Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;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&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;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.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Flexjet, which will soon be owned by Directional Aviation Capital, doubled its firm order for Learjet 85s today at NBAA 2013. This latest transaction puts the Flexjet order at 115 firm aircraft from Bombardier–including 60 Learjet 85s–and options for 150 more. If all of the options are exercised, this brings the order value total to $5.6 billion


“We’re proud to see Flexjet placing their trust in our new Learjet 85,” said Bombardier Business Aircraft president Steve Ridolfi. “This endorsement is a tremendous vote of confidence as we move towards the first flight of the Learjet 85 jet before the end of the year.”


The key products in Flexjet’s overall order from Bombardier, according to Directional Aviation Capital chairman Kenn Ricci, are the soon-to-be-certified Learjet 75 LXI (a set of custom interior options marks this Flexjet-only design) and the Learjet 85, which made its public rollout last week in Wichita.


“Learjet aircraft is without a doubt an iconic product,” said Ricci. “Significant customer demand has convinced us that increasing the size of the Learjet 85 fleet is not only necessary, but will give us a significant product advantage. With a modern interior, range capability and speed, the Learjet 85 will support our discerning clients and leave us uniquely positioned for our future needs.”

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

Flexjet Doubles Firm Order for Learjet 85s

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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.

Complex will cater directly to NetJets and Executive Jet management clients

Signature, NetJets Team On Vegas Private Terminal

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.

Broker says it's a "dynamic year" for business aviation

Boutsen: Preowned Aircraft Availability, Transactions Up

“I couldn’t be prouder," said president David Stanley

Vista America Celebrates Milestone First Year

Charles Alcock

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.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

Charter brokers and aircraft operators assembled in the Czech capital Prague

Fraud and Cybersecurity Top Air Charter Forum Agenda

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

The charter broker facilitated the rapid transport of more than 70 electricians to Florida

Chapman Freeborn Aids Hurricane Milton Recovery

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.

Entry-level pricing now starts at $220,000 for a 1/16 share in the single turboprop

SkyShare Reduces Rates for PC-12 Fractional Owners

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

More In Charter & Fractional

Signature, NetJets Team On Vegas Private Terminal

Complex will cater directly to NetJets and Executive Jet management clients

Boutsen: Preowned Aircraft Availability, Transactions Up

Broker says it's a "dynamic year" for business aviation

Vista America Celebrates Milestone First Year

“I couldn’t be prouder," said president David Stanley

Fraud and Cybersecurity Top Air Charter Forum Agenda

Charter brokers and aircraft operators assembled in the Czech capital Prague

Chapman Freeborn Aids Hurricane Milton Recovery

The charter broker facilitated the rapid transport of more than 70 electricians to Florida

SkyShare Reduces Rates for PC-12 Fractional Owners

Entry-level pricing now starts at $220,000 for a 1/16 share in the single turboprop

Wheels Up Refreshes Jet Fleet With New Credit Facility

Private flight provider is also installing Gogo's Galileo HDX Wi-Fi service

IADA Looks Ahead at NBAA-BACE and Beyond

"The industry continues to not live up to what I think the people expect"

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN