Flying on a company jet comes with broad benefits. When you’re traveling on a corporate or private jet, it’s much easier to sit back and enjoy your flight, or even host a meeting en route to your destination.
One of the few drawbacks associated with traveling via a business aviation (BizAv) flight, however, is that private airports aren’t always conveniently located. You may skip the security lines and airport lounges, only to find yourself stuck in a several-hour car ride to your final destination.
Identifying airports that offer convenient access to their respective city centers and an emphasis on servicing BizAv flights can make traveling via private aircraft both worthwhile and enjoyable.
The best BizAv airports
There are several airports throughout the world that cater to BizAv traffic and are beloved by industry insiders for their proximity to urban centers and business hubs. Here are the world’s most conveniently located airports specializing in BizAv flights:
1. Le Bourget, Paris — Paris-Le Bourget Airport is a storied institution. First established in 1919, the airport once served as Paris’ central air traffic hub. Today, it caters only to BizAv and other general aviation flights. The airport offers three runways and is only four miles from Paris.
2. Chicago Midway, Chicago — While commercial flights do fly into Chicago’s Midway International, the airport is increasingly used by BizAv, private, and chartered flights. Chicago Midway is just eight miles from the Chicago Loop, making it much closer to the city center than O’Hare and other suburban options.
3. Boeing Field, Seattle — Located primarily in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, Boeing Field offers exceptionally convenient access to the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant tech hub. The airport offers two runways and is just five miles from Seattle’s city center. Boeing Field primarily serves BizAv, cargo, and general aviation needs.
4. Business Aviation Terminal, Nice, France — Nice’s conveniently located Business Aviation Terminal not only offers convenient access to the city and surrounding region but also provides a slew of amenities on-site, including luxury shopping and comfortable VIP lounges. Passengers can drive directly to the terminal entrance, where strategic shading allows for discrete entry.
5. London Farnborough, London — The United Kingdom’s first-ever operational airfield, London Farnborough is today completely free of commercial traffic. Located just under an hour from London’s city center, the Farnborough airport also offers direct access to aircraft from private vehicles. The airport boasts stellar service and striking architecture.
Convenience, comfort, and speed are three of the main benefits associated with traveling on a BizAv flight. Next time you find yourself traveling, consider flying through one of these dedicated business airports. It can help you reach your destination faster and maximize your investment in BizAv travel.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Escalating hostility between the United States and Iran is complicating travel between Europe, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North America. Even as tensions simmer, however, business aviation (BizAv) professionals are identifying new route potentials and establishing new ways to navigate airspace to continue serving their clients.
The Tehran Flight Information Region (OIIX) doesn’t cover only airspace over Iran’s landmass, however. Iranian airspace includes the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, as well as the Strait of Hormuz. This makes it challenging for many business travelers and other civilians to reach global business hubs throughout the region, including Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. In fact, United Airlines flights from New York to Mumbai are canceled indefinitely due to the flight ban.
Following precedent of past conflicts
The FAA’s emergency order applies only to U.S.-based aircraft; however, international aircraft operators are paying attention and following suit. Industry analysts suggest that the potential danger of a civilian aircraft shoot-down over Iran is real and imminent.
In fact, tensions between the U.S. and Iran have led to civilian aircraft deaths in the past. In 1988, a missile fired by American forces struck Iran Air Flight 555, killing 290 people.
More recently, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was struck by a missile while flying over a separatist-controlled section of Eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people. This prompted airlines and regulators across the globe to reexamine the way the civilian aviation industry handles airspace over areas of violent conflict.
Middle Eastern airspace is already heavily congested and severely restricted. Flights between Europe, Eastern North America, and Asia pass over the Middle East. Ongoing conflicts and political rivalries have restricted the use of airspace over countries such as Syria and Yemen for the past several years.
Responding and preparing for detours
Both commercial airlines and BizAv industries are adapting to rising tensions in the region and preparing for the possibility of future conflict.
Meanwhile, other aircraft are avoiding airspace within the Tehran OIIX altogether. These flights are using alternative, longer routes over Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia — or over the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan.
Regardless of the origin and destination of your BizAv flight, the safety of your crew and passengers are of the utmost importance. Following FAA guidance, as well as staying on top of global affairs, will help prepare you to make safe business travel decisions.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
However, the BizAv industry is adapting. Jet owners have begun providing increasingly competitive benefits and emphasizing the exciting lifestyle associated with flying private aircraft. As operators continue adapting to a tightening labor market, they’re also maintaining the exceptionally high standards they look for when selecting a candidate.
Most aviation professionals crave a stable career, which is why large commercial airlines are so appealing. By offering the same consistent work and pay, the BizAv industry can attract top talent away from airlines.
BizAv careers include exciting travel to interesting destinations on behalf of inspiring people. It’s important for the BizAv industry to position its careers as an opportunity to participate in an exciting, growing community of aviation professionals. This fact alone also helps keep salaries from ballooning, as pilots trade monetary compensation for freedom and adventure.
Hiring a crew
Despite the general headwinds for finding competent, qualified flight staff, there are strategic advantages for BizAv in today’s tight labor market. Here’s where to start looking for pilots, flight attendants, and other flight staff:
Consult with your aircraft manufacturer — If you’ve recently purchased an aircraft and need a crew in a hurry, talk to the jet’s manufacturer. Some companies, like Bombardier, will help you hire a crew. This temporary crew will provide you with excellent service and flexibility until you’ve had the chance to hire a permanent team.
Recruit military veterans — Former members of the Armed Forces possess the technical skills necessary to pilot aircraft, as well as the professional demeanor necessary to conduct business with high-net-worth clients. Military veterans are among the first people you should turn to when staffing your jet.
Focus on individuals with VIP experience — You’ll need a crew that’s comfortable working with discretion. If your flight attendants find themselves starstruck by the passengers they’re assisting, they ultimately won’t be too much help in the air. It’s always best to find crew members with previous experience working with VIPs.
If you’re not the aircraft’s owner, consult with them when making hiring decisions. Ultimately, private flying is an intimate experience. It’s important that the passengers and crew members are able to develop a strong rapport.
Staffing a BizAv aircraft may be challenging; however, learning how to staff your aircraft correctly will ensure a comfortable and consistent flying experience.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
India’s economy has rapidly risen to a stature as one of the most respected in the world within the past decade. One of the key hubs for global business, the country records roughly 2.3 million aircraft movements annually. But that number could be much higher very soon. India’s burgeoning BizAv status has yet to fully take off. The tailwinds are there and the demand is growing, but there are still a few hurdles to overcome. If it all pans out, India may very well be the epicenter for BizAv by 2030. Here’s why.
1. Strong presence of high net worth individuals
The biggest barrier to private aviation is and always has been the cost. BizAv is accessible only with a certain level of wealth.
India’s population of high net worth individuals ranks among the top in the world, and it’s only growing bigger. The number of high net worth individuals is expected to grow by an astounding 39% by 2023, showcasing a region of the world rife with wealth. This figure accounts for politicians, business executives, and independently wealthy individuals who have not only the means to use private aviation but also a reason to.
2. Position as a global economic hub
Delhi and Mumbai are two business and medical epicenters in India. Unsurprisingly, these two regions are also expected to witness the highest demand for BizAv in the coming years. With India serving as a global business hub connecting Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Asia, business aviation traffic in and out of the country is booming.
With rising infrastructure and growing importance in the globalized economy, aviation growth in India is virtually inevitable. That’s why it’s no surprise that jet manufacturer Bombardier expects India’s own BizAv fleet to grow tenfold by 2033. If that prediction comes to fruition, India will represent the largest private aviation market in the world.
Mumbai is home to the only business-exclusive aviation airport in India, making it a convenient destination for jet owners to book MRO services for their jets. When they do, they have pick of more than 100 non-scheduled operators that provide ground handling, aircraft maintenance, MRO, and more.
What’s holding India back?
With India primed to become the world’s BizAv powerhouse, there are still factors standing in its way. Infrastructure continues to be a problem, as the country continues to expand rapidly. On the political side of things, import and customs standardization for BizAv still needs work, as taxation rates on BizAv are high. And with the government largely focused on civilian aviation, scheduled airlines are still given preference to private aviation at major airports.
