General aviation wins and losses as FAA extension passes through Congress

A funding extension that will authorize the Federal Aviation Administration through September of next year is headed to President Barack Obama for his expected signature later this week, after passing the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Spotlight

Expliseat

Founded in March 2011, Expliseat combines innovation, technical performance and user experience, thanks to its ultra-light aircraft seats. In 2013, Expliseat launches its first seat the Titanium Seat for the A320’s: the world lightest seat (4kg). It allows airlines to save up to US$700,000 per aircraft per year and economy class passengers to travel comfortably.

OTHER ARTICLES
Business Aviation

On-Time Performance in 2021: A Sneak Peek at the Most Punctual Airlines

Article | January 28, 2022

Every month OAG updates its year-to-date Punctuality League table to provide an ongoing ranking of the world’s largest airlines and airports alongside its Monthly on-time performance (OTP) data. The list is based on the twenty largest airlines (by number of flights operated) known as Mega Airlines, and we provide a Top 10 ranking. With November Monthly OTPs now in, we have 11 months of data to take an early look at how these Mega Airlines have performed to date. And whilst we have another month of data go, it is great to share some early insights before we release final numbers early next year.All the Top 10 airlines in our sneak preview currently come in with an OTP of over 85%. When compared to 2019, the last year of ‘normal’ flying, the Top 10 Mega airlines achieved OTP of between 75% and 86%, so this is a clear indication of just how much punctuality has improved over the past year.

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Business Aviation

Drones in Supply Chain: Are They Advantageous or Troublesome?

