Embraer's executive jets division saw its highest first-quarter deliveries over the past eight years, according to the Brazilian airframer's first-quarter results released on Friday. In addition, Embraer reported backlog reached $4.6 billion by the end of March—an increase of $300 million from the previous quarter.

In the light-jet segment, Embraer’s first quarter deliveries saw a year-over-year (YoY) increase of 83 percent, handing over 10 Phenom 300s—the best-selling light jet for more than a decade—and one Phenom 100.

For the midsize class, the manufacturer delivered seven: three Praetor 500s and four Praetor 600s. That more than tripled its first-quarter 2023 output in the category.

Embraer predicts its private jet division will deliver between 125 and 135 aircraft for the year. It typically starts slowly and reaches a high delivery rate in the year's fourth quarter. Last year, for example, it delivered 49 of its 115 executive jets in the final quarter. The OEM has developed a production leveling plan, which it is currently implementing to maintain a stable production pace throughout the calendar year.

Overall, including its commercial, defense, and services divisions, the company posted a $21.1 billion backlog for the just-ended quarter, the highest point in the past seven years.

Approximately two dozen environmental protestors were arrested over the weekend at Boston-area Hanscom Field Airport (KBED), New England's busiest private aviation gateway. On Saturday morning, some members of the group Extinction Rebellion disrupted operations at KBED by entering the airside restricted operation area and preventing aircraft movement while others blocked the entrances of the three FBOs on the field, leading to a brief closure of the airport.

According to a press release from the activist group, the event was staged to protest plans by the operator, the Massachusetts Port Authority, to expand the number of private jet hangars on the field.

“The public comment period for the proposed Hanscom Field expansion’s Draft Environmental Impact Report lasts through May 10, and this demonstration is our community’s public comment against this egregious development,” said spokesperson Jamie McGonagill, adding that the development would accommodate a 300 percent increase in private jet services at KBED.

The protestors were peacefully rounded up by the Massachusetts State Police, with assistance from the Bedford Police Department, and according to reports were later released after posting bail. They will face arraignment this week in court.

The group has led similar protests targeting private aviation at other airports in the U.S. and Europe, including disrupting last year’s EBACE.

The preowned business aircraft market was “buoyant” in the first quarter, with International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) accredited dealers reporting 253 closed transactions, up from 239 in the first three months of 2023, according to IADA’s First Quarter 2024 Market Report. The update also paints an optimistic outlook for the next six months.

Per IADA data, the first quarter ended with 248 aircraft under contract versus 206 in the same period a year ago. In addition, IADA dealers had 302 contracts to sell exclusively in the first quarter of 2024, significantly above the 197 in the first three months of last year. However, new acquisition agreements are lagging slightly—166 versus 149—and the number of transactions where prices were lowered climbed by 69 percent, to 88.

“At the end of the first quarter, the preowned business aircraft market is objectively healthy, with numerous signs of rebalancing after a heated sales climate,” said Phil Winters, IADA chairman and Western Aircraft v-p of aircraft sales and charter management. “The six-month projections for sales, demand, willingness to inventory, and supply all continue the cautiously optimistic trends we saw in the fourth quarter of 2023.”

About half of IADA member survey respondents expect prices and inventories to stabilize for preowned turboprops. On the business jet side, rising inventory provides “much-needed products to satisfy a clear step-change in demand for business aircraft," IADA said.

The FAA’s plan to require that air traffic controllers receive at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours before a midnight shift drew praise from NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and criticism from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), which represents U.S. controllers.

“The science around the dangers of fatigue is clear,” Homendy said. “The safety of our skies depends on air traffic controllers who are well-trained and well-rested. This move by the FAA to give overworked and overscheduled air traffic controllers proper rest between shifts is the right thing to do.”

On April 19, just before announcing the new fatigue rules, the FAA shared a copy of its report and planned changes with the NATCA. However, the union pointed out, “[The] FAA has not modeled these changes to determine what unintended consequences they may have to the already strained air traffic control staffing coverage.”

Controller understaffing is a critical issue, and NATCA believes that the application of the new fatigue rules will worsen the staffing situation and lead to more mandatory overtime. “Requiring controllers to work mandatory overtime to fill those holes would increase fatigue and make the new policy nothing more than window dressing,” the union said. “Understaffing currently requires [the] FAA to assign mandatory overtime to controllers, including regular six-day workweeks, which leads to fatigue.”

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Aircraft operator and charter broker marketplace VOO has integrated with REDiFly, a business aircraft management platform.

VOO said the integration will eliminate the need for manual data entry and allow real-time access to aircraft availability and location information directly synchronized from the REDiFly platform. When a flight is confirmed, operators can manage crews, passengers, checklists, and all other preflight logistics from the platform.

“We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with REDiFly, which represents a significant step forward in the services we offer,” said VOO CEO Robert Plhak. “The VOO-REDiFly integration underscores both companies’ commitment to creating a more efficient and transparent business jet charter experience for both operators and brokers.”

He added, “By connecting our platforms with one another, we’re providing our customers with a more comprehensive booking experience. This includes real-time access to accurate aircraft availability and location information flights and potentially to a wider selection of other business charter booking services in the future.”

Bell Mexico has delivered its 800th commercial helicopter cabin since the Chihuahua manufacturing facility opened in 2010. The cabins are shipped to Bell Textron’s Canada assembly center at Mirabel Airport in Quebec.

At the Bell Mexico facility, technicians manufacture cabins and fuselages, electrical harnesses and components, instrument panels, firewalls, bulkheads, floors, and other structural components for Bell 206L4, 407, 429, and 412 helicopters. In Latin America, Bell serves more than 850 helicopter operators that fly nearly 1,400 rotorcraft.

“The 800th cabin milestone is a testament to not only Bell’s commitment to our customers but also to our facilities that work together to ensure a cohesive pipeline of creating top-of-the-line products, to vigilantly assembling it, all at Bell-owned and -operated facilities,” said Bell chief commercial officer Danny Maldonado.

“Bell Mexico is proud to celebrate producing our 800th commercial aircraft cabin,” said Luis Azúa, general manager, Bell Mexico. “Our team remains ready to support our customers around the world through high-quality aircraft cabins and components.”

Mental health awareness for business aviation flight operators is among the key topics on tap for the Greater Washington Business Aviation Association’s annual safety day on Wednesday. Held at the Airbus Experience Center in Washington, D.C., the event is scheduled to take place between noon and 5 p.m.

Among the scheduled speakers will be Doug Carr, senior v-p of safety, security, sustainability, and international operations for NBAA, who will discuss current issues. Attendees will also receive an update of the Washington Dulles International Airport tower from FAA controller Luke Dosier; an aircraft operations data overview from Adrien Chamberaud with Airbus Skywise Core; and a Flight Safety Foundation update from the association’s manager of member relations Paige Kroner.

Gary Webb, operations advisor with AviationManuals, and Kathleen Yodice, of the law offices of Yodice Associates, will host a session entitled “Promoting Mental Health and Enhancing Safety in Every Flight” to provide a forum for sharing ideas on creating an awareness culture in a non-punitive environment. The discussion further will delve into fatigue management strategies and ways to foster mental well-being.

“Developing a proactive approach to effectively address and mitigate risks is paramount to advancing safety in our industry,” said AviationManuals’ Gary Webb.

Yodice added, “Navigating our skies not only requires technical expertise, but equally important, a balanced and resilient state of mind for all aviation professionals.”

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