Event Partner

SCF Aviation Capital, part of Stonebriar Commercial Finance (SCF), is an aircraft leasing and financing platform that provides customized capital solutions to owners, operators, dealers and manufacturers of business and commercial aircraft worldwide. SCF is a privately held commercial finance company established in 2015 and based in Plano, TX. With financial backing from Security Benefit Corporation, SCF actively originates and manages a multi-billion-dollar platform of commercial loans and leases. SCF specializes in transactions for businesses in a wide variety of industries (aviation, rail, realty, marine, transportation, manufacturing, energy, etc.) across the entire credit spectrum with assets located throughout the world.

Lead Sponsors

Aerion Supersonic of Reno, Nevada is introducing a new era of practical and efficient supersonic flight. In 2017, the company joined forces with GE Aviation and Lockheed Martin to develop the Aerion AS2 supersonic business jet.
The 12-passenger AS2 is expected to fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 over water, and, where permitted by regulation, at speeds approaching Mach 1.2 without a sonic boom reaching the ground. Thanks to its unique supersonic natural laminar flow wing, the aircraft is expected to achieve long range (LA to Paris) and efficiency at supersonic and subsonic speeds. Once fielded, it will reduce trans-Atlantic trips by as much as three hours, enabling business leaders to fly roundtrip between New York and London in a day.
Aerion was formed in 2003 to advance more efficient supersonic technologies. Since that time, the company has developed and demonstrated advanced wing technology in conjunction with NASA and other leading aeronautical institutions. This research includes breakthrough work in supersonic natural laminar flow, the key enabling technology behind the AS2 supersonic business jet.
In November 2015, Aerion announced a fleet order from fractional aircraft fleet operator Flexjet for 20 AS2 aircraft.

Established in 1931, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) is responsible for the regulation and safety oversight of aviation in Bermuda and all aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry.
Bermuda is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory and though it is regulated by the UK Department for Transport, the safety oversight system is separate from that of the UK. The regulatory requirements are established as the Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTARs), which are in full compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Bermuda’s Aircraft Registry is extensive and ranks 10th in size when compared to the 191 signatory States to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The current Registry includes a mix of both private aircraft and commercial aircraft operated under Article 83 bis Agreements.
With a wealth of experience and credibility in the global aviation industry, combined with unparalleled personal and responsive customer service, the BCAA team is uniquely positioned to meet your aircraft registry needs.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier Inc. boasts a heritage of innovation that dates back to the start of civil aviation, spanning some 110 years. The acquisition of Canadair in 1986 was the first of several strategic moves that would see Bombardier consolidate leading aircraft design and manufacturing experience from around the world. In the following six years, Bombardier grew in strength and stature, by acquiring in 1989 the world’s first aircraft production company -- the Northern Ireland-based Short Brothers -- followed soon thereafter by Learjet of Wichita, USA, in 1990, and de Havilland Canada in 1992.

In 2014, the former Bombardier Aerospace was reorganized into three segments in order to enhance agility and respond quickly to evolving customer needs, changing market dynamics and world events. Each unit – Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services –reports directly to the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bombardier Inc.

Bombardier Business Aircraft offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of business jets with its popular Learjet*, Challenger* and Global* aircraft families. In their respective segments, the Learjet 70* and Learjet 75* aircraft feature superior cruise speeds, high climb rates and operating ceilings, and competitive operating costs. In the medium category, the Challenger 650* and class-defining Challenger 350* offer industry-leading cabin design and amenities as well as performance and reliability attributes synonymous with the Challenger family.

The Global* long-range aircraft family – with the popular Global 5000* and Global 6000* jets in production delivering the smoothest ride in business aviation – is led by the all-new Global 7000* aircraft, the only purpose-built four-compartment cabin designed to deliver uncompromising levels of range, speed and cabin comfort. The historic first flight occurred November 4, 2016, and there are currently four aircraft engaged in a comprehensive flight test and certification program. Having celebrated a strongly successful international debut at NBAA-BACE in October 2017, the Global 7000 is scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2018.

Bombardier Business Aircraft supports its customers globally through an international network of field service personnel and a combination of wholly owned and authorized MRO facilities. It includes new Bombardier service centers in Biggin Hill, U.K. – operational in early 2017 and since expanded – and also in Tianjin, China, which opened its doors in April 2017. This growing network also includes 24/7 customer response centers, mobile parts delivery services, spare parts depots, and pilot and maintenance training facilities.

