Business Aircraft Turn Heads at the 2019 Dubai Airshow

Business Aviation has always been a significant part of the aviation industry as well as the airshows that are organised throughout the world. Amidst the expected boom that the Middle East is witnessing in the business aviation sector, growth was noticed in the business aviation exhibitors too at the 2019 Dubai Airshow (DAS). Here are some of the key business aviation exhibitors that graced DAS 2019:

EMBRAER

The Brazilian aerospace conglomerate, Embraer gathered attention displaying the largest number of aircraft on this year’s static display at the Dubai Airshow. Also, put on show was the company’s new Praetor mid-size business jet, the first of its kind to be equipped with full fly by wire and turbulence reduction technologies.

Embraer also announced that Falcon Aviation’s latest facility located at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai’s new airport, has been approved as an Embraer Authorized Service Center (EASC) to expand their support for Legacy 600/650 and Lineage customers in the region.

A firm order for three E190 aircraft was also signed between Embraer and Cairo-based CIAF Leasing. The deal has a value of $161.4 million at current list prices.

Embraer also announced at the show that Air Peace, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline, has signed a contract for three additional E195-E2s, confirming purchase rights from the original contract, signed in April this year. These new E195-E2s have a value of $212.6 million, based on Embraer’s current list prices. The first delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2020.

GULFSTREAM

Gulfstream exhibited three business jets at the airshow’s static display: the Gulfstream G650ER, the newly-in-service Gulfstream G600, and the high-tech Gulfstream G500. “Gulfstream continues to expand its support of the growing Middle-Eastern market — now more than ever with the reveal of our new ultra-long-range flagship, the Gulfstream G700,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. The business aviation industry was taken quite by storm when the American aircraft company launched its Gulfstream G700 in October this year at the NBAA-BACE (National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition). “Our high-speed, large-cabin offerings have proven ideal for customers traveling to and from the Middle East and surrounding regions. Our latest aircraft to enter service, the G500, and G600, have been hard at work showcasing their favor and capabilities with more than 30 deliveries and 45 citypair speed records.” The ability to fly at high altitudes and ultra-long ranges allow Gulfstream’s aircraft to support a diverse scope of critical missions, such as medical evacuation and head-of-state transport.

DASSAULT FALCON

Dassault Falcon too had a strong presence at the airshow with the display including the ultra-long-range large-cabin Falcon 8X flagship, versatile 900LX and the full-scale mockup of the Falcon 6X cabin –the tallest and the widest in business aviation. The Falcon 6X is currently in development.

The 6,450 nm / 11,945 km Falcon 8X has been a leading seller in the Middle East since the delivery of the first aircraft to a Gulf customer three years ago. The 8X can fly non-stop from New York to Dubai, Dubai to Adelaide, or Chicago to Jeddah, yet land at restricted airports that are typically inaccessible to large business jets, like London City, Gstaad, Switzerland, and Saint-Tropez-La Mole, France. The aircraft’s spacious cabin – the longest of any Falcon – is also claimed to the quietest of any business jet on the market.

HONDA AIRCRAFT

Honda Aircraft arrived at DAS 2019 amidst growing global acceptance of its HondaJet Elite. “My goal is to expand business aviation in international markets by introducing light jets with the HondaJet,” said Fujino, company President and CEO of the Honda Aircraft Company.

On static display at Al Maktoum International Airport, the HondaJet Elite exhibited innovations including the over-the-wing engine mount configuration, natural laminar flow nose and wing, and composite fuselage. The flight deck features Garmin’s G3000 avionics suite and the cabin boasts a full-service galley, private lavatory, and an exclusive Bongiovi speaker less sound system. Certified for single-pilot operation, Honda Aircraft claims the Elite is also more fuel-efficient and emits fewer greenhouse gases than any similarly sized twin-jet. During NBAA-BACE, Fujino also reported HondaJet Elite to be “the world’s most delivered light jet for the past two years.”

LUFTHANSA TECHNIK

One of the leading providers of technical aircraft services, Lufthansa Technik’s VIP & Special Mission Aircraft division showcased:

• VIP Cabin concept SkyRetreat envisioned for the Airbus A220: The design study for this cabin envisions a minimalistic approach based on natural materials and offers an open, versatile place. The centerpiece of this concept is the Observation Deck that for the first time in VIP aviation extends the passenger cabin seamlessly into the aircraft’s flight deck – allowing all occupants to enjoy unprecedented and totally immersive views of new horizons.
• VIP Cabin concepts for the Airbus A350: The multi-functional and flexible cabin’s open-plan architecture and amenities create a setting that invites the customer to indulge in fresh cooking, a family dinner served at a generous table, great conversations, kids playing and media entertainment of any kind on an extra-wide screen.

Lufthansa Technik had also received the approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for maintenance services on aircraft registered in Saudi Arabia. With regards to this, Omar Aker, Lufthansa Technik’s Regional Sales Manager stated: “We are only the second VIP MRO supplier in the Gulf region approved for Saudi registered aircraft of the Airbus ACJ320 family and Boeing BBJ types.”

A letter of intent expressing cooperation in further exploring and promoting a new “Human-centric Lighting” technology and bringing it to the market was signed during DAS 2019 between SCHOTT, JetLite, Etihad Engineering and Lufthansa Technik. The collaboration aims at combining SCHOTT’s expertise in cabin lighting systems, JetLite’s holistic and scientifically-proven solution for jetlag reduction, Etihad Engineering’s and Lufthansa Technik’s expertise for aircraft systems integration, design certification, and innovation capabilities.

JET AVIATION

Basel-based business aviation company, Jet Aviation was selected for Best Customer Service award by the UAS International Trip Support. The company also called out for registrations during the show for a tour visit of its FBO facility.

Jet Aviation Dubai and the University of South Wales (USW) Dubai also announced their cooperation to aid the development of aspiring aviation professionals. Effective immediately, Jet Aviation will provide required on-the-job training opportunities to students in Dubai enrolled at USW Dubai, while USW will support tuition for qualified Jet Aviation employees.