A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Beijing-based Blue Eagle Aviation Investment jumpstarted the ABACE 2013 sales action with an order from Beijing General Aviation (BGA) for the first Quest Kodiak single-turboprop utility aircraft to be delivered in China.
Under a sales agreement scheduled for signing at Blue Eagle’s stand this morning (Booth H420), BGA is set to order two of the rugged short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) aircraft with an option for purchase of an additional four Kodiaks. The first aircraft will be delivered following its certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), expected this summer, with the second delivery to follow about six months later. No timetable for exercising the option for the additional four airplanes has been set. The agreement also calls for Blue Eagle to provide BGA with aftermarket support including maintenance, modification and training for the aircraft. Financial terms of the agreement are not being made public. 
Last July Blue Eagle Aviation, an aircraft sales, service, and consulting company, was named the exclusive distributor for the Kodiak in China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. In November at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual trade show, Blue Eagle ordered a dozen Kodiaks for sale in the region. 
“I believe this airplane, with its excellent features will have a very promising market in China,” said Li He, president of Blue Eagle Aviation, on the eve of the signing. “Our professional team and BGA are both confident about making the Kodiak the first choice for utility aircraft.”
The Kodiaks BGA ordered will be based in Beijing and initially used for emergency disaster assistance, said Liu Ming De, BGA director of sales. “The advantage of the Kodiak is its large payload, long range and fast speed, which makes it the best choice for emergency rescue and assistance,” said Liu.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Blue Eagle Makes First Kodiak Sale In China

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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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ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500 

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

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

Charles Alcock

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.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

ABACE Convention News 2013

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

ExecuJet MRO Completes 120-month Check on Legacy 500

Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

Gulfstream Steps Up Investment in Customer Support

New customer support leader Lor Izzard is building on earlier improvements

Back on the Plate, Pre-buys Still Face Post-covid Challenges

Industry experts caution on the need for a full pre-buy and one that is carefully laid out

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