Today’s private and business jet owners expect reliable high-speed internet connectivity when in the air — both for productivity and entertainment. And their passengers do, too. Luckily, it’s more affordable than ever. Gogo Business Aviation, a leading provider of innovative broadband connectivity solutions for aviation, recently launched its Gogo AVANCE L3 system, a low-cost in-flight connectivity system with a lightweight form factor that even comes with free digital content.
Features and benefits
The AVANCE L3 system offers many benefits for private and business jet owners as well as their crews and passengers. While it’s possible to install the system on all sizes and types of business aircraft, AVANCE L3 is especially suited for smaller aircraft. The platform provides a full set of “Smart Cabin” features that allow passengers access to the cabin management system (CMS) to customize their experience. They also have access to all available data, maps, and entertainment systems. The system enables flight department teams to manage the number and types of devices allowed to connect.
How does it work?
The AVANCE L3 smart router connects to the Gogo Biz data network, which provides connectivity for email, voice calls, and optional Gogo Text & Talk. Gogo Vision, which provides access to moving maps, weather, flight information, movies, and television shows, is also available through AVANCE L3. Gogo AVANCE L3 itself is available in three configurations, depending on jet owners’ needs and budgets. The Core plan provides email, voice, and internet browsing for five devices. The Plus plan adds full internet access for seven devices, and the Max plan offers the Plus functionality for as many as 25 devices.
Digital magazines
Gogo AVANCE now also offers a selection of 30 digital magazines for Gogo customers and those who fly in Gogo-equipped business jets. Magazines include titles such as Newsweek, Forbes, People, and Golf Digest, and jet owners determine what’s available through their Gogo plans. Gogo offers this content to AVANCE and Vision customers as well as a selection of Bloomberg News content on hot news topics from around the world. This digital content is updated monthly via Gogo Cloud from customers’ hangars as well as Gogo Cloud locations in the United States and Europe.
Connectivity: More than a luxury
Gone are the days when internet connectivity during business and private flights was a nice perk. Today, passengers expect and even demand it as flight time isn’t synonymous with downtime for business executives. When they can conduct so much business online, internet connectivity means productivity continues while en route to nearly any destination. But connectivity doesn’t just mean business. It also can provide relaxation and entertainment for customers who need a little business break or to keep up with personal correspondence. If you’re looking to acquire a jet, internet connectivity is a likely consideration for your next purchase. Talk to an expert to ensure you get the right connectivity solutions for your needs.
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.
There’s a lot going on in the private and business aviation industry: Many soon-to-be-released luxury jets are about to enter the market, pre-owned jet prices are stabilizing, and the ADS-B mandate deadline looms. Here’s an overview of what’s happening and what it means for those trying to decide whether to purchase new aircraft, go with pre-owned models, or upgrade their current jets.
New models
Quite a lot of buzz surrounds new luxury jet models coming soon to market. Here’s a taste of what’s on the horizon for those looking to purchase a new high-end aircraft:
Boeing 787 Dreamliner – Source: Boeing
Boeing 787 Dreamliner — If you demand nothing less than the height of luxury, the VVIP Dreamliner might be the next jet for you. With the ability to fly nonstop for more than 17 hours, this model provides flyers plenty of time to enjoy its more than 2,400 square feet of cabin space with heated marble floors, a king-size bed, walk-in closet, and full-size shower. If you want to test it out before buying, you can charter this penthouse in the sky for you and 39 of your closest friends for a mere $70,000 per hour.
Embraer Legacy 500 – Source: Flyingmag.com
Embraer Legacy 500 and 450 — Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer’s Legacy 500 and its slightly shorter sister, the Legacy 450, are some of the fastest jets in the midsize and “mid light” aircraft categories, delivering a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.79 to 0.82, respectively. They are some of only under-$50 million jets that feature full fly-by-wire flight controls. The Legacy 450, with a range of 1,300 nautical miles (nm), has a cabin four feet shorter than the 500, which has a 3,000-nautical-mile range. Both feature superb passenger comfort, low turbulence, and low noise levels.
