Waiting in line for commercial flights might become the new standard for corporate executives who previously disappeared on their private jets.  With the global recession still going strong in 2009, private jet manufacturers predict more cancellations than new orders as individuals tabulate new budgets to reduce costs.  While some companies may not see a decline in private jets sales, most companies are already feeling the heat. Cessna announced last week that there were 243 cancellations in the second quarter alone, resulting in a 42 percent drop in revenues for the period. Paris-based manufacturer, Dessault Aviation, has encountered similar frustrations as the amount of sales in their books has declined over $1.6 million due to individuals backing out of orders. In addition to this ongoing list is Canada’s Bombardier, whose cancellations are also currently outnumbering new orders. As the delivery of their airplane emerges, many private jet buyers, who previously did not feel the financial burden of paying for their jet when the order was originally processed, are now struggling to find financing to make their next payment. Credit markets have become increasingly stringent and restrictive as a result of the economy, which does not help in terms of financing. A positive spin to this story is that experts claim that we might see the rate of cancellations slowing down. While many companies are cutting back on employees, Gulfstream Aerospace has retained 2,000 employees as orders surpassed cancellations in the second quarter, a trend that will hopefully continue.

Via Private Jet Daily

Luxury items are attractive, satisfy fantasies and often serve as status symbols. If only a luxury item could improve productivity, a businessman’s dreams would be fulfilled. The answer to that wish is simple; private jets. Embraer, the Brazilian private jet manufacturer, emphasizes the fact that private jets are quicker than commercial flights and are far more efficient, thus improving productivity. No more arriving to the airport two hours early just in time for the flight to be delayed for an hour, causing an individual to arrive late to a meeting. While 2009 still holds financial instability, global recession is easing in Asia-Pacific, something Embraer has embraced. With easy financing options, the Brazilian manufacturer is focusing in on the Asia-Pacific executive jet market and is taking a midsize Legacy 600 to a one-month demonstration to countries including Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines as part of their extensive marketing efforts. While Asia currently accounts for 6 percent of the company’s corporate order backlog, Embraer predicts an annual 9 percent growth in Asia demand within the next decade. The fairly large market is open to penetration, something that cannot be overlooked, and is essential in the expansion of the private jet business where luxury serves as an additive to productivity for businessmen.

Via Private Jet Daily

Though there were no gravity-defying air show tricks, nor funnel cake-type fair food, this past weekend in Atlanta saw the Parade of Planes event at Gwinnett County/Briscoe Field. And while there were no “cash for clunker” deals to be had, the savings on models from Beeachcraft, Cessna, and Pilatus were plenty. Promoters like Randy Bolinger, managing director of AMPT Associates, indicated that as much as half of the cost of a new private plane can be written off on 2009 taxes as part of the incentive plan from the Obama administration, which expires at the end of this year. For a $6.4 million Beechcraft, the total savings could be as much as $3.2 million. Prospective customers reportedly showed interest in a Swiss-made Pilatus turbo-prop plane for $4.25 million, a King Air from Beechcraft for $3.2 million, and a Cessna Citation Mustang priced at $2.9 million.

Via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Though it is not the first time that the ultimate brand in luxury labels, Hermès, has teamed up for a helicopter design project, it is the first time they have done so in Japan. The EC135 model, with interior designs by Hermès, expectantly carries a hefty price tag of $10 million. It was created as part of the Eurocopter fleet for Mori Building City Air Services’ in Tokyo and will transport passengers between the central part of the city and Narita International Airport. The 30-minute flight will cost around $800 for a one-way ride.

Originally unveiled at the 2007 Business Aviation Association meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, Eurocopter’s signature smooth, quiet flight combined with Hermès’ delicate, lush style is perfect for short-distance private travel for the sophisticated businessperson or family.

Via Luxury Launches

Financially speaking, 2009 has been a tough year for some, but apparently not for a 60-year-old Israeli woman and her fortunate furry friend. According to recent reports, the woman identified as Rivkah, shelled out $32,000 to have her precious pooch accompany her in business class on a four-hour flight from Paris to Tel Aviv. She bought out the entire business class section, reserving the space aboard the El Al commercial jet for herself, her dog, and the dog’s veterinarian. The boxer, named Orchuk, stayed in the cage, although several seats had to be removed in order to create the appropriate space. Cargo hold would never do!

Via Luxist

The newest vampire in town is sinking its teeth into the thirsty aviation crowd. Available for day and night combat the Vampire Light Sport Aircraft by Sadler Aircraft Company is built on the frame of a scaled back air-to-ground fighter jet. The lean mean machine boasts an ultra lightweight build, made from aircraft grade aluminum, space-aged composites, chrome-molly and stainless steel. The high-performance craft is designed with its prop toward the tail, along with the engine and tail-booms. The folding wing system is unique to say the least. Most vampires of the night only have a cape to claim. Double vertical folds in the wings allow the plane to be easily trailered behind most vehicles. Forget the age-old myth that vampires sleep like bats in damp dark caves or in stiff wooden coffins. This vampire boasts a wealth of comfort with adjustable seats that recline an ergonomic interior from vents to door hinges, and ample baggage space with several nooks and crannies. Hop into the captain seat (or the accompanying passenger seat) with ease as the low-slung plane has large, shallow cabin doors making entry similar to that of a luxury roadster. Designed by Bill Sadler as an improvement of his previous 1982 aircraft, the plane will be announced at the EAA Airventure 2009 and starts at $92,995.

Via Luxist

Celebrities have a way of utilizing their fame and money in an abundance of ways. Actors become singers (where did that talent emerge from?), singers become clothing designers, entertainment stars adopt foreign babies, buy private jets and own islands. The newest feat is from action star Bruce Willis, who wants to build his own airport. The location in question is near his ski resort in Idaho, uncomfortably close to the airport already in Hailey. His reputation in the small town isn’t necessarily high, as residents complain he has acted like he owns the place since moving to the town almost 20 years ago (he has a reputation of buying up nearby restaurants and bars). The real animosity however, was created over a lawsuit for unpaid construction bills in the late 1990s. The airport plans have not been given the green light, as there is a slight conflict of interest. Willis intends on including an 8,000 feet runway, while Hailey’s Fried-man Memorial airport also aims to expand with its very own 8,000 feet strip. The construction of both is out of the question, as they would undoubtedly be too close in proximity. The Federal Aviation Administration will hold public consultations this week deeming which will be the safest.

Via Examiner

There is a new King of the Sky. Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350i boasts a slew of new design enhancements and cabin upgrades from a platform already one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly in its class.

The interior is completely customizable with the flexibility to transform from a corporate nine-passenger business jet by day to an elite two-seater by night for transportation of the utmost importance. Sit back in the plush seats, sink into the waterfall headrests, prop up your feet on the accompanying ottoman and turn on the seat warmer for a ride in true comfort.

Passengers can choose their travel entertainment with the only turboprop aircraft on the market to feature the new Rockwell Collins Venue integrated Cabin Management System (CMS).  Each seat is equipped with personal DVD, music (CD, MP3, iPod), gaming (Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360), laptop computer, digital and video camera options.  Want to relax away from the buzz of technology?  Dim the cabin windows and enjoy the roomy and luxurious onboard atmosphere.

The King Air 350i has done everything in its power to one-up its competitor, the Cessna Citation CJ2, including the capability to hold more passengers, have a larger cabin and baggage space, better warranty, lower fuel cost per seat per mile, the most global authorized service center locations, and the revered CMS.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada engines provide cost friendly fuel mileage and allow for a short take-off strip of just 3,000 feet. The King Air 350i is touted as the most luxurious most comfortable, and most capable turbine aircraft ever offered in its class.  The most appealing aspect of the super luxurious aircraft is its recession-friendly price of $6.6 million.

Via Luxury Launches

After a scandalous ogling of a Brazilian 17-year-old booty at the G-8 in Italy, French President Nicolas Sarkozy needs to amp up his schmooze factor to devoted wife Carla. And naming his brand new £50 million jet Carla One is a terrific start. The couple share affection for luxury aircraft and true to his promise on their wedding day, Sarkozy provided his supermodel wife with one of the most revered private jets in the world. Sarkozy’s Dassault Falcon 7X, with a range of 6,000 miles, is the first to be delivered, and he has two more private jets on the way, totaling £240 million spent on top-of-the-line aircraft.

The Falcon’s name is fitting, elegant and sophisticated minus the fancy bling and tacky accessories, a divine tribute to the glamorous First Lady, Carla Bruni. The inside is furnished with full leather, teak desks, designer furniture, and adorns the simple French colors, red, white and blue. The next plane to be delivered is a tad more extravagant. A state-of-the-art Airbus A330-200 will have seating for 60 guests, larger than any other European private jet. Equipped with two desks for Sarkozy and secretary, a meeting room to hold twelve, and a private master bedroom and bath.

Via Luxury Insider

Teterboro has long been known as the home of the elite world of New York City’s private jet life, with celebrity clients like George Michael, Sting, and Bruce Springsteen waiting in line for take-off in the same manner that the common folks are forced to do at velvet rope events. An article published today in New York Magazine explores the 2009 backlash against private aviation and how this has affected the landing strip of the superstars.

In its heyday, Teterboro was so prominent in the business jet community that, according to the article, “when Gulfstream designed its new G650, the plane’s weight was capped at 99,600 pounds in order to come in under Teterboro’s 100,000-pound limit.” But this year’s hostile public outcries against anything associated with the private jet industry means that the glory days are on hold for everyone, including the elite Teterboro passengers, who now feel the need to hide their arrival and departures at the private port. Traffic at Teterboro has dropped by a third, despite the valiant efforts of PR campaigns like No Plane No Gain promoting private flying as a business necessity. Andrew Ladouceur, who charters Gulfstream, Dassaults, and Bombardiers out of Teterboro reports fewer bookings from corporations currently under the public microscope. And despite the fact that the article links the industry up there with guns and tobacco, we believe there is enough strength and staying power to weather the storm.

Via New York Magazine