Saint-Cloud, France, July 2nd 2019 – Dassault Aviation and RUAG announced the acquisition by Dassault Aviation of the maintenance and FBO activities of RUAG in Geneva and Lugano.
“The acquisition of the business aviation activities of RUAG is part of our strategy to develop a worldwide MRO network of excellence and will allow Dassault Aviation to reinforce its footprint in Switzerland. RUAG has been a long-time partner of Dassault Aviation as an authorized Falcon service center. This acquisition will consolidate our network in Geneva and Lugano. Both Geneva and Lugano FBO activities will complement the full range of services offered by Dassault Aviation in Switzerland”, declared Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
“We are extremely satisfied that we have completed this transaction with Dassault Aviation, a leader in manufacturing and maintaining aircraft”, said Urs Breitmeier, CEO of the RUAG Group. “They are an experienced partner of RUAG and can provide a strong foundation for successfully continuing operations in Geneva and Lugano, as well as for the future of the members of our staff at both sites”.
WICHITA, Kan. (July 1, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced that the Garmin International G5000 integrated flight deck is now available for the Cessna Citation Excel and Citation XLS. The G5000 modernizes the cockpit, solves parts obsolescence and addresses mandate requirements, while also offering a lower cost of operation.
“The Citation Excel and Citation XLS continue to be two of the most popular business jets in the world,” said Kriya Shortt, Textron Aviation senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “The G5000 will modernize the cockpit to offer customers additional situational awareness, lower cost of operation and an improved in-flight experience in the aircraft they already know and love.”
The G5000 integrated flight deck for the Citation Excel and Citation XLS features three landscape-oriented displays with split-screen capability, intuitive touchscreen controllers, and geo-referenced Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams. New to the Citation Excel, emergency descent mode is available as a standard feature with the G5000 and is enabled by the autopilot in the event of a loss in aircraft pressurization. Additionally, operators gain access to more airports and lower approach minimums throughout the world as the G5000 has PBN/RNP 0.3 with LPV/APV approach capability.
The G5000 integrated flight deck upgrade is available immediately for Citation Excel and Citation XLS aircraft at Textron Aviation Service Centers and select Garmin dealers.
São José dos Campos, Brazil, June 28, 2019 – Embraer announced today the first delivery of its new Praetor 600 super-midsize business jet to an undisclosed European customer. The delivery ceremony was held at the company’s production facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil, where the first Praetor 600 rolled off the hybrid assembly line that also produces the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500. Assembly of the Praetor 600 will soon also occur at Embraer’s production facility in Melbourne, Florida, where the company has produced more than 360 Phenom and Legacy aircraft since 2011.
“We are thrilled to deliver the first Praetor 600 and we are confident that our customer will be fascinated with the most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize business jet to enter the market,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The Praetor 600 is certain to create a new value experience for our customers and help them outperform in their business and personal endeavors.”
Announced at NBAA-BACE in October 2018, where it also made its debut, the Praetor 600 was certified in April 2019, just six months after its announcement, becoming the only super-midsize business jet to be certified since 2014.
“The Praetor 600 unleashes the full potential of its platform through industry-leading design, engineering and technology that was yet unseen in the medium cabin class,” said Daniel Moczydlower, Executive Vice President, Embraer Engineering and Technology. “With Embraer’s fourth-generation fly-by-wire technology and more than 25 patented innovations in the interior design and architecture, the Praetor 600 will ensure an industry-exclusive customer experience and raise their expectations of business jets.”
Leading the way, the Praetor 600 is an aircraft of many firsts, including the first super-midsize jet with full fly-by-wire technology, which powers turbulence reduction that not only makes every flight the smoothest but also the most efficient possible.
The Praetor 600 is now the farthest-flying super-midsize jet, able to make nonstop flights between Dubai and London, Paris and New York, São Paulo and Miami. With four passengers and NBAA IFR Reserves, the Praetor 600 has an intercontinental range of 4,018 nautical miles (7,441 km), with the highest payload capacity in its class, and at Mach 0.80, its range is 3,719 nm (6,887 km).
Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer
About the Praetor 600
The Praetor 600 is the most disruptive and technologically advanced aircraft to enter the super-midsize category, delivering the ultimate customer experience with an unparalleled combination of performance, comfort and technology. The Praetor 600 will be the farthest-flying super-midsize business jet, which allows nonstop flights between London and New York. With four passengers and NBAA IFR Reserves, the Praetor 600 will have an intercontinental range of 4,018 nautical miles (7,441 km), with the highest payload capacity in its class, and at Mach 0.80, its range is 3,719 nm (6,887 km).
WICHITA, KS (June 27, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, celebrated its leadership of the light jet segment with the delivery of the 300th Cessna Citation CJ4, the industry’s top performing aircraft in this segment. The milestone aircraft was delivered today to McNeilus Steel, based in Dodge Center, Minnesota.
“The Citation CJ4 continues to be a standout in the light jet segment due to its combination of high performance, low operating costs and class-leading cabin amenities,” said Rob Scholl, Textron Aviation senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Our light jet product range, led by the Citation CJ4, continues to pace this segment globally in terms of deliveries, primarily because customers appreciate what they get in terms of productivity and value.”
Founded in 1948, McNeilus Steel is a family owned metals distribution business and employs more than 450 people across locations in Dodge Center, Minnesota, Fargo, North Dakota, and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. McNeilus is upgrading to full ownership of a CJ4, having been a fractional owner of a Cessna Citation CJ1+ since 2016.
“Our reputation is built on customer service and our Citation CJ4 will help us strengthen that reputation through even more personal interaction with our customers,” said Levi McNeilus, director of Purchasing at McNeilus.
Introduced in 2010, the Citation CJ4 is the largest of the Cessna light jet family of aircraft that includes the Citation CJ3+ and the Citation M2. The CJ4 allows customers to go further with the leading range-to-payload ratio and a best-in-class IFR range of 1,926 nautical miles (3,567 km) with a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots (true airspeed).
The CJ4 is certified for single pilot operation, has seating for nine passengers and includes a notable 1,040-pound baggage capability. Other features include single point refueling, an externally serviceable lavatory and excellent range, delivering what crew and cabin passengers appreciate.
Leading the light jet segment
Cessna Citations continue to lead this segment, with over 5,000 light jets delivered throughout the world, offering customers the broadest range of products on the market. From the popular entry level Cessna Citation M2, to the upgraded efficiency and comfort of the CJ3+ and the leading CJ4, Textron Aviation’s Citation family of light business jets has evolved to offer a range of capabilities, systems and options unmatched in its class.
Duluth, Minn. and Knoxville, Tenn. (4 June 2019) – Cirrus Aircraft announced today that Zean Nielsen has been selected to succeed Co-founder Dale Klapmeier as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Nielsen has held senior leadership roles at a range of global world-class organizations, including Tesla Motors, James Hardie and Bang & Olufsen.
“Cirrus Aircraft has a remarkably bright future ahead,” noted Dale Klapmeier, Co-founder and National Aviation Hall of Fame member. “We are fortunate to have someone of Zean’s caliber and experience to lead us into the next era of growth. I am looking forward to moving into a Senior Advisory role and continuing to work with our exceptional team on reinventing the future of personal transportation.”
“I am honored and humbled to join this team of experienced general aviation leaders and a world-class workforce as we continue to bring game-changing products and services to market,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft. “Our mission is to deliver an aviation experience that is the pinnacle of innovation, quality and safety to our customers – and that is exactly what we will continue to do for many years to come.”
Zean most recently served as the Executive Vice President of North American Sales at James Hardie, a leading industrial building materials company. Prior to his role at James Hardie, Nielsen ran all aspects of Tesla Motors worldwide sales operations efforts as the Vice President of Global Sales Operations. Zean began his career at Bang & Olufsen, the luxury electronics maker, where over a 17 year career he ascended to more senior roles before he ultimately became the President of Bang & Olufsen North and South America, prior to joining Tesla Motors.
Nielsen assumed the CEO role at Cirrus Aircraft on 3 June 2019.
About Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision JetTM, the world’s first single-engine Personal JetTM, as well as the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined performance, comfort and safety in aviation with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 10.5 million hours and 172 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has four locations in the United States, located in Duluth, Minnesota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, Knoxville, Tennessee and McKinney, Texas.