*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Equiom has won global recognition for its market - leading team which manages a diverse fleet of business jets and helicopters.

Established nearly 40 years ago, Equiom is an international professional solutions provider that offers aviation services in six jurisdictions including the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Malta, Monaco and Hong Kong.

Composed of a group of highly-trained and experienced professionals, Equiom’s aviation team has extensive expertise in the establishment and management of efficient multi-jurisdictional asset ownership structures, meeting technical aviation requirements and the legal and tax objectives of their private and corporate clients.

Equiom’s experts are well versed in current matters that drive changes in the industry and are able to provide the best advice to clients. Their robust and innovative structures are applicable to all aircraft types and include services such as importation, VAT, tax, Customs Warehousing and registration capability.

Find out more their aviation expertise by visiting https://www.equiomgroup.com/en/services/aviation/

GE Aviation is committed to providing leading propulsion systems for business and general aviation (BG&A) customers around the world. We provide jet engines for small and large cabin business aviation aircraft and turboprop engines for BG&A operators. We are passionate about customers and the flexibility, access and productivity their flight operations bring to remote communities, commerce, recreation, agriculture, medical missions, pilot training, and humanitarian aid.

GE has a global service network to support these offerings. GE and its customers are also working together to unlock new opportunities to grow and deliver more productivity beyond traditional services. GE Aviation is becoming a digital industrial business with its ability to harness large streams of data that are providing incredible insights and in turn, real operational value for customers.

With approximately $2.5 billion in assets under management and the additional current committed capacity to lend, Global Jet Capital has the expertise, financial strength, industry relationships, and infrastructure necessary to offer a variety of flexible leasing and financing solutions at the speed the market requires. We currently serve nearly all jurisdictions and have the capital and expertise to meet the needs of today's rapidly expanding and diversifying private jet owners and operators.

Jet Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was founded in Switzerland in Basel, Switzerland in 1967 and is one of the leading business aviation services companies in the world. Close to 4,500 employees cater to client needs from more than 25 airport facilities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and the Caribbean. The company provides maintenance, completions and refurbishment, engineering, FBO and fuel services, along with aircraft management, charter and staffing services. Jet Aviation's European and U.S. aircraft management and charter divisions jointly operate a fleet of close to 300 aircraft.

Founded in 1989, JSSI is the only hourly cost maintenance provider covering virtually all makes and models of business aircraft, engines and APUs. JSSI provides its customers with comprehensive, flexible and affordable financial tools for managing the often unpredictable costs of operating and maintaining nearly all types of turbine-powered aircraft, including jets, turbo-props and turbine-powered helicopters. JSSI serves customers globally and manages maintenance services through its worldwide infrastructure of certified technical advisors.

At OPMAS, we have dealt with aircraft customs handling for more than two decades. This is the only service we provide. We are not involved in financing, offshore tax structures, tax planning or yachting etc. Over these last 20 years, we have learned that long-term local presence and knowhow are essential when it comes to aircraft importation and admission in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Our experienced acquired knowledge and strong and invaluable handling with the Danish authorities ensure a smooth handling process.

Denmark has the very best reputation both within the EU and worldwide. Denmark is further number one on the Transparency List over the least corrupt nations in the world. We are known always to implement all EU-directives promptly and 100% by the book without ANY bending of the rules in favour of local companies. Denmark is the only member state involved in aircraft importation or admission, which is not considered a tax haven.

We have an extensive legal, aviation and administrative background. Our founder and CEO, Lasse Rungholm, is an aviation lawyer (L) and commercial airline pilot (ATPL, EASA and FAA) with more than 20 years of experience in these fields. Denmark has been the member state of choice for these procedures for a long time and our local presence and detailed knowledge of the systems mean that any proposed change in legislation can be easily detected and implemented. We are not strangers setting up shop in a foreign jurisdiction. We know that one of our strongest assets is our extensive local knowledge and long experience working with the authorities.

We are a FULL-SERVICE provider – with no exceptions – and we will support you in any situation. You will never walk alone.

Please, contact us regarding your situation – we will advise you of the best solution for our situation and needs. For more information go to: www.opmas.dk.

Aruba is an autonomous and self-governing state of The Kingdom of the Netherlands and an overseas territory of the European Union.

Established in 1995, the Registry of Aruba was the first privately managed aircraft registration program rated Category-1 by the FAA, with regulatory framework in compliance with international standards.

