Market Dynamics Prompt Membership Changes at Vista

Changing demographics and dynamics have prompted on-demand provider Vista Global Holding to introduce new membership plans: VJ25 for its VistaJet brand and the XO Membership for its XO brand. The Dubai-based company registered a 43 percent year-over-year increase in its member base in the first half of the year. During that time, the holding company noted that younger customers are joining as members and there is a faster turnaround in contract signups.

VJ25 is a three-year private flight subscription designed for customers who travel 25 to 49 hours a year, which is lower than VistaJet’s previous initial requirement of 50 or more hours of travel. VJ25 also provides access to the company’s fleet of 350 aircraft, guaranteed availability, VistaJet in-flight services and perks offered to other membership tiers, and aircraft at a fixed rate on every guaranteed day.

The streamlined, all-access XO Membership replaces the brand’s tiered membership structure, offering instant booking of private flights and seats with no booking fees. It includes access to 2,450 aircraft, including those in the Vista Members’ fleet when available. The membership requires a $100,000 fully refundable deposit and comes with no blackout days or expiration.

The company also noted it will be sunsetting its Jet Edge Reserve membership program following its acquisition of the operator in June.

North American Bizav Ops Dip for Second Month in a Row

Business aircraft flight activity in North America inched down year-over-year by 0.9 percent in August, marking the second month in a row where there was a softening of operations, according to the latest report from Argus International. European operations also were down by 1.5 percent, more than forecast, but global activity marked a 1.8 percent increase in August, driven by a resurgence in other markets.

In North America, Part 91 activity recorded the only year-over-year increase, up 5.6 percent from August 2021. Fractional activity remained essentially flat for the second month in a row (down 0.6 percent), but Part 135 activity dropped by 8.1 percent. Across operations, all categories of aircraft were used slightly less from a year ago, except large-cabin jets. Those operations remained flat year-over-year. 

In Europe, operations slid year-over-year in August involving midsize and light jets. But turboprops saw a 1.6 percent improvement and large-cabin jets notched a 2.4 percent bump. As for the rest of the globe, activity jumped by 23.3 percent from a year ago, with turboprop activity leading the way, up 56 percent.

Argus expects traffic in North America to decline for a third straight month in September, predicting activity will be down 2.2 percent year-over-year. It further expects European operations to decline by a percentage point this month.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Joins Keynotes at NBAA-BACE

Acclaimed astrophysicist, author, and science commentator Neil deGrasse Tyson is joining the slate of keynote speakers on the opening day of NBAA-BACE next month in Orlando, Florida. NBAA, announcing the addition of Tyson to the lineup today, said his “compelling visuals and one-of-a-kind perspectives about America’s reach for distant horizons have captivated sold-out audiences.”

Tyson is frequently sought after for commentary on his observations on events such as NASA’s Artemis lunar mission and images coming from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope showing stars and galaxies 290 million light-years from Earth. He has authored books providing an understanding of space and the universe, including his upcoming Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization. He also has a following on his StarTalk podcast and hosted the PBS Nova mini-series Origins.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard University, a doctorate in astrophysics from Columbia University, and 21 honorary doctorates.

“Neil deGrasse Tyson will share the astonishing images and insights that lead us to ponder the mysteries of our universe,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “He has a unique ability to remind us why America leads the world in aviation and aerospace, and to inspire a new generation of Americans to be a part of its pioneering future.”

Also announced as a keynote during the opening BACE session is famed Nascar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

MD Helicopters Emerges from Bankruptcy

MD Helicopters has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its assets have been acquired by a new operating company, MD Helicopters LLC. The company is now 62 percent majority held by bond insurer MBIA, which will have three seats on MD's new seven-member board. The former ownership interests of Patriarch Partners and Lynn Tilton in the old MD have been eliminated.

Ed Dolanski, who was previously president of U.S. government services for Boeing Global Services, will serve as the board’s chairman, while veteran aerospace executive Brad Pedersen was named CEO. Pedersen previously served as CEO of helicopter hoist manufacturer Breeze-Eastern and president of Airborne Systems Group. 

MD has also recruited executives to serve as CFO, v-p of aftermarket sales, and v-p of new aircraft production. The company will remain in Mesa, Arizona, where it employs 250.

Pedersen said the company will focus on rebuilding product support over the next two to five years while gradually ramping up aircraft production of its MD500 series of single-engine helicopters from the handful currently on the line to 15 to 20 in 2023. He emphasized that the company’s focus will be on product support of the existing fleet with a heavy investment in spares. Pedersen said getting product support to an acceptable level requires investment, as well as stabilizing management and processes. “Most of our injuries have been self-inflicted,” he said.