Emirates Airline Selects Cirrus Aircraft SR22 for Flight Training Academy Fleet
PROVIDENCE, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bell, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Systems, TRU Simulation + Training and Textron Airborne Solutions, all businesses of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), have announced their plans for the Paris Air Show—the largest aerospace event in the world—which will be held June 17-23 at the Exhibition Center of Le Bourget. Textron will be displaying in Textron Pavilion A2.
“Our exhibit demonstrates a deep and diverse lineup of commercial and military aircraft, unmanned systems and simulation and training solutions,” says Textron’s Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “We’re excited to show Paris Air Show attendees how focused we’ve been on delivering new levels of innovation and performance.”
Bell
Since the company’s beginning in 1935, Bell has set the pace for the helicopter industry, expanding the scope of vertical lift. Bell was the first to obtain commercial certification for a helicopter nearly 60 years ago – and since then, has delivered thousands of innovative aircraft to customers around the world. When it comes to developing the world’s first air taxi or producing life-saving commercial and military aircraft, Bell has the innovative minds and the relentless drive to revolutionize search and rescue operations, business travel and vertical takeoff and lift. And we are just getting started.
Discover these next-generation aircraft on static display during Paris Air Show this year:
The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light single engine helicopter is the ideal military trainer aircraft and offers incredible value unlike any other helicopter in its class. With more than 150 delivered around the world, it is designed to be easier and safer to fly thanks to its superior standard equipment and state-of-the-art Garmin 1000H TM glass cockpit.
With over 330,000 hours on the global fleet, the Bell 429 is designed with the future in mind, enhancing occupant safety, with the adaptability to remain at the forefront as mission requirements evolve. The Bell 429 has been chosen by police forces, air medical teams and militaries around the world for time-sensitive missions.
The Bell 525 Relentless full-scale mock-up outfitted with Mecaer Aviation’s luxurious MAGnificent interior will be on static display this year. The aircraft offers customers a general leap forward, bringing new technological advances designed to benefit operators and increase safety standards of the industry. The 525 is expected to be the first commercial aircraft certified with Fly-By-Wire technology which greatly increases safety through reduced pilot workload and enhanced situational awareness.
Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation and Textron Aviation Defense—a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc.—will be showcasing their defense and special mission capabilities at the Paris Air Show, featuring static displays of the highly advanced Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine, a flight inspection-configured Cessna Citation Latitude, an ISR-configured Beechcraft King Air 350i and a Cessna Grand Caravan EX equipped with an array of radars and sensors.
The Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine is the world’s most cost-effective turboprop approach to light attack and armed reconnaissance, equipping the warfighter with the greatest level of mission configurability, the most advanced ISR technology, an optimized battlespace networking capability and the unwavering mission support of a global service network. The AT-6 Wolverine meets the full spectrum of U.S. Air Force Light Attack Aircraft (LAA) Integrated Weapon System (IWS) requirements.
Textron Aviation has engineered and designed innovative interior and avionics options that optimize the Latitude for installations of Flight Inspection systems and has enabled a more cost-effective and rapid installation for its customers. The Latitude’s flight inspection systems have been outfitted with the latest technology in en-route and terminal navigation aids while the aircraft features an extended range of border-to-border flight calibration, the payload capacity for extensive onboard test equipment and a dual flight inspection and executive transportation configuration.
The Beechcraft King Air 350i surpasses its predecessor’s high-caliber performance with more payload capability and range and delivers a quieter interior with standard Wi-Fi and Pro Line Fusion™ avionics with full touch-screen simplicity. The King Air is the world’s most popular business turboprop aircraft—a title sustained over five decades of continuous enhancement.
The freedom to configure the Cessna Grand Caravan EX to meet changing demands empowers operators to meet diverse surveillance mission requirements. External mounting provisions enable use of advanced electro optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems that transmit imaging to cabin mission computers and available cockpit repeaters. Intelligence is shared in real time via tactical radio and satellite downlink.
Demonstrating unmatched airport performance, Dassault’s Falcon 8X recently set a new coast-to-coast speed record, flying from Santa Monica and its notoriously short 3,500 foot runway to Teterboro, New Jersey. The flight took just 4 hours and 28 minutes with overall poor tailwinds, averaging just five knots, over the trip.
