James Wynbrandt
Contributor - Business Aviation
A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air & Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley & Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.
Latest from James Wynbrandt
Regulations and Government
Streamlined LOA Approvals In the Works
The current LOA process takes six months, and stakeholders and the FAA are working to streamline it.
Airports
Atlanta FBOs Emerge Victorious from Super Bowl
The annual event is estimated to have brought more than 1,000 business jets to the Atlanta area for Super Bowl LIII and its associated festivities.
Airports
Super Bowl Kicks Off at Atlanta-area FBOs
Area airports are subject to reservations and slots from now through January 5.
Aircraft
ZenithJet Takes Bow for First Global 7500 Completion
The completed aircraft will now go on a demo tour beginning this weekend.
Aircraft
Cirrus Vision Jet Makes First Regional Landing at MEBAA
Small aircraft like Cirrus's Vision Jet could prove useful in the Gulf region.
Aircraft
Newest VIP BBJ 787 Arrives in Dubai
Among an unusually large flock of VIP airliner-derived business jets on the MEBAA show static display is a Boeing BBJ 787.
Aircraft
VIP Sukhoi Superjet Makes MEBAA Debut
The executive version of the Sukhoi Superjet made its Middle East debut at MEBAA 2018.
Aircraft
VistaJet Would Like to Add Up to 10 Global 7500s
VistaJet says Middle East activity is growing, as it looks to add examples of Bombardier's new ultra-long-range Global 7500 to its fleet.
Global Space Congress Prepares for Launch
A gathering of experts in Abu Dhabi in March 2019 will showcase the region’s role in global satellite and space development activities.
FBOs
Argos Gives Bizav an Italian Welcome
The Italian FBO chain highlights the seamless service it delivers through a combination of experience and innovation.
Aircraft
Boutsen Offers ACJ319 for Sale at MEBAA
Monaco-based Boutsen puts emphasis on the Middle East market with its first showing of a VIP airliner at MEBAA.
FBOs
Sheltair, Avfuel Team at MEBAA
U.S. FBO chain Sheltair and global fuel supplier Avfuel showcase their tandem flight support services.
Disabled Aviators Spotlight Inclusion at MEBAA
Two pilots on Handiflight’s Around the World mission make Dubai stop during circumnavigation effort.
Training and Workforce
Women in Aviation on a Mission at MEBAA
Women are a growing segment of the aviation workforce, and opportunities abound.
Aircraft
Bespoke ACJ319 On Display at MEBAA
ACJ is showcasing a deluxe charter bizliner, highlighting the coming generation of VIP airliners.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
VIP Aircraft Cabins Blend Luxury, Technology
World’s leading completion specialists showcase their design and engineering capabilities at MEBAA.
Aircraft
BBJ Intros Newest Bizliner, the BBJ 777X
Boeing's newest BBJ 777X can fly between any two cities anywhere in the world.
Aircraft
Haeco Offers Enhanced MRO for ME Operators
China-based MRO touts recent Design Organization Approval and collaboration agreement with high-end design firm for VIP cabins.
Aircraft
Saudi Academy Orders 60 Diamond Trainers
Saudi-CAE training center announced last year to take Diamond single- and twin-engine aircraft for flight instruction.
Aircraft
Jetcraft Sees Steady Growth for ME Preowned Market
Year to date, the Middle East has accounted for 10 percent of Jetcraft’s business jet transactions.
Training and Workforce
More FSI Training Options for Middle East
U.S. provider offers new courses in Farnborough and Paris for Falcon, Gulfstream, Pilatus,and other platforms.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Avjet Displays For Sale VIP Boeing 757
Global brokerage Avjet sees the Middle East preowned market shifting in favor of sellers.
Aircraft
Sheikh Ahmed Officially Opens MEBAA 2018
The Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association's 2018 MEBAA Show kicked off with a grand tour by Sheikh Ahmed.
Maintenance and Modifications
Nomad Wins Part 145 MRO Approval
The maintenance division of Switzerland’s Nomad Aviation is now authorized to work on various Cessna, Embraer, and Bombardier models.
Aircraft
GainJet Highlights Full Service Portfolio
Greek operator has a unique fleet of large-cabin aircraft for charter, along with management, maintenance, and even repo capabilities.
Aircraft
Airbus Corporate Jets, Copters Team at MEBAA
Airbus Corporate Jets is touting NextGen execliners, while a new rotor division aims to provide the “last leg” of corporate jet journeys.
Maintenance and Modifications
Signature Plating Showcases Plating-on-plastic Capability
The decorative metal-finishing technique promises significant weight savings for VIP interiors.
Aircraft
Diamond Debuts Updated DA62 Diesel Twin
Diamond Aircraft is also showcasing its DA40 NG trainer, along with the AAT training program developed to ease the airline pilot shortage.
Engines
Start Pac Touts Aux Power Units
In harsh climates like the Middle East, external power reduces wear on engines and batteries.
