AXIS Aviation expands San Marino fleet: Business aircraft management company AXIS Aviation is continuing to expand its fleet, welcoming a Bombardier Global 5000, Dassault Falcon 2000LX and Dassault Falcon 7X. The three aircraft will be privately managed and added to AXIS Aviation’s San Marino AOC, which opened in April 2024. AXIS Aviation selected the San Marino registry due to its international standards of safety, reliability and efficiency. Owners and family offices of the aircraft joining the fleet will be able to receive real-time updates of jet activity including maintenance and financial records via the AXIS Aviation owner app. Kerstin Mumenthaler, managing director at AXIS Aviation Europe, says: “We obtained our San Marino AOC earlier this year and are proud to have already welcomed three new customers. Our rapid growth trajectory to date demonstrates the value of digital-forward solutions and thriving demand for personalised aircraft management services in Europe. We are grateful for the trust of our new customers, which evidences our dedication to providing outstanding management services with the highest level of transparency and operational efficiency.” AXIS Aviation currently manages a fleet of more than 35 aircraft across its bases in Austria, San Marino, Switzerland and South Africa.
SmartLynx Airlines joins Pilot Runway project: SmartLynx Airlines, a leading EU-based ACMI, charter, and cargo operator, has joined Avion Express and Air Explore in the Pilot Runway project. Recently launched by BAA Training and backed by its parent company, Avia Solutions Group—the world’s largest ACMI provider—the innovative pilot training program offers a financial solution, and a job guarantee at the group’s airlines upon successfully completing the training. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that half a million pilots will need to be recruited globally over the next two decades. In Europe, 5,000 to 6,000 new pilots will be needed annually. In response to this demand, the Pilot Runway program aims to train up to 200 new pilots yearly through its Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL) program. Norbertas Akromas, Managing Director for Pilot Runway, stated how Pilot Runway is adding to preparing airline-ready pilots for the ongoing demand. “MPL pilots are taken under the wing of a specific airline right from the beginning, creating a dedicated talent pipeline for the airline while also offering pilots long-term job security—truly a win-win. Another key distinction of Pilot Runway is that the training costs, which can be steep for some, are no longer a barrier. Prospective students receive financing from one of the airline partners for their training, and SmartLynx Airlines is one of them now, which we’re very happy to have on board the programme.”
KlasJet leases additional Boeing 737 to Congo Airways: Congo Airways is leasing a second Boeing 737 aircraft from KlasJet, a private and corporate jet charter company. The Democratic Republic of Congo flag carrier is restarting domestic operations and in October 2024 it announced a six-month lease of a Boeing 737 from KlasJet, beginning in November 2024. The companies have now confirmed that a second Boeing 737 (LY-MGM) aircraft will be leased, also on a six-month contract. It will be based at Kinshasa Ndjili International Airport (FIH) and used for internal flights in the DRC. According to KlasJet’s Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, Augustinas Riskus, the company is committed to supporting Congo Airways recovery. “We are delighted to deepen our support of Congo Airways with a second 737 lease,” he commented. “The lease, which begins in mid-November, offers an ideal bridge back to operational status for the airline.” The partnership between KlasJet and Congo Airways is strengthening continuously. The companies worked together on a four-month contract in 2023 and renewed their partnership last month. The leasing of two Boeing 737s for domestic flights will play a key role in Congo Airways’ successful return to operations since the grounding of their two Airbus A320s for engine maintenance.
Lufthansa Group partners with FinMont: FinMont, a leading global payment orchestration platform, announced its partnership with The Lufthansa Group, one of the world’s leading airlines. The group works with FinMont on its innovative payment platform, enhancing B2B payment processes. This new partnership will also incorporate Camino Network’s blockchain solution built specifically for the travel industry to document all transactions. This advanced solution is facilitated by Chain4Travel and will be an integral part of the payment processes through the FinMont payment ecosystem. With this new partnership, The Lufthansa Group plans to integrate FinMont’s payment orchestration platform into its global payment system, helping enhance and streamline its B2B payment processes in Non-BSP markets. FinMont’s payment ecosystem will provide robust support for the airline’s global operations, optimising and helping improve the efficiency of its existing payment workflows. A Lufthansa spokesperson added, “Our goal at The Lufthansa Group is always to improve operational efficiency while maintaining the highest level of service for our customers. FinMont’s payment platform allows us to simplify complex payment processes, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. We look forward to a successful collaboration that enhances our B2B payment processes in Non-BSP markets.”
