Kirkland, WA | May 14, 2018– Innov8 Cabin Solutions (Innov8), a supplier of affordable and flexible cabin upgrade products, and Aero-Dienst, one of the leading full-service providers in European business aviation, announced today that they have entered into an Agreement naming Aero-Dienst as the launch Dealer in Europe for the debut of Innov8’s CABINFLEX (“CFLEX”) Products including its SIMPLICITY, COMMAND and CAST cabin control and entertainment product solutions.

Innov8’s CFLEX Products offer the business aviation sector robust, affordable cabin management and entertainment upgrade solutions that provide customers an exceptional experience in their current aircraft that exceeds current aircraft cabin systems. This is accomplished through adaptable products that address obsolescence issues with existing cabin entertainment and control systems while enabling the latest consumer electronic technologies through state of the art interface, control and communication solutions. Ultimately, these solutions provide an immediate and economical path to a “wireless” cabin entertainment and control for existing business aviation aircraft. All the CFLEX product lines can be installed independently, incrementally or as a full suite depending on the customer budget, timing and needs. The intelligent design of these solutions reduces woodwork, eases installation, and provides customers options to retain the functionality of their existing cabin products as they step their way through an upgrade path.

“Aero-Dienst was the ideal partner for our expansion into Europe given their technical capabilities, platform breadth and confidence to work with us on a much-needed solution for their customers. Our CFLEX products offers immediate and affordable upgrade options that can be accomplished in a way that truly differentiates these solutions versus traditional full cabin systems,’ said Jason Danforth, Business Development Leader for Innov8.

“In order to provide our customers with even better and innovative solutions and opportunities, we expanded our supplier network by gaining Innov8 as a new partner”, says André Ebach, Head of Maintenance at Aero-Dienst, Nuremberg.

• Only 9% of business aviation professionals think the industry is ‘very effective’ at communicating its many benefits
• 55% think the Panama Papers damaged the industry, and just 15% think the sector did a decent job in defending its reputation
• 44% believe individual company brands are hampered by the industry’s poor image
• 65% believe brand is set to become more important in business aviation  

March 22, 2018–A new survey of business aviation professionals ⁽¹⁾ reveals just one in three believes the sector has a positive image, with 64% describing it as either ‘negative’ or ‘neutral’.

The survey was conducted by the international communications agency Citigate Dewe Rogerson, which has a specialist team focusing on the business aviation sector.  The findings from the study are published in a new report entitled ‘The Growing Importance of Branding in Business Aviation’ (to register for a copy of the report click here )

The study also revealed that just 9% of business aviation professionals believe the industry is ‘very effective’ at communicating its many benefits such as its contribution to economic growth and its creation of jobs.

When it comes to the wider mainstream media, two thirds feel the sector only gets media coverage when there has been a crash or scandal.    Indeed 56% of those interviewed feel the recent publication of the Panama Papers had a negative impact on the industry’s image, and just 13% believe the sector did a respectable job in defending its reputation during this period.

In respect of individual organisations working in the business aviation sector, only 11% of those interviewed think companies have been ‘very effective’ in developing their brands.

Some 44% of business aviation professionals interviewed believe companies operating in the sector are hampered by the poor image of the industry, and only 35% think senior management at these organisations take their brands seriously enough.

Phil Anderson, Executive Director, Citigate Dewe Rogerson said: The growth of social media, the digital revolution taking place in the business aviation sector and the huge opportunities presented by the growing number of people using business aircraft for the first time means brand has never been more important.  However, our findings show that many people working in the sector feel it has a negative image in the wider world and it needs to be more proactive in promoting its many benefits for economies and the wider communities.

“The good news is that our research shows there is a growing awareness of the importance of brand in the industry, and a commitment to do more here.”

