Bombardier delivered one more aircraft in the second quarter of 2023 than a year earlier, but the mix shifted with Challengers seeing the increases while deliveries softened with Globals, the Canadian manufacturer reported this morning. Even so, the $1.7 billion in revenues brought in during the most recent quarter marked an 8 percent jump from the second quarter of 2022 and adjusted EBITDA grew by 37 percent to $275 million.

The company delivered 29 aircraft in the second quarter, consisting of 15 Challengers and 14 Globals. This is up from 28 a year earlier, including 12 Challengers and 16 Globals. For the year, Bombardier has delivered 51 business jets thus far, up from 49 a year ago, with Globals accounting for 28 of them and Challengers 23.

Éric Martel, Bombardier president and CEO, added that the company remains on track to meet its guidance of 138 deliveries for all of 2023, estimating more than 87 will occur in the back half of the year. Book-to-bill has remained at about 1:1 for the year, while backlog edged up to $14.9 billion, from $14.8 billion at the end of the first quarter.

As for revenues, Bombardier also pointed to its rapidly growing services business, which brought in $428 million in the second quarter, a 19 percent year-over-year increase.

In a recent information for operators (InFO), the FAA cautions flight crews and ground deicing service providers to refrain from using “Table B.2.4 Amount of Fluid for Anti-Icing with Thickened Fluids” published in SAE AS6286 (Revision B) as the basis for determining whether the aircraft anti-icing fluid has been applied effectively.

According to the InFO, “expected holdover times (HOT) may not be achieved if the quantities provided in table B.2.4 are used as the basis for determining adequate coverage. Table B.2.4 does not reflect new fluid formulations that increase viscosity and fluid thicknesses, requiring greater volumes of anti-icing fluid (but improve HOTs).” Revision C of AS6286 was published in March 2023 and does not contain Table B.2.4.

“Air operators and de/anti-icing service providers should familiarize themselves with the information contained in this InFO and be aware of the adequate application of anti-icing fluids to ensure the expected holdover time is achieved,” cautioned the FAA. “In particular, anti-icing fluids are to be applied so that it can completely cover the surfaces and form a uniform coating. Enough anti-icing has been applied when it can be visually confirmed that the anti-icing fluid is just beginning to run off the leading and trailing edges of the surfaces.”

Meanwhile, in a separate notice, FAA deicing program information and guidance documents are being relocated. Starting with the coming winter season, “Information contained in previous versions of this notice now resides in the general information document, located on the aircraft ground deicing web page,” said the agency. “Revisions to HOTs can now be found in the summary of changes to holdover time guidelines and associated documents for winter 2023–2024, also located on the ground deicing web page.”

The crew of a Cessna Citation on a Part 91 early morning flight from Las Vegas to French Valley Airport (F70) Murietta, California, filed IFR for the initial part of the trip, canceled IFR during the descent, then refiled to shoot two approaches, crashing on the second attempt, according to the NTSB preliminary report published Wednesday. The two pilots and four passengers were killed in the July 8 accident.

Destination weather turned foggy about the time the twinjet departed Las Vegas at 3:15 a.m. The crew apparently didn't receive weather updates right before takeoff. During the descent, the pilots reported to ATC that they received updated weather information and requested an IFR clearance for the RNAV approach to Runway 18 at F70. After a missed approach, the crew requested vectors for another approach.

While on final, the airplane descended below the decision altitude of 1,600 feet msl. The last ADS-B data point indicated that the airplane was on a heading of 192 degrees, with a ground speed of 128 knots and an altitude of 1,450 ft msl. The airplane impacted terrain about 800 ft short of the Runway 18 threshold at 4:16 a.m., an hour after taking off.

Jet.AI this week launched the CharterGPT app, which it says will harness artificial intelligence to allow consumers to use voice commands to interact with its charter booking platform. According to the Las Vegas-based software group, its use of natural language processing will make it quicker for both passengers and aircraft operators to convey information back and forth without involving a broker as the “human in the loop.”

The CharterGPT app is due for release via the Apple app store in the next few days, with the Android release to follow a few weeks later. Jet.AI plans to release an update in the fall that will support Stripe payments for flights and automatic contract reconciliation, as well as provide information on ground transportation options and airport information.

The aircraft availability data is sourced from the Avinode platform, which generates estimates for requested flights. After interrogating the app over possible flight options, the user can select one or more of them and then make contact with operators to confirm pricing, which is then conveyed back to the user on the app's checkout page. Jet.AI takes a commission on any flights booked through the app.

DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF), an aviation services provider at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), has completed its first 60-month maintenance check on a Bombardier Global 6000. This was the largest inspection ever accomplished by the DCAF team, which put in more than 2,000 hours of labor while managing logistical challenges with the support of local and international suppliers.

A joint venture between Stuttgart, Germany-based DC Aviation and UAE business conglomerate Al Futtaim, the facility holds EASA and UAE General Civil Aviation Authority Part 145 maintenance authorization for various aircraft, including the Airbus 320 family, Bombardier Globals and Challenger 604/605/650 models, and the Dassault Falcon 7X and 900.

Located just off the runway, DCAF occupies nearly 150,000 sq ft of dedicated hangar space with a 14,000-sq-ft FBO. In addition to heavy and line maintenance, the company provides aircraft ground handling charter and management.

“The successful completion of this complex inspection further highlights the investments we have made in expanding our capabilities, which have allowed us to provide our customers with reliable and cost-effective maintenance services,” said Chris Rosewarne, the facility’s maintenance manager. “We are delighted to offer this high level of expertise and comprehensive support, including battery and wheel shop capabilities for Global and Challenger aircraft at DWC.

Avfuel has expanded its European dealer network with the addition of London Southend Jet Center, the airport-owned and -operated FBO at London Southend Airport (EGMC). Located 36 miles from the UK capital’s financial district, just a 12-minute helicopter flight from Canary Wharf, the FBO allows ramp-side vehicle access, permitting customers to transfer directly to transportation to their destination.

The terminal offers an executive lounge with a fireplace, leather furnishings, and a bar. Other amenities include a 12-seat conference room, pilot lounge, flight planning area, onsite UK customs, and car rental.

As part of the Avfuel network, the location will participate in the Avtrip customer loyalty program, accept the Avfuel Pro Card, and provide contract fuel.

“Avfuel is eager to help London Southend Jet Centre serve the millions of people for whom Southend is the quickest, most convenient airport to East London and beyond,” said Joel Hirst, the Michigan-based fuel provider’s senior v-p for sales./p>

To celebrate its new affiliation, through August the FBO is running a promotion for operators of aircraft over 2.5 tonnes: 10 percent off parking and standard handling services fees, along with a complimentary bottle of champagne.