While supersonic flight is nothing new, the ability to travel faster than the speed of sound has been absent from the aviation industry for 15 years. Recently, however, jet industry insiders have renewed their interest in supersonic travel. But what’s been stopping them?
The greatest hindrances to supersonic flight are regulatory and economic. U.S. regulations prohibit supersonic flight over land because of the boom the planes create when they break the sound barrier. At the same time, the demise of the Concorde — the only successful commercial supersonic jet in history — was due in part to excessive operation costs. Despite these odds, select companies feel they can face these challenges with success in both commercial and business supersonic flight, and investors believe them.
Top contenders for the next generation of supersonic travel
Several companies are working to make supersonic jet travel a viable option. A California-based unit of Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest defense contractor, received a $247.5 million NASA contract for Low Boom Flight Demonstration. Under this contract, the defense giant will build and test a supersonic aircraft called the X-plane. They expect the experimental design to bypass the sonic boom and, instead, make a sound only as loud as a car door closing. NASA hopes reducing the noise of supersonic travel will lead to changes in over-land travel bans and open the doors for supersonic routes across the U.S. Per the contract, Lockheed is scheduled to deliver the commissioned demonstration aircraft to NASA in 2021.
Other companies are boasting of tech developments that will surpass the Concorde in speed and cost efficiency. Tech startup Boom Supersonic has received more than 75 pre-orders for its supersonic passenger aircraft, the XB-1. The company claims the XB-1 will fly at up to Mach 2.2, more than twice the speed of sound and faster than any aircraft in history. Boom is also claiming that ticket prices will be comparable to today’s typical business class fares. The scheduled delivery for XB-1 jets is in 2023.
Source: boomsupersonic.com
But could private jets beat them to it?
The business jet industry is also seeing new companies bring their designs to the table. One major competitor is Spike Aerospace, which is claiming that elite engineering and design will make its S-512 jet both fast and luxurious for the most discerning passengers. The S-512, like the XB-1 jet, is due on the market in 2023.
Source: spikeaerospace.com
Another startup, Aerion Supersonic, is making big promises of its own. Aerion leaders have made it clear they intend to offer the first viable luxury supersonic jet on the market, though they set their release date for 2025.
Source: aerionsupersonic.com
Focusing on flights over the mainland
Most of the aviation experts behind these projects are looking toward flying the Concorde’s original overseas routes. However, the joint project between Lockheed Martin and NASA is coming at the issue from a different perspective. While the Low Boom Flight Demonstration contract has a longer and slower timeline, the goal is to create an aircraft that can fly at supersonic speeds without the disruptive sonic boom. The long-term plan for the X-plane includes flight tests over U.S. cities to monitor the noise levels it creates with the hope of eventually reopening the discussion of flights over land. This would be big news for the business jet world, introducing the possibility of flying from coast to coast in just a couple hours.
While the promise of supersonic flights in five years sounds tantalizing, experts are reticent to trust the timelines. At the same time, the financial and technological landscape looks promising for anyone hoping to travel faster than the speed of sound.
Are you looking for the best way to travel in the meantime? 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.
Today’s business jet owners as well as their crewmembers and passengers are demanding inflight connectivity rivaling that which they enjoy every day on the ground. Connectivity in the air is no longer considered a perk but, rather, a necessity. However, with increased connectivity comes the same security issues everyone everywhere is facing: Our data, communications, and networks are vulnerable to an increasing variety of threats and privacy issues.
Business aviation and internet security
At a recent Aero Club of Washington, D.C., meeting, Alan Pellegrini, president and CEO of Thales USA, manufacturer of electronic systems for aviation, told attendees that, the more connected aircraft become and the more devices that are added to this intricate web of connectivity, the more vulnerable our aircraft become to safety, security, and privacy threats. According to the Avionincs article, “There have already been hacks of aircraft and aviation-related systems, including in-flight entertainment systems, data communications between pilots and ground-based controllers, and airline operations systems that in one case in Europe caused flight cancellations.”
Disruptions in private aviation systems can and do have tremendous economic and social impacts. That’s why aviation has long been a target of terrorists. In fact, Russian hackers attempted to break into U.S. civilian aviation systems in 2017 as part of a larger attack on the electrical grid. While the attack did not escalate past early stages, it illustrates industry vulnerability.
