State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Deutsche Aircraft Opens D328eco® Final Assembly Line in Leipzig
Photo – from left – Nico Neumann, CEO Deutsche Aircraft, Dirk Panter, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection of the Free State of Saxony, Marie-Christine von Hahn, Principal Managing Director, German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport at the official opening […]
Joby Aviation Showcases Autonomous Flight Technology in Oklahoma City as Part of National Electric Skies Tour
By Laura Rudicel Oklahoma’s role in the future of advanced aviation was on display as the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) joined Joby Aviation, federal aviation leaders, and state policymakers for an up-close demonstration of Joby’s autonomous flight technology at AAR Hangar 2 located on the OKC Will Rogers International Airport campus. The […]
Props for a Purpose Expands Humanitarian Aviation Capabilities with Its First Dedicated Aircraft
Tecnam has announced that Props for a Purpose, a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian aviation, has acquired its first dedicated aircraft: a Tecnam P2012 Traveller. The aircraft has been secured through a 10-year long-term lease agreement with AeroSpring Leasing LLC, marking a significant expansion in both organizations’ operational capabilities. Since its founding, Props for […]
Shenandoah University Launches Undergraduate Certificate Program to Meet Air Traffic Control Staffing Challenge
Shenandoah University has added an Undergraduate Certificate in Air Traffic Control to its growing list of academic offerings to help fill a national deficit of air traffic controllers. Students began taking the initial class for the undergraduate certificate, ATC-101, in Fall 2026, and Shenandoah is anticipating the program’s full launch in Spring 2027. “The air […]

State News

Contour Airlines Expands Muscle Shoals Service with New Nonstop Flights to Dallas-Fort Worth

Contour Airlines has announced new nonstop service between Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), beginning November 12, 2026. As part of the schedule update, Contour will reallocate five weekly flights from its existing Muscle Shoals–Charlotte service to Dallas-Fort Worth. Travelers in the Shoals region will continue to have daily nonstop service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), while gaining new nonstop access to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contour Airlines ERJ-135 The new MSL–DFW service will operate five times weekly, providing travelers throughout Northwest Alabama and the surrounding region with another option for business and leisure travel, as well as convenient connecting opportunities through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. “Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) is a highly sought-after nonstop destination for local travelers, and Muscle Shoals (MSL) is pleased to offer this new service,” said Barry Griffith, Airport Director at Northwest Alabama Regional Airport. “The route is expected to increase passenger traffic, provide seamless American Airlines connections, offer affordable fares for business and leisure travelers, and deliver significant economic benefits to the region.” “We are excited to expand the options available to travelers in the Shoals region by adding nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth while continuing to provide daily service to Charlotte,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “This new service gives the community another convenient way to reach a major U.S. market and connect onward to destinations throughout the country. We appreciate the continued support of the Muscle Shoals community and Northwest Alabama Regional Airport as we work to strengthen the region’s air service.” Beginning November 12, 2026, Contour’s nonstop service between Muscle Shoals and Dallas-Fort Worth will operate five times weekly: Beginning November 12, 2026, Contour’s nonstop service between Muscle Shoals and Dallas-Fort Worth will operate five times weekly: RouteDepartureArrivalFrequencyMSL → DFW7:50 a.m.9:50 a.m.Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & SaturdayDFW → MSL5:00 p.m.6:50 p.m.Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday Contour will continue to operate daily nonstop service between Muscle Shoals and Charlotte: RouteDepartureArrivalFrequencyMSL → CLT12:25 p.m.3:15 p.m.DailyCLT → MSL11:05 a.m.11:50 a.m.Daily The addition of Dallas-Fort Worth provides travelers in Northwest Alabama with nonstop access to one of the nation’s major aviation hubs while maintaining daily service to Charlotte. The new service will provide convenient options for both business and leisure travelers throughout the Shoals region. Flights will be operated with Contour’s fleet of 30-seat regional jet aircraft, offering passengers extra legroom, complimentary snacks, and inflight service.
Aeronautics Now Accepting Applications for 2027 Aviation Education Grant Program

