Author: Gabriela Alina

EPIC DEBUT OF NEW ROLLS-ROYCE MODELS IN ROMANIA

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BUCHAREST CELEBRATES EPIC DEBUT OF NEW ROLLS-ROYCE MODELS IN ROMANIA

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bucharest has presented six new Rolls-Royce models for the first time at an exclusive media reception in proximity to the capital, celebrating their respective European and Romanian debuts, followed by a client presentation in the evening.

On this occasion Ghost Series II, Ghost Extended Series II and Black Badge Ghost Series II marked their initial appearance in European public.

Cullinan Series II and Black Badge Cullinan Series II have made their Romanian debut.

Spectre, the first all-electric Rolls-Royce, was also formally unveiled in the country for the first time.

Michael Schmidt, Owner of Automobile Bavaria, said: “I feel privileged that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bucharest hosts this outstanding occasion including three European debuts right after the authorization as a dealership. It is a seminal moment to have such an eclectic group of unique automotive and luxury protagonists on one stage – this epic event underpins our confidence into a bright future for the Spirit of Ecstasy in our home country.”

Frank Tiemann, Director of Corporate Communications Europe (Central/East) and Central Asia, commented: “Bringing six models to Bucharest is a statement of our commitment to Romania. Whilst representing six individual personalities, these evolved and new models reflect different codes of luxury, hence perfectly serve the different lifestyles of our clients.”

GHOST SERIES II – a uniquely agile and self-assured expression of Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents Ghost Series II, a powerful, driver-orientated and elegant rendition of the most popular Rolls-Royce model in history. In line with client requests, the subtle evolution of Ghost’s monolithic and self-assured external appearance serves as a potent stage for Bespoke commissions. To extend their choices, clients now have access to interior finishes and features never previously available on Ghost, as well as advanced software technologies that see Bespoke enter the digital world.

Ghost Series II is more closely aligned to Rolls-Royce’s sheer, monolithic design approach than ever. The front end has been distilled into a clean and contemporary showcase for the illuminated Rolls-Royce Pantheon grille.

Ghost Series II’s modern presence is captured in its updated headlight and daytime running light graphics, which flow from the lower section of the grille to the edge of the front wings. The lower portion of the front end provides a foundation for the grille, augmented by new chrome embellishments that form a ‘floating’ visual plinth for the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

In rear view, Ghost Series II benefits from a new tail lamp configuration, harmonising the side and rear surfaces, inspired by Spectre.

The interior of Ghost Series II celebrates craftsmanship, both analogue and digital. Housed in the new pillar-to-pillar glass panel, the Central Information Display incorporates the marque’s advanced SPIRIT operating system.

Unusual and intriguing things carried by planes

Private aviation certainly has its share of unique and unexpected moments! Here are 10 unusual and intriguing things from the world of private aviation:
 
1. Exotic Animal Passengers: Some private jets have transported unusual animals, like 32 falcons traveling with a sheikh.
2. Unique Food Requests: Celebrities and VIPs often make strange food requests, such as a famous singer asking for Kentucky Fried Chicken or a supermodel wanting peach juice and Japanese rice cakes.
3. Custom Interiors: Some private jets have highly customized interiors, including features like gold-plated fixtures, marble bathrooms, and even onboard spas.
4. Popcorn Machines: One young singer requested a popcorn machine and a bottle of truffle salt to be installed on their private jet.
5. In-flight Entertainment: A club for male VIPs once requested female entertainers to be onboard during the flight, although this did not go ahead.
6. Strange Seating Arrangements: On one flight, a Russian oligarch and his model girlfriend paid the crew to stay in the galley for the entire flight.
7. Immediate Landings: A very famous lady in the USA once asked the captain to land the private jet immediately because she wanted a burger.
8. Reheating Fast Food: A royal family from Saudi Arabia requested their McDonald’s meals to be reheated onboard.
9. Quirky Aircraft Designs: The Rutan Model 202 Boomerang is an asymmetrical plane designed to fly straight even if one engine fails.
10. Unusual Cargo: Some private jets have carried unusual cargo, like a baggage compartment full of rabbits meant to be eaten by a country’s leader.

