Category

Business Aviation

Telluride Regional Airport receives delivery of SAF from Avfuel

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

Avfuel-branded Telluride Regional Airport has become the first airport and FBO in Colorado to make sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available to its customers. The FBO received its first demonstrative delivery of SAF from Avfuel in Februrary, with two more deliveries made in March.

Telluride Regional Airport has since begun to receive regular deliveries of Neste’s branded SAF from Avfuel. The first load arrived on 15 April, with each truckload of the Neste MY SAF providing a 22 metric ton reduction in carbon emissions over its lifecycle, which is equivalent to the amount of carbon sequestered by 28.7 acres of US forests per year.

Telluride Regional Ariport can now consistently provide SAF for all jet and turbine aircraft that land at the airport in order to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainability goals.

“Our community desires to do its part in reducing carbon emissions,” said Kenneth Maenpa, Telluride’s Airport Manager. “As such, we are proud to be the first airport in Colorado to provide sustainable aviation fuel. Avfuel has worked diligently on the logistics for delivering SAF to Telluride Regional Airport, and we’re excited to announced this significant milestone that’s been three years in the making.”

Keith Sawyer, Avfuel’s Manager of Alternative Fuels, added: “Avfuel is thankful for the true partnership it has with the Telluride Regional Airport team, working together to provide cleaner solutions in one of the world’s most stunning natural environments. We congratulate the airport on being the first to provide SAF in the state of Colorado, which not only provides significant emissions reductions, but also raises awareness on the environmental benefits and safety of the product.”

Open 365 days a year, the Telluride Regional Airport is North America’s highest commercial airport at 9,070 feet above sea level and is a self-sustaining operation.

April 19, 2021

Gary Jet Center enters agreement with Cirrus to be an authorised service centre

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

Based at the Gary/ Chicago International Airport in the US, Gary Jet Center (GJC) has entered into an agreement with Cirrus Aircraft to be an Authorised Service Centre (ASC) for the aircraft manufacturer.

As part of the agreement, GJC will have trained technicians on both the SR-Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet, and will provide customers with a full range of aircraft maintenance on the Cirrus Aircraft. In addition to routine and annual Cirrus Aircraft maintenance, GJC will offer composite and paint repair, warranty support, Garmin and Avidyne avionics servicing, and air conditioning services.

“We are excited to be a part of the global network of Authorised Service Centers for Cirrus Aircraft,” said Jeff McLain, Director of Maintenance for GJC. “For nearly 30 years, Gary Jet Center has been performing maintenance on a variety of aircraft with our Part 145 Certificate, and to secure this relationship with Cirrus is a tremendous addition to our offerings. We look forward to providing exceptional service and support to Cirrus owners in the Chicagoland area and beyond.”

GJC’s team will have access to genuine Cirrus Aircraft parts, and will provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, including CAPS inspection and recertification, ADS-B incorporation and other modifications to the avionics suite. It will also offer an aircraft management package to ensure the owner’s Cirrus aircraft is available for dispatch, as well as compliant with all FAA and Cirrus maintenance schedules.

April 19, 2021

Signature Flight Support expands network with addition of Chantilly Air Jet Center

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

Chantilly Air Jet Center, the newest full-service FBO serving the Washington, DC metro area has joined Signature Flight Support’s Signature Select network.

Based at the Manassas Regional Airport, Chantilly Air is an IS-BAH Stage 1 certified FBO. The 11,000 sq. ft. FBO terminal provides a range of amenities including a pilot lounge, snooze rooms and shower facilities. There is also a fitness centre for crew and passengers, as well as conference rooms and a refreshment galley. The greenfield facility also includes a 60,000 sq. ft. hangar and significant office space for rent, in addition to the provision of traditional FBO services, including fuelling, hangarage, a Part 145 repair station, as well as aircraft charter and fleet management.

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the world’s largest network of FBOs, Tim Sullivan, COO Chantilly Air Jet Center said: “Chantilly Air is a family-owned entity that started in 1990. Building on our 30-year reputation as an aircraft charter and management provider, we look forward to becoming an FBO of choice for the metro DC area, as well as having a long and mutually beneficial partnership with the Signature network.”

