be asked about aircraft completion management… Continue reading