Aruba is an OECD white-listed tax-efficient offshore jurisdiction with an outstanding reputation that offers flexibility and value adding services; enhanced through the introduction of the Cape Town Convention and the registration of an aircraft through the election of domicile.

Innovation continues in Aruba as we develop and grow our client services, offering the utmost qualified registration, certification, and inspection team; efficiently managing all the details involved when registering your private, corporate, and commercial aircraft.

With a dedicated and experienced staff, our management and technical personnel are available 24/7 to offer personalized and effective service to meet all operational needs from day one.

Our top priority is providing excellence in service and creating long lasting relationships with our customers. We pride ourselves in offering unrivaled boutique-appeal solutions preserving Air Safety First.

The Republic of San Marino is an enclaved sovereign microstate located in the north-eastern part of the Italian peninsula. The Aircraft Registry is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is a Signatory to the Chicago Convention since 1988, complying with international standards in providing safety oversight of its registered aircraft with prefix ‘T7’.

Aircraft Registry welcomes foreign aircraft and helicopter owners operating private, corporate or commercially.

An organisation or enterprise that wishes to operate an aircraft for the purpose of Commercial Air Transport must obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the CAA and have their principal place of business in San Marino.

Subsequently, the CAA has certified seven (7) Air Operator Certificates (AOCs). Alternately, applicants can choose to operate commercially under a foreign AOC utilising an ICAO Article 83bis agreement. Today, the CAA has signed an ICAO Article 83bis agreement with the Republic of Lebanon, Kingdom Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

Satcom Direct (SD) provides global connectivity solutions for business and general aviation, military, government, and heads of state aircraft, as well as operations in areas with connectivity limitations such as remote locations, large scale events, and disaster recovery. SD is a technology innovator. Since 1997, its teams have worked to advance the technology of connectivity, making SD the first in the marketplace to deliver numerous advancements and capabilities. The company is a premier Inmarsat Distribution Partner (including Jet ConneX), Iridium Service Partner, ViaSat Yonder’s preferred reseller, and the Exclusive Service Provider for SmartSky Networks.

Vedder Price and our 300-plus lawyers serve a global client base from offices in Chicago, New York, Washington, DC, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Singapore.

Vedder Price enjoys a strong worldwide reputation for legal services related to global transportation finance. We serve a broad base of clients across all transportation sectors, including the aviation, aerospace, railroad and marine industries, and are positioned to serve both US-based and international clients who execute deals under New York and English law.

You can expect to work with creative, experienced attorneys who have both deep practical experience and broad transportation industry perspectives – insight that can support you in matters ranging from simple to highly complex.

With one of the largest and most experienced Business Aircraft Finance practices in the world, Vedder Price is able to provide counsel in all aspects of business aircraft financing transactions, particularly large jet aircraft but also small jets, turboprop aircraft and helicopters.

Sponsors

ACJ creates the world’s most rewarding flying experiences with customers by providing them with unique expertise, the finest service, best technology and highest standards of care in corporate aviation.

All Airbus corporate jets come from the most modern aircraft family on the market. Derived from Airbus’ successful market-leading jetliners, ACJ customers will invariably be close to Airbus’ global support network and, wherever in the world they choose to fly their aircraft, they will be supported around the world, around the clock.

The ACJ family gives customers the greatest choice of wide and spacious cabins, presenting inspiring and infinite possibilities in creating unique spaces that offer the best comfort and functions. Those customers who want even greater space to carry even more passengers can opt for one of ACJ’s family of VIP widebodies that also deliver “non-stop to the world” range.

Avsurance is a single-source access point to a variety of aviation risk management solutions. A subsidiary of Avfuel Corporation, Avsurance is focused exclusively on the aviation industry. We put our industry expertise and skills to work to provide aviation customers of all varieties with the most informed quotes. Avsurance works with the most experienced aviation underwriters and well-established financial institutions to seamlessly support our clients. Our customized insurance packages are regularly reviewed to ensure that coverage is comprehensive and relevant.

Avsurance clients include but are not limited to fixed base operators, commercial flight departments, scheduled carriers, flight schools, regional airlines, freight/cargo haulers, airports, aviation products manufacturers, helicopter operators, and more.