Gulfstream G500 – Source: Wikipedia
Gulfstream G500 — Gulfstream’s long-range, large-cabin business jet is scheduled to enter into service in 2019. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PW814GA engines reduce fuel consumption as well as cut emissions and noise. It sports 27-inch-wide seats with footrests for extra comfortable rides for as many as 19 passengers and includes a large, fully equipped galley. The G500 has a range of 5,200 nm and offers a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi and entertainment system as well as full digital fly-by-wire flight controls.
Pilatus PC-24 – Source: Wikipedia
Pilatus PC-24 — The PC-24 super versatile jet is the first business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft. The 10-passenger aircraft, for which deliveries began in January 2018, has a list price of just under $9 million. Its large aft door can handle standard cargo pallets, it flies as fast as 440 knots, and the PC-24 can fly six passengers 1,800 nm. Buyers can even choose among seven cabin layouts for this area that offer more overall space than its more expensive competitors. In addition, the light jet can use grass, gravel, or dirt runways as well as runways less than 2,700 feet, according to the Barron’s article.
Changes in the pre-owned market
Buyers who are not ready to go all-in on a new jet might want to take a look at the pre-owned market while they still can. Although the pre-owned Gulfstream market has been struggling over the past several years, according to an AINOnline article, an increase in pre-owned sales, decreasing inventories, and stabilizing prices have contributed to its ongoing recovery. For example, less than 4% of Gulfstream G650 and G550 fleets are for sale, which is extremely low compared to recent years.
Inventories for older Gulfstream models, however, such as the GIV-SP and G-V, are still high. In addition, values for the G550, which had been dropping nearly 20% per year for three years, have leveled off. Plus, new tax rules that allow for 100% depreciation during the first year for both new and pre-owned jets will likely boost sales in both categories in the coming year.
For those who plan to acquire a pre-owned aircraft, keep in mind the ADS-B mandate, which requires all aircraft be updated by January 2020. ADS-B Out equipment can be expensive, and slots for performing the upgrades are filling up fast. You don’t want your pre-owned new-to-you jet to lose its value or end up in the scrap heap because of your failure to comply.
Buying a jet, whether the latest model or a pre-owned model, can be a daunting, time-consuming process. To make the best of your next jet purchase, seek out an expert who understands the markets and can help you get the aircraft for your needs at the right price.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
In the 1960s, a great deal of excitement and anticipation surrounded supersonic transport (SST) aircraft in the business and commercial aviation industries. We’ve revisited the topic several times over the years as new developments seemed on the verge of becoming realities, like Spike Aerospace’s S-512 supersonic jet and Aerion Corp.’s experimental Supersonic Business Jet (SBJ). But roadblocks along the way have delayed their entrance into the market. Noise and emissions regulations, high costs, and safety concerns have cooled initial high hopes — and led to the demise of the Concorde, the only commercial SST jet — but industry experts still believe civil SST aircraft are on the horizon.
Source: New Atlas
How soon?
In December 2017, Lockheed Martin Corp. and Aerion Corp. announced they were partnering to manufacture a fast business jet that would fly up to Mach 1.4 and create renewed interest in supersonic jet travel. The partnership is interesting because Lockheed Martin is the biggest name in military aircraft, the company’s key focus throughout its history. However, the manufacturers at Lockheed Martin succeeded in building the world’s first business jet, which operated during the 1960s and 1970s. Leaders at Lockheed Martin and Aerion hope their first supersonic business jet, to be named the AS2, will take its first flight in 2023 with certification following in 2025.
Aerion and Lockheed stakeholders teamed up with General Electric Co. to design the new plane’s engine, which will allow the aircraft to fly up to 4,200 nautical miles at a speed 1.4 times the speed of sound. Aerion has already begun taking orders for the AS2 and expects to sell 300 over the next decade, according to The Washington Post article.
One of the biggest challenges for supersonic jet developers has been finding a way to minimize the sonic booms that occur when an aircraft surpasses the speed of sound. Such flights are prohibited over land, and Lockheed has been working with NASA over the past few years to come up with a way to mitigate the booms.
