Third-quarter revenues at Berkshire Hathaway’s aviation services, which includes NetJets and FlightSafety International (FSI), soared 10.4% year over year, echoing second-quarter numbers, and marking a 9.8% increase in the first nine months. However, pre-tax earnings for aviation services fell 17.5% versus third-quarter 2023.

This revenue growth was primarily driven by fractional provider NetJets, which continued to benefit from increased flight activity and demand for private aviation. Despite rising operating costs, including those for maintenance, personnel, and fuel, NetJets and FSI have been key contributors to the growth of Berkshire’s aviation division. FSI benefitted from increased demand for aviation training and simulation services, but similar to NetJets, it has been facing rising costs that have tempered its gains.

According to data from Jefferies and WingX, NetJets’ departure numbers were up 55% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and 10% higher year over year. This surge reflects the broader recovery in business aviation, which has been fueled by demand for private flight services as businesses and individuals continue to favor the flexibility and safety of private aircraft, according to Jefferies. The growth in NetJets' flight departures stands out in the business aviation sector, with global business jet departures up 32% overall in October versus 2019 levels.

Nearly a week after the November 5 U.S. elections, Washington is still awaiting the final outcome of the results and their effects on Capitol Hill. Regardless, for aviation that outcome will bring change and new leadership on key committees on both sides of the aisle.

With the shift in power from Democrat to Republican hands in the Senate, Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) is the senior member in line for the Commerce Committee chairmanship. For Thune, that would mark a return to leadership of the committee that he chaired for four years before moving into the role of Republican Whip in 2019.

However, whether he reclaims his seat is still unclear since he also is a candidate for Senate Majority Leader. Next in line would be Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who won reelection last week. Cruz currently serves as ranking Republican of the Commerce Committee.

Control of the House was still unclear coming out of the weekend, but changes are afoot there regardless. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) is bumping into a term limit for his chairmanship of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, should Republicans—as it is looking increasingly likely—retain control. He has filed for an exemption from that term limit but also appears to have thrown his hat into the ring, potentially, for Transportation Secretary. Further, aviation subcommittee chair Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) is retiring.

Speculation is rampant that Boeing plans to offer its Jeppesen subsidiary for sale as part of an effort to raise cash to offset its $58 billion debt. However, there is no indication from Boeing of whether it is offering to sell Jeppesen. During Boeing’s recent earnings call, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg shed a little light on the portfolio review concept.

“I'm not going to specifically comment on Jeppesen,” he said. “But looking at all of our activities like that, whether it's in our services business or in either [of] the core businesses, looking at what we're doing there and asking the question, does that really fit in our long-term strategy or would that property be better off somewhere else and we could get more value—we’re destroying value by holding it in The Boeing Company. So, those are the things that we'll look at as we do this portfolio review. And my guess is there'll be some things that we want to take action on. I just don't have that list to tell you right now what am I going to do.”

Boeing purchased aviation navigation data company Jeppesen for $1.5 billion in 2000 and the amount attached to the latest speculation about selling Jeppesen suggests a current value of $6 billion.

Wichita-based MRO provider Global Aviation Tech has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval to install the Universal Avionics ClearVision enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) in Beechcraft King Air 200 and 300 twin turboprops. Developed in partnership with Universal Avionics, the ClearVision STC includes mounting Universal’s EVS-4000 multispectral camera on the King Air’s nose and the pilot wearing the SkyLens head-wearable display (HWD).

ClearVision and SkyLens bring HUD capability into smaller aircraft at a cost much lower than a traditional HUD, which has a projector mounted on the cockpit ceiling and a fixed combiner glass through which the pilot views HUD imagery. Wearing the SkyLens HWD, the pilot can view HUD imagery in any direction, essentially providing a nearly unlimited field of view, while traditional HUDs are limited to the field of view available through the combiner, usually around 40 degrees.

“This first-to-market technology supports aerial firefighting, emergency medical services, special operations, and VIP flights, allowing them to improve mission effectiveness and perform vital tasks with greater precision and safety,” said Universal Avionics CEO Dror Yahav.

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Following nearly two years of discussions involving spirited public input from the community and elected officials, the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners last week unanimously approved a new 30-year lease renewal for Atlantic Aviation to operate the lone FBO at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (KASE) in Colorado. Notably, the agreement contains requirements to offer sustainable aviation fuel.