Manasssas Regional Airport itself provides easy access to the I-66 and I-95 corridors, northern Virginia and downtown Washington, DC. It is the busiest general aviation gateway in the state of Virginia,and  is a towered airport with US Customs and Border Protection to accommodate international arrivals.

“We are pleased to welcome Chantilly Air to Signature Select and the global Signature Flight Support network,” said Mark Johnstone, CEO, Signature Aviation. “Chantilly Air’s reputation for ramp safety and adherence to industry best practices resonates with our own Signature Service Promise. I am confident their enrollment in the Signature Select programme will unlock significant mutual benefit for both of our customers and organisations.”

April 14, 2021

Centreline FBO at Bristol Airport partners with Air bp for SAF

By Airports, Business AviationNo Comments

Centreline has partnered with aviation fuel supplier Air bp to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from its FBO at Bristol Airport in the UK.

The delivery of SAF at Centreline – a Pula Aviation Services Limited (PASL) business – makes it the first non-network user and independent retailer of SAF in the UK.  The fuel is blended with traditional Jet A-1, so it is safe to use as a drop-in fuel and there are no infrastructure changes required by aircraft or airport infrastructure. The fuel’s journey to Bristol is also ensure by Air bp to be carbon offset.

Commenting on the delivery, Gus Paterson, COO at PASL and Centreline’s Accountable Manager said:“Our partnership with Air bp is a sustainable step forward for the PASL group as we remain committed to playing our part in reducing the impact aviation has on global carbon emissions. By offering our charter clients a SAF option we are making progress in being a carbon negative in air operation by 2025, as well as providing our FBO clients with the opportunity to make sustainable choices when refuelling in Bristol.”

Air bp’s long-established supply chain has delivered SAF to 18 locations over three continents and the lifecycle carbon emission savings are calculated to the point fuel is delivered to onsite airport storage facilities. “As SAF is blended with fossil jet fuel and does not require special equipment changes, it is a clean substitute that reduces the impact of air travel. With the same characteristics and sepcifications as fossil jet fuel, we are pleased to offer an efficient lower carbon alternative to our customers,” said Richard Morrison, FBO Manager at Centreline.

Meanwhile, Simon Earles, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Director at Bristol Airport, added, “We are delighted Centreline has partnered with Air bp to bring sustainable aviation fuel in to Bristol Airport. We welcome their leadership and are committed to working with our airlines and other partners to accelerate our journey towards Net Zero.”

March 23, 2021

Clay Lacy’s Van Nuys and Orange County FBOs take delivery of SAF

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

Clay Lacy Aviation has collaborated with World Fuel Services (SFS) and World Energy to offer sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and as well as renewable diesel for ground support vehicles at both its Van Nuys and John Wayne Orange County FBOs in the US.

WFS  will begin monthly SAF deliveries to both locations this month, with 2021 deliveries forecast to total a minimum of 100,000 gallons. Produced by green energy solutions provider, World Energy, the SAF is produced from inedible agricultural wastes and is also certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials. It reduces net greenhouse gasses by up to 80% and represents a reduction of approximately 192 tonnes of carbon this year, the equivalent of 475,000 miles driven by the average car.

“World fuel is a key partner in our sustainability strategy, implementing a broad range of initiatives to significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” said Scott Cutshall, Clay Lacy’s SVP of Business Operations. “Developed in concert with their sustainability experts at World Kinnect Energy, our strategy also includes carbon offset programmes for aircraft management clients and Van Nuys and Orange County FBO customers, as well as remarkable energy and sustainable purchasing, construction and operating practices,” he continued.

In addition to the supply of SAF, World Fuel is also providing renewable diesel fuel to power Clay Lacy’s fuel trucks, GPUs, tugs and other ground support vehicles. Clay Lacy’s transition to renewable diesel will eliminate 64.5 tonnes of carbon in 2021, the equivalent of 8,225,828 smartphones charged.

“We are delighted to begin providing a regular supply of SAF and renewable diesel to both Clay Lacy FBOs,” said Darren Fuller, World Fuel Services. “Demand for SAF is growing and it is rewarding to work with Clay Lacy to help our industry achieve its goal of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2050”

Bryan Sherbacow, Chief Commercial Officer at World Energy added, “By making SAF accessible to the business jets flying out of their FBOs, Clay Lacy is leading a shift toward more sustainable operations and creating the opportunity for others to benefit from using cleaner fuels.”