Aside from bone-rattling booms, AS2 makers also face the challenge of securing financing. To fund the supersonic business jet, Aerion plans to sell off as much as $200 million in debt. “That would get us through to the preliminary design phase, which would be about two years out,” said Brian Barents, executive chairman of Aerion, in an article in The National.
AS2 benefits
Aerion executives are willing to invest so much in developing the first supersonic business jet not only because they realize it will be a historical accomplishment but because the AS2 will also offer many benefits to passengers. It will be able to seat 12, and its faster-than-sound speed will cut three hours off a transatlantic flight from London to New York. That means a business executive could make the trip in just four or five hours, a tremendous benefit for executives whose businesses have strong presences in global markets. The jet could also carry diplomats, military, medical, or other officials to their destinations more quickly than other available transportation options. In addition, advanced aerodynamics will allow the AS2 to have a spacious, comfortable cabin without greatly impacting airframe drag and performance.
Source: New Atlas
Although the AS2 likely won’t be operational for another seven or eight years, its development could be signaling the beginning of a new and exciting age for business aviation. Will AS2 technologies lay the groundwork for future supersonic business jets? Only time will tell. But for business jet travelers, time is money, and the ability to reach their destinations with such speed is something many are willing to pay top-dollar for.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
Business aviation is changing. It’s expanding reach both into a new brand of customer — not just the ultra-rich — as well as into more global markets. That’s good for the industry, but active pilots and maintenance crews aren’t able to presently meet the demand. To combat this issue, industry leaders at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have created a mentorship program to guide individuals who are interested in business and private aviation, and congressional representatives are sponsoring initiatives to encourage more women to enter the field.
Mentorship program
Those at the NBAA have initiated phase one of a mentorship program for people desiring to explore opportunities in business aviation. Representatives from the NBAA’s Young Professionals Council created the program along with Domestic Operations and Business Aviation Management Committee members. The program matches industry veteran mentors with those interested in learning about the industry or current aviation professionals who want to further their careers.
Newcomers — NBAA members paired individuals from the first group into 20 teams according to their common interests and goals. The 20 mentees include college students starting their careers as well as mature individuals wanting to deepen their knowledge and experience or take a different path within the industry. One mentee is actually a company CEO who wants to learn more about business aviation.
Mentors — NBAA members chose mentors for these newcomers from a pool of candidates who expressed interest via membership surveys. Those in each matched pair sign a confidentiality agreement, decide how often they will meet, and set a specified end date so both parties understand it’s not a never-ending commitment.
Phase one will go through June of this year, after which the NBAA has scheduled a nine-month program to begin in September 2019. The group hopes to launch its full mentorship program in fall 2020.
A push for more women
NBAA members aren’t the only ones growing their ranks. With room for opportunity, the business aviation field is predominantly male: Only 6% of pilots, 2% of airline mechanics, and 26% of air traffic controllers are female. Those stats prompted lawmakers to sponsor initiatives to bring more women to the industry.
One bill, the Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act of 2017, urges industry leaders to “explore all opportunities, including pilot training, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, and mentorship programs, to encourage and support female students and aviators to pursue a career in aviation.” The bill calls for the FAA to sponsor a Women in Aviation Advisory Board and to explore ways to expand opportunities for women in the field.
In another initiative, lawmakers approved the creation of the Women in Aerospace Act. It allows several science agencies to open up grant opportunities to women. The bill also calls for NASA to prioritize recruiting and promoting qualified women and minorities who are underrepresented in fields such as aviation and aeronautics.
Growing diversity
The actions NBAA members and lawmakers are taking acknowledge the need to advance diversity in private and business aviation. These methods are meant to develop and sustain the interests of individuals aspiring to aviation careers, which could help the industry keep up with business aviation’s expanding role. These programs help promote collaboration and idea exchanges both within the individual programs and the wider business aviation community.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
Two big names in private aviation, Boeing and Embraer, have confirmed they are in talks concerning a merger of the two companies. Although they haven’t disclosed details about the structure of such a deal, the Brazilian government — along with regulators and shareholders — will have final say if and when they announce a deal. So, what would a merger mean to them, their competitors — and members of the private and business aviation industry in general?
