The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported global sales of 730 new private business jets in 2023. An increase from the 712 new jets sold in 2022. Sales of piston and turboprop airplanes also increased by an even larger percentage, as did sales of new helicopters. Overall new aircraft deliveries were valued at $27.8 billion, an increase of 3.6%.
Across the other sectors, new piston airplane deliveries increased by 11.8%, to 1,682 units; turboprop airplane deliveries increased by 9.6%, to 638 units and total helicopter deliveries increased by 9.8% to 962 units. “For the first time in more than a decade, the general aviation manufacturing industry has eclipsed 4,000 aircraft delivered. In addition to this strong showing, there are robust and growing order backlogs for all segments of aircraft.” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO, and added, “While the deliveries from 2023 are very encouraging, our industry faces headwinds from ongoing supply chain issues, workforce shortages, uncertainty and unpredictability from global regulators, and short-sighted efforts aimed at curbing business and general aviation, particularly in Europe.”.
Textron Aviation (Cessna) led the market in terms of the number of new jets sold in 2023, and the best-selling turboprop was again the Pilatus PC-12.
Read the full article HERE
PJ
Private Jets Europe is a leading provider of private jet charter services, offering access to exclusive aircraft and personalized travel solutions. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for clients seeking luxury and convenience in air travel. In this interview, we speak with Cristian Octavian Frăsin, CEO and Founder of Private Jets Europe, about his journey in the industry, and the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service to its clients.
Luxury Lifestyle Awards: What inspired you to start Private Jets Europe, and how has the company evolved since then?
Cristian Octavian Frăsin: When we started our business in 2008, we noticed a significant gap in the market for these types of services. Recognizing it as a promising business opportunity, we embarked on a journey to set new standards and surpass expectations in the realm of luxury and corporate private jet charter services. We take great pride in providing a diverse range of professional services, with the utmost emphasis on the health, safety, and comfort of our esteemed clients.
LLA: How do you ensure the safety and security of your clients when they fly with Private Jets Europe?
CF: As I always like to say, safety is our number one priority. We exclusively work with accredited operators, who are the best in the business, and we have access to the latest aircraft types.Especially during the Covid period and in its aftermath, we have implemented strict health and safety guidelines. Chartered flight providers are even more stringent than commercial flights, partly due to the lower number of passengers, which makes it easier to keep track of everyone. Furthermore, private passengers rightfully expect top-quality service, as they have paid for a safe and secure travel experience. It’s important to note that those travelling on commercial flights typically come into contact with around 700 objects and people, on average. In contrast, private flying exposes you to only about 30 contact points.
Read the full interview here
Who is Christi Tannahill, and what is the most important aspect of your role?
I have dedicated the majority of my career to customer service and support. Prior to my current role at Textron Aviation, I held the position of senior Vice-President of turboprop aircraft and interior design. In this role, I oversaw the development of our popular turboprop platforms and led the interior design team. I assumed the position of senior Vice-President of interior design and engineering in 2016. Currently, as senior Vice-President of Customer Experience at Textron Aviation, I am responsible for the interior design and engineering functions across the entire product lineup of the company.
I am married, with 3 children, and a very proud mother. It’s wonderful to be a proud mother, especially when your children have achieved significant milestones in their education. Having two graduates from college, one from Law school, and one currently in junior high school is a great accomplishment.
Each of my children’s educational journeys is unique and represents their individual efforts and paths to success. As a parent, I have played an essential role in supporting and guiding them along the way. I continue to encourage and nurture my children as they progress through their education.
One of the things I love about my job is that I always say I have the best job in the company. I have the opportunity to work closely with customers throughout the entire process, from market research to delivering the airplane. My responsibilities include marketing events like EBACE and overseeing the organization of these events.
I am also involved in designing both the interior and exterior of our products. It’s a rewarding experience to meet with customers even before they become our customers and then deliver the airplane to them when they take delivery. I am fortunate to have an amazing team that consistently performs exceptionally well.
However, the best part of my job is the ability to build relationships with customers, starting from the interior design phase and listening to their needs all the way through to delivering the final product.
How do you balance the need for aesthetics and functionality in the interior design of Textron Aviation’s aircraft, while maintaining a focus on customer experience?
That’s a great question.
The customers’ visionary board is extremely valuable because it allows us to address their needs effectively. When our customers become part of the team, they have the opportunity to share their preferences without any limitations. They communicate everything they desire to have in the airplane.
For example, I often discuss the idea of having a couch in the cabin as a differentiating factor. However, we also maintain transparency by informing them about the potential cost and additional weight associated with their requests.
This open dialogue is essential for making informed decisions. We utilize the information provided by the customers to understand their priorities. They may quickly realize that certain costs or added weight are not favorable to them, but they acknowledge the importance of certain aspects. Even when dealing with a diverse customer base and customer advisory board, we strive to determine what is best for the airplane in terms of performance, design, and functionality. The feedback provided by our customers ensures that we align our efforts with their desires accurately.
READ MORE
PJE
Gulfstream Recognized for Sustainability Leadership by NBAA
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Awards Gulfstream Inaugural Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation
This program was launched in 2022 by NBAA to recognize “business aviation entities meeting exceptional environmental sustainability standards.”
Gulfstream’s long-term culture of innovation drives sustainable products and practices through cutting-edge aircraft technology, responsible operations, and investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Last month, Gulfstream was the industry’s first business aircraft original equipment manufacturer to fly on 100% SAF. In addition, Gulfstream facilities include more than 2.2 million square feet of green buildings both in the U.S. and the U.K. Thanks to Gulfstream’s increased focus on sustainable operations, the company has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 18% since 2014 while expanding facilities by 30%.
“WE APPRECIATE THE PARTNERSHIP WITH NBAA TO RECOGNIZE OUR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS. THESE ACCREDITATIONS ENCOMPASS OUR HOLISTIC COMMITMENT TO LEADING OUR INDUSTRY TOWARD ITS GOALS FOR CARBON NEUTRALITY, AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE FIRST ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER TO BE IDENTIFIED FOR THESE EFFORTS ACROSS ALL FOUR CATEGORIES — FLIGHT, GROUND SUPPORT, OPERATIONS, AND INFRASTRUCTURE.” – MARK BURNS, PRESIDENT, GULFSTREAM.
Inspired by the belief that aviation could fuel business growth, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. invented the first purpose-built business aircraft, the Gulfstream I, which first flew in 1958.
Today, more than 3,000 aircraft are in service around the world. Together with parent company General Dynamics, Gulfstream consistently invests in the future, dedicating resources to researching and developing innovative new aircraft, technologies, and services. With a fleet that includes the super-midsize Gulfstream G280, the high-performing Gulfstream G650 and Gulfstream G650ER, and a next-generation family of aircraft including the all-new Gulfstream G400, the award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600, the flagship Gulfstream G700 and the ultralong-range Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream offers an aircraft for every mission.
READ MORE
privatejetseurope.com
