The international guide to business airports, FBOs and ground support partners

July 2024 Discover new partners, routes and destinations

In this issue
Clear minds
Focusing on pilot mental health
Better branding
Experts reveal top tips
for marketing success

A FLYING
A FLYING START
START
TO
TO THE
THE OLYMPICS
OLYMPICS
AAguide
guideto
tothe
thebest
bestFBOs
FBOsin
inParis
Paris
Location focus: Central Asia | Case study: Southern Sky Aviation
Industry interview: Paul Norton, Harrods Aviation | Special focus: Medical missions
 A World Kinect Company

WE ARE TRIP SUPPORT

 CONTENTS

In this issue...

COVER STORY
Planning for Paris
How the industry has
prepared for the 2024

40
Paris Olympics
News
06 Arrivals lounge
Southern Sky Aviation adds FBO
in Florida

08 Top ten busiest airports

2024 flight activity indicates a return to Features
stable growth
14 Biz av branding
10 New terminal Is a strong brand identity essential to the
Private aviation terminal to be built at success of an FBO?
Montreal Metropolitan Airport
20 Special mission
How eVTOL aircraft could enhance

48 34
emergency medical services

28 Mental health
The industry is creating new support
networks for pilots

34 Industry interview
Paul Norton, managing director at
Harrods Aviation discusses his route into
business aviation

40 Scaling SAF
Experts discuss how sustainable aviation
fuel firms plan to increase prodction

48 Central Asia
Political changes are opening up Central
Asia’s aviation market

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 3
CONTENTS

Regulars Profiles
Editor Paige Smith
(paige.smith@markallengroup.com)
Editor-in-chief Ben Sampson
12 Meet the manager 63 MixJet (ben.sampson@markallengroup.com)

12
Jérémie Gangloff, deputy The MixChat podcast has Senior art editor Louise Green (Maternity)
Acting senior art editor Danny Ledger
FBO manager, Air Service been launched
Design team Andy Bass, Anna Davie, Julie Welby
Basel
64 4AIR Production Chloe Jeakins
61 City focus A study on business aviation Publication Manager Jag Kambo
Your guide to the airports and the world of contrails Project Manager Tom Eames
of Paris
65 AEG Circulation Manager Charley Nash
circulation@markallengroup.com
66 Back chat Making sustainability the
Editorial Director Tom Stone
Is the industry doing simple choice Publisher Simon Hughes
enough to help address (simon.hughes@markallengroup.com)
mental health challenges? COO Jon Benson
CEO Ben Allen

Welcome
Chairman Mark Allen

B
Part of
www.markallengroup.com
y the time you are reading this, the Summer major international events, ensuring timely arrivals and
Olympics will be well underway. Our feature on departures amidst a busy commercial flight schedule. Business Airport International (ISSN 2042-7212,
page 54 explores the meticulous planning and Business aviation also transports and caters for high- PE 4930) is published four times a year in combined
preparation that the FBOs and airports in Paris have net-worth individuals (HNWI) at major events. HNWIs Mar/Apr, July, combined Sep/Oct and December
undertaken leading up to this big event. For the provide a considerable economic boost to the region’s by Mark Allen Group, Hawley Mill, Hawley Road,
Dartford, Kent, DA2 7TJ, United Kingdom.
feature, experts give their tips and tricks on hosting. The influx of private aviation traffic drives Tel: +44 (0)1322 221144
how to take advantage of major events substantial benefits, increasing demand for Email: businessairport@markallengroup.com
to increase traffic to your FBO. luxury accommodation, dining, and
Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named
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Bowl and the recent UEFA £1 billion ($1.27 billion) to the 150-15, 183rd St, Jamaica, NY 11413, USA.
European Championship all the success of large UK economy. Subscription records are maintained at MA Business Ltd, Hawley Mill,
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rely on business aviation, as do Such large influxes in cash flow
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of Circulations. Average net
circulation per issue from
BUSINESS AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL IS THE INTERNATIONAL GUIDE TO BUSINESS January 1, 2023, to December
AIRPORTS, FBOS AND GROUND SUPPORT PARTNERS. THE MAGAZINE AND WEBSITE 20, 2023, was 8,029.

PRESENTS THE LATEST NEWS, OPINIONS, INSIGHT AND ANALYSIS TO HELP OUR
READERS STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS MOST RELEVANT
TO THEM. WE ARE COMMITTED TO REFLECTING THE DYNAMISM AND INNOVATIVENESS MOVING ON?
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contact circulation@markallengroup.com to continue receiving your
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ARRIVALS LOUNGE

SOUTHERN SKY AVIATION ADDS FBO IN FLORIDA

Above: The facility features

an 11,000ft2 terminal

S
Northwest Florida
Beaches International
outhern Sky Aviation’s fixed Airport Amenities available for aircraft
base operator is the latest servicing include washer/dryer,
private terminal at the Location: Panama City, Florida dishwasher, ice machine and a
Northwest Florida Beaches Operating hours: 6am-10pm, catering refrigerator.
International Airport (ECP). 7 days a week
The facility features an 11,000 Runway length: 10,000ft Avoiding delays
square foot terminal with amenities Fuel: Jet A and Avgas The project began in late 2021.
including a conference room, lobby, “From the time we first discussed our
restrooms and administration spaces. desires with the airport authority until the
Pilots can also enjoy a dedicated lounge and build was complete took slightly over two
a quiet room. years,” explained Darryl Brewer, vice president of
With 68,000 square feet of hangar space and business development, Southern Sky Aviation.
a new apron, the facility accommodates aircraft of “During the design phase of our project, our
various sizes and offers secure storage. general contractor worked diligently to identify the
“Our terminal has a large passenger lobby that various materials where we may encounter supply
includes wi-fi, refreshment bar, laptop bar with views chain issues. Hangar building materials quickly
of the ramp and USB connections throughout the became a priority,” said Howell.
lobby built into the furniture,” said Donald Howell, “We focused our efforts on locking down our
Sky Aviation’s president and CFO. “We also have five subcontractors for building the hangars so that we
charging stations for passenger automobiles. could place materials orders by the time we broke
“The pilot suite includes a lounge with TV, theatre ground on the project. This was key to keeping our
style massage chairs and refreshment bar. The project on its original timeline,” said Howell.
snooze room provides pilots with individual spaces to “When we started the build there was concern that
completely relax and rest.” the timelines for materials would be behind due to the
Southern Sky Aviation’s line service technicians remnants of Covid. As it would work out, everything fell
also have a dedicated space to service aircraft. into place and came together on time,” said Brewer.

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 ARRIVALS LOUNGE

Above & right:

The facility draws
inspiration from
Florida’s natural
environment

“The interior design airport. The lobby terminal

of the terminal uses “We are maximizes views towards

constantly looking
colors that are the apron and taxi way with
reminiscent of its chorded elevation,”
styles used along
the coast.”
to grow our FBO said Howell. “The exterior
columns take inspiration
The facility has
68,000ft2 of hangar The vibrant blue business” from Florida’s resilient
space and a new apron
tones were chosen Donald Howell, president and chief palm trees, while the
to align with Southern financial officer, Sky Aviation roof design mirrors the
Sky Aviation’s aerodynamic forms found in
“In the end, an air handling device that was ordered branding, complemented aircraft and bird wings. These
12 months in advance of the expected installation by white, gray, and elements collectively define the
date delayed us from getting our final certificate of wood tones. facility’s architectural style.”
occupancy for two weeks. “The terminal lobby’s double-
“Fortunately, the building inspectors gave us a height design posed challenges related Growth
temporary certificate of occupancy that allowed us to to sound reverberation and absorption,” According to Howell, ECP has experienced
open on time,” said Howell. said Howell. “To address this, the tremendous growth over the last five years. “This is
designers incorporated accent features the result of the growth in tourism to the Beaches
Interior & exterior for noise reduction. The hard ceiling of 30A and the economic development activity in
Architects Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) collaborated material, Acoustibuilt, provides a noise the community. The airport reached a point where a
closely with Southern Sky Aviation to create the reduction coefficient of 0.8. second FBO was needed to service the level of air
facility that draws inspiration from Florida’s natural “Additionally, the wood slat accent traffic coming into ECP and provide support for the
environment and the aviation industry. wall contributes acoustical felt with future growth,” he said.
“The interior space is made up of four areas - the noise-reducing properties, and the “There is a good mix of transient vacationers and
terminal lobby as support spaces, an administrative carpet throughout the lobby further aids owners who base their aircraft with us and visitors can
area, a pilot area and LST area. The interior of the in mitigating echo with a space that can expect first class customer service with a comfortable
facility has modern design aesthetics, with ample be loud, like an airport.” FBO,” said Howell.
natural light enhancing the overall ambiance as well “We are constantly looking to grow our FBO
as a wide view towards the apron and flight line,” Lighting business along with our other business lines. We
said Howell. The lighting was a key design aspect have a Part 145 maintenance station located in
“The building’s interior includes custom for this project, and it is reflected on Birmingham, Alabama, we have a Part 135 charter
Porcelanosa and Macauba blue tiles from Spain. the walls and ceilings. “The west entry department, we have aircraft sales and management
These tiles were used for counter tops and accent features dynamic LED lighting. This is and we will continue to explore opportunities to
walls near the refreshment bar and behind the TV wall. the main entry to the terminal from the expand all aspects of our business,” said Howell. ●

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 7
NEWS

2024 HALF YEAR FLIGHT ACTIVITY

SHOWS RETURN TO STABLE GROWTH

x3 2,930
more flights at the USA’s flights between Palm Beach and
busiest business aviation Teterboro, January – June 2024
airport Teterboro (36,405 and the busiest
flights) compared to Europe’s biz av route in
busiest airport, Paris-Le the USA
Bourget (11,831)

T he number of flights handled at the busiest

business aviation airports in the USA and
Europe is slightly down so far this year
compared to 2023, with signs that the
market overall is returning to normal pre-Covid levels.
New York’s Teterboro Airport continues to lead in
terms of business aviation operations in the USA and
the world, with 36,400 flights handled from the start of
the year to the end of June.

1.2 million
Naples Municipal Airport experienced the strongest
traffic growth compared to last year in the USA. The
Florida airport enters the top ten busiest airports with a business aviation flights in the
5.4% increase to 14,054 flights, replacing William USA for the first half of the
P Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas which just drops year, 1.2% less than last year
out of the top ten to eleventh position.
Business aviation traffic at all airports in the US top
ten remains down compared to two years ago – apart
from Teterboro, which has experienced a 0.1% rise in
traffic so far this year compared to the same period
last year.
As part of post-pandemic trend towards normal
levels of flight activity, the number of flights being
handled at airports in the top ten is flattening out. For
example, Van Nuys Airport, California is 15% down
compared to 2022, and Miami-Opa Locka Executive
Airport, Florida down 12.5%. However, both are down months this year handled more than 8,000 flights, a with 1,518 flights. The picture overall
around only 3% compared to 2023. 3% increase on last year. Meanwhile, Adolfo Suárez is also one of growth in the rest of the
There is a similar picture in Europe, where most Madrid–Barajas Airport, Spain continues to increase world. Half of the airports in the top ten
airports in the top ten busiest airports continue to the number of business aviation flights it handles and airports outside of the US and Europe
experience a fall in flight numbers, with London Biggin is up 10% from last year with almost 4,000 flights. show increased flight numbers for the
Hill down 15% compared to 2022, but 5% compared The biggest winner in Europe is Ataturk first half of 2024, with 272,450 flights.
to 2021, and Farnborough 14% compared to 2022, International Airport, Turkey which so far this year South America’s business aviation
but 3% compared to last year. has handled 4,170 biz av flights, 20% more than at market remains the standout region,
There are also bright spots emerging in Europe. this time last year. So far this year, the busiest route with Mexico’s Adolfo López Mateos
Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, France had in the first six in Europe is between Paris Le Bourget and Geneva, International Airport having handled

8 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 NEWS

272,450
number of business aviation
flights in Europe for the first
half of the year, 1.2% down
on last year

US Top ten business airports January-June 2024

Airport Departures vs 1Y ago
Teterboro 36,405 0.1%
Palm Beach International 23,641 -4.2%
Dallas Love Field 18,469 -1.0%
McCarran International 17,681 -0.6%
Van Nuys 16,115 -3.6%
Miami-Opa Locka Executive 15,196 -3.1%
Westchester County 14,946 -2.8%
Scottsdale 14,811 2.0%
Washington Dulles Intl. 14,554 1.0%
Naples Municipal 14,054 5.4%

EU Top ten business airports January-June 2024

Airport Departures vs 1Y ago
Paris-Le Bourget 11,831 -4.3%
Nice-Côte d’Azur 8,081 3.0%
Geneva Cointrin Intl. 7,222 -6.2%
Farnborough 6,587 -2.7%
London Luton 6,515 2.5%
Zurich 5,900 -5.0%
Milano Linate 5,730 -1.4%
London Biggin Hill 4,322 -5.3%
Ataturk International 4,170 20.6%
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas 3,997 10.3%

