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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Comlux Aviation and Crystal AirCruises announced here at EBACE that Fly Comlux, the group’s executive airline division, will manage and operate Crystal’s Boeing B777-200LR, which is currently undergoing completion by Greenpoint Technologies. The executive-configured airliner is scheduled to enter service this fall and Comlux will operate the aircraft under an Aruba registration.


“It was an easy search” for an operator, said Richard Ziskind, v-p and managing director, Crystal AirCruises. “Comlux is a fantastic group to manage the aircraft. The support they give is second to none, and having the aircraft registered in Aruba is a dream come true for us.”


Comlux (Booth V96) is “fully committed to providing the best service to Crystal AirCruises and their VIP customers,” said Richard Gaona, chairman and CEO of the Zurich-based group. “Our operational teams are already working together with their counterparts at Crystal AirCruises, in order to prepare for the first Crystal AirCruises flight.”


The aircraft has 88 lie-flat seats, a lounge/bar area that seats 26, and extra large lavs. Onboard service will be provided by Sky Butlers, trained to high butler standards. Comlux will make the aircraft available for charter when not in use for Crystal AirCruises luxury tours.


BBJ president Greg Laxton said he was “confident the airplane will serve very well with its 9,000 miles of range,” and he added that Boeing is “ecstatic to be associated with these two great companies.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Comlux to Operate Crystal’s VIP Air Tours BBJ 

B777-200LR, now in completion, scheduled to begin service this fall.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Gaseous hydrogen fuel tanks have been moved out of the cabin to the wing

Beyond Aero Reveals Redesign of Hydrogen Business Jet

Matt Thurber

New avionics replace the Honeywell Apex avionics on previous models

Pilatus Unveils PC-12 Pro with Garmin Avionics 

UK start-up has funds to support work through the end of 2025

Vertical's Third VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Takes Shape

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Gulfstream Aerospace’s G700 business jet is one of five candidates 

Gulfstream, Skyryse among 2024 Collier Trophy Finalists

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Aircraft was sold in 27 days

SmartJets Speed Runs Sale of Dassault Falcon 2000

Kerry Lynch

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Globally, business jet departures were down a percentage point

Global Bizjet Flights Dip in February

Neelam Mathews

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

The e200 aircraft should have a range of up to around 60 nm

India’s ePlane Set To Start Flight Testing Two-seat eVTOL Aircraft

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

EBACE 2017

More In Aircraft