What these industry giants bring to the table
Boeing is the largest aerospace company in the world. It is a leading manufacturer of commercial and military jets, satellites, launch and defense systems, as well as advanced communication systems. It provides aftermarket aircraft support and training for customers in the U.S. and governmental clients in more than 150 countries. Boeing Capital Corporation, a global financing solutions provider, supports its three business units: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Boeing Global Services.
Embraer is an aerospace conglomerate headquartered in São José dos Campos, Brazil. It manufactures commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft as well as provides aerospace services and support. It has been around since 1969, although it didn’t enter into the business aviation sector until 2000.
Reasons to merge
So, why would these two giants join together? It could bring Embraer increased sales authority with the major airlines. Other potential gains for the Brazilian company could come with maintaining jets already in service and savings with suppliers.
In exchange, Embraer’s strength in regional jets would boost Boeing offerings. In fact, Embraer is a chief rival of Canadian manufacturer Bombardier in 100-to-150-seat regional commercial jets. This is significant because Bombardier jets are the targets of a trade dispute between Boeing and Bombardier: Boeing has filed a complaint against Bombardier for “dumping” its C-series on a U.S. airline below cost and receiving unfair Canadian government subsidies.
Another impetus for the potential partnership may be the recent merger between Bombardier and Airbus. Airbus is buying a majority stake in the Bombardier C-Series jet program, which is a direct rival of Embraer’s E-Jets, and partnering with Embraer could give Boeing an aircraft to compete with the C-Series.
Possible roadblocks
Although there are benefits to be had, potential issues exist, too. Brazilian government officials say they back the partnership, but a company takeover would not be acceptable. According to a Reuters article, Brazil’s President Michel Temer “would welcome an injection of foreign capital into Embraer” but would veto any attempt at a takeover. Because of Embraer’s primary role in Brazil’s defense industry, the government would use its “golden share” to prevent giving company control to a foreign government. Boeing may also have to make concessions such as allowing the Brazilian government to retain some measure of control over Embraer.
A large acquisition like this always comes with potential risks, and unforeseen problems can crop up after the fact. However, if the deal does see completion, it would expand Boeing’s range into the smaller end of business jets and could enhance manufacturer competition in that sector.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
In July 2017, Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., introduced a bill that, if passed, will affect jet aircraft owners and those looking to purchase. The Aircraft Ownership Transparency Act of 2017, H.R.3544, would require beneficiary verification in addition to the owner’s identification before the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) would allow aircraft registration. What are the underlying reasons for this new legislation — and what could it mean for new and existing aircraft owners if passed?
Behind the bill
Current statutes require FAA personnel to record ownership and lien information for every civil aircraft they register. However, as it stands, owners can hide their identities through the use of agents. These agents can create trusts or “shell companies” to purchase aircraft on behalf of owners who — for various reasons — want to conceal their identities.
Looking for information on tax reform, aka the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? If you’re considering purchasing a private jet, especially for business purposes, don’t miss out on 100% depreciation! Read the tax reform blog.
This makes it easy for foreign entities or even individuals with nefarious plans to register their aircraft anonymously. Although the FAA oversees registration, it is difficult to verify identities without accurate information about actual aircraft owners, beneficiaries, or users. And often, shell company owners do not have this information to pass on to the FAA. Legislation supporters believe this lack of oversight is a significant threat to national security and public safety. Planes can be — and have been — used as weapons, to launder or transfer money secretly, or to transport drugs, other prohibited cargo, or people traveling illegally.