9,500 flights by the end of June this year

– 10% more than last year. Meanwhile, Rest of World Top ten business airports Jan-June 2024
Sao Paolo, Brazil’s Congonhas Airport
handled 4,700 jets, a massive 15% Airport Departures vs 1Y ago
increase on last year. Licenciado Adolfo Lopez Mateos International 9,457 10.7%
Richard Koe, managing director Congonhas 4,739 15.4%
at WingX said, “The first half of 2024 Los Cabos International 4,380 8.1%
shows bizjet utilization tapering slightly Al Maktoum International 3,941 6.1%
Del Norte International 3,731 -9.1%
IMAGE: CarryLove @ADOBE.STOCK.COM

on 2023 but still well up on 2019. The

US market is just 1% weaker than last Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International 2,908 12.8%
year, with Florida, super midsize jets, and Cabo San Lucas International 2,857 -6.1%
fractional ops looking robust. European King Khaled International 2,818 -14.6%
biz jet demand is strengthening this Don Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla International 2,732 -6.9%
summer, notably in Germany. The Middle Cancún International 2,674 -6.9%
(Source: All Data provided courtesy of WingX)
East is seeing weaker biz jet usage this
year, especially in Saudi.” ●

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NEWS

PRIVATE AVIATION TERMINAL TO BE BUILT

AT MONTREAL METROPOLITAN AIRPORT

Vital

Q
statistics
Location: MET – Montreal
Metropolitan Airport
uebec, Canada-Based Spanning a 500,000 square foot site, the
Construction: Begins
JB Aviation Services, a terminal will feature a 141,000 square foot facility,
September 2024
provider of aviation logistics including 100,000 square foot of hangar space.
Size: 141,000ft2
and services solutions has “The airport has always been very attractive
committed to a US$55 million investment to to us due to its ideal location from Downtown
establish a private aviation terminal at MET – Montreal,” said Nathalie Legault, JB Aviation Services’
Montreal Metropolitan Airport in Canada. general manager.
This significant investment marks a pivotal “We are building a five star private terminal for
development in JB Aviation Services (JBAS’s) airport services and corporate aviation with a separate fly-in fly-out terminal
aims to merge operational excellence with sustainable innovation. for our mining customers.
The terminal will provide airport services for corporate and private “JB Aviation Services has mining customers
passenger aircraft and manage flight shuttle logistics for workers that are currently struggling with Montréal–Trudeau
across various sectors in Quebec and Canada. International Airport,” she said.
“This new private aviation terminal is more than just an “This is due to the mining company needing
infrastructure project,” said Jocelin Bureau, president and CEO, specific times for their fly-in fly-out. A small schedule
JB Aviation Services. “It symbolizes our commitment to service change has an impact on their pricing, so when
excellence and continuous innovation. This project is a significant Montréal–Trudeau International Airport doesn’t accept
milestone for JBAS, and we anticipate numerous opportunities for their slot time for arrival or departure, the financial
our partners and community.” impact is significant. We will now be able to offer them
Construction of the terminal is set to commence in September a comfortable space to depart from in MET – Montreal
2024, with operations expected to begin in fall 2025. Metropolitan Airport.

10 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 NEWS

“We will also provide hangar space for corporate tenants with
private jets and their own lounge.”

Minimizing environmental impact

JBAS will cater to the vital business aviation market in the area,
solidifying its role as a key economic pillar within the ecosystem.
The private terminal will enhance the passenger experience with
smaller, more fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft, aligning with MET’s
vision of responsible development.
Geoffrey Wilson, advisory board chairman of JBAS said, “This
terminal will provide high-value, low-impact services for private
aircraft, designed to the highest environmental standards. This
project extends our enduring commitment to maintaining a clean,
green, and quiet airport alongside the MET.”
Yanic Roy, president and CEO of MET – Montreal Metropolitan
Airport said, “We are proud to welcome JBAS to the MET. Jocelin
Bureau and Geoffrey Wilson are esteemed partners in the industry,
and we are delighted they have chosen MET for what will become
one of Canada’s most prestigious business aviation services.
“For MET, business aviation is a strategic niche with significant
economic potential for the region, ensuring tranquility for
surrounding communities. JBAS’ substantial investment in Saint-
Hubert exemplifies the renewed dynamism of the MET – Montreal
Metropolitan Airport.”
JB Aviation Services plans to integrate sustainable practices and
technologies in the development and operation of the new terminal,
which will be LEED certificated.
“This terminal will “We are aiming to use and distribute of bio oils for our
equipment,” said Bureau. “JB Aviation Services has an
provide high value, environmental division where our goal is to protect the
territory and environment of our First Nations partners. We
low impact services for will use bio oils and lubricants for our equipment, and we
private aircraft to the are aiming for a LEED silver certificated facility depending
on cost.”
highest environmental Emphasizing the customer service aspects of the

standards”
facility Legault said, “We will be aiming to be at the levels
of the Four Seasons or the Ritz Carlton, but for an FBO.” ●
Geoffrey Wilson, advisory board
chairman, JBAS

The terminal will feature

a 141,000ft2 facility,
including 100,000ft2 of
hangar space

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MEET THE MANAGER

Jérémie
Gangloff
AIR SERVICE BASEL’S DEPUTY FBO MANAGER
DISCUSSES WHY HAVING A SMALL TEAM IS ONE
OF THE COMPANY’S BIGGEST STRENGTHS

What was your career path to your current role? passengers and it’s always a real pleasure to see the
I started working in aviation in 2017 as a ground agent for excitement and frenzy that grips the whole city.
Swissport International at Basel-Mulhouse airport. In 2018,
my adventure at Air Service Basel began as an FBO agent How do you stand out from your competitors?
before becoming deputy FBO manager in 2023. In 2024, I We’re still a family-run, independent FBO. I think that’s
also took up the role of communications and marketing what our customers appreciate — to see familiar
manager for Air Service Basel. faces and people who know their habits. We’re a
small team of nine people and that’s our strength,
What are the best and less favorable “We’re still a everyone knows each other and our customers.
elements of your job? Our FBO is also a long way from the frantic
Working at an airport really is a world apart from family-run, independent traffic of the main terminal, which is a guarantee
any other job and every day is different. I love it!
Working in shifts is perhaps the only drawback.
FBO. I think that’s of discretion for our customers.

When I have to open the FBO at 6:00am, I need what our customers What is the most significant trend
currently affecting the business
appreciate”
more coffee than on other days!
aviation sector?
What has been the proudest achievement in Anything to do with the environment. Through our
your career so far? communication channels, we’re trying to make our
The biggest event in town is the yearly Art Basel community more aware that business aviation isn’t
exhibition, which draws a lot of traffic. I’ve been Art Basel just about flying for pleasure, it’s much more than that.
coordinator at the FBO for two years. It’s our busiest We’re also watching how sustainability topics evolve in the
week of the year, so we set up an exceptional and unique industry because we care for the environment and want to
installation just for that week. We welcome over 800 offer solutions at our FBO.

What advice would you give to someone interested

in a career in business aviation?
You must have a passion for aviation to embrace a career
in the industry. You must be aware that in business aviation
the travelers decide everything, and as a service provider
you must be ready to adapt. You also must be generous
with your time — don’t count the hours it takes to ensure
every passenger’s take-off or landing is the smoothest.

What does the future hold for Air Service Basel?

Continuing to see that our regular customers are as
delighted as ever with the service we offer, welcoming new
home-based aircraft and organizing many new events.
Basel is well placed to host the Eurovision Song Contest in
Air Service Basel's 2025. This is just one of the many events we will be hosting
reception area at the
facility in Switzerland in the near future, and we are ready to offer you the best
possible service when you arrive in Basel. ●

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F
BRANDING AND MARKETING

BOs often sell similar products

and services as competitors at an
airport and in a tricky market, it’s
imperative for aviation players to
differentiate themselves from the crowd.
Today more than ever, the marketing
and brand identity of every FBO has a make-or-break role in
its success.
“A strong brand identity sets an FBO apart by conveying
its values, quality of service and offerings,” says Joey
Pehrson, managing director at Brisbane-based aviation
marketing firm Off the Ground Marketing.
“Beyond the logo, it involves consistent messaging, a
recognizable color scheme, a distinct tone of voice, and
a memorable customer experience. It is about creating a
cohesive story that resonates with clients, making them feel
confident and connected to the brand.”

Formulating a brand
Last year, UK and Ireland-based aviation services specialist
Weston Aviation rolled out its new brand identity. Its previous
branding was 15 years old, and the company wanted a
new offering that reflected the diverse services it offers,
including FBO facilities and handling, passenger and
cargo aircraft charter, fuel services, hangarage,
network partnerships and consultancy.
“When pilots, aircraft owners
and passengers recognize and
associate positive attributes

Staying Strong brand identity and a comprehensive marketing strategy

are essential to the success of an FBO
Words | K ir s t ie Pic kering

14 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 BRANDING AND MARKETING

on
BRANDB U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 15
BRANDING AND MARKETING

“Ensuring
the brand
delivers on
with an FBO’s brand, they are more likely to return its promises is
and recommend,” says Nicole O’Connor, chief paramount”
commercial officer at Weston Aviation. “A brand
Derek DeCross,
is never just about the logo alone – it’s the story chief commercial officer,
behind it and the company’s journey.” Signature Aviation
This is a view shared by Paula Williams, president
and CEO at Aviation Business Consultants International a result, the FBO can achieve
(ABCI). Williams says a cohesive brand identity includes greater visibility, enhanced customer
consistent messaging, a distinctive visual style and an satisfaction and increased revenue,
engaging customer experience. This means ensuring ultimately contributing to long term success.”
every touchpoint – be it the website, social media, or Williams adds that by leveraging data and analytics,
in-person interactions – reflects the FBO’s core values and FBOs can tailor their marketing efforts to the specific
service promises. needs and preferences of their audience, leading to more
“A cohesive brand identity and marketing approach meaningful interactions and higher quality leads.
build a strong, recognizable presence that resonates with “Engaging content, personalized communication and
customers,” says Williams. “This consistency fosters trust strong calls to action encourage prospective clients to take
and reliability, encouraging repeat business and referrals.” the next step – whether it’s booking a service or reaching
out for more information,” Williams says. “We also advise
The role of marketing engaging with other brands at the same airport, such as
Creating a brand identity and marketing it are two outputs
that go hand-in-hand – and one cannot be successful
without the other.
Effective marketing initiatives allow FBOs to connect
with their target audience by communicating their value
propositions clearly and consistently.
Digital marketing campaigns, social media engagement,
email newsletters, and content marketing are all crucial in
reaching potential customers.
“An integrated marketing strategy ensures that all efforts
are aligned, maximizing the impact of each campaign and
creating a seamless customer journey,” says Williams. “As

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 BRANDING AND MARKETING

Challenges and collaborating

Developing a brand identity and then
implementing effective marketing strategies to
reflect it isn’t an easy task.
Challenges include understanding
the target audience, differentiating from
competitors, limited marketing budgets, a
lack of in-house expertise and keeping up
with industry trends.
“To overcome these, FBOs should
invest in market research, stay adaptable,
and continuously gather feedback from
customers,” says Pehrson.
“Partnering with experienced marketing
professionals can also provide
valuable insights and innovative
strategies to stay ahead.”
Williams says focusing
on unique selling points and
customer testimonials can
help build a compelling
brand narrative.
“Regularly updating and
optimizing marketing strategies
based on performance metrics
ensures continuous improvement

