Four-hangar MRO center will accommodate Lion's fleet growth as well as new customers

Washington FAA officials have spent considerable energy this year warning industry that shrinking resources tied to federal budget cuts would put the squeeze on myriad airworthiness approvals, new product certifications and related tasks that keep aviation going—and innovating. One way to ensure your projects are moving, the officials says, is to take on more of the FAA's work by creating an Organization Designation Authorization (ODA).

To meet explosive fleet growth, Asia-Pacific LCCs expand their maintenance capabilities.

The number of U.S. business jet accidents appears to be going down based on the 2013 returns, but landing-phase accidents continue to be a problem and have helped spur an increase in fatal accidents, according to preliminary data from safety expert Robert E. Breiling Associates.

Bombardier Aircraft held a ceremonial celebration for the “delivery” of the first Learjet 75s on Oct. 17 – ceremonial because the aircraft is not yet certified. Bombardier had hoped to have U.S. FAA certification of the aircraft leading into the National Business Aviation Association convention Oct. 22-24, but the U.S. government shutdown pushed it off. Official deliveries will occur later this year when the aircraft is certified.

SPP Canada Aircraft (SPPCA) is forming a business alliance with established maintenance, repair and overhaul companies Lufthansa Technik and its subsidiary Hawker Pacific Aerospace in a move that the landing gear system supplier hopes will help build its base in the North American market and attract new programs as a Tier 1 supplier.

Cessna Aircraft’s business jet delivery woes continued into the third quarter with shipments dipping to 25 units, down from 41 units last year, resulting in another quarterly loss, Cessna parent Textron reported Oct. 18. Cessna posted a $23 million loss in the quarter, compared with a $30 million profit a year ago. The third-quarter results follow a $50 million loss in the second quarter, when deliveries plummeted by 50% to 20 business jets.

Aviation stakeholders should contemplate a slower-growth future--including lower maintenance expenditures.