The Civil Aviation Authority is the statutory body responsible for aviation regulatory (technical/safety and economic) oversight throughout the Cayman Islands and for aircraft registered in the Cayman Islands. The CAACI has full designation for safety oversight as a UK Overseas Territory. In addition, the Cayman Islands is classified as Category 1 by the USA Federal Aviation Administration under their “International Aviation Safety Assessments” programme that evaluates a country’s civil aviation authority’s ability to effectively regulate its aviation industry. This rating enables commercial air transport operators registered in Cayman to conduct international air transport operations, i.e., Cayman Airways, Ltd. The requirement for such rating lies with the CAACI being assessed as having technically qualified and appropriate administrative staff to effectively oversee the aviation industry in accordance with established standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Every 10 seconds an Embraer-manufactured aircraft takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Since its inception nearly 50 years ago, Embraer has boldly and consistently revolutionized the commercial, defense, agricultural and business aviation segments – and now, as one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, Embraer also boasts the broadest portfolio of business jets in the market. Our beautifully designed, brilliantly engineered aircraft continuously blaze new trails, and when it comes to delivering the ultimate in value and customer experience, Embraer is in a class by itself. We take on our customers’ challenges and apply fresh, innovative perspectives to create solutions that enable our clients to outperform. That’s Embraer’s mission, and that’s what truly makes all the difference.

Our world-class lineup of extraordinary business aircraft includes the entry-level Phenom 100, the trailblazing Phenom 300 light jet, the revolutionary Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 medium-cabin jets, the large Legacy 650E and the ultra-large Lineage 1000E. Embraer’s global business jet fleet exceeds 1,100 aircraft, which are in operation in more than 70 countries  all supported by the world’s No. 1-ranked product support team and more than 70 owned and authorized service centers.

Embraer is a global company headquartered in Brazil with businesses in commercial aviation, defense and security, executive aviation, agricultural aviation and aircraft services and support. Our industrial units, offices, service facilities and parts distribution centers, among other activities, span across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Embraer Executive Jets’ expansive North American campus is located in Melbourne, Florida, and includes an ultramodern Global Customer Center, a 75,000-square-foot Engineering & Technology Center and state-of-the-art production facilities for the Phenom 100, Phenom 300, Legacy 450 and Legacy 500.

ExecuJet is a leading global business aviation organisation offering a diverse range of services including aircraft management for private and commercial registered aircraft, aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance, aircraft completions management and fixed base operations. ExecuJet has operations in six regions – Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. ExecuJet manages 165 business jets worldwide under the most stringent safety standards. Its commercial fleet is operated under the regulatory umbrella of seven regional civil aviation issued air operating certificates (AOCs). ExecuJet has many authorised maintenance facilities throughout four regions, certified to work on most business jets. ExecuJet operates 25 world-class FBO facilities worldwide. ExecuJet is part of the Luxaviation Group.

Gama Aviation Ltd was established in 1983 by Marwan Khalek and Stephen Wright at Fairoaks Airport, initially providing aircraft charter services with one Beech Baron Aircraft.

In 1984 GAL obtained its first AOC and commenced offering business aircraft management services with one aircraft under management in 1988. In 1991 the company commenced working with the Scottish Ambulance Service through Bond Aviation Limited to provide fixed and rotary aircraft. In 1997, GAL acquired Bond Aviation Limited business from Bond Helicopters Group as well as Heathrow Jet Charter, a charter brokerage business. Having established a core platform during the 1990s, GAL focused on expanding its UK aircraft maintenance and service business with the acquisition of Plymouth Executive Aviation in 2001, which provided maintenance capabilities. This was further enhanced by the acquisition of Lees Avionics in 2008, which enabled Gama Group to provide a range of design and installation capabilities.

In 2008 Gama Group acquired Airops Software, a software consultancy and developer of aviation productivity software and PrivatAir Inc (now Gama Aviation LLC), based in Connecticut, USA, which provided Gama Group with a meaningful presence in the United States, the largest business aircraft market in the world. Full FAA maintenance approval was granted in the USA in 2011. The Group opened a number of other bases as part of its international expansion, including in the UAE which offers aircraft management, charter, maintenance and FBO services. Gama Aviation FZ-LLC was awarded an AOC in the UAE in 2010, then in 2014, an AOC in Switzerland was awarded.

Further acquisitions were undertaken in 2011 (trade and assets of Mann Aviation Group Engineering) and 2012 (Ronaldson Airmotive Limited) which expanded Gama Aviation’s engineering and support capabilities. New bases were opened at Sharjah Airport (UAE), Geneva and Hong Kong.

