jet charter planes aviation blog

Villa Rental Leader Wimco Introduces World-Class Private Air Charter Service From San Juan to St. Barts for Villa Clients

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 08:10:00 +0000

Private air charter with commensurate services, time savings available from two Caribbean hubs (San Juan and St. Croix) for villa clients bound for St. Barts.

Newport, RI (PRWEB) September 16, 2005 -- Wimco, the Newport, RI, and London-based luxury vacation villa and hotel reservations company, announces that effective November 15, 2005, it will introduce world-class private air charter service from San Juan and St. Croix to St. Barts for its villa clients bound for St. Barts.

"San Juan is the airport of choice from dozens of US gateways," says Janis Gordon, Vice President of Marketing. "By aligning with Tradewind Aviation, LLC we're able to eliminate annoying transfers for our clients by offering non-stop service direct from San Juan to St. Barts and return. For those clients arriving into the Caribbean by private long-haul jet, St. Croix is another airport of choice for the private jet fleet to connect with Tradewind Aviation's service to St. Barts"

Gordon notes that the new service saves just over two hours from door to door because it eliminates lengthy layovers in San Juan before flying to St. Martin, where there are additional layovers and inconveniences before flying to St. Barts. Clients can also pre-clear customs in San Juan.

"In addition to saving time," says Gordon, "the hassle effect is greatly diminished. As a hospitality leader, Wimco is committed to doing whatever we can to make things easier and more pleasurable for our guests. With this service, guests can descend the jet way from their long-haul provider and walk directly to their private charter. All the check-ins, baggage and clearances are taken care of in a seamless and hassle-free serviced transfer."

In either the Cessna Caravan (8 passengers plus luggage, one hour flying time from San Juan to St. Barts, $2400 per plane each way) or the Pilatus (6 passengers plus luggage, 45 minutes flying time from San Juan, $2700 per plane each way) guests enjoy the comforts of ample legroom, leather club seating, on-board DVD player with wireless or personal headphones, laptop power outlets, in-flight phone / data links, and an on-board lavatory.

The aircraft can accommodate such additional items as surfboards and golf clubs as well as the full compliment of luggage.

Air Jamaica Express to shut down

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 08:09:00 +0000

Air Jamaica Express, controlled by Gordon "Butch" Stewart's ATL Group, has announced that it will "suspend" operations on October 14, clearly signalling a permanent shutdown of the domestic carrier.

For the past decade the carrier, which connected Jamaica's domestic aerodromes with scheduled flights, was managed by Air Jamaica, the national carrier, of which the Stewart-led AJAG Group owned 75 per cent.

But AJAG pulled out of Air Jamaica in December, putting it back into full state control, and since then the future of Air Jamaica Express, in which Stewart's organisation owned over 80 per cent, has been questionable.

There were issues of whether the government would take over Express and absorb it within Air Jamaica as an internal and regional feeder carrier, or whether Stewart would run it as stand-alone carrier.

Stewart. major shareholder in Air Jamaica Express

But in a statement on Friday, Air Jamaica Express said its management made the decision to suspend its operations in the face of prevailing market conditions, which point to "diminishing prospects for the viable operation of the airline".

"It is the view of the airline's management that the record high increases in fuel and other operational costs, coupled with ongoing turbulence in the local and global aviation industry, make any further investment in Air Jamaica Express at this time imprudent," the statement said.

Air Jamaica was the only carrier licensed to provide scheduled flights within Jamaica, although other companies offered charter and freight services.
Until recently it also operated flights from Kingston to Cuba, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Jamaica (CAA) said on Friday that no other airline has applied for licence to operate scheduled services at this point.

Minister of Transport and Works Robert Pickersgill was off the island, but Pat Belanfante, Pickersgill's spokesman, said no decisions have been made regarding domestic air services.

"The announcement was made only today (Friday)," Belanfante said.

Bexair plans major expansion announcements at Dubai 2005

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 08:03:00 +0000

BEXAIR, currently supplying a range of aviation services, including executive aircraft charter, says it plans to launch an aircraft financing company at the show and unveil an expansion strategy to include moves into new Middle East terminal operations and specialised cargo and shuttle services.

'The Middle East aviation market is developing quite rapidly, despite regional crises,' said Mansour I. Al-Tassan, Chairman and CEO of BEXAIR, which also operates an office in Saudi Arabia. 'Commercial airlines, high-net-worth individuals and businessmen are all investing in new aircraft. This is a clear indication that the region is expecting tremendous growth in the next 10 years.

'Within the region, the general aviation industry is growing fast. The number of executive aircraft has doubled in the last five years, and will most likely double again in the next five. This kind of growth will put pressure on operators, manufacturers and service providers to create regional alliances.'

And BEXAIR, which claims to currently hold close to 20% of the Middle East's executive charter business, says it will also have three aircraft on static display at Dubai 2005, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 20-24.

'We will have on display a Challenger 604, a Citation Excel and a Citation Bravo,' said Al-Tassan. 'We are also considering participation in the first Middle East Business Aviation conference taking place a day prior to Dubai 2005.'

BEXAIR's expanded participation at Dubai 2005 comes as the Middle East is believed by manufacturers and suppliers alike to be one of the fastest-growing business aviation markets in the world.

'The future of business aviation in the region looks extremely bright,' explained Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Division, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), which organises Dubai 2005. 'The overall aviation industry in the Gulf is booming with some regional airports reporting increased traffic movements of up to 20% over the past year. Airlines though have had a hard time breaking into the private jet business in the past but some are slowing adapting to the changing trends and are tipped in the future to team up with leading charter operators to diversify their services and offer value-added facilities to their premium passengers.'

