Bombardier and Gulfstream opt out Of EBACE 2024
Two major players in the business aviation industry, Bombardier and Gulfstream, have chosen to bypass this year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE). Scheduled from May 28 to 30 in Geneva, EBACE 2024 is set to embrace a new narrative, centering on sustainable aviation and emerging technologies. Bombardier confirmed its withdrawal from the exhibition, citing an exploration of alternative regional marketing strategies within its broader business plan. Earlier, Gulfstream also confirmed that it had decided against exhibiting at EBACE and similarly said it planned to “select events in markets that align with our business objectives.” The move to pass on the EBACE show floor and display follows Gulfstream’s decision against exhibiting at NBAA-BACE in October. www.ebace.aero
Victor moves headquarters to Abu Dhabi
Victor an on-demand jet charter platform, last week announced the relocation of its headquarters to Abu Dhabi. Founded in 2011 in the UK, Victor’s move to Abu Dhabi will provide the Emirate with its first on-demand jet charter platform. The move follows the recent acquisition of Victor by an investment group in Abu Dhabi. Aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic target, Victor will contribute to the nation’s
sustainability objectives through its climate action initiatives - namely its pioneering partnership with Neste, the world’s leading producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). www.flyvictor.com
Robinson Helicopter acquires UAV maker Ascent AeroSystems
Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) has acquired Ascent AeroSystems, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Robinson Helicopter Company. Ascent AeroSystems, recognized for its efficient and compact coaxial helicopter drones designed for industrial, public safety, and defense applications, brings a wealth of technological synergies that align with Robinson’s strategic vision for growth and expansion into new markets. Through the acquisition, Ascent can now grow and scale by building its UAVs at Robinson’s cost-effective, vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Torrance, CA. Ascent’s engineering team – with its focus on electric power and autonomous flight – “really complements what we need for the next generation of products”, Robinson Helicopter’s new chief executive David Smith said. www.robinsonheli.com
People: Robin Hayes selected to lead Airbus in North America
Airbus SE has announced that C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Americas, Inc. effective June 3, 2024, after serving as the region’s top executive since 2018. He will remain with Airbus through a transition period. Robin Hayes, former CEO of JetBlue Airways, has been selected to succeed him.
Hayes brings 35 years of global aerospace leadership to Airbus. He joined JetBlue in August 2008 after nineteen years career with British Airways on the frontline, assisting customers in Glasgow, Scotland. Throughout his career with British Airways, he held positions of increasing responsibility in both the operational and commercial divisions. From 2020 to 2022, Hayes was Chair of the IATA’s Board of Governors, where he championed the association’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hayes will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. As Chairman and CEO, Hayes will lead the commercial aircraft business, and will have responsibility for coordination among the company’s helicopters, space and defense businesses in North America. The region has more than 10,000 Airbus employees across 50 sites. Additionally, Airbus spends $15 billion annually with more than 2,000 U.S. suppliers in over 40 states.
Robin Hayes holds BSc in Engineering from University of Bath; ME from University of Bath; and graduate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from University of Bath.