One big trend in cybercriminals targeting business travelers is malicious actors gaining access to sensitive business information and using this inside information for illicit stock trading. In one incident, hackers compromised a hotel’s computer network and stole access codes as well as network credentials that allowed them to search for valuable business information.
In addition, cyberattacks on airborne private aircraft are already occurring, usually from attackers on the ground. And offering unsecured Wi-Fi to flight crewmembers and passengers can actually make this type of hacking easier due to hackers’ ability to connect as well.
Another complicating factor involves the implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment. While ADS-B is said to be the next generation of air traffic control technology, it compromises privacy by broadcasting unique International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) addresses and Flight IDs, making them available to those with the proper receivers. This is a reason some owners are resisting compliance with the ADS-B regulations, which will be mandatory as of January 2020.
Protective measures
Companies and individuals involved in business aviation need to take steps now to ensure they are not victims or even unwitting enablers of security attacks. Be aware of who, why, and how hackers might want to break into your systems. Conduct a security audit of your facility and processes to assess how tight your security is. Understand how you control physical and virtual access, what types of monitoring are in place for your users and systems, and where vulnerabilities may exist in your processes and systems. Train your flight crewmembers on security best practices such as avoiding open Wi-Fi networks and protecting access credentials.
Many flight department managers are hiring IT security experts to harden their systems against security breaches and keep up with the continually evolving threat landscape. It’s important to have a detailed action plan so you and your crewmembers are prepared in the case you discover a vulnerability or breach. Yours should address how to limit its impact and recover quickly as well as outline backup equipment and processes in case of critical failures.
Security is a wide-ranging and ever-changing but vitally important aspect of private and business aviation. Keeping your aircraft, flight crew, passengers, computer systems, and data safe and secure requires continuing education, secure systems and practices, and constant vigilance. That’s the price for a strong, economically viable business aviation operation that can withstand today’s ever-present cybersecurity threats.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
1996 was a milestone year in business aviation as it marked the first release from a game-changing joint venture between Boeing Corporation and General Electric. Their goal was to build a corporate version of Boeing’s popular 737 airliner, and it resulted in a new company — Boeing Business Jets (BBJ). It also meant the availability of a line of ultra-long-range ultra-large-cabin business jets that are now hugely popular choices for private, corporate, and charter operations. Today, BBJ offers a wide range of its commercial-based airliners outfitted for the private and corporate market that provide luxury flight experiences incorporating the comfort and amenities fliers are used to having while on the ground.
Source: Boeing.com
Bigger is better
The original BBJ had the fuselage of a 737-700 combined with the higher-fuel-capacity 737-800 wing. The interior was basically a blank slate with customizations limited only by the depth of buyers’ pockets. The belly is large enough to accommodate as many as 10 auxiliary fuel tanks, offering an eight-passenger range of 6,196 nautical miles.
A subsequent model, the BBJ2, was longer and had 25% more cabin space than the original. However, to achieve this, it had to lose the extra fuel tanks and, therefore, has a shorter range. A third model based on Boeing’s Next Generation 737-900ER airliner, the even larger BBJ3, appeared in 2005 with a range similar to the BBJ2.
When these aircraft are outfitted for the private market, they provide unmatched durability, reliability, and comfort in addition to their abundance of personal space. Prepackaged options are now available for the BBJ, making cabin customizations easier and quicker to deliver. And now a new generation of BBJ aircraft, the BBJ MAX, is soon coming to market.
Source: Boeing.com
The BBJ MAX
In April, Boeing celebrated the first BBJ MAX flyaway. The BBJ MAX 8 flew from Seattle Boeing Field to Georgetown, Delaware, to have auxiliary fuel tanks fitted, which will allow the business jet to fly as far as 6,640 nautical miles. From there, it goes into the cabin completion stage and is scheduled for customer delivery in fall 2019.
The new Boeing 737 MAX series is the basis for the BBJ MAX family, which “will fly farther and at a lower operating cost than its predecessors.” It has more space, greater comfort, and further range than any business jet in its class. More than 20 BBJ MAX aircraft have already sold, making it one of the best-selling business jets in history.