Over the next three to five years, 34% of business aviation professionals think brand profiles will become ‘much more important’ in the sector, and 31% think their importance will increase ‘slightly’.  In terms of why they believe this, 47% say it’s because competition in the sector will increase, and this is followed by 45% who say it’s because customers and business partners are becoming more demanding and discerning about who they work with or buy from.    Some 38% say it will increase because there will be many new customers coming into the market, and 33% believe companies will need to strengthen their brands to help fend off new entrants to the sector.

Phil Anderson said: “As the industry becomes more focused on the importance of brand, 78% of business aviation professionals we interviewed believe companies in the sector will invest more in their brands over the next three years – with one in five believing there will be a significant increase in the amount spent here.

“This is a positive sign because if the industry and the companies working in it can improve their image, it should help fuel growth, which will benefit everyone.”

“In business aviation, great brand management doesn’t need to be expensive to be effective,”said Philtre Digital MD Richard Thomas. “It just takes the imagination to understand why you are unique and the discipline to consistently articulate that message over and over.”

(To register for a copy of the report click here)

Gogo Reaches Mark in Six Months, Bringing 4G Experience to 35 Popular Business Jet Models

Broomfield, Colorado | March 21, 2018–  It took just six months for Gogo Business Aviation (NASDAQ: GOGO), the leading global provider of broadband connectivity products and services for aviation, to reach a major milestone with the 100^th installation of a Gogo AVANCE^TM L5 system. The install was recently completed by Constant Aviation on an Embraer Legacy 500 for a prestigious mid-west U.S.-based flight department.

More than 275 AVANCE L5 systems have been shipped with hundreds of additional systems on back order and scheduled for delivery in 2018 – highlighting how popular the system has been thus far in the business aviation marketplace. In total, Gogo expects to have approximately 500 installations of the new system by the end of 2018.

AVANCE L5 systems are actively being installed at all MROs and aftermarket OEM service centers. To date, Gogo and its OEM partners and dealers have received type certificate and supplemental type certificate (STC) approvals for AVANCE L5 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) across more than 35 airframes. Gogo and its partners are securing STCs for more than 25 additional airframes in the coming months, meaning AVANCE L5 will be available for installation on more than 55 business jet platforms.

“The demand for AVANCE L5 has been overwhelming,” said Sergio Aguirre, president of Gogo Business Aviation. “The reports we’re receiving from those who are using L5 have been extremely positive and the system is performing as expected. Our mission now is to get our product manufacturing caught up with the demand, and we’re making tremendous progress on that front every day.”

Gogo AVANCE L5 connects to the Gogo Biz 4G network delivering faster speeds and enhanced network capacity enabling activities such as live streaming video and audio, video conferencing, on-demand movies, personal smartphone use, real-time data for cockpit apps, and remote diagnostics and support while in flight.

“Flight departments, passengers and owners appreciate both the value and the enhanced inflight connectivity experience the AVANCE L5 delivers for everyone on board,” said Jay Rizzo, executive vice president of strategic sales at Constant Aviation. “In addition to the installations completed thus far for Gogo, Constant Aviation has more than 50 AVANCE L5 installations scheduled before the end of 2018. We’re pleased to partner with Gogo to help bring this technology to the cabin and improve the quality of air travel through a better inflight Wi-Fi experience.”

Constant Aviation, a premier full-service MRO with a nationwide network, has secured STCs for Gulfstream, Cessna, Embraer and Bombardier airframes.

“The manufacturers, and our dealers and operators saw the value AVANCE L5 could deliver with a proven and reliable network,” Aguirre continued. “We are grateful to the maintenance directors and avionics leads who offered aircraft for the STC process.”

Gogo AVANCE is an innovative software-centric approach that combines Gogo’s advanced hardware and software technology to create a fully integrated, aviation-grade inflight connectivity and entertainment platform. The platform enables connected aviation technologies, services and applications like never before.

Manila | October 26, 2017– Global Jet Capital, a global leader in financial solutions for corporate aircraft, is backing an initiative to raise the profile of business aviation in the Philippines.

The company is sponsoring the launch event of the new Philippine chapter of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) in Manila this week.  The event will be attended by a variety of stakeholders, including government, businesses and the media, and is designed to increase understanding of the benefits of business aviation.