Will India achieve its status as the BizAv powerhouse of the world? More than likely. The barriers it faces are barriers to other industries as well, which means they’ll likely be solved sooner rather than later. When they are, India will have no trouble being the epicenter for BizAv for the foreseeable future.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
How many business class tickets does your company buy annually? If you have two employees traveling internationally twice monthly on different flights, you’re booking nearly 100 flights annually (departure and return).
How many of those flights will be delayed or cancelled? How many times will your workers’ luggage get lost at a layover? What will the average cost of these tickets be each month? There’s a lot to consider here, and the numbers can paint a pretty grim picture of commercial travel.
Commercial aviation woes
Flying first class (or even business class) may feel better than hitching a ride in economy. But where you sit on the plane has nothing to do with the logistics of commercial air travel. If something goes wrong — such as a delay, cancellation, or problem boarding — all passengers are affected equally.
For every issue with commercial air travel you encounter, there’s a cost. This cost gets added to what you’ve already paid for tickets — and it’s not always a cost measured in dollars. Take a look at how they can add up:
Delays and cancellations are extremely common and can vary widely based on where you’re flying to and from, as well as weather patterns at the time. Every hour you’re delayed has rippling costs to your trip and the bottom line of your company’s balance sheet.
Layovers may be part of the trip, but they’re an inconvenience and a time-suck nonetheless. And with every additional layover comes the potential for further delays or mishaps with luggage or itineraries.
Lost luggage happens much less frequently these days, but it still occurs from time to time — especially flying internationally. Between random TSA inspections and multi-leg fights, lost luggage becomes a real possibility and, if it occurs, a real problem.
Technology troubles come with their own costs. Can’t work on the plane because the Wi-Fi is down? Issues getting the bandwidth you need at the airport? Nowhere to charge your phone on the plane? These minor inconveniences quickly amount to costly setbacks for businesses.
Compile every dollar spent, lost hour, and inconvenience — and commercial flights suddenly don’t seem so appealing. And with ticket prices subject to wild fluctuation, there’s no telling what the final cost to fly may be. If you’re buying 100 tickets a year, this is likely too much invariability to be comfortable with.
Chartered aviation to the rescue
Private aviation flips the script, taking all the negatives of commercial flights and all but abolishing them. Check out how BizAv broadly eliminates the setbacks and headaches that define commercial aviation:
There are no long lines to navigate for a chartered flight. It leaves when you’re ready.
There’s no noise or restriction onboard. It’s just you and your business, ready to work.
Forget about layovers! Direct to destination charters save you invaluable time.
BizAv delays are few and far between, and you’ll typically have far better notice.
The cost of chartered flights is comparable to first-class flights in many cases.
No lost luggage or complicated baggage claims. Your luggage is with you at all times.
Private aviation brings certainty to your demand for flying. If you know you’re buying 100 tickets per year and roughly where you’ll be flying, something like an investment in fractional flights or a jet card attaches a real, true-dollar figure to your travel outlook.
There are many concerns surrounding commercial aviation — most of which you have little control over. What you can control is the decision to charter your business flights. In doing so, you’ll introduce certainty to a previously uncertain situation.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Millennials ruin everything — at least that’s what news headlines might have you believe. The truth is, millennials aren’t harbingers of doom for traditional industries — they’re disruptors. The industries falling by the wayside aren’t being banished by millennials, they’re just failing to adapt to their needs. It won’t be long before BizAv faces a make-or-break reckoning with millennials. Thankfully, the industry is already undergoing early-stage transformations to accommodate them.
Millennials embrace BizAv on their terms
Millennials are typically defined as people born in the early-to-mid 1980s, who grew up in the 1990s and entered the workforce in the mid-to-late 2000s. Now, this group is starting to settle into their careers, achieving higher positions in companies and assuming more responsibility for how modern businesses run.
With millennials at the wheel as decision-makers, business is changing. Millennials have embraced private aviation, but on their own terms. They’re more likely to charter a private aircraft but less likely to pay exorbitant fees to do so. This example and many others have put BizAv in a position for change.
A look at the disruptors
What do millennials want from BizAv? All it takes is one look at the industry trends driving it (and holding it back) to see what their priorities are:
Fractional flights — As decision-makers, millennials are less likely to make the expensive purchase of a new corporate jet. A cost they’re more willing to absorb is fractional ownership of a jet. Fiscal responsibility meets accessibility to flights. And with flexibility, productivity, and timeliness the top three factors millennials look for in flying, fractional flights are a natural fit.
