Air Transport
Article | July 15, 2022
While countries continue to implement new Omicron-related restrictions in response to the rising number of cases globally, a majority of these are in the form of enhanced COVID testing requirements – not travel bans. As a result, travel demand for popular peak-season destinations has remained strong, and over the past few days we’ve seen a BIG INFLUX in bookings as news trickles out that Omicron may be a less severe variant.
If this continues, we expect to see another prolonged booking surge, so plan accordingly and get your requests in ASAP for best options – especially parking and hotels. While the new U.S. 24-hr testing requirement for return travel is tight, it’s not a big deal if you are prepared with an approved at-home testing kit (like Abbott BinaxNow, Qured, Ellume, etc.). Alternatively, our Trip Support Teams can help you identify testing providers abroad.
Looking ahead to your missions in 2022, you may want to consider On-Aircraft COVID Testing for your N-registered aircraft. It’ll make international COVID testing MUCH easier on you and your passengers when at-home testing kits aren’t an option.
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Defense and Space
Article | June 8, 2022
The pandemic has fueled the private aviation segment boom. It has raised many new aviation business bodies.
While the private aviation segment was once reserved for millionaires and A-listers, it now has aircraft that look for more quick and secure gateways.
“We’ve flown more for businesses now than ever, based private jet travel provider PrivateFly.This is the time to use capital to travel safely. We’re seeing sales year-to-date matching with 2020. The sales are outperforming in the private jet market. And since the pandemic hit, we have seen striking changes in clients’ profiles and buying habits."
- Adam Twidell, CEO and founder of UK
Despite the ongoing dimness of the growth of the aviation industry, there has been a fresh influx of customers for private jets.
The pandemic empowered the private aviation companies. As a result, the private jet market has noticed a higher demand of 72% healthy since 2019.
About this, Adam Twidell mentions that private aviation is cautiously hopeful about the future for private jet travel.So, how is the private aviation market growing? How is private jet travel becoming popular? Let’s understand it.
Why are Private Jet Companies Taking Off?
Today, many business travelers are seeking a safer way to fly due to the ongoing effect of the pandemic. As a result, the term ‘safer’ fly has turned to private jet travel.
Its appeal in the present time has been evident. But some reasons that support the answer behind arethe taking off of private aviation companies are as follows:
The Uncertainty of Commercial Aviation
A drop in airline operations throughout the pandemic is one of the reasons. On the other hand, the pandemic facilitated an increase in the number of new business travelers in private aviation.
A Shift in Consumer Behavior
The surging number of first-time flyers have learned to invest in safety. Consumers are beginning to understand that investing in safety is essential today. Consequently, private aviation is not considered a luxury but a common choice as a reliable travel solution.
Control & Flexibility
The evolving new technologies in aviation have now created controllable operations. Such advancement has enabled aviation businesses to recover rapidly. Similarly, the private aviation sector is passing the power to customers to choose scheduled flights. The flexibility of the travel segment has added a value in terms of safety for business travelers.
“For companies looking to fly more frequently, they may get a jet card membership award. It will be a one-off charter and the commitment of jet ownership. You get a consistency of aircraft services like fixed prices and flexible terms."
-Twidell
More Options for Domestic
The domestic aviation sector is recovering compared to the international sector, which is still down by 20% as compared to 2019 as per IATA. All of this is due to the innovation by private aviation companies.
What do these key reasons show us? First, private aviation has constantly been reaching extraordinary heights and serving outstandingly in the new normal.
In this case, some prominent private aviation companies are doing wonders in the aviation industry. They are bringing innovative ideas and reshaping global businesses effectively.
So, who are they? What are those private aviation companies doing? Let’s know further.
The Best of 4 Private Aviation Firms Reshaping Aviation
Business aviation is expected to reach a valuation of more than 2 billion in 2022. This would be more than twice the valuation recorded in 2019, as per the Global Insights Market research study.
So, let’s study some of the most sorted-out private aviation firms. And how they are making innovatory inclusions in the aviation industry.
XOJET
Xojet is known as “Uber for the airways,” being the third-largest North American private aviation company. Xojet partnered with JetSmarter – the world’s largest mobile marketplace for private jets. They aim to bring novel opportunities, ways, and ideas to reshape the industry once again.
