Global 5000 Earns Transport Canada Type Approval

The new Bombardier Global 5000, said to be the world's fastest intercontinental super-large business jet, has received full type approval from Transport Canada, clearing the way for first deliveries of "green" production aircraft to begin in the second quarter of 2004. The first Bombardier Global 5000, currently being equipped with a custom interior, will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2004. 

Proposal Calls For Lifting Taxes On Air Service And Maintenance

A Kansas bill aimed at generating more aircraft service and repair work within the state is headed for the Senate after gaining House passage. The measure's chief sponsor, Republican Rep. Mario Goico of Wichita, estimates it would create 500 new jobs in Wichita. The bill would remove the state and local sales tax -- a combined 6.3 percent in Wichita -- on service, repair and remodeling of airplanes. The change would cost the state about $1.3 million.

Company Paid CEO About $7 Mln In 2003

Who said it doesn't pay to wrok in aviation? Textron Inc. -- parent company of Cessna and Bell Helicopter -- paid Chairman and Chief Executive Lewis Campbell nearly $7 million last year, the company disclosed on Friday. Campbell's $3 million salary and bonus were 15 percent higher than 2002. He also received about $1.5 million in restricted stock in 2003 and a long-term incentive payout of $2.1 million, which represented 62 percent of the potential target. This may come as a surprise, especially as the company's fourth-quarter net income fell sharply amid restructuring and sluggish demand.  

HeliFlite Founder To Launch New Startup

The North Texas businessman who founded and successfully launched HeliFlite Shares L.L.C. in 1998 is now in the driver's seat of a new aircraft venture. Mark Ozenick has been named chief operating officer of Global Jet Shares Inc., a sister company of California-based Pacific Jet Inc., both closely held private companies. Global Jet Shares is offering two programs: fractional ownership of Gulfstream IIIs; and jet membership cards in those planes, as well as in the fleet of Pacific Jet. Ozenick -- who's considering Dallas Love Field, Fort Worth Alliance Airport or downtown Dallas as an office location for the start-up company -- is also still a shareholder in HeliFlite, which sells fractional ownership in helicopters.

Charlotte's Regional Airports Battle For Corporate Traffic

Municipal airports in the Charlotte (NC) region are locked in a fierce battle to draw in business aviation traffic. For the municipalities, the fight is well worth it. At stake are tens of thousands of dollars in property taxes levied upon corporate jets and potentially millions more in additional revenue generated by the companies that own them. As one would expect, city officials welcome the larger corporate flight departments with open arms.

ARINC Direct has been named a distributor and factory service representative for the Swiss-made line of Thommen aircraft instruments. ARINC will sell and service the full Thommen line, including the AD-32, a new RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum) solution for business aircraft. Consisting of a Thommen Digital Air Data Computer and Air Data Display Unit, the RVSM equipment just received a TSO approval from the FAA and is currently in production. ARINC will exhibit at Booth 514 of the 2004 AEA Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.