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

Electra Joins Virginia Smart Airspace Program to Establish National Blueprint for Advanced Air Mobility Instrument Flight Rules

Photo – Electra’s Direct Aviation model uses the nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, to unlock thousands of new Ultra Short access points – including fields, parking lots, and underutilized runways – bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play. Credit: Electra Electra announced a new partnership with the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Smart Airspace Program to design, implement, and test a first-of-its-kind, low-cost instrument flight rules (IFR) network for Ultra Short and other advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft complete with new, FAA-certified access points. Nearly all commercial aviation services operate under IFR to ensure reliability, predictability, and safety, especially when the weather is not clear. However, existing IFR arrival and departure procedures are not designed with AAM aircraft in mind. Without AAM-specific procedures, there could be unsustainable airport congestion, reduced time savings for passengers, and challenges in attaining full commercial viability of AAM aircraft. The program’s IFR routing, procedures, and new access points will separate AAM traffic from conventional flights, enable more direct routing, and be based on GPS navigation, making it a low-cost, scalable model for replication around the United States. Electra, which has developed the world’s first hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft, joins as a technical lead alongside NAVOS Air. The program is led by Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), supported financially by the Virginia Small Aircraft Transportation Systems Lab, and supported financially and technically by the Virginia Department of Aviation. “The Virginia AAM Smart Airspace Program is establishing the regulatory, procedural, and operational foundation for real-world AAM deployment—not in the future, but now,” said Tombo Jones, the Director of MAAP, an FAA Designated Test Site. “With FAA engagement, proven technical methods, and scalable infrastructure, Virginia is helping to define the national blueprint for how Advanced Air Mobility will operate in everyday airspace.” “This partnership marks a critical step forward on our path to unlocking a new era of aviation – one that is simpler, faster, and without the hassle of today’s commercial services,” said Parker Vascik, Director of Product Strategy, Electra. “By creating the necessary operational, physical, and digital infrastructure in an affordable package, we are one step closer to enabling safe, scalable, and reliable all-weather AAM operations across the country. Ultimately, our goal is to transform the future of travel, giving people the freedom to travel from where they are to where they want to go.” Electra’s team of aerospace engineers and pilots will work with the other technical leads to design, implement, and test instrument procedures for Ultra Short aircraft, including during the most technically difficult part of flying in poor weather – proceeding from cloud coverage to a landing site. The GPS-developed procedures will enable flight in instrument meteorological conditions: broadly, when flight visibility is less than 3 miles and cloud ceilings are less than 1,000 feet above the ground. The program will also research the successful implementation of Ultra Short access points. The program will also create a repeatable and scalable model for expanding AAM IFR networks, starting with the strategic connection of four Virginia nodes: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI): an off-airport Ultra Short access point in Blacksburg. Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (KROA): an on-airport Ultra Short access point that keeps AAM aircraft separated from conventional runways and flight patterns at a large airport. Allen C. Perkinson Airport, Blackstone (KBKT): an existing FAA-approved vertiport in a mixed civilian/military use environment that supports Ultra Short access. Shannon Airport: an existing rural airport with a turf runway in a commuter community in northern Virginia. A summer 2024 economic analysis conducted by the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems to measure the impacts of enabling AAM operations across Virginia projected more than $16 billion generated in new economic activity, $2.8 billion generated in tax revenue, and the creation of more than 17,000 high-value jobs across the aerospace ecosystem through 2045. Electra’s Direct Aviation model uses Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, to unlock thousands of new Ultra Short access points – including fields, parking lots, and underutilized runways – bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play. By pairing practical infrastructure with transformative capability, Direct Aviation enables trips that were previously impractical or impossible and expands economic opportunity to communities of every size. For more information, visit https://www.electra.aero.
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport Remains the Fastest-Growing Major Airport in the United States

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation has announced that Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) remains the fastest-growing major airport in the United States for the second year in a row, according to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation data. The data confirms PVD is the fastest-growing major airport in the United States by seats and passengers for year-over-year growth over a 12-month period ending October 2025, comparing the largest 75 airports in the country. During this timeframe, total passengers increased by 11 percent and total seat capacity increased by 10 percent. “PVD is the only major airport in the country to achieve double-digit passenger and seat growth for this time period. This is a remarkable achievement for PVD travelers and it reinforces the importance of the airport to Rhode Island’s economy,” stated Iftikhar Ahmad, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to keep pace with this growing demand.” “During my administration, we have continued to make investments in destination marketing, and the return has clearly been impactful. With expanded direct flight options, the convenience of our airport, and our top-notch hotels and restaurants, Rhode Island continues to set record-breaking tourism numbers. Each year, more and more visitors from across the globe are coming to experience all that the Ocean State has to offer,” said Governor Dan McKee. Aviation and tourism together represent two of Rhode Island’s most significant economic engines. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, aviation activity in Rhode Island generates approximately $2.7 billion annually in total economic impact, supporting jobs, business activity, and statewide connectivity. In parallel, a 2024 statewide tourism economic impact study found that tourism generated a total economic impact of $8.8 billion, driven by $6 billion in direct visitor spending across lodging, food and beverage, transportation and retail. The sustained growth at PVD directly supports both sectors by expanding access, capacity and competitiveness for the Ocean State. “On behalf of RIAC’s Board of Directors, we could not be more pleased with the growth and direction of the airport. There has been a collective effort over the past decade from the executive team at RIAC, our federal delegation, the Governor, and House and Senate leaders that has produced this transformative era,” stated Jonathan Savage, chair of RIAC’s Board of Directors.