Xojet took advantage of digitalization and made the idea of “Uber for the airways” on-demand and straightforward. JetSmarter now serves as the exclusive digital distributor for XOJET’s aircraft, which has provided access to a new technology player—an unparalleled supply of premium jets.
“This shared venture is all about efficiency, which makes us more successful in assisting our clients.” And we will be able to accelerate the process of providing a digital solution for them.”
-Brad Steward, CEO of Xojet
The real opportunity is to put the 11,000 private jets in service in the US. And most of them would fly at an average of 200 hours annually at 30% capacity. As a result, XOJET generated more than $300 million worth of revenue in the second quarter of 2020. So, it is undoubtedly the digitization of private aviation that is concreting the pathway of growth of the industry for the future.
NetJets
NetJets has been serving as one of the oldest and largest private aviation companies. It accumulated a fleet of around 700 jets globally. NetJets’ plans for the first supersonic business jet with its sizeable fresh capital front. It plans to build a supersonic aircraft and is working with innovative and creative partners and private jet manufacturers.
Additionally, NetJets has received a delivery of 25 new private jets so far in 2021. It expects to spend around $2.5 billion to add another hundred jets by the end of 2022.
VeriJet
VeriJet started offering aircraft engines based on cruise missiles and carbon-fiber fuselages. With the help of low emission techniques, the engines are more durable and promote efficient flying. In addition, it has involved artificial intelligence assistance with one pilot. AI helps the jet with landing and other flight operations.
Richard Kane, VeriJet’s chairman, and CEO is counting on “carbon shaming” and promotes go-green emission and fly efficiently.
Clay Lacy Aviation
Clay Lacy Aviation has earned a reputation among other prominent private aviation users for its Waterbury-Oxford (KOXC) operations and maintenance facility. It has actively provided jet charter and looks after maintenance, aircraft management, repair, and renovation capabilities.
“We have offered solutions for clients by providing the first charter to professional aircraft management. From heavy maintenance inspections and cabin upgrades. We offer all at the best value.”
-Clay Lacy Aviation
With this, Clay Lacy experienced an 80% growth over the first 18 months. The growth was recorded by word of mouth spread rapidly across the region based on the East Coast at airports from New Hampshire to Florida.
Apart from this, a data-driven approach to private jet manufacturers and management constantly compares clients’ operating parameters. The process thus ensures that the asset is well-maintained and operates efficiently.
The Demand for Private Aviation is Still Rising
Experts say that the private aviation sector saw an uptick in 2021. In addition, the private aircraft firms witnessed a gradual rise in business from August 2021.
The aviation industry has been tested for a long time when it comes to adapting to diverse requirements. But, in the end, the industry has smartly evolved through challenges over technology and innovation. And the numbers should only proceed to grow now as global businesses recover their positions in late 2021.
“While the business aviation industry continues to experience a thriving market, the longer-term picture will clear step-by-step. Well-known issues such as the pilot shortage, collapse in values of used jets, lack of OEM innovation, rising operational costs have been recognized well, and the industry will cope soon. As a result, the overall environment is prepared for bringing in innovation from every aspect.”
-Peter Maestrales, CEO, Airstream Jets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the valuation of the private aviation market?
The private jet aircraft’s market size was $24.4 billion globally in 2019. But during the pandemic, the valuation diminished by $20.1 billion. According to recent calculations, for the first quarter of 2021, the private aviation sector grew to a share of $23.6 billion.
What countries have the most private jet operations?
The United States occupies first place in private jet operations. But then, Europe is counted for having a big part of private jet operations.
Why is the private aviation sector becoming more popular?
Private flying has gained popularity because it has fared better than commercial operators. In addition, it has offered convenience, safety, time-saving, flexibility, and costs.
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Business Aviation
Article | December 28, 2021
DataBridge recently released a new market research analysis on AI in aviation, and the findings are promising. The aviation industry has relied on artificial intelligence (AI) for years. The technology has assisted pilots through machine learning algorithms to collect flight data about altitudes, air traffic management, weather, and route distance. It has enabled them to optimize fuel usage and reduce fuel costs. And now, it is going further.
AI has been cascading into other areas of aviation. Here are some trends to note from the “Global Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Market” study.
