According to the Seattle Times, the first aircraft took off from King County International Airport/Boeing Field (KBFI) on Friday at 6 p.m. PDT with Boeing pilots and FAA personnel on board.

The flight is the first of several that will be conducted over the next 18 months.

According to Boeing, the 777X is designed to be more fuel efficient with reduced carbon dioxide emissions and have a greater operating range and lower operational cost than the Airbus A350, which is considered its direct competition. 

The wings of the 777X have a folding tip that the company said “enables high-span efficiency while maintaining taxiway and gate compatibility.”

In the cockpit there is touchscreen technology similar to what is used in the B777 and B787 aircraft. Passengers aboard the 777X will note there is more room in the cabin, as it has been extended laterally by 4 inches. In addition, the windows are larger and placed higher in the bulkhead.

The post Boeing 777X Begins FAA Certification Flight Testing appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

For over 42 years, the Corporate Angel Network (CAN) has been quietly working in the background to make this happen for as many cancer patients as possible, regardless of their financial status.

The CAN nonprofit story is an important one to tell, and AVweb contributor Larry Anglisano does just that with a sit-down discussion with CAN president and CEO Bob Stangarone and other volunteers who help make it happen.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Nonprofit Turns to Jets to Fight Cancer appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, NetJets has 8,300-plus employees worldwide, helping to serve 10,200-plus owners in the United States and an additional 2,200-plus owners in Europe. The company counts more than 40 Fortune 100 companies as clients.

NetJets’ fleet includes 137 light jets, 329 midsize jets, 151 super-midsize jets, 60 large jets, and 68 long-range jets.

NetJets Mission Statement 

Per its website: “Our mission is to enrich the lives of our owners with extraordinary experiences.”—Adam Johnson, chairman and CEO

Latest NetJets Jobs on FindaPilot.com

• PIC – G450 – Green Bay, WI – Charter Pilot Job
• PIC – Challenger 300 – Dallas, TX – Charter Pilot Job
• PIC – Legacy 600 – Miami, FL – Charter Pilot Job
• PIC – Sovereign – Burlington, VT – Charter Pilot Job
• PIC – Gulfstream 500 – Boca Raton, FL – Charter Pilot Job
• SIC – CL650 – Charter Pilot Job
• PIC – Gulfstream G200 – San Jose, CA – Charter Pilot Job

NetJets in the News

NetJets to Add Bombardier Global 8000 to Fleet: NetJets will operate a fleet of 24 Global 8000 aircraft, which includes the new firm order for four Global 8000 jets, eight conversions of Bombardier aircraft previously ordered, and aircraft already on order or in service.

FlightSafety International Partners With eVTOL Developer Lilium and NetJets: FlightSafety International partners with fractional aircraft ownership company NetJets and Germany-based Lilium to help train pilots to fly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis.

NetJets to Purchase Up to 150 Lilium eVTOLs: Fractional aircraft ownership company NetJets has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to buy 150 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis from Germany-based Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM).

Other Resources

• NetJets Careers 
• Twitter 
• LinkedIn  
• Instagram 
• YouTube 

The post Employer Profile: NetJets appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The milestone flight for the aircraft—called P1—on Wednesday over Wichita, Kansas, follows that of the Ascend prototype, which completed its first flight in 2023, making the P1 aircraft the first conforming production flight test aircraft, Textron said.

The Citation Ascend was introduced in 2023 during the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE).

• READ MORE: Textron Aviation Unveils Cessna Citation Ascend in Geneva

The P1, piloted by Michael Bradfield and Maurice Girard, flew for 1 hour and 24 minutes, reaching a max altitude of 13,500 feet with a max speed of 308 knots. Company officials said the aircraft will be used for the flight test program, primarily for systems testing, including propulsion, human factors, environmental control, and avionics.

“[The] successful flight of the second Citation Ascend test article marks another achievement for the program, and that’s a testament to the many great employees involved with this project,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of engineering at Textron. “The aircraft has continued to perform well through the phases of testing, and I continue to be confident in the program’s momentum and in our skilled team members who make it possible.”

The Citation Ascend flight test certification program is expected to complete certification testing with the two test articles—the prototype and P1. To date, the program has accumulated more than 400 flight hours.

About the Citation Ascend

Textron Aviation says the Citation Ascend was designed based on customer feedback for performance and comfort. Among the features is a flat floor to provide more legroom and flexibility for passengers, 19 standard USB charging ports, and three universal outlets throughout the aircraft, which has room for nine passengers.

