EASA: use of new technologies to support all-weather operations
The EASA published a proposal to update the regulatory framework applicable to all-weather operations (AWOs) and flight crew training to allow the application of latest technological advancements. “This Opinion is innovative in certifying the use of technologies that are already available to increase safety, while at the same time broadening the commercial network by increasing the accessibility to medium-size airports and bringing environmental and cost advantages by reducing the number of diversions due to poor visibility,” said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky.
The opinion allows for better integration and use of new, advanced technology as well as new operational procedures to support AWOs. The rules are not technology-dependent and may accommodate future changes. They ensure the availability of aerodrome infrastructure, information and procedures and allow for the use of enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS) to the maximum extent possible (e.g. EFVS to land). They also allow for ‘light operational credits’ for EFVS 200 operations, which do require the use of specific approvals, therefore reducing the administrative burdens. In addition, they allow for safe helicopter flights under IFR, using point-in-space (PinS) approaches and departures.
Macquarie to sell FBO operator Atlantic to investment firm KKR
Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation and KKR this week announced the signing of a definitive agreement for Macquarie to sell its Atlantic Aviation business to KKR for $4.475 billion in cash and assumed debt and reorganization obligations. New York Investment company KKR already holds a substantial aviation portfolio. Atlantic Aviation operates one of the largest networks of fixed base operations (FBOs) in the U.S. providing a full suite of critical services to the private aviation sector.
The sale of Atlantic Aviation is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021. Atlantic Aviation is one of the largest portfolios of FBOs in the world. The business operates at 69 airport locations in some of the most popular business and recreational destinations around the U.S.
Embraer Eve: second major order for eVTOLs
Eve Urban Air Mobility and Helisul Aviation, one of the largest helicopter operators in Latin America, this week announced a partnership that will focus on creating an ecosystem-wide approach to prepare for Urban Air Mobility operations in Brazil. In addition to collaborating on a suite of products and services, the partnership includes an order for up to 50 eVTOLs with deliveries expected to start in 2026. Helisul and Eve plan to begin their partnership working together in a proof of concept (POC) operation, using helicopters in order to validate parameters that will apply to the future eVTOL operations. Eve is an independent company formed by Embraer S.A.
On 1 June, private urban air mobility (UAM) provider Halo has become the launch customer for Eve’s eVTOL aircraft, after it ordered 200 examples. In addition, Halo announced the alignment of U.K.-based Halo Aviation Ltd. (Halo) and U.S.-based Associated Aircraft Group (AAG) under the Halo brand. Both companies had been acquired earlier this year by OneSky Flight, a member of the Directional Aviation family. Halo aims to provide streamlined experiences for clients of sister companies in the Directional Aviation family of brands: fractional ownership provider Flexjet, jet card service Sentient Jet, and on-demand charter operators PrivateFly and FxAir. www.embraer.com
People: Dawit Lemma of Krimson Aviation named to the IS-BAH Standards Board
The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) recently conducted its annual International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Standards Board meeting where it virtually welcomed three new members for 2021-2022. The IS-BAH Standards Board is delegated responsibility for the content of the Standard itself by the IBAC Governing Board. New members include Kevin Donnelly from Jet Aviation US, Dawit Lemma from Krimson Aviation, and Benjamin Hammond from Duncan Aviation.
Dawit Lemma becomes the first African representative ever selected to serve the IS-BAH board. He is the founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation – an aviation support services company based in Ethiopia and Switzerland since 2015. He is a Swiss citizen, but of Ethiopian origin, and has lived and worked all over the world; from Zambia to Afghanistan, the USA to Switzerland. Dawit returned to Ethiopia in 2012 as he recognized the thriving potential and opportunities being displayed by Ethiopia’s economic resurgence.
He is a graduate of Purdue University in the USA, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering & Flight Technology, followed by an MSc. degree in Aviation Management & Marketing from the Basel Business College in Switzerland. Dawit also holds an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic’s License (American FAA), Commercial Pilot’s License (American FAA, South African CAA, Swiss FOCA/EASA), and an EASA Frozen ATPL. He has over 20 years of experience in the aviation sector across 4 continents, with a cache of notable experience garnered at leading companies from around the world, including TAG Aviation, Emirates Airlines, MAF, and Ethiopian Airlines, to name a few. Dawit served on the Executive Committee of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) as Director of Membership and Events, before being named a Board Member and the AfBAA President of the AfBAA Ethiopia Chapter.