“A strong brand
and relevance.
“Having a brand kit and a usable
identity sets an FBO and enforced brand brief can help
make it easy to work with vendors
apart by conveying its and team members to enlist their
values, quality of service help in promoting the brand.
“Collaboration with industry
and unique offerings” influencers and partnerships can
Joey Pehrson, managing director, Off also extend reach and credibility.”
Above & left: Signature Aviation aircraft detailers, MROs, flight the Ground Marketing There have been notable
revealed a new logo at the start schools, airport authorities and collaborations announcements in 2024
of the year
community groups, to help promote already. In May, Farnborough Airport
the airport as a destination and the FBO partnered with luxury jewelry company
as a good neighbor.” Lugano on a newly refurbished and designed
Marketing initiatives are also important to Lugano Lounge and a branded wrap of the airport’s
FBO network Signature Aviation. radar tower. The banner is 18m high and 18m wide and is
The company launched its new visual identity earlier this the largest airside advertisement site at any UK airport.
year to communicate its focus on hospitality and create an Similarly, NetJets recently launched its multi-year
exceptional experience for every guest. collaboration with famed Scottish golf club The R&A, and
Derek DeCross, CCO at Signature Aviation, says the logo Castle Air announced its partnership with Partridge BMW.
is a symbol for the focus on hospitality and helps to ensure Collaboration helps to amplify a company’s brand by
that the focus this is communicated through Signature’s showing its operation is worthy of partnering with high profile
updated messaging, visual elements and everyday businesses, as well as boosting the customer offering.
guest interactions. “Customers tend to associate a strong brand with
“Marketing initiatives play a crucial role in engaging with superior service and professionalism,” adds O’Connor.
our diverse audience,” says DeCross. “By leveraging various “As we develop our partnership scheme The Collection
owned, paid and earned channels such as digital marketing, and other collaborations, a reputable brand identity also
social media, events and partnerships, we create compelling enhances the creation of these alliances.”
content and experiences that provide value and resonate
with our audience. The significance of strategy
“Personalized communications, tailored pricing programs, It’s evident that formulating the perfect brand identity is a big
and proactive outreach deepen our relationship with guests, job, but is it worth it? O’Connor believes so.
enriching their experience with transparency and up-to-date “A clear brand identity has streamlined our marketing
information, such as travel alerts.” efforts, right through to our operational practices, the way we

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BRANDING AND MARKETING

welcome our passengers and the uniforms This positions your FBO as a thought leader in the
that we wear,” she says. “A brand is never industry,” he says.
“With well-defined brand guidelines,
all marketing materials can be produced
just about the logo Williams recommends engaging with experienced
branding professionals to develop a strong, cohesive
more efficiently and consistently. These alone – it’s the story brand identity that truly represents the FBO’s values and

behind it and the

guidelines also create trust, credibility services – this includes a memorable logo, a consistent
and turn behaviors into passion for both color palette, and a unified message across all platforms.
our customers and staff.” company’s journey” “Look at everything your clients and passengers touch
DeCross agrees, noting that work to – even things that aren’t typically used for advertising,”
Nicole O’Connor, chief commercial officer,
establish Signature’s new brand and visual Weston Aviation adds Williams. “You can wrap airplanes, buses, trains,
identity is a key part of its transformation as shuttles or golf carts with your brand imagery to create
a hospitality company. moving billboards for your brand. You can also create
“Ensuring the brand delivers on its promises branded packaging for food and beverages such as paper
is paramount,” DeCross explains. “Because cups, takeout boxes or wrappers.”
our brand updates worked in concert with other FBOs could also create a classroom lesson or a merit
transformations throughout our business, a culture has badge program and invite children to its facility one day per
been fostered where every guest interaction reflects our quarter or per year, making sure they go home with branded
commitment to excellence. swag and have a photo opportunity with a plane, tug or
Above: Weston Aviation, which
“We also recognize the evolving landscape of guest operates five FBOs in the UK
interesting piece of equipment.
preferences and expectations, influenced by technological launched a new brand identity “The more unexpected, the more effective your branding
advancements, demographic shifts, and changing travel last summer can be,” concludes Williams. ●
trends. To address this, we embrace innovation and
leverage emerging technologies across our network, aiming
to elevate every aspect of our business and exceed the
expectations of our guests.”
A gem of a collaboration
How to create a brand identity
A cohesive brand identity and marketing approach builds Farnborough Airport recently Lugano has a number of salons
trust and recognition, leading to increased customer loyalty partnered with jewellery brand Lugano, based in the USA, however, the
and word-of-mouth referrals. It ensures that all touch points to enhance the airport’s guest offering. partnership with Farnborough Airport
with the customer are aligned and reinforce the brand’s This collaboration will see the comes just after Lugano welcomed the
airport’s terminal showcasing the opening of its first UK salon in Mayfair.
values and promise – and this consistency helps establish a
jeweller’s brand for one of the first Simon Geere, Farnborough Airport’s
strong market presence and drives long-term success.
times in the UK, including a newly CEO said, “We are delighted to be
When creating a brand identity, Pehrson says
refurbished and intricately designed collaborating with Lugano as they
consistency is key. “Ensure that a brand message, visuals
Lugano lounge, and a two-sided wrap make their grand entrance into the
and tone of voice are consistent across all platforms and of the Airport’s radar tower featuring UK market, adding to our already
communications. Lugano’s creative artwork. The radar renowned and unrivalled customer
“Use social media and other interactive platforms to tower banner scales 18m high and experience. We look forward to our
engage directly with your customers, respond to their 18m wide as is the largest airside clients enjoying the entire experience
feedback, and build a community around your brand,” advertisement site at any UK airport. on their next visit to Farnborough.”
says Pehrson. “Create high quality, informative content that
showcases your expertise and adds value to your audience.

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eVTOL
MEDICAL & SPECIAL MISSIONS

to
the
20 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 MEDICAL & SPECIAL MISSIONS

Could eVTOL aircraft supersede existing

types for emergency medical services
and medevac rescue missions?
Words | Graham Jar v is

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 21
 W
MEDICAL & SPECIAL MISSIONS

hen people think of

search and rescue
operations, they often
think of helicopters
before any other
aircraft. The exception
might be the use of fixed wing aircraft in Australia by
the Royal Flying Doctor Service. However, that could be
about to change thanks to a partnership announced last
year between Airbus Helicopters and the Norwegian Air
Ambulance Foundation, Norsk Luft Ambulanse, to develop
CityAirbus Next Gen’s medical services in Norway.
eVTOL aircraft project manager Harald Jøsendal at Norsk
Luft Ambulanse says that the project is still at an early phase
in its development. While the partners are looking to use
eVTOL aircraft for emergency air medical health services,
they don’t see them being used to transport patients to
hospitals in the first instance. Their main role, he suggests,
would be to fly critical media personnel, defibrillators, and
medicines out to the patient very quickly. “In this project we
are looking into two possible geographical areas – cities
and rural areas of the country,” says Jøsendal.
With cities becoming more congested around the world,
road ambulances often have to struggle with traffic jams,
even when the occasion is critical to saving life. Helicopters
can certainly be used, but the overall message is that
they are a scarce resource, and due to their size, they are
unable to land anywhere at any time in urban areas.
There is therefore an opportunity for eVTOLs or
hydrogen VTOLs (hVTOLs) to fill this void.
Doctors and paramedics could fly to a
scene more quickly, and with fewer “In an
limitations to patients.
The Norwegian coast has emergency first
many islands. A journey to them response mission,
can take a long time. Jøsendal
therefore asks: “Can an eVTOL a purpose-built eVTOL
become the medical boat of the
future between the islands?”
can deploy faster than a
The answer is possibly. In the helicopter, fly faster than
a helicopter, and land
development project, there are
three questions the partners an emergency first response
want to answer. How much does nearer the emergency” capacity in rural areas. For
the addition of eVTOLs in the air Carl Dietrich, founder and
example, to stabilize a heart
medical services provide a benefit president, Jump Aero attack or brain injury patient. He
for the patient? To which extent does it agrees that eVTOL aircraft won’t be
contribute to greener aviation for patient transport.
and sustainability and finally, how will it Dietrich explains, “This is a
improve the emergency air medical fundamentally different mission than the
health service efficiency? traditional helicopter air ambulance
mission whose primary purpose is to
First response transport patients. In an emergency first
Carl Dietrich, founder and president response mission, a purpose-built eVTOL
Above: Jump Aero’s at Jump Aero, certainly believes that can deploy faster than a helicopter, fly
mission is to enable eVTOLs could be a replacement for faster than a helicopter, and land nearer
first responders to
fly to the scene of an
some helicopter air ambulances. Yet he the emergency - all of which improve
emergency as fast stresses that the medical use that Jump response time and patient outcomes relative
as possible Aero considers to be most compelling is as to the current state of the art.

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 MEDICAL & SPECIAL MISSIONS

“Stabilization, establishing oxygen to the brain

and stopping the bleeding, is more time-critical than
transportation. As such, a small eVTOL like the Jump
Aero JA1 Pulse can be used economically in concert with
traditional ambulance-based transportation to dramatically
improve patient outcomes in rural areas.”

Patient transport
While small eVTOLs certainly won’t be suited to patient
transport, Michael Cervenka, chief commercial & technology
officer at Vertical Aerospace says the company’s much
larger VX4 will offer that capability. “The VX4 will offer
enough cabin space to support patient transport missions
or the transportation of organs.” He even predicts that they
will be capable of conducting Search and Rescue (SAR)
missions within the next decade. The premise for this
opportunity is the advancement of battery technologies.

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MEDICAL & SPECIAL MISSIONS

The AirMed VTOL is

being developed in
Australia and could
be used to respond to
emergencies in
the Outback

“We hear
lots of stories
of fixed wing aircraft to where the patient is, and in some cases it’s even
landing an hour away from rarer for them to be close to a place where there is
a hospital. A town or a homestead in the Outback
a patient. A VTOL can land is a prime example of this situation.
In 2018, Volocopter and ADAC
Luftrettung, a German emergency service
next to where the patient is Moore says, “We hear lots of stories of fixed
wing aircraft landing an hour away from a patient.
provider joined forces to explore the use of and keep the transfer time The VTOL can land next to where the patient is and

down”
multicopters in emergency medical services keep the transfer time down. They can get there
(EMS) through a feasibility study. Using within the golden hour. You can save a couple of
a VoloCity aircraft, the research included Andrew Moore, CEO and co-founder, hours, and your medical team can do more retrievals in
AMSL Aero and inventor of the
more than 26,000 simulations of aeromedical Vertiia eVTOL aircraft
a day and deliver better care.”
missions in two German regions. Dietrich adds that Jump Aero’s prime concern is about
The findings suggested that such aircraft could getting to an incident within an eight minute window. In the
extend the supply and coverage areas and ensure USA, the challenge is that the average response time is
the rapid deployment of doctors to emergency sites, and 14.5 minutes, and in some cases worse – up to 30 minutes.
in 2023 Volocopter signed an agreement with ADAC When you have a patient who needs life-saving treatment
Luftrettung for the purchase of two VoloCity aircraft with a
“reserve of up to 150 future aircraft”.
Below: Siobhan Lyndon and
Andrew Moore, co-founders of
Research operations AMSL Aero
Volocopter’s says that once they receive European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, ADAC will start
using the two VoloCity aircraft for research operations and
testing within the two German regions. The hope is that
they will be able to gather data and learn new lessons that
will help both Volocopter and ADAC to adapt the aircraft to
special medical missions use.
Key to the attractiveness of using eVTOLs, or even
certain hVTOLs, is their ability to reduce emergency
response times compared to ground-based emergency
vehicles. This makes them a cost-effective choice
for emergency medical service providers. They require
fewer personnel and involve fewer complex procedures
for maintenance.

Location flexibility
Andrew Moore, CEO and co-founder of AMSL Aero and
inventor of the Vertiia eVTOL aircraft, comments that in
Australia it is very rare for there to be a runway very close

24 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 HANNOVER
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MEDICAL & SPECIAL MISSIONS

efficient than thermal engines. It is also possible to run

eVTOLs off 100% renewable sources of energy.”
As eVTOLs won’t be used for every mission, EMS fleets
are likely to be mixed to take advantage of different vehicle’s
advantages and disadvantages. Yet there are still some
fleets that will just operate helicopters. For long-range VTOLs
urgently, that length of response could put their life Dietrich believes there won’t be so many challenges. He
in danger. argues that they can operate seamlessly. The key challenge
Rural areas in the USA have statistically worse outcomes is to find the right energy sources to ensure that there is no
than patients have in urban areas. eVTOL aircraft can disruption to operations. This requires the right infrastructure
therefore be deployed to improve patient outcomes by to be put in place, whether that is for eVTOLs or for hVTOLs,
achieving that eight minute window. Dietrich explains, “With or other VTOL aircraft.
eVTOLs there is the ability to switch on and go, and if you Dietrich adds, “If you look at the opportunity for electric
optimize the design, you have the ability to get professional VTOL, or hydrogen VTOL, it is about cost-savings. Electrical
boots on the ground within eight minutes within a 30 miles systems are more efficient than an internal combustion
radius. This is what we see being enabled by eVTOLs. engine. When you are going door-to-door you could achieve
Battery range doesn’t really matter because how far can you more missions in a day. They won’t be waiting for the road
get in eight minutes?” ambulance at either end, allowing at least an extra mission
In comparison, Moore says there is a golden hour for a day. If you are generating extra revenue from this, then that
less serious injury cases, but for the most severe incidents it is a significant uplift in productivity.”
is possible with a VTOL – whether electric or hydrogen – to Range and the availability of fast-charger infrastructure, or
arrive within 10 minutes. hydrogen in the case of hVTOLs, are not the only limitations.
“It is the difference between having full brain function For lighter VTOLs, severe winds will limit their ability to safely
or being stuck in a wheelchair for life. Time is everything,” operate too. Some of these aircraft may fit into existing
Moore remarks. regulations. However, there are still regulatory issues to
However, despite needing more personnel to operate, consider depending on the jurisdiction within which an
helicopters will still have a role in transferring patients to a eVTOL EMS operator resides.
specialist care centre such as a large hospital. With eVTOLs, Although their use is still largely at a trial stage, the
the doctor or paramedic would also be the pilot. potential benefits of operating eVTOLs outweigh the
Dietrich adds, “An all-electric aircraft is capable of going challenges. As battery technology advances they will also be
Above & left: The VX4 eVTOL
to full-power without any warm-up. This is a fundamental able to play a wider set of roles – particularly in rural areas. aircraft will offer enough
advantage of the technology that benefits rapid response For now, the greatest challenge is to demonstrate their cabin space to support patient
missions. Electric propulsion systems are also more energy effectiveness to potential customers. ● transport missions