The Philippines has around 250 airports across the country, putting it in the top 25 in the world.¹  In addition, the Philippines’ business aircraft fleet is the sixth largest in the Asia Pacific region, with a third of the fleet either mid-sized or heavy jets.²

Global Jet Capital believes that together, these factors provide a strong base for business aviation to play a key role in supporting the country’s economic growth.  However, in order to maximise the opportunity, it is important that the infrastructure for business aviation is developed across the country.

David Settergren, Sales Director SE Asia for Global Jet Capital, said: “The Philippines hold terrific growth potential for business aviation. When you combine a growing economy and population with a geographically diverse country, the case for business aviation is strong.

“Today there are around 23 medium and 14 long range business aircraft in the Philippine market. We expect that number to grow substantially between now and 2025.  Global Jet Capital is committed to helping Filipino businesses and entrepreneurs finance and lease these important business tools.”

Global Jet Capital is capitalized by three global investment firms – GSO Capital Partners, a Blackstone company in partnership with Franklin Square Capital Partners*; The Carlyle Group; and AE Industrial Partners. In January 2016, Global Jet Capital completed the purchase of GE’s corporate aircraft lease and loan book in the Americas.

Global Jet Capital currently has approximately $2.5 billion in assets under management.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for installation of Honeywell JetWave™ system will provide access to next generation Wi-Fi service on popular business jet

October 12, 2017–Inmarsat (ISAT.L), the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, announced today that its Jet ConneX business aviation inflight Wi-Fi service has received a Supplement Type Certificate (STC) for the popular Gulfstream G550 aircraft.

The certificate, awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), approves Gulfstream G550 business jets to be equipped with the exclusive JetWave™ antenna and terminal, produced by Inmarsat partner Honeywell. The system enables seamless access to Jet ConneX high-speed Wi-Fi across major flight routes and islands off the beaten path, allowing passengers to browse the web, stream live television, video conference and more.

Following more than a year of investment in development and testing, initial installations on G550 aircraft are now underway. Gulfstream, in cooperation with Inmarsat and Honeywell, is currently conducting in-service evaluation and final terminal Type Approval activities. 

Kurt Weidemeyer, Vice President of Business Aviation at Inmarsat, said: “The Gulfstream G550 community has been eagerly awaiting this Jet ConneX installation approvaland has told us about their desire to have a powerful global high-speed Wi-Fi solution for their principals. Many are heavy users of Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband solution and are happy with the service reliability but are now looking to upgrade to a next-generation network that is fast enough to handle the demands of today’s applications.”

Honeywell is the exclusive provider of JetWave™ hardware and played an integral role in supporting the Gulfstream G550 STC.

Warren Nechtman, Vice President of Connected Aircraft Systems at Honeywell, commented: “Honeywell worked closely with Gulfstream to successfully integrate the JetWave™ hardware into the existing G550 architecture. However the real credit goes to the Gulfstream team who worked expeditiously to bring Jet ConneX to their customers. They did it in record time.”

Jet ConneX is the only global, high-speed Wi-Fi option available for business jets today. It offers the same fast and reliable on-board connectivity experience comparable to the mobile broadband services they may receive on the ground. Using Inmarsat’s advanced Ka-band satellite network, Jet ConneX offers data plans up to 15Mbps and consistent global coverage, providing a differentiator to do business whenever and wherever.

• Gogo Vision now standard with UCS 5000 smart cabin system; other enhancements now available

Orlando, FL | April 25, 2016– For movie and TV buffs who want the newest releases and can’t seem to binge enough on their favorite programming, Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO) is making it easier to do so with a number of enhancements to Gogo Vision, business aviation’s leading wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.

