State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector
Driven by the strong momentum of the global aeronautics industry, the discreet Toulouse-based Satys Group is consolidating its growth, recovering its pre-Covid profitability ratios, and entering 2026 with solid development ambitions across its six markets: commercial aviation, regional aviation, business aviation, helicopters, defense, and aircraft repainting. “This favorable environment contrasts sharply with the extreme difficulties […]
Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology
Daher unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family – the TBM 980 – which integrates Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics for an unprecedented piloting experience and incorporates cabin enhancements that further increase passenger comfort. The TBM 980 was introduced at Daher Aircraft’s TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by […]
Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet
Cirrus (Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.) introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet®. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era […]
Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition
A new, immersive exhibition at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is casting a light on passengers and inviting them to explore its spiritual and transformative qualities through a wide range of media. Spectral Alchemy, curated by the Phoenix Airport Museum, features works by 15 Arizona artists and transforms the Terminal 4, Level 3 Museum Gallery […]

State News

Contour Airlines Announces Additional Flights Between Denver, CO and Moab, UT This Spring

Contour Airlines has announced an expansion of its flight schedule at Canyonlands Regional Airport in Moab, UT for April and May. As a result of this expansion, both residents and visitors will benefit from 7 weekly flights to Phoenix and 12 weekly flights to Denver. With up to 19 total weekly flights between Moab, Denver, and Phoenix, Contour Airlines is making it even easier for travelers to visit Moab during the busy spring travel season. Contour Airlines ERJ-135 “We’re excited to expand our service in Moab and offer additional flights during the busy spring travel season,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “Moab continues to be a popular destination for travelers, and these additional flights will make it even easier for visitors from around the world to explore the region’s world-class outdoor recreation, including nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.” Contour Airlines will operate the additional flights using its 30-seat regional jet, offering passengers a comfortable and reliable travel experience. Each flight features extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, one free checked bag, and one free carry-on bag with every fare, delivering a premium regional travel experience. Flights are available for booking now at www.contourairlines.com.
First Colorado College to Join Air Traffic Controller Training Program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has greenlit Aims Community College in Colorado as the next school to implement the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI). Students who pass the E-CTI program can apply to become a controller on a fast track – skipping the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and jumping straight to on-site facility training. “Thanks to President Trump, we are unlocking new ways for Americans to achieve their American Dream,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “By adding institutions like Aims Community College to the FAA’s training network, we can bolster the American workforce and deliver the world-class air traffic control system the American people deserve.” This is the 11th institution to join the E-CTI program, and the eighth school under Secretary Duffy, as part of his mission to recruit the next generation of air traffic controllers. “This partnership with Aims Community College in Greeley creates another strong pipeline to bring new air traffic controllers into the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “By expanding opportunities here in Colorado, we’re advancing our mission to strengthen the controller workforce and keep the flying public safe.” The Trump Administration is modernizing the controller workforce with streamlined hiring processes and higher starting salaries for trainees. As a result, the FAA surpassed its Fiscal Year 2025 air traffic controller hiring goal by onboarding 2,026 new controllers. Under Secretary Duffy, the FAA remains laser-focused on the best and brightest recruits. “I’m thrilled that Aims Community College will join a select group of institutions implementing the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. As a former Blackhawk helicopter pilot, I know firsthand how critical air traffic controllers are to aviation and to keeping our airways, pilots, and passengers safe,” said Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08). “I’m grateful to Secretary Duffy for his commitment to training the next generation of aviation professionals and for giving Aims and Colorado’s 8th District the opportunity to help lead the nation in this important effort.” “I’m thrilled to see Aims Community College become the latest institution to join Secretary Duffy’s Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative,” said Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04). “This program is a game-changer for Colorado students and our aviation workforce, providing a direct pipeline to high-paying, critical careers in air traffic control while helping address the longstanding national shortage. By bringing elite training opportunities to northern Colorado, we’re investing in the next generation of aviation professionals who help keep our skies safe every day.” E-CTI school students who pass final performance and written assessments receive an official endorsement certificate. These graduates can then apply to become a controller and be placed directly in an FAA facility, bypassing the agency’s Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to begin their facility-specific training, provided they pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) test and meet medical and security requirements.   This is different than the Standard AT-CTI, where graduates go to the FAA Academy but can bypass the introductory Air Traffic Basics Course.          This partnership between the FAA and Aims Community College is for the school’s Tower and En Route program, where students will have the opportunity to be placed in an FAA Air Traffic Control Tower or Air Route Traffic Control Center upon passing the aptitude-based ATSA.    The FAA also offers a year-round hiring opportunity for experienced controllers from the military and private industry and continues to expand its use of modernized simulators that enhance training by immersing trainees in real-world scenarios.