What the bill does
If it passes, the Aircraft Ownership Transparency Act of 2017 will require “the disclosure of beneficial ownership by a foreign person of aircraft registration” before the FAA approves a certificate of registration. The bill mandates that, if the true owner is hidden behind a trust or association, the relationship among the owner, trustee, and beneficiary be disclosed. The bill defines beneficiary as “each natural person, who directly or indirectly, exercises control over the covered entity through ownership interests, voting rights, agreements, or otherwise; or has an interest in or receives substantial economic benefits from the assets of the covered entity.”
If the bill passes, private and business jet owners as well as those looking to purchase could expect stricter disclosure regulations when registering their aircraft. For those with nothing to hide, however, it shouldn’t be problem.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
What is the state of private and business aviation worldwide? The globalization of business has placed tremendous importance on corporate aviation. Company leaders need to get to wherever business takes them, and commercial airlines are not the only answer. But business aviation today also has its challenges along with this growth. Therefore, the state of business aviation depends a lot on location.
England
Business aviation in the United Kingdom is in a somewhat uncertain state as the U.K. continues preparing for its break from the European Union. Brexit will likely have a significant impact on regulations governing business aviation, and if government officials don’t address the aviation industry in their Brexit talks, the U.K. could suffer a hit to global imports and exports. According to an article in The Telegraph, the Independent Transport Commission issued a report that states, “In order to preserve the UK’s air connectivity, the UK will need to ensure that there is a timely renegotiation of a significant number of aviation treaties, including with third countries such as the US, as well as with the EU.” The United Kingdom’s large aviation manufacturing industry is another area of concern because it depends so heavily on a global supply chain that relies on aviation agreements.
Africa
Africa’s importance in the global business aviation sector was underscored by the African Business Aviation Association’s (AfBAA) acceptance into the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the business aviation industry’s global association. AfBAA CEO Rady Fahmy is excited about the prospect of working with fellow members on improving aviation standards in Africa and on a global scale. Along with that development, more good news was reported by Global Jet Capital (GJC) researchers as they expect the country’s private and business jet fleet to grow by 25% within the next eight years, according to an ÂIN Online article. One of the biggest challenges will be operators’ abilities to finance these aircrafts.
UAE
Business aviation is booming in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Business aviation has long had a strong presence in the region, but it traditionally was driven by those in the oil and gas industry. These days, business aviation is making inroads in corporate sectors such as finance and health care. Ghada Fawzi, director of sales for Falcon Aviation, said there is high demand for midsize jets that can seat eight to 19 passengers. She said overall business jet sales are projected to increase 15% to 17% in 2018. This is likely due to the number of new jets available pushing prices down, but the variety of models to choose from is making this a very good time to purchase as lower prices are beginning to increase demand.
India
Things just got a little easier for private and business jet operators flying out of India. Those leaving the country previously required prior permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), but new relaxed regulations no longer require such clearance. Indian operators who are certified by the DGCA and approved for an international “area of operations” will be able to fly unscheduled international flights without prior permission for the length of their five-year certifications. This should help reduce flight delays, which is essential in today’s fast-paced business world.
Jet travel is becoming a necessity in the global marketplace, and governments are recognizing the necessity of facilitating international business aviation. As decision-makers in countries around the world recognize its importance to the global economy, business aviation is likely to continue overcoming such challenges and mature.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
The 2008 financial crisis created what many in the private and business aviation industry view as a “lost decade” with slow sales and decreased flight numbers. They liken the current situation to the lost decade that occurred between 1986 and 1996 when business jet deliveries fell off at about 350 aircraft annually. According to an AIN Online article, Jon Raviv, U.S. aerospace and defense senior equity analyst at Citi Research, said overproduction of aircraft in the 2000s created a “shadow” pre-owned inventory which “cannibalized” the market for new jet demand this decade.
The end of an era?
But the light and midsize jet market may be nearing the end of the lost decade. Raviv expects recovery to be slow — with sales in these sectors remaining flat at an average of 444 deliveries per year. Although the economy is stabilizing and the jet market has adjusted to demand, some corporate leaders are still skittish, so it will likely take time to get back to prerecession numbers.
