Ian Sheppard has acted as Editor International Show Editions for AIN since June 2013. Based in the Redhill, England, Ian reports for the various AIN publications as well as providing support to International Editor Charles Alcock in covering international air shows (such as Farnborough, Paris, Singapore and Dubai), and the EBACE and MEBA business aviation events. His central role is to cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Prior to becoming more involved with AIN in mid-2011 (initially as deputy international editor), Ian worked for various aviation publications through his company, First Aerospace Media. This included being part of the AIN team covering daily news at international air shows.
Ian has worked for publications such as Flight International (technical reporter, 1997-8) and Aerospace International (editor, 1999-2000). He was publications manager at Airclaims (Ascend) between 2000 and 2004 before forming First Aerospace Media. Since mid-2009 Ian has also been managing editor of Regional International, the journal of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA).
Ian hasis working towards a European commercial pilot licence, having held an FAA private pilot license in 1991, and instructor rating. He also has a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Bath, England, and a graduate diploma in law from Kingston University, and is a graduate of the legal practice course (College of Law, Guildford).

Editor

Ian Sheppard

VistaJet has come up with some new ways to keep business rolling against the massive disruption presently being meted out on the world by the Covid-19 pandemic, while also trying to make its aircraft available for those grappling with the impact on their organizations.

 


The company, which operates a fleet of Bombardier Globals and Challenger 350s, is providing “complimentary empty leg flights for governments, medical organizations, and health experts” in the light of the lack of airline services, and believes its global infrastructure can help move critical medical products in the light of cargo capacity being seriously curtailed.

 


VistaJet has set up a section on its website called “Supporting Communities” and said it has been working through the regulations over the past week to understand how much it can do to provide the transportation of key medical supplies, “which typically involves highly regulated and specific certifications.”

 


The company said it is “working directly with Governments and Consulates around the world, helping them to repatriate citizens by providing complimentary empty leg flights.” Additionally, it is assisting with the “complex logistics of the necessary permits and paperwork.”

 


Thomas Flohr, VistaJet’s founder and chairman, said: “Listening to expert advice, whether that be security, safety or medical, we are here to ensure that they are fully supported with their flying needs.

 


“This is an unusual time and one that we must all work together where possible to do whatever we can to help. We know we don’t normally offer repatriation flights or the transportation of medical equipment, but ultimately, we are a logistics company and we are here to help the global community as much as we can. We are in this fight together.”

 


To help reduce the spread of the virus, VistaJet said it is working with Control Risks and Osprey, for example, "for security and safety advice using both human and AI-driven intelligence, while MedAire provides leading medical support on the ground and in the air."

 


All VistaJet crews are checked for signs of the virus twice a day and each VistaJet aircraft is sanitized after every flight. Passengers who have recently traveled to high-risk locations have their temperature tested prior to boarding.

 


Flohr said: "As the events of the last few months show, 2020 is not set to be business as usual. I have no doubt that the strong increase recorded over the past 10 weeks includes fliers looking for safer and cleaner alternatives to commercial flying."

 


In addition, the company has introduced a new short-term lease of its aircraft, called Dynamic Jet Lease, which can last “one, two, or three months” and offer “a dedicated aircraft and crew positioned at the nearest possible airport to you.” The monthly lease offers flexibility and the ability for the aircraft to be brought in at short notice. VistaJettypically offers aircraft only on 36-month leases.

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

VistaJet Offers Covid-19 Support, Short Aircraft Leases

“Global” business jet operator comes up with ways it can help during the COVID-19 pandemic, including free empty-leg flights for governments.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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 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.

The Hong Kong-based operator now has almost 50 business aircraft

China’s Sino Jet Expands Charter Fleet with Second G700

Jessica Reed

Program launches with HondaJet HA-420 and Bombardier Challenger 3500

Honda Aircraft Unit Backs Thrive Fractional Jet Program

Amy Wilder

Elite Jets, MaxAir keep names, add Priester co-brand

Priester Aviation Unifies Companies under One Brand

Program lets non-members compare pricing before booking

BlueSky Extends Pricing Access to Non-members

Hourly rates range from turboprops to VIP airliners

Paramount Business Jets Guide Details 2026 Charter Rates

Kerry Lynch

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.

More In Charter & Fractional

China’s Sino Jet Expands Charter Fleet with Second G700

The Hong Kong-based operator now has almost 50 business aircraft

Honda Aircraft Unit Backs Thrive Fractional Jet Program

Program launches with HondaJet HA-420 and Bombardier Challenger 3500

Priester Aviation Unifies Companies under One Brand

Elite Jets, MaxAir keep names, add Priester co-brand

BlueSky Extends Pricing Access to Non-members

Program lets non-members compare pricing before booking

Paramount Business Jets Guide Details 2026 Charter Rates

Hourly rates range from turboprops to VIP airliners

ACA Forum Probes Broker Role in Fighting Illegal Charter

Brokers need to verify operations based on a standard

ACA Forum Explores Changing Role of Air Charter Brokers with AI

ACA is hosting its second U.S. forum as membership grows

FAI Grows Charter Fleet with Second Global 6000 Bizjet

Ultra-long-range jet is now available for worldwide charter

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN