State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport
The City of Springfield and the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board has announced the appointment of David Schaumburg, AAE, as director of aviation, effective June 28. His salary will be $220,000. “I am very pleased to announce Dave Schaumburg as the next director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” said City Manager David Cameron. “Dave’s […]
Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership
Photo Caption: West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sign a ceremonial agreement launching a new aviation pathway for West Virginia students. West Virginia students will have a direct route to high-demand and high-wage careers through the new Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway developed […]
Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale
As the Federal Aviation Administration continues advancing the regulatory framework for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is expanding the real-world test environment companies need to move from promising technology to operational reality. Located in Springfield, Ohio, NAAMCE is the only facility in the United States offering an end-to-end […]
Principato Leading in Air Sports World as President of FAI
Photo above – Greg Principato with a US drone racing athlete at the World Games in Chengdu China, August 2025. By Kim J Stevens Throughout his life Greg Prinicipato has never taken for granted the men and women that he has worked with and met during his day to day regimen leading organizations like ACI-NA, […]

State News

Game on! MSP Airport First to Open Portal Lounge

The new Portal Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Photo Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Air travelers and gamers have a new way to unite at Portal Lounge, a first-of-its-kind immersive entertainment and social venue at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Portal Lounge — located in Terminal 1 at the intersection of Concourses C and D, and a short walk from the Concourse C tram — provides guests a full-scale work, rest and play destination that offers elevated food, bar and gaming experiences. “Our passengers have been asking for more unique and elevated experiences, and we’re excited to be the first airport to bring this new lounge concept to life here at MSP,” said Isabella Rhawie, vice president and commercial revenue officer for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP. “Beyond typical and standard, this airport lounge stands out in its experiential offerings that are sure to create a welcomed energy for a broad mix of our travelers.” Portal Lounge builds on the success of Gameway lounges, currently operating across multiple airports in the country. Founders Jordan and Emma Walbridge intentionally designed this concept to feel more like a social destination than a traditional airport lounge, combining premium food and beverage offerings with immersive entertainment experiences. The space offers signature menu items and a bar program with a star attraction — a robotic bartender that works in tandem with expert staff to create signature drinks exclusively for lounge guests. The 3,800 square foot space includes 600 square feet for gamers, featuring 17 dedicated stations with a mix of Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and custom-built gaming PCs. Guests can access more than 25 of today’s most popular titles across casual, competitive, multiplayer and streaming-friendly gameplay. “Our mission has always been to make airports entertaining, and Portal Lounge is the fullest expression of that yet,” said Emma Walbridge, co-founder of Gameway. “This is what happens when you design a lounge for the next generation of travelers. The Metropolitan Airports Commission saw that future early and had the boldness to help bring it to market.” “The airport lounge category has remained relatively unchanged for years, while traveler expectations have evolved dramatically,” said Jordan Walbridge, co-founder of Gameway. “Portal Lounge was built around the idea that modern travelers are looking for experiences and destinations, even within the airport.” Travelers will be drawn to the space from afar with its custom portal-style entrance. Inside, its art deco-inspired design features lighting, artwork, music and custom furniture that boldly counters usual airport dwell time experiences. Portal Lounge is open to all travelers with walk-in access for approximately $70, if seating is available. Guests can also access the lounge through Priority Pass and participating credit card programs including Chase, American Express and Capital One.
Electra Completes First Urban Flight of Hybrid-Electric Ultra Short Aircraft in Downtown Charleston, Signaling a New Era of Regional Air Travel

Electra announced the successful completion of the first urban demonstration of its Ultra Short airplane at the Columbus Street Terminal, offering a real-world look at how regional air travel can move beyond airports to become faster, simpler, and far more accessible. Hosted by SC Ports during the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas, the flight (captured on video) highlights how Electra’s hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift technology enable takeoffs and landings in 150 feet or less, opening up entirely new places for air services to operate, called Ultra Short Access Points, like parking lots, rooftops, fields, and barges. While Electra’s EL2 technology demonstrator completed the flight, Electra’s flagship EL9 nine-passenger aircraft will ultimately serve as a regional shuttle to fill the regional mobility gap. “This demonstration is about showing what’s possible in the real world for urban/suburban airspace access,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “When you can offer air services close to where people live, work and play, that opens the door to transformative options for regional mobility. It is new way to travel that’s more direct, flexible, and much easier to use.” This new approach is called Direct Aviation—a model that targets the more than 35 million daily trips that fall between driving and flying on routes where travelers can save hours by going direct without the usual friction of commercial air travel. It’s designed for a wide range of travelers, from business professionals looking to save hours in a day, to families trying to make the most of a weekend getaway, or anyone who wants to stay connected to loved ones without turning a short trip into an all-day journey. The Charleston demonstration builds on Electra’s recent release of the first-ever Direct Aviation Market Outlook, a nationwide analysis of U.S. travel patterns that quantifies the scale of regional mobility demand and outlines how Direct Aviation will reshape it. The report uncovers a massive opportunity: tens of millions of trips happen every day at distances that are too long to drive efficiently but poorly served by traditional aviation. These are exactly the kinds of trips where Direct Aviation will cut hours off door-to-door travel times. Among routes with at least 1,000 travelers per day, the analysis identifies: 1,851 routes with more than one hour of potential time savings 540 routes with more than two hours of potential time savings 227 routes with more than three hours of potential time savings Earlier this year, Electra was selected as an inaugural participant in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advanced Air Mobility pilot operations program (the “eIPP”), which is accelerating the safe deployment of Advanced Air Mobility aircraft. As part of that effort, Electra is working with public and private partners on groundbreaking demonstrations including connecting urban and regional destinations in Florida and linking metropolitan centers in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The company also supported the submission from the State of Louisiana.