26 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
CONVERSATIONS
THAT TAKE OFF
The platform that allows industry experts to engage in
regular discussions through high-quality videos
accessible across various platforms

www.youtube.com/@MIXJET
MEN TAL HE ALT H

mental
Elevating

health
matters
28 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 MEN TAL HE ALT H

A higher awareness of
mental health and
well-being is creating new
regulations and support
networks for pilots
Words | Keri Allan

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 29
W
MEN TAL HE ALT H

hile awareness of
the impact of stress
and fatigue on
pilots is increasingly
well-understood,
the assessment of,
and support for, individuals dealing with mental health
challenges is not yet homogenous across the industry.
Physical health and safety is well understood and their license suspended. “They can’t afford to be grounded
managed in terms of professional and personal risk, but for a year while they take their medication, so they simply
now the industry’s focus is moving to mental health and how don’t. What’s even more worrying is that they’re still looking
it can keep operating safely and efficiently while also better for relief from depression, and some may go so far as
supporting the mental well-being of its staff. to self-medicate using recreational drugs they know
It cant be denied that piloting an aircraft is very a aren’t being tested for,” says Fielding, citing the
high-pressure job, one that requires your full attention and incident in the US last October where an Alaskan
immediate decision-making. Airline pilot hallucinated after taking magic
Everyday stressors and fatigue can impact this, but it’s mushrooms two days previously and attempted to
important to remember that there’s an area below operating shut the engines down in flight.
optimally where you can still operate safely – and nobody “When it comes to a pilot struggling with
can function at 100% all of the time. mental health, this paradigm can inadvertently
The problem occurs when you drop below safe, leave pilots weighing the benefits of seeking
something that can happen when dealing with a care against the risks to their career,” continues
mental health crisis. As past incidents have
shown, the impact of an undisclosed or
“Views William Hoffman, MD, an affiliated assistant
professor of aviation at the University of North Dakota
untreated mental health issue can be around mental and the vice chair of Aerospace Medical Association
deadly; so much so that a Bloomberg (AsMA) Mental Health Working Group.
News study on crashes involving health changed “While most can return to duty, the system may
Western-built commercial airliners
reported that pilot murder-suicides
after the Germanwings encourage pilots to delay care until the symptoms become
unmanageable alone.”
ranks as the second most prevalent crash – support went from But don’t just take Hoffman’s word for it, a recent study

being nice to have to a

cause of airline crash deaths between of almost 4,000 US pilots in the Journal of Occupational
2011-2020. and Environmental Medicine showed that 56% admitted to
It also reported that deaths resulting must-have” a history of health care avoidance, including not disclosing
from pilot murder-suicides increased Captain Dave Fielding, secretary, the
information during aeromedical screenings or avoiding care
between 1991-2020, while fatalities related European Pilot Peer Support even when they felt it was needed.
to accidental causes significantly decreased. Initiative (EPPSI) Thankfully, many working groups and organizations are
Having recognized the problem, the looking at different ways to overcome these issues, ensuring
industry has been working on solutions. Fatigue air travel remains safe while those who need help can
risk management regulations and best practices receive it without risking their careers. Here we take a look
were put in place in the 2010s, and from 2020 we’ve at some of the latest initiatives from across the globe.
seen organizations such as the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) develop new goals related to the Peer support programs
management of psychosocial risk in the workplace. Having been a union rep for almost 30 years, Fielding
has seen his fair share of colleagues lose their jobs due
Keeping the skies safe to stress, burnout or substance abuse. Back in the early
The traditional medical regulation model when a pilot noughties, he set about creating a program where pilots
discloses new mental health symptoms, takes psychoactive could get the help they needed in a safe space before
medication or sees a therapist has been to remove their things spiral out of control.
medical certification temporarily and ground them until This got off to a slow start, but by 2015 Fielding had
treatment is complete. established the first training course for flight safety reps
But while this may appear to be the safest thing to do, within the BALPA, which was run by charity the Samaritans.
it might be making the skies more dangerous says Captain However, things changed dramatically that year, when pilot
Dave Fielding, a British Air Line Pilots Association (BALPA) Andreas Lubitz deliberately crashed Germanwings flight
representative, secretary of the European Pilot Peer Support 95245 into the Alps.
Initiative (EPPSI) and chair of the International Peer Assist “Views around the impact of mental health issues
Aviation Coalition (IPAAC). He believes many pilots will changed after the Germanwings crash – support went from
avoid asking for help or taking medication for fear of having being nice to have to a must-have, as people recognized

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 MEN TAL HE ALT H

that mental illness could kill,” he says. “This led to the

creation of peer support programs.
“They offer a warm arm around the shoulder and a
friendly ear from a colleague who understands the lifestyle
and the stresses, with training and support from mental
health professionals.”
The first peer support program to be established after
this disaster was at British Airways. “It has already helped
hundreds of pilots who otherwise would have suffered in
silence,” Fielding says.
Having been involved in developing the BA program, he
was invited to join EPPSI, which went on to “write the book
on how to set up a peer support program”.
According to Fielding 80% of participants in
a peer program resolve their issues through a
confidential conversation and guidance on
support and next steps. The other 20% are
signposted to the further professional care “Our research found that there was a lot of
they need. “We seem to have hit variability and heterogeneity in terms of the
“A big part of our job is around trust,” procedures and methods used in mental health
he says. “Pilots can distrust doctors and a turning point when it assessments,” says aviation psychologist Paola
regulators, but they trust their peers. This
is a big part of why these programs work
comes to pilots’ mental Tomasello, MESAFE’s lead consultant. “Some
situations didn’t have a structured interview but
so well.” health, but the rest of rather just a questionnaire and very little time

aviation is lagging behind”

Fielding’s work in this field continues allocated to the assessment. In other cases, we
to grow, and EPPSI and IPAAC have now saw mental health specialists cooperate with the
broadened these programs to include all Gerard Forlin KC, Cornerstone Barristers medical examiner to do a proper assessment.”
safety-critical personnel in aviation, such as As well as this variability Tomasello says the
air traffic control officers and aircraft engineers. project found a lack of appropriate resources, mental
“Even though there are different licensing health specialists and training on mental health for
requirements we still suffer the same issues and are medical examiners.
all safety-sensitive. As far as I am concerned, anyone “We presented our results at the conference, including
who touches an aircraft needs to have access to support for 44 recommendations targeted to EASA policymakers to
their mental health.” update the existing standards related to aeromedical mental
health assessments. These are based on a multi-layered
Mental health and European pilots approach, where all stakeholders are engaged in monitoring
This April saw the two year EASA research program MEntal and protecting mental health.”
Health in Aviation SAFEty (MESAFE) culminate in a two- The team also produced guidelines for each of the
day conference in Cologne, Germany. Overseen by Italian stakeholders, education materials and a method called
company Deep Blue, MESAFE reviewed the gaps and the mental incapacitation risk assessment process, which
challenges reported by aeromedical examiners carrying out medical examiners can use to evaluate the risk that a
regular mental health checks. mental issue could pose to flight safety. EASA is initiating
regulatory action to evaluate how to implement several of
the recommendations proposed by the study.
“We expect that this will improve the assessment,
while at the same time allowing the pilots to be part of the
Mental health support process and understand the risks and outcomes,” says Dr
Cristian Panait, medical expert, from EASA’s Aircrew and
Formed in December 2023, the Mental to discuss their mental Medical Department.
Health and Aviation Medical Clearances health challenges.
Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) These included creating a non- FAA recommended changes
is tasked with identifying factors disciplinary pathway for disclosing Also this April, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA)
that discourage those in aviation mental health conditions and Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on Mental Health
from disclosing mental health treatments, expanding the use and published a recommendations report about the mental
concerns. Potential barriers stopping promotion of peer support programs, health of pilots.
pilots seeking help include culture, developing mental health literacy, In addition to identifying some of the barriers pilots
trust, fear, stigma, knowledge and education and awareness campaigns face related to mental health, the ARC report proposed
information gap and financial reasons. and increasing mental health training 24 changes to the FAA. These include dropping the
The ARC came up with a number of and improve quality assurance for requirement for a pilot to inform the administration if they
recommendations to encourage people aviation medical examiners.
see a counselor, through to developing a pathway for pilots
to continue working while on certain medications.

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 31
MEN TAL HE ALT H

“Pilots with a severe mental health condition certainly

shouldn’t be flying, but we are interested in how we might
help those with mild symptoms – perhaps facing one of
life’s common stressors – to get support when needed to
prevent symptoms from worsening,” says Hoffman.
The FAA is now deciding which recommendations to
take on board. While new mental health education efforts
are unlikely to face opposition, broad overhauls to computer
and medical processing systems will likely be contingent on
support outside of the FAA.
“Most difficult will be decisions about what pilots can do
while working and what they need to tell the FAA. There is a
surprising paucity of safety data,” Hoffman says. “Data will
be key to building tomorrow’s aviation system, where safety
and wellness are at the center.”

Proactive psychosocial risk management

During April this year the UK’s Royal Aeronautical Society
also published a paper on mental health. “Psychosocial
Risk Management and Mental Health – The Mental Health
Challenge to Civil Aviation Safety in the 21st Century”
highlights key areas of the aviation ecosystem that would
be improved by taking a coherent approach to recognizing,
managing and mitigating staff mental health and well-being.
“This paper is generally seen as the definitive work in
this area and provides a holistic approach to remedy this
growing crisis rather than just attempting to put a plaster on
an already concerning situation,” says one of the report’s
author and lawyer Gerard Forlin KC, from Cornerstone
Barristers, London and State Chambers, Sydney, Australia.
The report considers the growing recognition
and acceptance of the concept of psychosocial risk
management (PsRM). It suggests that the ISO 450003
psychosocial risk management in the workplace approach
offers a possible route to creating a practical and
pragmatic starting point for the sector. The paper
concludes that a policy of proactive PsRM could lead
to enhanced performance and safety.
However, Forlin says that the aviation sector still
has many improvements in the way it deals with
mental health issues. “We now need to
create an integrated approach across
all the stakeholders to establish
a strategic working group to
focus on our paper’s 13 “When it comes
recommendations. This
to a pilot struggling I’M SAFE
should ideally include the
authors of the report.
“Much more needs
with mental health, this The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a
helpful checklist called I’M SAFE to assist pilots in
to be done. We seem paradigm can inadvertently determining if they are fit to fly:
ILLNESS: Do I have any symptoms?
leave pilots weighing the
to have hit a turning
IMAGE: Irina Popova, Justlight @ADOBE.STOCK.COM

point when it comes MEDICATION: Have I been taking prescription or

to pilots’ mental benefits of seeking care over-the-counter drugs?
STRESS: Am I under pressure from work, or am I
health, but the rest of
the aviation sector is against the risks to their worried about money, health or family?
ALCOHOL: Have I been drinking within eight hours?
lagging behind. This
is a crucial issue. The
career” FATIGUE: Am I rested?
William Hoffman, vice chair, Aerospace EMOTION: Am I emotionally upset?
prosecutors and regulators
Medical Association (AsMA) Mental Some pilots may wish to include eating as well –
wait in the wings if we don’t Health Working Group are you properly nourished?
act fast and far enough,”
Forlin concludes. ●

32 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 FRANCE
S PA I N
FIRST EUROPEAN PORTUGAL
PREMIUM NETWORK I TA LY
CYPRUS
GREECE

www.skyvalet.com
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

From
accounting to
aircraft
34 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

s
Paul Norton, managing director at Harrods Aviation
discusses his route into business aviation
Words | Paig e Smit h

itting in the newly renovated Charles

Henry Suite at the company’s London
Luton FBO, Paul Norton, managing
director at Harrods Aviation explains
how he entered the industry. “I got into
business aviation entirely by accident,”
he says. “I am a trained and qualified accountant and I
worked in practice up until the late 1990s. Then I worked for
a couple of logistics businesses.
“The last logistics company I worked for was the biggest
container shipping line in the world. In 2005, they bought
another company and my role moved. I became the head of
finance for the combined UK and Ireland logistics business.
After about five years I got asked to go and work in what
was the UK head office doing some project work that was
more business orientated than finance orientated. After

