Jessica is Executive Editor of Business & Commercial Aviation magazine. She started as Editor of ShowNews Online, Aviation Week's on-site trade show daily published at the Paris Air Show, NBAA Annual Convention, Singapore Air Show and at other significant aerospace gatherings.
Jessica has worked in television production and management consulting. While not yet a licensed pilot, Ms. Salerno has received flight instruction and has soloed.
Beechcraft Corp., in the throes of divesting the Premier and Hawker 4000 programs, insists that the Hawker 400 and 800 programs are not for sale. “There's some perception in the marketplace that we're not in the Hawker business,” Brian Howell, vice president sales and business development, Global Customer Support, acknowledged recently. “That perception couldn't be more false.” The company has built up a parts inventory and service network to support a fleet that includes nearly 2,000 “classic” Model 125 Hawkers and another 400 Beechjet/Hawker 400s.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association continues to expand its commercial service offerings, this time in the financing arena, which has been a significant drag on growth in some market niches. The association hopes to provide its members greater access to financing for both new purchases and upgrades through its newly launched brokerage: AOPA Aviation Finance Company (AAF). AOPA has offered financial services to members for some time, but the new brokerage company will work with a range of lenders to provide a broader range of financing options.
ARINC Direct this summer is planning to begin delivery of its new Xplore device, a portable unit that is designed to bring ACARS services typically found only on large business jets and airliners to a range of aircraft. The Xplore unit combines four capabilities in a portable box — ACARS messaging services, SMS and instant messaging, voice services and BlackBerry email. The device can be attached by Velcro or thumb screws to a panel mount. Incorporating Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Xplore can provide access to ARINC's ACARS services.