The Colorado Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics has announced the launch of the 2027 Colorado Aviation Education Grant Program. The application window is now open to eligible candidates with a deadline of November 15th, 2026 for submission. The purpose and intent of this aviation education program is to support education programs, projects, and initiatives in Colorado that have direct application to the state’s aviation and aerospace industry and to promote careers in aviation and aerospace among Colorado students. This program is geared specifically towards STEAM education efforts related to aviation and aerospace, aimed at supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, Aviation/Aerospace, and Math education opportunities. To be eligible to apply for a grant under this program, the applicant must be an established and accredited public school, college, or university with an existing or proposed aviation or aerospace education program that meets the purpose and intent outlined in the paragraph above. Private entities are also eligible but must have been in operation for at least five years and carry a demonstrated track record of success in administering and providing education programs that meet the purpose and intent of the grant program. For more detailed information, please review the Aviation Education & Workforce Development Grant Program Manual. GRANT SUBMITTAL DEADLINE is November 15th, 2026 For more information or questions about this application, please contact the Division’s Aviation Education Specialist Hetty Beatty at hetty.beatty@state.co.us. Click Here to Apply for a Colorado Aviation Education Grant

National News

Ed Bolen Among Inductees to Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame

Ed Bolen Ed Bolen is among those being inducted into the 2026 Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame. As president of the National Business Aviation Association, he continues to advocate for the industry. Previously, he led the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and helped advance the General Aviation Revitalization Act while working for Senator Nancy Kassebaum. The Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame is inviting you to join them in celebrating all inductees at the Kansas Aviation Honor Awards on November 10. Keynote Speaker: Mr. John Tomblin, Director of National Institute for Aviation Research 2026 Inductees Ed Bolen Thomas Carr Al Higdon Harold Miller Nadine Ramsey Robert “Bob” Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award Clay Lacy Get Tickets Explore the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame
Props for a Purpose Expands Humanitarian Aviation Capabilities with Its First Dedicated Aircraft

Tecnam has announced that Props for a Purpose, a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian aviation, has acquired its first dedicated aircraft: a Tecnam P2012 Traveller. The aircraft has been secured through a 10-year long-term lease agreement with AeroSpring Leasing LLC, marking a significant expansion in both organizations’ operational capabilities. Since its founding, Props for a Purpose has coordinated approximately 300 humanitarian missions annually using a nationwide network of volunteer pilots. The acquisition of the Tecnam P2012 Traveller, named “Servant One”, represents a major step in the organization’s growth. As their first dedicated aircraft, it provides greater capacity to transport patients, medical teams, volunteers, humanitarian supplies, and mission equipment on a single flight, without relying solely on the availability of volunteer aircraft. The defining feature of the P2012 Traveller for this mission is its highly configurable cabin, which allows Props for a Purpose to rapidly transition between passenger transport, humanitarian cargo, and medical evacuation operations as urgent needs arise. Furthermore, the twin-engine capability and operational efficiency of the P2012 make it the ideal, predictable, and scalable platform for a nonprofit organization executing time-sensitive disaster-response and medical missions. “The addition of the Tecnam P2012 Traveller marks a major step forward for Props for a Purpose and for the people and communities we serve,” said Jacob Bealle, CEO of Props for a Purpose.”For the first time, we have a dedicated aircraft that gives us the capacity, flexibility, and efficiency to respond to a much wider range of missions — from medical transportation and disaster relief to humanitarian cargo and specialized response operations. What excites us most is not the aircraft itself, but the doors it opens for service. The Traveller allows us to respond faster, carry more, and support our partners in ways we simply could not before. This is the beginning of a new chapter for Props for a Purpose, and we are proud to introduce Servant One as a platform built to serve others. We are incredibly grateful for the Tecnam team and everyone who has helped make this next chapter possible, and we are excited to see how many lives can be impacted through this aircraft.” For AeroSpring Leasing LLC, which already owns two Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft, the P2012 represents an important expansion of its portfolio beyond traditional flight-training aircraft and into larger, mission-driven commercial aviation assets. “I’m incredibly proud that AeroSpring has the opportunity to play a part in the mission of Props for a Purpose,”stated Josh Colton, Managing Partner at AeroSpring Leasing LLC. “Aircraft are remarkable tools, but what matters most is what we choose to do with them. This P2012 will be used to reach communities in times of need, support disaster-relief efforts, transport patients, and help people when aviation can make a real difference in their lives. Knowing that an aircraft we acquired will be serving that kind of purpose makes this transaction especially meaningful to me. We’re honored to partner with Props for a Purpose and Tecnam to help make that mission possible.” The partnership with Tecnam provides Props for a Purpose with the manufacturer support, training, and technical expertise necessary to safely build a long-term humanitarian aviation program. “We are deeply honored that Props for a Purpose and AeroSpring Leasing have selected the P2012 Traveller for such a noble cause,” concluded Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 – Special Mission Platforms Sales & Business Development Manager. “The Traveller was designed with versatility and reliability at its absolute core, making it the perfect platform to seamlessly switch between passenger transport, cargo, and medical relief. Knowing that a Tecnam aircraft will be deployed as ‘Servant One’ to save lives, provide hope, and support communities in need is the greatest testament to our design philosophy. We are proud to support this incredible mission.”

