message of the month
Dear colleagues and clients,
During this significant time for our country, as we celebrate the National Holidays, I want to send a special message of gratitude and recognition to everyone whose work makes Chile a great nation. Along these lines, we believe that Aerocardal is more than just a company; we are a team committed to excellence, safety, and innovation. During this time of celebration, I want to acknowledge the collective effort that has brought us to where we are today.
To our collaborators, your daily dedication and professionalism have been the cornerstone of our operations. Thanks to you, Aerocardal continues to be a benchmark from Chile to the entire Southern Cone of Latin America in the aviation industry, providing FBO and hangar services with the highest standards of quality and safety. Our mission is to deliver exceptional experiences, and this would not be possible without your tireless work and commitment.
To our clients, thank you for trusting us to meet your most demanding needs. We are proud to be your partners in each of your journeys and projects, offering not only top-tier service but also the safety and trust you deserve. Our commitment is to continue innovating, adapting to the changes and challenges of the industry, to ensure that you receive the best possible service, always staying at the forefront of technology and operations.
During this National Holiday, let us proudly celebrate the achievements we have reached and continue working together to keep growing, innovating, and delivering the quality that defines us both in Chile and the region. May this time be an opportunity to recharge and keep moving forward towards new successes.
I wish you all a happy national holiday, filled with joy and unity.
Ricardo Real – CEO Aerocardal.
Industry news
Here are the largest and most luxurious private jets in the world.
There is no greater symbol of wealth and power than a private jet. While yachts also hold a prominent place in the luxury imagination, their use is limited compared to a personal airplane. In a globalized world, billionaires need to travel frequently, and nothing offers more comfort, exclusivity, and efficiency than flying in their own jet.
Neither first class, nor business, and certainly not low cost. Those are things of the past for those who can afford these jets designed by Boeing, Airbus, or Gulfstream. Flying on a private jet not only provides comfort but also the discretion of avoiding commercial airports and escaping the prying eyes of the press, all while moving from one place to another in a matter of hours.
Who are the owners of these airborne jewels that dominate the skies? Let’s find out.
Boeing 747-8 VIP (Joseph Lau)
The Boeing 747-8 VIP is one of the largest and most luxurious private jets in the world, with a length of 76.3 meters and a range of 13,450 kilometers. This air giant is synonymous with extreme luxury, with amenities that include a gym, private rooms, offices, and even cinemas.
Its initial price is around $367 million, though it can exceed $500 million with the right customizations.
The future of the aviation industry is at stake on the Iberian Peninsula.
The consolidation of the aviation industry in Europe is in full swing, and much of the game is being played on the Iberian Peninsula. The imminent privatization of TAP and the future of Air Europa, after Iberia withdrew from purchasing it, have sparked a new battle among the major airline groups on the continent.
In search of mergers to scale and access new routes in a market where opportunities for organic growth are very limited.
For IAG, Lufthansa, and Air France-KLM, the partial sale of the Portuguese airline represents one of those rare opportunities, as all three have publicly expressed their interest in it. In this race, the German holding company may have already taken the lead. Right after receiving the green light from the European Commission to acquire 41% of Italy’s ITA for 325 million euros, with an option for full control in the future, Lufthansa has explored the purchase of 19.9% of TAP, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. The group has preferred not to comment on this information.
If the acquisition takes place, Lufthansa would further solidify its leadership as Europe’s largest airline holding. With revenues of 35.442 billion euros in the last fiscal year, the group encompasses six airlines (see graph), to which ITA’s participation will now be added. This will be used to boost its market share in Rome and Milan and strengthen its connections with Asia, East Africa, and the Americas. The acquisition of TAP would allow the German group to take another leap forward in the South American market and close the gap with Air France-KLM in this segment.
Should the airline industry focus on sustainability in a more holistic way?
The airline industry has long debated its sustainability efforts, particularly regarding emissions.
In recent years, several initiatives have been launched to address the environmental impact of the sector.
In 2022, Google launched its Travel Impact Model to measure flight emissions, and American Express Global Business Travel partnered with Chooose to integrate carbon emission calculations into its booking tools. Additionally, Travalyst released its aviation sustainability framework for data collection and visualization of emissions.
These actions align with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, in support of the Paris Agreement.
However, some industry experts believe these efforts should be approached more holistically to provide a more meaningful measure of progress toward the net-zero emissions goal. Should the airline industry broaden its vision of sustainability beyond emissions to offer a more comprehensive assessment?
Leonardo is left alone in the British competition for 44 helicopters worth €1.4 billion after the withdrawal of Airbus and Lockheed.
The AW149 helicopter from the British company Leonardo has become the only possible option for the planned acquisition of medium helicopters for the British armed forces under the so-called NMH program. The Franco-German-Spanish firm Airbus, which was competing in this tender with its H175M model, and the American Sikorsky (owned by Lockheed Martin), which was competing with the S-70M Black Hawk, have been excluded from the process. Neither of these two companies responded to the UK Ministry of Defence’s invitation to negotiate (known by the acronym ITN in English) within the established timeframe (August 30 was the deadline), which is why they have been left without options.