“The 2023 Sustainability Report for Luxaviation Group is not just a reflection of our impact and progress but a roadmap for our future. Our commitment goes beyond regulatory compliance, leading by example and inspiring positive change within and beyond the sector,” said Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation Group.

The company said that it made significant progress on its commitment to sustainability and innovation in aviation.

“In 2023, we made progressive strides in understanding and thereby reducing our environmental impact. Our expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the electrification of our ground vehicles have set new industry benchmarks for eco-friendly practices. These initiatives are part of our broader goal to transparently lead the industry towards a more responsible future,” said the company in its statement.

In an effort to reduce ground emissions, the FBO operator initiated electrification of its FBO GHE. The move will help minimise environmental impact and enhances operational efficiency. Meanwhile, ExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, has already achieved 57% of its 2030 GHE electrification target.

The company also adopted rigorous waste reduction strategies notably aiming to reduce single-use plastic bottles and cans across all ExecuJet FBOs by 60% by 2025, with complete elimination targeted by 2026.

It also shared plans to reinforce its sustainability strategy through multi-stakeholder engagement programme and collaborations with industry stakeholders, including aircraft manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and environmental organisations. Towards this, Luxaviation has partnered with business sustainability ratings provider EcoVadis to improve transparency and drive positive impact across supply chains.

Moreover, Luxaviation has also partnered with sustainability solutions provider Azzera and vertiport developer EVTOL Networks to explore green solutions for aviation. 

Read the full report here.

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The transaction follows on from Luxaviation’s acquisition of Sky Valet earlier this year which added 17 FBOs.

“Our continued expansion in the global FBO market offers a compelling alternative to the major networks, ensuring premium service and comprehensive offerings for operators worldwide. Paragon Aviation Group, with their outstanding FBO services and esteemed industry reputation, enables us to strengthen our commitment to excellence and advance our strategic vision for growth,” said Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation Group.

Hansen created Luxaviation in 2008. He acquired a number of European operators including Germany’s Fairjets, Belgium’s Abelag, Unijet a French operator, London Executive Aviation in the UK, Portugal’s Masterjet, international operator ExecuJet and Starspeed a UK helicopter operator. In 2019 it sold most of the maintenance operations it acquired when it bought ExecuJet to Dassault Aviation.

Paragon Aviation was founded in 2011 and agreed a strategic partnership with Luxaviation in 2011.  

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“This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for Luxaviation Group and our continued expansion in the global FBO market … Together with SkyValet, we continue expanding the reach of the ExecuJet Network and our ambition of sustainability, setting new benchmarks in the industry,” said Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation Group.

Earlier, Luxaviation completed 100% takeover of the Paragon Network.

The group’s president of the FBO division Michel Tohane will overlook integration of Sky Valet into Luxaviation Group with a special focus on the experienced staff of 90 new colleagues. Tohane previously led operations at Sky Valet as its executive vice president before joining Luxaviation in 2021.

Tohane said that beyond the goal to become global leaders in the FBO industry, Luxaviaion is also committed to push the green agenda of the group. Luxaviation recently announced plans to provide sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to its clients at its Paris Le Bourget FBO.

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The FBO will supply a maximum blend of up to 35% SAF with Jet A1 fuel, certified to meet the highest standards. The SAF provided is derived from used cooking oil, a renewable feedstock which is refined through the Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) process.

“As the industry aligns with global environmental goals and the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change, sustainability stands as a cornerstone of Luxaviation Group, paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. We strive to set new standards and inspire others to join us in embracing innovation to enhance corporate social responsibility,” said Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation Group.

The announcement follows the FBO’s recent transition to fully electric ground handling equipment (GHE) in an effort towards sustainable aviation.

The FBO is managed under the ExecuJet brand.

In terms of carbon savings, the FBO operator said that flying from ExecuJet Paris Le Bourget FBO to ExecuJet Johannesburg FBO on a Global 7500 utilising a 35% blend of SAF/Jet A1fuel, customers can reduce their CO2 emissions by approximately 20 tons.