If you aren’t yet ready to commit to a new BBJ, some preowned models are available for much less than the $100 million BBJ MAX 7 price tag. Because of their robust durability, buyers are likely to find quality preowned BBJ models with plenty of life left in the $19 million to $48 million range. Whether new or preowned, BBJs can provide owners with the most economical long-range flight available in luxury airliners of their size.
To make sure you get the best aircraft for your needs at the right price, enlist the help of an expert to guide you through the buying process.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
Imagine being able to summon a flight from your office to an establishment in downtown Los Angeles with the ease of ordering a ride-hailing pickup. Sound like something out of science fiction? The aviation industry is ripe for disruption, this could be a big one, and it’s not decades down the road. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) revolution has arrived, and one of its first implementations will likely be for a ride-booking service.
eVTOL: The next big thing?
Vertical flight technology is, of course, nothing new, and infrastructures are already in place in many larger cities around the globe to accommodate on-demand air taxi services via helicopter. But leaders in the quickly evolving eVTOL industry have much larger plans. New lightweight materials, improved batteries, and advanced computing power are all coming together to allow a revolution in regional air travel. Electrical propulsion provides an opportunity to eliminate many helicopter drawbacks, and the resulting aircraft promise to reduce carbon emissions and noise as well as slash operating costs.
Mike Hirschberg, executive director of AHS International told Business Jet Traveler that removing complex rotor systems and adding wings to aircraft will improve speed and range of eVTOL vehicles. He adds that the industry is not attempting to replace helicopters — especially in large-scale missions — but, rather, that eVTOLs will add to already available flight options.
Where are we now?
A recent survey of AHS conference attendees showed that 59% of respondents believe “eVTOLs would become a reality in five to 10 years.” And developments in eVTOL technologies are not coming from a group of hobbyists in their garages. They are on the radar of many major aircraft companies as well as innovators in adjacent industries.
At the second annual Uber Elevate summit in May, the rideshare company announced that Los Angeles will join Dallas and Dubai as a test market for developing its air taxi networks. It will begin test flights in those cities in 2020 with commercial service planned to start approximately three years after.
Also at the Elevate summit, Embraer X introduced the eVTOL vehicle it is working on with Uber. President and CEO Antonio Campello said his company has analyzed the market and believes it will be “very attractive and a disruptor in urban mobility.”
In addition, XTI Aircraft is working on a hybrid eVTOL model called the TriFan 600, which it hopes will be commercially available in 2023. The company says the aircraft will be able to travel up to 1,200 nautical miles on a full load of fuel, which amounts to just 125 gallons. Because of its electrical power for take offs and landings, it will be much quieter than a helicopter, but the vehicles should be able to use many of the current heliports and spaces corporate helicopters use today.
These are just a sampling of the developments and innovations taking place in eVTOL aviation. And as more come onboard, many developers plan to keep the technology moving into other realms.
Where are we headed?
Experts believe the eVTOL trend will first be directed toward a different kind of pilot, then no pilot at all as developers have already started working toward the goal of autonomous pilotless flight.
We live in exciting times for aviation, and eVTOL is already positioned to be a disruptive technology for the industry. Aircraft manufacturers are diving in with their own prototypes, and other companies are creating the infrastructure required to support a regional, economical, on-demand air taxi service as well as pilotless and fully electric eVTOL aircraft.
Lookout, Jetsons. We’re right on your tail.
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.
Gulfstream Aerospace is having an eventful year. While the company has never done such a pair at once before, Gulfstream leaders expect to certify and enter into service their two newest business jets, the G500 and G600. The Savannah-based aircraft manufacturer’s determination to produce these two twinjets in the same year resulted in five flight test aircraft for each model — and new city-pair flight records.
Source: Gulfstream.com
Peak performance
To introduce the aircraft to the public, Gulfstream sent the large-cabin ultra-long-range G500 model, which can fly 5,200 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 or 4,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.90, on a 12-country world demo tour. The tour started Jan. 8 in Dallas with stops in cities including “Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Milan, Moscow, Beijing, and Melbourne.” The G600 joined the G500 on part of the tour, and the pair set several new city-pair records, including transpacific flights from Shanghai to Honolulu and Honolulu to Savannah, Georgia.