National News

NBAA-Supported Senate Bill Calls for Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities at Contract Towers

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate to direct installation of cost-effective air traffic technologies to fill a critical safety gap at many general aviation (GA) airports across the country. Introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to procure and install Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT) technology at more than 90 smaller and rural airports under the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program. APRT uses automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data from aircraft to present controllers with a real-time display of local airspace, offering significantly greater situational awareness over use of visual observations and radio calls to separate traffic, and greatly reduced installation and maintenance costs when compared to radar-integrated systems. “This off-the-shelf technology will have a huge and immediate impact at many contract tower facilities across the country that currently manage a significant amount of mixed operations without any digital assistance,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “APRT is critical to reducing risk and maintaining operational safety. We are pleased to see this important safety legislation introduced in the Senate and urge its swift passage.” FCTs currently operate at 265 airports across the country. If enacted, this NBAA-supported legislation would facilitate acquisition, installation and operating expenses for APRT at the FCT airports that currently lack Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or similar radar-integrated air traffic displays. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 called on Congress to direct the FAA to approve systems like APRT to improve operational situational awareness at FCTs. The agency approved the first APRT last summer, with several additional airports deploying APRT to positive effect in the time since. In addition to NBAA, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act is also endorsed by the Regional Airline Association; U.S. Contract Tower Association; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Airlines for America.
NBAA Welcomes Senate Confirmation of Ryan McCormack to Key DOT Post

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes the Senate’s confirmation of Ryan McCormack as the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) undersecretary with responsibility for policy. Ryan McCormack McCormack was confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 26. He has been serving as deputy chief of staff for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy since January 2025. “This is an important role at a critical time for DOT as the agency undertakes an historic modernization initiative, while continuing its core work to keep transportation safe and reliable,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We congratulate Mr. McCormack and look forward to working with him in his new role.” The DOT and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are working to build a brand-new air traffic control infrastructure in coordination with a coalition of about 60 industry stakeholder groups, called Modern Skies, of which NBAA is a founding member. McCormack came to DOT from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, after working on Capitol Hill as chief of staff to Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-5-WI). He was also legislative director for DOT Secretary Sean Duffy when he served in the House of Representatives.

International News

Mount Royal University in Canada expands its flight training capabilities with the ALSIM AL250 simulator

ALSIM proudly announces the addition of an AL250 simulator at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. This new addition strengthens the university’s commitment to delivering high-quality and immersive pilot training. The AL250 simulator addresses the initial phase of training needs (PPL, CPL, Instrument and Multi Engine ratings) and is a SEP/MEP reconfigurable simulator certified as an EASA FNPT II, FAA AATD and Transport Canada FTD Level 2 with IPC capability. In addition, it offers both analog and glass cockpits for each flight model at the simple flick of a switch. This device has been extremely well received since its creation, with more than 125 units installed and operating successfully worldwide. “The flight school at Mount Royal University covers a wide range of student training levels. We chose the AL250 simulator because it allows us to quickly and efficiently configure our simulators for each lesson without the need for complex hardware changes. We also value the enhanced realism of the seamless, full field of view in ALSIM simulators, which is vital to the student pilot experience” explains Ian Wallace, Chief Flight Instructor at Mount Royal University. Souleymane Sarré, Sales Manager at ALSIM, adds, “We are thrilled to extend our long-term partnership with Mount Royal University through the addition of the AL250, which will perfectly complement their existing ALSIM ALX. We’re proud to continue supporting MRU in fostering excellence and shaping the future of aviation training. A huge thank you to the Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation at MRU for their renewed confidence in ALSIM solutions.”
Lufthansa A380 Livery Now with XXL Crane