Gogo Vision provides a high-quality entertainment experience and minimizes the unpredictability of video and audio streaming costs. Available globally, Gogo Vision delivers the latest releases from Hollywood and approximately 200 on-demand movies and TV shows – along with moving maps, news, flight progress information and destination weather, in addition to file sharing, file transfer and Cabin Management Systems integration. Gogo Vision content is stored on an on-board server and streamed directly to personal electronic devices such as tablets or shown on cabin monitors.

Gogo Vision Enhancements

• Now included as a no-charge upgrade for UCS 5000 systems, for new customers signing up for a monthly subscription.
• Includes predictable monthly subscription set at $525, plus $10 per movie or $6 per TV episode, capped at $895 no matter how many movies or episodes are viewed.
• Automatic content updates are available in a customer’s own hangar and at Gogo Cloud locations in the U.S. and Europe; all required equipment and hardware for in-hangar updates is included at no cost.
• Gogo Vision can now be watched on in-cabin monitors in addition to personal devices such as iPhones, tablets and laptop computers with purchase of a Gogo Video Processor Unit (GVPU).

“There’s a lot of talk about being able to stream movies and TV programs in flight,” said John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager. “Streaming services are great, but if you stream in-flight movies over a live connection from the ground, the cost of all those megabytes can be astronomical. Gogo Vision gives passengers a fantastic, turn-key IFE experience, minus the unpredictable costs.”

• Corporate travel agency Global Crew Logistics helps the world’s largest private jet operators manage and purchase their flight crew members’ repositioning-related travel.

Miami Beach, FL | November 11, 2015– Aviation industry corporate travel management company Global Crew Logistics (GCL) continues to prove its leadership in travel procurement services for unscheduled carrier flight crew repositioning through its expanded global contracts with existing customers NetJets Aviation, Jet Aviation, and ExecuJet/Luxaviation Group. For 30 years, Miami-based Global Crew Logistics has been providing custom travel management services for many of the world’s leading private, fractional, charter, cargo, commercial aviation, jet management and fixed-based operator companies.

Global Crew Scheduling’s new expanded agreements include:

NetJets Aviation
A customer of Global Crew Logistics for its U.S. operations since 2000, fractional operator NetJets, Inc. is the worldwide leader in private aviation with the largest and most diverse jet fleet in the world. This year, NetJets consolidated its worldwide need for travel management services into a single GCL contract.

“Our corporate travel needs are unique,” said NetJets’ Vice President – Global Travel Mark Dropsey. “About 95 percent of our travel is last-minute, crew-centric and could be to or from almost anywhere on the planet. When we decided to consolidate our corporate travel purchasing, we saw GCL as great partner to be our global travel management company. They clearly understand the demands of our business and the importance we place on taking care of our crews. Their custom travel hotel and air programs and their technology have helped us control our travel costs, improve the efficiency of our repositioning and take care of our people no matter where they are or where they’re headed.”

With GCL as its exclusive travel management company, NetJets’ internal travel staff in both the U.S. and Europe can quickly book their crews’ hotel and travel needs using negotiated rates and fares through a customized Sabre interface while relying on GCL for mid-office quality control, ticketing, comprehensive reporting and more.

Luxaviation -CMI Group
Earlier this year, Global Crew Logistics’ client ExecuJet was acquired by Luxembourg-based Luxaviation Group, which is now the second largest corporate aircraft operator in the world, managing more than 250 aircraft and 20 FBO facilities. As a result of GCL’s successful history with ExecuJet, Luxaviation signed with GCL to expand its TMC support to all of Luxaviation’s divisions worldwide. With multi-lingual agents that average more than 12 years of experience, GCL’s call centers in Miami, Uruguay, and Portugal operate 24/7, on-call to help clients like Luxaviation with all of their crew repositioning-related travel needs.

Jet Aviation
General Dynamics subsidiary Jet Aviation, which operates a fleet of more than 250 aircraft, began relying on Global Crew Logistics for its U.S. operations in 2002; this year, it moved worldwide crew travel management to GCL.

