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CharterX.com headlines http://www.charterx.com Industry headlines from CharterX. Buy and sell air charter easily. en-US ; <![CDATA[Philippines prepares for EU check on aviation safety standard]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7154 The Philippines' government and civil aviation sectors are preparing for the visit in October by an official team of the European Union (EU) to conduct an audit on progress in improving safety standards and procedures, the chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.

Alfonso G. Cusi, CAAP director general, said in a telephone interview that his office has asked the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to provide a detailed agenda for the visit on Oct.18-22.

"We’re hoping to get the union’s reply as soon as possible to prepare for the visit," he said. "The visit has been scheduled in October because the European Union Air Safety Conference is scheduled in November. We’re hoping to get positive feedback from them so that the representatives could relay that to other union members in the conference."

The outcome of the visit will be discussed and reviewed by EU members in the conference that will be held in Brussels, Belgium.

Mr. Cusi said the visit is a "perfect opportunity for the country to convince the union that it has improved the security and safety standards of its aviation industry" after the EU banned Philippine carriers last April from flying to the organization’s 27 member states.

The move was after the announcement by the International Civil Aviation Organization in October last year of a "Significant Safety Concern" relating to poor government oversight of safety in the industry and the earlier downgrading of the Philippines’ safety rating by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

EASA is the civilian aviation regulator of the EU based in Cologne, Germany that enforces safety standards and authorizes non-EU flag carriers to service the region.

"We are also hoping to get clearance for the two major carriers of the Philippines which are Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific," Mr. Cusi said.

"Actually, Cebu Pacific never had flights to any EU country," he clarified. "But as one of the major airlines here, we have to get it cleared, according to the union’s standards."

PAL President Jaime J. Bautista told reporters at the sidelines of the company’s stockholders’ meeting yesterday that the flag carrier has been always prepared for the inspection. "We hope to have the ban lifted as soon as possible," he said.

PAL and Cebu Pacific representatives met EU aviation officials last June to update them on the two carriers’ upgraded security and safety procedures after getting new operating certificates from CAAP. However, the airlines were unable to convince the body to drop the Philippines from its black list.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

]]> CharterX 2010-09-02T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[West Coast Charters welcomes new Chief Pilot Pete Hudes]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7156 West Coast Charters recently named Mr. Pete Hudes as Chief Pilot, overseeing flight operations from the company headquarters at John Wayne/Orange County Airport in Santa Ana, California.

Pete’s 40-plus years in aviation reveal a diverse history including flying for the Department of Commerce, employment as a training captain and check airman for Continental Airlines, time with the FAA as a flight inspector and POI for the Flying Tigers, and extensive experience in FAR Part 135 operations as both Chief Pilot and Director of Operations.

In business since 1987, West Coast Charters is an active Part 135 and fractional share provider maintaining a fleet of 23 aircraft including turboprops, light and midsize jets based throughout southern California as well as Little Rock, Arkansas. Company offices are conveniently located at airports in Santa Ana (KSNA), Long Beach (KLGB) and Carlsbad (KCRQ), California.

The company welcomes Pete with confidence that he will be a great asset to the team at West Coast Charters. He can be reached at +1 (949) 852.8340 or via e-mail at phudes@westcoastcharters.com.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

]]> CharterX 2010-09-02T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[Private jet charter company ElJet named to Inc. 500 list]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7148 U.S.-based private jet charter company ElJet has been named to the influential Inc.500|5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. ElJet ranked number 399 out of 5,000 companies on the list.

Inc. Magazine creates the Inc.500|5000 list by evaluating the prior four years sales results (2006 - 2009) of all companies that apply for this honor. ElJet had a stunning 1,200 percent increase in sales during the past four years.

This accomplishment can be attributed to two simple factors; an increase in customer referrals and overall customer satisfaction (over 90 percent of ElJet's business is from repeat clientele). In addition, the company continues to benefit from the growing migration of clients of competitors who hold jet cards, and fractional shares seeking value and cost savings for their private jet travel needs.