Deutsche Aircraft taps Honeywell for radio system: Honeywell has been selected by Deutsche Aircraft, a German aircraft manufacturer, to supply its Primus HF-1050 high-frequency (HF) radio system for the recently debuted 40-seater D328eco turboprop. The HF-1050 is designed to deliver global voice communications, leveraging its unique features to enhance reliability and performance for operators worldwide. The selection of the HF-1050 supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three compelling megatrends: automation, the future of aviation and energy transition. As a high-frequency system, the HF-1050 enables seamless communication over vast distances with built-in technology that reduces background noise, ensuring clearer transmissions between pilots and air traffic controllers. Honeywell avionics are already widely deployed on in-service D328 aircraft such as the Dornier 328-100 and Dornier 328-300. The selection of the HF-1050 builds on Honeywell’s longstanding relationship with Deutsche Aircraft and highlights its continued support for the Dornier fleet. Deutsche Aircraft plans to manufacture up to 48 D328eco aircraft per year at its state-of-the-art Final Assembly Line at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The D328eco aims to revolutionise regional aviation with an environmentally friendly and cost-effective platform. With its advanced technologies and sustainable design, the D328eco offers operators enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, contributing to a greener future for the aviation industry.
SWISS signs MRO deal with Lufthansa Technik: Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) will entrust Lufthansa Technik’s renowned expertise in aircraft component support for Airbus A350s to be added to its long-haul fleet from next year. A recently signed contract for a Total Component Support (TCS) covers all aircraft of the new type and complements the current TCS for SWISS’ Airbus A320ceo, A320neo, A330 and A340 fleets. This also includes the expansion of the existing home base parts stock in Zurich, Switzerland. Claus Bauer, SWISS’s Head of Technical Fleet Management, said: “Based on the reliable parts support for our current Airbus fleet, we are convinced that with Lufthansa Technik we have contracted the best possible partner for the fulfilment of our demanding component support demands. Hence, we are delighted to expand this trustful cooperation for the modernization of our long-haul fleet. Especially in the challenging global supply chain situation, Lufthansa Technik’s support will help us ensure operational excellence for our A350s in terms of component availability, and give us the opportunity to maintain our competitive edge over the longer term.” SWISS and Lufthansa Technik already have a long history of cooperation, not just in the field of MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services but also in aircraft modifications.
Hahnair extends partnership with Airbus: Hahnair announced an extension of its contract with Airbus. As a result, Hahnair will continue to provide Airbus with the HR-Shuttle Manager, a product to simplify corporate shuttle services. Since 2019, this tool has been streamlining the booking process for Airbus’ corporate shuttle flights, which are exclusively for Airbus employees, making them available in the Global Distribution System (GDS). Hahnair serves as the validating and marketing carrier, while two European carriers operate the flights. Airbus’ Travel Management Company can issue tickets on the Hahnair HR-169 ticket stock. With the product HR-Shuttle Manager, Hahnair simplifies corporate shuttle management by making it possible to handle corporate shuttle flights like any other commercial flight. This includes booking the shuttle flights via the standard reservation processes, access to all booking related data and detailed reports as well as offering a convenient online check-in and wait-list management for the corporate travellers.
Jet.AI Signs deal for Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 order: Jet.AI Inc., a private aviation and artificial intelligence company, announced a fleet purchase agreement with Textron Aviation Inc. for the purchase of three Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 aircraft. With deliveries scheduled for Q2, Q3 and Q4 of 2026, the new aircraft will join the Jet.AI fleet as part of a brand-new CJ4 Gen2 fractional program. Jet.AI offers fractional jet ownership for individuals and businesses seeking flexible and convenient private aviation solutions. “Because our customers love the Cessna Citation CJ4 we already operate we’re enthusiastic about edging into more capacity in this aircraft – the largest member of Textron Aviation’s legendary CJ family,” said Mike Winston, Founder and Chairman of Jet.AI. “Since its introduction 14 years ago, the CJ4 has been continually improved by Textron Aviation and has established a track record of reliable service. It offers existing light jet customers an excellent upgrade option to serve their travel needs.” Fractional owners will enjoy guaranteed access to the Citation CJ4 Gen2, a nine-passenger, light jet known for its high speed, 45,000-ft flight ceiling, advanced avionics suite, quiet cabin, luxurious seating, and seamless connectivity. The CJ4 Gen 2 is designed for both comfort and operational efficiency and fits fractional ownership clients who depend on private aviation for both business and personal use. Jet.AI currently operates three HondaJets, one Citation CJ4 and a King Air 350i aircraft. This agreement comes in addition to its existing super-mid fleet expansion plan.
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