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 35
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

successfully completing two projects in 2006 I decided to In a full circle moment, last year Harrods purchased
look around for a new job. Fayair and reopened it as The Brompton.
“I met a headhunter who said he had a job for me at “Adding the extra premises at Stansted last year was
Harrods Aviation. I knew nothing about business aviation at a major milestone for the company. It was immensely
all. I couldn’t have told you what the acronym FBO meant, satisfying to get that over the line. It has been a real
and I didn’t even know that Harrods Aviation had a base at success. It has also been really gratifying to see how the
either Luton or Stansted. I knew nothing about it. But I got staff came along and integrated themselves into our way of
the job as the finance director.” doing things. That’s been great,” enthuses Norton.
Norton was the finance director between 2007 and “We hope we see more of the same for the future,” he
2012. Near the start of his time at the business, in 2009 adds. “We want to secure our future at both London Luton
Harrods, including Harrods Aviation, was sold to Qatar and Stansted Airport.”
Holdings. “Immediately after that I became the interim
managing director,” explains Norton, whilst he covered a Airport access challenges
maternity absence. In common with other companies who operate out of
In 2012, the former owner decided to build a new large international airports, Norton explains there are often
business at Stansted called Fayair. challenges with working with the airport operators.
Norton got the job as managing director permanently in “When working with a major airport you are essentially
2012. “It was almost by accident,” Norton jokes, “You could less important than its commercial operations because that
say I was the last man standing.” is its bread and butter, whereas we are more ad hoc,” he
It was more likely that Norton was a safe pair of hands explains. “So, there is always a negotiation when it comes to
for the company. He had been doing the role through most runway access.”
of that year already. Another issue that Norton highlights is the task of
“I was entirely used to the rhythms of what was going on changing the public perception of business aviation.
at the company and I’d got my head around what business “The US sector is much better at making the economic
aviation was all about,” he says. argument than we are. They have campaigns that explain
“I understood the high levels of service that customers how the people who are flying these aircraft are making
expected and how different the service level was to money for the economy, they are paying taxes and they are
commercial aviation. creating jobs.
“We have a very high touch service level here. If you “I think there is also a challenge around sustainable
bring your aircraft to us, you will be looked after from the aviation fuel. Is it as sustainable as people claim it can be?
moment the wheels are down and the doors open, to You wouldn’t want to be using feedstocks to make SAF
when you get in your car and you leave the that should be making foodstuffs. I guess there is
premises or in reverse. a balance the industry needs to find. And the
“The moment you arrive you are high cost of it at the moment, has meant
greeted, and somebody stays with you we haven’t had much client uptake.
through the whole time you are with “The aircraft that business aviation
us. That’s not how I understand other tend to use are much more fuel
companies work either here in “I got into business efficient but it’s convincing the public
the UK, around Europe or the rest of of that as well as convincing the
the world.” aviation entirely by regulators that is hard.”
accident”

The Brompton is one of

Harrods Aviation’s facilities at
London Stansted Airport

36 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

“When working with

a major airport you are Above & below:
essentially less important Harrods Aviation’s
facility at London
than its commercial Luton Airport has
recently had a
operations” makeover

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 37
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW

Above: The
Difficult but rewarding
“If you bring your
to be in our industry, because Knightsbridge is
When discussing whether the industry it’s not easy. That applies one of the two
does enough to entice people into the aircraft to us you will to every role. This is an
industry for all shapes and
Harrods Aviation
FBOs at London
sector, Norton highlights how difficult
working in business aviation can be. be looked after from the sizes, there are the people
Stansted Airport

moment the wheels are

“We have a wide age range here in the offices, there are
at Harrods. We go from 18 to 75 people out on the ramp,
in terms of people who work for us. down to when you get in people in the lounges or
There are jobs out there if you want to people on reception. In
work in business aviation, but it’s not your car” the wider context, there are
easy work,” says Norton. more jobs than just pilots and
“You are dealing with high-net-worth flight attendants. I always say to
individuals and their representatives, who can people, there is always more than
be very demanding, because they want what one way to get to where you want to
they pay for and what they are used to getting. They get to. So, if at first you don’t succeed in
expect a high level of service, high level facilities and a one route, there will be another route.”
good standard of service too. After all, Norton’s journey into business aviation was far
“I don’t think you necessarily need to be passionate from traditional. “I’m still a numbers guy,” he says. “We’re
about aviation, but any work experience you can get will very service orientated business but we’re driven by key
help. Get yourself on a course about the industry, study performance indicators in the background. We like our data
hard, but remember you need a high customer service ethos here at Harrods Aviation.” ●

38 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
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40 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 FUEL & SUSTAINABILIT Y

Scaling

T
The intricacies of integrating SAF into aviation fuel
supply chains requires collaboration
he business aviation sector has
between stakeholders long been committed to reducing
it’s carbon footprint, and sustainable
Words | Paig e Smit h aviation fuel represents a significant
breakthrough the industry’s efforts.
However, the transition to biofuels
is complex, requiring advancements in technology,
infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is produced from a
variety of renewable sources. “The production of SAF
starts with one of five main families of raw materials: oils
and fats, sugar and grain, municipal solid waste, wood
and agricultural residue, or renewable energy and carbon,”
explains Sven Rieve, Air bp’s sustainability manager. Each
feedstock undergoes a specific production process, which
relays on approval from fuel standard bodies before it can

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 41
FUEL & SUSTAINABILIT Y

Kennedy Ricci, president of aviation

sustainability company 4AIR. “These
feedstocks are in limited supply, and the
scale-up of SAF demand is increasing
feedstock prices,” he says.
“New production pathways, such as
alcohol-to-jet and power-to-liquid, are
essential for cost-effectively scaling up
SAF production volume,” he adds.
Neste has set ambitious targets to
reduce emissions within its production
processes. By 2030, the company aims
to reduce its production emissions by
50% compared to 2019 levels and
achieve carbon-neutral production
by 2035. These targets are part of a
broader strategy encompassing short,
Air bp supplies SAF to more medium, and long-term measures.
than 30 locations “Neste’s pathway towards
carbon-neutral production includes
continuous energy efficiency

“While
be commercial deployed. Air bp’s SAF supply improvements and scaling up new technologies like
chain uses a blend of renewable feedstocks, renewable hydrogen,” says Neste.
primarily waste oils and residues that meet
stringent sustainability criteria.
operators are “We expect to see the amount of SAF produced from
other sources increasing beyond 2030,” says Rieve.
“SAF supplied by Air bp uses a blend of seeking sustainable These emerging pathways will require time to

alternatives, the cost

renewable feedstocks on a mass balance achieve technical and commercial maturity but
basis,” says Rieve. are crucial for feedstock diversification to meet
Fellow supplier Neste derives its SAF from of the fuel remains a long-term SAF goals.
used cooking oil and animal fat waste, both While HEFA synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK)
of which are 100% renewable. “Neste’s SAF is critical driver” is the only commercial pathway used at scale, its
made from 100% renewable waste and residue Kennedy Ricci, president, 4AIR feedstocks are limited.
raw materials that are sustainably sourced,” says Rieve highlights the need for rapid commercial-scale
Neste. This approach allows for a significant mobilization of sustainable feedstocks, including high-energy
reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions of up to 80% over the fuel’s life
cycle compared to conventional jet fuel,
according to the company.
Neste has developed a robust
system to ensure that the renewable
products and raw materials used in
production meet stringent sustainability
criteria. “We carefully select suppliers
and only accept renewable raw materials
from those that are able to meet strict
criteria for sustainability,” adds a
Neste spokesperson.

Limited feedstocks
The hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA) pathway
dominates SAF production, driven by its lower capital costs
and readily available feedstocks.
“Most of the SAF supplied today in the market is derived
using the hydrotreated esters and fatty acids pathway,” says
Rieve. This pathway processes feedstocks through standard
hydrocracker units after pre-treatment.
HEFA is produced from tallow, used cooking oil, or other
waste oils. “These feedstocks are in limited supply and the
scale up of SAF demand is increasing feedstock prices.
New feedstocks and production pathways are needed to
cost-effectively scale up SAF production volume,” says

42 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
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neutral, and operate in alignment with greenhouse gas

emission reduction targets,” says Ricci.
A standardized methodology for calculating life cycle
emissions is crucial for bolstering confidence in SAF’s
environmental impact. “Understanding the nuances and
variation of different sustainability and GHG emissions
saving criteria is important,” Ricci says. This alignment
would facilitate industry and government
cooperation, enhancing SAF’s credibility
and demand.

Challenges with blending

Blending SAF with conventional jet
fuel presents technical challenges,
SAF-producer Neste aims to primarily due to the lack of aromatics
halve its production emissions
in synthetically produced SAF.
compared to 2019 levels by
the end of the decade Aromatics are unsaturated
hydrocarbons that cause fuel system
seals to swell, preventing leaks. “Out of
caution, a maximum blend of 50% was set

“We expect
crops like algae, Camelina, penny-cress, tallow tree, for SAF with Jet A for it to qualify as jet fuel,”
and carinata. “We promote the use of cover crops explains Ricci.
as a feedstock when they do not require additional to see the amount Commercially, blends of 30-38% are typical
land demand,” he says. due to the complexity of achieving higher quality
Most production pathways start at a very small of SAF produced standards. “Above this level, you must care about
scale, gradually increasing to full commercial
production. This incremental scaling requires
from other sources the quality of jet fuel used for blending to reach
certification, so it is more economical to target
significant investment, and both the US and increasing these lower blends,” says Ricci.

beyond 2030”
EU have set up investment or loan incentives to Future SAF that include aromatics or can be
support companies. “The US and EU’s investment blended with synthetic aromatics could potentially be
and loan incentives help companies get over part of Sven Rieve, Air bp, certified at 100%.
this significant hurdle to market,” says Ricci. sustainability manager
Scaling up SAF
Ensuring SAF is sustainable To meet growing demand, companies active across the
Certification is fundamental to ensuring that SAF is truly supply chain will likely capture value and manage demand
sustainable and fully traceable. curves globally.
“ICAO, the US, and the EU have all laid out criteria “bp is well positioned across the value chain and around
through their respective programs to ensure that SAF the world to play a key role in scaling SAF,” says Rieve,
is sustainable and approved under various certification highlighting investments the company has made in refineries
schemes and third-party auditors to verify fuel under their and facilities in Lingen, Germany, and Castellon, Spain.
programs. These criteria ensure that SAF only comes from Building a SAF production plant
sustainable feedstocks and does not compete with food or is a complex and time-consuming
land that could be used for food production, nor result in process, often taking up to seven
direct or indirect land-use change. years. “Even before this time, there
“In essence, you can’t cut down a rainforest or use other are many steps, assessments,
non-sustainable sources such as palm oil for SAF,” and studies conducted to help
says Ricci. ensure the sustainability
Currently, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials and scalability of a certain
(RSB) and the International Sustainability and Carbon production method,” explains
Certification (ISCC) are the two major certification schemes Ricci. These steps include
for SAF. life cycle assessments,
“It is important that all SAF has these sustainability techno-economic analysis,
certifications, which include the actual amount of emissions policy reviews, and extensive
reduced from a particular SAF used,” adds Ricci. Without engineering and design.
proper documentation, SAF cannot be claimed towards In 2022, bp’s Lingen
regulatory programs or voluntary emissions reductions. refinery began producing
Regulatory authorities and policy makers are playing SAF from used cooking
a vital role in expanding SAF supply, reducing costs, and oil, marking Germany’s first
enhancing sustainability. industrial production facility
“Effective SAF-specific policies and programs should be using co-processing to produce
stable over time, stackable with other incentives, technology SAF from waste and residues. This