In April 2023, Atlantic’s proposal was selected as the winner of the airport’s RFP process, beating out six other competitors. Yet the process of actually approving the lease had dragged on as officials and members of the public proffered alternatives, including the airport’s self-management of the facility.

The terms of the lease call for a minimum annual guarantee of $14 million in rent based on revenue calculations, escalating to as much as $23 million a year by the end of the lease. In addition, Atlantic is slated to make more than $100 million in investments in environmental and operational improvements, bringing its commitment at KASE to more than a billion dollars over the span of the lease.

“This was an important step in the process,” said Atlantic executive v-p Clive Lowe. “We appreciate the collaborative work the board of county commissioners in Aspen has engaged in with us and, as we move forward in the approval process, we look forward to the next meeting which is upcoming later this month.”

Bell Textron announced the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe, to be delivered to Adam Fawsitt, along with another three 505 purchase agreements last week at European Rotors. All four helicopters are for private operators. Bell also signed purchase agreements for 15 IFR-configured 407GXi helicopters to Global Medical Response (GMR), as well as options for nine more.

“At [GMR], we recognize the vital role air ambulances play in providing timely, lifesaving care across a diverse landscape,” said Daniel Sweeza, national president of air operations of Colorado-based GMR. “Expanding our fleet allows us to further bridge the gap of access to healthcare. With this expansion, we are reinforcing our commitment to being there when every second counts, ensuring that patients have rapid access to advanced critical care, no matter where they are.”

“As an aircraft owner looking for a modern single-engine turbine aircraft, I selected the Bell 505 for its incredible performance, advanced avionics, modern technology, and great looks,” Fawsitt said. “I’ve enjoyed working closely with the Bell team and their United Kingdom Independent Representative, HelixAv, to specify my perfect helicopter and look forward to flying the 100th Bell 505 [delivered] in Europe.”

Farnborough Airport is now generating a quarter of its power needs from an extensive network of 4,000 solar panels installed on buildings throughout the London-area business aviation gateway. The recently completed installation will also provide power for the airport's fleet of electric vehicles.

The solar panels have been fitted on the roofs of Farnborough’s distinctive curved hangars, as well as on the terminal building, the air traffic control tower, and the Aviator hotel. These can deliver more than 1,700 kWp of installed power capacity annually, generating more than 1.2 Gigawatt hours of clean energy each year.

The investment in solar power is part of the privately owned airport’s effort to achieve carbon-neutral status no later than 2030. The photovoltaic installation is expected to generate more than 36 Gigawatt hours of energy over its working life, offsetting more than 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the process.

“In line with our ambition to become a sustainability showcase for airports around the world, we’re proud to have partnered with solar technology pioneers [at] Solivus to install one of our largest rooftop solar projects in the region,” said Farnborough Airport CEO Simon Geere. “The solar installation is a significant step towards achieving our sustainability objectives, significantly reducing our controllable emissions, as set out in our Net Zero Roadmap…to be net zero by 2030 or sooner.”

Rotortrade has launched a certified preowned helicopter program in collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines. Under the partnership, helicopter broker Rotortrade and the turbine engine manufacturer will help buyers ensure the health of the Safran engines in their newly purchased helicopters.

The certified preowned program will include a pre-purchase inspection conducted by Safran experts; a technical report and certificate of compliance to document the engine’s condition; a six-month or 50-hour warranty; credit of up to €21,000 ($22,657) toward the Safran by-the-hour maintenance program; and access to free training.

In other news, Rotortrade is joining the Fred North Helicopter Safety Mentorship program as a founding partner. The mentorship program “solidifies the long-standing relationship between Fred North and Rotortrade, highlighting their shared commitment to improving safety standards within the helicopter industry,” according to Rotortrade.

Implementation of the program, led by Fred and Peggy North, will see seasoned pilots act as ambassadors who will “carefully vet and recruit a pool of mentors who will guide young pilots, providing them with the knowledge, support, and tools needed to build successful and safe careers in aviation.” Plans call for expansion of the program worldwide, as well as development of an online platform where young pilots can be paired with mentors.

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