Chad Trautvetter
Online Editor
Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group. He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion, the student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot magazine, he joined AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.
Latest from Chad Trautvetter
Euro Bizav Flying Up in December, but Down in 2019
Business aircraft flight activity in Europe climbed 2.9 percent year-over-year last month, but full-year activity was down 1.6 percent versus 2018.
ATC
FAA Bans Flight over Iran, Iraq, and Some Gulf Waters
Following Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Baghdad, the FAA has prohibited U.S. civil operators from overflying the airspace in and around Iraq and Iran.
Aircraft
Falcon Deliveries Flat at Dassault; 6X Remains on Track
Dassault Aviation delivered 40 Falcon business jets last year, one fewer than in 2018, while it continues apace on the Falcon 6X program.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
SmartSky Ups Funding, Delays Network Launch to 2Q20
In-flight connectivity service provider SmartSky Networks has received $25 million more in funding and delayed commercial network launch to mid-2020.
Latécoère To Buy Bombardier's Mexico Wiring Systems Biz
Latécoère has inked a definitive agreement to acquire Bombardier’s electrical wiring interconnection system business in Querétaro, Mexico, for $50 million.
Aircraft
Top-tier Bizjet OEMs To Stay the Course in 2021
After a rocky 2020, the leading business jet manufacturers are expected to continue work on already-in-development new models.
Aircraft
Bizav OEM Outlook Anything but 20/20 in New Year
Business aircraft deliveries are expected to rise in 2020, but economic and political headwinds could cause an industry slowdown.
Aircraft
Learjet 75 Liberty Mockup Lands in Scottsdale
A full-scale cabin mockup of the Bombardier Learjet 75 Liberty will make a three-day appearance next week in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Aircraft
Embraer E175-E2 Begins Flight-test Campaign
Embraer's E175-E2 made its first flight today from the company’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil, kicking off a 24-month flight-test campaign.
Avionics
Thales, StandardAero Team on Light Helo Autopilot
StandardAero and Thales signed an agreement to jointly develop and certify an advanced autopilot system for several light helicopters, including the AS350.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Duncan Plunges into Hydrographics for Cabin Components
Duncan Aviation has delivered a Gulfstream G150 and Bombardier Challenger 300 with countertops created using hydrographic printing, a new finish option.
Aircraft
Gulfstream Mod Ends G650/650ER Speed Restriction
Gulfstream released a service change for the G650/650ER that modifies the rudder trailing edge contour to prevent yawing in the event of rudder failure.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets Launches Security Services Subsidiary
NetJets has added global security to its portfolio, initially offering security packages for Paris Le Bourget and Mexico, with plans to expand globally.
Aircraft
Gulfstream Delivers 400th G650-family Twinjet
Gulfstream Aerospace yesterday delivered the 400th G650/650ER, some five years after the first of the ultra-long-range twinjets entered service.
Aircraft
Bombardier Global Assembly Moving to Toronto Pearson
Bombardier is moving final assembly of Global family aircraft from Toronto Downsview Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport in 2023.
Maintenance and Modifications
Embraer Exec Jets Expands Mx Footprint at FLL
Embraer Services & Support has expanded its executive jets service center at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport via a hangar lease.
Aircraft
Pilatus Aircraft Delivers 1,700th PC-12
Pilatus Aircraft this week handed over the 1,700th PC-12 some 25 years after the turboprop single entered service.
Avionics
Ingenio, Dassault Team on PED Solutions for Falcons
Ingenio Aerospace has teamed with Dassault Falcon to develop “plug and play” personal electronic device receptacles for Falcon 2000, 900 and 7X cabins.
Aircraft
Gulfstream Starts European Deliveries of G500
Gulfstream Aerospace has begun deliveries of its G500 in Europe, with the first for the region handed over to an undisclosed charter operator.
Environment
GDC Technics, APC Win USAF Demo Contract for C-130J, C-5 Wingtips
GDC Technics and Aircraft Performance Co. (APC) have been awarded a demonstration contract for an advanced technology wingtip solution from the USAF.
Aircraft
Air Cruise Operator Selects VIP-outfitted A321LR
Seattle-based TCS World Travel will be introducing a VIP-outfitted Airbus A321LR for its “air cruising” world tour business.
FBOs
Jet Aviation Plans 1Q Move To Upgraded Riyadh FBO
Jet Aviation expects to move into its new and larger facility at the shared FBO terminal at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport in the New Year.
Aircraft
Airbus Wins $14.4B Narrowbody Order from Air Arabia
Air Arabia placed a firm order for 120 Airbus narrowbodies worth an estimated $14.4 billion on Monday at the Dubai Airshow.
Airlines
Honeywell, Saudia Expand Maintenance Partnership
Saudi Arabian Airlines has extended its partnership with Honeywell Aerospace to include maintenance services for auxiliary power units.
Aircraft
De Havilland Inks LOI with Palma for 20 Dash 8-400s
Dubai-based property leasing company Palma Holding has signed a letter of intent to purchase 20 De Havilland Dash 8-400s.
Aircraft
Boeing Makes Progress on NeXt Big Things
Three electric aircraft projects—the Passenger Air Vehicle, Cargo Air Vehicle, and Odysseus UAV—are gaining momentum at Boeing's NeXt unit.
Aircraft
Air Peace Shows More Love for Embraer E195-E2
Nigerian airline Air Peace signed a contract for three additional Embraer E195-E2s, converting options from an order inked in April.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Falcon Aviation Opts for Milestone-leased AW189
Falcon Aviation Services is expanding its offshore oil and gas helicopter fleet with two more Leonardo AW189s. One is leased from Milestone.
Airports
Searidge Digital Tower Chosen for Sydney Airport Trial
Airservices Australia is believed to be considering the Searidge remote tower solution for several of the country's airports.
Aircraft
Dassault Aviation Brings Contingent to Dubai
Dassault, a partner of the UAE Air Force for more than 40 years, has a contingent of military aircraft and Falcon bizjets at the Dubai Airshow.
