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

Large-cabin jet charter operator Vertis Aviation announced here at MEBAA a strategic partnership to support and develop charter broker JetSmarter’s new Dubai-London shuttle service. The shuttles are shared flights available on a per-seat basis to JetSmarter members. Vertis was integral in providing the first aircraft JetSmarter utilized in the region, an Embraer Legacy 650.

 


“JetSmarter identified that a certain sector of the market demanded regular, cost-effective intercontinental charter that links the UAE region, the UK and the USA, and approached us to help source the right aircraft,” said Vertis chief commercial officer (COO) Catherine Buchanan. “We really like what JetSmarter is doing and believe the shared-aircraft model is a perfect solution for the local charter market. There is a growing demand in the region for this kind of service, so we are extremely pleased to be their local strategic partner, and look forward to helping them develop here.”

 


Vertis also announced the promotion of Buchanan, the former general manager of the company’s Dubai office, to COO at the start of the MEBAA Show.

 


Switzerland-based Vertis operates from the Middle East, Europe and South Africa with a charter fleet that includes three ACJ319s, a BBJ, Gulfstream G450 and G650, a Bombardier Global 6000, XRS, and Challenger 350.

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

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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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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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