AIN traveled to Marina, California, to see first-hand how Joby Aviation is getting ready to mass-produce eVTOL aircraft it says will transform transportation in and around crowded cities. With help from Japanese automotive giant Toyota, Joby’s aircraft combines advanced composite materials manufacturing technology with its in-house-designed electric propulsion system. Joby is planning for its four-passenger electric aircraft to enter service in 2025.
Producer, Editor, and Camera: Ian D. Whelan
AIN editor-in-chief Matt Thurber visited MD Helicopters in Mesa, Arizona to fly the company’s most powerful helicopter, the MD530F. New management has been working to bring the manufacturer back to its potential after a series of decisions by previous owners Patriarch Partners, and Lynn Tilton led to a crippling bankruptcy. The previous owners have since relinquished all shares, and bond insurer MBIA now owns the majority of the company.
Producer, Editor, and Camera: Ian D. Whelan
Dassault’s interior design team is very proud of its haute couture approach to developing elegant cabin interiors for the Falcon family of jets, like the new 10X model. But customers’ preferences are of supreme importance and that’s why the French manufacturer goes to the trouble of giving access to a cabin mockup so that everyone is clear on the options for these spacious layouts.
Producer and Camera Operator: Ian D. Whelan
At the Dubai Airshow, Boeing welcomed visitors inside the 777-9, one of four test aircraft in the 777X program to certify the widebody, long-haul airliner in 2025. The aircraft is packed with test equipment to record huge volumes of flight data as pilots put it through its paces. With new GE9X engines and folding wingtips, the 777X program is greatly expanding the big twin family’s capability and efficiency.
Producer, Editor, Camera, and Narration: Ian D. Whelan
Dassault Aviation’s chief test pilot, Philippe Duchateau, told AIN what it takes to prepare aircraft like the new Falcon 6X to appear in events like the Paris Air Show. It’s all about demonstrating safety features while simultaneously thrilling the crowds. Philippe’s experience as a fighter pilot has equipped him well for the task, but he takes nothing for granted when planning for flying displays and test flights.
Producer, Editor, and Camera: Ian D. Whelan
Embraer’s Praetor 600 is the Brazilian company’s flagship business jet, itself an evolution of the Legacy 500. The name Praetor is derived from the Latin for a Roman magistrate, and Embraer Executive Jets v-p of design operations Jay Beever explains how the name relates to what the aircraft does for its owner. The $21 million dollar super-midsize jet offers performance and range improvements over its predecessor, thanks to added fuel capacity, new winglets, and more powerful engines. With a range of 4,018 nautical miles, passengers will appreciate the new interior design, which the company calls “Bossa Nova” and takes inspiration from the boardwalk at Rio de Janeiro’s famed Ipanema Beach.
Producer, Editor, Camera, and Narration: Ian D. Whelan
Up to 19 people can ride in comfort on the Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty aircraft, which is a VIP version of the latest member of the manufacturer’s airliner family, the A220. The aircraft can comfortably operate out of 5,000-foot-long runways at maximum takeoff weight and still carry you nonstop from L.A. to London or Beijing to Melbourne. The cabin is split into six zones to offer different environments for passengers, and also a rest area for the crew. When it comes to rest for the passengers, eleven people can comfortably sleep in real beds rather than just reclining seats. While the cruising speed is slightly slower compared to other long-range business jets at Mach .82, the TwoTwenty’s palatial VIP interior and twenty five percent less fuel burn are a considerable upside.
Producer, Editor, and Camera: Ian D. Whelan
This is a branded content video for Comlux Group, a company that specializes in VIP aviation.
Producer, Editor, Camera, and Narration: Ian D. Whelan
Dassault’s “extra wide body” Falcon 6X, scheduled to enter service in mid-2023, is now in its final stage of flight trials. The French manufacturer claims that the $57 million dollar aircraft has the tallest and widest cabin of any purpose-built business jet, while offering a range of 5,500 nautical miles and a maximum speed of Mach 0.90. The airplane is designed to stay aloft for up to 12 hours, and the range enables city pairs that include Los Angeles to London, Sao Paulo to Chicago, and Paris to Beijing.
Producer, Editor, Camera, and Narration: Ian D. Whelan