The aircraft will utilize Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines and state-of-the-art Garmin G5000 avionics that feature the latest software and hardware, including autothrottle technology. In addition, the Ascend also boasts a Honeywell RE100 [(XL) auxiliary power unit (APU) approved for unattended operations.

The post Cessna Citation Ascend Makes Milestone Test Flight appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Both aircraft are equipped with the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, featuring touchscreen technology and powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.

• READ MORE: We Fly: Gulfstream G500

“This achievement is a result of the strong demand and high flight activity we’re seeing from customers around the world,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream. “Having exceeded 100,000 flight hours further reiterates the durability and dependability of the G500 and G600.”

Gulfstream, By the Numbers

The G500 can fly 5,300 nm at Mach 0.85 or 4,500 nm at Mach 0.90.

The G600 can fly 6,600 nm at Mach 0.85 or 5,600 nm at Mach 0.90.

Both aircraft have a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925.

• READ MORE: Gulfstream Aerospace Completes Manufacturing Expansion

Both aircraft have FAA certification for steep-approach operations, which gives the fleet access to some of the world’s most technically challenging airports.

According to Gulfstream, there are more than 260 of the aircraft in service, and the airframes hold multiple speed records.

The post Gulfstream G500, G600 Hit Flight-Hour Milestone appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The deliveries come less than a month after Gulfstream received FAA type and production certification (March 29 and April 8, respectively) for the new, Rolls-Royce Pearl 700-powered G700. The engines have greater than 18,000 pounds of thrust, each.

• READ MORE: Gulfstream G700 Obtains FAA Certification

The FAA nods, entry-into-service, and as many as 15 deliveries had been expected by the end of last year. But delays in the certification process, largely attributed to FAA staffing woes, have slowed the progress for the new model. The good news for Gulfstream is that this year’s deliveries for all models are expected to spike to as many as 160 aircraft, a boost of some 44 percent.

Mark Burns, Gulfstream president, said, “We appreciate the confidence our customers have demonstrated in our aircraft and look forward to continuing these deliveries in the weeks ahead.”

• READ MORE: New Gulfstream G700 Beats Projections During Testing

The $75 million G700, which Gulfstream says features “the most spacious cabin in the industry,” also features a maximum range of 7,750 nm (at Mach 0.85). The twinjet can cover legs of 6,650 nm at Mach 0.90. Its maximum operating speed is Mach 0.935, making it the fastest business jet in the Gulfstream line. And the G700’s pressurization system enables the “industry’s lowest cabin altitude,” according to the Savannah, Georgia-based manufacturer.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Gulfstream G700 Enters Service With First Two Deliveries appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The milestone paves the way for deliveries of the long-awaited business jet—initially projected for the first quarter of 2024—to begin,

• READ MORE: What’s Next in New Aircraft

“We have successfully completed the most rigorous certification program in company history with the G700,” Gulfstream president Mark Burns said in a statement. “The G700 brings a new level of performance and cabin comfort to business aviation and is doing so while meeting the highest certification standards our industry has ever seen.”

• READ MORE: Engine Certification Brings Gulfstream G700, G800 Closer to Market Debut

The G700 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and able to accommodate up to 19 passengers. 

According to the manufacturer, the certification of the G700 confirms new performance improvements, “giving customers increased flexibility and airport availability: a balanced field length takeoff distance of 5,995 feet and a landing distance of 3,150 feet (standard [International Standard Atmosphere] day, sea level), both shorter than originally anticipated.”

• READ MORE: New Gulfstream G700 Beats Projections During Testing

In September, Gulfstream said the G700 had a range up to 7,750 nm at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm at Mach 0.90, which represented a gain of 250 nm at both speeds compared to original projections. The aircraft’s top operating speed was Mach 0.935, and its cabin altitude was reduced to 2,840 feet.

The post Gulfstream G700 Obtains FAA Certification appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Under the companies’ agreement, Embraer will deliver the E175s with 76 seats in American’s standard two-class configuration. Embraer said the E175 is among the most popular regional aircraft, and the company has sold 837 of them since 2013. The latest firm order for 90 will be added to the Brazilian aerospace company’s first-quarter 2024 backlog and represents the airline’s largest single order of E175s.

• READ MORE: Embraer Says Deliveries, Backlog Rose in 2023 but Supply Chain Woes Slowed Results Overall

“Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernize and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers,” said American Airlines Group CEO Robert Isom. “These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers.”

American said its strategy includes transitioning its fleet of regional aircraft to larger, dual-class models in place of its older 50-seat, single-class aircraft, which the company expects to retire by the end of the decade. The airline said it will continue to serve small and medium-size markets with larger regional jets.

