Category: BizJet

Precision Aircraft Management Chooses Bluetail for Fleetwide Digital Records Management

Bluetail, the leading modern aircraft records solution for business aviation, is proud to announce that Precision Aircraft Management has chosen Bluetail to enhance records management and compliance for its entire managed and Part-135 charter fleet. By leveraging Bluetail’s cloud-based solution, Precision will streamline operations, improve efficiency, and ensure seamless access to critical maintenance documentation.

“Our clients expect us to manage their aircraft in the safest, most efficient, and cost-effective ways possible,” said Scott Dulaney, Precision Aircraft Management’s director of business development. “By adopting Bluetail’s proven suite of digital applications, we’re evolving into a fully paperless operation. This step not only supports our commitment to innovation but also ensures we continue to deliver unmatched service to our customers.”

With four locations across Colorado and a fleet of 19 aircraft ranging from King Air B200s to Dassault Falcon 900EXs, Precision is integrating Bluetail with other leading digital solutions, including Ebis (maintenance process and invoicing), Jet Insight (flight operations), and CAMP (maintenance tracking). This comprehensive approach will further protect the value of their customers’ aircraft while optimizing operational processes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Precision Aircraft Management to the Bluetail flock,” said Sam Celaya, CRO of Bluetail. “Precision’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates their leadership in aircraft management and charter operations. With Bluetail, they’ll gain the tools to securely search, share, and manage records anytime, anywhere, setting new standards in safety and efficiency.”

The adoption of Bluetail’s solution is part of Precision’s broader initiative to align with the innovative practices of top on-demand and fractional fleet operators. By digitizing their maintenance records, Precision ensures their fleet operates with maximum reliability and minimal downtime, enhancing value for their customers.

NBAA’s New Campus Connect Program: Shaping the Next Generation of Aviation Leaders

As demand for business aviation maintenance technicians continues to grow, the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Maintenance Committee’s new “Campus Connect” program aims to reach students and faculty at their schools to showcase the industry and its benefits.

“Hundreds of thousands of technicians will be needed across all sectors of the aviation industry in the coming years,” said Stewart D’Leon, NBAA director of environmental and technical operations, and committee liaison. “This program enables us to engage directly with students, showcasing the diverse career opportunities in business aviation. It complements NBAA’s ‘Collegiate Connect’ initiative, where students nationwide attend our annual convention, NBAA-BACE, to explore the wide range of professional opportunities in the industry.”

The committee was on campus at Purdue University Jan. 14-16. Previous events have taken place at Western Michigan University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and other institutions that are considered feeder schools to business aviation.

During the program, the committee meets directly with students, presents a discussion about the industry and allows students to meet with various committee members to hear directly from those in the field. Additionally, faculty in these programs are invited to committee events and a dinner.

Up to 120 students have attended each on-campus event, said D’Leon.

“The Campus Connect program was developed from an idea the Maintenance Committee had, and has evolved into an initiative that reignites our passion to help the next generation,” said Andrew Kiehl, committee chair and Purdue graduate.

“The Maintenance Committee works hard to mentor and develop those coming after us, and by visiting schools around the country in conjunction with our committee meetings, we’re able to get in front of more students than ever,” he added. “We’re not just opening doors; we’re also guiding curriculum, educating the students on the benefits of a career in business aviation, and ensuring our pipeline of talent entering the industry remains healthy.”

While the Maintenance Committee is so far the only one to conduct such a program, D’Leon said the initiative is one all NBAA committees can take part in.

“We must make every effort to showcase the advantages of a career in business aviation to the next generation,” he added. “This is vital to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of our industry.”































Michael Parrish Promoted to President of Elliott Aviation

Elliott Aviation, a leading name in aviation services for over eight decades, is proud to announce the promotion of Michael Parrish to the role of president. Parrish, formerly senior vice president, brings 34 years of extensive aviation experience and a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and dedication to both customers and employees. His customer-first approach and commitment to employees have played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and enhancing its operations.

Beginning his career as an aviation mechanic, Parrish holds an FAA Airframe & Powerplant license,
providing him with unparalleled hands-on expertise. Over the years, he has built a robust
background in Aircraft Parts Development, Business Development, Customer Service, Engineering,
Sales, Marketing, and Corporate MRO services, including Avionics, Maintenance, Paint, and
Interior.

For the past nine years, Parrish has held senior leadership positions within Elliott Aviation, playing a
key role in strengthening the company’s presence in the aviation market. Known for his ability to
create winning cultures and deliver meaningful results, Parrish has consistently driven Elliott
Aviation to exceed its goals while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction and employee
engagement.