Benefitting Ground Operations
AI is extensively used in real-time support systems and air traffic control. From automated baggage check-in to facial recognition, it is powering several ground operations. These functions contribute heavily to maximizing resources, reducing labor costs, and enhancing seamlessness across different processes.
Improving Performance and Processes with Machine Learning (ML)
The emergence of AI in aviation is thanks to a surge of capital investments by key aviation players. Cloud computing is being used by many organizations as a way to consolidate processes and deal with complexity better.
Impacting How Planes will be Piloted
AI will considerably impact the future of piloting as we know it. Building on Airbus’ first ever takeoff, landing and taxi using vision-based AI in 2020, prominent aerospace tech firms continue to work on self-piloting planes or passenger autonomous aerial vehicles (AV) that will employ AI-powered intelligent navigation to fly.
Improving Efficiency and Accuracy for Manual Processes
According to aviation experts, ML digital assistants are able to process massive volumes of historical data in order to support ground staff and pilots alike. With AI’s capabilities of enabling elusive insights into patterns and complexities of data, the technology is considered ideal for aviation, where there is no room for errors.
The Path Ahead
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of new technologies in pushing the envelope and innovating solutions. The evolution of technology will only propel the adoption of AI further into the aviation industry. With multiple use cases and brilliant results from the use of AI, the aviation industry is all set for a digital transformation fuelled by data, machine learning and precision
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Business Aviation
Article | January 7, 2022
The aviation industry has allowed people to connect the world in unimaginable ways. Due to this, it has contributed massively to social and economic development globally.
However, the aviation sector produces nearly 1.8% of annual carbon emissions. It is almost half of the total growth in carbon dioxide emissions in the last twenty years due to the expansion of flights, increasing routes, and airline sizes.
In the loop, the commercial aviation sector has also been affected by climate change. The change is due to increased noise levels, air pollution, and waste production.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the industry recorded 2.8% of global CO2 emissions in 2019. But now, the industry has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050 through a focus on a critical low-carbon strategy, says IATA. By looking at this futuristic development, airline businesses are becoming more and more optimistic.
The Action Plan
The aviation industry has taken steps to reduce rising carbon emissions. The industry had framed targets that included carbon-neutral growth before the pandemic. But the pandemic compelled the industry to make some critical decisions. One of them is to fasten the action plan for low-carbon development.
McKinsey recently studied the industry’s emissions. According to the report, the industry's aviation emissions would be reduced by 18 to 35 percent by 2030. However, as the aviation industry’s growth is recorded from Asia, including India, China, and Southeast Asia, decarbonization can only work if airlines from these nations actively participate in the development.
“For aviation, zero-carbon is a bold, audacious commitment. But it is also necessary.”
-IATA Director General Willie Walsh
Airlines and other businesses are under pressure to make rapid progress towards lower emissions. It is because breakthrough technology like hydrogen-powered planes has started manufacturing.
For example, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Inc., and United Airlines Holding Inc. have already made net-zero commitments by introducing hydrogen-powered planes. Similarly, JetBlue Airways Corp has set a target of 2040 to introduce low-carbon planes in no time.
So, by looking at above comitments, how will aviation progress in terms of low-carbon development? What are those fundamental ways that’ll guide the industry to see a sustainable future in real life?
4 Ways Aviation will Look Forward to Reducing Carbon Emissions
Green Fuel
Aviation considers green fuel as one of the quickest paths to low carbon development. Green fuel can be a game-changer in lessening carbon emission impacts. But, furthermore, it can lead to drastic climate change. Green fuel, also known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), is made from renewable sources such as plants or waste.
As per IATA, SAF can cut carbon emissions by nearly 80%.
But specific concerns like cost and availability are equally essential to think about. For example, the United States and other countries consider subsidies to decrease prices and increase supplies. They are practicing this due to limited availability. Also, some airlines are blending small amounts into the fuel they buy for their aircraft.
Other concerns, such as planes running properly on pure SAF, are also highlighted. In addition, flight engines based on petroleum fuel rely on their oily qualities to lubricate parts and function appropriately. So, it's unclear if green fuels offer that amount of strength in their engines to fly a flight.