Flying as a service — Similar to fractional flights, on-demand flights or flying as a service (FaaS) is ripe for potential in the new BizAv market. Following software as a service (SaaS) models, FaaS provides on-demand service where and when it’s needed, without the massive costs of full-time jet ownership.
Skiplagging — Nothing shows the disdain for high-cost flights and complicated commercial logistics like the skiplagging trend. This practice involves booking a flight with multiple layovers, with one of the layovers being the ultimate destination. By skipping the last leg of the flight, passengers get to their destination cheaper.
Jet cards — Customization and flexibility are two traits millennials demand more than anything else. They want solutions that fit their problems. Jet cards have proven themselves as a tailorable solution to the problem of chartering flights. With hundreds of options and infinitely customizable variables, jet cards have made BizAv more accessible to millennials.
Millennials are overwhelmingly driving change in the BizAv industry. They’re doing so by demanding a higher caliber of service, for a lower rate, with more options. It’s the same way they’ve disrupted most other traditional industries.
BizAv has time to adapt
Sweeping change to BizAv won’t come overnight — but make no mistake, it’s already begun. Industry leaders have been keen to recognize it. Companies such as Surf Air, Wheels Up, JetSuiteX, and others have positioned themselves to meet the demands of millennials booking private charters. Their entire value proposition focuses on meeting the criteria millennials have set down: customization, affordability, convenience, and timeliness.
Millennials are still rising the ranks of the workforce and accumulating personal wealth. We may still be as far off as a decade from seeing their real impact on BizAv. But, as is the case with all forms of change, early adaptation is proactive. It’s why many private air charter companies have already begun answering the demands of their growing millennial customer base.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
The business aviation sector posted strong numbers in April 2019, signifying a solid first quarter for BizAv. Total North American traffic is up nearly 2%, bolstered largely by Part 91 flights (non-commercial). Light and medium-sized jet charters have shown 11.3% and 12.1% increases, respectively. And even though large jet charters are down 13.2% since this time last year, the industry as a whole appears rock-solid.
Fractional flights are the central driver of these positive numbers, and it looks like we may be entering the golden age of BizAv.
The age of ride-sharing has propelled fractional flights
Fractional flights aren’t a new concept. In fact, it could be argued that the concepts of fractional flights and flight-sharing existed before ride-sharing. With the recent IPOs of both Uber and Lyft, the demand for ride-sharing appears to be cemented — regardless of the mode of travel. With the market opportunity for ride-sharing, fractional flights are a natural precursor.
The cost of flying is exponentially higher for consumers than it is for road travel. If travelers are willing to pay for ride-sharing services, why wouldn’t they pay for fractional flights? It’s this notion that’s reflected in BizAv’s strong first quarter numbers. Private travel is up because fractional flights are more accessible than ever before.
Who’s driving the industry?
Uber and Lyft represent the duopoly of the ride-sharing industry. The landscape for fractional flights isn’t much more diverse. Data from 2017-2018 points to Netjets as the clear market leader for fractional flights, with more than 365,170 hours of flight time booked in 2018 (almost equal to 2017 data).
Behind Netjets’ substantial market share is a middling group of players, each with a unique value proposition. Flexjet, which touts first-class service and accessibility to leading jets, saw 85,520 hours of flight time in 2018. Meanwhile, PlaneSense and Flight Options both saw roughly 60,000 hours of booked flights over the past two years total.
As of 2019, nine operators represent the fractional flights industry. But with the recent positive growth in the BizAv industry overall, the number of fractional flight providers may soon grow.
A look at fractional flights within the industry
The fractional flights segment of BizAv parallels the ride-sharing industry in many ways, but not perfectly. Uber customers aren’t buying stake in their driver’s car! However, both involve making transportation cheaper and more accessible. Just like someone might request an Uber instead of taking the subway, an executive can purchase a fractional flight share instead of flying business class.
While the prevalence of fractional flights has been rising since the 1990s, their foray into the flight-sharing space may not be as smooth. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has planted a firm stance against flight-sharing, limiting the growth trajectory of fractional flights into a new market. That said, should the FAA ruling change, BizAv has yet another runway of growth to explore.