44 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
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process integrates used cooking oil

with crude oil in existing facilities,
resulting in SAF as one of the end
products. “Thanks to co-processing
bp can continue to operate the
existing plant and also make a direct
contribution to decarbonizing fuels
on a lifecycle basis,” Rieve says.
Similarly, bp’s Castellon refinery
in Spain announced its first sale of
ISCC EU SAF in March 2023, with
LATAM Airlines becoming the first
customer. This milestone underlined
the role of co-processing using
existing refineries to meet
SAF demand.
Neste’s commitment to scaling
SAF production is evident in their
current and planned capabilities.
As of now, Neste’s global SAF
production capability stands at
1 million tons per annum, with the Singapore refinery being Above: Air bp’s Lingen,
the world’s largest SAF production facility post-expansion in Germany refinery has been
producing SAF from used
2023. By 2024, Neste aims to increase this capacity to 1.5
cooking oil for two years
million metric tons, with further investments boosting it to 2.2
Right: SAF is blended with jet
million tons by 2026. fuel to make a fuel which is
The environmental impact of using Neste’s SAF is virtually identical to Jet A
profound, with GHG emissions reduced by up to 80% over
the fuel’s life cycle. Neste employs established life cycle
assessment methodologies such as CORSIA to calculate Barriers
these reductions. “Neste is exploring opportunities to reduce Several barriers hinder the widespread adoption of SAF,
these emissions further, for example by smarter logistics or including high costs, feedstock availability, and long time
using green hydrogen in the production process,” adds the horizons for establishing refineries.
Neste spokesperson. “SAF is still significantly more expensive than Jet A, and
To scale SAF production effectively, policy support while operators are seeking sustainable alternatives, the
is crucial. This support creates demand certainty, cost of the fuel remains a critical driver,” says Ricci.
attracting investment into new production capacity and There can also be logistical challenges in transporting
encouraging airlines to adopt SAF. SAF. “In order to reduce how much fuel needs to be moved
around, it is best to wait to blend the SAF with fossil Jet A
Knowledge is power until you reach a final distribution point,” says Ricci.
Raising awareness and knowledge about SAF “If you blend SAF at 33% right at the production
among the aviation industry, regulators, businesses, source, you will have to transport three times as much
and individual travelers is essential. fuel to a fuel terminal compared to if you can wait
“Every stakeholder has the responsibility to blend the fuel at or near the terminal and only
to act on their carbon emissions, and SAF transport the neat SAF.
provides them a means to do so today,” “At a time when SAF production is limited
says the Neste spokesperson. and SAF is being shipped around the world
Despite the promising developments, to final markets, this can have a relatively
SAF still costs more to produce than important impact.
fossil jet fuel, necessitating regulatory “Transporting neat SAF requires some
support to drive market adoption. different infrastructure changes and you
“To ensure the right investment we cannot always use existing pipeline
IMAGE: Synaptic Studio @ADOBE.STOCK.COM

need to see regulation to force them networks. In addition, moving SAF far
into the market,” Rieve says. He cites from its production source raises not
Europe’s recent mandates as positive only its cost but also its carbon intensity,”
examples but calls for similar actions from Ricci says.
other countries like the USA and Australia. The path to decarbonizing aviation
Rieve also believes that the use of through SAF is complex and the industry’s
sustainable feedstocks that do not demand success hinges on a collective effort to scale
additional land and support sustainable farming SAF production and create a sustainable future
practices are paramount. for aviation. ●

46 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
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DC Aviation is a dedicated business aviation handling company in LMML.

We provide the most discerning traveller with the best service available on
the island of Malta.
We are the only company that has a dispatch office, crew and passenger
private reception and lounge area in the main departures’ hall. We also
have our own complimentary VIP lounge on Apron 3. From a limousine
service waiting on the ramp to hotel accommodation and transfers for both
passengers and crew. DC Aviation staff is available to help you 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Whether Malta is one’s end destination or simply a fuel stop, our passion for
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immigration and/or fast turnarounds.
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GROUND HANDLING

A new era
CENTRA

48 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 GROUND HANDLING

for Fresh investment and political changes

L ASIA
are opening up Central Asia’s business
aviation market
Words | V ladislav Vorot nikov

After the pandemic the

number of flights to and
from Uzbekistan has grown

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 49
C
GROUND HANDLING

entral Asia is a region comprised

of five post-Soviet countries:
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan.
Despite its advantageous
geographical location, in the middle of the airways spanning
Europe and Asia, this corner of the world is on the cusp of
unlocking its potential as an international air hub, a vision Astana Nursultan
that local authorities first declared plans to achieve almost Nazarbayev International
three decades ago. Airport, Kazakhstan
Several reasons have hindered the development, but the
turbulent economic and political environment, scaring away
foreign investors, are commonly seen as among the key In spite of the challenges, the entire region has
constraints. Consequently, business has been tough for the witnessed a significant upshift in traffic, a trend that
local FBOs and ground handling services providers over the was especially visible in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan,
past several years. signaling the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
“Without exaggeration, it can be said that tariffs for Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the
ground-handling services at Kazakh airports are among the ground handling market of Uzbekistan, the second
lowest in the region, while it is worth noting that the costs of largest Central Asian economy, has experienced
maintaining airport infrastructure are substantial,” comments outstanding growth, says Bahtiyar Nomozbaev,
Abul Kekilbayev, a freelance consultant cooperating with the the CEO of Delta Global Solutions, a logistics
Kazakh Civil Aviation Association. and ground handling company headquartered in
18 Kazakh airports are categorized according to the Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with offices in Singapore
International Civil Aviation Organization standards. and London.
However, the state of their infrastructure is a “The after-pandemic period has been showing
sorry sight. a stable growth in the ground handling service sector
“Most regional airports require significant as the number of flights to and from Uzbekistan
investments in ground infrastructure, and grows, contributing to increased demand for efficient
the shortage of equipment is a separate cargo processing and handling services at airports,”
headache for airfield owners. For “Most regional Nomozbaev notes.

airports require ground

example, there has been no major
overhaul of the runway at the capital’s Grasping opportunities
airport for more than 20 years. In
several promising regional airports,
infrastructure investments The growth of the past few years can be attributed,
at least to some extent, to the fallout of the
the picture is similar,” Kekilbayev says. and the shortage of equipment Ukrainian conflict.

is a separate headache for

Despite that, in 2024 Astana In early 2022, the Russian aviation sector was
airport was ranked the best airport in among the first to be hit with sweeping sanctions
Central Asia for the third consecutive airfield owners” by the European Union and G7 countries. Russia’s
year by Skytrax, reflecting that in other Abul Kekilbayev, freelance consultant, Kazakh reciprocal measures closed Russian airspace
parts of the region, things look the same Civil Aviation Association to most Western airlines, interrupting some key
and usually even worse. international air corridors.
Russian airspace closure has severely impacted
aviation, with some flights between Europe and Asia being
lengthened by hours due to airspace avoidance.
For Central Asia, however, this was a time of big
opportunities. Speaking about the key outcome of the
geopolitical situation in the aviation sector, Kekilbayev
points out that in 2023, Kazakhstan’s state provider of
aeronavigation services ANO, served 415,000 flights,
including 308,000 foreign air companies.
“These figures are record-breaking for the entire period
of Kazakhstan’s independence,” Kekilbayev states.
The surge in transit flights has taken Kazakh airports by
storm. Kekilbayev said that the airports struggled to meet
the growing demand and essentially failed in the first place
due to a lack of jet fuel on the Kazakh internal market.
Kazakhstan is contemplating various steps to tackle the
jet fuel shortage and grasp the existing transit opportunities.
In October 2023, the Kazakh Energy Ministry announced it

50 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 GROUND HANDLING

RUSSIA

Russia-related flights,
including business jets,
traditionally comprised a
lion’s share of traffic in the
three Kyrgyz airports. Since
KAZAKHSTAN 2022 Visa and MasterCard
credit cards issued by
Russian banks have no
longer been accepted
outside the country. Until
recently, Russian customers
could use the Russia-
designed Mir payment
CHINA system to pay for airport
KYRGYZSTAN services. However, this
UZBEKISTAN
loophole was closed in April
2024 after the US imposed
sanctions against the
Russian system operator.
TURKMENISTAN TAJIKISTAN Since April, all Kazakh
banks have disconnected
from the Mir system,
making payment issues
reportedly more difficult
IRAN AFGHANISTAN for Russian customers.
However, the
impact of the sanctions
is more than that.

was mulling plans to start importing non-Russian fuel,

“After the Nomozbaev reveals that
the Ukrainian conflict and
particularly from China. pandemic there has restrictions against Russian

been stable growth in the

Kazakh refineries claim they are ready to meet businesses and individuals
domestic demand requirements in the jet fuel have led to changes in operational
segment but can, in fact, cover only two-thirds ground handling service protocols to ensure compliance with
international regulations and avoid
of the actual requirement, Nurlan Zhumagulov,
executive director of consultants the Energy sector as the number any direct or indirect involvement in

of flights to and from

Monitor Fund says. To a degree, this is likely to sanctioned activities.
be associated with a surge in flights to and from “This includes stricter screening and
Kazakhstan in the last two years. Uzbekistan grows” monitoring of cargo and passenger flights.
However, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are members Bahtiyar Nomozbaev, CEO, Delta Global Heightened security concerns have led to
of the Eurasia Economic Union (EEU), a Russia-led Solutions the implementation of more stringent safety
trade bloc. Under the terms of the membership, the and security measures within Uzbekistan
countries need to negotiate fuel imports from third countries airports,” explains Nomozbaev.
with the Eurasia Economic Commission. Delta Global Solutions has also introduced a
Historically, EEU members have been closing the gaps sanctions compliance policy that is binding on the
in fuel supplies through imports from Russia. Zhumagulov company and its partners to ensure compliance with
expressed confidence that Kazakhstan needs to diversify its international regulations and mitigate associated risks,
range of fuel suppliers, particularly warning about possible Nomozbaev says.
import disruptions from Russia due to the continuing drone For Central Asian businesses, the risk of not complying
attacks on that country’s refineries. with Western sanctions is significant. According to Delta
Global Solutions, it includes not just broken relationships
The brunt of sanctions with customers and suppliers but other consequences such
The repercussions of the Ukrainian conflict, however, were as being cut off from the global financial system, including
not only positive for the Central Asian airports. the ability to transact in US dollars.
Anna Belyh, a spokeswoman for Ador Aero, a ground In addition, some airports and ground handling providers
handling company based in the Manas airport in Kyrgyzstan, in Central Asia have experienced problems in importing
claims that the situation in Ukraine has significantly equipment and spare parts due to Western sanctions
impacted operations in several ways. against Russia.
First, Belyh pointed out that Western sanctions against Belyh lists supply disruptions among the key sanction-
the Russian banking systems have affected money transfers related challenges. In previous years, Central Asian
and foreign currency exchange operations. businesses purchased necessary inputs from Russian

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 51
GROUND HANDLING

wholesalers, but the tides reversed when the sanctions were

imposed. Now, Russian firms are trying to source necessary
products and technologies through third countries, including
those in Central Asia, posing local industry with a difficult
choice: Russian partners are willing to overpay, but
an unexplained surge in deliveries can make Western
suppliers suspicious.
Nomozbaev admits that compliance with sanctions has
complicated the supply of equipment and components for
Kazakh companies.
As market players indicated, Western suppliers also fear
secondary sanctions and increasingly scrutinize the supply Above: The Grand Mosque of where passenger traffic exceeds a million per year.
chain to ensure that the products they sell to Central Asia do Turkmenistan is the largest However, most airports failed to secure investments in the
structure of this type in
not end up on Russian territory. airport infrastructure.
Central Asia
Despite the challenges, the traffic growth seen in the “The authorities are looking for solutions to these
past few years is set to continue, especially in Kazakhstan issues, including by transferring these airports to under
and Uzbekistan, though the pass-through capacity of the key management of private investors,” Kekilbayev says.
airports is already close to its maximum. In January 2024, Kazakh Transport Minister Marat
“After the pandemic, aviation in Kazakhstan shows a Karabaev revealed that the authorities are considering
stable growth rate of around 20% per year. In particular, air transferring all airports under the management of foreign
transit is growing, and Kazakhstan is becoming attractive companies. International experience is expected to be a
to transit flights. Undoubtedly, the current geopolitical game-changer for the ineffective and loss-making Kazakh
situation has made its own adjustments, but the weak airport industry.
infrastructure of regional airports is operating at the peak In the area of ground handling services, some positive
of its capabilities and can no longer cope with the growing changes are already seen. Kekilbayev said the
flow,” explains Kekilbayev. government embarked on a European model to
In Tashkent, the biggest Uzbek airport, the peak develop competition at key airports. Under
is projected to be hit in 2027. After that, no further the regulation last amended in April 2024,
increase in traffic will be possible unless a
comprehensive capacity expansion is done.
“The ground handling the authorities stipulated that if technically
possible, airport operators must allow ground
For years, Central Asian airports lacked money sector in Uzbekistan service providers independence from the

is currently undergoing
for modernization, and strained national budgets airport operator and airlines.
couldn’t compensate for the shortcomings of Although there are still bumps on
their own funding.
Today, Kekilbayev says Kazakh airports,
active development and the road towards a more competitive
environment, market players are
except Astana and Almaty, are chronically modernization” encouraged that the general direction of
unprofitable. The situation is slightly better at the Bahtiyar Nomozbaev, CEO, Delta Global development is right.
airports of Shymkent, Aktau, Atyrau, and Aktobe, Solutions Some positive shifts are also expected in
Uzbekistan. Under the plan adopted in 2023,
the authorities plan to transfer four airports -
Aerial view of Bishkek City Hall
Andijan, Namangan, Bukhara and Urgench – to
building in Kyrgyzstan private management. Uzbek President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev gave a green light for the project, citing
the success of the Samarkand airport, which transfer to
privately-owned Air Marakanda, which secured a 150% jump
in traffic in a few years.
“The ground handling sector in Uzbekistan is currently