Business aviation suppliers feature prominently in the Dubai 2005 exhibitor line up which, to date, boasts around 700 companies from 43 countries.

'Alongside BEXAIR, the show will also feature manufacturers such as Bombardier, Gulfstream, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Pilatus Aircraft, ATR and Dassault as well as service providers, TAG Aeronautics, International Air Charter, Royal Jet, Qatar Airways, National Air Services and Pilatus Aircraft,' explained Alison Weller, Project Manager, Dubai 2005.

The Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference is being organised by F&E in conjunction with Abu Dhabi-headquartered international luxury VIP aircraft charter company, Royal Jet. It will be held at Le Meridien Dubai on November 19th.

Dubai 2005 is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in association with the UAE Armed Forces.

Bombardier Learjet 40 Business Jet Winning International Success

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 08:00:00 +0000

Bombardier Aerospace today announced two new international milestones for its light Bombardier Learjet 40 business jet, with a recent first order from an operator based in Saudi Arabia, and the upcoming entry-into-service of the first Learjet 40 aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mohamed Al Harasani, who placed a firm order in mid-July, will use his new jet to develop and expand his architectural business in Saudi Arabia, flying mostly throughout the region including trips into the Mediterranean area.

"My business has grown to where it did not make sense to continue flying charter," he observed. "I need my own business jet and, after a thorough examination, it became clear the Learjet 40 delivers the ideal combination of performance, range and cabin." Bombardier is scheduled to deliver the aircraft to the Jeddah-based operator in summer 2006.

Subic Air Charter of Manila, a long time Learjet aircraft operator, will soon become the first model 40 customer in Asia-Pacific. "We believe the exceptional value, performance and versatility of the Learjet 40 make it well-suited for both local and regional missions," noted

Jose Alvarez, president, Subic International Air Charter Inc. "The Learjet 40 will complement our fleet very well - we can't wait to begin flying it." Subic International Air Charter Inc. currently operates five Learjet aircraft including a super light Learjet 45 and a midsize Learjet 60. Bombardier is on schedule to deliver Subic's new aircraft in autumn 2005.

The Learjet 40 aircraft is earning a reputation worldwide as the industry's premium light jet. It can operate at altitudes up to 51,000 feet (15,545 m). With full fuel and a maximum payload, it can fly up to 1,824 nautical miles (3,387 km), and leads its class in payload-range capability for all missions with payloads greater than 1,000 pounds (454 kg). The new jet's 368-cubic-feet cabin (10.42-cu-m) is at least 20 per cent larger than the competition.

First delivery occurred in January 2004 and, as of July 31, 2005 a total of 27 Learjet 40 aircraft had been delivered to traditional customers, Bombardier Flexjet owners and charter operators.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2005, were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier, Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 60 and Bombardier Flexjet are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Learjet crash in US may provide clues to Greek air disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 07:59:00 +0000

The 1999 crash of a Learjet after it flew halfway across the United States on autopilot may help investigators understand what happened to the Cypriot airliner that crashed Sunday into a hillside in suburban Athens.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigated the 1999 crash, concluded that crew members were incapacitated because they didn’t obtain oxygen when the cabin lost pressure. That crash killed golfer Payne Stewart and five others on board the chartered jet.

Jim Hall, who was NTSB chairman at the time, likened the crash of the Learjet 35 to the crash of the Helios Airways Boeing 737-300 that killed all 121 aboard.

“It’s very similar to the Payne Stewart crash,” Hall said.

Early reports indicated the Boeing jetliner suddenly decompressed at a high altitude. Temperatures and oxygen levels would have plummeted and left everyone aboard unconscious and freezing as the plane flew on autopilot long before it crashed, experts said Monday.

Hall said investigators would want to know whether the pilots put their oxygen masks on quickly enough and whether the oxygen in the cockpit failed.

“The accident did not have to occur,” Hall said. “It has to be either a training or an equipment issue.”

The NTSB’s Robert Benzon, who headed the investigation into the Stewart crash, led a team of three other NTSB investigators who arrived in Athens on Monday to help find out what caused the Helios Airways accident, the worst in Greek history.

If there was a sudden loss of cabin pressure, aviation experts said they couldn’t understand why the pilots and flight attendants didn’t react the way they were trained to.

“It’s odd,” said Terry McVenes, executive air safety chairman for the Air Line Pilots Association, International. “It’s a very rare event to even have a pressurization problem, and in general crews are very well trained to deal with it.”

When the aircraft flew into Greek airspace, Greek air traffic controllers couldn’t raise the pilots on the radio and fighter jets intercepted the plane, flying at 34,000 feet (10,300 meters).

The fighter pilots saw that the airline pilot wasn’t in the cockpit, the co-pilot was slumped over his seat and oxygen masks dangled, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said. He said the air force pilots also saw two people possibly trying to take control of the plane.

It is that sequence of events that puzzles aviation experts.

Warnings should go off if an airliner suddenly loses pressure, and pilots are trained to immediately put their oxygen masks on and dive to about 12,000 feet (3,700 meters), where there’s enough oxygen for people to breathe, they say.

Paul Czysz, emeritus professor of aerospace engineering at St. Louis University, questions the decompression theory because people apparently were trying to fly the plane and the co-pilot was slumped over.

“He couldn’t have been unconscious for a small decompression at 34,000 feet,” Czysz said. “Something’s amiss.”

The pilot and the co-pilot would have had far more oxygen than the passengers, who have about 15 minutes, he said.

The chief Athens coroner, though, said at least six of the victims were alive when the plane plunged into the ground. But he couldn’t determine whether they were conscious.