“Gulfstream customers are accustomed to flying practically anywhere in the world at record speeds, and the G500 and G600 have been doing just that as they near certification,” Gulfstream President Mark Burns told AINonline. “These records showcase the real-world capabilities of these impressive aircraft.”
But it’s not all about speed for these two luxury jets. They are also the most technologically advanced aircraft, providing the ultimate in performance, safety, and long-range comfort.
Source: Gulfstream.com
Ready to launch
As certification draws near, Gulfstream is encouraging business aviation insiders to take advantage of the immersive reality experiences it is offering at various locations around the globe. After making its public debut at NBAA in fall 2017, the G600 joined the G500 in appearances at EBACE and ABACE where attendees had the opportunity to see first-hand the aircrafts’ advanced design and safety innovations. They also got to experience Virtual Flight, an interactive experience that features “a view of the pilot seat, all-new active control sidesticks, and a throttle quadrant” as well as experiment with configurations in “Paint Design, Seat Design, and Cabin Experience.”
The jets are drawing a great deal of interest in both Europe and Asia, and visitors have been impressed by their performance, efficiency, and comfort. What, exactly, makes these siblings so attractive? It could be their wider and taller cabins and faster cruise speeds. Behind their Mach 0.90 speeds are Pratt & Whitney Canada’s new PW800 engines paired with Gulfstream’s new wings, according to Aviation Week.
Other aircraft news
The G500 and G600 are not the only Gulfstreams making news. The G650ER recently added a city-pair speed record, pushing its total tally over 70. And this one is impressive, as it occurred during a flight over the North Pole, a feat only a few high-performance jets can accomplish. The jet made the trip from White Plains, New York, to Shanghai — a total of 6,870 nautical miles — in 13 hours and 40 minutes. As Burns announced in a press release, “Access to these demanding, long-range routes is invaluable for our customers.”
The G650ER can fly 7,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85. It has two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines and can seat as many as 19 passengers in its fully customizable interior configuration.
If all goes as expected, two more large-cabin fly-by-wire aircraft will be certified and ready for service by the end of the year. If you need a jet for traveling the globe quickly, efficiently, and comfortably, Gulfstream’s new options may be just what you’re looking for. And if you can’t wait for their entry into service to fly in luxury, you might look to a preowned Gulfstream jet for your personal or business 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.
Typically, when you hear the words “That’s going to be a project,” it’s a red flag that indicates a lot of work over a long period of time. For those who are not up for a project, it’s best to stay away. Jet projects are no exception. Yet some looking to acquire aircraft purposefully search out such projects — and have some very good reasons for doing so. While taking on a project is not for everyone, the potential payoffs can be compelling. But how do you know whether a project aircraft is right for you?
Project aircraft benefits and pitfalls
Although many preowned jet buyers shy away from deals that require significant work and risk, project aircraft can have their benefits. In addition to discounted prices, owners have complete control over their rebuilds and can customize as they go. They can get their hands on vintage luxury and update their jets to meet their preferences. Many simply like the challenge and satisfaction of creating something uniquely their own.
But downsides to project craft exist as well. It’s often difficult to gauge whether such preowned jets will meet performance needs when completed and tough to predict total rebuild costs. Those who don’t have the necessary skills will need to find a qualified partner to retrofit the craft. Depending on the jet, a limited supply of replacement parts may be available to work with. Project aircraft buyers also need to be sure their completed jets will be ADS-B out compliant.
Finding the right project
A good prospect for a project aircraft is one with a sound structure, no corrosion or significant damage, and a good maintenance history. A project will take time, so those in the market will want to judge how much time their projects will require compared with how much time they have before they want or will need to fly in their new acquisitions. Of course, interiors are less concerning as it’s relatively easy and quite common to replace carpeting, seats, as well as other features and décor.
On the other hand, for jets that are not airworthy, buyers will need to negotiate “as-is” sales subject to engine bore inspections, logbook and maintenance research, as well as inspecting for other common issues. Would-be buyers should also research the particular models that catch their interest for any known manufacturing or performance problems.
If you’re considering taking on a project, it’s very important you estimate the potential costs of getting your project craft into the operational state and condition you desire. It’s easy to get in over your head if you’re not careful as you can quickly become upside down in your financing. The key is to work with someone familiar with preowned jets, their potential problems, negotiating points and deal breakers, as well as financing options.