International News

Deutsche Aircraft Opens D328eco® Final Assembly Line in Leipzig

Photo – from left – Nico Neumann, CEO Deutsche Aircraft, Dirk Panter, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection of the Free State of Saxony, Marie-Christine von Hahn, Principal Managing Director, German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport at the official opening ceremony of Deutsche Aircraft’s Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Leipzig/Halle. Deutsche Aircraft has officially inaugurated its Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Leipzig/Halle Airport, attended by Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Transport, and Dirk Panter, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection of the Free State of Saxony. The inauguration marks the transition of the D328eco program from development to serial production, establishing Leipzig as the production home of Germany’s next-generation regional aircraft. The opening also represents the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony for the first time in more than 60 years, reinforcing the region’s position as a center for aerospace and innovation. This new facility embodies the program’s vision: “Made in Germany. Built in Saxony. Delivered to the World” — bringing together German engineering excellence, Saxony’s industrial expertise and Leipzig’s international connectivity in a single production hub. Beyond supporting the D328eco program, the FAL strengthens Germany’s ability to design, certify, test, manufacture and support complete aircraft. Deutsche Aircraft’s integrated operations across Oberpfaffenhofen and Leipzig create an end-to-end aerospace capability in the country, spanning engineering, certification, flight testing, industrialization, final assembly and customer delivery. The site reinforces Germany’s industrial resilience and competitiveness while ensuring that critical aircraft manufacturing know-how remains anchored domestically for future generations. “Today is about much more than opening a factory,” said Nico Neumann, Chief Executive Officer, Deutsche Aircraft. “It marks the return of aircraft manufacturing to Saxony and a major milestone for the D328eco program. Together, our sites in Oberpfaffenhofen and Leipzig create an end-to-end capability for developing, certifying, industrializing, manufacturing and supporting complete aircraft in Germany. For the first time in more than 60 years, every phase of the aircraft lifecycle will be integrated under a German aircraft program. Carrying forward Dornier’s pioneering legacy, the FAL strengthens Germany’s resilience, competitiveness and sovereign aerospace capabilities while advancing a new generation of sustainable regional aviation. Today we celebrate an important milestone. Tomorrow, we continue building the future of regional aviation.” The opening ceremony welcomed representatives from the German Federal Government, the Free State of Saxony, industry partners, suppliers, customers and members of the aviation community to celebrate the landmark occasion. Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Free State of Saxony, addressed guests via video message. Prime Minister Kretschmer in his video message said “the inauguration of this Final Assembly Line highlights Saxony’s position as a competitive industrial and aerospace location with a promising future. Investments such as those undertaken by Deutsche Aircraft strengthen our aerospace sector, create highly qualified jobs and further increase Saxony’s appeal for international industrial projects.” Representing an investment of more than €100 million, the facility has been designed for an annual production capacity of up to 48 aircraft. Spanning 60,500 square meters — equivalent to approximately eight football fields — the site includes the Final Assembly Line, Flight Readiness Hangar, logistics center and administration building. Designed as a modern, digital and sustainability-focused production environment, the FAL incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies, automated logistics systems and paperless production processes to increase efficiency, quality and transparency throughout aircraft assembly. Energy-efficient infrastructure, including photovoltaic systems and heat pump technology, reflect Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth. The Free State of Saxony is supporting the project with approximately €3.2 million through the Federal-State GRW program (“Joint Task for the Improvement of Regional Economic Structures”), underlining its significance for regional economic development. Expected to create approximately 250 new direct jobs as production ramps up over the coming years, the Leipzig Final Assembly Line will support skilled employment throughout the aerospace supply chain. Beyond direct employment, the program will create opportunities for apprentices, technicians, engineers and manufacturing specialists, nurturing the next generation of aerospace talent in Saxony. As one of the most significant aerospace investments in Germany in recent years, the Final Assembly Line represents an important contribution to the economic transformation of Central Germany. Beyond the direct creation of highly skilled jobs, the program will generate long-term industrial value across the aerospace supply chain and strengthen Saxony’s position within Germany’s aerospace sector. Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport shared, “the opening of Deutsche Aircraft’s Final Assembly Line in Leipzig sends a strong signal for Germany as an industrial and aviation hub. The D328eco program demonstrates that innovation, advanced manufacturing and sustainable regional aviation can be developed in Germany and produced for the world. By combining engineering expertise, industrial excellence and forward-looking production capabilities, Deutsche Aircraft is helping to preserve critical aerospace know-how, strengthen regional value creation, and further enhance Germany’s competitiveness in a strategically important industry.” The Next Phase of the D328eco Program With the opening of the Final Assembly Line, Deutsche Aircraft has established the industrial foundation for the serial production of the D328eco. Leipzig will serve as the center for aircraft assembly, flight-readiness activities and global customer deliveries, while Oberpfaffenhofen remains the home of engineering, flight testing and certification activities. Building on Germany’s rich aviation heritage and Dornier’s pioneering legacy, Deutsche Aircraft is helping to re-establish the country’s ability to develop, certify, manufacture and support complete aircraft programs. As the D328eco enters production, Leipzig and Oberpfaffenhofen will serve as the foundation for a new era of German aircraft manufacturing, combining innovation, industrial excellence and sustainable aviation to deliver modern regional aircraft to operators worldwide.
SAS and Lykke Coffee Farms Team Up to Raise the Bar for Coffee in the Air