“Michael Parrish’s leadership, industry knowledge, and ability to foster a culture of excellence make
him the ideal choice to guide Elliott Aviation into the future,” said Bob Calton, co-managing partner of Summit Park and member of Elliott Aviation’s board of directors. “His vision, dedication, and passion for
the aviation industry align perfectly with our mission of delivering exceptional service and quality.
We are confident that Michael’s promotion to President will ensure Elliott Aviation continues to
thrive and remain a leader in the markets we serve.”

Gulfstream Announces New Leadership to Oversee Supply Chain and Gulfstream Customer Support

Gulfstream Aerospace has appointed Derek Zimmerman as senior vice president of Enterprise Supply Chain, effective immediately. In this newly created role, Zimmerman will lead the strategic oversight for procurement, inventory management, logistics, warehousing, repair and overhaul, distribution, and spare parts. 

Zimmerman joined Gulfstream in 2011 as vice president of Product Support Materials. In 2014, he was named vice president of Gulfstream Customer Support and in 2015, named President, Customer Support.

Accompanying this appointment, Lor Izzard has been named senior vice president of Gulfstream Customer Support. Izzard will oversee sales support, service center operations, government programs and field support. Izzard joined Gulfstream in 1999 as a systems engineer and most recently served as vice president of field support. 

“The strategic management of our enterprise supply chain and the ongoing support of our customers remains paramount to our long-term success,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Derek and Lor are two seasoned leaders with proven track records of success. I’m looking forward to their continued leadership in their new roles as they work together to ensure our products and parts are operating at the highest standard for our customers throughout the life of their aircraft.”

These appointments follow the announcement of Dennis Stuligross, senior vice president of Program Management, Quality and Supply Chain, who will retire in March after more than 30 years with the company. Throughout his time at Gulfstream, Stuligross held various leadership roles in completions, manufacturing and operations, and in his most recent role was instrumental in the successful certification of the Gulfstream G700.

“Over the past three decades, Dennis’ leadership, expertise and passion for Gulfstream and its people have contributed immeasurably to the success and maturity of our operations, quality and supply chain functions,” added Burns. “We are grateful for the many advancements Dennis made in support of our people, our customers and our company. I wish him all the best on his well-deserved retirement.”

Muirhead Launches Integrated Seat Cover Service for Airlines

Aviation leather supplier Muirhead announced a strategic expansion into the global seat cover business, that they way will disrupt the traditional airline seating supply chain with a unique, vertically integrated service model.

This strategic move positions Muirhead — known for sustainable leather production — as a fully certified service provider offering a streamlined, ‘one-stop shop’ seat cover solution for airlines and seat OEMs.

The new Muirhead Seat Cover Service integrates every aspect of the production process – from initial design and fit checks to testing, authority certification, material production and seat cover manufacturing. This end-to-end approach eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple suppliers, reducing complexity, lead times, and overall costs while enhancing quality control and accountability.

“This marks a significant milestone for Muirhead,” said Nicholas Muirhead, CEO of Muirhead’s parent company, Scottish Leather Group. “Our entry into the seat cover market builds on over a century of leather expertise, and we’re bringing that same commitment to quality and innovation to a new frontier. By integrating every stage of the seat cover production process, we’re offering airlines a seamless service that ensures absolute accountability and delivers superior value.”

Martin Longden, head of Cabin Engineering at Muirhead, added: “Unlike fabrics or synthetics, leather demands specialized craftsmanship and technical expertise to achieve the fit and performance required in aviation – expertise often missing in traditional supply chains. At Muirhead, we’re proud to have integrated every step of this process under one roof – ensuring airlines benefit from a seamless, accountable solution and the unrivaled quality that only comes from working with a dedicated leather specialist.”

The Scottish manufacturer’s vertically integrated approach disrupts the conventional supply chain by eliminating an intermediary stage, reducing margin stacking and ensuring complete traceability from farm to fit. Airlines can expect faster turnaround times, competitive pricing, and a service backed by Muirhead’s industry-leading leather manufacturing expertise.

Leveraging its unique understanding of leather’s properties, Muirhead eliminates the challenges that often arise from misaligned manufacturing processes. This expertise ensures that leather seat covers meet the highest standards of durability and performance.

Sustainability remains integral to Muirhead’s operations. The company’s patented circular manufacturing processes and commitment to zero waste and traceability ensure that its seat covers meet the highest environmental standards. With a seven-year leather warranty and independently verified Life Cycle Analysis, Muirhead provides a solution that is not only cost-effective but also aligned with airlines’ sustainability goals.

Northern Jet Acquires Part 145 Repair Station, Strengthening Commitment to Safety and In-House Maintenance

Northern Jet announced the acquisition of a Part 145 Repair Station, a designation authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform aircraft maintenance, inspections, and alterations. This strategic acquisition underscores Northern Jet’s steadfast commitment to safety, efficiency, and superior service for its aircraft owners and clients.

The Part 145 Repair Station certification, established under Federal Aviation Regulations, ensures that maintenance, repair, and operations (MROs) meet the FAA’s stringent standards for personnel qualifications and facility requirements. With this new capability, Northern Jet not only enhances its in-house maintenance operations but also offers a transparent, open-book relationship with the FAA, reaffirming its dedication to upholding the highest safety standards in private aviation.

“Safety has always been Northern Jet’s highest priority,” said Chris Bull, CEO of Northern Jet. “The acquisition of this Part 145 Repair Station allows us to expand our in-house maintenance capabilities, reduce aircraft downtime, and eliminate the need to rely on third-party vendors for certain repair work. This means faster turnaround times and increased convenience for our aircraft owners and NJ clients.”

By bringing more maintenance work in-house, Northern Jet will significantly streamline operations, enhancing its ability to deliver seamless service. The move reduces reliance on external MRO facilities, enabling faster response times, increased efficiency, and greater oversight of maintenance quality.

This acquisition not only strengthens Northern Jet’s maintenance capabilities but also solidifies its standing as an industry leader in safety and operational excellence. By building out a more capable internal maintenance department, Northern Jet continues to set the bar for reliability and trust in private aviation.

COLLINS AEROSPACE APPOINTS WESTERN AIRCRAFT AS AN AUTHORIZED DE-ICING SERVICE CENTER

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 15, 2025 – Western Aircraft, a premier provider of aviation services and a subsidiary of Greenwich AeroGroup has been appointed as an Authorized Goodrich De-icing Service Center by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. This designation enables Western Aircraft to offer installation, maintenance, and support for Collins Aerospace’s state-of-the-art de-icing solutions.

“We are honored to be named an Authorized Goodrich De-icing Service Center by Collins Aerospace,” said John Kochel, director of parts and logistics at Western Aircraft. “This designation reflects our dedication to providing unparalleled service and support to our customers. By joining Collins Aerospace’s expanding network of service providers, we can offer enhanced ice protection solutions that ensure safety and performance during challenging weather conditions.”

The Goodrich line of de-icing systems from Collins Aerospace has set the standard for reliability and innovation in ice protection. These products are essential for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft in icing conditions, enabling operators to maintain performance and protect their investment in high-performance aviation equipment.

Western Aircraft maintains a substantial customer base from the United States and Canada and boasts an extensive history of working on diverse types of airframes including Citation, Embraer, Falcon, Gulfstream, King Air, Pilatus, Piper and Kodiak aircraft.

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About Western Aircraft
Western Aircraft, Inc. is a full-service FBO, FAA certified aircraft repair station, and a factory authorized maintenance/modification facility for Dassault Falcon, Daher, Embraer Executive Jets, Gogo Business Aviation, Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Universal Avionics, Pilatus, Piper and many other major suppliers to the Corporate and General Aviation industry. Additionally, Western Aircraft features Gulfstream maintenance capabilities and is a longtime factory-appointed dealer selling new Pilatus and Piper aircraft

GE Aerospace Investing in New Technology Development for More Efficient Flight with Help from JobsOhio Grant

GE Aerospace says it is going to focus on advancing next-generation propulsion technologies for commercial aircraft with assistance from a $9 million research and development grant from JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation.

The investment will go toward new test equipment at the company’s Cincinnati headquarters and Peebles Test Operations. Plans are to create more than 200 new engineering jobs by the end of 2028.

“Continued technology innovation is needed to help meet the needs of our customers – airplane manufacturers and airlines worldwide – for more fuel-efficient aircraft engines. This JobsOhio research & development grant helps GE Aerospace remain at the forefront of innovation in the commercial aviation industry,” said Mohamed Ali, senior vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace.

Technologies such as Open Fan and compact engine core are being developed through the CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program, one of the largest demonstration programs in GE Aerospace’s history. In demonstration programs, new technologies are developed, matured, and tested, leading to future engine products.

In 2024, GE Aerospace became a standalone public company that continues to be headquartered in Cincinnati.

“This grant funding will help GE Aerospace invest in the latest technology to advance its R&D operations and strengthen its commitment and presence in Ohio,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohio has a storied history of aviation ingenuity dating back to the Wright brothers, and GE Aerospace continues to build on that foundation of excellence by developing the next-generation engine products here.”