National News

FAA Invests $523 Million to Modernize Airport Infrastructure in 43 States

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has invested more than $523 million in airports nationwide to modernize infrastructure, improve safety and deliver a more efficient travel experience for American families. The Department delivered 332 grants to airports in 43 states through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program to support runway rehabilitation, apron and taxiway improvements, terminal upgrades, and other airfield investments. “Upgrading our runway infrastructure is part of our work to usher in the Golden Age of Transportation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “American families deserve state-of-the-art runways and infrastructure that will make their travel experience safer, smoother, and more efficient.” “The FAA is moving at record speed to deliver these investments to airports nationwide,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “These projects will improve reliability across the aviation system while helping airports meet growing demand.” Airports receiving funding include: $70 million to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for runway rehabilitation. $46.9 million to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport for apron expansion. $41.9 million to Miami International Airport for terminal reconstruction and fuel farm expansion. $18.7 million to New York’s Syracuse Hancock International Airport for deicing pad expansion and reconstruction. $18.6 million to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport for new taxi lane construction. $18 million to Philadelphia International Airport for taxiway pavement reconstruction. $16.2 million to Orlando Sanford International Airport for taxiway extension. $10.9 million to Louisiana’s Baton Rouge Metro Airport, Ryan Field for terminal and baggage system replacement. $10.5 million to Nebraska’s Eppley Airfield in Nebraska for terminal and boarding bridge reconstruction. Additional Information: AIG funding may be used for airport planning, development, sustainability projects, terminal improvements, baggage system upgrades, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, roadway and access improvements, and other safety-related infrastructure needs. View a data visualization of the airports receiving funding.
Connico Welcomes Three New Hires to Support Continued National Growth

Connico has announced the additions of Spencer Grassi as scheduling project specialist, Melanie Moorhouse as analyst 1 and Gaurang Bhimani as analyst 2. Their expertise enhances Connico’s ability to provide detailed cost insights, support project schedules and strengthen field coordination, helping clients navigate complex project decisions with enhanced data and insight. “We’re building a team that can think deeper, move faster, and provide sharper insight for our clients,” said Sri Kumar, Connico president and CEO. “Spencer, Melanie, and Gaurang each bring practical expertise that strengthens how we show up in the field and at the table. This is exactly the kind of talent that helps Connico deliver innovative solutions.” Spencer Grassi, scheduling project specialist Grassi comes to Connico with nine years of construction industry expertise. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Eastern Michigan University and is a certified project management professional from the Project Management Institute. In his role, Spencer will support the firm’s aviation and infrastructure scheduling services, ensuring deliverables remain efficient and aligned with client goals. Melanie Moorhouse, analyst 1 Moorhouse previously joined Connico as an intern while earning her bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the University of Cincinnati. In her new role supporting cost estimating, Melanie develops data-driven cost projections for infrastructure and field services projects, helping clients make informed decisions, manage risk, and maintain budget alignment from planning through execution. Gaurang Bhimani, analyst 2 Bhimani joins Connico with five years of construction industry experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in construction management. In his role, Gaurang contributes to developing data-driven solutions and collaborates across Connico’s team to support successful project outcomes.