Fractional flights by themselves have driven the BizAv industry to new heights in the start of 2019. Growth is expected to continue — possibly unprecedented if ride-sharing takes to the skies. Either way, data says we’re likely entering the golden age of BizAv.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Like many industries, aviation is looking to the internet of things (IoT) to lower costs, improve productivity, and revolutionize the industry. The IoT is internet connectivity within everyday objects, creating networks of sensor-equipped, intelligent devices that can gather data, interpret it, and then act on it.
IoT is already beginning to transform the aviation industry. A Deloitte survey found that two-thirds of airline leaders believe IoT offers clear benefits right now, 86% expect clear benefits within three years, and 37% have begun to explore and implement IoT solutions as a way of managing costs.
Private jet manufacturers are among those leading the charge for improving aviation with 5G wireless systems. Airbus joins Delta Air Lines, Sprint, OneWeb, and Airtel in the Seamless Air Alliance to bring air travel into the digital future.
Below are some of the ways IoT will improve the airline industry.
Seamless traveler experience
Flights are much more likely to be on time once the industry switches to satellite navigation systems from radio and radar navigation systems. The Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS–B) system, a satellite navigation system, is already starting. Aircraft must have the necessary equipment fitted by 2020 in the U.S.; the 2017 deadline has already passed in Europe.
“Smart” airports will enhance the passenger’s flight experience with more efficient check-in, security, and baggage processes using biometric passenger verification and luggage tracking. Dubai already offers automatic identification at its airport. Thanks to IoT advances, security systems will know when to expect travelers to arrive, aircraft will be on time, and ground transportation will be ready when the passenger arrives.
Enhanced routes
When aircraft are connected to each other and able to communicate, they will be able to take “free routes” instead of predefined flight paths while avoiding accidents. Software will allow the aircraft to calculate their flight trajectories and avoid each other. More aircraft will be able to take the shortest route to their destination, reducing travel time, fuel usage, and carbon emissions.
Safety becomes more efficient
A sample scenario featuring IoT: An aircraft recognizes mid-flight that a part is not functioning properly. The aircraft messages the ground that the part needs repair upon landing. A 3-D printer at the arrival airport receives the message and begins printing the part. A self-driving vehicle picks up the part and takes it to the aircraft upon landing. A mechanic already has the documents — available in the cloud — needed to repair the part, while an engineer virtually oversees the work. The aircraft departs for its next segment on time despite the repair.
More aircraft in flight
Air transportation is becoming an increasingly common way to travel, particularly in developing countries. As demand for flights increases, pilots will also be in greater need — unless flights become self-driving and rely less on human labor. Additionally, the rising number of aircraft committed to shipping and the increase in drones will lead to busier skies. The IoT will create better air traffic management systems for the increased number of airborne vehicles.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.
Private jets are an impressive luxury by their very nature, but even in this lavish industry some aircraft are a step above. The most expensive private jets weren’t designed as private jets at all — instead, they were customized by businesses or individuals to create a space rivaling a luxury hotel. Whether it’s 24-karat gold bathrooms or an onboard horse stable, these aircraft go beyond luxury. Below are the five most expensive private jets.
Source: wikipedia.org
President Donald Trump’s Boeing 757-200 — $100 million
The Boeing 757 is a midsize airliner known to pilots as “the Ferrari of commercial jets.” Despite being a commercial aircraft, a Boeing 757 is Trump’s personal jet. Trump bought the jet from Microsoft CEO Paul Allen in 2011 for $100 million, a good price for an aircraft model that at the time was 20 years old. The interior was refurbished to fit 43 people, down from the original 180 to 200 passengers. Trump’s jet can fly for 16 hours and reach a speed of 500 miles per hour.
Speaking of Trump, he currently flies in the second most-expensive aircraft in the world, Air Force One, whose security features make its value $660 million. When Trump was elected, he stated he would prefer to fly in his own jet — but federal officials deemed it nearly impossible to retrofit the jet with the necessary security features.