SAS is partnering with Scandinavian coffee company Lykke Coffee Farms to introduce a new coffee experience across its network, bringing better coffee and a distinctly Scandinavian touch to the journey. For 80 years, SAS has been serving travelers across Scandinavia and connecting the region with the world. From February 2027, passengers will be served coffee developed specifically for the experience of enjoying coffee at 35.000 feet, as SAS and Lykke Coffee Farms join forces to make an everyday part of the journey even better. “Enhancing the onboard experience with better quality is a key priority for SAS. Together with Lykke, we are raising the bar for coffee and tea across our network, bringing a premium beverage experience to passengers both in the air and in our lounges. By working directly with farmers in Uganda, without intermediaries, Lykke delivers coffee with traceability from farm to cup. This partnership reflects our ambition to combine great customer experiences,” says Ingela Alveman-Borgström, Head of Onboard Product and Services at SAS. The partnership brings together two Scandinavian companies with a shared belief that quality, responsibility and great experiences should go hand in hand. Coffee has long been part of Scandinavian culture – part of how people meet, work, travel and enjoy everyday moments. “Coffee is such a natural part of Scandinavian life, and for us at Lykke, it’s an amazing opportunity to bring that culture on board SAS, to the staff in the air and on the ground, and to share our passion for how coffee should be produced. It’s also an opportunity to connect travelers with the people and places behind the coffee. And of course, it still has to taste fantastic at 35.000 feet,” says Johan Damgaard, CEO of Lykke Coffee Farms. From farm to cup – and from aircraft to lounge The company runs and owns coffee projects together with farmers who are also partners in Lykke, giving it control over how coffee is grown and produced and how the value of the business is shared. Lykke works directly with coffee producers and communities around the world, with the aim of creating better coffee. For SAS, the collaboration is about improving one of the most familiar moments of a journey: being served a cup of coffee. The new coffee will be introduced across the SAS network from February 2027, with the full SAS and Lykke concept set to follow later in the year. From then on, travelers will also be able to enjoy the new coffee in SAS lounges. Through selected offers and an extended partnership, SAS travelers will also be able to earn EuroBonus points through coffee-related purchases on the SAS Lykke platform. The collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term Scandinavian partnership built around something simple: a really good cup of coffee, served wherever in the world you happen to be.

