The AEROAFFAIRES glossary brings together over 120 key definitions of private and business aviation. An exhaustive reference for managers, assistants and professionals, enriched with concrete, operational examples.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T V W

A

What does ACJ stand for?

Airbus Corporate Jet: business versions of Airbus aircraft with customized layouts, long range, cabins configured to specifications (meeting room, suite, rest area).

What is ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance)?

Rental contract including aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. Used to absorb peak demand or fleet unavailability. Invoiced by the flight hour and associated variable costs.

What is a business airport?

Secondary airport or dedicated area reserved for private jets, with FBO terminals and accelerated formalities. Example: Paris-Le Bourget.

What is the AOC (Air Operator Certificate)?

Air Operator Certificate issued by the authority (EASA, DGAC, FOCA) authorizing the commercial operation of aircraft. AEROAFFAIRES only works with operators holding an AOC.

What is an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit)?

An auxiliary turbine used on the ground to supply electricity and air conditioning without starting the main engines, thus reducing noise and fuel consumption.

B

What is Block Time?

Invoiced time including taxi, flight and landing. Example: Paris-Geneva may show 1 h flight time, but 1 h 20 block time.

What is an airline broker?

An intermediary who selects and negotiates aircraft with AOC operators on behalf of a customer. The broker does not own the aircraft.

What does BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) stand for?

Business version of Boeing aircraft (mainly derived from the 737), with customized cabins and intercontinental range.

C

What is cabotage?

Transport of passengers between two cities in the same country by a foreign airline. Highly regulated in Europe and the United States, with specific authorizations.

What is cabin layout?

Cabin layout (seats, beds, work areas). For example, a Falcon 2000 is available with 8 or 10 seats.

What is cargo hold?

Space dedicated to baggage. Its capacity varies greatly according to the aircraft: a Citation CJ2 limits long objects, a Falcon 7X accepts bulky equipment.

What is charter?

Occasional rental of a private aircraft with crew for a specific mission. Example: Paris-Cannes for 6 passengers in a Citation XLS.

D

What is a deadhead flight?

Flight of an aircraft or crew without passengers. Can generate empty legs at reduced fares.

What is a dry lease?

Leasing an aircraft without crew, maintenance or insurance. Chosen by operators who already have qualified crews.

What is aircraft depreciation?

Decrease in value due to age, cycles, technical condition and market conditions.

E

What is EASA?

European Aviation Safety Agency. Sets certification and operating standards.

What is an empty leg?

Repositioning segment without passengers, often offered with up to 75% discount, but with little time flexibility.

What is EBACE?

Geneva’s annual business aviation show, a major meeting place for operators and suppliers.

What does executive jet mean?

Synonymous with private jet, often aimed at senior management and UHNWIs.

F

What does the FAA do?

American civil aviation regulatory authority (certification, air navigation, safety).

What is an FBO?

Dedicated private terminal: discreet welcome, lounges, catering, simplified formalities.

What is the Falcon 2000?

Dassault Aviation business jet, 8 to 10 passengers, range of around 7,000 km, widely used in Europe.

What is a fuel surcharge?

A surcharge applied when the price of kerosene exceeds a specified threshold.

G

What is the Global 7500?

Bombardier long-haul aircraft. Up to 19 passengers, record range of around 14,000 km.

What is ground handling?

Ground services: refuelling, baggage loading, crew and passenger assistance.

H

What does ground handling mean?

Technical and assistance services provided to the aircraft during a stopover: fuel, cleaning, pushback, de-icing.

What is a helipad?

An area dedicated to helicopter take-offs and landings. Example: Monaco Heliport.

I

What does IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) mean?

Instrument flight rules, used by the majority of private jet flights.

What is ICAO?

International Civil Aviation Organization, part of the UN, which sets worldwide standards.

J

What is a business jet?

Aircraft designed for private transport of 4 to 19 passengers, available for charter.

K

What is Jet A1 kerosene?

Standard fuel for civil jets.

L

What is a Light Jet?

Jets for 5 to 8 passengers, range 3 to 4 hours. Example: Citation CJ2.

What is a Long Range Jet?

Intercontinental jets (e.g. Gulfstream G650), range over 10,000 km.

M

What does MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight) mean?

Maximum authorized take-off weight. Impacts payload and range.

What is a Midsize Jet?

Jets with 7 to 9 passengers, with a range of around 5 hours. Example: Hawker 900XP.

N

What is noise abatement?

Noise abatement procedures for take-off and landing, especially in urban environments.

O

Who is the air operator?

A company holding an AOC, responsible for crews, maintenance and compliance.

P

What does payload mean?

Combined weight of passengers, baggage and freight carried by the aircraft.

What is a private jet?

Generic term for any aircraft chartered exclusively by a customer.

R

What does range mean?

Maximum distance covered non-stop. Example: the Falcon 8X flies non-stop from Paris to Hong Kong.

What is a repositioning flight?

Flight enabling the aircraft to return to the customer’s mission departure airport.

S

What is an ATC slot?

Landing or takeoff slot allocated by the airport. Indispensable during peak periods (e.g. Cannes Film Festival at LBG).

What is aerial spectrometry?

Helicopter-borne technique for measuring radiation or mapping mining areas.

What is a Super Light / Super Midsize / Super Large Jet?

Intermediate or higher categories in terms of capacity and autonomy. Examples: Phenom 300 (SLJ), Praetor 600 (SMJ), Falcon 8X (SLJ in the “large” sense).

T

What is cab time?

Taxiing time before takeoff and after landing. Included in block time.

What is a private terminal?

Space reserved for private jet passengers, distinct from commercial terminals.

What is a TAF?

Standardized airport weather forecast used for flight planning.

V

What does VLJ (Very Light Jet) stand for?

Very light jets carrying around 4 passengers, with a range of 2 to 3 hours. Example: Eclipse 500.

What is a VIP Airliner?

Airliner converted for VIP use, type ACJ/BBJ.

W

What is a wet lease?

Rental with aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance provided by the operator.

What does widebody mean?

Widebody aircraft (e.g. BBJ/ACJ) offering large cabin volumes.

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This glossary is designed to be a living tool. We update it regularly to incorporate regulatory, technical and practical developments in business aviation.
Whether you’re preparing a private jet flight, in charge of a group mission or simply curious to better understand the behind-the-scenes aspects of the sector, you’ll find clear, practical answers.
Our AEROAFFAIRES team is available 24/7 to answer any specific questions you may have or to organize a flight.