Article | January 7, 2022

Drones may be troublesome at some points in the supply chain. It can cause many hurdles and safety hazards. But what about the vast potential that drones carry to assist and even improve safety? The topic of discussion in this blog revolves around drones in the supply chain. Are these advantageous or troublesome? The blog showcases both sides of the coin. According to the global commercial drone market’s study, drones are expected to witness growth of 26%. It is going to reach a value of $10,738m by 2022. Aren’t these figures impressive? While the pandemic has forced industries and businesses to increase touch-less mechanisms, the increasing demand for contactless deliveries has given drones a wide-ranging opportunity to be reliable. Did you know that over twenty thousand drones are registered for commercial use with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today? Many of which are already being used in the supply chain process. A study by MarketsandMarkets indicates the drone package delivery market might surge from $528 million in 2020 to $39 billion in 2030 at a rate of 53.8%. Similarly, Gartner estimates that drone delivery will reduce delivery costs by 70%. These show a promising future for drone technology to hover industries and would significantly affect customers across the globe. How Exactly are Drones Changing Supply Chain Processes? Automation is becoming a comprehensive solution in the distribution industry. A report by the Brookings Institute mentions that over 70% of jobs may be automated. In that case, drone technology is the main focus today. On the other hand, some view automation as a threat. But with the help of automation, drones would make manual jobs redundant and destroy industries like aviation, transportation, production, and others involved throughout the global supply chain. However, several defenders of automation note that drone technology rarely replaces manual work. Instead, it tends to free up workers from a challenging workforce, reduces workloads and increases efficiency. As a result of this, companies become more productive. In the realm of the supply chain process, drones offer the chance to completely change inventory management ways and shipping methods. And thus, companies can operate quicker and errorless management. “As drones prove to be the next automation technology within the supply chain, businesses globally would do well. But to incur drone technology to their operations, they need to start investigating strategies to see if they would suitable their business model. My advice is to start looking for help from experts to understand the technological challenges, facts, and boundaries of using drones as part of your supply chain processes before going all-in too quickly.” - Trish Young’s, UK Head of Business Consulting – Retail, Consumer Goods, Travel & Hospitality at Cognizant. Let’s get into the advantages of drones that supply chain companies and industries are already reaping. Advantages of Drones Monitoring Supply Chain Delivery Courses Drones in the supply chain assist in monitoring supply chain courses for barriers. Therefore, it could positively impact the entire delivery process via transport carriers . In addition, drones are used for monitoring road conditions and other hazards in the delivery process. In this way, a delivery operator can quickly select an alternative shipping process and make efforts to achieve a faster or on-time delivery. Drones in Warehouses Drones in warehouses can be used for inventory counting, improving safety before the supply process starts. Warehouses are full of products kept for supply or shipping to different locations via different modes of transport. In this case, using drones, the scanning of products and data will be faster by having barcodes. In addition, as drones are much safer, they eliminate the need for workers to scale up monitoring and thus save time. Here are some other ways drones can help warehouses in: Providing better accuracy Reducing human labor costs Reducing workplace injuries Streamline inventory tasks Realistic Applications for Drones in Supply Chain Skyward Skyward is involved in developing the digital airspace infrastructure around industrial drones. In addition, the company is working on designing software for drones that will assist in the supply chain industries. “I can tell you this from an engineering background that it is now possible to deliver goods using drones under five pounds, which is 86 percent of Amazon’s inventory, within a 30-minute of radius,” - Jonathan Evans, the CEO of Skyward Drones in the supply chain in demand due to its capabilities. Skyward determines the practical application of this technology and develops it for future purposes. Amazon Amazon’s Prime Air is a new drone technology-driven pilot program. Amazon is currently focusing on smaller packages under the 5lb range under its supply chain process. Amazon drone delivery is one of the most innovative services, and other companies are getting inspired to develop their drone-enabled supply chain program. Walmart Walmart is also taking the approach and reaping the advantages of drones. However, it is going miles apart in terms of using the technology for its supply chain process. Walmart has partnered with some prominent drone companies like Flytrex and Zipline. Flytrex and Zipline are currently doing pilot programs for supply chains and deliveries. The Obstacles As drone technology has already taken to the skies and is already operational, it is yet to be seen how quickly regulatory agencies allow the technology to operate without legal restrictions. More than one million drones are ready to take to the skies by 2022. But hurdles like safety risks, privacy issues, and security interference cannot be ignored. In addition, the military and commercial aircraft industry is posing valid concerns about sharing airspace and air interference. There are challenges like the susceptibility to hacking or theft, collision, and high insurance costs that have become a hurdle regarding drones in the supply chain process. Further, the technology has many limitations that need to be highlighted. Limitations like limited battery life might restrict the operational duration. In addition, weather conditions also need to be taken into consideration. Whether drones can operate during high winds or rains. All these factors might impact supply chain management and may restrict the use of drones further. However, the role of drones by supply chain companies is only going to ascend in the future. R&D companies are working hard to overcome significant challenges. They are working to provide more and more opportunities above all obstacles to optimize supply chain operations efficiently. Frequently Asked Questions How can drones be used efficiently in the supply chain? Drones in the supply chain can be used efficiently to deliver at a low rate to rural areas. Also, it can eliminate the need for road transportation to save time, be more secure and faster. How will drones impact the supply chain? Drones in the supply chain will have a massive impact. Drones will improve service scenarios in industries and reduce costs, workforce, and capital. It can be helpful to manage and monitor inventory set up for products. What kinds of jobs can drones replace? Drones can replace five kinds of jobs. They are: Capturing difficult footage Enabling detailed monitoring Spotting errors and implementing an error-free workflow Assimilating huge data records { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How can drones be used efficiently in the supply chain?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Drones in the supply chain can be used efficiently to deliver at a low rate to rural areas. Also, it can eliminate the need for road transportation to save time, be more secure and faster." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How will drones impact the supply chain?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Drones in the supply chain will have a massive impact. Drones will improve service scenarios in industries and reduce costs, workforce, and capital. It can be helpful to manage and monitor inventory set up for products." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What kinds of jobs can drones replace?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Drones can replace five kinds of jobs. They are: Capturing difficult footage Enabling detailed monitoring Spotting errors and implementing an error-free workflow Assimilating huge data records" } }] }

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Defense and Space

AI in Aviation: What’s the Word?

