Thierry Dubois is a freelance writer specializing in helicopters, business aviation and aerospace technology. He earned a degree in fluid dynamics from an engineering school in Toulouse, France in the mid-1990s. At an unexpected crossroads, he found his first job in journalism. In 1997, he started working for French aerospace weekly Air &amp; Cosmos in Paris. This lasted until 2000, when he moved south to Lyons. He then became a freelancer, working for various aerospace publications and has been part of the AIN team since late 2000. In addition to writing about business aviation, Thierry shares responsibility for the rotorcraft section. He also is a regular on-site writer for AIN’s daily editions at international airshows such as the Paris, Farnborough, Dubai and Singapore shows, as well as at EBACE in Geneva.
In 2007, he won the Honeywell award for “Best systems or technology submission” at the Aerospace journalist of the year awards. In 2013, he won an Aerospace Media Award for the "Best Safety, Training &amp; Simulation Submission."
In other activities, Thierry moderates international conferences on aviation technology topics. Thierry is married and has three children, who seem to begin enjoying the mountains–as their parents do.

Writer

Thierry Dubois

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based charter operator Alpha Star Aviation Services (Booth 3824) has equipped its entire fleet with electronic flight bags (EFBs). The six VIP aircraft include three Airbuses (ACJ318, ACJ319 and ACJ320), one Gulfstream G550, one Hawker 900XP and one ATR 42. The company intends to have its pilots using EFBs–iPads connected to a Rockwell Collins system–during the entire flight in the short term. “Our crews were trained by Lufthansa and FlightSafety,” CEO Salem Al Muzaini added.
Alpha Star also announced that it is adding its A318 to the air operators certificate that it has from Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority. The aircraft will therefore become the first of the type to reach Saudi Part 135 safety standards, the company claimed. Alpha Star’s ACJ318 is fitted with a LiveTV system that receives programs via U.S., European, Arabsat and Nilsat satellites. Airborne Internet connectivity offers speeds of up to 4.5 Mbps.
In 2016, Alpha Star will have Airbus’s Sharklets (winglets) installed on its in-service ACJ320. The retrofit comprises local structural reinforcement of the outer wing, a software upgrade to several flight-control computers and replacement of the existing wingtips by Sharklets. The operator has thus become the first Airbus ACJ320 owner to order the retrofit. Alpha Star expects to save about 4 percent in fuel burn, while also enhancing performance and appearance.
Separately, the Saudi operator has obtained ISO 9001 quality system certification, which comes on top of its implementing the international standard for business aircraft operations (IS-BAO).
In addition to charter flights, Alpha Star, founded in 2010, also offers air ambulance, aircraft management, line maintenance and consultancy services.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Alpha Star Adopts EFBs And Sharklets, Adds ISO 9001 Certification

Saudi VIP charter operator intends to have crews using EFBs on entire flights, on all six aircraft.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Despite erosion in Europe, flying activity rose 3.2% last month

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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