PJE

Myths about private aviation

There are several common myths about private aviation that often lead to misunderstandings. Here are some of the most
prevalent ones:
💰 Private Jets Are Only for the Ultra-Rich: While private jets are often associated with celebrities and billionaires, they are becoming more accessible.
Options like jet card memberships, fractional ownership, and empty-leg flights make private jet travel more affordable.
⚠️ Private Jets Are Not as Safe as Commercial Flights: This is a misconception. Private jets adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, similar to
commercial airlines. They are operated by highly trained pilots and undergo rigorous maintenance. Reputable companies are utilizing newer aircraft,
comparing to commercial aviation, equipped with cutting-edge technology.
🕵️‍♀️ Booking a Private Jet Is Complicated: Advances in technology have simplified the booking process. Many companies offer user-friendly platforms to book flights
easily, making the process straightforward and hassle-free, not to mention the concierge services or 1:1 consultants eager to help you to make the best choice.
🔋 Private Jets Are Less Environmentally Friendly: While private jets do have a higher carbon footprint per passenger compared to commercial flights, many
operators are investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and carbon offset programs to mitigate their environmental impact.
💶 Private Jets Are Always More Expensive: While flying private can be costly, it can be comparable to first-class commercial tickets, especially when the cost
is shared among a group. Additionally, the time saved, safety and convenience can justify the expense for many travellers.

PJE

Top Dangerous Airports in the World

Some airports around the world are known for their challenging landing conditions due to factors like short runways, high altitudes, difficult terrain, and unpredictable weather. Here are a few of the most dangerous airports to land at:
**Tenzing-Hillary Airport (Lukla Airport), Nepal: Often cited as the most dangerous airport in the world, it has a very short runway surrounded by mountains and a steep drop at the end.
**Paro Airport, Bhutan: Only a handful of pilots are certified to land here due to the need to navigate through a narrow valley and make sharp turns.
**Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten: Famous for its low-altitude flyover above a beach, making it a thrilling but risky landing.
**Courchevel Altiport, France: Located in the French Alps, it has a short, steep runway with no go-around procedure.
**Toncontin International Airport, Honduras: Known for its mountainous terrain and a challenging approach that requires a sharp turn before landing.
**Gibraltar International Airport, Gibraltar: The runway intersects with a busy road, requiring traffic to be stopped for aircraft to land.
**Barra Airport, Scotland: Unique for its beach runway, which is submerged during high tide.
These airports test the skills and precision of even the most experienced pilots.

PJE

Gogo Receiving Unprecedented Demand for Gogo Galileo HDX

 

Production More Than Doubled to Meet Sales Projections

 

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – Oct. 14, 2024 – Gogo Business Aviation (NASDAQ: GOGO) is seeing unprecedented demand for Gogo Galileo HDX, the new global broadband Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite service.

 

“The response from the industry for Gogo Galileo HDX is at a fever pitch – there’s been a tidal wave of demand as we rapidly approach commercial launch,” said Sergio Aguirre, president and chief operating officer for Gogo. “It’s clear the market is hungry for true aviation-grade LEO satellite broadband connectivity for aircraft of any size around the globe.”

 

The demand for Gogo Galileo HDX is greater than it was for Gogo AVANCE L5, which launched in 2017 and quickly became the most widely adopted and fastest-selling inflight connectivity system in business aviation history.

 

Demand has accelerated due to growing accessibility of HDX as Gogo’s dealer network has contracted to complete 27 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), unlocking a total addressable market of more than 18,000 aircraft globally, many of which have not had access to broadband inflight connectivity prior to Gogo Galileo. Additional STC contracts are expected in the coming weeks.

 

Gogo has been conducting flight tests of the Gogo Galileo HDX system on a Challenger 300 and it is performing as planned.

 

Gogo continues to accept purchase orders for the HDX, which is designed to be an easy upgrade to any AVANCE system (AVANCE L3, L5, LX5, SCS).

 

The highly anticipated service, scheduled to launch later this year, is backed by Eutelsat OneWeb’s enterprise-grade LEO network. Designed for mobility, the network will deliver consistent performance with low variability across all routes globally.

 

A special promotional rebate of $25,000 is also available for a limited time to current Gogo customers operating a legacy air-to-ground system (ATG 1000, 2000, 4000, 5000) when installing AVANCE SCS and HDX.

 

About Gogo

Gogo is a leading provider of broadband connectivity services for the business aviation market. We offer a customizable suite of smart cabin systems for highly integrated connectivity, inflight entertainment, and voice solutions. Gogo’s products and services are installed on thousands of business aircraft of all sizes and mission types from turboprops to the largest global jets, and are utilized by the largest fractional ownership operators, charter operators, corporate flight departments and individuals.

 

As of June 30, 2024, Gogo reported 7,031 business aircraft flying with its broadband ATG systems onboard, 4,215 of which are flying with a Gogo AVANCE L5 or L3 system; and 4,247 aircraft with narrowband satellite connectivity installed. Connect with us at www.gogoair.com.