The fighter pilots also didn’t report any windows out or holes in the fuselage, the most likely causes of a catastrophic loss of pressure, said Bill Waldock, an aviation safety professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona.

Another clue to a sudden pressure loss would have been frost on the windows because it’s so cold at 34,000 feet, said Waldock.

If the fighter pilots could see into the cockpit, the windows couldn’t have been iced over, as they were in the Learjet 35 crash that killed Stewart, he said.

John Nance, a pilot and broadcast aviation analyst, noted that the Stewart accident prompted the NTSB to warn about a problem that could have caused the Helios crash.

“They were discovering a disturbing number of times in which the crew got myopically focused on trying to solve a deteriorating problem and reacted too slowly in putting on their oxygen masks,” Nance said. “A minor problem becomes a blowout.”

The Helios pilots may have been trying to fix the air conditioning - a problem they’d reported in Cyprus airspace - and gotten quickly disoriented without sufficient oxygen, he said.

“You just drift off, and you don’t know anything is wrong,” Nance said.

Another possibility, he said, was that the co-pilot wasn’t getting any oxygen and the pilot crawled behind his seat to try to fix the valve. That’s why the fighter pilots wouldn’t have seen him in his seat, Nance said.

Gulfstream Offers 46 Stakes Worth More Than $8 million in 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 07:49:00 +0000

Gulfstream Park will present 46 stakes races worth $8,045,000 during its 87-day meet in 2006, track officials announced. Thirty-one stakes will carry graded status, including the track's signature race, the $1 million Florida Derby (gr. I) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8-mile April 1.

As in 2005, the stakes agenda is built around four "Spectacular Saturday" cards, which will feature multiple graded stakes events on the same program, including a seven-stakes day as part of Spectacular Saturday IV on Florida Derby day.

Leading to the Florida Derby will be a progression of stakes specifically designed for 3-year-olds in pursuit of the Triple Crown races. The $125,000 Aventura Stakes starts the program at one mile Jan. 7, followed by the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) at 7-1/2 furlongs and the co-featured $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) at 1 1/8-mile Feb. 4. The $300,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) at 1 1/8-mile is set for March 5, as is the $150,000 Swale Stakes (gr. II) at seven furlongs.

The fourth annual Sunshine Millions, which pits Florida-breds against their California counterparts in a one-day series of races at Gulfstream and Santa Anita Park, will be held Jan. 28.

Gulfstream will host the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Distaff, $500,000 Sunshine Millions Turf, $300,000 Sunshine Millions Sprint, and $250,000 Sunshine Millions Oaks.

"The Gulfstream stakes schedule offers outstanding opportunities in every division," said Scott Savin, Gulfstream president and general manager, "and the Spectacular Saturday concept guarantees that we'll have several tremendous event days during the meet. We're very excited about the upcoming season."

Alaska Airlines and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 07:48:00 +0000

Alaska Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) today jointly announced a second tentative agreement on a new four-year contract for the airline's 700 aircraft technicians.

Terms of the agreement are being withheld pending a ratification vote by union members. The ratification process is expected to begin within the next two weeks.

"We are presenting, for our membership's consideration, a contract that provides job security language and wage increases that are unique in the current industry environment," said Louie Key, AMFA Region 1 Director.

"We appreciate the patience of our aircraft technicians as we have progressed through the negotiation and agreement process. Our technicians have remained focused and professional, and we're happy that the result of bargaining is this long-term, market-based agreement which includes job security," said Alaska's CEO Bill Ayer.

AMFA's craft union represents aircraft maintenance technicians and related support personnel at Alaska Airlines, ATA, Horizon Air, Independence Airlines, Mesaba Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. AMFA's credo is "Safety in the air begins with quality maintenance on the ground." To learn more about AMFA, visit http://www.amfanatl.org/.

Alaska Airlines and sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve more than 80 cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. For reservations visit http://www.alaskaair.com/. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air newsroom at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com/.

Emirates’ 80th aircraft joins rapidly-expanding fleet

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 07:46:00 +0000

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines – Emirates – saw its fleet touch the eighty-mark with the arrival of a new Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range).

The aircraft is Emirates’ fifth Boeing 777-300ER from a total of 30 that the airline has on firm order. The remaining 25 Boeing 777-300ER will be added to the airline’s rapidly-expanding fleet by end 2007.

The wide-bodied, twin-aisle aircraft dubbed as one of the most advanced aircraft in the sky has been specially equipped to Emirates’ demanding standards. Its innovative on-board features include mood-lighting that helps reset body clocks and minimizes jetlag; Emirates’ Information, Communication and Entertainment (ICE) system which offers over 500 channels of video, audio and games on demand; noise cancellation headsets; SMS and e-mail from one’s seat and in-seat five-zone massage system.

Ideal for long-haul routes, the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft – sporting a 12 metres long Emirates logo on its underside - is currently operated on services from Dubai to Manila, and Dubai to Sydney and Auckland, via Bangkok. Later this year the aircraft will be introduced on routes to London Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Johannesburg and Düsseldorf.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Starting with just two leased aircraft – a Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4 – Emirates has grown at a blistering pace, increasing its fleet to 80 aircraft in almost 20 years. Today Emirates operates one of the most modern fleets in the world, with an average aircraft age of only 55 months.”

“Intense demand for the airline’s services prompted Emirates to embark on an ambitious US$ 30 billion fleet expansion.” added Mr Clark. “We plan to introduce 21 new aircraft, adding more than one aircraft every month to our fleet, from now until the end of 2006.”

The Emirates fleet is forecasted to touch the 100-mark, thereby entering into triple digits for the very first time by end 2006.

