Mark Huber is an aviation industry veteran who has worked in the flight training, aircraft sales, aircraft component, and airport development businesses. He has flight time in more than 50 different and diverse aircraft, including helicopters, aerobatic aircraft, vintage warbirds, jet fighters, business jets and turboprops, and transport-category aircraft. He has jumped out of several of these—on purpose—with a parachute. His defense and aviation journalism has been published in a variety of national and international periodicals.

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Mark Huber

Bell Helicopter signed a letter of intent (LOI) with PT Whitesky Aviation in Jakarta for 30 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters, the Fort Worth, Texas-based company announced today. The company will use the new light singles for air-taxi operations throughout Indonesia and its more than 14,000 islands. The deal pushes the number of LOIs for the 505 past 380, including more than 130 in the Asia Pacific region, alone, according to Matt Hasik, Bell’s executive vice president of commercial business.

 


PT Whitesky is an emerging aviation company, specializing in non-scheduled charter operations. The company currently operates a fleet of six Bell helicopters—three 429s and three 407s. Earlier this year, PT Whitesky enrolled its fleet in Bell's new customer advantage plan, a new factory-backed aftermarket parts-and-service plan aimed at providing customers with predictable monthly costs, reduced inventory costs and maximum aircraft availability.

 


Three 505s are currently in flight test and Transport Canada certification is expected later this year. The 505 is powered by the Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with dual-channel Fadec. It features Garmin G1000H avionics on the flight deck.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Indonesian Operator Commits To 30 Bell 505s

The new light single helicopters will be used by PT Whitesky for air-taxi operations throughout Indonesia and its more than 14,000 islands.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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 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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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

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