FAA issues final rule for powered-lift aircraft
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 22, 2024, took a significant step toward the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) travel by releasing its final Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) on powered-lift pilot certification and operation. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker unveiled the SFAR during the keynote at NBAA’s 2024 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. The powered-lift category will be the first completely new category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s. Powered lift operations include air taxis, cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas. A new pilot-training and qualifications rule was needed because existing regulations did not address this new category of aircraft, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and fly like an airplane during cruise flight. The rule provides a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial cadre of powered-lift instructors and pilots: Helicopter operating requirements are applied to some phases of flight and the rule adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules. Pilots are allowed to train in powered-lift with a single set of flight controls; legacy rules require two flight controls – one for the student and one for the instructor.
Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo to launch in March 2025
The organiser of the Singapore Airshow, Experia Events, is launching the Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx), the only international exhibition in Asia Pacific dedicated to the growing business aviation industry. Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx) will be a biennial event with the first edition to be held from 4 – 6 March 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, a purpose-built exhibition centre for airshows with ample space for aircraft on static display. According to research from Asian Sky Group, the number of business jets in Asia Pacific, as of the end of 2023, was around 1200; making it the third largest market for business jets after North America and Europe. The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) – the organisation representing business and general aviation entities based in Asia and around the world – will be organising the Business Aviation Forum, an industry forum to be co-located at the show.
Lilium applies for insolvency in Germany
Advance Air Mobility start-up Lilium has filed for bankruptcy days after the German federal government and the Free State of Bavaria have failed to guarantee €100 million in loans the company needs to stay in operation. Since inception, the company has burned through almost €1,5 billion attempting to bring its electric ducted-fan-powered VTOL Lilium Jet to market. A first flight of a conforming test aircraft was due next year against a certification target of 2026 – a highly ambitious timeline. Company CEO Klaus Roewe stated: “Lilium’s international competition is receiving grants and loans in the U.S., France, China, Brazil, and the UK. Therefore, German government support was seen by Lilium investors as critical to retain market confidence and potential future investment.” The company was showing a mockup of its 30-ducted-fan tilt wing design at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas last week. It was one of the first entrants in the eVTOL market when it announced the unusual design in 2015. It says it has orders for 780 aircraft and partnerships with a host of A-list aerospace companies. “We deeply regret the insolvency and its consequences for all stakeholders at such a crucial stage of our company’s development,” CEO Klaus Roewe said. “However, while there is no guarantee for success in insolvency proceedings, we hope that the Lilium Jet will get a chance for a fresh start after the self-administration process is completed.” The company has more than 1,000 employees, according to its website.
People: Jan De Raeymaeker appointed EasyJet CFO
Low-cost airline EasyJet has appointed Belgian national Jan De Raeymaeker as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with effect from 20 January 2025. Jan De Raeymaeker is currently CFO of Lineas, the largest private rail freight operator in Europe, where he oversees the Finance, Legal and Purchasing teams. Prior to Lineas he was CFO of Brussels Airlines where he played an instrumental role in transforming the company’s finance function whilst achieving a significant growth in passenger numbers as part of the airline’s commercial repositioning. Earlier in his career, Jan held management roles at Arthur D. Little and De Valck Consultants, focusing on business strategy and technology. This leadership change at easyJet comes as part of a broader transition, with Kenton Jarvis taking over as CEO on January 1, 2025. Johan Lundgren, who has led the airline through significant challenges such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, will step down after serving seven years in the position.
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