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

Dallas-based business jet charter operator JetSuite has grounded its all-Embraer fleet—four Phenom 100s and eight Phenom 300s, as reported in October—and furloughed most of its crewmembers as the Covid-19 crisis drags on, according to a statement posted to the company’s website on Thursday. However, sister company JSX (formerly JetSuiteX) appears to be operating its scheduled flights on 15 Embraer ERJ-135s and seven ERJ-145s.

 


“The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting state of emergency around the country has caused an unforeseeable, dramatic downturn in the entire aviation industry and our business in particular,” it said. “As a result, effective April 15, 2020, we have grounded our fleet and furloughed most of our crewmembers. For those of you who were scheduled to fly this week or in the weeks ahead, please accept our deepest apologies for this sudden, but unavoidable and necessary, cancellation of all flights until further notice.”

 


JetSuite did not respond to AIN’s multiple inquiries seeking further comment about the shutdown&nbsp;and the apparent continuation of JSX flights since the website for the latter operator does not include a similar statement about fleet grounding and crewmember furloughs. Last year, JetSuite announced plans to expand its fleet offerings beyond the Phenom 100 and 300.

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

Citing Covid-19, JetSuite Grounds Fleet, Furloughs Crew

Dallas-based bizjet charter operator JetSuite has grounded its all-Embraer fleet and furloughed most of its crewmembers as the Covid-19 crisis drags on.

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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.

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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.

U.S. start-up recently made a commitment to buy up to 116 of Archer's Midnight aircraft

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

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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.

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Dallas business aircraft services companies combine forces

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

eVTOL aircraft could carry workers, business leaders, and tourists

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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.

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