Customer Service

"If I had to pinpoint the root of our success I would say it is our commitment to customer service," said Ben Schusterman, Founder of ElJet and Vice President of Operations. "As clients of the big fractional and jet card providers have realized that they can get the identical product, any aircraft, on their own schedule, with the same level - if not higher - of customer service, they continue to refer their friends and colleagues which is why we have seen such incredible growth even through these recessionary times. Not to mention savings of 50 percent or more and no risk of monthly fees, rapidly depreciating aircraft and the shock of unexpected charges."

Value

ElJet focuses on providing customers with top-notch customer service and incredible value for their money. That value is provided by utilizing empty leg (or "deadhead") flights whenever possible. Its traditional charter business is also one of the largest in the industry. Empty legs are flights that are booked only one way and return to the starting point empty. This typically means a loss for the aircraft owner, who will often charter the empty leg portion of the flight at a significant discount. Sometimes a client paid for a full round trip but only utilized one way; here is an opportunity for the aircraft owners to recoup some of their expenses. Empty legs have been an industry headache since the creation of the aircraft charter industry - ElJet has been relieving some of that pain, much to the delight of businesses and individuals requiring private jet service at a discount.

One-ways

ElJet provides additional value by offering one-way pricing on 90 percent of flights flown. If an ElJet client requires more than one or two days on the ground it is often less expensive to charter an aircraft twice, rather than paying to keep the aircraft stationary in one location. Utilizing its vast network of empty legs and its close relationship with one-way operators the company can typically provide one-way pricing for each portion of an extended-stay trip.

Safety

Every ElJet flight is accompanied by a Wyvern Pass Report. This report checks the history of the aircraft; the operator's insurance coverage; and the pilot's experience in the specific class of aircraft chartered. If the report does not pass on all counts, the flight does not depart.

Furthermore, ElJet maintains membership to the esteemed Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA). ACANA members are internationally recognized by customers and charter operators alike as meeting the highest standards of ethics and the utmost level of commitment to customer safety, quality and service. Companies that are part of ACANA must demonstrate that they meet these requirements.

Streamlined Booking

The company's booking process is one of the simplest in the jet charter industry. The company offers quotes in 60 seconds or less and can often get clients on their way within two hours of finalizing booking (compared to ten hours or more for many of its competitors).

ElJet goes a step further for qualified clientele. These clients (members of the ElJet Charter Select Your Trip Program) can book a flight by simply sending a one-word e-mail.

"Our busy clientele have repeatedly told us that this convenience alone is a good reason for them to keep coming back," said Roberta Latham, Senior Charter Portfolio Manager at ElJet. "We appreciate and value each and every client, and make it our business to be familiar with their specific needs, from aircraft requirements to specifics like food allergies, catering preferences and more."

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

]]> CharterX 2010-09-01T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[FAA to techs: tell us about bad regs]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7150 Ever wished you could tell the FAA that some regulation is outdated or doesn’t make sense? You can, and the agency has a little-known means to do it.

According to an FAA spokesman, FAR Part 11, Section 11.61 provides a system whereby technicians can suggest the agency adopt, amend or repeal a regulation or grant relief from the requirements of a current regulation: “Using a petition for rulemaking, you may ask the FAA to add a new regulation or amend or repeal a current regulation.”

“Additionally, using a petition for exemption, you may ask the FAA to grant you relief from a current regulation,” he said.

According to the FAA, the agency has reached out specifically to the aircraft maintenance community because the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) has found there’s a need to create awareness of the issues AMTs encounter every day.

“During many of our educational awareness safety events around the country our FAASTeam program managers are often asked how the individual AMT makes a difference,” he said. “When questioned further, we have found they are concerned about being able to understand a regulation; they want them changed so that they can understand them.”

Click here to read the original article in AIN Online. E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

]]> CharterX 2010-09-01T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[Civil helicopter outlook good, says Frost and Sullivan]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7152 In its just-released world commercial helicopter market report, research firm Frost & Sullivan expects the segment to expand from 24,625 helicopters in 2009 to 36,946 in 2015.