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IMAGES: Collab Media, LMspencer, Curioso.Photography, Peter Hermes
undergoing active development and modernization.
Significant investments in infrastructure and technology,
combined with initiatives to enhance staff qualifications and
improve services at the local airports, reflect our country’s
commitment to elevating the quality of aircraft ground
handling and flight support,” Nomozbaev says.
“There are plans to modernize Manas Airport, including
an increase in the amount of specialized equipment and
ground handling equipment, which will increase the airport’s
capacity and improve the quality of passenger service,”
Belyh says.
The Ukrainian crisis had a negative impact for most
post-Soviet and European economies, but for Central Asia is
has presented some unexpected opportunities. ●

52 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?
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FLYIN G TO T HE OLYMPIC S

Let the

54 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 FLYIN G TO T HE OLYMPIC S

begin
The City of Light is preparing to host
the 2024 Summer Olympics for the
first time in 100 years
Words | Fe lipe Reisc h

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 55
FLYIN G TO T HE OLYMPIC S

lanning, coordination, and “Slots are distributed on a first

expecting the unexpected run come, first serve basis with a very
through the DNA of all those high demand and limited parking
involved in FBO and business aviation options available,” adds Dlabolova.
services. With a projected increase in requests A major event will increase
and movements of roughly 25% throughout demand from a range of nations
the event, FBOs have the daunting task of outside of the norm, and visibly
delivering the same top-notch service while accounting change the type of customer.
for an influx of new guests and meeting the expectations of “The ceremonies will attract
regular customers during an event like the Olympics. a lot of officials and sponsors of
From increased staff throughout the event to the event, meaning there will
reinforced security from airport authorities and flawless be diplomatic and corporate
communications amongst all parties involved, aircraft. Charter flights for
ensuring everything runs smoothly is easier said athletes, media, or support
than done. In fact, for some, like Signature “Ensuring the staff are expected to be
Aviation, preparations started last year, as welcomed as well,” says
Sophie Lesnoff, EMEA area director, shares. safety and efficiency Zakharkina.
of aircraft parking
“To manage the increased traffic, it was Furthermore,
decided last year to demolish an old hangar she expects 30%
and get additional parking space. We are in such a congested traffic spikes on the
excited to share that the work started at the days related to the
beginning of May and will be completed at the environment is critical” opening and closing
beginning of July.” Sarra Kriai, general manager, Jetex
ceremonies. Therefore,
FBO Paris
Along the same lines, Yulia Zakharkina, some additional staff is
general and commercial director for Astonsky, an planned to be in place.
FBO based at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, also notes That’s an
that preparations started back in 2023 and took several impressive customer rise in such a short
months to complete. “It’s a long process of analyzing period. Lesnoff agrees, “A minimum of
every detail, a lot of work in cooperation with all relevant 300 passengers will transit through our
authorities,” she says. FBO during the Olympics period.”
The influx of private jets and commercial aircraft during Jetex anticipates specific dates will
the Olympics will also significantly increase the demand generate more traffic. “We expect to be
for parking spaces. Sarra Kriai, general manager for Jetex at our full capacity during the peak days
FBO Paris, believes facilities will be stretched to their limits, of July 24-28 for the opening, August
necessitating advanced planning and real-time management 3-5 for the 100 meters final, and August
to optimize space usage. 10-12 for the closure,” reveals Kriai.
“Ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft parking Redundancy in communication is one of the
in such a congested environment is critical, and we are aviation industry’s pillars. These events remind the
implementing advanced scheduling systems and strategic ecosystem how vital this component is to secure safe and
parking arrangements,” Kriai says. flawless customer service. It also plays a massive role in
keeping them informed and uncertainty levels low, especially
Managing expectations for first-time travelers.
From the customer’s standpoint, it is paramount to plan Libor Sollar, Euro Jet’s business development manager,
everything as much as possible. Petra Dlabolova, Euro Jet’s believes anticipation is critical when providing customers
OCC manager, encourages clients to make all necessary a flawless service. “We try to collect as much information
bookings — slots, parking, and ground support services — about their specific flight operation from our customers as
as soon as possible. possible in advance. This helps eliminate any late requests
While Euro Jet does not run an FBO in Paris, the or last-minute unforeseen issues,” he says.
company is participating in the flight operations related “Customers only need to arrive in a good mood with a
to the Olympics from the position of being a global trip passport in hand,” shares Zakharkina. “All the rest we will
support company. take care of. Our ramp will take care of the aircraft, and our

56 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 FLYIN G TO T HE OLYMPIC S

Left: AviaVIP has

several FBOs at
French regional
airports close to
Olympic competitions

Aircraft parking solutions during

the Olympics Games
Airports across France are already facing challenges in terms of slot and
“A minimum of
parking availability for the Olympics. Euopean FBO network AviaVIP is 300 passengers will
taking the lead in helping customers find alternative parking in close
proximity to Paris. transit through our FBO
The influx of business aviation
traffic will cause increased
regional airports. However,
due to the peak summer
during the Olympics
congestion, air traffic interruptions, period, repositioning to nearby period”
and a shortage of available aircraft international airports outside of Sophie Lesnoff, EMEA area director,
parking in Paris. France is suggested. Signature Aviation
“Securing airport slots is Jerome Ferasin, AviaVIP’s chief
mandatory during the Olympics, sales and strategy officer said,
and they are allocated on a “AviaVIP is dedicated to delivering
first-come, first-serve basis. In exceptional service and making our
addition to slot restrictions, parking customers’ lives easier. By providing
availability at Parisian and nearby comprehensive alternative
airports is already problematic, solutions during the upcoming
leading customers to seek Games, we can greatly reduce risks,
alternatives,” says Martijn Minnema, simplify processes, and enhance
AviaVIP sales & marketing manager. the overall customer experience.
AviaVIP is actively assisting We strongly advise our customers
clients in finding suitable solutions to plan ahead and contact their
by offering repositioning AviaVIP representatives as soon
and recommending alternative as possible.”

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FLYIN G TO T HE OLYMPIC S

operations and concierge will take care of the planning from due to the increased traffic as the biggest challenge, with
A to Z,” she adds. additional time being advised to the customers following the
Flexibility is also a key component in the equation for real-time traffic situation.
all parties involved. For instance, Lesnoff highlights that “The refueling stock could be another point; therefore,
customers may need to be flexible on arrival and departure the preliminary sessions are done with the providers to
times due to slot restrictions. project and streamline the smoothest services,” she says.
“Keep in mind that slot restrictions are in effect at Pau In essence, the Olympics will impact the country’s daily
Pyrenees (LFPB) from July 14 to September 16, 2024 and life, and flexibility is paramount. But there are options. “If the
parking space is extremely limited,” she says. aircraft cannot come to LFPB, we can propose alternative
Moreover, the costs of services are not only higher airports and supervise the handling and other services at
than normal during the Olympic games but also have these locations to continue to provide the highest level
non-refundable fees once booked. Euro Jet’s Dlabolova of service for our guests,” explains Lesnoff.
recommends carefully checking the relevant clauses Jetex, for instance, will offer out-based
before finalizing the booking and not booking your hotel assistance services for operators that will do
before your slot is confirmed. “Even if you quick turns in Charles de Gaulle Airport

plan everything
“Once the confirmation for the desired or closest (LFBG) and reposition on other airports
available slot is received, we advise against making for parking.
any changes to the schedule as it will most likely
lead to losing the slot and parking allotment and
responsibly, be ready for Successful coordination of air
traffic for a large-scale event like
possibly having to go on a waiting list.” last-minute changes that the Olympics requires constant

may occur during such an

communication. Operating at total
Challenges and increased safety capacity and with a regulated airport,
The Olympics will significantly impact the city of extraordinarily ensuring adequate staffing to provide
Paris, particularly in terms of congestion and traffic. guests an exceptional experience
Therefore, staff and operators traveling to and from busy event” throughout the journey is instrumental
Paris and the suburbs should be prepared for this. Libor Sollar, business development for FBOs.
Kriai also projects enhanced security measures manager, Euro Jet Lesnoff explains that the French police
during the Olympics. “The heightened security threat will monitor and control every flight change
during the Olympics necessitates additional security due to the nature of the event. “No flight
measures, including more rigorous screening changes will be permitted within two hours before
processes and increased surveillance. flight time, and any changes made within 48 hours
“While these measures are essential for before the flight are highly discouraged.”
safety, they also add to the complexity and For Astonsky, preparation is made externally in
potential for delays.” cooperation with the airport and all relevant authorities to
Zakharkina places time management of implement the requirements and specific regulations and
ground transportation to and from the airport internally to increase staff capacity.
“Air congestion is well
managed by the slots system,
and the additional security
Jetex will offer
tailored services to checks before and during
accommodate clients the flight assistance assure a
flying in from all over safe and secure environment,”
the world explains Zakharkina.
Another challenge is the
overall operational strain of the
ecosystem. An increased volume
of passengers and flights will
place additional pressure on
all airport services, including
baggage handling, customs,
security screening and
ground support.
Kriai says that slot restrictions
will likely cause scheduling
conflicts and delays. While
these restrictions are designed
to manage airspace congestion
and ensure safety, they also
mean that flight operations
must be precisely timed. “We
will need to work closely with

58 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 www.business
Th e int ern ati on
al gu ide to bu sin
es s air po rts ,
FB Os an d gro
un d su pp or t
pa rtn ers

rtinternational. airpo
com
July 2024

Dis cov er new

In this issue par tne rs, rou
tes and des tina
Cl ea r mi nd tion s
s
Focusing on pilot menta
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Be tte r br an
din g
Experts reveal

JULY 2024
top tips
for marketing
success

C OV E R L IN
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C OV E R L IN
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A FFLLYYIN
TTOO TTHHEE OOLLG
PUBLISHED BY

A ING S ST
TAAR
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YYM
MP ICSS
MA BUSINES

AA guPIC
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idee to
to th
thee be
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Location foc
us: Central Asi bestst FB
FBOs
Os inin Pa
Industry interv
iew: Paul No a | Case stu
dy: Southern
Paris
ris
rton, Harrods Sky Aviation
Aviation | Sp
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FLYIN G TO T HE OLYMPIC S

air traffic control and regulatory bodies to secure

necessary slots and adjust schedules dynamically to
accommodate changes and avoid significant delays,”
she says.

Special arrangements
The levels of customization in the business aviation
industry are second to none. During such a significant
event, the capability to meet the expectations of
discerning clients might be a challenge. Therefore,
service providers, committed to go above and beyond
with exceptional services and arrangements, won’t leave
anything to happen by chance.
Astonsky will provide sustainable electric shuttles
to ensure connections airside and in the airport and
a meet-and-greet service for those connecting with
Charles de Gaulle and Orly.
“There will be a VIP welcome in our amazing lounge
with live piano music, wine cellar, valets, and butlers
taking care of the slightest passenger wishes. Luxury
transfers, gourmet dining options, and luxury shopping
assistance are already in place to meet the most
demanding customers’ requirements,” says Zakharkina.
Likewise, Jetex has assistance for specific groups
and diplomatic flights in place. “More than 120 heads
of state are invited for the opening. We offer tailored
services to accommodate these delegations in
all Parisian airports,” says Kriai.
Pilots are key customers for FBOs,
as they usually serve as the points “The Astonsky began
preparations for the
of contact for aircraft owners or
corporate flight departments.
ceremonies Olympics back in 2023

Constant communication with will attract a lot

of officials and event
them while monitoring aircraft
parking is critical.
An FBO’s operational team
sponsors, meaning there
plays a huge role in avoiding Solving slot constraints
second-guessing regarding will be diplomatic and
The anticipated surge in air traffic due to the
corporate aircraft”
slots, granting pilots the peace
of mind needed to land and park Olympics is leading to slot constraints and
the aircraft. Yulia Zakharkina, general and parking shortages at Parisian airports, which can
Communication, preparation, and
commercial director, Astonsky significantly disrupt general aviation (GA) traffic.
flexibility for all involved parties will JoinJet is taking proactive measures to ensure
be paramount for a seamless service smooth operations for people flying in for the
delivery and experience in the upcoming games. The company has secured additional slots
in advance and established strategic partnerships

