EBAA launches Ambassador program
Last week, the European Business Aviation Association, officially announced the launch of its peer-networking Ambassador program. Alongside the launch of an online platform, the program allows industry leaders to join closed workshops and forums to address the greatest challenges and opportunities for Business aviation.
At several moments during the year, EBAA Ambassadors will come together to reflect on the industry’s most pressing issues. Ambassadors will be briefed on political and public policy developments that impact the sector, and are committed to giving back in the areas of sustainability, diversity, innovation, and responsible business practices. Complementing this initiative, the newly launched virtual platform Ambassador.ebaa.org will share stories about EBAA Ambassadors, celebrate their achievements and most importantly, allow space for discourse on making a change for the better. So far, 15 companies have signed up to the program (Air BP, Bombardier, CAT Aviation, Dassault Aviation, DC Aviation, Duncan Aviation, Flying Group, JetCraft, Jet Maintenance Solutions, JSSI, Medaire, NetJets Europe, Primus aero, UAS International Trip Support, VistaJet).
Europe left behind as other regions approach 2019 trends
Global business aviation activity in early April began at levels more than double from those a year ago, according to WINGX’s weekly Global Market Tracker. Through the lens of the US market, business aviation has rebounded faster and fuller than most optimistic predictions last year, with activity fast approaching 2019 levels, matching the frenetic pace of business jet transactions. In contrast, the European market is sluggish, with the UK’s inactivity suggesting that regional recovery in travel demand will not automatically result from successful vaccination programs.
Global business aviation activity this April is more than double April 2020, little surprise given the contrasting phases of the pandemic. The comparison is not exact as Easter is earlier this year, but the 7-day rolling trend is confirming a big improvement. Overall, the European area is seeing 10% fewer business jet flights this year than last, but there are a bunch of countries already ahead of 2020 trends, including Greece, Ukraine, Poland, Serbia, Romania, Hungary, Cyprus. Le Bourget is narrowly the busiest airport this year, activity down 20%, with Vnukovo 2nd movements up 23% vs 2020.
Excluding the US and European area, business jet activity is at 94% of comparative 2019 levels this month. The Middle East is seeing some 30% more traffic this Spring than in comparable 2019.
CAE purchases RosterBuster crew management application
Less than four months after expanding into digital crew management services through its acquisition of Merlot Aero, CAE is building that business with the addition of crew application provider RosterBuster RB Group to its portfolio, the global training company announced last week. RB Group is a leading provider of fully integrated solutions that modernize the way airlines and business aircraft operators interact with their crew.
The suite of applications includes a digital logbook and the award-winning crew engagement RosterBuster app. With over 400,000 users globally and over 500 airlines currently supported, the RosterBuster crew app empowers aviation professionals with relevant and instant information and allows users to connect to their airline operations, communicate with fellow crew members, and manage their busy day-to-day lives. www.cae.com
People: Benjamin Murray becomes president and CEO of Skyservice
Benjamin Murray succeeds Emlyn David as CEO of Skyservice, Canada’s leader in business aviation. Mr. Murray has more than 20 years of leadership and operational experience in business aviation in North America, including progressively responsible roles with NetJets Inc., the largest private aviation company in the world, including as President and Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiary Executive Jet Management, where he doubled revenue in less than two years. Mr. Murray also served with Landmark Aviation as President, Aircraft Management and Charter, building the enterprise into the second largest aircraft management company in the United States. In 2010 Benjamin Murray has joined XOJET as President. Prior to joining Skyservice in November 2020, Mr. Murray was Founder and Managing Member of North Star Solutions, LLC, a corporate aviation consulting company serving the aviation and mobility needs of international blue-chip clients.
Prior to beginning his aviation career, Murray was an accomplished athlete having earned a Gold Medal as a Centerfielder for the USA Olympic Festival baseball team and was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1990 Major League Baseball draft. www.skyservice.com
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