The FAA has approved Gulfstream Aerospace’s supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of a SpaceX Starlink satcom system on the G650/650ER. This STC expands the options for G650/650ER owners and enables installation of a Starlink system by Gulfstream service centers. Before this STC, the only available option was installation by a Starlink dealer using the Nextant Aerospace G650 STC that was issued in August 2023.

Starlink's electronically steered antenna mounts on top of the G650/650ER fuselage above the emergency exit windows over the wing. The antenna weighs about 48 pounds and measures 39 inches long and 31 inches wide. At the centerline of the fuselage, the antenna is about 1.3 inches tall and at the antenna sides is about three inches.

Retail price of a Starlink system is $150,000 and that includes the antenna, power supply unit, two wireless access points, and wiring harness. Service prices range from $2,000 per month for 20 GB (plus $100 per GB additional) to $10,000 per month for unlimited. Coverage via Starlink’s low-earth-orbit network is worldwide, and download speeds range from 40 to 220 Mbps.

Gulfstream is developing Starlink STCs for other models, including the G800, G700, G600, G500, G400, G280, GIV, GIV-X/G450, GV, and GV-SP/G550.

Heico’s Electronic Technologies group is acquiring an 88% stake in business jet power and entertainment components specialist Mid Continent Controls (MC2). While details of the acquisition were not disclosed, Heico said the agreement calls for cash at closing and that key MC2 managers would own the remaining portion of the company.

Analyst Jefferies estimated that MC2 could contribute about $15 million in annual sales to Heico and provide a greater footprint in the business jet market. While Heico did not share profitability details, Jefferies noted that the company has established a threshold of more than 20% EBITA for its transactions. This acquisition is the fourth for Heico in the past year.

Based in Derby, Kansas, MC2 designs and manufactures in-cabin power and entertainment components including power outlets, power distribution modules, cabin management systems, multimedia connectivity ports, seat controls, and switch panels. The company furnishes hundreds of niche parts on a range of business aircraft, both in-production and through the aftermarket.

Thomas Hemphill, son of MC2 founder Rick Hemphill, will remain at the helm of MC2 as president, as will general manager Mike Freel. Both will remain shareholders. Meanwhile, the elder Hemphill, who established the company in 1996, will serve as a consultant. Heico added that “it does not expect material team member turnover to result from the acquisition.” MC2 employs about 60.

Execaire Aviation’s FBO at Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) will join the Avfuel-branded FBO network starting on Friday. The Canadian FBO said partnering with aviation fuel and services provider Avfuel will allow it to offer more competitive fuel pricing, rewards through the Avtrip program, and seamless transaction processes via the Avfuel Pro Card.

“Avfuel is thrilled to partner with Execaire Aviation in supporting Toronto’s aviation community,” said Joel Hirst, Avfuel’s senior v-p of sales. “Our shared values of professionalism and innovation will set new standards for the industry.”

Execaire president Michael Fedele noted, "The partnership combines the strengths of two industry leaders, and together, we will deliver the highest standard of service excellence in the Toronto market."

Execaire Aviation provides services in aircraft management, maintenance, charters, and sales across North America. The company’s facility at CYYZ offers a modern facility that includes private parking, more than 80,000 sq ft of heated hangar space, and 24/7 customer support.

Portside, which has acquired a number of business aviation software providers, is adding Collins Aerospace’s Flight Operations System (FOS) to its stable. Many Collins Aerospace employees are expected to join Portside after the acquisition, which is expected to close by year-end. FOS will become part of the Portside portfolio that includes Avianis, Bart, Professional Flight Management, and Takeflite.

According to Portside CEO Alek Vernitsky, “We are committed to working closely with Collins to ensure a seamless transition for both FOS customers and employees. We will continue supporting FOS software and honoring all customer commitments while offering enhanced integration with Portside’s complementary aviation solutions, including Baldwin SMS for safety management, Trip Assist for ancillary services, and Owner Portal for aircraft analytics, business intelligence, and owner communication.”