“With its 4,500 employees operating across several different business units, we understand how critical it is that Jet Aviation be able to thoroughly analyze its company-wide travel trends and costs,” said Global Crew Logistics Chief Executive Officer Charlie McDonald. “With GCL’s software, Jet Aviation can easily view and sort transactions and reservations by employee; crew member; fleet; aircraft type; cost center; customer; jet owner; location; or any other required business metric.” Reporting includes analysis of cost per mile, average daily rate paid, market share per supplier and more.

New GCL Clients: Western Global, AerLine Holdings, Universal Weather

Global Crew Logistics is also pleased to announce three new customers: Florida-based all-cargo carrier Western Global Airlines LLC; Miami-based aircraft leasing and charter operator AerLine Holdings LLC; and the Houston-based, business aviation trip management company, Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.

• Nodes provide network for digital audio and video distribution in cabin

Redmond, WA | September 28, 2014– Innovative Advantage delivers 1400th Audio Video Distribution System (AVDS) node to Gulfstream. Connected by fiber optic cables – the nodes create a high performance AV backbone for the aircraft. AVDS is standard on Gulfstream G650 and G280 aircraft and optional for the G550 and G450 and the G150.

The AVDS network is fault tolerant, which means critical functionality isn’t impacted by a single point of failure. Innovative Advantage also provides a software tool for Gulfstream to quickly configure the AVDS network and make changes quickly and easily.

“We worked very closely with Gulfstream in the development to deliver the high performance AV network that Gulfstream required for their aircraft,” said Richard Morris, President, Innovative Advantage. “Not only does Gulfstream get the best HD delivery system, they get digital audio and Gigabit Ethernet distributed around the aircraft on fiber. AVDS nodes are small to allow installation flexibility, the fiber optic cabling is light-weight and the in-service reliability has been great.”

AVDS provides High Definition (HD) switching on new aircraft as well as transforming existing cabin management systems (CMS) from Standard Definition to HD. AVDS has found a home on aircraft of all sizes – from the Gulfstream G150 up to the Boeing 747.

• Tail-Mounted Antenna Expands FliteStream Connectivity Market
• More BizAv Aircraft to Benefit from FliteStream’s Patented Technology

East Aurora, NY | October 21, 2014– Astronics Corporation announced that Astronics AeroSat, its wholly-owned subsidiary that designs and manufactures satellite connectivity solutions for aircraft, has launched FliteStream™ T-Series, a satellite broadband solution incorporating a new tail-mounted antenna design. Astronics (NASDAQ: ATRO) is a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries.

FliteStream T-Series, like FliteStream F-Series for VVIP aircraft, is the aviation industry’s first dedicated, global connectivity solution for the worldwide business aviation/corporate jet fleet. Incorporating FliteStream’s patented ‘lens/horn’ technology, which provides the most efficient
Ku-band airborne connectivity available to business aviation, the FliteStream T-Series’ antenna system is ideally suited for specific models of Cessna, Bombardier, Embraer, and Gulfstream aircraft.

“We are excited to extend the benefits of our FliteStream solution to an even greater segment of the long-range business jet market,” said Dennis Ferguson, president of Astronics AeroSat. “Our new tail-mounted antenna, FliteStream T-Series offers exceptional, dedicated connectivity via the global Harris CapRock Ku-band satellite network, while positioning aircraft for upgrades to new airborne telecom technologies as they become available,” he added.

Like all FliteStream solutions, the T-Series is designed for performance, growth and customer convenience. It features AeroSat’s highly efficient, patented antenna technology, a defined upgrade path to Ka-band and a Certification Assistance Program™ that includes a full installation design and STC data package. Worldwide, 24/7 AOG support with a single point of contact is also a well-received feature of the full service solution.

FliteStream T-Series antenna systems will be sold and installed through avionics modification centers and OEM service centers, with deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2015.

• Leading global provider for comprehensive communication services measurably extends Aerosat’s business aviation and VVIP market reach

East Aurora, NY | October 20, 2014– Astronics AeroSat, which designs and manufactures satellite connectivity solutions for aircraft, has signed an agreement with Satcom Direct to offer Astronics Aerosat FliteStream™, the business aviation industry’s dedicated global broadband connectivity solution. Astronics Aerosat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO). Astronics is a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries.