Unmanned Systems

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Christopher Todd Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, READ MORE
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for READ MORE

Aviation Education

Aeronautics Now Accepting Applications for 2027 Aviation Education Grant Program

The Colorado Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics has announced the launch of the 2027 Colorado Aviation Education Grant Program. The application window is now open to eligible candidates with a deadline of November 15th, 2026 for submission. The purpose and intent of this aviation education program is to support education programs, projects, and initiatives READ MORE
Lone Star Flight Museum Holds Successful 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day

Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) welcomed hundreds of aspiring aviators and their parents for a successful 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day, presented by ExxonMobil, on Saturday, Sept.19. The goal of the day was to introduce girls (and boys) ages 8 to 17 to hands-on experiences, aerospace, aviation and STEM careers to spark curiosity and READ MORE

Contour Airlines Expands Muscle Shoals Service with New Nonstop Flights to Dallas-Fort Worth

October 4, 2026October 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Contour Airlines has announced new nonstop service between Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), beginning November 12, 2026. As part of the schedule update, Contour will reallocate five weekly flights from its existing Muscle Shoals–Charlotte service to Dallas-Fort Worth. Travelers in the Shoals region will […]

Aeronautics Now Accepting Applications for 2027 Aviation Education Grant Program

October 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Colorado Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics has announced the launch of the 2027 Colorado Aviation Education Grant Program. The application window is now open to eligible candidates with a deadline of November 15th, 2026 for submission. The purpose and intent of this aviation education program is to support education programs, projects, and initiatives […]

AOPA Disappointed with Issuance of Eviction Notices at Aeroflex-Andover Airport

October 4, 2026October 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Josh Cochran photo – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) expressed disappointment at the issuance of eviction notices to tenants at Aeroflex-Andover Airport (12N) in Sussex County, New Jersey. The notices, forcing tenants to vacate by December 31, were issued by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, which owns the airport. Tenants were notified […]

Deutsche Aircraft Opens D328eco® Final Assembly Line in Leipzig

October 4, 2026October 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – from left – Nico Neumann, CEO Deutsche Aircraft, Dirk Panter, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Protection of the Free State of Saxony, Marie-Christine von Hahn, Principal Managing Director, German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport at the official opening […]

Ed Bolen Among Inductees to Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame

October 4, 2026October 4, 2026 Kim Stevens

Ed Bolen is among those being inducted into the 2026 Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame. As president of the National Business Aviation Association, he continues to advocate for the industry. Previously, he led the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and helped advance the General Aviation Revitalization Act while working for Senator Nancy Kassebaum. The Kansas Aviation […]

Utah Takes Center Stage in the Future of Autonomous Aviation

October 3, 2026October 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Utah Department of Transportation welcomed Joby Aviation last week as the company remotely operated its supervised autonomous J208 aircraft, equipped with Superpilot™ autonomous flight technology, in Utah. The aircraft arrived in the state as part of the Electric Skies tour, a coast-to-coast journey covering a dozen cities and 5,541 nautical miles. Utah is the […]

Southwest Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Memphis and Austin in October

October 3, 2026October 3, 2026 Kim Stevens

Southwest Airlines has launched its nonstop service between Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The flight will operate six days weekly from Sunday through Friday. Tickets are on sale at www.southwest.com. With the addition of Austin, Southwest now serves 11 destinations from MEM, including Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las […]

SAS and Lykke Coffee Farms Team Up to Raise the Bar for Coffee in the Air

September 30, 2026September 30, 2026 Kim Stevens

SAS is partnering with Scandinavian coffee company Lykke Coffee Farms to introduce a new coffee experience across its network, bringing better coffee and a distinctly Scandinavian touch to the journey. For 80 years, SAS has been serving travelers across Scandinavia and connecting the region with the world. From February 2027, passengers will be served coffee […]

Joby Aviation Showcases Autonomous Flight Technology in Oklahoma City as Part of National Electric Skies Tour

September 30, 2026September 30, 2026 saj_admin

By Laura Rudicel Oklahoma’s role in the future of advanced aviation was on display as the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) joined Joby Aviation, federal aviation leaders, and state policymakers for an up-close demonstration of Joby’s autonomous flight technology at AAR Hangar 2 located on the OKC Will Rogers International Airport campus. The […]

Chicago Executive Airport Named Illinois Reliever Airport of the Year

September 29, 2026September 29, 2026 Kim Stevens

One of the largest general aviation airports in the state, Chicago Executive Airport was named Reliever Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The honor was bestowed at the Illinois Public Airports Association annual conference in Galena, one of several airport awards announced. Chicago Executive was honored for continued safe and efficient […]

Deutsche Aircraft Opens D328eco® Final Assembly Line in Leipzig

Joby Aviation Showcases Autonomous Flight Technology in Oklahoma City as Part of National Electric Skies Tour

Props for a Purpose Expands Humanitarian Aviation Capabilities with Its First Dedicated Aircraft

Shenandoah University Launches Undergraduate Certificate Program to Meet Air Traffic Control Staffing Challenge