Emirates’ impressive order book worth almost US$30 billion in list prices consists of orders for 93 aircraft including 45 Airbus A380s (two of them freighters), 25 Boeing 777-300ERs, 20 Airbus A340-600 HGWs, one A340-500 and two A310-300F freighters.

Car Rental at Airports

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 18:04:00 +0000

Okey so you get of your plane (a private maybe :) ) and there you are at LAX and there is noone waiting for you... So how to get around ? Have a look at this great page of yours a directory of Airport and Car Rental related topics are featured there.

Go Check them out this is really a good source looing for Airport Car Rental.

The Silent Aircraft Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 06:57:00 +0000

Could there really be such a thing as a silent plane? The Silent Aircraft Initiative, a joint project between Cambridge and MIT is working on a plane so quiet that it can’t really be heard beyond the airport. The prototype should be ready by 2025. The strange-looking windowless plane will have room for 250 passengers. The aircraft would use video cameras and view screens to allow passengers to look outside without having to use windows. The three-year project has already gathered input from such manufacturers as Boeing and Rolls-Royce and airlines including British Airways.

Gulfstream G150 Test Flights

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:47:00 +0000

More news on the eagerly anticipated Gulfstream G150. Aero-News reports that a second Gulfstream G150 has been pressed into action for test flights, two weeks ahead of schedule. The G150 business jet is still expected to be in service during the third quarter of 2006. The second production G150 completed its first flight Sept. 2 in Tel Aviv, Israel , flying 5 hours, 30 minutes. The first G150 flight-test aircraft has flown around 70 flights. Gulfstream and Israel Aircraft Industries are developing the wide-cabin business jet. Certification is expected in the first quarter of next year and Gulfstream is currently displaying a true-to-size replica of the G150 cabin and cockpit at various cities throughout the United States. There is also a virtual tour up on the Gulfsteam G150 website.

Angel Flight America Helps With Hurricane Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:46:00 +0000

Private pilots are doing their part for Hurricane Katrina relief. Angel Flight America’s (AFA) disaster response mission coordination operation has been working hard to help people in the Gulf region. The AFA leader Butch Smith reports that they have already run over a thousand missions helping to reunite families and relocate people from flooded areas. Angel Flight America is a national organization that often helps children and adults in need access life-saving medical care but currently they are turning their efforts toward helping hurricane relief. WIth the high price of gas, the pilots need all the help they can get so they are accepting donations at the Angel Flight website.

New Mexico Gets A Spaceport

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sat, 10 Sep 2005 11:07:00 +0000

New Mexico’s governor, Bill Richardson, is set to announce the inaugural launch in a series of space launches to occur at the State’s new Southwest Regional Spaceport. On March 27, 2006, UP Aerospace will launch its SpaceLoft rocket on a sub-orbital flight from the New Mexico Spaceport. The flight will carry seven experimental and commercial payloads for a variety of scholastic and business entities. UP Aerospace will be able to launch up to 30 space launches per year from New Mexico’s Spaceport. This isn’t a spaceport for tourism, UP Aerospace concentrates on three markets, businesses that require economical testing of space-flight hardware, scientific analysis of the earth and in-space phenomena, and research. They plan to eventually have college students be able to conduct science on a space-flying rocket.

Jet Concierge

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Sat, 10 Sep 2005 11:05:00 +0000

Another entry into the private jet travel market, Jet Concierge uses a system that is essentially like a debit card for flying. You join their club and then the cost of flights are deducted from your account. Memberships start at $100,000 and can be paid quarterly. Flights can be either one-way or round-trip on light-, mid-size- or large-cabin jets with no charge for repositioning aircraft, guaranteed rates and aircraft and no added charges for fuel service, standard catering or ground transportation. There is a dispatch team that is available 24/7 to arrrange aircraft and confirm availability. Once a quote is given an approved the cost of the flight is taken out of your account. They also pick you up at your house and take you to the airport for a seamless experience.

Air Ambulance , ambulance , aircraft , jet

Air China buys more medium-size

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 11:55:00 +0000

Air China Ltd, China’s biggest international carrier, said it’s likely to buy more medium-size aircraft for regional and domestic routes when it upgrades and expands its fleet, eschewing the 555-seat A380 made by Airbus SAS.

“Over the next few years, we will focus on either planes with about 250 seats or those with less than 200 seats,” said the Beijing-based airline’s president Ma Xulun, at a press conference on Tuesday in Hong Kong. “Right now we have no concrete plans to buy the A380 but if there is demand, we may reconsider.”

Ma’s comment is a blow for Toulouse, France-based Airbus, which is counting on China’s second-biggest carrier by fleet to buy the A380 aircraft and catch up with Boeing Co.

Air China has about 160 aircraft in its fleet. The company signed a $2 billion order this year for 15 Boeing 787 aircraft and placed a $2.9 billion order for 20 Airbus A330-200 planes.

Chinese state-controlled airlines have been the world’s biggest buyers of aircraft this year, ordering 165 planes valued at $17 billion from Airbus and Chicago-based Boeing. More than 64% of the aircraft ordered this year were Boeing models.

Airbus is counting on China’s demand to maintain its global lead in deliveries over Boeing.

Airbus is in talks to sell the A380 planes to Chinese airlines including Air China, China Eastern Airlines Corp and Hainan Airlines Co, the plane maker’s executive vice president of government relations Philippe Delmas said on June 16.

The A380, with a catalog price of $280 million each, will surpass Boeing’s 747 as the world’s largest commercial plane when it enters service next year.

Air Ambulance

emergency-medical-technicians

Katrina survivors touch down in San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 05:58:00 +0000

"Goodbye to Louisiana!" shouted a passenger on a most remarkable flight Sunday, as cheers filled the cabin of a chartered 737 jet lifting off from Baton Rouge, La.