Article | June 8, 2022

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

The Outlook of Aviation Industry’s Next Vision Beyond 2021

Article | August 31, 2021

The pandemic has caused a deeper level of disruption, which brought the aviation industry to a standstill for months. After facing long months of hardship, what vision and steps will be for airline recovery? This is a significant concern. This would now require complete planning over some crucial areas that form the pillars of the aviation industry. It is especially airline businesses that require a novel set of advancements to build operational confidence. As the industry is rebooting, technology is benefiting. Be it robotics, IoT, biometrics, seamless integration, automation, and more will aid businesses and their processes. Therefore, the industry’s next vision is being set according to the evolving changes in the airline industry due to covid-19. It will establish resilience and flexibility for businesses to adapt to changing conditions while improving efficiency. Here are the key considerations that will be seen as airline recovery curbing airline challenges to plan new avenues beyond 2021. Collaboration Collaboration in the aviation business landscape has been the most important consideration after the pandemic affected the industry. Keeping the vision of collaborating with stakeholders and the commercial airline industry to focus on business and customer confidence will restart operations safely. Collaboration in the future will have a better grasp and be more efficient because of better coordination of data sources being introduced currently. Collaboration becomes even more crucial in the coming years, where you will need updated and accurate information about your business operations. This vision will enhance chances of the following aspects as well: Customized Experience Leading to the modifications happening in the industry, you will be able to offer customized services to customers. Advanced integration functionalities will allow forming a contactless and personalized experience to curb the challenges prevailing. Providing transparent and reliable information to customers is one of the critical aspects of airline recovery and rebooting happening now. This is why a customized experience will aid airline businesses more safely in the coming years. Personalization Today, airlines, governments, and stakeholders are developing best practices for the immediate future of business with a greater focus on personalization throughout the service journey. It will help attract potential customers and end the general approach, which the industry was practicing before the pandemic. Monitoring To design a post-pandemic business model, you can look at the types of technological solutions and processes that have already been started and would emerge beyond 2021. It has been envisioned that airline industry analysis, coupled with monitoring, would allow businesses to manage resources more efficiently. In this way, deployment of the technology stack will be more accessible according to the need. This will strive to reduce crowds at airports and, therefore, effective management with the help of predicted monitoring will be in action. Digital Solutions The new normal in the aviation industry, using technology, would continue to ensure physical contact is diminished or might be eliminated in the future. Mandatory digital checks, implementation of digital platforms, contactless services, and information collected through mobile devices are some elements of the new business models. The industry's vision in the coming years is to demonstrate how it can use digital technology for transformation at scale. Advanced Processing System The next, the aviation industry foresees, is utilizing technology for automation, security, identity management, and robotics. Using these, you can develop attractive yet safe experiences for staff as well as customers. The advancing data processing system and management offer a seamless module for companies to handle risks, controls, handling, and tracking. The inclusion of the advanced system at the airport, airline companies will make the process function efficiently. And because of optimized coordination through automated touchpoints, chances of an increase in revenue will be higher and faster than before. Remote Processing The continuous advancement of airline activities will significantly support capacity limitations in the coming years. Because of this, you will have safer processing of data and information without any threats or breaches. The pandemic has put greater focus on the need for such a flexible approach with resilience. Also, it brings urgency to the availability of technology to use while going remote so that you can provide flexibility to your employees to work frictionless. The industry's vision in its plan is to unlock the full benefits of technology to access and initiate global coordination remotely. A Changed Way to do Business Today—Sustainability Companies operating in the airline business are still understanding to survive in the times of COVID-19. Being fast and evolving is the only way they realized to fight against the current situation. The new normal is bringing changes in the airline industry post covid. This will help the industry to get back its wings to forecast and set up its next vision in the future. Therefore, industry stakeholders need to quickly put immediate business restart efforts to focus on sustainable implementations. This will make the future actions of the aviation industry monitor and evaluate effectively well in response to the ongoing pandemic. Also, it would help them be ready to face even harsh circumstances if anytime it approaches. Frequently Asked Questions What are the risks to the aviation industry during COVID-19? The level of risk is on the rise in the COVID-19 situation at present in the aviation industry. It may affect the operation, new business models, management, monitoring, and evaluation more as remote work culture is hyped. What are the main sectors of the airline industry that need improvement? There are limited sectors in aviation. However, the main ones that need improvement are commercial aviation and business aviation. What are the crucial areas of operation in the aviation industry? Flight operations are crucial, including operation control, connectivity, network, data handling, integration, maintenance planning, and software. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the risks to the aviation industry during COVID-19?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The level of risk is on the rise in the COVID-19 situation at present in the aviation industry. It may affect the operation, new business models, management, monitoring, and evaluation more as remote work culture is hyped." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the main sectors of the airline industry that need improvement?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are limited sectors in aviation. However, the main ones that need improvement are commercial aviation and business aviation." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the crucial areas of operation in the aviation industry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Flight operations are crucial, including operation control, connectivity, network, data handling, integration, maintenance planning, and software." } }] }

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Spotlight

Expliseat

Founded in March 2011, Expliseat combines innovation, technical performance and user experience, thanks to its ultra-light aircraft seats. In 2013, Expliseat launches its first seat the Titanium Seat for the A320’s: the world lightest seat (4kg). It allows airlines to save up to US$700,000 per aircraft per year and economy class passengers to travel comfortably.

