Recently returned from the Irish Business and General Aviation Association annual conference, I find my enthusiasm for business aviation thoroughly refreshed. Appearing on a conference panel was an enjoyable first; I said words, some of which apparently made sense, but none of which I can remember. There is something quite unique in how the IBGAA delivers a conference and I wonder if attendance ought to be compulsory.

The NBAA-BACE event is also fresh in the memory. I was delighted to speak with CAE’s David Bienvenu, Global Leader Maintenance Training, and Timothy Schoenauer, Senior Director Global Business Aviation Training Solutions, at the show. They revealed in considerable detail how CAE is expanding its training offer, good news that we pass on in this edition.

Gogo enjoyed a busy NBAA-BACE and we’ve explored some of the company’s recent success by speaking only with a partner and two of its customers. You need to read the story for the details, but from the reactions to the questions we asked it seems Gogo has customer service nailed.

One of the reasons behind aviation’s enduring fascination is the diversity it engenders. I recently found myself telling my family about the falconry season that is so important across the Middle East and which I had only recently heard about thanks to a press release from Chapman Freeborn. Claudia Krajhanzl, Vice President Passenger IMEA at the charter specialist explains in this edition how the valuable birds are transported by private jet.