National News

Green Taxi Aerospace Receives FAA Concurrence on Certification Approach

Green Taxi Aerospace announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concurred with the certification approach for its electric taxi system program, as submitted by Green Taxi Aerospace’s certification partner StandardAero. The FAA’s concurrence follows its review of Green Taxi Aerospace’s compliance checklist summary and FAA conformity plan. It also provides for the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program to be delegated to StandardAero’s ODA on behalf of Green Taxi Aerospace. StandardAero is supporting the development and execution of the certification program as Green Taxi Aerospace progresses toward STC approval. “We appreciate the FAA’s review and concurrence on our certification approach,” said David Valaer, CEO of Green Taxi Aerospace. “This reflects a major milestone with continued progress in our certification program and the strong collaboration with our certification partners.” John Miedwig, Director, Certification Services at StandardAero, added: “StandardAero is pleased to support Green Taxi Aerospace in the execution of its certification program. We look forward to continuing our collaboration as the program advances through the STC process.” Green Taxi Aerospace’s electric taxi system enables Zero Engine Taxi™, allowing aircraft to taxi without using their main engines saving up to $300,000 per year per aircraft. The system is designed to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, decrease brake wear, eliminates the need for pushback tugs, and improve operational efficiency during ground operations.
Kevin Burke Named 2026 Trade Association Executive of the Year

ACI-NA’s President and CEO, Kevin Burke, was recently named the 2026 Trade Association Executive of the Year at the annual Salute to Association Excellence awards luncheon. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership and impact within the association community. Kevin was recognized for not only his longstanding commitment to the association world but also to the aviation industry. “While my name might be on this award, this recognition is not just about me,” Burke said. “My success is based on the hard work and dedication of the extraordinarily professional team at ACI-NA, who nominated me for this award. Our team shows up every day committed to a mission, guided by our members, and grounded in purpose. They embody what a member-driven, mission-focused trade association should be.” Burke was recognized for his leadership in securing $40 billion from Congress in financial relief and investment for airports during the pandemic, his financial stewardship of ACI-NA, and his commitment to consensus building, especially in bringing more than 100 trade associations together to form ACI-NA’s Beyond the Runway Coalition. Join us in recognizing Kevin for this well-deserved recognition!

International News

AOPA Expresses Concern About Starlink Price Hikes for GA Pilots

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA)—representing 400,000 pilots from more than 80 countries—are expressing concern about Starlink’s recent price increase for general aviation pilots, which jumped from $50-$65 to $250-$1,000 per month. In a letter to Elon Musk, the CEO and Founder of SpaceX, AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon said that “Starlink connectivity has enabled pilots to maintain continuous access to weather information, flight planning resources, operational coordination, and emergency communication pathways in regions where traditional connectivity is limited or nonexistent.” Coon pointed out that many pilots around the world purchased Starlink equipment “in good faith based on the expectation that the service would remain economically viable for the general aviation sector,” but that the “recently announced subscription rate increases… create a pricing structure that will place the service beyond the reach of a significant portion of the global general aviation community.” In the letter, AOPA requested “that SpaceX consider engaging with representatives of the global general aviation community to explore a revised framework that preserves accessibility,” and said that “if the current pricing structure remains unchanged, a large portion of the installed general aviation user base will likely be forced to discontinue service despite having already invested in the necessary hardware infrastructure. Such an outcome would slow adoption across the sector and diminish the network effects that have contributed to Starlink’s rapid success.”
ADB SAFEGATE Sharpens Strategic Focus on Airside Operations

ADB SAFEGATE today announced the divestment of its Terminal business line, reinforcing its strategic commitment to airside operations and accelerating its investment in next-generation airfield technologies. As global air traffic grows and operational complexity intensifies, airports face mounting pressure to enhance safety, capacity, resilience, and sustainability — simultaneously. ADB SAFEGATE is responding by concentrating its innovation, capital, and expertise on the operational core of the airport: the airside. Accelerating Airside Innovation ADB SAFEGATE is advancing its roadmap across new-generation airfield lighting systems, intelligent power solutions, and digital platforms for Airfield, Apron, and Tower applications — designed to improve operational performance and resilience in complex airport environments. The company is expanding research and development investments, including the continued growth of its ADB SAFEGATE LABS initiative. The program accelerates co-creation with airport partners, enabling emerging technologies to be tested, validated, and scaled in live operational settings. Investment in R&D and Modern Manufacturing in Europe ADB SAFEGATE is strengthening its R&D and manufacturing footprint in Machelen, Belgium, through state-of-the-art facility upgrades and modernized production capabilities. These investments enhance product development cycles, quality control, and production capacity for next-generation airside technologies — reinforcing Belgium’s position as a global center of excellence for airside innovation. Launch of the Airside Innovation Summit Aligned with its renewed strategic direction, ADB SAFEGATE will launch the Airside Innovation Summit (http://www.airsideinnovationsummit.com), a global forum bringing together airport operators, regulators, technology partners, and industry experts to address emerging challenges in safety, automation, digitalization, and sustainability. Laurent Dubois, CEO of ADB SAFEGATE, said: “Airports are under unprecedented operational pressure. This decision allows us to dedicate our expertise, innovation, and resources entirely to the most safety-critical and performance-sensitive part of airport operations — the airside. Our ambition is to lead the digital transformation of airside environments and support airports worldwide in converting operational complexity into measurable performance gains.” A Clear Strategic Direction The divestment reflects a deliberate portfolio decision designed to create a sharper focus for both organizations. ADB SAFEGATE will concentrate fully on advancing intelligent airside solutions, while the Terminal business continues under new ownership with long-term growth ambitions. With a strengthened, pure-play airside focus, ADB SAFEGATE is positioning itself to shape the future of airport performance for decades to come.