The renewable diesel fuel for Clay Lacy’s ground support vehicles is made by hydrotreating non-petroleum-based feedstocks. Renewable diesel fuel burns cleanly and efficiently in all diesel engines with no modifications required to the motor or the vehicle. Nontoxic and biodegradable, renewable diesel has up to 80% lower carbon intensity than regular diesel.

March 22, 2021

BBGA AGM: Resilience in global business aviation

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

According to Richard Koe, MD, WINGX Advance, global business aviation has shown incredible resilience over the last 12 months with Russia, Turkey and the US markets now all showing strong signs of recovery. Koe was speaking at the British Business and General Aviation Association’s (BBGA’s) AGM, which was held online on Thursday 4 March.

WINGX data also highlighted that Russia and Turkey recorded more business aviation activity during the first two months of 2021 than they did during the same period in 2020. And while Europe has had a slight relapse in its recovery as a result of recent travel restrictions and quarantine regulations, the business aviation sector shows more resilience than scheduled traffic across the continent.

Although it’s still early days “continued investment and consolidation within the business aviation sector is exciting,” Koe noted. “Overall we are expecting  Europe’s business aviation sector will be back within 10% of 2019 levels by the end of the year.”

However, airports remain under immense pressure with revenues from airport fees, such as landing and parking, adversely affected by the drop in traffic. “UK airports have by far seen the largest decline in revenues in Europe,” Koe added. Luton and Farnborough were both highlighted as business aviation airports suffering big declines due to their exposure and popularity for ultra long-range private jets.

Referencing a comment by Bill Gates that 57% of corporate travel will disappear as a result of the global pandemic and the rise in online meetings and virtual conferences, Koe agreed that although ultra high-net wealth has increased, corporate travel lags behind the recovery of leisure travel for the super wealthy. Worth noting however was that the rise in private aviation travel for leisure/ lifestyle reasons could offset the lack of business travel. Last summer showed that there was pent up demand to get away with passengers more willing to travel for leisure than for corporate reasons.

Koe concluded that with many scheduled airlines continuing to pull back on their schedules through 2021, business aviation is clearly supplementing eroded scheduled connections and is on track for cyclical recovery with charter operations a key driver behind the sector’s resilience.

 

March 10, 2021

Koury Aviation marks a milestone selling SAF to GA consumers

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

Avfuel-branded location, Koury Aviation, which is based out of Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, US has become the first Eastern Seaboard FBO to sell sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to general aviation traffic.

The FBO has received two truckloads of Neste MY SAF on Wednesday 3 March. Each truckload provides a 19 metric tonne reduction in carbon emissions compared to petroleum-based jet fuel, creating significant emissions reductions for the sustainably-minded FBO and its customers.

“When we found there was an opportunity to receive Neste My SAF from Avfuel, we knew we had to jump on the opportunity,” said Brad Koury, Koury Aviation’s President. “With the Greensboro Transit Authority having introduced electric buses two years ago, and Kevin Baker – the airport’s executive director – promoting initiatives for a greener airport, I knew the introduction of SAF for the East Coast would be an important milestone for Koury Aviation and an optimum chance for us to do our part. Being just 20 minutes from two available Megasites (business clusters developed in collaboration with government, business and education), our FBO is a great place to introduce the future of fuel,” he added.

Highlighting how Avfuel and Neste are helping the FBO to kickstart its sustainability journey, Koury said: “The timing is perfect for the fuel’s introduction as Koury Aviation strives to be a link to a sustainable future, and to send a strong demand signal to current and future suppliers.”

Made from sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue materials – including used cooking oil, Neste MY SAF is a drop-in fuel that, once blended with traditional jet fuel, meets the relevant regulations and safety requirements for jet fuel. “Avfuel is thrilled to work with the Koury Aviation team as the first branded operation to not only receive a load of Neste MY SAF, but also sell it to any operator who wants it on the East Coast,” said Keith Sawyer, Avfuel’s Manager of Alternative Fuels. “It’s an exciting milestone for Koury Aviation, Avfuel and the industry at large.”