Luxaviation Group already offers its customers the ability to use SAF on flights to cut their flight’s carbon emissions via the Luxaviation App.

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The fund will make investments in new technologies, including Renewable Energy Sustainable Aviation Fuels (e-SAF) to help business achieve net zero carbon emissions goals.

“Throughout the group we are investing every effort to understand and reduce our carbon footprint. At the same time, we support developments in new technologies, driving the reduction of carbon emissions. We are fully conscious of the fact that transporting people in general and flying clients to destinations worldwide in particular requests thorough actions today,” said Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation Group.

The company said that it is extending invitations to other key players in the private aviation sector to join their effort and help the business aviation sector decarbonise.

“The outcomes of COP28 served as a catalyst for our decisive action”, said Hansen. “We are confident that our clients and partners will embrace this move and actively participate in the alliance, helping us achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions faster than anticipated”.

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The aircraft, which has capacity for up to nine passengers and three crew members, will be based at London Biggin Hill Airport. With a range of 4,000 nautical miles, the Praetor 600 will be able to fly from London to New York or Dubai nonstop.

“Demand for super-midsize jets has rapidly increased. The Praetor 600 is an exciting addition to our fleet and we are looking forward to showing this technically advanced aircraft off to our charter customers. “Its location makes it the perfect base to deliver quick flight access for clients based in London and the South East,” said George Galanopoulos, CEO, Luxaviation UK.

“We have refurbished the aircraft and passengers can experience seamless onboard Wi-Fi, touchscreen cabin controls and immersive audio and video streaming, promising unrivalled levels of comfort and inflight entertainment. The aircraft’s extensive range means we can fly our clients to mid- and long-haul destinations without the need to refuel. Fully equipped and ultra-quiet, the Praetor 600 is perfect for those looking to work, relax or travel with family and friends.”

Robert Walters, commercial director, London Biggin Hill Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Praetor 600 to our airport, a valuable addition to Luxaviation’s growing fleet. We look forward to supporting the team with a range of bespoke services, to further enhance the exemplary experiences we provide for our passengers, crew and charter customers.”

Embraer unveiled the Praetor 600 at NBAA in 2018 as the significantly improved version of the popular Legacy 500 aircraft. The Praetor 600 is the largest purpose-built business jet that the Brazilian OEM produces.

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The Luxaviation App will enable clients  to use carbon offset schemes and book empty leg flights at a lower cost on aircraft that would otherwise fly empty. The clients will also have the option to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a means of cutting their flight’s carbon emissions.

According to Pieter Steyn, chief information officer, Luxaviation, the development of the app was a direct response to demand from the business aviation market.

“We have developed this technology in-house so that it is totally customisable to react to the charter demands,” said Steyn. “We are leading the market during an exciting time for business aviation, as advancement in technology allows us to truly understand the behaviours of our customers.”

The new app comes after the launch of the operator’s online platform in September last year, which the firm said has been a key tool ever since. It includes new features such as live chat with Luxaviation charter teams even during flights and draws on the existing features of the online platform, such as booking tracking from confirmation to arrival, as well as access to aircraft’s specifications.

Other business aviation companies are investing more in digital platforms too. Last week, Jetcraft partnered with software provider Bluetail to help brokers protect clients’ aircraft value by digitally storing logbooks and records using its cloud-based platform

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The two companies will exchange expertise in aviation, travel and hospitality services, paving the way for potential further collaborations in future. Luxaviation will support TMG, HAA and other subsidiaries with operational capability, networks and relationships with aviation authorities.

TMG and its subsidiaries will support Luxaviation with IT, digital marketing and flight operations. The deal sets out Luxaviation’s intention to help HAA in selling aircraft block hours through its distribution channels and to support TMG in building relationships with key financial institutions and decision-makers. Luxaviation will also consider using TMG and subsidiaries’ services, given their experience in travel, hospitality, online booking and aviation.

Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation said the agreement underlines the firm’s strategy to work together with local partners to accelerate geographic expansion. “We are impressed by TMG’s extensive experience in the travel and hospitality sector and we are certain that we can continue to grow together in this market,” said Hansen. “TMG’s expertise will be an incredible asset for Luxaviation Group as we intend to develop our global footprint.”

Tran Trong Kien, CEO, Thien Minh Group said the partnership will combine the expertise of the two companies to grow Hai Au Aviation’s offering. “The Thien Minh Group has been working in the travel and hospitality sector for almost three decades and are delighted at the prospect of working with a fellow established group such as Luxaviation,” he said.

Above: Patrick Hansen said: “TMG’s expertise will be an incredible asset for Luxaviation Group ….”.

Top: Tran Trong Kien, Thien Minh Group said the partnership will help to grow Hai Au Aviation’s offering.

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Krüger will take on the role of vice president of Northern Europe and MD of the German Entities, while van der Blom has been appointed as director for Commercial Development of the Northern European region.

The two appointments are part of a strategy to “reinforce activities in the German market by counting on renowned experts well positioned in the ecosystem”, the company said. Luxaviation has been operating aircraft management, charter and sales in Germany since 2011, when it acquired Fairjets which had been active in the region since 2006. Luxaviation retained its management and base in Paderborn, and has bilateral agreements with aviation authorities in Italy, Austria, Sweden, Spain and Denmark.

Krüger comes to the role with more than two decades of experience in business aviation. He co-founded Fairjets before the firm was acquired by Luxaviation.

Van der Blom brings 30 years of experience in commercial aviation across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He previously acted as director of Business Development, Aircraft Operational Management at ExecuJet and was director of Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions Services in Asia for Hawker Pacific.

Its FBOs at Berlin and Munich are high revenue generators, Luxaviation said. The company is refurbishing the current General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg (BER) in order to meet new European Standards in 2023.

“Luxaviation is well established in the German market,” said Krüger. “The strengthening of our teams confirms our commitment to providing global support to our clients and allows us to accentuate our development particularly in Germany, which represents a mature and dynamic aeronautical market and a source of opportunities.”

The company has been building its presence in Europe over the past few years. Last summer, the group added the 2021 Gulfstream G600 to its fleet at London Luton Airport and in May this year it announced the addition of the Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 jet to its fleet in Le Bourget, Paris Airport, France. Six more aircraft were added to its global fleet this autumn, two of which (the Cessna Citation CJ2 and CJ4 Gen 2) were based in Germany and Belgium.

The market in Germany has been cooling slightly this year in comparison with 2021, but figures are still up from 2019 and 2020 figures, according to WingX. In the first four weeks of November this year, there were 398 business jet departures from Munich International Airport, down 0.7% from November 2021 but still up 49.1% from November 2020.

In Berlin Brandenburg Airport there were 394 private jet departures this month so far, down 22.7% from this time last year. But flights were still up 71.3% from November 2020 and 13.9% higher than 2019.

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The role will involve the management of further business development across aircraft management and charter, according to the company.

Benz (pictured), who has been a member of Luxaviation’s board since July, has more than 25 years’ worth of experience as an aeronautical engineer in the aviation industry. Most recently, Benz served as senior vice president of Operations for Jet Aviation, having worked at the company for 11 years.

In his new role, Benz will focus on the sustainability and profitability of Luxaviation, ensuring the company remains customer-focused, efficient and safe.

Benz said he shares Luxaviation’s values of “excellence, reliability, transparency and authenticity”. He added that he will lead the group to “the next stage of growth in a very customer-focused way”.

Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation said: “With 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, Stefan is the ideal candidate to guide and lead our Aviation Services team as a proven leader in the aviation industry.”

He added: “His experience, knowledge and strong global network of OEMs, suppliers, authorities, institutions and business aviation stakeholders around the world, combined with our industry expertise, will be real assets as we continue our growth journey.”

Last month, Luxaviation added six aircraft to its fleet to expand its global footprint. George Galanopoulos, MD and CEO of the company’s UK division, told Corporate Jet Investor that it is an “extraordinary time” to be in the charter sector, with demand “by far” outweighing supply.

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