‘LUCKY’ JORGE COLINDRES BUILDS HIS EMPIRE
THE AMOUNT OF luck involved in how Sir Jorge Colindres Marinakis ended up launching the Registry of Aruba and the San Marino Aircraft Registry is ridiculous. It would make a good film. But behind the scenes there was also an incredible amount of work. And a crazy amount of travel.
There are lots of times where there are two sides to Jorge (our editorial team has broken our normal convention and used his first name for the cover story) and his team. He is an extrovert who loves spending time with people, but he is also happy drilling down on complicated issues like re-engineering aircraft.
Jorge loves the finer things in life (his parents dubbed him a playboy), but he will also have the same simple meal for months at a time. Much of what his companies do is very serious – and his inspectors treat their roles in this way – but the company is famous for its parties. When some of our team visited the Registry of Aruba in November, the office was decorated for the staff Halloween party.
Aviation Registry Group is now working on Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory. One advantage of Jorge’s business is that it helps everyone in aviation to improve their geography and history. Did you know that President Abraham Lincoln was given honorary citizenship of San Marino or that all the Divi Divi and Fofoti trees in Aruba always point southwest because of the trade winds?
CJI Magazine always promises People, Passion and Planes and Jorge ticks all these boxes. Other features in this issue that fit these criteria include a moving look at Corporate Angel Network (CAN). CAN announced its 70,000th patient flight in 2025.
We have aircraft managers explaining their biggest headaches – in this case: planes, people and problems. There’s also our annual guide to connectivity and other features looking at air ambulances, cyber security, Malta, aircraft finance and engine maintenance programmes.
By the time you read this, 2026 will be well advanced. But the conference reports at the back are a reminder of what a fantastic end to 2025 we had with many of you. CJI Miami was the biggest ever and it was amazing to see so many people in Riyadh.
We hope you have a fantastic 2026 and wish you Jorge’s luck.
LOUISA WHYTE, Publisher
Front cover main image courtesy of Aviation Registry Group
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May 2026
Helicopter Investor London
June 15th-17th, 2026
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June 2026
CJI Asia
September 2026
Singapore
SAF Investor New York
September 2026
CJI Miami
November 16th-18th, 2026 Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Superyacht Investor Miami
November 16th, 2026 Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Aircraft Investor Miami
November 16th, 2026 Fontainebleau Miami Beach
CJI Saudi Arabia
December 2026
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Contents
EVERY ISSUE
Life in six questions: Julie Black, Hunt & Palmer – From her first job at London City Airport, Black was hooked on aviation. Here’s why she remains confident about the prospects for charter.
AIRCRAFT
Aircraft management: Making the migraines go away – Management companies are in the problem-solving business. We probe their biggest headaches and seek some of the remedies.
Jet Data: All the data you need to know – Plus an update on recent FAA business jet approvals and first customer deliveries.
UP FRONT
The H1 Question: What future for pre-owned jet sales? Will the pace of sales seen in the fourth quarter of 2025 continue far into this year? Five leading brokers share their views.
Record breaking: Bizav’s best ever year – During 2025 WINGX tracked a record breaking 5.491m flights worldwide.
COVER STORY
Aircraft registries: The quest for growth – Jorge Colindres is on a mission to grow his registration empire. First, Aruba then San Marino and soon Gibraltar – with space the final frontier.
FEATURES
Engine maintenance: Programming benefits – As new tech makes unscheduled maintenance for engines and airframes less likely, are hourly maintenance programmes still worthwhile?
Jet finance: How to finance a bizjet jet – What factors to consider when planning your next business aircraft purchase.
Country profile: Malta – Nestling in the central Mediterranean, the island of Malta is becoming a powerhouse for business aviation.
Malta makes its mark: Aviation in the climb – How the Mediterranean island is becoming a powerhouse for growth.
CJI Survey: Connectivity – Principals and professionals have their say about in-flight services in our latest research conducted in partnership with Viasat.
The Big Interview: Gogo, Galileo – After buying Satcom Direct, CEO Chris Moore pledges to take the fight to Starlink.
Private Flight: Richard Pryor Interview – How Private Flight redefined VIP in-flight catering.
Air ambulances: Active ageing, active fleets – Operators are flying more often as the industry responds to rising demand.
Cyber security: How cyber secure is your jet? Experts urge owners and operators to mitigate risks in cockpits and cabins.
Out of Office: Liquid assets – Robert Walters, of London Biggin Hill Airport, shares his passion for racing and family time in sailing yachts.
Corporate Angel Network: Spreads its wings – With the aim of recruiting more flight departments to offer free transport to cancer patients.
EVENTS
Three flagship CJI events last year drew hundreds of visitors for news, views and a wealth of networking opportunities:
Report: CJI Asia 2025
Report: CJI Miami 2025
Report: CJI Saudi Arabia 2025
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Corporate Jet Investor magazine is a long-form print and digital publication read by more than 23,000 dealmakers and decision-makers; people who buy, sell, operate, maintain, finance and advise on aircraft sales. We aim to always be insightful, international and independent – and occasionally we are a little irreverent. If you would like to be added to the distribution list please click here.
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The Landmark London
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