International News

Inauguration of the Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Airport New Terminal Recently Held

On May 26, VINCI Airports and the Haute-Savoie Council, respectively manager and owner of the airport, officially inaugurated the Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc airport’s new terminal, in the presence of local elected officials and many stakeholders. The new infrastructure, result of a combined investment of €2.5 million co-financed by VINCI Airports and the Haute-Savoie Council, represents a major step in the airport’s development. Completed after 18 months of work between July 2024 and January 2026, the project is part of the overall €10 million investment plan launched by VINCI Airports upon taking over the concession in 2022, covering the fifteen-year concession period. The redevelopment of the terminal responds to a dual ambition: to improve the passenger experience, while aligning the infrastructure with high environmental standards. Carbon emission reduction: a decrease of 30 tons of CO2 equivalent per year thanks to the cessation of gas use, reinforced thermal insulation and precise monitoring equipment for water and electricity consumption. Improved customer and employee experience: with modernized spaces, the creation of three passenger lounges instead of one previously, and a dedicated crew area. Employees also benefit from more ergonomic and comfortable workspaces. Improved accessibility: integration of a new forecourt facilitating access for people with reduced mobility. This project is part of a comprehensive modernization plan for Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc airport. Since 2022, several renovations have been carried out on existing infrastructure, including: The restoration of runways, taxiways and aircraft stands; The installation of a new fuel station incorporating a charging point for electric aircraft and enabling the distribution of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Rémi Maumon de Longevialle, CEO of VINCI Airports, stated: “The inauguration of this new terminal marks a key milestone in the development of Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc airport. It reflects our commitment to providing optimal service quality to all passengers while integrating the airport into a sustainable and energy-efficient approach. Alongside the Haute-Savoie Council, we have leveraged our expertise to enhance the region’s influence and meet the shared ambitions for the airport’s future. I would like to warmly thank our teams and those of the Council for their outstanding commitment and work.”
Electra Publishes First-Ever Direct Aviation Market Outlook

Electra has published its inaugural Direct Aviation Market Outlook, a nationwide analysis of U.S. travel patterns that quantifies the scale of regional mobility demand and outlines how a new mode of air travel will reshape it. The report examines the emergence of Direct Aviation, which connects passengers directly from where they are to where they want to go, and finds that tens of millions of trips occur daily across distances that are inefficient to drive and poorly served by traditional aviation. These are trips where Direct Aviation will reduce door-to-door travel times by hours. A Large, Existing Market Electra’s analysis shows that regional travel in the United States is already extensive: 35 million passenger trips (driving) per day across distances of 50 to 500 miles 1.6 trillion passenger-miles annually More than 6,000 routes with over 1,000 travelers per day At the heart of this market are trips between 50 and 265 flying miles, where demand is both concentrated and largely unserved by existing aviation. More than 80 percent of these trips lack a practical air option, forcing travelers to rely on cars despite significant time costs. Electra’s nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short unlocks entirely new opportunities for regional mobility via Direct Aviation. “Aviation is entering a new era, where capabilities that weren’t possible before are now fundamentally changing how we move,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “Direct Aviation is how that shift shows up in the real world, giving people the ability to go from where they are to where they want to go without the time, friction, and constraints that define travel today. It will slash travel times by hours, changing how people live, work, and play.” For routes with at least 1,000 travelers per day, the analysis identifies: 1,851 routes with more than one hour of potential time savings 540 routes with more than two hours of potential time savings 227 routes with more than three hours of potential time savings The report also highlights dozens of representative high-demand routes across four Direct Aviation categories: Intercity Connectors (moving people between urban centers), Leisure Launchpads (moving people to their vacation destinations), Airport Feeders (getting people efficiently to nearest hub airport), and Small Community Service (connecting rural residents with regional destinations), where travel times will be dramatically reduced. The analysis further shows how demand clusters into dense regional markets, with illustrative mesh networks, or webs of direct, point-to-point routes linking multiple communities, including the Northeast Corridor, Texas Triangle, Southern California, Florida, and the Midwest. Scaling a New Model of Regional Flight Direct Aviation augments the existing hub-and-spoke system with a new layer of distributed access, point-to-point routing, and operations designed around total journey time, enabling frequent, short-haul regional shuttle flights aligned with how people already move by car. Delivering Direct Aviation at scale will require a new regional mobility ecosystem, including: Distributed access points closer to where people live and travel. This includes novel access points (such as barges, rooftops, parking lots, or fields), general aviation airports whose use can be maximized, and airport feeders that don’t add to congestion Aircraft purpose-built for short-haul, high-frequency operations that are able to access urban and suburban access points (Ultra Short aircraft) Operators and service models designed around networks of regional shuttles Advanced Air Mobility regulatory frameworks and infrastructure to enable safe, scalable deployment A broad supplier base to support production and operations at scale For this system to work, aircraft must meet a specific set of requirements, including access, quiet operations, payload, range, safety, and affordability, collectively known as the Rule of Six. Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft is designed for this operating model, combining hybrid-electric propulsion with ultra-short takeoff and landing capability to enable operations from compact, distributed access points. Based on this analysis, the route and passenger demand will require 12,000 to 16,000 aircraft over the first ten years of operations, for a nationwide fleet of regional shuttles. Electra is releasing the Direct Aviation Market Outlook alongside an interactive microsite detailing nationwide demand, route-level analysis, and regional network opportunities.