As for Collins Aerospace, it explained the planned divestiture of FOS, which was part of its ArincDirect service, with this statement: “We have finalized an agreement to divest the [FOS] business. We regularly review our portfolio to ensure our business is best positioned to deliver for our customers and employees. We believe this sale will better position FOS to meet customer needs well into the future. This does not impact any other Arinc services and only applies to FOS.”

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The International Business Aviation Council made its journey last week to NBAA-BACE a carbon-neutral one with the purchase of carbon credits to offset the team’s travel, as well as for future travel in the coming months. The carbon-neutral offsets are possible through Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX), an aviation carbon exchange program for business aviation that was introduced last month in partnership with IBAC.

The program offers a transparent and user-friendly platform for business aviation companies to voluntarily purchase carbon credits to offset their CO2 emissions as part of an overall sustainability plan, according to IBAC.

“The updated platform makes it easy for small operators, like most in business aviation, to confidently and easily purchase carbon credits to offset their CO2 emissions,” said IBAC director general Kurt Edwards. “While the industry strives to meet its decarbonization goals directly, offsetting is a supplemental tool that allows operators to finance carbon reductions achieved in projects outside the sector to help us reach the net-zero emissions goal by 2050.”

CTX certifies carbon credits through standards such as the gold standard, UNFCCC clean development mechanism, and Verra Verified Carbon Standard. Carbon credits can be purchased on the CTX platform and are then certified as emission offests.

Collins Aerospace has shipped the first deliveries of its upgraded Venue cabin management system that features new smart monitors and upgraded graphical user interfaces. The refreshed system sports 4K-enabled resolutions, comprehensive cabin controls, and a redesigned user interface in what the company calls a “simplified, consistent experience” using its touchscreens, seat controls, and mobile app.

“The enhanced user interface and smart architecture not only advance Venue’s market-leading capabilities and dependability but also establish a firm foundation on which customers can seamlessly build onto their system as future technology upgrades become available,” said v-p and general manager of business and regional avionics Nathan Voight.

The system is available in five sizes with a smart monitor that boasts “flexible integration options” across VVIP aircraft to light jets.

“Collins’ network of trusted dealer partners has been instrumental in the integration and deployment of our upgraded Venue system, evolving the in-flight experience to what passengers expect in ground applications,” added Voight. Venue has been installed on more than 1,700 aircraft across 50 different models.

FAI Rent-a-Jet, a German special mission air ambulance service provider, is a finalist in the Air Ambulance category of the 2024 International Travel & Health Insurance Journal (ITIJ) Awards. This marks the sixth nomination for FAI, following prior wins in 2012, 2020, and 2021. The winner will be announced on November 14 at the International Travel & Health Insurance Conferences event in Vienna, Austria.

The ITIJ Awards, decided upon by an independent panel, recognize companies for excellence in service and contributions to positive industry change. FAI’s nomination reflects its continued advancements in air ambulance operations, which include a recent accreditation for its Dubai-based Commercial Airline Medical Escort service from the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI) in February and its re-accreditation as a EURAMI provider earlier in 2023.

Headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany, FAI was awarded “Air Ambulance Company of the Year” last year at the Middle East Aviation Awards during the Dubai Airshow.

Managing director Volker Lemke remarked, “We remain committed to our clients, outstanding service, and medical excellence with 10 business jets equipped for medevac use.” Over the past year, FAI completed nearly 800 missions using a fleet of 10 medically-equipped Bombardier jets. With more than 70 part-time medical staff, FAI continues to provide specialized care for critical cases worldwide.

Banyan Air Service, a full-service FBO at Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), has launched a new business line designed to help other service providers streamline their purchases of necessary materials.

Dubbed FBO Essentials, the online marketplace was born out of a need for consistent, reliable, and high-performance products. The curated product selection covers the full gamut of ground support and safety equipment, ranging from safety vests and cones to tools and gloves. Banyan's product line takes away the need to source products from multiple vendors, the company said.

“We designed FBO Essentials to be a one-stop solution for FBOs of all sizes,” said Banyan COO Jon Tonko. “Our goal is to help streamline daily operations, allowing FBOs to focus on what they do best: providing exceptional service to their customers.”

He added that the service ensures that FBOs have access to the best tools to support their teams.

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