Features Business Aviation
Embraer’s new bird highlights NBAA Media Day

Modest pace for near-term orders: Honeywell
Honeywell released its 26th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook and indications are the global BizAv market can expect modest pace for near-term orders due to an uncertain economic and political environment along with a very competitive used aircraft market.

The Global Business Aviation Outlook forecasts up to 8,300 new business jet deliveries worth $249 billion from 2017 to 2027, down 2-3 per cent from the 2016 10-year forecast.

“Declining used aircraft prices, continued low commodities prices, and economic and political uncertainties in many business jet markets remain as near-term concerns for new jet purchases, leading to a modest growth in 2018,” said Ben Driggs, president, Americas Aftermarket, Honeywell Aerospace. “That said, there are several new and exciting aircraft models coming to market, which will drive solid growth in new business jet purchases in the midterm and long term.”

Key findings in the 2017 Honeywell outlook include:

• Deliveries of approximately 620-640 new jets in 2017, a decline of roughly 30 aircraft year over year. This pullback comes on the heels of a moderate decrease in 2016 and is largely due to slower order rates for mature airplane models and a transition to new models slated for late 2017 and 2018.
• Operators plan to make new jet purchases equivalent to about 19 per cent of their fleets over the next five years as replacements or additions to their current fleet, a decrease of 8 per cent compared with the 2016 survey results.
• Of the total purchase plans for new business jets, 19 per cent are intended to occur by the end of 2018, while 17 per cent and 14 per cent are scheduled for 2019 and 2020, respectively.
• Operators continue to focus on larger-cabin aircraft classes, ranging from the super mid-size through ultra-long range, which are expected to account for more than 85 per cent of all expenditures on new business jets in the next five years.
• The longer-range forecast through 2027 projects a 3-4 per cent average annual growth rate despite the lower short-term outlook as new models and projected improved economic performance will contribute to industry growth.
• Declines in five-year operator purchase plans are offset in the long-term forecast by new programs entering service, improved economic performance and higher commodity prices, resulting in only a small decline in the overall outlook.

Embraer launches new Phenom 300E BizJet
The launch of new aircraft is one of the highlights of every NBAA event and the team from Embaer Executive Jets didn’t disappoint, introducing the new 300E light jet.

The new aircraft is designated “E” for “Enhanced” in reference to its redesigned cabin and the addition of HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik. The Phenom 300E is debuting at the NBAA-BACE static exhibit.

Originally launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 first entered the market in 2009. Leading the light jet segment since 2012, the Phenom 300 has been the most delivered business jet since 2013 with over 400 aircraft in close to 40 countries. Deliveries of the Phenom 300E will commence in the first quarter of 2018.

“The Phenom 300E reflects our commitment to fascinate our customers,” noted Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “With a passion for excellence, our team has been working closely with customers to bring to market yet another beautifully designed and brilliantly engineered marvel of aviation.”

The Phenom 300E inherits the Embraer DNA Design, first introduced in its larger siblings, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 midsize jets. The application of this design in the Phenom 300E rendered a more spacious cabin with more customization options and ease of maintainability.

More problems for the 5X
After carefully highlighting the progress of its key programs including the Dassault Falcon 8X and more, Dassault Falcon chairman and chief executive Eric Trappier announced its Falcon 5X program has once again run into engine difficulties, further delaying the program.

The extent of the problem with the high compressor of the Safran Silvercrest engine is still being determined and the company is trying to evaluate the issue.

Trappier invited Safran vice-president of commercial engines Cedric Goubet to answer questions about the problem. He noted that Safran found out about the issue during a very recent flight at the test bed in San Antonio, Tx.

The latest issue puts the status of the program up in the air, and Trappier did not rule out new options in terms of potential engine suppliers for future program development.

P&WC launches PT6A certified pre-owned engine program
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) introduced a certified pre-owned program for its in-service fleet of PT6A engines.

Under the new plan, through their aircraft dealer, customers of PT6A-powered used aircraft whose engines are certified under the program will be given a P&WC one-year/500-hour first run warranty along with additional benefits, which include options for six months complimentary technical publications, credit toward P&WC’s ESP pay-per-hour plan, discounts on maintenance training through FlightSafety International, and more.

“The Certified Pre-Owned program is about delivering greater value and peace of mind to potential customers of PT6A-powered used aircraft as well as to help dealers differentiate their inventory,” said Michel Toutant, vice president, customer service, P&WC. “We are working to develop tailored, value-added solutions for all customers with aircraft at all lifecycle stages.”

Bombardier showcases Premier cabin for Global 5000, Global 6000
Bombardier Business Aircraft is showcasing its new its Premier cabin for Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft to U.S. customers for the first time at the show.

The new cabin blends the contemporary design, high-end materials and craftsmanship and comfort, drawing inspiration from the superior comfort and productivity of the Global 7000 aircraft cabin. It establishes a unifying aesthetic across the entire portfolio of Bombardier aircraft.

The Premier interior features an advanced cabin management system (CMS) and Ka-band connectivity, enabling passengers to be as productive in the air as they are in their offices. The CMS can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet.

“Our business jets have long been recognized for exceptional cabin comfort and leading-edge amenities, and our Premier cabin interior elevates this standard to a whole new level,” said Brad Nolen, vice president, marketing and communications, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

The Bombardier team is also demonstrating the Global’s unique wing flexibility and design at the show. The design is one of the key reasons for the Global’s exceptionally smooth ride.

Bombardier is also revealing The Architect, its fourth Global 7000 flight test vehicle (FTV4). FTV4 is the first Global 7000 aircraft to be showcased at a public event and is the first flight test vehicle equipped with a cabin interior. The aircraft will be used to validate the overall passenger experience, including the cabin management system and entertainment options, newly designed seats and amenities throughout the four living spaces, the full-sized crew rest area and gourmet galley.

FTV4 was ferried to Las Vegas following its successful maiden flight on Sept. 28, where all flight controls were exercised and all systems tested performed as expected.

Gulfstream unveils G600 at NBAA 2017
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. debuted its fully outfitted Gulfstream G600 and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Designed to seat up to 19 passengers, the G600 has the longest cabin in its class and can be configured for up to four living areas, including the option for a fixed bed.

Divans that convert into beds are also available for those who want to take advantage of the G600’s long legs. At Mach 0.85, the aircraft can fly travellers 6,500 nautical miles/12,038 kilometres.

“The G600 cabin, like that of its sister ship, the Gulfstream G500, is the most functional, flexible and comfortable in business aviation,” noted Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “In the three years since our G600 cabin was on display at NBAA-BACE, we received considerable customer feedback and have incorporated many of those suggestions into our first production G600.”

The G600’s flexible cabin allows for a high level of customization. The aircraft has forward and aft lavatories and a full-size galley that can be located forward or aft. The galley features an optional steam oven, an interchangeable beverage maker and a refrigerator that can be positioned above or below the counter. Flooring options, including stone, can be chosen for the entry, vestibule, galley and lavatories.

The G600 at NBAA-BACE will continue to serve as the testbed for the G600 cabin well into 2018. Gulfstream anticipates receiving G600 type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2018 with customer deliveries slated for later that year.