While the light and midsize jet market appears to be poised for an upswing, the large-cabin jet market may be on the verge of its own lost decade. Over the past 10 years, jet deliveries in this segment surpassed demand, creating a glut of inventory and driving prices down. However, new Gulfstream and Bombardier models soon to hit the market may help lessen the impact.
Another factor contributing to slow aircraft sales is the fact that other private and business flight options — charters, memberships and fractional ownership — are quickly gaining popularity.
A good time to buy?
Although jet sales are down, aircraft manufacturers have been slow to catch on. Though some manufacturers have cut back a bit, there is still a large excess of jets available. This is driving deep discounts on new jets and fueling a price decrease on pre-owned jets. In fact, pre-owned private aircraft prices were down 16% year over year in August 2017. Case in point: A 5-year-old plane sold in 2016 was worth just 56% of its original price, down from 2012’s 64% value on jets half a decade old. This is a boon for buyers as jet brokers are offering great deals, enticing them to purchase new and pre-owned jets.
But many experts believe things are starting to look up for aircraft sales. With Gulfstream and Bombardier releasing their new jets — the G500 and G600 as well as the Global 7000, respectively — in the coming months, many believe sales activity will begin to slowly and steadily pick up. It’s difficult to predict how quickly the market will rebound, but for the time being, buyers are likely to get their hands on some tremendous bargains on both new and pre-owned aircraft.
Contact the experts at L & L International if you need assistance acquiring or selling a private jet.
In a November 2016 blog post, we explored the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system and the rebate program industry groups instigated to encourage early implementation. The ADS-B Out mandate requires most business aircraft be equipped with the technology by 2020, which means we are approaching the deadline’s two-year countdown. Will you be ready?
What’s ADS-B?
ADS-B is a GPS-based surveillance system. It’s part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), the FAA’s U.S. air traffic control system infrastructure modernization initiative. Pilots who fly aircraft properly fitted with ADS-B Out transmitters report much more accurate positioning information to other pilots and air traffic controllers without the use of radar. The technology enables both pilots and aircraft controllers to see the same display, which helps to separate aircraft and improve safety. It can also report on inclement weather conditions, further improving safety.
ADS-B provides better coverage than radar, and remote areas without radar coverage will have surveillance capabilities with ADS-B. It also provides greater satellite signal accuracy and improved reliability, as well as enabling pilots to fly aircraft more directly to their destinations, saving time, money, and carbon emissions.
The ADS-B Out mandate
ADS-B Out is the broadcast technology that reports aircraft position whereas ADS-B In is the reception of that positioning information by those on the ground. The FAA mandate involves only ADS-B Out technology and requires that business aircraft be equipped with the proper FAA-certified ADS-B transmitter and position source.
The typical ADS-B Out upgrade will cost around $7,000, so you may decide it’s not financially feasible if your plane is worth less than $50,000. That does not necessarily mean your jet will be grounded. The ADS-B Out equipment will be required only in airspace in which the FAA requires a Mode C transponder, so there is still a lot of airspace where pilots can fly without the upgrade.
Don’t wait
Although the deadline is still two years away, it’s important you don’t procrastinate. Most business aircraft will upgrade to comply with the mandate, and there will likely be an overwhelming demand on service centers as the deadline draws closer. If you travel internationally, you may have already installed the equipment to comply with regulations in countries such as Australia and Singapore.
It’s important to review exactly what your aircraft needs to be compliant. ADS-B Out systems also need to be tested to ensure they work properly, so you’ll need to allow adequate time for testing and solving any operational problems.
You may not be thrilled about the upcoming deadline and associated upgrade costs, but the ADS-B Out mandate was created improve the operational safety of not only your aircraft but all the aircraft that occupy the same airspace as well. And that’s a good thing.
The expert jet brokers at L & L International are here to help you acquire the perfect jet.
As the overall economy continues to recover, business aviation is rebounding, charter flights are increasing, and aircraft deliveries are beginning to pick up. The only thing not increasing — or even keeping up — is pilot availability. We are on the brink of a worldwide pilot shortage. That may be good news for pilots, but what does it mean for the individuals and business leaders who rely on them? Could pilotless jets be the answer?
