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

Moving aggressively to provide customers enhanced security protection, Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ; Pavilion P10) signed an agreement at last month’s NBAA-BACE with Sabena Technics for the latter to install directional infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) self-protection systems on ACJ’s VIP jets. DIRCM systems use lasers to protect aircraft against missiles fired from man-portable air defense systems, today’s most widespread missile threat, according to the French airframer.

 


Initially available for ACJ320 family models, several companies make DIRCM systems, and Sabena Technic&nbsp;will act as the system integrator. (Some in-service ACJs are already equipped with DIRCM systems.)

 


“We strongly believe that our ability to install and certificate these systems with airworthiness authorities, such as EASA and the FAA, is a key driver of success,” said Daniel Soltani, Sabena Technics&nbsp;senior v-p, sales and business development.

 


“Offering self-protection is yet another way in which we care for our customers," said&nbsp;ACJ president Benoit Defforge, "and expands and consolidates the widespread range of modern aircraft and services that ACJ offers.”

 


Airbus Corporate Jets and Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) have recently been appearing on the trade show circuit in tandem and showcasing their respective aircrafts’ bespoke interiors, underscoring the fact that “ACJ and ACH are part of the only manufacturer to offer both corporate jets and helicopters,” Airbus said.&nbsp;

 


ACJ also launched in October the iflyACJ.com website, to help VIP customers&nbsp;choose the best aircraft for their missions from among the 12 ACJ charter operators worldwide. “For the first time, we connect business jet travelers to ACJ operators; just click to book a unique flying experience,” said Defforge.&nbsp;

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.

Airbus Offers Missile Defense for VIP Airliners

Airbus Corporate Jets teams with Sabena Technics to provide laser protective systems for its customers.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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 environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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Daher Aims To Launch ‘More Electric’ Airplane in 2027

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OEM saw a 28% increase from a year ago

Embraer First-quarter Bizjet Deliveries Rise from 2024

Hanneke Weitering

Tennessee Tech students will ground-test the ‘Whisper Ultralight’ powered glider

Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech Team on Quiet Electric Glider

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Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Dubai Airshow 2019

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Embraer First-quarter Bizjet Deliveries Rise from 2024

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Regional Air Mobility Summit Addresses Rebooting Local Air Transportation

Companies participating in McKinsey's annual summit meeting are optimistic but say commercialization is still a few years away

Cirrus Aircraft Revamps IQ App, Adds Pro Subscription

App has a cleaner and more streamlined user interface

Daher Upgrades Kodiaks, Sees Higher Deliveries for 2025

Added features include PlaneSync and LED exterior lighting

Epic Unveils E1000 AX with Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland

Variant includes more than 25 new features and eight new paint schemes

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