Dennis Ferguson, president of Astronics AeroSat, noted, “Satcom Direct’s leading position in the business aviation and VVIP market and large sales and service network greatly extends the market reach for our FliteStream solution and perfectly complements their capabilities and offerings. We believe our dedicated broadband solution for the business aviation world provides the most robust and predictable connectivity capability for the discerning business and VVIP traveler.”

The FliteStream service is customizable to meet each customer’s needs geographically as well as for bandwidth requirements.

“We are pleased to work with Satcom Direct and believe this relationship will accelerate the opportunities for the business aviation and VVIP markets to experience the unique capabilities of our system.” Mr Ferguson concluded.

• Reaching more than 2,000 business aircraft in less than five years, Gogo Biz is the most rapidly-adopted broadband service in business aviation history

Broomfield, CO | February 13, 2014/PRNewswire/– Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), announces that its business aviation group, Aircell, has now surpassed 2,000 Gogo Biz system installations in the business aviation market. This milestone was reached only four and one half years after the service’s introduction in June 2009, making it the most rapidly-adopted broadband service in business aviation history.

“The business aviation market’s passion for the service continues to exceed our expectations,” said John Wade, Aircell’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “This brings total adoption to more than 4,000 air-to-ground systems in the business aviation and commercial aviation markets.”

Jet Aviation, a member of Aircell’s global dealer network, performed the first Gogo Biz installation in 2009. The launch customer was a corporate aircraft operator based in the Midwest U.S. Blake Hogge, Jet Aviation’s senior manager of Avionics Sales in the U.S., said, “In less than five years, in-flight connectivity has become a “must-have” item – many of our customers won’t fly without it. People love the ability to stay connected and productive while they fly,” he concluded.

June 10, 2013– JETS, the expanding business aviation MRO, owned by the 328 Group, announced today the promotion of Edward Benyon to Sales and Commercial Manager for its Bournemouth and new London Biggin Hill facilities. In his new role he will lead a team of four responsible for building strong relationships with customers and developing future growth strategies and sales opportunities. He will report directly to Managing Director Alan Barnes who recently joined JETS from Inflite at London Stansted.

Edward first joined JETS in 2011 as a Planning Engineer, was quickly promoted to Commercial Officer and most recently became Commercial Manager for JETS Bournemouth. He is an Aeronautical Engineering Graduate and prior to joining JETS was involved in postgraduate research engineering in the state-of-the-art Airbus Noise Technology Centre at Southampton University.

Commenting on his promotion, Edward said: “I am very pleased to be taking on a new and expanded role at JETS. The potential at Biggin Hill is vast and enables JETS to offer high quality engineering to a far broader range of customers. JETS’ strength is its commitment to its customers and the desire to exceed expectations.”

Alan Barnes, JETS Group Managing Director added. “We are delighted to announce Edward’s promotion. He has the perfect mix of technical expertise and business acumen for the new role, and a passion for developing strong customer relationships which will serve us well in growing our MRO facilities.”

In April, 328 Group split its two primary areas of expertise ‘328’ and ‘JETS’ in a move to accommodate its increasing portfolio of interior manufacture and design work and its expansion of maintenance expertise under the JETS brand, following the acquisition of the new maintenance facility at London Biggin Hill Airport.

JETS was established in October 2004, initially to provide MRO services to Hawker 125s. Today it boasts a broad range of engineering capabilities in aircraft maintenance, avionics installation, refurbishment, exterior painting, Part M services and hangarage. Under its EASA Part-145 approvals, JETS carries out scheduled base maintenance and defect rectification, through minor and major modification embodiment to full cabin interior refurbishment in conjunction with its sister company 328 based in Germany, a full EASA Part 21G level 1A (Design) and Part 21J (Manufacture) approved company.