July 2009

Rockwell Collins says that the Business Jet market has hit rock bottom

(July 30, 2009)

Rockwell Collins Inc., the aerospace supplier, says that it is hitting the bottom of a painful slump in the business jet market. Last Thursday, the company said that the forecast for fiscal 2009 earnings would fall in the range of $3.70 to $3.90 per share after several cutbacks in its outlook in the previous quarters. In a related interview, Clay Jones, chairman and CEO, said that company clients like Boeing and Airbus may need to cut production on narrow-body aircraft as airlines downsize and conserve cash to cope with decreasing global passenger traffic. “Boeing and Airbus have bent over backwards to explain to us how they can maintain production rates,” said Jones. However, he also mentioned that he is uncertain. Both airplane manufacturers have had cuts in production, but have maintained manufacturing plans by shifting orders among their customers. “They know more about their customers than I do,” explains Jones. “It could be they expect to see strong demand for more fuel-efficient aircraft” despite the recession. He said that Rockwell Collins will be keeping a close eye on production cuts. According to Jones, production cuts would give Rockwell plenty of lead time to adjust its pipeline. Source: ForexGen  

Blue Star Jets Revolutionizes Private Aviation Industry, With Introduction of the ShareAJet Exchange

(July 30, 2009)

As a response to the ever-evolving needs of their clientele, Blue Star Jets, one of the world’s largest private aircraft charter brokers, presents the launch of the world’s first online marketplace for travelers seeking to minimize costs by sharing private jet flights — the ShareAJet Exchange. The first site of its kind, ShareAJet Exchange enables travelers to share flights to similar destinations. If a trip to the desired destination is not already posted, clients may upload their own travel plans with the aim of matching that with another traveler. Such a public, socially-interactive marketplace allows for clients to plan trips together. The ShareAJet Exchange will prove ideal for travel agents, flight departments, and jet charter companies, as well as corporations and individuals seeking to save up to 50% on private jet travel. This past fall, with the economy suffering a significant downturn, Blue Star Jets’ clients began inquiring if they could share private jet flights in order to maintain their luxury lifestyle, while embracing a sense of frugality. As these requests grew, it became evident that Blue Star Jets possessed the volume to launch such a program. Holding access to an extensive network of private aviation operators, the Blue Star Jets team of travel specialists negotiates competitive pricing for every flight; in turn, with such savings components in place, the ShareAJet Exchange slashes an already lowered cost, resulting in unprecedented pricing for the private aviation industry. As Blue Star Jets centralized the charter business, eliminating the need for fractional jet ownership, the ShareAJet Exchange will again lower the barrier of entry into the marketplace, as it brings down the cost of private aviation by nearly 50%. Like Blue Star Jets, ShareAJet Exchange offers access to every category of aircraft, from light, mid, and heavy jets to airliners, helicopters, and turbo props, each meeting the most stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.  

ExcelAire Expands Fleet: Adds Bombardier Global 5000

(July 30, 2009)

ExcelAire (www.excelaire.com), a leading private jet charter firm, today announced the addition of a 13-seat Bombardier Global 5000 to its fleet. Ideal for intercontinental travel, the Global 5000 is equipped with an extended range option and can fly 5,300 nautical miles nonstop at Mach .82, making it one of the fastest long range jets available today. "With the Global 5000, we continue to extend our heavy jet capabilities," said David Rimmer, Executive Vice President, ExcelAire. "This very advanced aircraft comes fully equipped with many passenger amenities to ensure a comfortable and productive trip. And, it flies faster and higher than most commercial aircraft-enabling travelers to save precious travel time." ExcelAire’s new Global 5000 features state of the art in-flight communications capabilities, including high-speed Internet access, WiFi and BlackBerry access, which help business travelers to be fully productive and accessible during their entire journey. The Global 5000 jet also offers fully berthable seats and an aft lounge/bedroom, enabling passengers to arrive refreshed and rested for a productive day of meetings upon their arrival — virtually anywhere in the world. For comfort and convenience, it also has a full galley along with forward and rear lavatories to ensure passenger privacy. Each captain’s chair has an individual monitor and touch-screen cabin control system. ExcelAire’s experienced on-board cabin attendants provide first-class service while ensuring safety and comfort. Whether traveling for a financial road show, a music tour or to make essential client contacts in remote locations, the Global 5000 is supported by ExcelAire’s experienced support staff that handles all trip logistics to ensure a seamless travel experience. "Now, more than ever, corporations must maintain strong ties to their existing customers and respond quickly to new business opportunities," said Rimmer. "The Global 5000 and the rest of ExcelAire’s fleet are essential business tools during these challenging economic times." In addition to Global 5000, ExcelAire operates 10 Gulfstreams, three Legacy 600s, Beechjet, Cessna Citations, Learjet, two cabin-class helicopters and other aircraft. 