According to Frost & Sullivan Aerospace Analyst Nathan Smith, about 50 percent of the 12,321 helicopters will be light piston and turbine singles, while light and intermediate twins will each account for about 22 percent and heavy multi-engine helicopters will make up the remainder.

“The civilian rotorcraft market is expected to remain diverse, with the bulk of all new deliveries arriving from mature production lines,” Frost & Sullivan said. Worldwide civil helicopter fleet growth declined from double digits in 2007 to 7 percent in 2008 and 5.7 percent last year.

Lower demand and production levels are expected to persist into 2011 or 2012 before returning to double digits, the research firm noted. The financial crisis had an uneven impact on each geographic region, it said.

“The markets in the United States felt the heat more than those in Western Europe and Asia, which had remained comparatively stable,” Smith said. “Over the next five years, it is estimated that up to 22 percent of total world new rotorcraft sales will be to customers in Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.”

Click here to read the original article in AIN Online. E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

]]> CharterX 2010-09-01T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[Nigeria achieves Category 1 safety rating under FAA IASA program]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7144 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that Nigeria has achieved a Category 1 rating under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, which means that Nigeria complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation which establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance.

The IASA Category 1 rating is based on the results of a July FAA review of Nigeria’s civil aviation authority. With the IASA Category 1 rating, Nigerian air carriers may now apply to operate to the United States with their own aircraft.

An IASA Category 1 rating means a country has the laws and regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, and that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters – meets international standards for technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping and inspection procedures.

As part of the FAA’s IASA program, the agency assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries with air carriers that operate or might be authorized to fly to the United States and makes that information available to the public. The assessments determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards, not FAA regulations.

IASA information is available at http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/iasa/.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

]]> CharterX 2010-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[** Gama Aviation seeks a Charter Services Representative**]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7145 Gama Aviation, headquartered in Stratford, CT, is a leading provider of aircraft management and charter services. The company's global reach, exceptional quality, record of safety and security, and high-quality client base makes them one of the premier employers in the business aviation industry today. They are seeking a Charter Services Representative to join their team.

Position title: Charter Services Representative

Reports to: Director, Charter Services Group

General overview: The Charter Services Representative provides exceptional service to Gama’s end-user and charter broker clientele from the first phone call through the post-flight follow up. In addition, you will provide support to the outside sales team with business development, marketing, and sales campaign activities.

General Responsibilities iInclude:

Charter Services Role includes developing comprehensive charter quotes, booking trips, working with dispatch to arrange crew transportation, flight following with the charter client
Interface with flight operations and flight crews in all aspects of charter to assure that opportunities for charter are realized
Receive inbound phone activity
Maintain and enhance client and broker relationships
On-call rotation as required
Prepare and review invoices for completed aircraft charter trips
Prepare activity reporting on a daily and weekly basis

Required knowledge, skills, and attributes:

A strong focus on providing exceptional customer service
An entrepreneurial, high energy attitude to ability to approach new tasks with creativity and energy
Knowledge of CTA-FOS is required
Knowledge of JetNet, Salesforce.com, and other industry software is helpful
Careful attention to detail and accuracy
Exceptional Microsoft Word and Excel, and other computer skills
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team
Ability to communicate effectively, confidently, and concisely with C-Level executives and their staff in both written and verbal communications
Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality
College degree and/or 2 years applicable aviation experience equivalent is desirable.

Gama Aviation offers competitive salaries, with a generous benefits package. Interested candidates can please submit a resume and a cover letter to careers.usa@gamagroup.com. No phone calls please. Gama Aviation is an equal opportunity employer.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

]]> CharterX 2010-08-31T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[Visit the Avinode/CharterX blog for updates and news!]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7136 In March, after years as industry rivals, Avinode and CharterX announced that they would join forces, merging the world’s two largest marketplaces to serve the air charter industry more effectively and efficiently than ever before. Both companies have been busy working on some very exciting things including integrating the two teams into one big family. So far, you may not have noticed a lot of changes but there’s a lot of cooking going on in the Avinode/CharterX kitchen!