To mark Lufthansa’s 100th founding anniversary, the world’s largest passenger aircraft now also shines in a special blue design. Yesterday evening, the Airbus A380 landed at Munich Airport under flight number LH9901. It came from Shannon, Ireland, where it was painted with an XXL crane and the lettering “1926 | 2026” and “100.” Thirty-five colleagues worked on the Airbus A380 for exactly 34 days. They brought the 47-meter-long stylized crane on the aircraft to life and painted a total area of over 4,000 square meters (equivalent to approximately 16 tennis courts). The Airbus with the registration D-AIMH will start regular service in March. The Airbus A380 is the fourth aircraft to feature this extraordinary design. At the beginning of the month, a freshly painted blue Airbus A350-900 landed in Munich. A Boeing 787-9 and an Airbus A320neo, both based in Frankfurt, are also flying in the “100th anniversary colors.” Tomorrow, Friday, another Airbus A320neo with an XXL crane is expected in Munich. A Boeing 747-8 and an Airbus A350-1000 will follow in the coming weeks. A total of seven special liveries will then be in service to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first “Luft Hansa”. The aircraft will receive the special design either as part of a regular repainting program or, in the case of new deliveries, as their initial paint job at the factory. With this, there will be only minimal additional costs for this special fleet appearance in Lufthansa’s anniversary year.

Unmanned Systems

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
FAA Radar Data Feed Activated in North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven announced last week the activation of the Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave, a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Vantis system at the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site. Senator Hoeven (center) announces activation. The test site is the first non-federal entity READ MORE

Aviation Education

City of Riverside Partners with Education Institutions to Explore Job and Economic Growth Through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT)

The City of Riverside is working with two local school districts and several local colleges to explore ways to create additional jobs and long-term growth in the aviation, aerospace, and related technology sectors through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT). “This will ensure Riverside remains proactive, not reactive, about aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs,” READ MORE
Westmoore High School Wins Inaugural Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship

In a historic weekend for Oklahoma education and industry, Westmoore High School has been crowned the first-ever Oklahoma High School State Aviation Champions. The Jaguars secured the title at the event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and FlightSafety International in Tulsa. Westmoore High School placed first among 12 teams at READ MORE

Mount Royal University in Canada expands its flight training capabilities with the ALSIM AL250 simulator

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

ALSIM proudly announces the addition of an AL250 simulator at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. This new addition strengthens the university’s commitment to delivering high-quality and immersive pilot training. The AL250 simulator addresses the initial phase of training needs (PPL, CPL, Instrument and Multi Engine ratings) and is a SEP/MEP reconfigurable simulator certified as […]

Lufthansa A380 Livery Now with XXL Crane

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

To mark Lufthansa’s 100th founding anniversary, the world’s largest passenger aircraft now also shines in a special blue design. Yesterday evening, the Airbus A380 landed at Munich Airport under flight number LH9901. It came from Shannon, Ireland, where it was painted with an XXL crane and the lettering “1926 | 2026” and “100.” Thirty-five colleagues […]

NBAA-Supported Senate Bill Calls for Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities at Contract Towers

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate to direct installation of cost-effective air traffic technologies to fill a critical safety gap at many general aviation (GA) airports across the country. Introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Air Traffic Situational Awareness […]

NBAA Welcomes Senate Confirmation of Ryan McCormack to Key DOT Post

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes the Senate’s confirmation of Ryan McCormack as the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) undersecretary with responsibility for policy. McCormack was confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 26. He has been serving as deputy chief of staff for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy since January 2025. “This is an important role […]

AOPA Welcomes Bipartisan Bill to Equip Remaining Towers with Surveillance Technology

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) welcomes the introduction of the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, which would equip the remaining 90+ air traffic control towers without radar or other surveillance technology with a cost-effective tool that enhances safety for pilots and situational awareness for air traffic controllers. The bill, introduced today by […]

Electra Joins Virginia Smart Airspace Program to Establish National Blueprint for Advanced Air Mobility Instrument Flight Rules

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Electra’s Direct Aviation model uses the nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, to unlock thousands of new Ultra Short access points – including fields, parking lots, and underutilized runways – bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play. Credit: […]

Electra Secures Additional Patents Protecting its Advanced Hybrid-Electric Architecture for Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing Aircraft

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) has been granted a series of U.S. patents that protect core components of its groundbreaking hybrid-electric propulsion and flight control architecture, a system designed to enable Ultra Short takeoff and landing operations while maintaining conventional aircraft performance and safety margins. These patents cover critical elements necessary to deploy electric blown lift practically, […]

Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport Remains the Fastest-Growing Major Airport in the United States

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation has announced that Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) remains the fastest-growing major airport in the United States for the second year in a row, according to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation data. The data confirms PVD is the fastest-growing major airport in the United States by […]

North Carolina Proposes Participation in FAA Electric Aviation Pilot Program

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation has submitted a proposal to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Electric Aviation Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), an initiative designed to support the safe integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), such as air taxis, and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies into the national airspace. […]

MDOT Announces Award Winners for Outstanding Achievements in Michigan Aviation

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

At the 2026 Michigan Airport Conference held in East Lansing Feb. 18-19, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the award winners for achievements in promoting and improving aviation in the state. These awards are presented to airports and consultants who have been nominated by MDOT Office of Aeronautics staff and airport community members. “Congratulations […]

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