March 8, 2021

London Biggin Hill welcomes two new arrivals

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

This week has seen London Biggin Hill welcome two new arrivals.

Air Charter Scotland

Headquartered in Glasgow and with a base at London Luton Airport, private jet operator and aircraft management company, Air Charter Scotland, is now expanding its London presence by adding a Cessna Citation M525 (G-KSOH) on to its UK AOC, based out of London Biggin Hill Airport.

The management of the six-passenger light jet will be overseen by Jet Agent, the Biggin-based aircraft sales, management and acquisitions specialist and the intention is to place more aircraft with Air Charter Scotland under charter this year.

“Thanks to this strategic new partnership, we are pleased to add a second London home at Biggin Hill Airport and base aircraft, complementing our established London Luton (Signature Aviation) base,” said Derek Thomson, COO of Air Charter Scotland. “London Biggin Hill is well located for London and is increasingly popular as a dedicated business aviation airport,” he added.

Meanwhile, Robert Walters, Commercial Director at London Biggin Hill Airport said, “Air Charter Scotland’s choice of London Biggin Hill to strengthen its connection to the capital reflects the calibre of our service and the importance of our location to growing businesses.”

Echelon Air

This week has also seen the London business aviation airport airport welcome flight training, aircraft sales and management company, Echelon Air.

A recently registered Declared Training Organization (DTO), Echelon Air provides extensive flight training courses in Cirrus Aircraft, along with on-site use of its certified Cirrus G6 Flight1 Tech Simulator. Commenting on the training organisation’s new home Philippe Polman, Founder of Echelon Air, said: “Having a base at London Biggin Hill Airport is a great step in the development and growth of our business. We now look forward to beginning work in earnest.”

March 4, 2021

Jasper County Airport pushes ahead with runway development

By Airports, Business Aviation, FeaturedNo Comments

The Jasper County Airport Authority (JCAA) in Indiana has awarded Woolpert with a Master Services Agreement to provide master planning, environmental assessment, land acquisition, aviation design, geospatial obstruction and aeronautical surveys, and construction management and inspection for the Rensselaer hub, which is located around 80 miles south of Chicago.

The Jasper County Airport is a publicly owned, general aviation airport that serves local and transiting aircraft via one paved runway and one grass runway.

Woolpert’s Senior Aviation Project Manager, Curtis Brown, said “The goal of the airport master plan is to determine the most viable, cost-effective improvements to increase the volume and versatility of the airport. Woolpert will evaluate realigning and extending the primary runway to accomplish this mission.”

Recognising Woolpert’s expertise in master planning, runway extension programmes, geospatial aviation expertise and cross-market capabilities, as well as the firm’s regional expertise, Jasper County Airport Manager, Ray Seif, said he’s looking forward to working with the robust team to increase traffic and revenue for the county. Woolpert has partnered with NGC, a long time JCAA consultant.

“We’re extremely thankful for (NGC Vice Presicent) Ken Ross and the folks at NGC for helping to get us where we are today and we’re excited to see how far we can go with Woolpert’s guidance,” he added.

February 23, 2021

Safeport opens new executive lounge at Cascais Airport

By Airports, Business AviationNo Comments

Cascais Airport in Portugal has welcomed the opening of Safeport’s stylish new executive lounge for business aviation passengers.

The business aircraft handling company’s new lounge has been designed to create a relaxing environment and practical space for private aviation customers. With views overlooking the runway it has been decorated with details alluding to the surrounding Atlantic Coast region and features a spacious comfortable seating area, private restroom, Smart TV, high speed Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen.

The lounge is situated at the entrance to the Passengers Terminal in Cascais Airport and is open 24/7.

“We are all delighted with the response to the new Safeport lounge,” said Safeport President Paulo Mirpuri. “There was nothing like it here in Cascais, so it was also a significant milestone for our friends at Cascais Airport, as well as our own design and hospitality team.”

With its reputation for processing departures and arrivals without long delays, Cascais Airport is a popular choice for business and general aviation customers and is also a convenient hub for those looking to access the Portuguese capital.

Well established within Portugal’s business aviation sector Safeport also facilities at Lisbon Airport, Oporto, Beja and Faro, as well as Cape Verde – Sal Island.

February 16, 2021