Related News

Business Aviation

FXSolutions to Offer Whole Aircraft Business Jet Brokerage Services

FXSolutions | April 20, 2022

Aircraft brokerage company FXSolutions, the latest business to be launched by Directional Aviation’s family of companies, has developed a proprietary aircraft comparison tool to help private aviation clients take the next step in their aircraft acquisition journey. FXSolutions offers industry-competitive advantages not found elsewhere including a hands-on approach to identifying aircraft inventory niche markets and the decades of collective experience of its leadership team. In addition to the team’s vast aviation knowledge, this interactive tool is particularly vital given today’s inventory challenges driven by high demand. Founded on the laurels of Sojourn Aviation, FXSolutions will build on Sojourn’s success with Matthew Doyle as Managing Partner. Doyle brings more than 20 years of experience in aircraft sales from Flexjet and Flight Options. Joining Doyle in leading this new company will be Partner Ed McDonald, formerly of Sojourn, and Partner Clay Wilcox, formerly of Flexjet. Sojourn will be absorbed into the new brokerage service. “It was never a simple process to find the best aircraft to meet your needs and negotiate the best price, and the market has changed in a way that makes using a professional brokerage team like ours the best way to navigate the process,” said Doyle. According to a recent Barclays industry update report, preowned aircraft inventory has fallen, and pricing has grown in the last year. In fact, they have estimated that since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, young used aircraft inventory has decreased 52 percent. Overall, their research indicated that young preowned small cabin aircraft prices increased by 14 percent since the pandemic began. FXSolutions can help buyers and sellers navigate these unique market conditions with a purchase process that includes an in-depth interview with the buyer to understand their mission and match them with the right aircraft types and then a worldwide research report aimed at identifying those available aircraft. FXSolutions uses its unique market data system and contacts to stay on top of aircraft availability. Not only does that hands-on approach benefit the buyer, but it also benefits the sellers they represent. FXSolutions expertly manages demonstration flights, pre-purchase inspections and all phases of the closing process. “Our team of technical experts have such a depth of knowledge and experience that is unmatched in handling the inspection and due diligence during an aircraft transaction. To add to that, their knowledge in global aircraft sales is becoming increasingly sought after in this environment where inventory is tight. What is the unique, though, is that our service doesn’t end when the sale closes. We also can help you find a home for your aircraft, a crew to operate it and the resources to maintain it.” Matthew Doyle, Managing Partner, FXSolutions About FXSolutions FXSolutions is an independent, global aircraft sales company providing consulting and financing assistance services for acquisition, brokerage and the sale of business aircraft led by some of the most experienced sales professionals in the industry. The company uses a combination of hands-on research and a proprietary aircraft comparison tool to assist buyers find the best aircraft at the best price. A member of the Directional Aviation family of businesses, FXSolutions is an accredited member of IADA and a member of NBAA.

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New Mexico airport plans new terminal for growing GA traffic

Belen Regional Airport | May 23, 2020

Despite the ongoing turmoil in aviation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a New Mexico airport is proceeding with its plans for a new general aviation terminal. Belen Regional Airport (KBRG) is approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of Albuquerque. In addition to a strong local general aviation presence, the airport has also seen an increase in transient GA and business aviation traffic since the addition of a crosswind runway in 2015. The airport also hosts U.S. Air Force (USAF) training ops from nearby Kirtland Air Force Base.

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First flight after overhauled engine installed goes badly

General Aviation News | April 02, 2018

The sports pilot/mechanic reported that the accident happened on the first flight in the experimental, amateur-built Ginny B after he installed an overhauled engine. About 30 minutes after takeoff, the engine experienced a sudden and total loss of power and would not restart. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a grass field near South Harrison Township, N.J., and the airplane nosed over. The pilot and another mechanic subsequently performed a condition inspection of the airplane and found that fuel had leaked from the gascolator between the glass cup and metal frame. They also found that the gascolator bale clamp was not safety-wired, which allowed the clamp to loosen and subsequently relax the seal between the glass cup and the metal frame and the fuel to leak. Probable cause: The pilot/mechanic’s failure to safety-wire the gascolator bale clamp, which resulted in a fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power.

