Global business aircraft flight activity last month climbed 7.3% year over year (YOY), with North America reporting a stronger-than-expected increase—up 4.1% from December 2023—according to TrakPak data from Argus International. The European market also turned positive, rising 1.3% YOY, while the rest of the world continued with its upward trend, soaring 30% from a year earlier. Argus analysts are predicting that North American and European flying will be 5.8% and 0.8% higher YOY, respectively, this month.

“We had expected it to be a positive month, but our growth models were expecting about half of what we ended up seeing,” said Argus senior v-p of software Travis Kuhn.

All operator and aircraft categories in North America saw increases in December. Fractional flying had the strongest returns, up 13.3% YOY, followed by Part 135 and Part 91, with 2.8% and 1.6% gains, respectively. By aircraft category, midsize jets took the lead with a 7.1% increase, followed by light jets, +4.8%; turboprops, +2.4%; and large-cabin jets, +0.3%. While the latter was the most challenged, fractional large-cabin jets experienced the only double-digit surge—up 20.8%—in individual categories last month.

In Europe, all jet categories recorded increased activity last month, with large-cabin jets in the pole position, up 5.3%, followed by midsize jets, +1.9%, and light jets, +0.3%. Turboprop flying in the region fell 2.7% YOY.

Fatalities from business jet accidents worldwide decreased from 32 in 2023 to 21 last year, according to preliminary data gathered by AIN. Five fatal accidents of U.S.-registered business jets resulted in 15 fatalities last year versus six accidents that claimed 23 in 2023. Non-U.S.-registered business jets experienced three fatal accidents that resulted in six fatalities last year versus three accidents and nine fatalities in 2023.

Two of the fatal business jet accidents last year occurred while on charter flights, while the six other fatal accidents involved private flights. The five N-numbered business jet fatal accidents were on February 7, a Hawker 900XP on a positioning flight (two fatalities); February 9, a chartered Bombardier Challenger 604 on approach (two fatalities); March 10, an Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind on approach (five fatalities); August 20, a Cessna Citation II on takeoff (two killed); and November 11, a HondaJet on takeoff (four fatalities plus one on the ground).

The three fatal accidents involving non-U.S.-registered business jets were on January 20, a Russia-registered Dassault Falcon 10 on a charter flight (two killed); July 23, a Brazil-registered Bombardier Learjet 35 during a go-around (two fatalities); and December 18, an Argentina-registered Challenger 300 experienced a runway excursion while landing.

Turboprop business aircraft worldwide recorded three fewer fatal accidents last year but fatalities bumped up to 72 in 2024 from 71 in 2023.

The FAA is pushing back the compliance deadline to April 2 for a rule that requires certain individuals with foreign addresses to designate a “U.S. agent for service” when applying for certain certificates, ratings, or authorizations. Originally, the rule called for individuals who have foreign addresses—and no physical U.S. address on file—to comply by January 6.

Under the rule, these individuals must go through an online U.S. Agent for Service (USAS) system to demonstrate the designation. However, the FAA needs more time to launch the online USAS.

“Applicants will be unable to submit information to USAS by the January 6, 2025, deadline due to development delays associated with the USAS online portal, which were circumstances ultimately beyond the FAA’s general control, and which were not fully understood until well after publication of the U.S. agent final rule in October,” the agency said.

When the FAA became aware of the delays, it was too late to develop an alternative for compliance, the agency said. “Absent a means of compliance, FAA would be unable to issue certificates, ratings, and authorizations,” it added.

The FAA released the rule on October 8, calling for individuals with a foreign address but no physical U.S. address on file and who apply for authorizations under Parts 47, 61, 63, 65, 68, or 107 to designate a U.S. agent for service.

Florida-based ExecuJet Charter Service (not to be confused with the ExecuJet FBO division of Luxaviation Group or Dassault's ExecuJet MRO Services) has been awarded FAA Part 145 status for its aircraft repair station. Established for more than three decades, the company operates from a hangar at the Sheltair FBO at Tampa International Airport (KTPA) and provides a range of services, including aircraft maintenance, acquisitions, operations, charter, and management.

