Cessna Citation Longitude achieves EASA certification
Textron Aviation announced that the Cessna Citation Longitude has received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Longitude “super-midsize” business jet was introduced at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in in 2012. The model flew for the first time in October 2016 and got its FAA type certificate in September 2019.
“In the second half of last year we saw a substantial increase in super-midsize flight activity across Europe,” said Tom Perry, Textron Aviation EMEA vice president of sales. The Cessna Citation Longitude is powered by Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines and equipped with the Garmin G5000 flight deck. It has a range of 3,500 NM, top cruise speed of 483 knots and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds. The Longitude has a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet and can seat up to twelve passengers. www.txtav.com
Analysis reveals Historically low levels of pre-owned private jets for sale
Pre-owned private jet inventory decreased 38% since June 2020, according to market analysis by private jet broker Colibri Aircraft. Only around 4.65% of the pre-owned jet fleet is for sale – the lowest level since records began in the 1980s. In total, around 1134 private jets are for sale globally, compared to approximately 1839 in June 2020, a decline of over 38%.
This low inventory, plus a drop in the number of new private jets being delivered – down 20% last year from 2019 (the lowest number since 2004), means that despite a difficult market for commercial aviation and travel in general, the private jet sector has been experiencing high levels of demand, says Colibri. “Buying private jets is extremely difficult right now, particularly for European compliant aircraft. We recently tried to purchase a late model Challenger 650 for a client, and at least six offers were made for this aircraft, which ended up trading close to its headline asking price. To say that the market is competitive at the moment is an understatement,” said Oliver Stone, Managing Director at Colibri Aircraft.
Textron Aviation realigns Denali under Beechcraft brand
Textron Aviation last week announced it is realigning its turboprop aircraft lineup as the single-engine Beechcraft Denali (previously branded the Cessna Denali) joins the legendary twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 260 and King Air 360/360ER as part of the company’s turboprop product lineup.
Textron believes the Denali will outperform its competition and deliver lower operating costs. The panel will contain Garmin G3000 avionics and the aircraft has been engineered to achieve a cruise speeds of 285 KTAS, and with a full fuel payload of 500 kg, the Denali will have a range of 1600 nm at high speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers. Earlier this month, the new FADEC GE Aviation Catalyst engine was installed on the first Beechcraft Denali prototype airframe and the aircraft was powered on for the first time. Engine runs are anticipated in August, followed by a first flight for the aircraft projected for later this year.
Flexjet expands European operation, securing AOC for Malta
Fractional fleet operator Flexjet, part of the Directional Aviation family, has been awarded an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for Malta, as it continues to expand its European operation.
The company has seen its fleet of aircraft grow in Europe by 40% alone in 2021. The fractional fleet operator has selected an Embraer Legacy 500 as the first aircraft to operate under the new registration. Marine Eugène, Flexjet European Managing Director, said: “Flexjet Owners are flying an increasing variety of routes within Europe and beyond, and our Maltese AOC allows us more reach and additional operational flexibility. I am also delighted to establish our new regional Operational Centre within the Maltese aviation community, which will undoubtedly prove an important asset as we continue to grow Flexjet throughout Europe.”
People: Farnborough Airport appoints new CEO, Simon Geere
Farnborough Airport recently introduced Simon Geere as new CEO. Simon joined Farnborough Airport at a challenging time for the aviation industry, having officially started his role on 1st July 2020. Being the largest private jet airport in the UK, Farnborough saw 32,000 movements and 62,000 travelers in 2019. However, like most businesses in the UK, the airport suffered a drop in activity at the end of March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, suffering a 40 per cent decrease in business.
Simon joined Farnborough Airport from Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA), bringing with him a wealth of experience, with over 25 years in aviation and airport leadership roles. Formerly holding both board positions and senior roles across several UK and European Airports, Simon is also currently a board member of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton Airports, in addition to Farnborough Airport.
Originally setting out to be an architect, Simon changed course and undertook a degree in Transport Studies which introduced him to his now longstanding career in aviation. He started at BAA plc in 1994, later joining London Luton Airport as General Manager Aviation and then Business Development Director, responsible for the airport’s revenue generating projects. Joining MIRA in 2002, Simon took charge of driving operational performance across the European airport portfolio whilst steering the business through the many challenges faced by the aviation sector in the past 20 years. www.farnboroughairport.com