New Jet JukeBox Plays 100 DVD Movies

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Flight Display Systems, the market leader for retrofit in-flight entertainment equipment, introduced the next generation Jet JukeBox – a High-Definition (HD) media server that allows passengers to enjoy a digital library of DVDs, CDs, and images. This product will be available on May 1, 2009 for a list price of $6,055. It includes FAA PMA approval.
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ShopAvfuel.com Expands Checkout Capabilities; Aviation Retail Site Now Accessible to General Aviation Community

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Avfuel’s online retail store, shopAvfuel.com, has recently broadened its payment options to allow customers to make their online purchases using all major credit cards and a variety of other methods. For the first time, shopAvfuel.com and its large inventory of aviation fuel related equipment, parts, deicing fluid and quality assurance materials are now available to the general aviation community. Until now, the site’s diverse selection was exclusive to Avfuel-branded dealers.
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Metro Flight Services (DTW) Welcomes NCAA® Final Four® Tournament

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Metro Flight Services (DTW) welcomes basketball fans flying in from all over the United States for this year’s Final Four® Tournament, scheduled to take place April 3 - 6. Complimentary food and drink will be available to pilots throughout the tournament events. The DTW location accepts the industry-leading Sterling Card to ensure pilots receive preferred pricing when flying into Detroit. Secure parking reservations at DTW by calling (734) 229-9690.
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Private Aviation Company Avflight Willow Run East (YIP) Helps Region Attract Visitors to the 2009 NCAA Final Four

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Avflight Willow Run East (YIP), located at the Willow Run Airport (YIP), just seven miles from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), expects increased aviation traffic in April as visitors fly in and out for the 2009 NCAA Final Four. The expected volume is particularly impressive in light of current economic climates in both metro Detroit and the country at large.
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Advertisers, Watch for Your Insertion Orders and Ad Proofs

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On Monday, March 16, the AC-U-KWIK staff e-mailed insertion orders and ad proofs to our North American customers who advertise in the Managers' World Edition. Please check your inboxes and junk mail folders for an e-mail from ads [at] acukwik [dot] com. The e-mail subject that begins A new project ... It contains instructions for using the online proofing system.

If you expected to receive such a message but have not, contact Julie Jantzer-Ward at ads [at] acukwik [dot] com.

Please let us know about changes or send your approval by April 3. Thank you!

Thursday Open Thread: United States v. Corporate Aviation

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Since the automotive industry bailout hearing in November, corporate aviation has been caught in the political crossfire.

At the hearing last fall, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., scored populist points when he asked whether the Chrysler, Ford and GM CEOs had purchased tickets on commercial flights to attend the hearing in Washington, D.C.

In January, Rep. Dennis Moore, D-Kan., and Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., argued against legislative language that would have required recipients of bailout money to forgo owning or leasing aircraft.

Scott Adams even drew a Dilbert comic strip about the controversy. The Dogbert character does not mince words.

Now, NBAA and GAMA have launched a new Web site, No Plane No Gain, to defend the business aviation industry and educate the public.

What would you tell Congress or the public about the use of corporate jets in this economic climate? How would you defend corporate aviation in general?

Click the comments link to contribute.

Banyan Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary

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Located at Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, Banyan Air Services, Inc. is proud to announce 30 years of aviation excellence. “It has been my sincere privilege over the years to grow with our teammates as we rally around clearly defined goals, strictly adhere to our values and passionately pursue excellence in the way we serve our customers and our community,” stated Don Campion, Banyan’s founder.
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Thursday Open Thread: TSA's Large Airport Security Program (LASP)

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Friday, Feb. 27, is the deadline to submit comments to the Transportation Security Administration on the proposed Large Aircraft Security Program. LASP would subject operators of aircraft with a take-off weight greater than 12,500 pounds to make sure crews and passengers have cleared security checks.

What do you think about the LASP proposal? What would you tell the TSA? What have you heard from customers who use your airport or FBO?

Click the comments link to contribute.

And here are some links to more information about LASP and other related news:
TSA programs
NBAA's draft comments
Feds may tighten small airport security – FOX 5, Atlanta
Airport to have new security rules in April – ENCToday.com
General aviation customers annoyed about security rule – ENCToday.com

Havasu Air Center Joins Avfuel Network

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Havasu Air Center has joined the Avfuel dealer network. The Lake Havasu City, Ariz., (HII) FBO will receive fuel and quality assurance and marketing support from Avfuel. Havasu Air Center is offering pilots six AVTRIP points per gallon of fuel purchased. This offer extends to Avfuel Contract Fuel purchases and ends on March 31, 2009. Havasu Air Center offers a free night of hangar space — for a G-V or a 182 — after an initial purchase of 10 gallons of fuel, too.
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Business Jet Buyers, Sellers Don't Agree on Values

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Looking at the few jet sales that occurred in the final three months of 2008, it is interesting to attempt to identify the types of transactions. Are the sale prices considered fair market values, or are they more along the lines of distressed liquidation values? It depends on the side of the bargaining table. For the seller, chances are the distress in the negotiated sale price has to do with some urgency to liquidate the asset. On the other hand, the buyer who is the end user will argue the sale price is fair market value because he would not be willing to pay more for the aircraft. With too many buyers and sellers still riding the fence, it is hard to know what to call the sale. One thing is certain: If the present economy is our OK Corral, it is getting close to high noon. With the showdown at hand, one side or the other will be the first to break leather. After the smoke clears, everyone will know who the winner is. Time will tell.
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