We’ve been flattered to hear about all of the interest in our future plans and so we’ve put together a blog to give you an inside look at the integration process. So keep your browsers pointed here for the latest news and inside info on our integration process!

For updates and progress reports on what’s happened since the merger and what’s in the works, visit http://blog.avinode.com/. Happy reading!

]]> CharterX 2010-08-30T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[FAA starts planning commercial space travel rules]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7138 Commercial space travel is predicted to take off in the next few years, and government aviation industry officials are planning to lay out the rules such as keeping a space rocket and airline jets from colliding, how to prepare patients before a flight, and other operational considerations.

Those challenges are to be addressed by a partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration and universities, as well as industry associations.

“If the plans of people like Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic are accurate, in the next three to five years there will be very frequent space tourism launches,” said Scott Hubbard, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University.

“That means you’ve got to clear the air space and if it’s very frequent you’ve got to be sure to manage that together with airplanes going by,” Hubbard said.

The federal agency picked New Mexico State University to head the new unit called Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation.

The Las Cruces-based university will partner with seven other universities to perform research work in key areas like launch operations, air traffic management, and the rules and regulations of space commerce.

Private companies SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman will serve as industry partners.

The FAA is trying to jumpstart the fledgling space flight industry while making sure its operations will be safe enough to send average people to space and for private firms to send cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station.

Congress approved legislation in 2004 giving the FAA the mandate to regulate commercial space travel. It was designed to allow a deregulated industry but the FAA is tasked to start with a phase-by-phase approach to the safe operation of space flights.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
]]> CharterX 2010-08-30T00:00:00+00:00 ; <![CDATA[Business aviation value on display at Chicago-area forum]]> http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=7140 The value of business aviation to companies of all sizes, all across the country was evident by the strong attendance and speakers at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Chicago-Area Regional Forum last week.

More than 830 people attended the Forum, held August 18 at DB Aviation on Waukegan Regional Airport, with 76 Exhibitors located indoors and outside, and 23 aircraft on static display. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said the forum’s success reflects the importance of the Association’s regional networking and education events.

“Business aviation has a presence across the country, and last week’s forum demonstrated that in the Chicago region, the people in the industry strongly value local opportunities for peer-to-peer introductions and education,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

In welcoming NBAA and its Members to Waukegan, the city’s Mayor, Robert G. Sabonjian, said business aviation activity at community airports like his serves an important role in supporting the local economy.

“I watched this airport grow bit by bit over the years to the dynamic installation that you see here today – it is a wonderful economic engine for the City of Waukegan,” he told the local newspaper, the Waukegan News-Sun. “Corporations like to be close to an airport that they can have easy access to and that they can fly a long-range flight out of and Waukegan Airport does offer that.”

Sabonjin added that plans are in place to allow for the presence of business aviation to expand at the airport.

NBAA's Business Aviation Regional Forums are day-long learning and peer networking venues designed to meet the needs of regional business aviation communities, and to provide an introduction to local leaders interested in learning more about the industry.

The Forums also allow for two-way discussions of issues confronting NBAA Members at the local level such as airport policies, city council ordinances and proposals from state legislatures that impact flight operations. They also play a role in educating local operators and businesses about ways they can make their voices heard on such issues to elected officials.

The August 18 event featured an education session on the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, as well as sessions on structuring aircraft management agreements and steps for renewing aviation insurance policies.

The advocacy campaign’s core themes are featured prominently in television coverage by “First Business,” a TV business news show produced in Chicago and broadcast on more than 150 television affiliates nationwide, including in the New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC media markets. The “First Business” segment on NBAA’s Regional Forum, which was seen by an estimated 263,000 viewers, can be viewed at www.nbaa.org/news/multimedia/videos/20100819-first-business.php.

The event was NBAA’s fourth and final Regional Forum of the year, following successful events in Teterboro, NJ, Houston, TX and Van Nuys, CA.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.

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