Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

First-quarter revenues at aircraft fractional provider NetJets and aviation simulation training company FlightSafety International (FSI) climbed 18.8 percent year-over-year, said parent company Berkshire Hathaway in its latest investor update. The higher revenues these companies reported were “primarily due to increases in the number of aircraft in shared aircraft ownership programs and in flight hours across NetJets’ various programs, as well as higher average rates,” Berkshire noted in its first-quarter financial report.
Berkshire’s services group—which besides NetJets and FSI includes electronics components company TTI and Dairy Queen, among others—reported a 17.6 percent rise in first-quarter revenues, to $5.319 billion, compared with the same period a year ago. While Berkshire doesn’t specify revenues of each of its services subsidiary companies, it implied that slightly more than half of the $796 million increase was attributable to NetJets and, to some extent, FlightSafety.
Pre-tax first-quarter earnings at the parent company’s services group was $837 million, up $113 million from last year. “The earnings increase was primarily attributable to higher overall margin rates in aviation services businesses, primarily due to changes in business mix,” Berkshire said.

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

Berkshire Hathaway Aviation Companies NetJets, FlightSafety Soar in First Quarter 2023

Bershire Hathaway aviation services companies NetJets and FlightSafety International saw revenues soar 18.8 percent in the first quarter.

Berkshire's NetJets, FlightSafety Soar in First Quarter

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.

Europe-based group is adding a pair of Bombardier Global 8000 jets, plus a 6500

Middle East and Africa Fuel Comlux’s Charter Growth

Matt Thurber

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.

Lack of rental engines is a focus of the complaint

ATI Jet Lawsuit Alleges Hourly Service Plan Setbacks

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.

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