Corporate Contrails

As has been reported in these columns previously, the CAA supports our view that priority of access rules should be simplified, yet the Minister refuses to move on the matter. How much more decline do we have to see before the Government recognises that it should encourage business not merely act to restrict its mobility.

At a time when our Asia/Pacific neighbours are building extensive new airport infrastructure to accommodate the needs of their air transport industry, our Government believes that by restricting access, the problem will go away. In this regard, Australia will find it extremely difficult to compete with Asia but more significantly, it runs the risk of simply being left behind.

At a time when Australian business aviation is suffering a downturn, the rest of the world is moving ahead. This is particularly so in Europe and Asia. The experience of some European companies is being brought to Asia with a Swiss based company recently setting up a corporate jet charter operation in Singapore.

New Business Aircraft

Manufacturers have launched a number of new business aircraft in the last few months. British Aerospace have taken the development of the DH125, which first flew in early 1962, to a new level of sophistication (refer full Update this issue).

The new BAe 1000, as it is known, is both stretched and has more powerful engines. The aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW305 engines and offer a two stop range capability from Europe to Australia. It will cruise faster and on a typical mission of 2,000nm will show an improvement of 9% on balanced field length requirements. The aircraft should find a ready market in Australia where many of its predecessors are located.

Meanwhile, Cessna has announced the new Cessna Citation Jet which is an entry level corporate jet to be powered by Williams Jet engines. It will be similar in size to the early Citation I with improved performance. At this level, the aircraft offers jet type performance for those preferring the simplicity of jet aircraft.

Gulfstream continue to upgrade their products and, in addition to announcing their proposed venture with Sukhoi to develop a supersonic business jet, will be further upgrading their top of the range Gulfstream IV. The aircraft is to be improved in the systems area which will further improve performance and make it more ‘user friendly’ for pilots.

Canadair, not wanting to be left out, are also offering a cheaper version of their successful Challenger 3A. The aircraft is some $2. 5m less than the 3A and comes with standard fitout. At the same time Falcon Jet announced the development of the Falcon 2000 which is planned to be an updated replacement for the Falcon 20 series of aircraft.

All of these aircraft have one thing in common in that they are designed to attract more customers. Competition will be strong with each manufacturer extolling the virtues of their particular aircraft. We have no doubt that Australia will prove to be a good market for certain of these types where versatility and improved range seem to be the major capabilities sought by users.

The latest generation of small but efficient turbofans will give the manufacturers the opportunity of enhancing their product line-up.

Civil Use of Military Aerodromes

At a time when Australia is short of resources, is it not time for the Government to direct the Defence Department to accept civil aircraft movements at military aerodromes. Access to these aerodromes could improve the access situation, particularly in Sydney.

The ABAA has recently questioned the Government on why the military needs such huge areas of airspace for its activities in peacetime and, more significantly, why the military do not pay CAA and FAG charges for using civil airports and airspace.

In most other developed countries, the military pays for such a privilege and the ABAA believes that no exception should be made here. Essentially we are told that airport landing slots are at a premium but certain users do not even have to pay for access. It is, in our view, particularly ironic that the RAAF VIP fleet is not only given priority of access to our civil airports but they also pay no fees for the service. On the other hand, civil business aircraft users often have to pay premium rates and suffer lowest priority for access.

Supersonic Business Jet

The progress towards the development of a supersonic business jet took a major leap forward during 1989 with Gulfstream joining Sukhoi in a plan to jointly develop such an aircraft.

At the recentABAA convention the Gulfstream representative outlined the massive step that this means to international aviation. Not only will the two companies be identifying the technical matters involved, which are massive, but it will also be necessary to evolve joint approaches to certification, noise levels and material to be used. It thus represents a massive potential technology transfer in both directions.

Gulfstream have always been at the forefront of systems development on their business aircraft and Sukhoi has produced many hundreds of supersonic aircraft which have utilitarian qualities much revered by engineers.

Australian Aviation Trade Fair

The planning for the Australian Aviation Trade Fair to be held at the new National Convention Centre in Canberra from 13-15th November inclusive has moved apace. A managing board of directors chaired by Tony Hammett is drawn from the ABAA, AOPA, AAA and GAA. ‘-

This unique opportunity will allow the Generpl_ Aviation sector of our industry to take its message to the political,and policy heartland of our nation.

The Exhibition will occupy over 2,500sq metres of deluxe indoor display area with over 125 stands and is expected to attract participants from all over the world. All sectors of the industry will be able to exhibit their capabilities.

Suppliers to the general aviation industry who range from small businesses to the major airframe and engine manufacturers can expect to benefit from the event.

Mark the dates in your diary and plan to attend the premier Australian aviation event of 1990.