“Ohio is the birthplace of aviation and the home of innovation for the aviation industry’s future, which is just reinforced by GE Aerospace’s additional investment in research and development in Southwest Ohio,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “These 200 new jobs will be instrumental in testing and developing more fuel-efficient engines that will power the future of flight, and alongside our partners at REDI Cincinnati, we are proud to have this work being done right here in Ohio.”

Ohio investments
Plans shared today to invest in Ohio engineering and test operations join other recent announcements at GE Aerospace sites in Ohio. Those include:

  • The Services Technology Acceleration Center (STAC) in Springdale, which opened in 2024. STAC is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing aerospace inspection technologies and repair processes for global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
  • An investment of more than $127 million in Ohio manufacturing facilities in 2024 to help increase engine production and strengthen quality; and
  • The Electrical Power Integrated Systems Center (EPISCenter) in Dayton, where plans were announced in 2023 to invest up to $20 million to support increased testing of hybrid electric engine systems.

CFM RISE program
Unveiled in 2021, the CFM RISE program is showing real progress with more than 250 tests completed.

Through the RISE program, CFM is advancing a suite of pioneering technologies, including advanced engine architectures like Open Fan, compact core, and hybrid electric systems to be compatible with unblended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The CFM RISE program targets more than 20% better fuel efficiency with 20% lower CO2 emissions compared to the most efficient commercial engines in service today. Technologies are also being validated to meet the most stringent non-CO2 and noise emission requirements.

Cultivating talent
GE Aerospace announced plans to hire more than 900 engineers globally in 2024, including in Ohio, reflecting its continued focus on innovation to support current aircraft engine programs and develop new technologies for the future of flight.

Engineers at all stages of their career can impact aviation for decades to come at GE Aerospace, with a strong need for experienced engineers. The company offers multiple talent development programs, such as the longstanding early career Edison Engineering Development Program and Take2Flight, a career relaunch program for engineering professionals ready to return to work after a break of one year or more.

Interested applicants can visit invent.ge/engineering.

Aerocorp Named Exclusive Dealer and Service Center for Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala

Tecnam Aircraft today announced the appointment of Aerocorp as its exclusive dealer for sales and service in Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador. 

Tecnam’s rich aviation heritage and Italian sophistication will enhance Aerocorp’s industry standing and ability to deliver quality products to its aviation clientele throughout Central America. Aerocorp will market the range of Light Sport Aircraft as well as the P2010 and P2006T series and the P-Mentor to flight schools and private owners.

“We are very excited about this venture with Tecnam as it brings over 75 years of expertise to the regional market. Aerocorp is one of the top MROs in the region that can complement Tecnam’s heritage and grow the brand in this part of the world. I know that together we can bring a new generation of aircraft to the market that will be valuable to our customers along with the efficiency and quality that Tecnam offers”, said Esteban Artiñano, CEO, Aerocorp.

“Having Aerocorp on board with Tecnam is key to supporting our growth in Central America and supporting our existing customers throughout their territory,”said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer. 

Aerocorp will offer Tecnam aircraft in all models such as the P2006T Twin Engine and the P2010 series, as well as the light sport range as the P92MkII. The Tecnam fleet is the only one today that offers the best efficiency and the latest certifications.  Efficiency that also means very low CO2 emissions. A recent study shows that flight schools using TECNAM single and twin engine aircraft can reduce emissions by up to 60%: 10 tonnes of CO2 for each student by the time they receive their commercial pilot licence.

Porter Secures Sale and Leaseback with Avolon for Four Pratt & Whitney PW1921G Engines

Porter Aircraft Leasing has entered into sale and leaseback financing agreements for four Pratt & Whitney PW1921G engines with Avolon, an aircraft leasing company. Porter is expected to receive the engines in 2025 and 2026, as part of its ongoing Embraer E195-E2 aircraft deliveries.

Porter currently has a firm order of 75 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and 25 purchase rights, which makes the airline one of the largest E2 customers in the world. The airline has currently taken delivery of 43 E195-E2s, which are being operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited throughout North America.

“The GTF-powered E195-E2 is the right choice for Porter and our passengers. GTF engines help make this aircraft the quietest, most efficient, most sustainable single-aisle jet available today,” said Julian Low, vice president, corporate development, Porter Airlines. “We value Avolon’s expertise and partnering with them demonstrates the continued confidence in Porter’s growth plan and our ability to expand our network across North America.”

“Avolon is delighted to be partnering with Porter on this transaction, building on the relationship we have developed since we collaborated on previous aircraft sale and leaseback transactions,” said Steven Graham, head of Americas, Europe and OEM, Avolon. “These GTF engines will provide the certainty to support Porter as it continues to execute on its exciting growth plans for the region.”