Briefing: November 2019

Redbird closed its Skyport FBO at San Marcos Regional Airport in Texas citing poor financial performance. In its eight years of operation, the Skyport has never made a dime. Not even a profitable quarter, Redbird founder Jerry Gregoire wrote in a blog post. Had it not been for Redbird Flight Simulators explosive growth and profitability over those years, the Skyport might have found itself in deep trouble very early on. Gregoire said the company miscalculated some fundamentals in building the FBO in 2011, including its location. It was, however, well received by users. It won ACE and STAR awards for best FBO at an airport with less than 4000 annual arrivals in 2018. Employees were offered jobs with the simulator company.

Editorial Staff

Monday, October 28, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Redbird closed its Skyport FBO at San Marcos Regional Airport due to poor financial performance over its eight years of operation.
Airbus forecasts robust global aviation growth of 4.3% annually for the next 20 years, necessitating over 550,000 new pilots and 640,000 technicians.
The Cessna Citation business jet family marks 50 years since its first flight, having sold 7,500 aircraft and significantly shaping business aviation.
AOPA members largely oppose a proposed FAA Airworthiness Directive to replace fuel selectors on older Piper Cherokees and Archers, citing their long safety record.

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Redbird Closes FBO

Redbird closed its Skyport FBO at San Marcos Regional Airport in Texas citing poor financial performance. “In its eight years of operation, the Skyport has never made a dime. Not even a profitable quarter,” Redbird founder Jerry Gregoire wrote in a blog post. “Had it not been for Redbird Flight Simulator’s explosive growth and profitability over those years, the Skyport might have found itself in deep trouble very early on.” Gregoire said the company miscalculated some fundamentals in building the FBO in 2011, including its location. It was, however, well received by users. It won ACE and STAR awards for best FBO at an airport with less than 4000 annual arrivals in 2018. Employees were offered jobs with the simulator company.

Aviation Growth Continues

A report from Airbus says more than 550,000 pilots and 640,000 technicians will be needed to populate a rapidly expanding worldwide aviation industry that is expected to top 4.3 percent in annual growth over the next 20 years. To keep the industry flying, a total of almost 40,000 new aircraft will be needed in that period, 25,000 to cover the growth and 15,000 to replace aging and outdated airframes. “The 4 percent annual growth reflects the resilient nature of aviation, weathering short-term economic shocks and geopolitical disturbances,” said Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International Christian Scherer. “Economies thrive on air transportation. People and goods want to connect.”