When the plane touched down at 4:55 p.m. at San Diego's Lindbergh Field, another cheer filled the plane.

This remarkable journey of 82 beleaguered survivors of Hurricane Katrina out of Louisiana shelters and into a warmly welcoming San Diego was made possible by San Diego businessman David Perez.

The oil exploration company executive paid an estimated $250,000 of his own money to bypass professional relief operations whose slow pace propelled him into action.

A week earlier, the families flown west by Perez were bracing for the onslaught of a Category 5 hurricane. Some evacuated New Orleans before the devastating storm hit; others hunkered down and endured days of torturous conditions, without food and drinkable water, in a city brutalized by the most destructive natural disaster in the nation's history.

But Sunday, 82 emotionally exhausted men, women and children left Louisiana on a jet chartered by Perez for what they hoped would be safe harbor and better conditions in San Diego County.

"This is your new home, ladies and gentlemen!" Perez shouted in a hoarsening voice as the plane made its quick descent over Balboa Park. "This is America's Finest City, its cleanest city, its most beautiful city, and it's all yours!" Again, cheers, and not a few tears.

Painful memories

The hurricane survivors disembarked to a throng of news cameras, San Diego politicians and emergency planners and Red Cross officials. Some wept as they slowly walked across the runway to three yellow school buses that would take them to Kearny High School in San Diego. The local Red Cross chapter had hastily opened a shelter there, when they realized Perez was serious about the plan he hatched just last Thursday to bring hurricane refugees from New Orleans to San Diego.

Perez selected Leo Baker to be the first off the plane on Sunday afternoon. That morning, Baker was the first to take the leap of faith to follow this wild-eyed stranger from San Diego out of an overcrowded Baton Rouge shelter and into the unknown.

"I was kind of nervous," the 35-year-old mortician said. "But I wanted to make a better life. I have nothing. I'm ready to start my life over. New Orleans is not a place I want to go back to."

Baker's recent memories of his hometown brought his voice to a whisper, his eyes far away. Late work the night before Katrina hit prevented him from escaping the "growling" hurricane winds the next morning. For four days, he waited atop a rooftop as floodwaters swamped the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. He watched his neighbors try to escape by floating on tires, and dove after a drowning baby that disappeared into the revolting black water. He said he helped 15 people make it through the water to safety. At one point, he said he faced off with an alligator exploring its newly expanded territory, and tied a tourniquet around a friend's finger after a water moccasin snake attacked.

"I could have lost my life if I didn't know how to swim," he said.

A torn up city

Many on board the plane shared similar stories. Others evacuated just before Katrina struck. All rattled off lists of relatives whom they were seeking. Anthony Powell, a 31-year-old warehouse worker who came with his wife, Denise, and young sons Jordan and Dikiron, left behind four daughters in Kenner, La., when he jumped at the chance to start anew in San Diego.

"We wanted a new start," he said, 1-year-old Jordan bouncing on his knee as their bus followed a police escort to Kearny High School. "We didn't know how long it would be before they fixed up our city of New Orleans. It's tore up! There's not a business running!"

His wife shuddered thinking of the terrifying tide of corpses floating in the flood. "I couldn't go back to that," Denise Powell said. "Some of them could be my family."

A difficult decision

That very fear kept one woman from taking Perez up on his offer of escape.

Joyce Harris-Stewart's son Billy Harris was shot to death on Aug. 25, three days before the hurricane hit. On Sunday morning, Harris-Stewart sat on a cot in a Baton Rouge shelter, sobbing.

"I have a kid I don't even know where his body is," she cried in a broken voice. Though Harris-Stewart escaped on a makeshift raft after a grueling three days on her rooftop, she couldn't leave Louisiana while her boy's body was unaccounted for.

The painful decision to stay or to join Perez's exodus tormented several people at the Baton Rouge shelters Perez visited on Sunday, bringing along reporters from the North County Times, 10News-KGTV and KOGO radio.

David Deculim, a 51-year-old Navy veteran, thanked Perez for his generous offer, but declined.

"I appreciate everything you've done, but it was an act of God that brought us here to Miracle Place Church, and I'm not deviating from God's plan," he said. More than 30 family members applauded and didn't sign up for San Diego.

But it wasn't for lack of salesmanship. As groups circled around him, Perez offered the refugees housing ---- even saying "I've got five-star hotels willing to absorb you guys." He offered them jobs: "San Diego has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Yes, we have jobs in San Diego." He offered them time: "If it takes a few months to get you jobs and back on your feet, I guarantee it; our community will not let you down."

Details, details

The refugees ---- mostly black, but some whites and three large extended Filipino families ---- will stay at the shelter at Kearny High School while the Red Cross determines their immediate needs and connects them with other agencies to provide longer-term help.

Perez spent four days almost constantly talking or text-messaging on his Blackberry, buying supplies, negotiating with relief agency bureaucrats and profusely thanking a growing cadre of contributors.

His efforts began while still in San Diego on Thursday morning, and continued as he chartered a private seven-seat Learjet to fly to Baton Rouge in search of survivors. By Sunday evening, he was back, with another chartered plane ---- this time a 737 ---- with 82 people embarking on a new life.

During those four days Perez barely ate and slept, and worked through Saturday night to make sure his flight home to San Diego received a flight plan, necessary approvals and most importantly, passengers. No detail was too small for Perez: when he learned Sunday afternoon that most of his passengers had never flown before, he took 10 minutes on the tarmac to describe over the intercom how to use the Miami Air plane's bathroom without locking oneself in and where to find the paper towels.