Unmanned Systems

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Partners with OAIRE to Propel Drone Innovation in High School Classrooms

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) in partnership with OAIRE, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, hosted a professional development event and drone build for Oklahoma aerospace teachers on Feb. 27-28. The event, held at Oklahoma State University, highlighted the state’s commitment to “pushing the boundaries of flight.” Oklahoma aviation teachers READ MORE
Everdrone Launches Next-Generation Medical Drone for Emergency Medical Transport

The Swedish company Everdrone is launching a new medical transport drone, E3. The drone is fully developed by Everdrone and features increased capacity to carry multiple types of medical equipment, significantly improving its performance compared to previous versions. “The new drone is faster, safer, and can carry heavier payloads. This will save lives,” says Mats READ MORE

Aviation Education

First Colorado College to Join Air Traffic Controller Training Program

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has greenlit Aims Community College in Colorado as the next school to implement the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI). Students who pass the E-CTI program can apply to become a controller on a fast track – skipping the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and jumping straight to on-site facility training. “Thanks to READ MORE
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Partners with OAIRE to Propel Drone Innovation in High School Classrooms

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) in partnership with OAIRE, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, hosted a professional development event and drone build for Oklahoma aerospace teachers on Feb. 27-28. The event, held at Oklahoma State University, highlighted the state’s commitment to “pushing the boundaries of flight.” Oklahoma aviation teachers READ MORE

Contour Airlines Announces Additional Flights Between Denver, CO and Moab, UT This Spring

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

Contour Airlines has announced an expansion of its flight schedule at Canyonlands Regional Airport in Moab, UT for April and May. As a result of this expansion, both residents and visitors will benefit from 7 weekly flights to Phoenix and 12 weekly flights to Denver. With up to 19 total weekly flights between Moab, Denver, […]

First Colorado College to Join Air Traffic Controller Training Program

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has greenlit Aims Community College in Colorado as the next school to implement the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI). Students who pass the E-CTI program can apply to become a controller on a fast track – skipping the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and jumping straight to on-site facility training. “Thanks to […]

AOPA Expresses Concern About Starlink Price Hikes for GA Pilots

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA)—representing 400,000 pilots from more than 80 countries—are expressing concern about Starlink’s recent price increase for general aviation pilots, which jumped from $50-$65 to $250-$1,000 per month. In a letter to Elon Musk, the CEO and Founder of […]

NBAA to Bring Business Aviation’s Most Powerful Event to New Orleans in 2028

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced that in 2028, it will bring the world’s most powerful business aviation event to New Orleans, a vibrant city and a global destination for major trade shows and other business and entertainment events. The 2028 edition of the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will take place […]

Green Taxi Aerospace Receives FAA Concurrence on Certification Approach

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

Green Taxi Aerospace announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concurred with the certification approach for its electric taxi system program, as submitted by Green Taxi Aerospace’s certification partner StandardAero. The FAA’s concurrence follows its review of Green Taxi Aerospace’s compliance checklist summary and FAA conformity plan. It also provides for the Organization Designation […]

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Partners with OAIRE to Propel Drone Innovation in High School Classrooms

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) in partnership with OAIRE, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, hosted a professional development event and drone build for Oklahoma aerospace teachers on Feb. 27-28. The event, held at Oklahoma State University, highlighted the state’s commitment to “pushing the boundaries of flight.” The strategic partnership […]

Tennessee Aeronautics Commission and TDOT Aeronautics Announce 2025 Airport Award Recipients

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC) and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Aeronautics Division have announced the recipients of the 2025 Tennessee Airport Awards, recognizing exceptional achievement, leadership, and long-standing contributions to aviation across the state. Each year, these awards honor airports, governing bodies, and aviation professionals whose work strengthens airport operations, enhances safety, and […]

Careers and Opportunities Discovered at the 8th Annual Women’s Aviation Career Symposium

March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Women’s Aviation Career Symposium (WACS) celebrated their eighth year that included over 225 participants and more than $53,000 in scholarships awarded to women pursuing careers in aviation. The annual professional career conference for women – from high school juniors through retirees – took place at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. WACS brought together […]

Kevin Burke Named 2026 Trade Association Executive of the Year

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

ACI-NA’s President and CEO, Kevin Burke, was recently named the 2026 Trade Association Executive of the Year at the annual Salute to Association Excellence awards luncheon. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership and impact within the association community. Kevin was recognized for not only his longstanding commitment to the association world but also to the […]

Asheville Regional Airport Posts Second-Highest Year in History with 2.24 Million Passengers in 2025

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 Kim Stevens

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) served 2,240,877 million passengers in 2025, marking the second-busiest year of passenger utilization in the airport’s history. This achievement underscores the region’s continued demand for air travel and highlights AVL as a vital and resilient gateway to western North Carolina. Despite significant challenges, including impacts from Hurricane Helene and ongoing terminal […]

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology

Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet

Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition