Sustainability and innovation capture imaginations at EBACE2023
“At EBACE, we saw how business aviation is reinventing the very technology of flight to take on new missions, serve new customers and connect the world sustainably,” said European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) Chairman Juergen Wiese last week. “For decades, our industry has pioneered breakthroughs to fly not only further but more efficiently, and at EBACE, we accelerated our incredible pace of innovation.”
The show featured the unveiling of Textron Aviation’s new Cessna Citation Ascend, and the EBACE debut of Airbus Corporate Jets’ ACJ TwoTwenty, Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream’s G800 aircraft. “We had a first-hand look at the fuels, propulsion systems and technologies that will lead to net-zero flight. We were inspired by the trailblazers in our industry who are championing teamwork and inclusion. EBACE showed us all that is possible today, and how our shared vision will shape tomorrow,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
EBACE will return to Palexpo and Geneva Airport next year from 28-30 May 2024. www.ebace.aero
Deal done: Lufthansa will acquire 41 percent stake in ITA
Last week, Deutsche Lufthansa AG reached an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to acquire a minority stake in the Italian national carrier ITA Airways. Lufthansa will obtain a 41 percent stake in ITA for EUR 325m through a capital increase. As part of the agreement, the MEF has also committed to a capital increase of EUR 250m into ITA. In addition, the MEF and Lufthansa agreed on options to enable a potential acquisition of the remaining shares by Lufthansa at a later date. The purchase price for the remaining shares will be based on the business development of ITA Airways.
ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group are expected to immediately start their cooperation at a commercial and operational level. ITA Airways will become the fifth network carrier in Lufthansa Group’s multi-brand and multi-hub system. ITA Airways was founded in November 2020 and has approximately 4,000 employees today. Headquartered in Rome, the airline welcomes more than 10 million passengers per year and is running a fleet of 66 Airbus aircraft. As part of Lufthansa Group, ITA will remain a standalone airline with its own management and brand identity. www.lufthansagroup.com
CAE announces Vienna training center
CAE announces Vienna, Austria as the location for its new business aviation training centre in Central Europe CAE announced at the EBACE 2023 that it is expanding its global network to Central Europe with a new business aviation training centre in Vienna, Austria, scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2024. In addition, CAE will deploy the first Bombardier Global 7500 full-flight simulator (FFS) in Europe, making pilot training on this popular aircraft type more accessible and convenient for operators in the region.
CAE will initially operate six state-of the-art FFSs in Vienna, including the Global 7500, a Global 6000 Vision, and four yet-to-be-announced FFSs for business jets from leading manufacturers. The new 8,000-square-metre facility will have space for expansion with a capacity for up to nine FFSs and will be purpose-built to deliver the most advanced pilot training experience in Central Europe. In addition to the Vienna training centre, CAE is expanding its business aviation network around the world. In November 2022, the company launched business aviation training at CAE Singapore on a newly installed Gulfstream G650 FFS. In April 2023, it inaugurated its first West Coast business aviation training centre in Las Vegas, Nevada. Looking ahead, CAE will continue to expand its network with new training centres in Lake Nona, Florida and Savannah, Georgia set to begin operations in the second half of 2023. www.cae.com
People: HAECO appoints Richard Sell as new CEO
HAECE Group, a leading global provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, has announced the appointment of Mr. Richard Sell as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will assume the role on 1 July 2023, succeeding Mr. Frank Walschot, who will remain as an advisor to the company.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in a diverse range of industries and corporate structures, Mr. Sell brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd (HAESL), a 50/50 joint venture between HAECO and Rolls-Royce, and is a director of Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Company Ltd and Goodrich Asia-Pacific Ltd. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sell held management positions with several Swire group companies, including Cathay Pacific Airways, Swire Pacific, The China Navigation Company, Swire Energy Services, and Swire Pacific Offshore in Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Europe. During this time, he gained experience in various sectors, including aviation, marine, retail and distribution, and was responsible for both wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures covering Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
Mr. Sell holds a degree from the University of Leeds and has also attended INSEAD and Stanford University Graduate School of Business. www.haeco.com
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