A brand-new life

Perez wrapped up another intercom soliloquy on the pleasures of flying by saying the year-old plane was "brand-new."

"They took this out of the gate for you," he said. "I hope that everything from now on in your life is new, useful and good. You deserve it."

A pair of flight attendants stepped into the galley, hiding their tears as Perez told the group in his own choking voice, "I thank God for the strength and blessing to bring all of you to a better place."

His words were greeted with cheers.

Moments before landing, Perez said he would measure success for his mission by "just one life."

"If I can save just one life, isn't that worth a quarter of a million dollars?" he said. "For a quarter of a million dollars, I saved 80 people."

Bombardier Learjet 40 Business Jet Winning International Success

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 05:46:00 +0000

Bombardier Sells Second Learjet 45 XR to Global Wings-Fourth Bombardier Business Jet Sold in Asia in Past Four Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 05:45:00 +0000

Bombardier Aerospace today reaffirmed the growing Asian demand for its business aircraft - and the sustained popularity of the Bombardier Learjet family in particular - by announcing that Global Wings, Inc., of Tokyo has placed a firm order for a new Bombardier Learjet 45 XR business jet.

This new sale, combined with recent orders for an additional three Bombardier business aircraft placed by Asian operators, reflects Bombardier's strengthening leadership in the region. The actual list price of these four transactions, combined, is valued at over U.S. $80 million.

One of Japan's most progressive operators, Global Wings, Inc. is also the first civil operator to benefit from Civil Aviation Administration of China certification of the Learjet 45 XR aircraft, awarded in January 2005. This enabled Global Wings to base its first Learjet 45 XR jet in Beijing and begin exclusive, non-stop executive charter service between China and Japan - the first time such a service had been made available between the two countries using a light business jet. Global Wings' second Learjet 45 XR aircraft will be based in Osaka, Japan, to increase the flexibility and reach of their exclusive charter program.

"The outstanding range and superior performance of our first Learjet 45 XR inspired us to buy this second aircraft," stated Tak Masamura, president and chief executive officer, Global Wings, Inc. "These two aircraft form the base of our charter fleet and will be ideally located to fly our customers with ease and comfort to both established business centres and remote regions across northern Asia."

Surging interest in entire Bombardier business jet family

This announcement, made on the opening day of the first-ever Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE), follows a series of recent Bombardier business aircraft sales in the Asia-Pacific region:

- A Bombardier Learjet 45 XR aircraft was ordered in July 2005 by Philippines-based Subic International Air Charter Inc. The aircraft will support Subic's growing domestic charter requirements.

- A Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet was selected by an East Asian-based operator. The aircraft will be managed by My-Aviation Corp, through facilities in Taiwan and mainland China.

- A Bombardier Global Express XRS aircraft was selected by a South Asian-based customer for its superior cabin features, level of comfort and outstanding range. It will be used for intercontinental missions to the United States, Australia and Europe.

"Asian customers are showing a strong preference for the entire line of Bombardier business jets, from the high performance Learjet and widebody Challenger to the ultra long-range Global family, and it is clear that Bombardier business aircraft are the brand to beat while setting the standard for corporate aviation in Asia," noted David Dixon, regional vice-president, sales, Asia-Pacific, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

Inspired by 40 years of Learjet history, the powerful and proven super-light Bombardier Learjet 45 XR flies faster, farther, carrying more passengers, than any aircraft in its class. With superior hot and high performance, the Learjet 45 XR is certified to fly up to 51,000 feet (15,545 m), above traffic congestion and inclement weather common to the region. The eight-passenger cabin also offers unprecedented seating comfort.

The Bombardier Challenger 300, the industry's first true super-midsize business jet, combines long-range cruise speed with a full eight-passenger cabin. This impressive jet, which entered service in January 2004, can fly Shanghai-Jakarta and Taipei-Delhi non-stop with a full payload.

The Bombardier Global Express is the definitive ultra long-range business jet, connecting Beijing-Montreal and Singapore-Berlin non-stop. Customer deliveries of the Global Express XRS are scheduled to begin in the first quarter 2006, offering even more range at higher speed. Bombardier will soon deliver the 150th Global jet into corporate service.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2005, were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

GULFSTREAM G550 FLIES FROM NEWARK TO TEL AVIV, ESTABLISHING ITS 15TH CITY-PAIR SPEED RECORD

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 05:41:00 +0000

The ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 has set another city-pair speed record – this time between Newark , N.J. , and Tel Aviv, Israel . The G550 flew the 5,031-nautical-mile route in 9 hours and 52 minutes, thereby establishing its 15 th city-pair speed record since it first entered service nearly two years ago. Gulfstream is awaiting official recognition of this city-pair speed record by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).

The G550 took off from Newark International Airport at 8:16 p.m. local time on Aug. 28. It flew 5,031 nautical miles at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.86, landing 9 hours, 52 minutes later at 1:08 p.m. local time on Aug. 29 at Ben Gurion Airport .

“This new speed record demonstrates the G550’s exceptional range and performance, which have become the hallmark of this outstanding business jet,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “But there’s even more to this plane than reliability and performance. While the pilots were flying for a new city-pair speed record, the passengers remained productive, conducting business as they would at their place of business.”

In addition to face-to-face and telephone communication, in-flight G550 passengers also can send and receive e-mail, monitor the stock market , surf the Internet or perform any other Web-based task, at the same speed found in most corporate offices through Gulfstream’s ultra-high-speed Broad Band Multi-Link™ (BBML) service. Gulfstream is the only manufacturer that exclusively builds business jets to offer this service, which is 10 times faster than the most widely used in-flight, high-speed data service. While the service is not available over the North Atlantic region until the first quarter of next year, the BBML system is fully operational over North America and will become fully operational over Europe and the Middle East before the end of this year.