With the Part 145 certification, its maintenance division can now perform comprehensive inspections and troubleshooting on airframes, engines, propellors, and accessories; conduct repairs on a wide range of systems and components; and ensure adherence to FAA regulations.

“Becoming an approved repair station and expanding our capabilities and offerings solidifies our position as a trusted partner in aviation,” said ExecuJet Charter Service president Peter Cunzolo. “I know of only a few businesses in the Southeastern United States that possess both a FAR Part 145 repair station and FAR Part 135 charter certificate, which further distinguishes our comprehensive, in-house maintenance and repair services.”

Starting tomorrow, ACI Jet—the sole aviation services provider at California’s San Luis Obispo County Airport (KSBP)—will have continuous supplies of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available for customers. The company is no stranger to the renewable fuel, having stocked it at its John Wayne-Orange County Airport (KSNA) location since 2020.

Produced by Neste and distributed by Avfuel, the SAF will be a 30% blend, with each 8,000-gallon tanker load providing a 19-tonne life cycle carbon emissions reduction, the equivalent annual emissions of 4.5 cars.

“As the aviation industry moves toward its sustainability goals, the availability and adoption of SAF will be critical,” said Andrew Robillard, ACI’s v-p of FBOs and facilities. “ACI Jet is thrilled to bring [SAF] to our San Luis Obispo FBO, offering our customers a meaningful way to reduce their environmental impact while continuing to enjoy the exceptional service we provide.”

The introduction of SAF at KSBP is a component of ACI’s “Fly Like New” campaign, which helps operators extend the lifespan of aging aircraft through passenger experience enhancements and modernized flight technology. According to the company, aircraft operators can further reduce emissions while maximizing the service life of their fleet through the use of SAF.

Aviation management solutions company eTT Aviation has launched its SkedFlex Flight Planning mobile app, designed to provide flight crews and dispatchers a non-desktop option to manage critical planning issues. The app allows users to stay connected and address operational challenges while on the move.

“We understand the fast-paced environment our clients operate in,” said eTT president and CEO Tom LaJoie. “The ability to respond to operational challenges quickly, even while away from their desk, adds a new level of agility and responsiveness that is essential in today’s aviation industry.”

The app was developed in response to feedback from Boise-based eTT Aviation’s clients, who wanted increased mobility in managing flight operations. The 24/7 nature of the aviation industry makes it essential for dispatchers to address disruptions immediately. SkedFlex FP mobile offers real-time notifications about issues such as weather changes or routing conflicts, and an intuitive interface optimized for mobile devices.

“The launch of this mobile app represents our ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions,” said eTT product director Dana Knight. “By empowering flight planners and dispatchers to work from anywhere, we are helping airlines and operators achieve greater operational reliability and efficiency.”

Marsh Brothers Aviation, a Canadian parts designer and builder, has received a contract with Australia's CJ Aerospace to supply a newly developed King Air flap roller kit to Australian operators. Kits will be installed at two maintenance facilities to replace the original roller bearings on King Air 200/300 series aircraft, per the agreement.

King Air bearings often dry out or lose lubrication, which affects performance and reliability. Textron Aviation, the aircraft’s manufacturer, has increased the inspection interval for these components to every three years or 3,000 landings in response to these issues. The upgrade kit eliminates the need for roller greasing and can reduce overall costs associated with replacement and repairs.

The retrofit kit, which consists of 16 self-lubricating rollers, is designed to address maintenance challenges faced by operators of the popular turboprop. “The growth in demand for King Air aircraft in Australia has increased largely due to the aircraft’s all-weather flexibility and potential to perform a diverse range of roles,” said CJ Aerospace owner Craig Jones. “However, the original greased roller bearings in the wing flaps do not respond too well to changes in altitude and temperature, causing moisture ingress and corrosion.”

AIN’s FBO survey is open for year-round feedback, but the deadline to vote in the 2025 survey (to be published in April) is January 17. The survey takes only a minute, and you can do it while waiting for passengers, on the shuttle bus to/from the hotel, or any other time that is convenient for you. Participants will be entered to win a $250 Amazon gift card (winner must reside in the U.S.). Log in to rate your experiences at the FBOs you visit.