Bombardier’s revenues dipped by 12%, to $1.3 billion, as it handed over two fewer aircraft in the first quarter, the Montreal-headquartered manufacturer reported today. But at the same time it racked up 60% more in orders in the quarter year-over-year, helping to push up backlog by $700 million, to $14.9 billion, and resulting in a book-to-bill of 1.6:1. Additionally, the company's aftermarket revenues grew by 13%, to $477 million, following its upward trend as it has significantly grown its footprint globally.

In all, Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel cited the “great performance demonstrated by our team.” Deliveries “follow our plan for the year,” as the company adjusted its shipment profile to meet supply-chain challenges and focus on building inventory in the first half, he said.

Further, the company anticipates deliveries to lean more on Challengers this year, with Globals remaining stable before increasing in 2025. Martel added that Bombardier remains on track to meet its guidance of 150 to 155 aircraft for the year.

As for first-quarter deliveries, the softened revenues also reflect a change in the mix with eight ultra-long-range Globals and 12 super-midsize Challengers shipped. This compares with 14 Globals and eight Challengers a year earlier. This shift also took a toll on net profit, which was down almost two-thirds from $302 million a year ago, to $110 million, in the quarter.

Textron Aviation’s first-quarter aircraft delivery performance painted a mixed picture, with steady jet shipments but declining turboprops. The Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer today said it handed over 36 Citations, one more than the same three months a year ago. These 36 twinjets included four M2 Gen2s, six CJ3+s, six CJ4 Gen2s, two XLS+s, 13 Latitudes, and five Longitudes. The big year-over-year change was a shift in more Latitude deliveries (from seven to 13) and fewer XLS+s (from five to two).

Turboprops, however, saw a marked decrease over the same period: 20 versus 34 shipments. Notably, deliveries of the Caravan turboprop single declined to 12 from 19, and twin-turboprop King Airs fell to seven from 12 in the previous year. The company also handed over one SkyCourier twin, down from three in first-quarter 2023.

Textron Aviation reported first-quarter revenues of $1.2 billion, an increase of $39 million from the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by higher pricing strategies, which added $48 million, though partially offset by a slight decrease in volume and mix amounting to $9 million. Segment profit was $143 million in the first quarter, up $18 million from a year ago.

The Airbus Helicopters Racer high-speed compound helicopter made its first flight today in Marignane, France, flying for about 30 minutes and signaling the launch of a two-year test campaign.

Powered by two Safran Aneto-1X turboshaft engines, Racer is designed to fly at more than 215 knots while burning about 20% less fuel compared with current-generation helicopters. Racer is part of the European Clean Sky 2 research program and involves 40 partners in 13 countries.

The rotorcraft features a double-wing design with lateral pusher rotors on each wingtip. In cruise flight, Safran’s Eco-Mode hybrid-electric system allows one of the two engines to be switched to standby mode, according to Airbus, “generating further fuel savings of up to 30%.”

Airbus validated the aerodynamic configuration of Racer with research on its X3 technology demonstrator, which combined fixed wings with lateral rotors and a main rotor system. In 2013, the demonstrator broke the helicopter speed record when it flew at 255 knots.

“With its 90 patents, Racer is the perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even. “I look forward to watching this demonstrator pioneer high-speed capabilities and develop the eco-mode system that will contribute to reducing fuel consumption.”

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Eve Air Mobility has signed a provisional sales agreement with Japanese helicopter flight booking platform AirX for up to 50 of Eve’s four-passenger eVTOL aircraft, which the company plans to use for sightseeing tours and commercial air taxi operations in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Under the letter of intent, AirX committed to a firm order for 10 eVTOLs, with options for another 40.

In addition to Eve’s eVTOL, AirX also signed up for Eve’s Urban ATM (air traffic management) system, which will provide scalable urban air mobility services for fleet operators, vertiports, and air navigation service providers. The Urban ATM system is designed “to enable the ​​safe, efficient, and predictable ecosystem to support eVTOL operations alongside many other airspace users,” according to Eve.

“Our aim is to revolutionize the current industry, making transport services useful and affordable for everyone,” said AirX CEO Kiwamu Tezuka. “By integrating our knowledge, experiences, and existing business platform with Eve’s comprehensive solutions, we hope to overcome transportation limitations by advancing eVTOL operations in Japan.”

Founded in 2015, Tokyo-based AirX brokers charter flights in aircraft operated by other companies, using its database and software to identify available aircraft and provide instant pricing. It intends to add eVTOL air taxis to its Airos network, although it has not yet indicated who will operate the vehicles.

The UK today launched its Sustainable Aviation Fuels Clearing House, a major step in its ambition to establish a thriving sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production industry and establish it as one of the worldwide leaders in use of the greener jet fuel.

Any new aviation fuel requires extensive testing to meet the strict requirements for qualification, making it a complicated and expensive proposition. Led by the Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield and supported by environmental engineering consultancy Ricardo, the clearing house will advise and assist potential fuel producers in the development, testing, qualification, and production of SAF.

“It is great to see there is now a lot of activity in the development of SAF; however, the increase in a diverse range of raw materials and processes means a major shift in the industry, which is both an opportunity to reduce aviation emissions and presents a challenge to get these increasingly diverse SAF products to market,” explained clearing house director and Sheffield University professor Chris Lewis.

“The UK SAF Clearing House will reduce the bottleneck in testing, ensuring a greater availability of SAF from a diverse range of feedstocks, which will enable the UK to achieve its target of 10% SAF by 2030,” said Natasha Robinson, deputy director of low carbon fuels at the UK’s Department for Transport.

Three years after Bombardier emerged as a pure-play company in the business aviation sector, the Montreal-headquartered airframer is rolling out a new brand identity that it says is designed to reinforce its drive toward an “ambitious future” in that market while making a nod to its past.

The logo involves a symbol of what the company calls “Bombardier Mach,” with a silhouette of an aircraft breaking the sound barrier and strokes of wind over wing to reference the company’s past—and in particular honoring its workers who have served the company.

“Today is a historic moment for more than 18,000 incredibly talented and passionate Bombardier team members. Our iconic company is looking forward with confidence and an innovative spirit, two notions captured elegantly in our new logo and brand evolution,” said Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel. “Our clients worldwide are leaders who shape the world and who expect us to deliver a truly memorable experience. When asking them what sets Bombardier apart, the notion of ‘like family’ comes back time and again as a true differentiator.”

Bombardier added that the new logo also celebrates the company’s successful shift to a pure-play manufacturer. The logo uses a typeface that is modern and refined with subtle serifs, which the company said symbolizes its “passion for precision” that is forward-looking and -thinking.

Private aircraft charter rates dropped by 5% year-over-year in the first quarter, according to online charter marketplace JetASAP’s latest activity report. Quarter-over-quarter, hourly rates were down an average of 7% this year.

While pricing for turboprops and light jets remained stable between February and March at $4,373 and $7,020 per hour, respectively, average pricing for midsize jets declined by 2%, to $8,672, followed by super-midsize at -3% ($9,930), and heavy jets at -10% ($13,208).

Some example quotes given through the JetASAP application platform in March included Philadelphia to Miami on an Embraer 300E for $17,661; Palm Beach to New York (Bombardier Challenger 604) for $17,000; Aspen to Miami (Dassault Falcon 2000) for $32,395; Las Vegas to New York (Gulfstream GIV-SP) for $32,020; and Indianapolis to Aspen (Cessna Citation XLS+) for $22,137.

“Overall, 53% of quotes received by flyers via the JetASAP app come in at or below the average hourly rates from charter operators across the U.S. and Canada,” said JetASAP founder and CEO Lisa Sayer.