Talon Air expands service with Falcon 2000 jet

Talon Air has expanded its fleet and geographic footprint with the addition of a Scottsdale, Ariz., based Falcon 2000 jet. The new Falcon becomes Talon's 41st managed aircraft and the fifth addition to the Talon fleet since mid-April.

Several aircraft in the Talon fleet already have floating bases, but the Falcon 2000 "is ideally positioned for our frequent charters from the Phoenix area, Las Vegas, the Los Angeles metropolitan area and beyond,” said Talon CEO James Chitty.

The Falcon 2000 offers high-speed WIFI, plush leather seating for ten and transcontinental and intercontinental range.  Passengers will be served by an experienced cabin attendant.

This latest addition to the Talon fleet will be the first of several West Coast-based aircraft in the coming months.

Talon Air, LLC is one of the world's leading full service private aviation companies specializing in private jet charters, aircraft management, and aircraft maintenance. Talon Air manages and operates a diverse fleet of 41 aircraft, including Gulfstream, Bombardier, Falcon and Hawker products such as the Gulfstream G550, Falcon 2000, Challenger 604 and 300, Hawker 4000, 900XP, 850XP and 800XP.

FBI plans to lease 'ultra-long-range aircraft' to support counterterrorism operations

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) requires an ultra-long-range aircraft to provide a rapid response to transport Department of Justice (DOJ) personnel world-wide in support of counterterrorism and other sensitive investigations. The FBI announced the requirement in contract documents released last month. In addition, the aircraft will provide transportation support for the FBI’s Director and Department of Justice’s Attorney General.

“The proposed aircraft shall be delivered with all required modifications to assume the FBI mission by Aug. 20,” the agency said in contract documents. Currently, all FBI aircrew maintain a Gulfstream 5 type rating and flight training currency through Flight Safety International. The aircraft shall have the standard package as equipped by the manufacturer for a Gulfstream G-550 or Gulfstream G-650. The FBI anticipate flying 500 hours per year.

The aircraft can be either new or pre-owned (manufactured no earlier than 2012), and equipped with new or pre-owned engines manufactured no earlier than 2012. The aircraft must be able to transport no less than 14, and up to 19, passengers with a range of 6,750 nautical miles at Mach 0.80 or greater.

“It is preferred, but not required, that the G-550 or G650 have the military’s C-37B communications system installed at the time the aircraft is delivered to the FBI to begin the lease term,” the FBI said. In addition, the FBI will provide an Iridium antenna compatible with an Iridium Portable Telephone if such antenna is not already installed.

Companies that can meet the aircraft requirement must submit a proposal to the FBI no later than May 29.