Base maintenance checks are the most detailed inspection events in an aircraft’s life, covering everything from the structure and avionics to the hydraulic systems and flight controls, often revealing a variety of defects for the MRO to rectify.During this inspection, the Falcon Technic team carried out structural repairs for corrosion found on the wing trailing edge and dry bay areas.

The eight strong dedicated team of engineers provided over 2,000 man-hours of expertise to the project and before returning to operations, the aircraft underwent a further handling flight to verify its performance, which was completed without a single issue being reported by the flight crew, confirming its readiness for full operations.The aircraft was returned to service on Aug.9 fully inspected, repaired, and ready to take to the skies again for Falcon.

“When an aircraft comes into Falcon Technic, it leaves stronger, safer, and ready for the skies. That’s true for our fleet, and it’s true for every customer who chooses us. This inspection is proof of what our team can do.” said Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, Founder & Chairman of Alex Group Investment.

The next major inspection for A6-AFC is scheduled after a further 500 flight hours.

The service provider offers tailored, end-to-end solutions for both private and shared charter flights, ensuring pets are fully integrated into the travel experience, working in collaboration with strategic partner Jetex and exclusive partner Pawsome Pets. Private charters allow clients to book the entire aircraft for themselves and their companions, while shared charters are arranged on an on-demand basis by grouping travellers with similar routes and timelines into a single flight. Both models are designed to provide flexibility, comfort, and continuity for pet owners flying across global routes.

The launch comes amid a significant shift in global travel behaviour, as the international pet travel services market is projected to hit US$4.6 billion by 2032, with Asia Pacific expected to lead growth over the next decade. This demand is reinforced by changing traveller expectations, with Allianz Partners USA reporting that pets now accompany over 40% of middle-aged travellers and nearly a quarter of senior travellers, underscoring a structural shift toward pet-inclusive mobility.

“Too often, pet owners are faced with limited options, whether that means being separated from their pets during long-haul travel, having to travel in cargo, or navigating solutions that may not fully meet their needs,” said Gunawan Wahab, Founder and CEO of Fly JetPets.

“As a pet parent myself, I understand the anxiety and concern that can come with planning air travel with a pet. Fly JetPets was created to offer a more considered alternative, one that combines operational reliability with a pet-first mindset to ensure a safe, comfortable and seamless experience for both pets and their owners.”

From arranging pet-friendly aircraft charters through licensed global operators to managing required pet travel documentation, Fly JetPets ensures each journey is executed with care.

Through its strategic partnership with award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Fly JetPets is able to arrange charter flights from nearly anywhere in the world to almost any destination, supported by access to an extensive global network of private terminals and ground services.   

For flights to and from the UAE, its exclusive partnership with Pawsome Pets, an award-winning IPATA-accredited pet relocation specialist, provides clients with trusted support in managing the documentation required for international pet travel.

All clients are supported by a dedicated Personal Travel Coordinator who serves as a single point of contact throughout the journey, ensuring seamless coordination across pre-flight, in-flight and post-arrival touchpoints. This personalised model is designed to scale with evolving traveller expectations while maintaining a high standard of care and clarity.

The Fly JetPets model is grounded in trusted partnerships that combine global reach with specialist expertise, allowing the team to focus on what matters most to pet owners: knowing their furry companions are in safe, experienced hands every step of the way. From departure logistics to destination handling, every detail is carefully managed to ensure pets and their owners feel supported, informed and reassured throughout their journey.

“More people than ever are choosing to travel with their pets, not just for convenience but because they see them as family,” said Wahab. “Travelling with a pet is rarely just about logistics. It’s often tied to major moments such as relocations, new beginnings or long-awaited returns, and those moments carry emotional weight. We aim to simplify a process that can otherwise feel uncertain or stressful by offering solutions that are both structured and considered. Whether it’s arranging the aircraft charter, supporting pet documentation requirements or assisting with concierge services, we focus on ensuring every journey feels assured, seamless and respectful of the bond between pets and their owners.”

“Business aviation in India is poised for exponential growth in the coming years,” said Gp Capt Rajesh Bali, managing director of the Business Aviation Operators Association of India, which is a partner association for Aviation India Summit 2025.

“With the fastest-growing population of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) globally, the demand for private and business aircraft is set to surge,” according to Bali.

Leaders from the business aviation industry, including Kanika Tekriwal, Founder & CEO, JetSetGo, Rohit Kapur, Managing Partner, The Jet Company, and Col. Sanjay Julka, CEO-Technical, Club One Air will feature on the panel titled: Creating a business aircraft and general aviation market fit for India. The panel will be moderated by Sunam Datta, Chief Commercial Officer, Skyplan.

However, the sector’s growth depends on policy changes if it is to realise its full potential.

“The growth of business aviation in India is being held back by a tax regime that makes importing business jets prohibitively expensive,” said Julka of Club One Air.

“Discussing a solution at the Aviation India Summit, in partnership with government and the industry, will be an important contribution to unlocking the potential of our industry,” he added. Gp Capt Bali added: “As BAOA champions progressive models like fractional ownership and professional aircraft management, India is ready to welcome a new wave of business jets and aircraft across categories. The next five years promise to be a transformative phase for business aviation in India.’”

The 2nd edition of Aviation India & South Asia Summit & Exhibition 2025 is organised by Times Aerospace Events (MESA) alongside joint venture partner, the MRO Association of India.

Under the event headline: “Shaping the pathway for Indian aviation”, the Summit promises to be one of the most significant gatherings of the commercial air transport community and ecosystem this year in India and builds upon the success of the launch summit in 2024 which attracted 582 delegates.

It is expected the 2025 edition will attract over 800 delegates and some 70 exhibitors.

Commercial Aviation reported an eight-year backlog record of US$13.1 billion in 2Q25. (The previous record for the division was US$13.4 billion in 4Q17.) The backlog increased 31% compared to 1Q25 and 16% versus 2Q24. Alongside its strong sales performance, the business unit celebrated an important milestone – 1,000 E175 units sold since its 2005 launch.

In 2Q25, the business unit delivered 19 new aircraft, exactly in line with the number of aircraft delivered in 2Q24. Consequently, in the 1H25, deliveries totalled 26 aircraft and 32% of the midpoint of the full year guidance (between 77 and 85 in 2025), 3 percentage points short of the average 35% level for the period recorded over the past five years.

Executive Aviation posted a backlog of US$7.4 billion in 2Q25, up 62% year-over-year but down a slight 2% quarter-over-quarter. Deliveries reached 38 jets during the period, 41% higher than the 27 jets in 2Q24. Consequently, in the 1H25, deliveries totalled 61 aircraft and 41% of the midpoint of the full year guidance (between 145 and 155 in 2025), 8 percentage points higher than the average 32% level for the period recorded over the past 5 years.

In Defence & Security, the backlog ended at US$4.3 billion in 2Q25, 3% higher sequentially and twice as high than a year ago.

Following unconditional approval from the South African Competition Commission, Parrot Aviation, the holding company of Federal Airlines (FedAir), has acquired the 50% stake previously held by Comair General Aviation Holdings.

Simultaneously, Justin Reeves, co-founder and long-serving CEO of CFS, has acquired the remaining shares from other minority shareholders.

This transaction marks the conclusion of a successful 12-year partnership with Comair and ushers in a new chapter for the company. It also signals the formal retirement of the Comair Flight Services name, with the company now operating under its refreshed brand: CFS Aviation Group—a reflection of its evolution into a fully independent and integrated business aviation group.

“This marks an exciting new chapter in the CFS journey,” said Justin Reeves, Group CEO of CFS Aviation Group. “The new structure reinforces our long-term vision, strengthens our shareholder base, and preserves our operational independence. Our clients can expect the same exceptional service, safety and professionalism they’ve come to know, with renewed energy and focus.”

Aloula Aviation will be receiving the first Challenger 3500 aircraft to be registered in Saudi Arabia. The best-selling aircraft was chosen for its spacious cabin, outstanding range and renowned reliability, making it a judicious addition to Aloula Aviation's fleet.

“The business jet market in the Middle East is thriving, and we are witnessing a significant increase in demand for super midsize aircraft, particularly for travel within the region and to Europe. As the undisputed market leader in this segment, the Challenger 3500 is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of clients such as Aloula Aviation, as well as our growing client base in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East,” said Éric Martel, president and chief executive officer, Bombardier. “Bombardier and Aloula Aviation both share an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the Challenger 3500 will surpass their expectations on every front. As Saudi Arabia continues its bold path laid out in the Vision 2030 plan, we are proud to support Aloula Aviation with this significant addition to their fleet, and the region’s growing aviation hub.”

“The Challenger 3500 aircraft represents the pinnacle of innovation, comfort and performance, perfectly aligning with our commitment to provide the best travel experience,” commented Khalid Hassan Alnatour, chief executive officer, Aloula Aviation. “As we begin the delivery of the three Challenger 3500 aircraft that will join our fleet, we look forward to the many opportunities these jets will bring to our operations.”

From Saudi Arabia, the jet can complete non-stop flights to destinations including; Paris, Geneva and New Delhi.

The agreement sees KlasJet operate charter flights for Air Cairo taking holidaymakers from Milan (Italy) and Sharjah (UAE) to Cairo (Egypt). The contract started on 30th May 2025 and will run until 31st October.

Air Cairo was founded in 2003 and is partly owned by EgyptAir, Egypt's state-owned national airline. The carrier currently operates more than 30 aircraft, mostly A320s, and its main business focus is charter flights from Europe to Egypt's most popular holiday destinations.

KlasJet became the very first ACMI provider based in an EASA-regulated country working with Air Cairo. Despite the differences in procedures and regulations, KlasJet secured a three-day turnaround from signing the agreement to the ferry flight to Cairo on May 30th.

"We have been able to get alignment on all operational and crew-related topics thanks to the flexible and proactive approach of our team – who flew out to Cairo to ensure everything progressed smoothly – and the strong commitment on both sides to clear communication and a partnership-based approach," said Vytautas Mikuckas, Head of Wet Lease Department at KlasJet.

The partnership between Air Cairo and KlasJet is helping meet an upsurge in tourism. In the period from July to September last year, tourism revenue hit $4.8 billion, a significant uplift for Africa’s second-largest economy. 

Chukwuerika (Erika) Achum is a driving force in African aviation, leading Falcon Aerospace Limited and its diverse portfolio of companies, including VivaJets, FlyPJX, CharterXE, The Adrenalina, and Instig Labs.

Now the company VivaJets, has received its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which gives the firm commercial rights into the 34 countries with its CEO Achum saying ‘if we get aviation right, we unlock a future where Africans can move, trade.’

"Our story illustrates the transformative power of business aviation in improving connectivity and innovation across Africa,” he said.  “We believe that Africa’s prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent.”

At the 2025 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, Achum issued a call for the urgent dismantling of long-standing barriers to air travel within the continent, emphasising that aviation is a key driver of economic integration and growth on the continent. 

“Our skies are still segmented by outdated agreements and policies. What Africa needs is a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritises accessibility, innovation, and collaboration,” he said.

“We believe that Africa’s prosperity lies in connectivity within and with the continent. We are a continent of over 1.4 billion people, with growing cities, industries, and innovation hubs. If we get aviation right, we unlock a future where Africans can move, trade, and connect freely; and that future is within reach,” he added.