If you find the right project craft, you can save money while obtaining a personalized jet that will fit your needs and desires. If the project process sounds like more than you want to deal with or you’re dealing with time constraints or other issues, a project craft may not be the best option for you. Especially if you are a first-time buyer, a new or preowned jet ready for flight might be a better fit. Whichever path you take, make sure you work with a knowledgeable professional who can help you navigate the sometimes complicated and confusing purchasing process to ensure you make a well-informed decision.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
A stalwart in the industry for more than 50 years, Bombardier Business Aircraft has one of the most comprehensive lines of jets in the industry. Its three aircraft families — Learjet, Challenger, and Global — can address the needs of customers as their travel requirements change along with their businesses. With a good start to the year and the anticipated delivery of the Global 7000 following shortly, 2018 looks to be an exciting year for Bombardier.
A good start
If the rest of 2018 is like the first quarter, business aviation insiders can expect Bombardier to have a banner year. First-quarter revenues reached $1.11 billion, a 9% increase year-over-year, and deliveries were up two jets at 31. Bombardier projects 135 deliveries in 2018, and the first deliveries of its Global 7000, sold out through 2021, will add to its already-large portfolio. The timing couldn’t be better as analysts expect the business aviation industry to continue its long-awaited turnaround.
The Bombardier family
The Challenger 350 was among the best-selling business jets in the first quarter of 2018. In addition, it was the top-selling business jet in 2017, according to General Aviation Manufacturers Association data, with 56 deliveries. In the first quarter of this year, Bombardier delivered 12 of the super-midsize jets. The Challenger 350’s popularity is a testament to the exceptional flight experience its roomy cabin, advanced cabin management system, in-flight luggage compartment access, as well as excellent connectivity and communications solutions provide. The aircraft has a range of 3,200 nautical miles, is NextGen-ready, and has the lowest operating costs in its class.
Bombardier’s flagship Global 5000 and 6000 were also top sellers with 10 deliveries combined in the first quarter of 2018. The Global series of large-cabin ultra-long-range jets is known for its comfort and style while providing the latest in business productivity tools and technologies. The Global 5000 seats up to 16 passengers and has a 5,200-nautical-mile range; the Global 6000 seats up to 17 and has a range of 6,000 nautical miles.
Global 7000: The next great business jet
The Latest: Bombardier Announces Global 5500 and 6500
Continuing its legacy of long ranges, large cabins, and smooth rides, Bombardier recently announced two new business jets: The Bombardier Global 5500 and 6500.
The Global Series will soon have another aircraft in its lineup: the Global 7000. The 7000 made its debut flight in November 2016, and the five flight test aircraft in the fleet have since accrued more than 1,800 flight hours. Certification is expected later this year with the first delivery shortly thereafter, making the 7000 Bombardier’s flagship business jet. It has a range of 7,400 nautical miles and can see speeds up to Mach 0.925; however, as its flight tests have shown, it has the capability to hit the 7,700-nautical-mile mark at Mach 0.85, positioning it to claim the long-range business jet title and opening up “city pairs such as New York to Hong Kong and Singapore to San Francisco,” according to the BJT article.
Whether you’re looking to buy a quality preowned Challenger or are in the market for state-of-the-art technology and comfort in the new Global 7000, you shouldn’t undertake the process of finding and financing a new aircraft on your own. Get help from an expert to find the best option for your needs.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
Although some view private jet use as a frivolous perk for wealthy executives in large enterprises, the reality is much different. In today’s fast-paced global business environment, time is money. Commercial travel can be a big time sink, and private jet travel for business purposes saves time by flying executives directly to meeting locations — without them having to deal with baggage, security lines, and boarding wait times. Most business jets also offer internet and communications technologies that allow executives to be productive during flight. With so many benefits, what should existing jet owners and those looking at acquiring their own aircraft be aware of in today’s business aviation environment?
The state of business aviation
Experts agree: The business of BizAv is looking bright. Economic conditions are strong indicators of the strength of business aviation. As the global economy continues its upward trend and stock markets surge, business aviation looks to be continuing its recovery from the 2008 recession. The fact that recent tax changes allow businesses to write off 100% of the cost of business jets will likely mean more sales of new and preowned aircraft in 2018, of which a large inventory still exists for purchase.
