What does it take to run a successful maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility as the business aviation sector enters the second quarter of the 21st century? Obviously, technical competence, a relentless focus on safety, and keeping the customer’s aircraft in service have to be assured. But now, companies are under pressure to operate with as small an environmental footprint as possible, and it’s no longer a given that they will be able to recruit and retain the skilled employees on which the success of these operations is based.

The innovation it takes to make the grade in these ways is much in evidence at Bombardier’s service center at London Biggin Hill Airport. The facility is part of the airframer’s global product support network, which—outside North America—encompasses bases in Berlin, Paris, Singapore, Melbourne, and Dubai.

Buying an aircraft is a major acquisition, and the purchase itself is only one part of the private aviation puzzle.

A good broker can help walk you through the steps, so we spoke with Zipporah Marmor, an International Aircraft Dealers Association certified broker. She explains what buyers should consider in simple terms.

The new Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) is jointly promoting the new-format Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference and exhibition with Dubai Air Show organizer Fairs & Exhibitions. MEBA will be staged at the Airport Expo Dubai center in the United Arab Emirates on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2007, the venue having been switched from nearby Abu Dhabi.

MEBA was first held as a one-day conference on the eve of the 2005 Dubai Air Show, which is also held at the Airport Expo Dubai center. The revised timing positions MEBA less than a week before the NBAA-sponsored Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition, to be held February 6 and 7, 2007 in Hong Kong.

Archer Aviation is teaming up with defense tech company Anduril Industries to develop a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that the two California-based partners intend to pitch to the U.S. Department of Defense.

To support that endeavor, Archer launched a new business unit called Archer Defense that will be led by Joseph Pantalone, who joined Archer last month as head of advanced projects. Pantalone has nearly 30 years of prior experience at Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky.

European Rotors returned for a 2024 edition from November 4 to 7 in Amsterdam, hosting a bevy of orders, attracting more than 4,600 participants, and focusing on safety advancements and emerging technologies with a particular emphasis on eVTOL aircraft. Speakers at the event addressed pressing topics such as safety protocols and the integration of digital technologies into rotorcraft operations.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the European show jointly organized by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and EASA, with the support of Vertical Aviation International, appears to have settled into a rhythm, drawing a steady stable of attendance, exhibitors, and announcements, including those regarding new orders.

If you’ve resolved to try private aviation this holiday season, pay close attention to “peak day” policies as you shop. 

Jet cards, membership-access programs, and fractional-ownership plans almost universally offer guaranteed access—essentially a promise that they’ll have the kind of airplane you want at the price you’ve agreed upon ready to go when you are. But an important asterisk may appear beside that guarantee, and fine-print items can impact your holiday access and flying costs, altering the calculations related to choosing a program that meets your travel plans and budget. 

Airbus Corporate Jets could see its best sales performance in 17 years, with a total of eight orders and three commitments for its aircraft expected to lead to a best-ever full-year showing, the European manufacturer said at MEBAA 2024 on Monday.

“This year, we are at 11 orders and commitments. If they translate into firm orders by the end of the year, that will put us on track for a record [over the past] 17 years,” said Chadi Saade, who was appointed president of Airbus Corporate Jets in February. “This is an amazing achievement and great recognition from the market for Airbus and its products.”

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