State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Oklahoma Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Dawn Aerospace Facility at Infinity One Spaceport
Oklahoma took another major step toward becoming a national hub for commercial spaceflight Tuesday as the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), and state leaders joined Dawn Aerospace to break ground on a new mission control facility and spaceplane hangar at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat. […]
HyLight Raises €13M as Autonomous Airships Start Replacing Helicopters on Europe’s Critical Infrastructure
HyLight has raised €13 million from Rubio Impact Ventures, DRW and Teampact Ventures, joined by existing investors Y Combinator and Ring Capital. Founded in 2022, the company has already reached a milestone few industrial startups achieve: designing, building, industrializing and operating its own aircraft in France, while developing the software and artificial intelligence that turn […]
Oregon Department of Aviation Celebrates Completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) joined community leaders, State Aviation Board members, project partners and airport users Thursday, Oct. 1, to celebrate the completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project. The recently completed project included a complete reconstruction of the airport’s runway and apron, the addition of a second taxiway connector, improvements […]
BETA Technologies and Marshall University Showcase Future of Electric Aviation in West Virginia
Marshall University and BETA Technologies (NYSE: BETA), an aerospace and defense company, today brought together university leaders, students and community members to experience the future of electric aviation in West Virginia. The event, hosted by Marshall and BETA at Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), celebrated the activation of […]

State News

Colorado Division of Aeronautics Receives Special Recognition Award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics received a special recognition award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame at a Colorado Aviation Historical Society ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Each year, the Colorado Aviation Historical Society honors individuals and organizations whose vision, service, innovation, and dedication have left a lasting impact on aviation across the state. The CDOT Division of Aeronautics is one of only a select few organizations to receive this prestigious honor. From left are former Directors Dennis Roberts, Travis Vallin, Dave Gordon and current Director David Ulane. Representing the Division at the ceremony were current staff members Shahn Sederberg, Hetty Beatty, and Kip McClain, alongside current Division Director David Ulane and former Directors Dave Gordon, Travis Vallin, and Dennis Roberts. Together, their collective leadership and service represent decades of commitment to elevating Colorado’s multi-billion-dollar aviation system. “Receiving this award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame is an extraordinary honor, and it is a testament to the dedication of our current and former staff, board members, and airport partners across Colorado,” said David Ulane, Director of the CDOT Division of Aeronautics. “This recognition reflects decades of hard work, visionary planning, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing safety, efficiency, and opportunity in Colorado aviation.” Since its creation in 1991, the Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB) and Division of Aeronautics have spearheaded pioneering programs that have fundamentally transformed aviation safety, operational efficiency, and workforce development throughout the Rocky Mountain region, including: Colorado Discretionary Aviation Grant Program: The cornerstone of the Division’s mission, this state grant program has administered critical funding for airport infrastructure projects statewide for over 35 years. Powered by an innovative and unique state aviation fuel tax structure, the program has directly supported local airports while leveraging billions of dollars in matching Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant funds. Wide Area Multilateration (WAM): A groundbreaking technology implementation that vastly improved radar coverage and air traffic operations in Colorado’s challenging high country and mountain airport environments. Colorado Mountain AWOS & Weather Camera Program: A vital network of Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) installed on high mountain peaks and mountain airports. Enhanced with FAA weather camera integration, this program provides real-time weather data and visual weather information crucial for mountain flying safety. Colorado Surplus Airport Equipment Program: Operated in partnership with Denver International Airport and other Colorado airports, this initiative repurposes essential airport equipment—such as runway snowplows, sweepers, and tractors—and transfers them to smaller regional airports, saving local communities millions of dollars while maintaining year-round operational readiness. Colorado Airport Management Internship Program: A dedicated workforce development initiative providing grant funding to sponsor student internships, launching hundreds of successful careers in airport management across Colorado and the nation. These pioneering achievements represent only a fraction of the Division’s contributions over the past three decades. Through strategic funding, technological leadership, and collaborative partnerships, the CDOT Division of Aeronautics continues to ensure Colorado remains a leader in aviation safety, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Ontario International Airport on Pace for 7 Million Passengers in 2026