Gulfstream Senior International Captain Hank Gibson served as pilot-in-command and International Captain Tony Briotta served as second-in-command. Also onboard were Carl Schomberg, production test pilot, who served as first officer, Gulfstream Chief Flight Attendant Sally Greer and five passengers.

Today, there are 59 aircraft that comprise the in-service G550 fleet, which collectively have flown more than 25,000 flight hours and completed some 10,000 takeoffs and landings.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Flying farther than any other business-jet aircraft in its class, the G550 can accommodate up to 19 passengers, fly at a maximum speed of 0.885 Mach and cruise at a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. With a 100 percent fresh air system, maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet and 14 signature oval windows that allow for ample natural lighting, the G550 cabin maximizes passenger comfort while decreasing the effects of travel fatigue and jet lag.

The Gulfstream G550 features the PlaneView™ cockpit - the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation. With its unique blending of state-of-the-art technology and simplicity in presentation, PlaneView ensures pilots can access all flight-essential information from a single source. With PlaneView, functions including, navigation, communication and aircraft system status can be accessed easily via Gulfstream's signature Cursor Control Device.

The G550 also includes the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS), which enables flight crews to see runway markings, taxiways, adjacent roads and surrounding areas in conditions of limited visibility. The system also helps crews avoid runway incursion and hazards that would otherwise not be easily visible. By incorporating the most advanced computer software, hardware and display technologies available and marrying them with the latest in infrared camera technology, the G550 PlaneView cockpit reduces pilot workload while increasing safety.

The G550 was developed concurrently with its sister ship, the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G500. With their unique performance and price points, the two aircraft meet different air transportation needs. Both G550 and G500 aircraft, as well as the long-range G450 and the mid-range G350, feature the PlaneView flight deck. As a result, all four aircraft share the same pilot type rating as that of the Gulfstream V (GV), with minimal differences in training. Customers who operate fleets with two or more of these Gulfstream aircraft will appreciate the cost savings that can be generated in terms of pilot, crew and maintenance training as well as reduced parts inventory.

In early 2004, the National Aeronautic Association selected the G550 development team as the 2003 recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy for its work on the G550 business jet. The trophy citation reads, "The development of the G550 reflects Gulfstream's ongoing commitment to designing, testing and building innovative aircraft that offer measurable safety enhancements and practical, applicable and useful advances in aerospace technology."

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation , a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,500 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100 ™; the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150 ™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 ™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350 ™; the large-cabin, long-range G450 ™; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500 ™ and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 ™. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales ®. The company employs more than 7,200 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church , Virginia , employs approximately 70,800 people worldwide and had 2004 revenue of $19.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.

CURSOR CONTROL DEVICE IS ADDED TO GULFSTREAM G150 COCKPIT

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 05:40:00 +0000


Popularity of Gulfstream-developed Device in Gulfstream’s Large-Cabin Business Jets Spurred G150 Cockpit Enhancement

/noticias.info/ SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug. 30, 2005 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced it has included a pilot and copilot cursor control device as standard equipment in its newest business jet, the Gulfstream G150, which is scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2006.
Gulfstream designed and developed this signature Gulfstream Cursor Control Device (CCD) during the development of the ultra-long-range G550. An integrated feature of the PlaneView® flight deck, the CCD is standard equipment on all of Gulfstream’s large-cabin aircraft – the G550, G500, G450 and G350.

“Due to overwhelmingly positive pilot response to the CCDs in our large-cabin business jets, it was only logical to add this feature in our newest airplane,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, program, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “Our first true mid-size business jet, the G150 has been designed in Gulfstream’s tradition of excellence. We continue to look for new ways to incorporate technological advancements to our cockpits that reduce pilot workload, while enhancing safety.”

Gulfstream and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) are developing the wide-cabin, high-speed G150. It is being built through its Certificate of Airworthiness at IAI’s facility in Tel Aviv, and then flown to Gulfstream’s Dallas completions facility for its final phase of manufacturing.

Nearly identical to the CCDs in the cockpits of Gulfstream’s large-cabin aircraft, the two G150 CCDs are mounted on the cockpit sidewall – one on the left side and the other on the right side – at natural hand-resting locations for ease of use by the pilot and copilot.

The G150’s CCDs are fully integrated with the Rockwell Collins Proline 21 advanced avionics suite. Without looking down or leaning forward, flight crews can access the functionality of the two Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and the two Multi-functional Displays (MFDs) by using the CCD’s point-and-click, scrolling and push-button operations.

On the Primary Flight Displays, flight crews can control avionics and access traffic and weather overlays, map ranges and on-screen menus via the CCD. On the Multi-functional Displays, they can use the CCD to control menu functions, traffic and map overlays, and waypoint designators. Both CCDs include a push-to-talk button that enables pilots and copilots to talk with air traffic controllers, cabin crew or guests in the cabin when requested.

To further reduce pilot workload, the CCD is integrated with many of the G150’s optional flight deck enhancements. For instance, crews can pull up an approach chart with a single touch, they can zoom in and even change the chart’s orientation. Crews can also access checklists and operate the 3-D Flight Management System (FMS) displays as well.

In addition to cockpit enhancements, the G150 features an entirely new cabin design. Compared to the mid-cabin, high-speed G100, the G150 cabin is a full foot wider and two inches higher, resulting in a cabin that has 25 percent more volume. Passengers will appreciate the spacious cabin, designed and outfitted by the same team of professionals who design and install high-quality interiors for the entire fleet of Gulfstream business jets.

