EASA launches information platform on conflict zones
The EASA launched the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, an initiative which ensures that participating EASA member states and their operators have easy access to the best information when planning flights near or over areas of conflict. The launch of the platform, developed together with Osprey Flight Solutions, was initiated in response to the tragic shooting down of MH17 over eastern Ukraine in July 2014 and its momentum reinforced by the loss of PS752, shot down over Tehran in January 2020.
The aim of the Platform is to enable its members to carry out risk assessments and take decisions based on reliable and updated data. In addition, the exchange of information between experts is expected to enhance the confidence of those taking decisions regarding the operation of flights in conflict zone areas. EASA will ensure that the Platform remains a trusted environment and also moderate the content. www.easa.europa.eu
Ukraine Crisis carries ramifications for business aviation
The numerous ways the escalating war between Russia and Ukraine has already impacted the global business aviation community were the subject of a timely NBAA webinar held March 4. John Tuten, chief pilot for Honeywell, noted closure of Russian airspace has impacted roughly half of all routes between the U.S. to India and the Asia-Pacific. “In some instances it’s adding five hours of flight time” to divert around the closures, he said. Although not a large petroleum provider to the U.S., sanctions against Russian oil shipments to other countries will also carry significant consequences to the global market. “Our economists have started modelling scenarios [at] $150 a barrel,” said David Granson with Goldman, Sachs & Co. Ron Epstein, senior equity analyst for Bank of America, said he expected other supply chain shortages as well, particularly as Russia is among the largest global suppliers of titanium and other materials used in aircraft production. International sanctions also will affect aircraft transactions, brokers, lessors, maintenance providers and other companies. Cyber-attacks against Ukraine and members of the NATO also are likely, Granson added.
According to WINGX’s weekly Global Market Tracker, the size of the Russian aviation industry in the global context is small in some respects - only 0.5% of global business jet deliveries, 0.7% of the active fleet, under 100 aircraft on the Register - but Europe has relatively high exposure to business jets regularly operating out of Russia, an estimated 12% of all jets based in Europe in 2021. Last year, 7% of all business jet sectors operated in Europe inter-connected with Russia or Ukraine. www.nbaa.org
GAMA releases 2021 aircraft shipment and billings report
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2021 General Aviation Aircraft Shipments and Billings Report. Overall, when compared to 2020, all aircraft segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $25.2 billion, an increase of 10.2%. Airplane shipments in 2021, when compared to 2020, saw piston airplane deliveries increase 5.5%, with 1,393 units; turboprop airplane deliveries increase 19.0%, with 527 units; and business jet deliveries increase 10.2%, with 710 units. The preliminary value of airplane deliveries for 2021 was $21.6 billion, an increase of approximately 7.6%. Preliminary civil-commercial turbine helicopter deliveries saw an increase of 24.8%, with 645 units.
The piston engine airplane market in North America accounted for 68.7% of overall shipments. Turboprop airplane shipments to North American customers accounted for 52.6%. The second largest market for turboprop airplane deliveries was the Latin American market at 15.7%. The North American market accounted for 65.9% of business jet deliveries. The second largest market for business jet deliveries during the year was Europe at 18.0%. www.gama.aero
People: SITA appoints David Lavorel as its new CEO
The SITA Board has announced the appointment of David Lavorel as the company’s new CEO. Lavorel replaces former CEO Barbara Dalibard who has left SITA after five years at the helm. SITA is a leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology with more than 2500 customers worldwide.
David joined SITA in January 2000 and served as Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions and Head of France Telecom Partnership Management (SITA Communications business). Over the past 20 years at SITA, Lavorel has served in a range of senior roles, most recently as CEO of SITA at airports and borders. He also served as CEO of SITA for Aircraft, where he pursued a strategy to extract the full potential of the connected aircraft for SITA's airline customers. As Senior VP Corporate Development and Head of the CEO office, Lavorel’s responsibilities included executing the company's growth and development plans. A Swiss and French national, David is a graduate engineer of Telecom Paris and started his career in consulting including working for KPMG Consulting. David is based in Geneva. www.sita.aero
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