Unmanned Systems

Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale

As the Federal Aviation Administration continues advancing the regulatory framework for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is expanding the real-world test environment companies need to move from promising technology to operational reality. Located in Springfield, Ohio, NAAMCE is the only facility in the United States offering an end-to-end READ MORE
Vantis Expands BVLOS Capabilities as Frontier Precision Joins as New Champion Operator

Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) system, has reached another major milestone with the onboarding of Frontier Precision as its second champion operator. Frontier Precision has secured a new FAA waiver for BVLOS operations, expanding their operational capabilities available through the Vantis service volumes. The waiver is fully aircraft‑agnostic for systems under 55 pounds, allowing Frontier READ MORE

Aviation Education

Epic Flight Academy Launches 6-Month Fast Track Pilot Program

Epic Flight Academy has launched a six-month fast track pilot program for students who prefer to accelerate their flight training. Students commit to training 7 days a week and dedicate 12–14 hours per day to flight training, simulator work, and study. They will earn private pilot, instrument, commercial single-engine, and commercial multi-engine ratings. Epic founder READ MORE
Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership

Photo Caption: West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sign a ceremonial agreement launching a new aviation pathway for West Virginia students. West Virginia students will have a direct route to high-demand and high-wage careers through the new Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway developed READ MORE

Inauguration of the Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Airport New Terminal Recently Held

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

On May 26, VINCI Airports and the Haute-Savoie Council, respectively manager and owner of the airport, officially inaugurated the Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc airport’s new terminal, in the presence of local elected officials and many stakeholders. The new infrastructure, result of a combined investment of €2.5 million co-financed by VINCI Airports and the Haute-Savoie Council, represents […]

Game on! MSP Airport First to Open Portal Lounge

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

The new Portal Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Photo Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Air travelers and gamers have a new way to unite at Portal Lounge, a first-of-its-kind immersive entertainment and social venue at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Portal Lounge — located in Terminal 1 at the intersection of Concourses C […]

Electra Publishes First-Ever Direct Aviation Market Outlook

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

Electra has published its inaugural Direct Aviation Market Outlook, a nationwide analysis of U.S. travel patterns that quantifies the scale of regional mobility demand and outlines how a new mode of air travel will reshape it. The report examines the emergence of Direct Aviation, which connects passengers directly from where they are to where they […]

Electra Completes First Urban Flight of Hybrid-Electric Ultra Short Aircraft in Downtown Charleston, Signaling a New Era of Regional Air Travel

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

Electra announced the successful completion of the first urban demonstration of its Ultra Short airplane at the Columbus Street Terminal, offering a real-world look at how regional air travel can move beyond airports to become faster, simpler, and far more accessible. Hosted by SC Ports during the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas, the flight (captured […]

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

The City of Springfield and the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board has announced the appointment of David Schaumburg, AAE, as director of aviation, effective June 28. His salary will be $220,000. “I am very pleased to announce Dave Schaumburg as the next director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” said City Manager David Cameron. “Dave’s […]

A Sweet Shipment for United Cargo

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

This summer, while United passengers relax in their seats 35,000 feet in the air enjoying onboard service, hundreds of tons of vanilla will also be making a global trip for the third year in a row. Long before vanilla became the flavor of birthday cakes, ice cream and coffee syrups, it was one of the […]

FAA Invests $523 Million to Modernize Airport Infrastructure in 43 States

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has invested more than $523 million in airports nationwide to modernize infrastructure, improve safety and deliver a more efficient travel experience for American families. The Department delivered 332 grants to airports in 43 states through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program […]

Epic Flight Academy Launches 6-Month Fast Track Pilot Program

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

Epic Flight Academy has launched a six-month fast track pilot program for students who prefer to accelerate their flight training. Students commit to training 7 days a week and dedicate 12–14 hours per day to flight training, simulator work, and study. They will earn private pilot, instrument, commercial single-engine, and commercial multi-engine ratings. Epic founder […]

Massport Names Aviation Director, Deputy Director

June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Sharon Williams as executive director of aviation and David Ishihara as deputy executive director of aviation, effective July 1, 2026. They will succeed longtime Massport aviation leader Ed Freni, who will retire in July following a 26-year career at Massport. Williams currently […]

Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership

May 31, 2026May 31, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Caption: West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sign a ceremonial agreement launching a new aviation pathway for West Virginia students. West Virginia students will have a direct route to high-demand and high-wage careers through the new Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway developed […]

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport

Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership

Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale

Principato Leading in Air Sports World as President of FAI