To offer customers a better look at the G150, Gulfstream developed a true-to-size replica of the G150 cabin and cockpit that is currently being displayed in cities throughout the United States.

On May 3, the first G150 successfully completed its first flight. The G150 remains on schedule for type certification in the first quarter of next year.

For photos and more information on the G150, go to www.gulfstreamg150.com.

High-Speed, Gulfstream Style

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 05:38:00 +0000

The majority of production aircraft will never set a record of any kind but Gulfstream's flagship G550 already has 15 speed records to its credit after only a couple of years on the market. The ultra-long-range bizjet went from Newark to Tel Aviv, a distance of 5,031 NM in nine hours and 52 minutes, which looks like an average speed of 510 knots (or Mach .86, according to Gulfstream). However, this was no stripped down, race-ready version of the G. Although the pilots were going for a record, the company said it was a passenger-carrying flight and the five passengers on board went about their business as normal. It's not just the plane that can hit the high Mach numbers. The on-board Internet service, called Broad Band Multi-Link allows passengers to email, surf and perform any other Web-based function at 10 times the speed of other systems, according to Gulfstream President Bryan Moss. The Internet service is so far available only on North American flights but Europe and the Middle East will be added next year.

Delta AirElite Partners With Enterprise

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 11:50:00 +0000

Picture this, you step out of a your private jet and into your Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Sound a bit strange? Delta AirElite has partnered up with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to offer benefits to Delta AirElite customers. Customers will receive “wing-to-wheel” service with free vehicle delivery and pick-up, preferred rates, and upgrades from Premium class (Pontiac Bonneville, Buick LeSabre or similar) to Luxury Class (Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Towncar or similar). Brilliant synergy or just the only way to get private jet customers into an Enterprise Rent-A-Car?

Stumpf Balloons

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 11:50:00 +0000

I’ve covered a lot of used planes on this site but if you are craving a different kind of air transport then Stumpf Balloons may be the place for you. They sell all sort of supplies for the hot air balloonist including baskets, ropes and helium tanks. They also sell used hot air balloons. The Aerostar S50A shown here has only 36 hours of flight time on it and sells for $11,850. What better way to enjoy late summer than floating leisurely along in your own balloon.

GULFSTREAM DELIVERS FIRST G200 IN CANADA

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 12:09:00 +0000

Canadian Business Jet Management Company, Partner Jet, To Operate the Large-Cabin, Mid-Range Jet

SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug. 24, 2005 - Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), delivered its first G200 business jet in Canada last week. Partner Jet, a Toronto-based aviation management company, will manage and maintain the aircraft, as well as arrange charter flights.
“With the G200’s range, passengers can fly nonstop from Halifax to Vancouver, from Toronto to London, England, or anywhere in the continental United States,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “Partner Jet customers who fly on the G200 will appreciate its spacious cabin, which is the largest in its class of business jets. The cabin height allows most people to easily walk through the cabin.”

Currently, 108 aircraft comprise the G200 in-service fleet, which have flown more than 112,000 flight hours and completed some 70,000 landings.

FIRST GULFSTREAM G450 TO BE OPERATED IN ASIA

noreply@blogger.com (Aircraft Charter Network) — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 12:09:00 +0000

SAVANNAH, Ga., August 9, 2005 - When the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 business jet is delivered next month to its owner, Speed Jet Chartered, Ltd., it will have the distinction of being the first G450 to be operated in Asia. Based in Hong Kong, the G450 will be available for charters and used jointly by the company’s shareholders. It will be managed and operated by Metrojet, Asia’s leading provider of corporate aircraft charter services.
“The principals at Speed Jet Chartered Ltd. chose the G450 because of its reliability, range capability and high-speed performance, which are ideal for private and charter flights in and around the Asia/Pacific region,” said Bryan Moss, president, Gulfstream. “With a range of 4,350 nautical miles, the G450 can fly nonstop between cities like Hong Kong to Melbourne, Dubai or Anchorage; and Beijing to Moscow.”

Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), introduced the G450 at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention in October 2003 – six months after it took its first flight.

With its unique performance and price point, the G450 was developed for customers whose travel requirements include long-range capability, a state-of-the-art cockpit, and the unsurpassed cabin comfort that is synonymous with the Gulfstream name.

The G450 cabin, which can accommodate up to 16 passengers, was designed for comfort. It features a maximum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet when flying at 45,000 feet; 100 percent fresh air; and 12 large oval windows that allow for a generous stream of natural light to fill the cabin. The combined effect of these features leaves passengers feeling rested and relaxed even following long, transoceanic flights.

The aerodynamic characteristics of the G450 fuselage, along with the aircraft’s two upgraded Rolls-Royce Tay MK611-8C engines – each of which provide 13,850 pounds of thrust – enable the G450 to reach speeds of up to Mach 0.88.

On May 17, just a week after entering service, the G450 business jet established its first intercontinental city-pair speed record, flying 3,550 nautical miles from Chicago to London in just 7 hours and 19 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.85.

Both the G450 and its sister ship, the ultra-long-range G550, feature as standard equipment the award-winning Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System. Additionally, the G450 and G550, as well as the mid-range G350 and the ultra-long-range G500, feature the PlaneView™ flight deck – the most advanced flight deck available in commercial aviation. As a result, all four aircraft share the same pilot type rating as that of the Gulfstream V (GV), with minimal differences in training. Customers who operate fleets with two or more of these Gulfstream aircraft will appreciate the cost savings that can be generated in terms of pilot, crew and maintenance training as well as reduced parts inventory.

And like all Gulfstream aircraft, the G450 includes competitive warranty, training and maintenance programs and is supported by Gulfstream’s award-winning worldwide product support network.