On the 8th December 2014, Gama Aviation announced a merger (technically a reverse takeover) with Hangar 8 Plc, creating a company with an estimated market capitalization of £130 million. The deal is due to complete on 6th January 2015, with Gama Aviation Plc becoming the new listed stock.

Harneys is an international offshore legal and fiduciary services firm with entrepreneurial thinking. Open, progressive and personable, our lawyers are trusted legal advisors to an international client base including all of the world’s top 30 international law firms and 18 of the world’s 20 largest banks and financial institutions, as well as corporates, investment funds and private individuals. Well known for their professionalism and responsiveness, they work alongside leading professional advisors to provide legal, corporate and fiduciary services relating to British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Anguilla and Cyprus law.

Our office network spans 12 countries globally including three locations in Asia, namely Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. Our Asia team offers our full range of services across each of our practice areas: Banking & Finance, Corporate & Commercial, Investment Funds, Private Wealth & Trusts and Litigation & Restructuring. Harneys’ associated corporate and fiduciary services business, Harneys Fiduciary, delivers a full range of corporate administration, funds, trust and compliance services to leading international law firms, corporations and financial institutions, as well as to private clients.

Jetcraft is the leader in international aircraft sales, marketing and ownership strategies, managing and maintaining over 20 regional offices globally. The company’s unparalleled success over more than 50 years in business aviation has earned it a world-class reputation, along with an exceptional customer base, a wide network of connections and one of the largest inventories within the industry.

McAfee & Taft. Located just miles from the Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, the law firm of McAfee & Taft has distinguished itself in the field of aviation law as having one of the largest and most experienced FAA aviation groups in the United States.

McAfee & Taft’s Aviation Group actively represents national and international clients – from individuals to leaders in industry – on a wide spectrum of aviation matters, including aircraft title and registration, The Cape Town Convention and International Registry matters, escrow closings, aircraft ownership issues, import/export matters, closing and post-recordation opinions, and unmanned aircraft systems. The firm also represents clients in the resolution of disputes involving the perfection of ownership rights, chain of title issues, slander of title claims, and the validity of liens placed on the aircraft.

The firm is also one of only four law firms in the United States to be selected for membership in L2B Aviation, an international association of independent law firms that specializes in providing legal advice to the aviation industry.

Metrojet Limited is a business aviation service provider based in Hong Kong with presence throughout Asia Pacific. Established in 1995, Metrojet pioneered business aviation services in Hong Kong and remains one of the most renowned safety and customer-focussed business jet operators and maintenance providers in the region. The company provides all-inclusive aircraft management, maintenance, CAMO, AOG support and aviation consultancy services. As part of the Kadoorie Group and a sister company of The Peninsula Hotels, Metrojet upholds an uncompromised reputation and utmost service is in our nature.

Founded in 1868, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is a leading international law firm that is recognized by Financial Times as one of the most innovative law firms in the world.

Pillsbury’s aviation and private wealth-related practices are consistently named on the pinnacle of their respective legal rankings. Our lawyers have, between them, successfully piloted hundreds of business aviation-related transactions, regulatory and enforcement matters around the world on behalf of financial institutions, investors, ultra high-net worth individuals, and Fortune 500 and other corporations.

Rolls-Royce designs, develops, manufactures and services integrated power systems for use in the air, on land and at sea. We are one of the world’s leading producers of aero engines for large civil aircraft and corporate jets. We are the second largest provider of defense aero engines and services in the world. For land and sea markets, reciprocating engines and systems from Rolls-Royce are in marine, distributed energy, oil & gas, rail and off-highway vehicle applications. In nuclear, we have a strong instrumentation, product and service capability in both civil power and submarine propulsion.

Flying above and beyond
TAG Aviation leads the world in providing award-winning business and private aircraft solutions. With operational bases in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, we have the reach, experience and expertise to manage, maintain and charter aircraft across the globe, providing our clients with an unmatched service, the world over.

Swiss precision for almost half a century
Founded in Switzerland, we have over 45 years of operational excellence to call upon, offering one of the most comprehensive sets of client-focused and technical services. This incorporates Aircraft Management, Charter Solutions, Maintenance Services, FBO Handling, Pilot and Crew Training.
TAG’s objective is to provide a tailored service to each client. In meeting your unique requirements we go above and beyond, setting the global standard in business aviation with a philosophy of excellence.