Global bizjet activity up 21% on 2019 in first half of year
The first half of the year set a new record for global business jet demand, according to statistics released by industry data tracker WingX Advance. Although the rebound is slowing, the gains on 2019 have held steady at around 20%. The Fourth of July holiday period confirmed that airlines are coming back, especially in the US, and there is arguably a correlation with bizjet demand tapering, down 5% on last year during the weekend. The European summer demand has meanwhile hit new heights as the summer holidays start in earnest. Europe saw nearly 300,000 business jet flights in the first half of the year, a 38 percent increase over the same period last year and 17 percent more than in 2019.
For the first 6 months of 2022 there were 2.7 million business aviation flights globally. Business jets and turboprops flew 22% more sectors than in the first half of 2021, 15% more than same period 2019. The turboprop rebound has been relatively weaker; business jet activity is up 27% compared to last year, 21% ahead of 2019. By comparison, scheduled airline sectors ended the first half still almost 30% behind comparable 2019. Global cargo operations this year have fallen off the pace of 2021 but still up 5% on 2019. www.wingx-advance.com
Gulfstream G800 makes first flight
Gulfstream Aerospace announced the new Gulfstream G800 successfully completed its first flight, officially launching the flight-test program of the industry’s longest-range aircraft. In October 2021, Gulfstream announced two new aircraft, the G400 and the G800. The G800 departed Savannah International Airport on June 28 and landed there two hours later. In keeping with Gulfstream’s commitment to sustainability, the aircraft made the flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel.
The G800 has the longest range of any currently announced business jet. With its Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles/14,816 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm/12,964 km at Mach 0.90. The G800 also features the latest in Gulfstream’s cabin technology. Designed to seat up to 19 passengers, the G800 offers up to four living areas, or three living areas with a crew compartment. The G800 is equipped with Gulfstream’s next-generation Symmetry Flight Deck and dual head-up displays featuring the new Combined Vision System, which includes Enhanced Flight Vision System and Synthetic Vision System imagery. www.gulfstream.com
European Rotors to bring bigger event in November 2022
European Rotors, the VTOL show and safety conference, is looking ahead to its second iteration, to be held from 8 to 10 November, 2022 in Cologne, Germany.
The premier event in 2021 was an encouraging success, with very strong support shown by the rotorcraft industry at a time when travel restrictions were still affecting many countries. The “365 digital event platform” was also established, primarily aimed at potential visitors who remained in their home countries, and its success will be continued to allow additional attendees to participate and interact with exhibitors and other aspects of the event.
The organisers of European Rotors are pleased to report that bookings are already well ahead of its 2021 achievements, with over 115 companies and organisations already signed up as exhibitors. European Rotors is jointly organised by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and with the full support of major OEMs from the industry. www.europeanrotors.eu
People: David Morgan, interim Chief Operating Officer of EasyJet
Peter Bellew, the well-respected Chief Operations Officer of EasyJet, has resigned with immediate effect. David Morgan was appointed interim Chief Operating Officer in July 2022, reporting directly to the CEO. David joined EasyJet in September 2016 as the airline’s Chief Pilot, and in December 2017 took up the position of Director of Flight Operations. David previously served as interim COO in 2019, when he oversaw operations across the airline and delivered significant improvements in operational performance. David is also leading EasyJet’s work to support the development of promising new technologies for zero-emission aircraft. This includes partnerships with aerospace companies including Airbus on a joint research project on electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen aircraft.
Previously, David has worked as Chief Flight Operations Officer at Wizz Air and has also held the positions of Chief Pilot and Fleet Captain during his time at the airline. He began his work in aviation in the armed forces of the United Kingdom and Australia and his career has taken him around the world including five years as a management pilot at the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and five years for BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia. David is also a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. www.corporate.easyjet.com