Million Air opens up new location in Jacksonville, FL

Million Air is excited to announce it is now operating at Jacksonville Cecil Spaceport (KVQQ), Jacksonville’s largest airport with the lowest fees in the region. Million Air has acquired the Jacksonville Jetport FBO, a 28.75-acre footprint on the field.

Canada’s G2 Performs VIP AStar Conversion

Quebec-based G2 Aviation, a Transport Canada-approved aircraft maintenance organization, has converted a utility-configured Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 into a private VIP helicopter. The AStar was then delivered to Montreal-based Helicraft to be used by the company for VIP transport and tours.

The aircraft underwent a 144-month inspection and a makeover that included new Garmin avionics—a G500H dual-screen electronic flight display, Aera 760 portable GPS, GTN 650H GPS navcom multifunctional display, and GMA 350HC audio panel, as well as a MD302 standby instrument. The helicopter also received a fresh interior with black leather seating, Lonseal flooring, and new exterior paint.  

“With so few aircraft on the market today, more buyers are discovering the value of converting aircraft to their ideal configuration, complete with personalized finishes,” said G2 Aviation v-p of sales Richard Plourde. G2 regularly performs upgrades on various helicopter models, including AS350s. It is converting an AS350BA into a B2 model, which can be customized during the conversion process, and is in discussions with other customers for additional conversions.

Toronto Pearson Airport To Impose Evening Bizav Limits

Toronto’s airport authority has issued a warning that evening slots into Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) may be limited this fall due to a reconstruction project on Runway 06L/24R and resulting system capacity issues.

According to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), variable hourly limits will be imposed in the Airport Reservation Office’s online coordination system (OCS) between 3 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. EDT until further notice. GTAA noted that “all unallocated capacity in an hour period from the scheduled commercial operating schedule will be available for general aviation/business aviation use.” Operating limits will be reviewed on a biweekly basis.

All business and general aviation flights departing and arriving at CYYZ between 6:30 a.m. and 12:29 a.m. are still required to file a reservation in the OCS, and those planning to operate into or out of the airport between 12:30 a.m. and 6:29 a.m. are required to follow the airport’s Noise Operating Restrictions.

Officials advise that operators who have not yet registered for an OCS account should submit an OCS application form to the airport reservation office and allow up to seven days for processing.

Chantilly Air Adds To Managed Fleet

Aircraft management, charter, and services company Chantilly Air has added a Gulfstream G450 to its managed fleet of Part 91 and 135 aircraft at Manassas Regional Airport (KMNZ) in Northern Virginia.

“We are thrilled to have been able to work with our clients to find the aircraft they needed to meet their mission, especially in the current market,” said Chantilly Air director of operations Tim Sullivan. “Our extensive industry contacts helped find an off-market option that otherwise would not have been found. We look forward to providing our turn-key aircraft management for this aircraft and providing the owners with the flexibility to truly enjoy the benefits of this business tool.”

The G450 joins a fleet of managed and charter aircraft that includes a Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 605s. The G450 introduction comes after the company added 60,000 sq ft of hangar and office space, as well as a new full-service FBO facility, Chantilly Air Jet Center, at KMNZ last year.

Stevens Aerospace Celebrates C-12U G1000 Install

During an event held yesterday at its Greenville, South Carolina facility, Stevens Aerospace & Defense Systems celebrated the first Garmin G1000 NXi integrated avionics installation in a U.S. Army C-12U/B200C King Air. Local officials and Army personnel were on hand for the celebration, which also marked the 750th Garmin G1000 NXi installation.

The Army upgrade includes the full G1000 NXi flight deck, but Stevens Aerospace also had to integrate military equipment that includes a third GPS, a third transponder, and a secure communications system. It also includes full paint and interior refurbishment. In addition, Stevens Aerospace is providing pilot familiarization training on the G1000 NXi avionics to Army pilots using Stevens’s full-size flight deck simulator at the Greenville facility.

The company has long been a U.S. government depot-level aircraft repair and modification center and has installed several G1000 and G1000 NXi systems in civil King Airs.

“This is the beginning of the U.S. Army’s modernization and standardization of the C-12U/BL-series aircraft,” said Jim Williams, the v-p of government operations at Stevens. “Stevens’s solid history with Garmin G1000 installations and ability to interface this specialized military equipment were key to winning this contract and giving the U.S. Army a path forward to modernizing the C-12U fleet.”

Count on AIN for Full Coverage of NBAA-BACE

As ever, you can count on AIN for full coverage of NBAA-BACE 2022. Our team will publish three of our award-winning daily NBAA Convention News editions at the show on October 18, 19, and 20. We will also have comprehensive real-time reporting of all the top news at AINonline.com and in our daily e-newsletters. If you are an exhibiting company that wants to share news or propose pre-show interviews and briefings, please contact show editor Chad Trautvetter.