From the June 2007 issue of Aviation International News...

In the last 12 months, seven pre-owned BBJs have sold at an average price approximately 120 percent of the original price.

The first available slot for a new BBJ (any model) is mid-2011. The first available slot for an executive version of the 747-8 is in 2012, and the 787 is sold out through 2015.

¶ 12:25 PM 0 comments

Embraer can equip E-Jets with LiveTV satellite television and broadcast audio and video, Thales 14500 audio and video on demand and XM Radio satellite radio, with in-set power outlets. Claudio Camelier, Embraer airline market senior product strategy manager, said JetBlue had selected LiveTV and XM radio, while Virgin Blue had opted for LiveTV.

On the 100-seat E190, related avionics racks go in the aft section of the baggage hold, and the Thales system requires no under-seat space, said Camelier. The IFE rack occupies about 53 cu ft, while external satellite television antennas carry a fuel consumption penalty of about 0.3 percent.

Depending on configuration, "cost-effective" in-set video systems weigh 770 to 1,320 pounds, said Camelier. On the positive side, they reduce flight-attendant workload, require relatively little power, have proved reliable and easy to maintain (with 0.5 percent, or one in 200, seat problems per flight) and their flexible "architecture" allows upgrades or system expansion. Embraer normally provides IFE systems as buyer-furnished equipment.

Source: June 2007 issue of Aviation International News. Previously, we covered XM Satellite Radio on AirTran Airways.

¶ 12:22 PM 0 comments

News from the Spring 2007 issue of VIP Transport magazine...

• Consumer electronics distributor Fry's Electronics has acquired a long-range Boeing 747SP from an overseas head-of-state operator. The aircraft was at Southern California Precision Aircraft for some refurbishment work in mid-March.
• Professional basketball team Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban may be expanding his aircraft fleet. Sources say Cuban is seeking a pair of Boeing 757s to run between Dubai and the U.S. The operation would support a sizable real-estate development project in the Persian Gulf emirate.
• In more Mark Cuban news... MLW Air LLC will take delivery of a Boeing 767 (N767MW) for global charter work in July. The aircraft will carry 108 passengers in an all-first-class cabin layout. The widebody VIP aircraft will join MLW's 757 (N801DM). For more information, see http://www.mlwair.com/

Update 7/17/2007 - Mark Cuban does NOT own PACE AIRLINES. Thanks to RRB and Anonymous for the clarification.

¶ 8:47 AM 2 comments