This week in our On Aviation™ Digest, we would like to give you a mix of news and articles from across the globe. There are some that we find quite interesting, and felt the need to share them with you.
Opinion: Flight canceled? Stuck on the tarmac? Here’s a solution: more women in aviation
The aviation industry has a problem. A shortage of airline pilots is causing a “constraint on capacity,” which translates to canceled flights and delays for travelers — especially on smaller airlines. There’s more: In early April, the FAA warned that a shortage of air traffic controllers is expected to gum up travel this summer, especially in the Northeast. And according to one industry observer, the lack of maintenance personnel in aviation is reaching crisis levels.
Aviation’s capacity woes underline a massive industry blind spot: Women remain largely grounded. Women make up less than 20% of those employed in all aviation jobs in the U.S., a figure that skews that high only because so many flight attendants and customer service agents are women. Only 4.6% of airline pilots are women, and aviation mechanics fare even worse, at 2.6%.
By Eileen A. Bjorkman | LA Times
Aviation Influencer: Flexjet MD On Launching Helicopters And Driving Diversity
When it comes to Europe’s business aviation world, Marine Eugène is somewhat of an anomaly. The European Managing Director of subscription-based private jet company Flexjet is one of the few French, female leaders in the industry, although she’s determined not to let this define her. “I absolutely believe in meritocracy and that credibility comes first from one’s competences and experience,” she says.
Eugène joined Flexjets in 2019 following a 15-year stint at NetJets. So far she’s lead on innovative initiatives including the launch of Flexjet’s European private helicopter division – a first in the space. The programme launched with a fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in the UK and will roll out into Europe in 2024.
By Rachel Ingram | Forbes
Textron Aviation Unveils Newest Addition to Bestselling Business Jet Family: Cessna Citation Ascend
Textron Aviation announced today the newest Cessna Citation business jet in the legendary 560XL series — the Cessna Citation Ascend. Unveiled on the eve of this week’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), the Citation Ascend is designed to bring an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a more luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. Attendees will enjoy access to a new Citation Ascend mock up debuting during the show. Currently under development, the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2025.
The Cessna Citation business jet family is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.
“Of the Citation family, there’s none more flown than the Citation 560XL series. With an 560XL aircraft taking off or landing every two minutes somewhere in the world, this aircraft will be part of the most successful business jet family,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of our teams, we are proud to announce the latest innovation in the Citation family — the new Cessna Citation Ascend. We asked customers what they wanted in the next evolution of this iconic aircraft, and we believe the Citation Ascend will deliver.”
By Aviation Pros
Russia likely creating new ‘elite’ attack aviation group to strike Ukraine, says UK intelligence
UK intelligence said the unit is likely to consist of at least one squadron of Su-24 Fencer and Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers, and a squadron of attack helicopters.
The agency stressed that the mix of aircraft types suggests the group will have a primary role of carrying out ground attack missions.
In addition, credible Russian media reports suggest that the Russian Ministry of Defense aims to attract highly skilled and motivated pilots by offering large pay incentives and opening recruitment to retired aviators.
By The New Voice of Ukraine | Yahoo News
Note: The views and opinions expressed in the content shared in this digest are for informational purposes only, are solely those of the original content creators, and do not constitute an endorsement by or necessarily represent the views of On Aviation™ or its affiliates.
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Orlando – On Aviation™