IMAGES: Delphotostock, Accountanz, Hendra - ALL @ADOBE.STOCK.COM

Paris Olympics. Yet there are some challenges
connected to every significant event, like delays with local FBOs, ensuring priority access to vital
in ground transportation, lack of clarity in official services. JoinJet also has plans in place to reroute
flights to secondary airports when necessary.
procedures, and momentary unavailability of slots,
“Our Olympic-bound clients demand luxury,
parking, or other services.
punctuality, and discretion and our dedicated
Higher prices of services with non-refundable
team is committed to delivering an exceptional
conditions should also be expected, especially
travel experience,” says Rasmus Jordan Bank,
when booking at the last minute. CSO, JoinJet. “With meticulous planning and
“Even if you plan everything responsibly, be ready execution, we make sure our clients’ journeys are
for last-minute changes that may occur during such an as remarkable as the events they attend.
extraordinarily busy event,” says Sollar. “In the skies over Paris, JoinJet stands ready to
“Whether their travels take them to Paris for a few days or meet the challenge, providing unique service and
longer, we encourage them to take some time to enjoy the reliability during this historic occasion.”
excitement of the games and explore all the City of Light has
to offer,” says Lesnoff. ●

60 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 city f cus
FLYIN G TO T HE OLYMPIC S

Paris

Your guide to airports in and around Paris

Paris-Beauvais
Airport

Charles de
Gaulle Airport
Le Bourget Airport

Paris

Orly Airport

Main airports in Paris

Charles de Gaulle Orly Airport Le Bourget Paris-Beauvais Airport
Airport
IMAGE: lesniewski @ADOBE.STOCK.COM

Operating hours: 3:30am – 12:30am Operating hours: 24/7 Operating hours: 4:00am-11:00pm
Operating hours: 24/7 Facilities: Services provided by Facilities: Services provided by Facilities: Services provided by
Facilities: Services provided by Jetex France, G-OPS, Advanced Air Astonsky, Execujet Paris, Jetex Continental Jet Services, Air
G-OPS, Jetex Paris, Air Aviation Support, Alyzia Airport Services Le Bourget, Signature Aviation, Aviation Support, Beauvais - Tille
Support, Aeroport de Paris Fuel: Jet A Universal Aviation, G-OPS, Air Airport Handling
Fuel: Jet A Longest runway: 11,975ft (3,649m) Aviation Support, Advanced Air Fuel: Jet A, Avgas
Longest runway: 13,589ft (4,142m) Support, Dassault Falcon Service Longest runway: 7,972ft (2,430m)
Fuel: Jet A
Longest runway: 9,843ft (3,000m)

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 61
 Sign up for your FREE copy

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July 2024 Discover new partners, routes and destinations
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July 2024 Discover new partners, routes and destinations

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Clear minds
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PUBLISHED BY MA BUSINESS LTD

TO THE OLYMPICS
OLYMPICS A guide to the best FBOs in Paris
Location focus: Central Asia | Case study: Southern Sky Aviation
Industry interview: Paul Norton, Harrods Aviation | Special focus: Medical missions

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Location focus: Central Asia | Case study: Southern Sky Aviation
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 SPOTLIGHT

Conversations that take off

The MixChat podcast has been launched to propel the aviation industry forward

A viation services company MixJet

has launched the MixChat podcast
series, boasting a diverse guest list
and featuring influential figures from
the industry. Each episode delves into
a different topic, offering a balanced
perspective that explores both the
advantages and potential drawbacks.
MixChat serves not only as a platform for
these key voices but also elevates them
as ambassadors for their respective fields.
The very first episode soared with
an insightful conversation featuring Yulia
Zakharkina, CEO of Astonsky. Zakharkina
offered her valuable perspective on the
future of FBOs. The discussion explored
groundbreaking technologies poised to
revolutionize the industry. Zakharkina shed
light on how FBOs are evolving beyond
basic aircraft maintenance. The episode
also delved into innovative practices
aimed at reducing the industry’s carbon
footprint, highlighting the importance of
collaboration to bring these advancements
to fruition.
MixChat promises to maintain its
high level of engagement in future
episodes, featuring a lineup of stories
that explore various aspects of aviation.
Each episode strives to bridge the
gap between complex topics and
accessible understanding, catering to
both seasoned industry professionals and
enthusiastic newcomers. Listeners are
encouraged to buckle up for bi-weekly
doses of fresh knowledge, expanding
their comprehension of the ever-evolving
aviation landscape. opportunities within the industry. By Above: Shukri Khalifa, As MixChat continues to grow, MixJet
MixChat brings together a diverse demystifying complex subjects and EVP (left) and Evgeny remains committed to expanding its reach
Shadov, CCO (right),
spectrum of voices, all united by a showcasing the human stories behind and impact. Plans are already underway
are the hosts of the
shared passion – celebrating the marvels technological advancements, MixChat MixChat podcast to introduce multilingual episodes to cater
of modern aviation. The podcast has aims to spark curiosity and drive to a global audience, ensuring that the
garnered significant acclaim for its high enthusiasm for an ever-evolving field. conversations that take off are accessible
production quality and the depth of its Furthermore, the podcast’s to all.
content, captivating both listeners and commitment to inclusivity extends So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare
industry critics alike. One reviewer aptly beyond its content. MixJet is dedicated to for take-off with MixChat, where every
described MixChat as a breath of fresh air featuring voices from underrepresented episode is a journey through the skies of
in the podcasting world, praising its ability groups within the aviation sector, innovation and excellence. ●
to seamlessly blend technical expertise highlighting the contributions of women,
with engaging storytelling. minorities, and young professionals. This
MixJet hopes that MixChat will inspire approach not only broadens the scope of MIXJET
future generations to explore careers in discussions but also serves as a catalyst To learn more about this advertiser,
aviation, shedding light on the myriad for positive change within the industry. visit www.magupdate.co.uk/pbai

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 63
SPOTLIGHT

Addressing contrail
mitigation in business aviation
Business aviation is an integral part of global travel and commerce, but over the past few years,
attention has been growing about its environmental impact

R ecent scientific studies have helped

identify that aviation not only has
a carbon dioxide (CO2) impact, but
also a significant impact from non-CO2
emissions. Moreover, new regulations
in the EU will require the monitoring,
reporting, and verification of non-CO2
impacts for certain flights starting in 2025.
In order to better understand this
impact, 4AIR conducted a study on
business aviation to delve into the world
of contrails and NOx, the two largest
non-CO2 impacts. The goal of the study
was to examine business aviation’s
impact from contrails in comparison to
commercial aviation along with potential
mitigation opportunities.
The study revealed that many of
the contrail creation patterns seen in
commercial aviation also appeared in
business aviation. From the seasonality
of contrails (they were less prevalent in
the summer), their varying impact (not
all contrails persist or have the same
warming impact), to their concentrated
impact from just a small subset of flights.
Moreover, the study utilized historical
weather data and a contrail prediction
model to analyze nearly 17,000 individual avoiding contrails, and saving fuel (and Above: 4AIR’s study contrail footprinting was performed using
flights, covering more than 27,000 flight thus CO2 emissions). revealed that many of a model based on historical weather
the contrail creation
hours. It revealed that a very small portion Contrails only form with the right data, which may have limitations and
patterns seen in
of flights, 50 in total, or roughly 0.30%, combination of temperature and humidity, commercial aviation inaccuracies.
accounted for 51% of the total contrail which results in contrail formation regions also appeared in Finally, the study highlighted that
impact. That means if just those 50 flights that are generally quite wide, covering business aviation flying higher is not universally better, with
had been able to avoid or minimize hundreds of miles horizontally, but thin, a larger NOx impact associated with
contrails, it would’ve reduced the impact only a few thousand feet vertically. emitting NOx at higher altitudes.
from the nearly 17,000 flights by half. Therefore, cruise altitude plays a crucial 4AIR emphasized the need and the
The study highlighted a unique role in whether an aircraft generates a potential for tailored mitigation to reduce
mitigation opportunity for business persistent or impactful contrail. Better the non-CO2 (and in the case of business
aviation. In a majority of the most understanding these patterns can guide aviation, CO2) impact of aviation. Mitigating
impactful contrails, flights could have the development of targeted mitigation the non-CO2 impact of aviation is an
actually been flown higher, above the measures to reduce the impact of achievable and major short-term goal, and
contrail formation regions. contrails by optimizing flight paths and tools such as proactive contrail forecasting
One of the difficulties in commercial altitudes on that small number of flights. and comprehensive post-flight reporting will
aviation is that aircraft service ceilings However, while the study sheds light on enable us to achieve it. ●
require them to fly under contrail formation the pressing need for contrail mitigation,
regions when conducting contrail it also emphasizes the limitations of the
avoidance. Due to the higher service data. It acknowledges that the sample 4AIR
ceilings for business jets, aircraft could is not fully representative of the entire To learn more about this advertiser,
have been flown above those regions, business aviation industry and that the visit www.magupdate.co.uk/pbai

64 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 SPOTLIGHT

Making sustainability the simple choice

N early 3% of the world’s CO2

emissions occur as a direct
result of air travel.
refueling authorizations via AEG’s
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platform, AEG’s mobile app and
AEG supports the IATA and ICAO AEG Book and Claim.
commitments to achieve carbon- AEG’s initiatives aim to simplify
neutral growth in aviation from and enhance the adoption of
2020 onwards and achieve net-zero sustainable practices in aviation,
carbon emissions by 2050. ensuring a greener future for
The most critical component the industry and the planet. This
in aviation’s pathway to carbon comprehensive approach reflects
neutrality is the increased production AEG’s dedication to environmental
and adoption of Sustainable Aviation stewardship and innovation. ●
Fuel (SAF).
Only SAF has the potential to AEG FUELS
deliver the performance of fossil- To learn more about this advertiser,
based jet fuel but at a fraction of its visit www.magupdate.co.uk/pbai
greenhouse gas emissions.
AEG is now actively marketing
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world. Through AEG, customers can
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AEG is committed to supporting
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Subscribe at www.magupdate.co.uk/pbai

Index to advertisers
4AIR .................................................................................................................................. 43 Business Airport International............................................................................... 59, 62
ABC .................................................................................................................................. 53 DC Aviation Malta .......................................................................................................... 47
AEG Fuels........................................................................................................................ 47 First Class Cars .............................................................................................................. 19
Air bp....................................................................................................Inside Back Cover MixJet Flight Support..................................................................................................... 27
Air Service Basel.............................................................................Outside Back Cover Morristown Airport.......................................................................................................... 13
Avfuel................................................................................................................................ 45 Sky Valet .......................................................................................................................... 33
AviaVIP ............................................................................................................................. 25 Towflexx............................................................................................................................ 39
BGR Aviation......................................................................................................................5 World Fuel ........................................................................................... Inside Front Cover

B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4 | 65
BACK CHAT

MENTAL HEALTH & BUSINESS AVIATION

BAI ASKED READERS IF THEY THINK THE INDUSTRY IS DOING ENOUGH
TO HELP TACKLE THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING CHALLENGES
THAT SOME PEOPLE IN THE SECTOR MAY BE FACING

DOES YOUR COMPANY OFFER DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE

ADEQUATE MENTAL HEALTH IS A STIGMA ASSOCIATED
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES WITH DISCUSSING MENTAL
FOR ITS EMPLOYEES? HEALTH ISSUES WITHIN YOUR
YES 50% WORKPLACE AND THE INDUSTRY?
NO 33% YES 64%
DON’T KNOW 17% NO 36 %

ARE YOU SATISFIED

WITH THE WORK-LIFE
BALANCE PROVIDED BY HAVE YOU EVER UTILIZED
YOUR CURRENT ROLE IN ANY MENTAL HEALTH
THE BUSINESS AVIATION SERVICES PROVIDED
INDUSTRY? BY YOUR EMPLOYER OR
YES 59% INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION?
NO 17% YES 0%
DON’T KNOW 24% NO 100%

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOUR

CURRENT WORKLOAD ALLOWS
YOU ENOUGH TIME FOR
SELF-CARE AND MENTAL
WELL-BEING?
YES 65%
NO 35%

IMAGE: Pakhnyushchyy, globalmoments @ADOBE.STOCK.COM

WHAT CHANGES DO YOU THINK THE SECTOR COULD MAKE TO BETTER
ADDRESS ANY MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING CHALLENGES?

“You need to leave “Every company

the work phone in the industry “Awareness
at work and unplug should work with of mental health
when you’re not on “More psychologists to and wellbeing
the clock” structured monitor and evaluate is increasing in all
companies allow employees’ mental parts of the aviation
the workload to be health” sector. Regulators are
spread over multiple responding with updates
employees. After to assessments and
working hours the regulations around
phone must be mental health
switched off!” check-ups”

66 | B U S I N E S S A I R P O R T I N T E R N AT I O N A L J U LY 2 0 2 4
 When you

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