B/E Aerospace Q2 Profit Drops; Adj. EPS Beats Consensus

(July 29, 2009)

B/E Aerospace, Inc., a manufacturer of cabin interior products for commercial aircraft and business jets, Tuesday reported a 35% decline in second-quarter profit, as revenues slipped across all segments, reflecting primarily stringent cash conservation measures implemented by airlines

Share a private jet ride with one click

(July 29, 2009)

The private jet industry has introduced the “Share a Jet” concept, which allows passengers to cut costs and avoid PR problems whenever they board private jets. When you log on to shareajetexchange.com and plug in your desired destination along with the other details, including times and number of fellow passengers.  At the opposite end of the exchange are private jet charter companies or jet owners who log in an offer shares of the flights for sale. The website matches the jet companies / jet owners with the passengers. The exchange can cut costs by up to 50 percent, said Ricky Sitomer, CEO of Blue Star Jets. A flight from US to Europe, which usually costs $120,000, can cost a customer only $50,000. The program could take off, since the recession is making everyone save, especially corporate. To make thing worse, companies that fly private attract bad press. With this program, they can ride a private jet without the bad PR.  

Private Aviation in the Middle East sees 15 percent growth

(July 27, 2009)

Private Aviation in the Middle East is continuing to see growth in leisure travel, said senior executives of private aviation companies.    “The market in the Middle East is still growing at 15 per cent year on year with regard to private jet fleets,” commented Kevin Ducksbury, director of Air Partner. “There is no doubt that growth has slowed down after the recession. Nevertheless, there is still some growth in this region, which is its difference between Europe and America.”  Ducksbury said that the region is still a young market and with only 400 jets available for charter. He says that American and European private jet companies should consider moving extra capacity to the Middle East because it is a lucrative market.  Air Partner is an aircraft charter broking company that offers three main services: private jet passenger services, commercial jet passenger services, and cargo charters. Mike Berry—managing director of ExecuJet Middle East—says that they have experienced a steady stream of revenue for the first half of 2009.  “We have actually seen a steady growth within our maintenance business,” says Berry. ExecuJet handles aircraft sales, charter management, maintenance, and fixed base operations.  Berry said: “Also encouraging are the positive signs across the industry over the last two months, with an increase in activity and enquiries recorded on all fronts of aircraft sales, charter and management opportunities. More aircraft deliveries have also happened in the region.” In Europe and the US, corporate travel has significantly decreased, while the Middle East continues to see demand—it comes at a slower pace. He explains: “For our charter operations we can generally identify a slight decrease in smaller companies chartering aircraft. But the demand for heavy jets and long-haul flights is still strong. In the case of international companies, business jets are more a business tool than a luxury item as they are sometimes perceived to be.” Berry mentioned, “The market still reflects monthly spikes depending on particular demand for small or larger wide-body aircraft, which leave us in a good position going into the second half of the year.” ExecuJet Middle East currently has a fleet of 13 fully managed aircrafts and six partially managed aircrafts, while Air Partner is planning to expand its services in the region.  Source: Business 24-7  

Icon Jet, LLC Shoots for the Moon with New Luxury Aircraft

(July 27, 2009)

IP charter corporation adds to five-star fleet and garnishes national media coverage It takes a very special person to completely appreciate a Boeing 737 aircraft that is “all jet” on the outside – and a five-star hotel on the inside. Icon Jet, LLC, is a brand new corporation that just introduced a new addition to their fleet – a 30-seat luxurious jet. Icon Jet has garnished media from the nationally renowned “Extra” TV show to the Los Angeles’ KTLA morning show and Signature Magazine will also featured an extended piece on Icon Jet in their luxury August issue. The 30-seat luxury jet has been completely outfitted from stem to stern with every imaginable amenity – and then some. Whether you want to drink the finest champagne, to catch the newest movies on one of the flatscreen televisions on the aircraft, you have all the options right at your fingertips. Representatives from The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas and six additional casino owners and managers recently toured the new luxury jet for a prospective joint business venture. Some of the many amenities: · Worldwide flight capability · Lavish 30-passenger configuration · Highly trained flight staff · 24/7 service · Gourmet catering · Personal security team available for high-profile guests · Many in-flight entertainment choices “This has been a life-long dream for me, to create a plane like this,” says Beverly Hills-based Eric Haymes, CEO and co-founder of Icon Jet. Haymes is a visionary and veteran of the aviation industry and has long dreamed of creating a one-of-a-kind luxury aircraft and offering it for charter to a very select clientele. “We cater from everyone to CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, to rock stars who charter the aircraft for their international tours,” Haymes says. “We have a wide variety of upper echelon clients.” Icon Jet can charter aircraft virtually anywhere in the world it is legal to fly an aircraft of this size. The cabin crew is highly skilled in the art of taking exceptional care of their VIP passengers. This is as about as close to flying on Air Force One as it gets – except on an Icon Jet 737, you are the Commander-in-Chief.

