Business aircraft flight activity last month fell 3.4% year over year (YOY), with North America down 4.9% and Europe falling 8%, offset by an 18.5% increase in the rest of the world, according to TraqPak data from Argus International. The company’s analysts had forecast a 3.2% decline in North America; for July, they expect flying in North America to see a marginal 0.2% increase while European activity would decrease by 5.1%.

In North America, fractional activity climbed by 12.1% YOY in June, while Part 135 and 91 flying activity eroded by 5.3% and 10.2%, respectively. By aircraft category in the region, midsize jets saw the least erosion, down 0.2%, followed by light jets, -5.9%; turboprops, -6.3%; and large-cabin jets, -10.4%. In individual segments, fractional midsize jets came in on top, increasing 14.8% YOY, while Part 135 large-cabin jet flying fared the worst, falling 15.2%.

Looking at Europe, light jet activity eked out a 0.8% YOY gain, while midsize jets were flat and turboprops and large-cabin jets dipped 20.7% and 11.2%, respectively. In the rest of the world, turboprop and light- and midsize-jet flying surged by more than 20% from a year ago, while large-cabin jets saw only a 0.5% increase.

Gulfstream’s G700 program has been picking up steam since FAA certification on March 29, accumulating type validations from eight nations along with EASA approval. The Savannah, Georgia airframer listed Mexico among the latest nations to approve the 7,700-nm twinjet.

After receiving the U.S. nod a little more than 100 days ago, Gulfstream delivered the initial copies in April. While not specifying how many have been handed over since, Gulfstream reported the in-service fleet has already topped more than 700 flight hours, showing a maturity in the program.

“We planned for a seamless entry into service for the G700, and this incredible start is a testament to both the maturity of the program and the dedication of the Gulfstream team,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “Thanks to the investments we made across our business, from research and development to manufacturing and completions, the G700 program is exceeding customer expectations—they are flying their aircraft around the world immediately upon delivery, and the feedback we are hearing is outstanding.”

Along with accruing hours, the model continues to rack up city-pair speed records, including from Paris to Montreal in 6 hours 16 minutes and São Paulo to White Plains, New York, in 8 hours 46 minutes. Both flights, pending full recognition, averaged a speed of at least Mach 0.90. These will bring the total number of record flights for the G700 to nearly 60.

Pilatus Aircraft and European sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology developer Synhelion have launched a strategic partnership, with the Swiss airframer becoming a shareholder, reinforcing its commitment to the reduction of fossil-based fuels.

Synhelion—which has pioneered a process to use solar power to produce SAF—plans to begin construction next year in Spain on its first commercial-scale plant. Pilatus expects to use this “solar fuel” in its own fleet of PC-24 light jets and PC-12 turboprop singles before offering the fuel to its customers.

“We are convinced of the value of solar fuel technology. These fuels are the best way to defossilize air travel as quickly as possible,” said Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher. “We’re delighted to play a pioneering role together with Synhelion, and make an important contribution to sustainability in the aviation sector.”

Philipp Furler, Synhelion’s co-CEO and co-founder, added, “Over the next few years, we will focus fully on scaling our fuels worldwide. Together, we aim to roll out sustainable solar fuels to the entire Pilatus customer fleet within the next 10 years.”

Charter operator ATI Jet has established retail arm Jetvia to provide a range of customer-facing services such as a rewards program and efficient booking, as well as a fractional jet ownership offering.

“The Jetvia name will represent our retail operations, fractional ownership, and jet cards, aiming to provide luxury private jet accommodations and grow into the largest midsize jet fractional and jet card provider in the U.S.,” said Lyle Byrum, CEO of ATI Jet and Jetvia. “Jetvia will be our go-to-market brand and ATI Jet will continue to drive our innovative approach using the Learjet 60 along with our in-house maintenance program.”

Leveraging its digital capabilities, Jetvia will offer access to the company’s Learjet 60 fleet, a streamlined booking process, and personalized travel. The interface will enable users to easily search for flights, compare options, and make reservations with real-time, integrated data providing the availability of jets. Jetvia also will provide concierge services to arrange amenities, catering options, and ground transportation.

Airbus Helicopters’ H160 has entered service in the U.S., following delivery to Lafayette, Louisiana-based PHI. The medium-twin helicopter is already operating in Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and other European countries and was certified in the U.S. a year ago.

“This is an exciting milestone for our teams and partners,” said PHI Group CEO Scott McCarty. “The H160 represents a new era for PHI, enhancing our commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency for our operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We are proud to officially welcome this next-generation aircraft into our fleet as we kick off route-proving.”

After the route-proving flights to demonstrate the H160’s capabilities in the offshore environment, PHI will launch commercial operations. Last year, PHI placed an order for eight H160s. Powered by two 1,280-shp Safran Arrano 1A engines, the H160 can be outfitted to carry up to 12 passengers. 

“The H160’s lower fuel consumption, its ability to use up to 50% blended sustainable aviation fuel, comfortable cabin, and excellent cockpit visibility make it ideally suited for offshore operations, and we are confident that it will excel in PHI’s energy missions,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even.

Online aviation industry marketplace Alpha Wingman (formerly MRO Insider) is now offering cost-free memberships for FBOs. According to the company, the move will provide its FBO members access to its customer network of aircraft owners, operators, and fleet managers totaling more than 5,000 individual tail numbers.

Through its platform, participating FBOs will receive immediate pings for service requests within a 100-mile radius of their location. The Alpha Wingman application will allow users to request pricing from qualified providers, and FBOs can respond immediately with competitive quotes and rapid response times.

“We are excited to offer this unique opportunity to FBOs worldwide,” said company co-founder Andy Nixon. “Our mission is to create a collaborative and efficient aviation community where every member can thrive with direct pricing, cutting out passthrough charges.”

Alpha Wingman offers its customers a suite of services such as AOG support and quote requests for parts, scheduled maintenance, detailing, ground service equipment, ground transportation, FBOs, and catering.

“By trialing our platform for FBOs, we are removing barriers and fostering a more accessible and streamlined process for all involved by taking feedback and molding a win-win product,” concluded Nixon.

Sales of preowned single-engine helicopters around the world climbed 4% year over year in the first six months of 2024 while supply rose by 23%, according to Aero Asset's 2024 Half Year Heli Market Trends Single-Engine report. Subsequently, the absorption rate increased to 13 months of supply at current trade levels, it said.

“During the first half of 2024, retail sales for single-engine helicopters were up for the first time in a year and a half,” said Aero Asset v-p of market research Valerie Pereira. “The supply of single-engines for sale also increased, but pricing remained steady versus the same timeframe last year.”

The countries with the most supply of single-engine helicopters for sale include Europe (35%) and North America (25%). Asia-Pacific accounted for 22%; Latin America, 11%; and the rest of the world, 7%. North America still accounted for the highest number of transactions in the first half at 63%.

Activity was highest for the Airbus AS350/H125, followed by the Bell 407 and Leonardo AW119. “The Airbus EC130B4/H130 was the least liquid market, with an absorption rate of 1.6 years,” Aero Asset said.