Ontario International Airport (ONT) welcomed almost 5.3 million passengers over the first nine months of 2026 and remains on pace for 7 million passengers over the full year. This represents a more than 65% increase in passenger volumes since 2016 when the airport transitioned to local control. The Southern California aviation gateway reported more than 5,274,000 travelers from January through September 2026, essentially even with prior year. International passenger volumes were up nearly 28% from the year before. “While passenger volumes declined 2.8% in September, our overall performance remains strong, with nearly 5.3 million travelers through the first nine months of the year and international traffic growing by almost 28%,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Airlines continue to adjust capacity in response to higher operating costs, and ONT is not immune to those industry pressures. However, the strength of our market and the progress we’ve made over the past decade give us every reason to remain confident. As we approach ten years of local control, our focus remains on expanding air service, enhancing the passenger experience and positioning ONT for continued growth.” Ontario International saw more than 582,000 passengers in September, a slight decrease of 2.8% compared with the same month in 2025. International passenger volume grew by 5.4% to nearly 47,000. The decrease in September volume is in line with a small reduction in available seats offered by airlines at ONT as they manage higher fuel costs. Passenger Totals Sep 2026 Sep 2025Change YTD 2026 YTD 2025ChangeDomestic535,481554,651-3.5%4,771,7824,885,308-2.3%International46,83444,4355.4%502,786393,03527.9%Total582,315599,086-2.8%5,274,5685,278,343-0.1% Air carriers with the greatest passenger shares in September were: Southwest Airlines (36.5%) American Airlines (12.4%) Frontier Airlines (10.9%) United Airlines (10.9%) Alaska Airlines (9.8%) Meanwhile, cargo shipments totaled more than 649,000 tons over the first nine months of 2026, a 7.3% increase over the same period in 2025. Cargo volume in September rose to more than 74,000 tons, a 13.2% increase over September last year. Commercial freight volume increased by 16.9% to more than 64,000 tons and shipments of mail declined by 6.5% to 9,700 tons. Air cargo (tonnage)Sep 2026Sep 2025ChangeYTD 2026YTD 2025ChangeFreight64,48555,14316.9%558,195507,03110.1%Mail9,76710,443-6.5%90,83898,064-7.4%Total74,25165,58713.2%649,034605,0957.3% Ontario International has outperformed air cargo hubs worldwide in 2026, which experienced more modest increases of 3% in September and 9% for the year-to-date.

National News

NBAA Awards 2026 Cartwright Scholarship

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced Morgan Cooper as the 2026 winner of the Jake Cartwright Leadership Scholarship. Cooper is a customer success manager and FBO consultant in Mesa, AZ. This scholarship was created to support candidates in the association’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program and is underwritten by Solairus Aviation. It funds a CAM candidate, paying for all certification costs, including application fees, study guides and the exam registration fee. The scholarship is named in honor of Solarius Vice Chairman Jake Cartwright. The highly respected industry veteran has played a pivotal role in growing the company’s domestic and international business. A former commercial pilot and Marine Corps aviator who served in Vietnam, Cartwright previously was president and CEO of TAG Aviation USA. Launched in 2003, the CAM program is considered the gold standard in industry-sponsored aviation management certification programs. The CAM program was accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies in 2013, becoming the first program in the aviation industry to receive this recognition. Learn more about the CAM program. NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees and would not be possible without the generous financial support of NBAA member donors. Learn more about NBAA’s scholarships.
NBAA to Salute Doug Carr’s Legacy of Service with Pillar of the Association Award