Source: acj.airbus.com
ACJ319neo — $101.5 million
The ACJ, or Airbus Corporate Jet, is the business version of the Airbus A319neo. The $101.5 million price tag is before customization. It boasts the widest and tallest cabin of any corporate jet. The jet is capable of long-range flight from Los Angeles to Geneva. It also offers a lower cabin altitude of 6,400 feet, making passengers more comfortable. Its key feature is the sky ceiling which displays a live view of the sky, or other images.
Source: greenpnt.com
Boeing BBJ 747-8 — $324 million
In 2016, Chinese conglomerate company HNA Group spent $100 million turning the $224 million Boeing 747 into a private jet. This aircraft was the first Boeing Dreamliner purposely built as a private jet, so its interior and fittings were custom made. The interior is 2,400 square feet and includes a master suite with a California king bed, a walk-in closet, and a double-size shower. The BBJ — or Boeing Business Jet — fits up to 40 passengers.
Source: greenpnt.com
Boeing 747-8 VIP — $403 million
Another custom 747, the VIP is the longest and second largest airliner ever made — earning the nickname “Queen of the Skies.” The price tag is $403 million before adding luxury amenities. The interior is 4,786 square feet and features a stateroom, lounges, an office, and a dining room. It can fly 8,000 nautical miles nonstop. The aircraft’s owner remains anonymous.
Prince Al-Waleed’s Airbus 380 — $500 million
The Airbus 380 is the world’s biggest and most expensive private jet. Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal al-Saud customized the triple-decker commercial airliner to include a stable, a garage, and a prayer room that rotates to always face Mecca. Additional luxuries include a Turkish bath and a concert hall with a grand piano. Many airports have had to update their facilities to accommodate this aircraft, which is the world’s largest commercial airliner.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet. Need to sell your jet? We can assist with that, too. Contact the private aviation professionals online, at sales@L-Lint.com, or at +1 (305) 754-3313.
Daher recently announced the launch of its newest single-engine turboprop aircraft, the TBM 940. The French aircraft maker announced the launch during the Safety Seminar Meeting of the TBM Owners and Pilots Association in Pompano Beach, Florida, in March.
The new aircraft replaces the TBM 930, which debuted in 2016, as the upper-end TBM product. Upgrades on the TBM 940 include an automatic throttle and automatic de-icing system.
What’s new on the TBM 940?
Source: tbm.aero
The Autothrottle system is a standout feature of the TBM 940. The TBM 940 is the first single-engine turboprop weighing less than 12,500 pounds to feature the automatic throttle. This allows the aircraft to automatically adjust its speed based on the preset flight profile. The Autothrottle is a single-lever control, decreasing workload for the pilot.
The TBM 940’s de-icing system is also a first for CS-23 turboprops. The de-icing system is automatically activated when icing or ice accumulation is present on the airframe, propeller, windshield, and inertial particle separator, requiring no action from the pilot.
The TBM 940 also features an updated interior focused on style and ergonomics. There are numerous customization and configuration options for seating and storage. Daher also added additional thermal insulation to the sidewalls. With an extra 115-volt electrical outlet and an extra USB port, all six passengers and three pilots have their own USB port.
A closer look at the specs
The aircraft seats a maximum of six passengers and has a maximum payload of 1,400 pounds. Its upper cruising speed is 330 knots, with a range of 1,730 nautical miles — stats it shares with the TBM 930. Its fuel consumption on economy cruise is 37 gallons per hour thanks to aerodynamic improvements and other aircraft enhancements. The aircraft features Garmin G3000 avionics and a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine.
According to Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the Daher Airplane Business Unit, “The TBM 940 redefines the ultimate private aircraft: user-friendly, safe, and efficient for both pilots and passengers. This newest TBM family member underscores our firm commitment to constant improvement for the ownership and operational experience with our very fast turboprop aircraft.”
When will the TBM 940 arrive?
Deliveries are expected to begin this spring, following certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). The TBM 940 is expected to be available for charter in late 2019 or early 2020. The baseline model TBM 910 will retail at $3.9 million.
Daher has delivered more than 267 aircraft from the TBM 900 product series, which includes the 900, 910, and 930. TBM has been popular since the launch of the TBM 700 in 1991, with almost 1,000 TBMs delivered to customers worldwide.
Daher builds its TBM aircraft on an industrial site at the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in Haute-Pyrénées, France.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.