Despite so many heated concerns (that are valid), the industry still looks good as Boeing (BA.N) studies the above issue. It has even committed to ensuring its planes are certified for 100% SAF by 2030.
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Lower Carbon Technologies
Technological improvements to lower carbon emissions include retrofitting existing aircraft, adopting the latest fuel-efficient aircraft, retiring old aircraft, and others.
Several ongoing electric or hybrid-electric aircraft technology projects are in the pipeline. They are being identified to enter the industry between 2022-2030. In contrast, some of them are already in service.
Developments in Infrastructure
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has created plans to reduce fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The plans have been forwarded to optimize communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS), and air transport management (ATM) regarding zero-carbon development.
Apart from this, airlines are also working to align emission cuts with investments. Consumption of fuel usually covers 20-30% of operational costs. It is one of the highest costs of an airline business. So now airlines are considering adopting fuel-efficient flying and airport operations.
Collaborations
Today, aviation needs more stakeholders for a sustainable future. They can only increase the efficiencies and development of SAF.
Stakeholders from technology providers, oil companies, and energy production could drive demand and help bridge the cost gap. For instance, airlines commit to buying SAF at a particular price or at a different price than traditional fuel jets. These factors could eliminate market risks for fuel suppliers.
Next, airlines can work with B2B customers willing to pay for the decarbonization initiative. For example, airlines could use loyalty-program rewards as incentives for every customer to choose airlines that use SAF. Collaborations like these can help the industry accelerate its low carbon emission initiatives.
These Top Airlines Commit to Using New Technologies
Aviation industry leaders aim for 30% of the aircraft to operate with the help of new technologies by 2030. They strongly support the introduction of hydrogen and electric-powered planes to the market in order to reduce the industry's carbon footprint.
So, let’s see the airlines and their commitment to creating a sustainable aviation future.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand’s initiatives such as True Target Zero accelerate the adoption of zero-emission aircraft worldwide. Air New Zealand is delighted to work with other industry leaders working towards net-zero goals.
“Air New Zealand pledges to put low carbon solutions in place for all our smaller domestic and regional flights in the future. However, we know that the drive to decarbonize the aviation industry is impossible for one airline to tackle alone. Rather it’s a joint venture, and it's all about joining hands together.”
-David Morgan, Chief Operational Integrity & Safety Officer, Air New Zealand
Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways
Mokulele Airlines, the largest intra-state carrier in America, has already worked for many years as a maven to bring electrification to its air transportation system.
“We are satisfied to join the World Economic Forum in seeking a global public commitment to promoting sustainable air travel.”
-Stan Little, Chairman & CEO, Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways
Braathens Regional Airlines
The airline has the ambition to make its flights fossil-free by 2030. The airline has included electric planes, and with its partnership with True Zero Aviation, it is taking steps to accelerate towards actual low carbon emissions.
Can Aviation Make a Difference in the New Path of Development?
There are a lot of positive aviation stories from all over the globe. However, aviation also has some barriers to the new path of low-carbon development. Nevertheless, aviation can undoubtedly make a difference by introducing technologies, implementing result-driven strategies, implementing the right tools, and many more.
But from the customers' perspective, choosing to fly less can be another good reason to reduce an individual’s carbon pollution. The reduction can be up to 50% each year. So even avoiding long-distance flight travel could make a significant difference to aviation.
Business travelers could adopt or choose to use virtual meeting technology. These could be other crucial factors limiting the carbon footprint in the atmosphere.
Whatever you choose to opt for, it is high time to contribute to a more sustainable aviation sector for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can airlines reduce their carbon footprint?
Airlines can introduce more efficient aircraft. Efficiency in technological aspects, reduce flight delays, and increase the use of sustainable lower-carbon or alternative fuels. Also, investment plays a vital role here. They can invest in emissions initiatives and promote low-carbon travel.
How can an airline achieve its carbon-neutral goals?
An airline can explore hybrid and electric aircraft technology to reach carbon-neutral goals, reduce carbon emissions using SAF, and embrace fewer flight routes (distance).
Do aircraft harm the atmosphere?
Aircraft create very polluting elements and are highly challenging means of transport. Indeed, air traffic represents less than 2%-3% of the global CO2 emissions, yet it transmits direct CO2 emissions than cars on roads.
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