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will bestow its prestigious Pillar of the Association Award to longtime NBAA executive team member Doug Carr, in recognition of his career-long accomplishments on behalf of the association and its members. The award will be presented during the kickoff of the Military Connect program at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. Carr has served the nation with distinction as a six-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. Having most recently served NBAA as senior vice president for safety, security, sustainability and international operations, Carr retired in August after 28 years with the association. His work helped strengthen business aviation safety, preserve access to airspace and airports, and support operators flying internationally. “Doug’s work is woven into the fabric of NBAA,” said NBAA Interim Chief Operating Officer Dan Hubbard. “Whenever our members faced a security challenge, questions about compliance with a complex safety rule or a barrier to international operations, Doug brought the expertise and persistence needed to find a workable path forward. This award recognizes the lasting difference he has made for NBAA and the people it serves.” Carr joined NBAA in 1998 as manager of domestic operations. His responsibilities grew through roles in safety, government affairs and regulatory and international affairs, becoming a leading voice for business aviation in discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and aviation authorities abroad. He contributed to FAA work on flight and rest requirements, led the agency’s Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment aviation rulemaking committee and helped develop the U.S. regulatory framework for fractional aircraft ownership. Carr also led development of safety management system (SMS) standards for business aviation and helped establish the International Standards for Business Aircraft Operations or IS-BAO. Following 9/11, he helped establish NBAA’s Security Council and devised the security program that restored business aviation access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carr worked with the FAA to address restrictions affecting recurrent training and medical certification. Internationally, Carr represented business aviation interests at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), worked with aviation authorities in Europe and Asia and helped establish CBP’s business aviation preclearance program in Shannon, Ireland. He also served as corporate secretary for the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and as chair of the NGPA. Before joining NBAA, Carr worked in government and industry affairs at the National Air Transportation Association. He holds degrees in aviation management and aviation flight from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is a commercial, multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot and certificated flight instructor. NBAA presents the Pillar of the Association Award to a current or former team member for career-long accomplishments on behalf of NBAA and its members. Formerly the Staff Lifetime Achievement Award, the honor is not presented annually.

International News

VINCI Airports Launches the Transformation of Terminal 2 at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

VINCI Airports has launched a major modernization project for Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The ceremony was held in the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Véronique Sarselli, President of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, Philippe Valentin, President of the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, as well as Rémi Maumon de Longevialle , Chief Executive Officer of VINCI Airports, and Cédric Fechter, Area Director for France at VINCI Airports. This project is part of a strategic investment program of over €380 million planned over seven years, led by the shareholders of Aéroports de Lyon and contingent upon the signing of an economic regulation agreement with the French government by spring 2027. It will sustainably enhance the region’s attractiveness, improve the passenger experience and the airport’s energy efficiency, while also meet the needs of airlines. A terminal designed for the needs of tomorrow The project includes a 9,500 m² extension and the modernization of 12,000 m² of existing spaces, incorporating a next-generation security screening area, similar to the one to be deployed at Terminal 1 for summer 2027, as well as new retail and leisure areas. The bus station will also be expanded to enhance intermodal connections and accommodate more buses, particularly those connecting to the Alps. Terminal 2 is scheduled to open by 2029, ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. A more efficient and sustainable infrastructure Beyond a better passenger experience, the new Terminal 2 will improve the operational performance of the platform with optimized handling of oversized baggage (skis, bicycles, etc.) to meet the growth of mountain traffic in winter and summer, as well as greater flexibility in the use of aircraft parking positions. In line with VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy at Lyon Airport, a major energy-efficiency refurbishment will sustainably reduce its carbon footprint. This project is part of the Lyon airport’s decarbonization trajectory; it was the 6th airport in the world to obtain ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) Level 5 certification, the highest level of the program, attesting to its achievement of net zero carbon emissions from the airport’s direct emissions [1] and its commitment to decarbonizing the entire aviation ecosystem. Preparing for the future of the region This transformation is also a crucial step in preparing for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the natural gateway to the French Alps, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport will play a central role in transporting delegations, spectators, and international tourists. The future Terminal 2 will provide a welcome befitting this global event and will support the region’s tourism and economic development, benefiting the entire area and its local communities. A unifying project supported by all shareholders The laying of this foundation stone illustrates the collective mobilization of Aéroports de Lyon’s public and private shareholders around a shared vision: to equip the region with high-performing, sustainable infrastructure adapted to the needs of the coming decades. This convergence of views between the State, local authorities, the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, VINCI Airports, and its partners Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Crédit Agricole Assurances demonstrates the shared confidence in the airport’s strategic role for connectivity, economic attractiveness, and the region’s international influence. Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, declares said, “At VINCI Airports, we support local communities over the long term by investing in the transformation of the airports we operate and preparing for their future. The future Terminal 2 illustrates this ambition, shared with all our public and private partners: to sustainably strengthen Lyon-Saint Exupéry’s role in serving the connectivity and attractiveness of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is essential that we, together with the government, create the conditions to fully mobilize our investment capacity to continue modernizing the airport and supporting the region’s economic and tourism development.”
Nigerian Business Aviation Conference Returns after 10-Year Hiatus as African Business Aviation Sector Accelerates

The Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) will return in May 2027 after a 10-year hiatus, bringing the aviation industry together at a pivotal time for business and general aviation in Nigeria and across Africa. Segun Demuren, CEO EAN Aviation, speaks at NBAC 2017. Organised by EAN Aviation under the theme One Sky Many Stakeholders, NBAC 2027 will convene industry leaders, operators, regulators & government bodies, finance & leasing providers, OEMs, investors, aircraft owners and other stakeholders from Nigeria, across Africa and the international aviation community. The conference returns as African business aviation experiences unprecedented momentum. According to the WingX Global Market Tracker, Africa was the world’s fastest-growing business aviation region in 2025, with departures increasing by 15%, compared with global growth of 5%. Nigeria sits at the center of that growth. WingX recorded 49,586 business aviation departures from the country between January 2019 and May 2026, representing 19% of the African total. Lagos and Abuja ranked as the continent’s two busiest airports, while 80% of Nigerian activity was domestic – evidence of strong underlying demand. “These figures demonstrate both the strength of Nigerian business aviation and the opportunity ahead,” says Segun Demuren, CEO of EAN Aviation and Chairman, NBAC Steering Committee. “In Nigeria and across Africa, where scheduled services do not always connect commercial centers efficiently, business aviation is essential to mobility, investment and trade. It enables companies, investors and specialist teams to reach the places where they are needed and supports economic activity across the region.” “But demand alone will not create a sustainable industry,” Demuren continues. “Continued growth requires financing, infrastructure, maintenance capacity, skilled personnel, technology and clear, enabling regulation. No single organization or part of the industry can deliver all of that independently. We are bringing NBAC back to unite the people who can turn this momentum into lasting progress.” NBAC 2027 will bring the public and private sectors together to address these priorities and develop practical solutions suited to African operating conditions. For international stakeholders, the conference will provide direct access to one of the continent’s most important business aviation markets, insight into local requirements and opportunities to build credible partnerships in Nigeria and across West Africa. EAN Aviation has organized all four previous editions of NBAC. With more than 15 years of experience across the Nigerian business aviation value chain, the company combines detailed knowledge of the local operating environment with strong regional and international industry relationships.

Unmanned Systems

Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover Urges Leaning into Many Pathways Needed for Deep Space Innovation at Oklahoma Aerospace Forum

More than 400 aerospace executives, military leaders, policymakers, researchers and students gathered yesterday at the ninth annual Oklahoma Aerospace Forum, where NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Capt. Victor J. Glover, Jr., urged attendees to lean into the many pathways driving aerospace and deep-space innovation. Organized by Jones Strategies, this year’s forum focused on strengthening collaboration READ MORE
FAA Funds Drone Research to Support Safe Integration in NAS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced it awarded $12 million to 19 companies for drone research and testing projects that will help safely expand drone operations in the National Airspace System. These awards were made through the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Program. The program funds companies working with FAA-designated UAS READ MORE