Why is there a shortage?
Now that the economy is improving, older pilots can afford to retire. That, coupled with the fact that fewer individuals are entering pilot training, means there will not be enough pilots to replace them — let alone fill the growing need. Other reasons for dwindling pilot numbers are the increased time necessary to earn a pilot’s license as well as low start-up salaries, demanding hours, and few benefits. According to the Robb Report article, the U.S. could have a deficit of “35,000 pilots over the next 15 years or longer.”
What could a pilot shortage mean for private and business jet owners?
That predicted pilot shortage would, of course, drive salaries higher, resulting in higher pilot employment costs. The shortage would also make it easier and quicker for young pilots to climb to higher-paying airline jobs, potentially creating high turnover in the private and charter sectors. In turn, private and business aviation costs would increase, pilots and charter flights would become more expensive and difficult to book, and an inexperienced pool of pilots could even heighten the risks of flying with smaller charter companies. How can industry insiders avoid or lessen the possible impacts of this shortage?
Pilotless jets to the rescue?
As driverless cars are slowly reaching a precarious acceptance by the American public, could pilotless aviation be on the same track? If so, could it be a viable solution to the pilot shortage? In fact, according to a UBS report, pilotless aircraft could save those in the business aviation industry $3 billion. But for the concept of pilotless flight to become a reality, it will need to overcome several challenges. The greatest challenge is not technology as evidenced by the widespread use of pilotless military-style drones and unmanned air vehicles. In the case of private passenger aircraft, several manufacturers are already preparing for pilotless aircraft. And, according the same report, “Technically speaking, remotely controlled planes carrying passengers and cargo could appear by 2025.”
The biggest challenge is public perception. Not everyone is comfortable with sitting 20,000 feet above the earth in a jet without a human at the controls. The UBS report found that more than half of the 8,000 respondents surveyed would not likely fly in pilotless jets. The good news is — even though the technologies are safe and already in extensive use — pilotless aircraft will most likely have a manual override in case of some sort of system failure. The bad news is that a manual override opens the flight up to security risks from hackers. Over time, these issues will likely be settled and public perceptions are more likely to shift.
What are the benefits of pilotless aircraft?
Although pilotless flight sounds like a radical idea that could have a hard time gaining traction, the financial savings are indisputable. Eliminating pilots or reducing them to one per flight would greatly reduce flying and pilot training costs — and those savings would likely be passed on to consumers.
Despite public perceptions, flying without a human in the cockpit could actually make flying safer by reducing pilot errors. And as those in the private and business aviation industry will be hit hardest by the pilot shortage, they could stand to benefit the most from pilotless jets.
Pilotless aircraft are still likely a decade away from being a viable option and, therefore, are likely to have little impact on the pilot shortage in the near term. However, if you are currently in the market for a jet, you’ll want to keep in mind the possibility of trading up when pilotless aircraft become available — or perhaps even retrofitting a standard jet.
The AVANCE L3 smart router connects to the Gogo Biz data network, which provides connectivity for email, voice calls, and optional Gogo Text & Talk. Gogo Vision, which provides access to moving maps, weather, flight information, movies, and television shows, is also available through AVANCE L3. Gogo AVANCE L3 itself is available in three configurations, depending on jet owners’ needs and budgets. The Core plan provides email, voice, and internet browsing for five devices. The Plus plan adds full internet access for seven devices, and the Max plan offers the Plus functionality for as many as 25 devices.
Gogo AVANCE now also offers a selection of 30 digital magazines for Gogo customers and those who fly in Gogo-equipped business jets. Magazines include titles such as Newsweek, Forbes, People, and Golf Digest, and jet owners determine what’s available through their Gogo plans. Gogo offers this content to AVANCE and Vision customers as well as a selection of Bloomberg News content on hot news topics from around the world. This digital content is updated monthly via Gogo Cloud from customers’ hangars as well as Gogo Cloud locations in the United States and Europe.
