The preowned business jet market is experiencing a “multifaceted period of adjustment, marked by a notable increase in inventory levels across the market,” according to a first-quarter market update from aircraft valuation firm Vref. “This expansion in available inventory is occurring alongside a softening of the market, a phenomenon reflective of shifting buyer sentiment and evolving market conditions.”

In the first three months, Vref noted a “pronounced decline” in transaction volumes for business jets, with sales transactions halved from first-quarter 2023. The company said the lower transaction activity is indicative of a cautious market outlook shaped by several factors that are increasing perceived risk, especially for inventory aircraft dealers.

“The convergence of high interest rates, declining values, election year uncertainties, and global economic issues has led to an increased level of caution among buyers, sellers, and intermediaries alike,” Vref said. “The current state of the business jet market is a reflection of these complexities, signaling a period of strategic reassessment and careful planning as stakeholders aim to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

Meanwhile, the firm noted that the turboprop sector has found stability, particularly for single-engine models. There is also high demand for Beechcraft King Air 350s and B200s, which keeps inventory low for these models, according to Vref.

The threat of a proposed passenger traffic cap at Dublin Airport (EIDW) that would have resulted in a ban on nonscheduled flights, including general aviation operations, has been removed—at least for the time being. In a draft decision released late last week, the Irish Aviation Authority said it “will not implement any capacity parameter associated with certain planning conditions relating to the annual capacity of Terminals 1 and 2 at Dublin Airport,” the second busiest business aviation facility in Ireland.

Instead, the draft decision proposes to implement a seat capacity limit of 14.4 million seats for the winter 2024 season, meaning Oct. 27, 2024, through March 29, 2025.

“Operations not using the passenger capacity of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 would not be limited by the seat cap,” said the decision. “This means that cargo and general aviation (GA) operations would not be limited by it. In the case of GA, this will be kept under review for future seasons. We note that, in any event, the question is of limited materiality in the context of the volume of GA passengers, of which there were less than 18,000 in 2023.”

The Irish Aviation Authority is accepting comments on the draft decision through April 24.

Recently released FAA policy will help ease some of the stress of European ramp checks, especially concerning the minimum equipment list (MEL). A discussion on this topic took place during a panel session at the recent NBAA International Operators Conference.

European ramp checks, known as EASA’s Safety Assessment for Foreign Aircraft program, had become an increasing concern for operators in the latter part of the 2010s over what they needed to demonstrate compliance. There were frustrations over a lack of harmonization and guidance for authorizations of necessary documentation.

Compounding this for U.S. operators was a lack of clear guidance from the FAA on approvals for MELs. However, that changed in October when the agency released its policy in Advisory Circular AC 91-67A, which provides a pathway that EASA views as compliant.

“It was a significant period of time where operators were left without guidance from the FAA on how to properly execute an MEL,” said Brian Koester, director of flight operations and regulations for NBAA, calling the new guidance “the best of both worlds.”

The guidance not only provides MEL/MMEL pathways for domestic and international operators, it also streamlines the process, making approvals simpler and faster.

Flight training solutions provider Axis Flight Simulation has been tapped to supply a level-D Beechcraft King Air C90GTx simulator to the National Institute for Aerospace Research (INCAS) in Strejnicu, Romania. To develop the simulator, the Austrian company performed a comprehensive flight test campaign to capture aircraft flight data.

According to Axis, the Beechcraft King Air C90GTx full-flight simulator comes equipped with an XT6 visual system from RSi to ensure a highly immersive experience. It also features a Van Halteren Technologies motion system, further enhancing the realism of flight simulation.

The Axis simulator will help INCAS research performance indicators such as pilot response and the real-time handling of aircraft aerodynamics, with the goal of optimizing procedures and lowering operating costs. INCAS’ work contributes to European Union policymaking under the FlightPath 2050 vision and Horizon Europe program.

“Since our inception 75 years ago, INCAS has been advancing aerospace research initiatives in Romania,” said INCAS project manager Magdalena Ardelean. “We were looking for a device capable of recreating a variety of flight scenarios to the highest fidelity, including the mathematics that govern aircraft’s movement and its reaction to commands made by the pilot…we appreciate the [Axis] team’s dedication to delivering a tailored solution that meets our specific requirements.”

How to invest in the development of knowledgeable, motivated technicians.

The FAA has selected Austin-Bergstrom International, Indianapolis International, Nashville International, and Dallas Love Field as the first airports to receive the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) system aimed at improving air traffic controller situational awareness and reducing runway incursions. Plans call to have SAI operational at the four airports by July, with "scores" of other airports set to receive it by the end of 2025.

SAI, Approach Runway Verification, and Runway Incursion Device are the three technologies the FAA is fast-tracking to improve surface safety. Using ADS-B data, SAI displays surface traffic to controllers at airports that don’t have a surface surveillance tool, the FAA said, noting that aircraft and other vehicles will appear as icons on an airport map depicting runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other areas.

Stepping up runway safety equipment at airports has been a key priority for the agency as it takes a multi-pronged approach to tackle the series of high-profile close calls that have occurred in recent years. “We’re committed to doing everything possible to make our runways even safer,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “This cost-effective technology provides controllers with timely and accurate depictions of aircraft and vehicles on the entire airfield in all-weather conditions.”

Other actions range from expanded controller hiring, upgraded tower simulator systems, runway lighting and surface improvements, and regional airport meetings.

Business jet and helicopter brokerage Boutsen Aviation has named North Sea Aviation Center (NSAC) as its aircraft sales representative for the Benelux region. NSAC is based out of Ostend–Bruges International Airport (EBOS) in Belgium.

“I am impressed by NSAC's dynamism. Its position in Ostend–Bruges Airport is a significant asset,” said Boutsen founder and former F1 driver Thierry Boutsen. “There are numerous business opportunities in this part of Europe, and NSAC will certainly strengthen our presence, for the benefit of the two companies.”

“This alliance represents an exciting opportunity for NSAC and for Boutsen Aviation to create synergies and to expand our combined services further into the Benelux and beyond. Our collaboration with Boutsen Aviation will enable us to perfectly meet the numerous enquiries we receive from our customers asking us [for] help for the sale or purchase of their aircraft,” said NSAC co-founder and managing director Erik Vermeersch.

“This development presents a business opportunity in our industry, where we can collaborate to enhance our customers' experience in both selling and purchasing. Boutsen Aviation's global reputation for technical expertise and irreproachable ethics perfectly complements our commitment to excellence and personalized services,” added NSAC aviation advisor Abbas Miri.

Aircraft charter and jet management company Million Air Dallas inked a partnership with business aircraft brokerage and consulting firm ARC Aviation. The companies said the tie-up “capitalizes on the unique strengths of each company, fostering a collaborative environment that promises to redefine industry standards.”

“As we celebrate our 40th year of excellence, our alliance with ARC Aviation opens a new chapter of growth and innovation,” said Million Air Dallas v-p of sales and marketing Kiril Jakimovski. “This partnership not only amplifies our service portfolio but also extends our reach, particularly in Latin America where ARC Aviation has established a formidable presence over the past 25 years. Together, we are set to redefine excellence in aviation services, making Million Air Dallas a globally recognized name in the realms of aircraft charter, FBO, and jet management.”

ARC Aviation CEO Saul Arceo added, “Our collaboration with Million Air Dallas marks a milestone in our journey towards setting new standards in customer service and satisfaction. By pooling our strengths, we are poised to deliver cutting-edge solutions and exceptional service, further cementing our commitment to excellence in the aviation industry. This partnership not only signifies our mutual dedication to service excellence but also strategically positions us for expanded influence in the North American market.”