Aviation Education

AOPA Foundation Awards More Than $2.2 Million in Scholarships

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced that the AOPA Foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships in 2026—the largest amount in the Foundation’s history—with an average award of $6,500. With support from the Ray Foundation, more than $1.3 million will go to 115 high school students and teachers, who will each READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Holds Grand Opening in Connecticut

Members of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce and Epic Flight Academy staff welcomed local residents and aviation enthusiasts at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Epic’s 12th FAA Part 141 flight school. The event on Saturday, October 17, 2026 was well attended with people touring the school and experiencing the flight simulator. Director READ MORE

Colorado Division of Aeronautics Receives Special Recognition Award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics received a special recognition award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame at a Colorado Aviation Historical Society ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Each year, the Colorado Aviation Historical Society honors individuals and organizations whose vision, service, innovation, and dedication have left a lasting impact […]

NBAA Awards 2026 Cartwright Scholarship

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced Morgan Cooper as the 2026 winner of the Jake Cartwright Leadership Scholarship. Cooper is a customer success manager and FBO consultant in Mesa, AZ. This scholarship was created to support candidates in the association’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program and is underwritten by Solairus Aviation. It funds a […]

Ontario International Airport on Pace for 7 Million Passengers in 2026

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Ontario International Airport (ONT) welcomed almost 5.3 million passengers over the first nine months of 2026 and remains on pace for 7 million passengers over the full year. This represents a more than 65% increase in passenger volumes since 2016 when the airport transitioned to local control. The Southern California aviation gateway reported more than […]

AOPA Foundation Awards More Than $2.2 Million in Scholarships

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced that the AOPA Foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships in 2026—the largest amount in the Foundation’s history—with an average award of $6,500. With support from the Ray Foundation, more than $1.3 million will go to 115 high school students and teachers, who will each […]

Aurora State Airport Master Plan Reflects Years of Community Engagement

October 25, 2026October 25, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) is highlighting the extensive community engagement behind the draft Aurora State Airport Master Plan as the proposal moves toward consideration by the State Aviation Board. The planning record includes 14 public meetings, 467 responses to the initial community survey, 75 responses to an alternatives feedback form, and more than […]

Epic Flight Academy Holds Grand Opening in Connecticut

October 19, 2026October 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

Members of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce and Epic Flight Academy staff welcomed local residents and aviation enthusiasts at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Epic’s 12th FAA Part 141 flight school. The event on Saturday, October 17, 2026 was well attended with people touring the school and experiencing the flight simulator. Director […]

Epic Flight Academy Opens 12th Flight School Campus in Danbury

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Epic Flight Academy, the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S., has opened its 12th flight school campus. It is located in Danbury, Connecticut at the Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR). The school celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Saturday, October 17th. Founder and CEO Danny Perna said, “We appreciate the warm […]

NBAA to Salute Doug Carr’s Legacy of Service with Pillar of the Association Award

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will bestow its prestigious Pillar of the Association Award to longtime NBAA executive team member Doug Carr, in recognition of his career-long accomplishments on behalf of the association and its members. The award will be presented during the kickoff of the Military Connect program at the NBAA Business Aviation […]

VINCI Airports Launches the Transformation of Terminal 2 at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

VINCI Airports has launched a major modernization project for Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The ceremony was held in the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Véronique Sarselli, President of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, Philippe Valentin, President of the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolas […]

Nigerian Business Aviation Conference Returns after 10-Year Hiatus as African Business Aviation Sector Accelerates

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) will return in May 2027 after a 10-year hiatus, bringing the aviation industry together at a pivotal time for business and general aviation in Nigeria and across Africa. Organised by EAN Aviation under the theme One Sky Many Stakeholders, NBAC 2027 will convene industry leaders, operators, regulators & government […]

Oklahoma Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Dawn Aerospace Facility at Infinity One Spaceport

HyLight Raises €13M as Autonomous Airships Start Replacing Helicopters on Europe’s Critical Infrastructure

Oregon Department of Aviation Celebrates Completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project

BETA Technologies and Marshall University Showcase Future of Electric Aviation in West Virginia