PJE

Gogo Receiving Unprecedented Demand for Gogo Galileo HDX

GHOST SERIES II: THE MOST ADVANCED, DRIVER-FOCUSED V12 ROLLS-ROYCE EVER CREATED

“Ghost is renowned as a uniquely expressive, agile, and self-assured representation of the Rolls-Royce brand. At our clients’ request, this new Series II iteration remains faithful to these principles, incorporating a potent and uncompromising engine and the essential potential for Bespoke. Meaningful exterior and material updates make an even more expressive and impactful statement. This new generation of Ghost also has extraordinary handling capabilities based on a number of advanced chassis innovations. This secures Ghost Series II’s status as the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever created — a side of Ghost’s character that our clients increasingly and enthusiastically embrace.”

Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“Ghost Series II represents the fundamental tenets of Rolls-Royce — serenity, effortlessness and elegance — distilled into an expressive, monolithic form. Our clients asked for a design that would provide a stage for their Bespoke colour and material choices, whether quiet and restrained or bold and expressive. In line with their requirements, Ghost Series II is characterised by meaningful refinements that further enhance the motor car’s standing as a potent canvas for creativity.”

Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents Ghost Series II, a powerful, driver-orientated and elegant rendition of the most popular Rolls-Royce nameplate in history. In line with client requests, the subtle evolution of Ghost’s monolithic and self-assured external appearance serves as a potent stage for Bespoke commissions. To extend their choices, clients now have access to interior finishes and features never previously available on Ghost, as well as advanced software technologies that see Bespoke enter the digital world.

 

BACKGROUND

Ghost is one of the most important Rolls-Royce motor cars of the Goodwood era. The first generation was introduced in 2009 to meet the needs of what was then a completely new category of luxury consumer. These clients, who were predominantly younger than those the marque had spoken to with its initial motor car, Phantom, requested a model that was more approachable and versatile. They also sought a more distilled expression of the Rolls-Royce brand – and crucially, one that would allow them to make their own statements through Bespoke that they would relish driving themselves.

The second-generation Ghost, launched in 2020, advanced these principles significantly. An object lesson in design purity, its surface simplicity hid underlying design, engineering, and craftsmanship of extraordinary complexity – and power. Indeed, it was the most technologically advanced V12 Rolls-Royce ever created when it was introduced. This was based on a number of impulses: to give clients a pure, yet self-assured canvas for Bespoke commissions, underpinned by a uniquely agile, driver-orientated chassis.

Ghost clients immediately recognised the impact that they could make with Bespoke. This heralded an era of experimentation and expression – from the ‘quiet luxury’ codes later popularised by the fashion industry, to fearless and bright celebrations of colour. Consequently, Ghost clients invest, on average, 10% of the purchase price of their motor car in Bespoke.

Alongside its aesthetic treatment, the 2020 Ghost also took the crown as the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created. In particular, its Planar Suspension System, which took engineers 10 collective years to perfect, produced a sensation of ‘flight on land’ never previously achieved in a motor car. With a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine, plus all-wheel steering and four-wheel drive, Ghost quickly became recognised as the most dynamic, driver-focused model in the Rolls-Royce family and the perfect touring machine. Indeed, clients frequently describe Ghost not as a saloon, but a superlative four-door grand tourer.

When the time came to update Ghost, Rolls-Royce spoke to its clients about their requirements. For them, Ghost’s potential as a platform for personal, as well as engineering dynamism, was central to its appeal. Respecting their wishes, Rolls-Royce made subtle but meaningful design enhancements when forming Ghost Series II, and incorporated the remarkable, uncompromising powertrain that wrote this motor car into Rolls-Royce legend.

Renting a private jet: additional costs

Renting a private jet✈️ is quite straightforward. However, one might wonder 💡about the potential additional costs 🏧that may arise.
Alongside concierge and airport fees there will be additional costs to consider. Once all of your requirements are discussed, all of these will be included in your price.
🏎Ground transportation: Assistance with travel to and from the airport can be arranged upon request. Similar to catering services, a wide range of options is available. Whether you prefer to arrive at the airport in a limousine or make a statement with a Lamborghini, your preferences can be accommodated.
Onboard services: 🥂Catering: catering vary based on flight duration. Most of the operators offers at least cold catering and drinks included in the price. For a VIP catering, or if you have special needs or requests on food&beverage, the price will increase.
🎧In-flight entertainment: Most airplanes offer this. However, using WiFi can be costly during a flight. In-flight entertainment may incur additional charges. The cost of Wi-Fi ranges from Eur 3.00 to Eur 8.50 per megabyte.
❄️De-icing: de-icing is essential for aircraft maintenance. If you are departing from a cold region, your aircraft may need de-icing, which can range in cost from Eur 1,000 to Eur 10,000.
Ask you aircraft provider about all these, before you book your flight! Our experts are here to help you!