• READ MORE: Embraer Says It Will Join United Airlines Ventures’ Sustainable Flight Fund

“The E175 is truly the backbone of the U.S. aviation network, connecting all corners of the country,” said Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “One of the world’s most successful aircraft programs, the E175 was upgraded with a series of modifications that improved fuel burn by 6.5 percent. This modern, comfortable, reliable, and efficient aircraft continues to deliver the connectivity the U.S. depends on day after day.”

The post American Airlines Closes $7 Billion Embraer Jet Order appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

GAMA found that aircraft shipments rose across all segments compared to 2022, coming in at 3,050 airplanes and 962 helicopters delivered in 2023. The numbers represent year-on-year increases of 9 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively. Overall airplane billings for last year rose 2.2 percent to $23.4 billion while total helicopter billings increased 11.2 percent to $4.4 billion.

“For the first time in more than a decade, the general aviation manufacturing industry has eclipsed 4,000 aircraft delivered,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “In addition to this strong showing, there are robust and growing order backlogs for all segments of aircraft. This is a testament to the resilience of our industry and the integral role that general and business aviation plays in our communities.”

Breaking down the numbers, piston airplane deliveries were up 11.8 percent from 1,505 in 2022 to 1,682 in 2023. Turboprop shipments also surged, hitting 638 delivered last year and improving 9.6 percent over the previous year. While business jet deliveries saw the least change, the segment still increased 2.5 percent with 730 delivered.

On the rotorcraft side, 209 piston helicopters shipped last year, up from 194 in 2022. Turbine helicopter deliveries jumped 10.4 percent. GAMA noted that fourth-quarter data from Leonardo Helicopters was not available when the report was published, so it excluded Leonardo’s Q4 2022 data from its comparison.

• READ MORE: GAMA Reports Year-Over-Year Increase in Aircraft Shipments In a ‘Governed’ Recovery

“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 shortsighted efforts aimed at curbing business and general aviation, particularly in Europe,” said Bunce. “As civil aviation’s innovation incubator, our entire GA industry is focused on new aircraft and technologies that will lead the way in safety and sustainability for the entire aviation sector. This progress is dependent on having effective, predictable, and accountable regulatory processes, and a supportive business environment.

“Therefore, it is crucial that the U.S. Congress passes a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, a fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for the FAA, and a tax measure, which is pending, that promotes research and development.”

GAMA’s full report is available on its website.

The post GAMA: 2023 Aircraft Shipments Up Across All Segments appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

VistaJet said its worldwide presence continued to improve last year with more than 50 percent of its total flight hours logged outside the U.S. During 2023 the private aviation company expanded its operation in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East in response to increased demand.

• READ MORE: VistaJet Announces Global 7500s Coming to Fleet in 2020

VistaJet said it also expanded its Global 7500 members program to guarantee the availability to clients of the Bombardier Global 7500 ultra-long range jet on every major continent. Additionally the company increased the proportion of flight hours from its program subscription clients. New subscribers who commit to a three-year term have grown at record rates for the past three years and account for about 60 percent of on-fleet revenue for the group. 

During the year, the group operated roughly 87,000 flights, or 18 percent more than the previous year and 80 percent more than pre-pandemic levels. VistaJet expects those numbers to continue upward this year.

“2023 was another year of successful performance in our business,” said Thomas Flohr, VistaJet founder and chairman. “Despite having to react to deep economic shifts and complex geopolitical uncertainty, we produced double-digit growth across all markets—achieved whilst refurbishing and upgrading our fleet ahead of schedule, further improving our service standards and significantly increasing aircraft availability.

• READ MORE: VistaJet Makes History with $7.8 Billion Bombardier Order

“Today, Vista is a truly global and recognizable brand all around the world, thanks to the 20 years in which we have delivered an unmatched service to our clients, and we are well placed to further increase our market share over the next two decades.”

Last spring, Flohr defended the company after critics suggested net losses and debt threatened its continued viability. In a CNBC interview, Flohr said VistaJet has been transparent with investors regarding its financial structure and that the company is profitable based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

The company said it has identified a market of more than 24,000 jets that it considers underutilized. These aircraft could potentially be used to boost efficiency across the industry in the same way that the members fleet of more than 300 aircraft has been “optimized to deliver the best service at the best possible rates.”

Following recent acquisitions, VistaJet has undertaken a broad program to refurbish many of its aircraft, including 93 during 2023. Today, 230 VistaJet aircraft have been updated to the company’s silver=and-red liver, and offer a more standard list of cabin amenities.

The post VistaJet Says Flight Hours Grew 17 Percent to 200,000 Last Year appeared first on FLYING Magazine.