Dassault sees 44 percent reduction in profit

(July 25, 2009)

Dassault Aviation, a French private jet manufacturer, reported a drop of 1 billion euros in the value of its order book as clients backed away from luxury jet orders during the first half. On a good note, the company said that the market was beginning to stabilize. Operating profits at the maker of Rafale warplanes and Falcon business jets fell by 44 percent in the first half from 114 million euros compared to 202 million euros last year. This reduced its operating margin to 8.2 percent from 13.1 percent. Revenues fell by 10 percent and net profits fell by a significant 29 percent. The company said that it recorded a net total of -1.13 billion euros in fresh orders during the first half of the year. The significant reduction is attributed to Falcon cancellations. However, chief executive Charles Edelstenne says that the industry is showing signs of recovery. “For the last few weeks, or 1 or 2 months, we have seen a stabilisation of the market and we have the feeling we have touched the bottom,” said Edelstenne in a press conference. “There was a wave of cancellations, but now there are very few of them left and we are even starting to see clients make enquiries about orders.” He explained that the second hand market for business jets is showing signs of life, and that is a good indicator of the overall condition of the market. However, he still forecasted lower profits at the end of 2009. A company spokesman said that they are expecting 80 Falcon deliveries for 2009, which had already seen a reduction last month.  

Jet Professionals Assists Companies With Outplacement Needs

(July 25, 2009)

Jet Professionals has recently introduced its new Career Transition Services program to assist aviation companies and flight departments with improving the job search skills of their displaced workers. The program offers employers a high-quality job search assistance tool at a competitive price. Employers can choose from a menu of services that meet their needs with regard to their financial resources and number of employees involved. “Career Transition Services is available to companies which have reduced their workforces and wish to support their former employees in securing new employment,” said George Kythreotis, managing director Jet Professionals The Americas. The program offers a one-day premium package or a two-day platinum package, both featuring the latest job search techniques and information. The premium package is a condensed program for companies who seek an economical and complete package for participants to begin a new job search, while the platinum package includes additional material for those who wish a more intensive training experience. Both seminars offer 90 days of counselor-directed follow-up support for all participants. The program features experienced and trained counselors from Jet Professionals who deliver the seminars live. They will travel to an employer’s desired location or have the program conducted at a Jet Professionals location. “The seminars will each cover essentially the same subject matter,” said Kythreotis, “however, the two-day course is more in-depth. What makes our program different is that we teach the course from a 21st century perspective, and thoroughly explain and review the value of the Internet, social, and professional networking websites for those who may be unfamiliar with these new tools.” The course will also cover the impact current trends will have on careers and discuss options for additional training that may be necessary to secure re-employment. Jet Professionals will provide information regarding industry events, networks, organizations and agencies that can be of assistance in this transition. Jet Professionals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jet Aviation, was founded in 1983 in the U.S. and is a respected industry leader in global business aviation staffing solutions and support. In 2008, the company expanded its services to the EMEA & Asia markets and opened an office in Basel, Switzerland. Jet Professionals is the only global company offering a full range of aviation staffing services which includes placements of full time staff for business jet operators, specializing in placing pilots, flight attendants, schedulers, dispatchers, and technical professionals. Visit them at www.jet-professionals.com. Jet Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was founded in Switzerland in 1967 and is one of the leading business aviation services companies in the world. Close to 5,700 employees serve client needs from over 25 airport facilities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North and South America. The company provides maintenance, completions and refurbishment, engineering, fixed base operations, aircraft management, charter services, aircraft sales and personnel services. Jet Aviation’s European and U.S. aircraft management and charter divisions jointly operate a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. For more information, please visit www.jetaviation.com. General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,900 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com. 

Skyjet adds two new aircraft categories to its private jet fleet

(July 24, 2009)

Bombardier Skyjet, an online booking service for private jets and provider of the Skyjet Card, has announced the addition of two new super midsize business jets and a twin-engine turboprop aircraft to the company’s Skyjet Card membership program. The new aircrafts will join an extensive fleet that ranges from light to large scale business jets—all offered by Skyjet network operators. The company’s six-category aircraft fleet will also expand its service offerings to Skyjet Card members. The Skyjet card offers advance reservation and guarantees that all its operators have passed third party audits. “Skyjet is pleased to offer increased flexibility and value to members through these new options,” says Chris Milligan, the company’s managing director. “The super midsize business jet category provides Skyjet Card members with an appealing choice for longer trips at a substantially lower cost than a large business jet.” He explains, “For short hops, traveling to remote locations, or landing on shorter runways, turboprops are a practical solution.” Milligan says that the super midsize jets offer transcontinental range and comfort without the weight restrictions of a large private jet. Skyjet is now offering five aircraft models in super midsize jet category, including a Challenger 300 private jet.  

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