Tips about renting a private jet: finding the right one

Choosing the right private jet involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific travel needs. Here are some important aspects to consider:
✈Passenger Capacity: Determine how many people will typically be traveling with you. Light jets can accommodate 4-6 passengers, midsize jets 6-10, and heavy jets up to 18 passengers.
✈Range and Destination: Consider the distance you need to travel. Light jets are suitable for short trips (up to 4,100 km), while heavy jets can handle intercontinental flights (up to 11,500 km).
✈Flight Duration: For longer flights, prioritize comfort and amenities like sleeping quarters, spacious cabins, and entertainment options.
✈Budget: Define your budget, including hourly charter rates, fuel costs, and landing fees. This will help narrow down your options.
✈Specific Requirements: Identify any specific amenities you need, such as Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment, or accessibility features.
✈Luggage Allowance: Ensure the jet has sufficient storage space for your baggage.
✈Personal Preferences: Consider your desired level of luxury and amenities. Some jets offer features like gourmet kitchens, private bathrooms, and entertainment lounges, ground transfers.
✈Safety and Reliability: Choose a reputable private jet operator with a proven track record of safety and reliability.
✈Charter vs. Ownership: Decide whether chartering a jet for individual flights or owning one for frequent travel suits your needs better.
✈Flexibility: Be prepared for unexpected changes in weather or logistics. Flexibility in your schedule can help avoid delays and stress.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a private jet that best fits your travel needs and preferences. If you have any specific questions or need more detailed information, feel free to ask!

PJE VIP CARD

“We are constantly astounded by the diversity of ideas that inform our clients’ Bespoke concepts, which frequently draw inspiration from materials, finishes and themes they see in other commissions. Spectre Lunaflair is the perfect example of this, exploring the ethereal beauty of a lunar halo and sparked by the client after witnessing a paint finish on another Bespoke motor car. This symbiotic relationship and cross-pollination of ideas is fostering a ‘virtuous circle’ of innovation and creativity, which is incredibly important to our team of Bespoke designers, as we focus on delivering unparalleled value to those who entrust us with their vision.”

Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the breathtaking Spectre Lunaflair – a Bespoke commission undertaken on behalf of a significant client from the United States. The extraordinary and exquisite highlight of this landmark motor car is the remarkable holographic paint finish that creates a captivating ‘rainbow’ effect.

The commission takes its inspiration and name from the optical phenomenon of a lunar halo, which appears as a colourful circle of light around the moon. It is caused by moonlight passing through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which act as microscopic prisms: the light refracts creating a spellbinding technicolour ring effect, similar to light passing through a diamond.

Capturing this phenomenon in a Bespoke paint finish required more than one year of experimentation. The paint chemistry, application timings, and base coat were extensively trialled in order to meet the client’s concept. The final finish is achieved by applying seven layers of lacquer, including a specially formulated pearlescent coat, infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminium. This creates a deep metallic effect under low light that bursts into rainbow technicolour in bright sunshine.

The Spectre Lunaflair concept was partially inspired by another Bespoke masterpiece, the one-of-one Phantom Syntopia. Revealed in 2023, it features a dark iridescent Liquid Noir finish, infused with colour-shifting, mirror-like pigment. Captivated by Phantom Syntopia’s appearance, the commissioning patron asked the Bespoke Collective to create a light and luminous expression of this concept that reflected their fascination with the lunar halo phenomenon.

This cross-pollination of ideas, where a previous commission directly informs and inspires a completely new concept and story, speaks to the power of Bespoke. For the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, this virtuous creative circle and interconnection of ideas constantly provides new opportunities for the advancement of their art.

Spectre Lunaflair’s dramatic coachwork is complemented by a fully Bespoke interior. It includes Navy Blue, White, and Peony Pink tones, recalling the spectrum of hues that can be witnessed during a lunar halo. The colour scheme appears on the seats, doors and the Starlight Headliner. This theme is also carried onto the dual-tone steering wheel, with a Navy Blue outer and an Arctic White inner side.

Only one Spectre Lunaflair will ever be produced. The unique Lunaflair paint finish is reserved exclusively for the commissioning patron.

ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS SPECTRE LUNAFLAIR: A SPELLBINDING EXPRESSION OF BESPOKE