BusinessJet News and Notes March 14, 2017

I know, I know … The featured image is not the newest aircraft anymore … I just thought it was nice picture of an older aircraft. Here is your picture of a newer aircraft …
Dassault Says Bizav Recovery Is Deferred to 2018
Dassault Aviation has always been candid in its market assessments, and does not envision a meaningful recovery in the business aviation market until 2018. Announcing annual results at a Paris press conference on Wednesday, the French manufacturer acknowledged continued downward pressure on aircraft prices. Continue Reading at AINonline.com
Third PC-24 Prototype Makes First Flight
Pilatus has announced the first flight of its third prototype PC-24 twinjet. The March 6 maiden voyage of “series-conforming” aircraft P03, registered HB-VSA, lasted two hours and five minutes, taking off from Buochs Airport in Switzerland. P03, the last prototype, joins its two siblings in the flight-test program, which began in May 2015 when P01 first flew. Certification is expected in the fourth quarter.
Capable of taking off and landing on short runways and unimproved strips, Pilatus says the PC-24 will combine the versatility of a turboprop with the cabin size of a medium-light jet. Its design boasts a cargo door as standard — a first for a business jet — and six color themes created in partnership with BMW Designworks.
February N. America Business Aviation Traffic Gets Boost
Business aircraft traffic in North America rose 1.3% in February, which was one day shorter than the same month a year ago.