The Duncan Download Blog: Business Aviation Advice & Observations

Contributed by Christopher Kingley, Founder and CEO, Roundscapes, Inc.

My team and I spend most of our time in the digital media world designing websites, creating online interactive environments and virtual video tours for a wide range of clients including some of the most beautiful golf courses and architecture in the United States. But for the last two years, Duncan Aviation opened our eyes to the world of business aviation.

With unprecedented access, we’ve been witness to their ideals in action filming every angle and discovering firsthand why they are a world leader in business aviation in terms of quality, customer service and technical expertise. We can say without hesitation that every Duncan Aviation team member is an expert in their field and dedicated to nothing short of perfection. Customer after customer that we’ve interviewed all ended up saying essentially the same thing: I trust Duncan Aviation with everything.

At the end of these two years it is abundantly clear to us that Duncan Aviation is the very best at everything they do and are constantly striving to elevate their overall quality and customer service beyond all expectations.

When Duncan Aviation asked me to be a guest blogger and write a post introducing their new corporate video, I felt honored to be given such an opportunity. It speaks volumes about them as a company to invite an industry outsider to help launch such an important message.

We’re so excited to launch the domestic Duncan Aviation video to show others what we’ve learned and share this experience with the world.

Contributed by Lori Johnson, Manager Marketing Communications

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the unofficial kick-off of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual convention—Honeywell’s Media Briefing and Dinner.

Held at Atlanta’s historic Georgian Terrace Hotel, site of the World Premier Reception of Gone with the Wind, the briefing included an overview of Honeywell’s Business Aviation Forecast and discussion of new products, product enhancements and new and future technologies. One of the speakers was Duncan Aviation’s John Slieter, Vice President of Completions and Modifications Sales.

More than 60 editors and reporters from business aviation industry trade publications and major news organizations with business aviation interests attended to hear an upbeat message. It has been a rough two years, Rob Wilson, President of Honeywell and Business Aviation said, but the industry is now moving in the right direction. Companies like Honeywell and Duncan Aviation would not be investing so heavily in the future if we did not believe the industry’s future looks encouraging.

Following are some of the highlights:

Honeywell initiated work on green engine technologies in the 1990s and today continues to mature technologies that will improve operational performance in fuel burn, gaseous emissions, noise emissions, and compatibility with new generation biofuels.

Honeywell is launching a new low emissions combustion system based on its SABER low emissions technology.

Honeywell is also working on Green Jet Fuel, which meets or exceeds all specifications for flight, is made from non-food and sustainable sources and reduces greenhouse emissions 65 to 80% over petroleum-based fuels.

Duncan Aviation revealed that one in five of its customers is based outside the United States and that it continues to look at ways to grow its international reach and support.

Duncan Aviation confirmed that connectivity in the cabin is HOT, especially for the larger business airframes. So far in 2010, Duncan Aviation has installed 10 HSD Honeywell HD-710 systems with two more scheduled for 4^th quarter installation.

Duncan Aviation has partnered with Honeywell and holds the first WAAS/LPV upgrade certification of Honeywell’s popular NZ-2000 FMSA. The initial STC was developed on a Bombardier Challenger 601-3A. We are also looking forward to our next NZ-2000 WAAS/LPV installation, this one on a Falcon 900 in November.

As the economic recovery progresses, we are seeing an increase in fleet utilization as U.S. and European flight activity grows and the late-model used jet inventory trends lower.

Honeywell forecasts that 11,000 new business aircraft will deliver in the decade 2010-2020.

Visit Duncan Aviation's NBAA pages online at www.DuncanAviation.aero/nbaa.