Read More

Business Aviation

FXSolutions to Offer Whole Aircraft Business Jet Brokerage Services

FXSolutions | April 20, 2022

Aircraft brokerage company FXSolutions, the latest business to be launched by Directional Aviation’s family of companies, has developed a proprietary aircraft comparison tool to help private aviation clients take the next step in their aircraft acquisition journey. FXSolutions offers industry-competitive advantages not found elsewhere including a hands-on approach to identifying aircraft inventory niche markets and the decades of collective experience of its leadership team. In addition to the team’s vast aviation knowledge, this interactive tool is particularly vital given today’s inventory challenges driven by high demand. Founded on the laurels of Sojourn Aviation, FXSolutions will build on Sojourn’s success with Matthew Doyle as Managing Partner. Doyle brings more than 20 years of experience in aircraft sales from Flexjet and Flight Options. Joining Doyle in leading this new company will be Partner Ed McDonald, formerly of Sojourn, and Partner Clay Wilcox, formerly of Flexjet. Sojourn will be absorbed into the new brokerage service. “It was never a simple process to find the best aircraft to meet your needs and negotiate the best price, and the market has changed in a way that makes using a professional brokerage team like ours the best way to navigate the process,” said Doyle. According to a recent Barclays industry update report, preowned aircraft inventory has fallen, and pricing has grown in the last year. In fact, they have estimated that since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, young used aircraft inventory has decreased 52 percent. Overall, their research indicated that young preowned small cabin aircraft prices increased by 14 percent since the pandemic began. FXSolutions can help buyers and sellers navigate these unique market conditions with a purchase process that includes an in-depth interview with the buyer to understand their mission and match them with the right aircraft types and then a worldwide research report aimed at identifying those available aircraft. FXSolutions uses its unique market data system and contacts to stay on top of aircraft availability. Not only does that hands-on approach benefit the buyer, but it also benefits the sellers they represent. FXSolutions expertly manages demonstration flights, pre-purchase inspections and all phases of the closing process. “Our team of technical experts have such a depth of knowledge and experience that is unmatched in handling the inspection and due diligence during an aircraft transaction. To add to that, their knowledge in global aircraft sales is becoming increasingly sought after in this environment where inventory is tight. What is the unique, though, is that our service doesn’t end when the sale closes. We also can help you find a home for your aircraft, a crew to operate it and the resources to maintain it.” Matthew Doyle, Managing Partner, FXSolutions About FXSolutions FXSolutions is an independent, global aircraft sales company providing consulting and financing assistance services for acquisition, brokerage and the sale of business aircraft led by some of the most experienced sales professionals in the industry. The company uses a combination of hands-on research and a proprietary aircraft comparison tool to assist buyers find the best aircraft at the best price. A member of the Directional Aviation family of businesses, FXSolutions is an accredited member of IADA and a member of NBAA.

Read More

New Mexico airport plans new terminal for growing GA traffic

Belen Regional Airport | May 23, 2020

Despite the ongoing turmoil in aviation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a New Mexico airport is proceeding with its plans for a new general aviation terminal. Belen Regional Airport (KBRG) is approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of Albuquerque. In addition to a strong local general aviation presence, the airport has also seen an increase in transient GA and business aviation traffic since the addition of a crosswind runway in 2015. The airport also hosts U.S. Air Force (USAF) training ops from nearby Kirtland Air Force Base.

Read More

First flight after overhauled engine installed goes badly

General Aviation News | April 02, 2018

The sports pilot/mechanic reported that the accident happened on the first flight in the experimental, amateur-built Ginny B after he installed an overhauled engine. About 30 minutes after takeoff, the engine experienced a sudden and total loss of power and would not restart. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a grass field near South Harrison Township, N.J., and the airplane nosed over. The pilot and another mechanic subsequently performed a condition inspection of the airplane and found that fuel had leaked from the gascolator between the glass cup and metal frame. They also found that the gascolator bale clamp was not safety-wired, which allowed the clamp to loosen and subsequently relax the seal between the glass cup and the metal frame and the fuel to leak. Probable cause: The pilot/mechanic’s failure to safety-wire the gascolator bale clamp, which resulted in a fuel leak and subsequent total loss of engine power.

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Events