Industry insiders also expect charter flight numbers to soar along with membership programs, jet cards, and fractional ownership, which open up the wonders of private flight to those previously excluded. This is good for business aviation in general because it brings new customers into the pipeline who may become future owners. As they say, once you experience the benefits of private aviation, you never want to go back to the hassles of commercial flight.
Business aviation trends
Continuing economic improvements should see new jet sales pick up during the next 12 months. Demand will likely soon lead to preowned inventory depletion through purchase or retirement, and manufacturers are prepared with many new models coming down the pike.
As airlines continue to reduce the number of services they provide as well as increase security regulations and wait times, more passengers will be primed to dump commercial flight stresses. Alternative methods of ownership are also expected to continue rapid growth as aviation companies come up with innovative new ways to make jet travel more attainable to a larger population.
In addition, new technologies and regulations are making jet travel safer than ever before as well as more comfortable. Internet connectivity is no longer a perk but rather a necessity for making the private jet experience more productive for business travelers.
Staying on top of the trends in private and business aviation is important for both existing owners as well as individuals and corporation leaders considering purchasing. It’s important you understand your purchasing options from new to preowned and other access methods, including charters and membership programs. Staying on top of market conditions, operating costs, regulatory compliance issues, and technological advancements can help you choose an appropriate model to meet your needs at an affordable price and ensure private jet travel will remain available to you for many years to come.
Buying a business jet in today’s market while considering all the other factors involved in making a financially sound choice can be daunting. That’s why working with a professional consultant is not simply a convenience. It’s a necessity.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
Cessna’s Citation family of business jets has been a popular choice in business aviation of late. The most recent models, Latitude and Longitude, provide the quality, comfort, and performance private and business jet owners expect. Here’s a look at why these models are getting so much attention from those in the aviation industry.
Source: cessna.txtav.com
Citation Longitude
Cessna and parent company Textron Aviation’s new super-midsize Citation Longitude is in full production with FAA certification coming soon. The company completed a 31,000-nautical-mile tour last month to introduce its features and capabilities to the market.
Building on the success of the Citation Latitude, the Longitude is Cessna’s biggest jet to date. It sports a large cabin with a 6-foot ceiling and customizable interior configuration capable of seating 12 passengers. Those passengers can control the cabin management system via a mobile device app. The jet is also complete with a walk-in luggage compartment accessible during flight. Quiet flights combined with such amenities and a lower cabin altitude provide a comfortable, relaxing ride, especially on longer legs.
The Longitude’s Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines provide superior performance as well as a 3,500-nautical-mile range with four passengers on board. Features include a Garmin 65000 avionics suite with head-up display and enhanced vision capability. Another perk is the jet’s maintenance requirements. Designers made the aircraft as efficient as possible, increasing the maintenance interval to 800 hours or 18 months. The Longitude will have an estimated $27 million list price, according to the AIN article.
Source: cessna.txtav.com
Citation Latitude
Although most of the recent buzz about the Citation line has been centered around the Longitude’s upcoming entry into service, the Citation Latitude has been making headlines as well. In 2017, deliveries of Cessna’s popular Latitude midsize business jet increased 30% over the previous year, making it the most-delivered midsize business jet for two years running. The Latitude’s success is revitalizing the business jet market and is a clear validation of the company’s innovative product development strategy.
Praised for both comfort and performance, the 9-passenger Latitude has a spacious cabin and offers passengers 30 inches of legroom, a 6-foot-high ceiling, and a lavatory 60% larger than others in its class. It also has the lowest cabin altitude in its class at just under 6,000 feet. In addition, its fuel-efficient Pratt & Whitney PW306D1 engines provide a 2,700-nautical-mile range with four passengers on board.
If you’re looking to purchase a new business jet, it’s difficult to go wrong with the best-selling Latitude or the new-to-market Longitude. However, it’s important you choose the aircraft that best fits your needs and budget.
Perhaps a preowned Cessna is a better option for you. Wherever you are in the buying process, a professional aircraft broker can help you sort out all the details to find the right new or preowned jet for you or your business.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
Business aviation is expanding as new types of customers invest in aircraft and grow global markets. That means all areas of the industry will require more workers. In fact, analysts expect the number of aviation jobs in 2018 to be double 2017 numbers.