“Business aviation is about flying precisely where you need to be. Today’s flight on the Falcon 8X embodies everything that advanced design can accomplish: unparalleled airport performance, a quiet noise footprint and extended capability, all in a large cabin business jet,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “This is not possible in any other business jet in the ultra-long range class.”
The mission, with four passengers and 200 pounds of payload, beat a previous speed set when Santa Monica’s runway measured 5,000 feet, by 24 minutes. Santa Monica represents a specific challenge because of the length of its 3,500 foot runway and its strict noise abatement departure procedure. The airplane needed less than 2,000 feet of runway upon landing and a balanced field length only of 3,200 feet when it departed at 8:08 a.m. local time. Incredibly, the departure procedure and climb-out measured significantly below the 95 dBA SEL sound limit. The 8X landed in Teterboro at 3:36 p.m. local time.
The record is pending official ratification by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) in Washington, DC.
The new speed record follows a series of records set in 2018, including a challenging mission from London City that crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Beverly, Massachusetts, an immediate suburb of Boston, in 6 hours and 44 minutes. London City’s stringent noise rules, short runway and steep glide scope limit the airport to very few aircraft types. All production Falcon aircraft are certified to operate at London City.
Since its entry into service in late 2016, the Falcon 8X has been widely recognized not only for its superior performance—including its ability to land at airports like Aspen, Lugano and Gstaad, Switzerland whose challenging approaches typically limit access to very few ultra-long range business jets—but also for its unrivaled comfort and ultra-silent cabin, the quietest in the industry.
David Coleal, President, Bombardier Aviation and HK Bellawings’ President, Mr. YJ Zhang
May 21, 2019 • Geneva Business Aircraft Press Release
• Two Global 7500 business jet options exercised are part of initial agreement signed in May 2018 at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva
• Letter of intent for five new Global 7500 aircraft reinforces flagship status as the largest and longest range business jet, ideally suited for the Greater China region
• HK Bellawings Jet Limited becomes operator managing China’s largest fleet of Global 7500 aircraft
Bombardier is pleased to announce that Hong Kong aircraft management company HK Bellawings Jet Limited has signed a letter of intent (LOI) for five new Global 7500 business jets and has also exercised options for two Global 7500 business jets, as part of the initial agreement signed in May last year. This news comes as the industry flagship Global 7500 aircraft is showcased for the first time at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva.
“The Global 7500 aircraft continues to demonstrate its unrivalled performance and smooth ride, all the while delivering uncompromising value to customers under any conditions, at any time, without the need for tailwinds,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Aviation. “HK Bellawings’ experienced and professional team is a perfect fit for the Global 7500 aircraft’s superior performance and we are thrilled that they have chosen our flagship to expand their growing fleet of business jets.”
“Today marks a step forward towards our goal of becoming the premier Asian private jet operator. We are very impressed with Bombardier’s Global 7500 aircraft since its entry into service less than six months ago,” said HK Bellawings’ President Mr. YJ Zhang. “Its unmatched performance and range is ideally suited for our customers in the Greater China region. As the operator that will manage one of the world’s largest fleet of Global 7500 aircraft, HK Bellawings Jet will further expand its business scope and continuously pursue higher goals.”
Winner of the 2019 Aviation Week Grand Laureate Award and a Red Dot award for design, the Global 7500 jet offers Bombardier’s signature smooth ride and a spaciousness that is unique among business jets. Featuring a full-size kitchen and four true living spaces, the aircraft sets the benchmark for the most exceptional cabin interior. The Global 7500 aircraft’s range of 7,700 nautical miles is the longest in business aviation. This business jet can connect the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong non-stop to the cities of New York, London or Milan, and also fly nonstop from Singapore to Vancouver.*
Established in 2014, HK Bellawings Jet Limited is a distinguished business jet management company dedicated to providing a diverse array of professional, highly efficient and comprehensive business aviation services and solutions, which include business jet management, aircraft maintenance, travel concierge service, aircraft acquisition service, and business aviation consultancy. They operate a fleet of Challenger and Global business aircraft.
Pilatus has already handed over 30 PC-24s since the first customer delivery in February 2018. The PC-24 fleet leader, serial number 101 belonging to PlaneSense, has already flown over 1,100 hours in its first 15 months of operation. The PC-24 fleet as a whole has clocked up over 5,000 hours of safe airborne time – an impressive result for the newly launched business jet by Pilatus.
The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet takes off! All in all, 30 PC-24s are currently in operation around the world, including three PC-24s used as medevac aircraft for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Pilatus plans on delivering about 40 PC-24s in 2019, and on stepping up production to 50 aircraft the following year.
Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of Pilatus, is delighted with the success of the PC-24: “Demand for the PC-24 is phenomenal. From day one, there has been keen interest from various customer segments all over the world. Feedback from the first 30 PC-24 operators is extremely positive, with special mention for the aircraft’s versatility, its spacious, quiet cabin and the incredible performance of the PC-24. These remarks plus the high degree of attention which the aircraft commands all confirm our chosen PC-24 strategy.”
Certified for unpaved runways and steep approaches
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have already certified the PC-24 for use on unpaved runways. Work to obtain post-certification for other surfaces, including grass, is currently underway. The PC-24 has also been certified for steep approaches as required for e.g. the approach into London City Airport.
The very first PC-24 of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS Central Operations) with serial number 118 arrived in Australia on 29 April 2019. A few days later, the first landings on unpaved strips went ahead in Kingoonya, a small and almost totally abandoned farming settlement in the central outback of the Australian state of South Australia.
Order book reopened
In 2014, Pilatus sold 84 PC-24s in the space of one and a half days. The order book was subsequently closed until receipt of feedback from the first PC-24 operators.
Pilatus and its Authorised Pilatus Centres are now taking orders for the PC-24 again, with delivery positions programmed for late 2020 and 2021. The base price of the PC-24 is 10.7 million US dollars.
The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet will be on display at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) from 21 to 23 May in Geneva, Switzerland. Reservations for personal visits can be made on site or at any Authorised Pilatus Centre.
Melbourne, Florida, May 17, 2019 – Embraer’s new Praetor 600 super-midsize business jet has completed its first transatlantic crossing, powered by Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF). The aircraft arrived yesterday in Farnborough, having departed from Teterboro Airport in the U.S. The first transatlantic flight of the Praetor 600 covered about 3,000 nautical miles with about 15,000 lb of fuel, of which 3,000 lb was SAJF.
Embraer will debut its new Praetor business jets at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 21 to May 23. The new midsize Praetor 500 and super-midsize Praetor 600 business jets were launched in October 2018.
On static display at this year’s EBACE will be the entry-level Phenom 100EV, the Phenom 300E light jet, the midsize Praetor 500, the super-midsize Praetor 600, the large Legacy 650E and the ultra-large Lineage 1000E. All aircraft will arrive at EBACE fueled with SAJF.
Prior to arrival at EBACE, Embraer will participate at a business aviation biofuel event to be held at Farnborough Airport on May 18. This event will mark the first anniversary of the launch of the Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel (SAJF), at EBACE 2018, and the 10th anniversary of the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change, announced in 2009.
The “Fueling the Future” event will gather business aviation and civic leaders to discuss the path forward for the continued adoption of SAJF in business aviation, in order to fulfill the coalition’s goal of reducing emissions through investments and innovation. Several manufacturer’s business aircraft will be fueled with SAJF before departing to EBACE.
On May 8, the Praetor 600 began its journey to EBACE at São Paulo International Airport in Brazil and arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with a six-passenger equivalent payload of 1,200 lb (544 kg). This was the aircraft’s longest flight to date, covering 3,904 nm (7,230 kilometers) over an air distance of 3,678 nm (6,812 kilometers), having faced up to 43 knots of headwinds and descended into Miami’s distinct air space pattern.
The Praetor 600 is the best performing super-midsize jet ever developed, surpassing all its main design goals and becoming capable of flying beyond 4,000 nautical miles in long-range cruise speed or beyond 3,700 nautical miles at Mach .80 from runways shorter than 4,500ft, complemented by an outstanding payload capability.
The Praetor 600 is the first super-midsize jet with full fly-by-wire technology, which powers the Active Turbulence Reduction that not only makes every flight the smoothest but also the most efficient possible.