A private pilot shortage has been growing for several years now, and it’s only likely to worsen as both business and commercial airline travel picks up. Many factors are contributing to the private and business pilot shortage, including retirement, low national unemployment, extensive training requirements, intense job demands, and competition from airlines.
In addition to pilots, this lack of skilled workers is also a growing concern for companies that repair and maintain airplanes, according to the AOPA article. As the private and business aviation industry expands, it will likely be increasingly difficult for this segment of the industry to keep up with demand. One of the biggest challenges for maintaining an adequate workforce for business and private aviation is competition — and not just from the airlines boasting higher salaries and more predictable schedules. In fact, aircraft mechanics’ skills are transferable to many other industries.
To mitigate these challenges in the short term, business and private jet owners can step up recruitment efforts and make sure the salaries and incentives they offer are enticing and their work environments empowering and fulfilling. But industry stakeholders also need to invest in more long-term solutions to get more people interested in aviation and also provide educational opportunities and resources to help train those interested in pursuing careers in the industry.
Developing tomorrow’s workforce
With the impending shortage of qualified aviation workers, various organizations, companies, and politicians are developing programs and initiatives to help attract qualified pilots, mechanics, and aviation safety personnel. Here is a sampling of some those programs:
As discussed in our March blog, “Calling All New to BizAv: NBAA Mentors Newcomers, Senators Welcome Women,” the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has created a mentorship program that pairs industry professionals with individuals interested in business aviation careers. Mentors can inspire mentees, answer questions, and guide them along a path to their desired goals. In addition, lawmakers are considering two initiatives to encourage women to enter aviation. In addition, the Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act of 2017 spurs industry leaders to promote training and mentorships for women interested in aviation. The bill also asks the FAA to sponsor a Women in Aviation Advisory Board and to find ways to increase the opportunities for women in aviation. In a related action, lawmakers approved the Women in Aerospace Act, which allows certain science agencies to sponsor grant opportunities for women and for NASA to prioritize recruitment of women and minorities in aviation jobs.
Two non-profit organizations — Liftoff Learning and I Hart Flying Foundation — have partnered to offer flight scholarships and bring awareness to the gender gap and lack of diversity in aviation.
The 29th annual Women in Aviation International conference focused on connecting, engaging, and inspiring young women to follow paths into aviation. It offered educational sessions, a “Minute Mentoring” program, and in-person interviews.
The Aviation Maintenance Workforce Bill, currently in the Senate, would allocate up to $500,000 in grants for training programs and scholarships to increase the number of qualified aviation workers entering this career pipeline.
Gulfstream Aerospace is adding to its student leadership program with a new service center and completion facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The program — which started in Savannah, Georgia, in 2008 — introduces high school students to aviation, engineering, manufacturing, and other related career paths.
These initiatives and programs are vital if those in the business and private aviation industry are to reduce the severity of the looming shortage of pilots, aircraft mechanics, and avionics technicians. It takes two to three years of intensive classes and flight training to turn out a qualified jet pilot, and if both companies and mentors don’t make it worth students’ time and tuition, they risk losing the students they’ve supported throughout their educations to the airlines after graduation.
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Most of the aviation experts behind these projects are looking toward flying the Concorde’s original overseas routes. However, the joint project between Lockheed Martin and NASA is coming at the issue from a different perspective. While the Low Boom Flight Demonstration contract has a longer and slower timeline, the goal is to create an aircraft that can fly at supersonic speeds without the disruptive sonic boom. The long-term plan for the X-plane includes flight tests over U.S. cities to monitor the noise levels it creates with the hope of eventually reopening the discussion of flights over land. This would be big news for the business jet world, introducing the possibility of flying from coast to coast in just a couple hours.
Imagine being able to summon a flight from your office to an establishment in downtown Los Angeles with the ease of ordering a ride-hailing pickup. Sound like something out of science fiction? The aviation industry is ripe for disruption, this could be a big one, and it’s not decades down the road. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) revolution has arrived, and one of its first implementations will likely be for a ride-booking service.
The Latest: Bombardier Announces Global 5500 and 6500
