State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Electra Picks Ohio for First Advanced Aircraft Production Facility
Photo – Electra selects Springfield, OH for its first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short, ushering in a new era of air mobility known as Direct Aviation. Credit: Electra Electra has announced plans to establish its first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short in the City of Springfield, within Clark County, a major […]
Eve Air Mobility and FDOT Partner to Advance Advanced Air Mobility in Florida
Eve Air Mobility has announced a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a focused Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative at SunTrax Air. The FDOT-led initiative will bring together Eve’s expertise in eVTOL aircraft, operations, and services with SunTrax Air’s research, testing, and validation capabilities. The effort will focus on delivering insights into […]
Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
Electra and Safran Helicopter Engines today announced a life-of-program production agreement for the TG600 turbogenerator, which will power Electra’s ground-breaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development and certification of Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short, with entry to service expected in 2030. Under the agreement, the TG600 turbogenerator will […]
Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway
Gale Associates, Inc., through its Airport Engineering & Planning Group, is providing engineering design and construction administration services for the rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport’s primary airfield infrastructure. Construction began on July 13, 2026, with the airport closed to fixed-wing aircraft for approximately three months while improvements are completed. The project includes reconstruction of Runway […]

State News

JetBlue to Continue Providing Essential Air Service to Presque Isle

The U.S. Department of Transportation has selected JetBlue to continue providing Essential Air Service (EAS) to Presque Isle according to a recent release from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Under the agreement, which covers a two-year term from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028, JetBlue will provide seven round trips per week from Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) using a 140-passenger Airbus A220-300. “Reliable access to commercial air service is critical to the residents and businesses of Aroostook County, connecting them to destinations across the country and supporting economic growth throughout the region,” said Senator Collins. “I welcome the selection of JetBlue to continue providing service between Presque Isle and Boston. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support robust funding for the Essential Air Service program, which helps sustain commercial air service in rural communities that might otherwise lack access to the national air transportation network.” Senator Collins secured $20,462,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending in 2024 to construct a new passenger terminal at PQI. The new passenger terminal will fully replace the airport’s outdated existing terminal that was built in 1954, be fully ADA compliant to ensure accessibility for all passengers, incorporate modern features, and meet updated Federal Aviation Administration design standards. Senator Collins took part in the groundbreaking for the new terminal last year.
Michael Goulian Named Keynote Speaker for 2026 MAMA Conference October 25-27

One of North America’s most decorated aviators, Michael Goulian doesn’t just fly—he redefines what is possible in three dimensions. Known for an aggressive, crisp performance style that fuses heart-stopping gyroscopic tumbles with competition-level precision, Goulian is a master of the air show arena. The Massachusetts native and entrepreneur will be keynote speaker when more than 200 delegates will gather for the 2026 Massachusetts Airport Management Association (MAMA) Conference at the AC Marriott Hotel in Worcester October 25-27. In the early 90’s Michael became the youngest ever US National Aerobatic Champion. He competed on three US World Aerobatic Teams before focusing on airshow flying. Since that time, Michael has flown around the world as an air show pilot and a competitor in the Red Bull Air Race where he accumulated victories in Abu Dhabi, Budapest, and the famed Indy Motor Speedway. He has also garnered industry recognition by winning all three of the air show industry’s top awards. One of only 7 pilots ever to accomplish this. Most recently, he was named an Honorary Blue Angel. Michael and his wife Karin operate a Cirrus Training Center at Hanscom and Plymouth Airports. He is a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) with over 1,500 hours in SRs, and he holds multiple jet type ratings. He is a Designated Pilot Examiner and a board member for EAA.

National News

Connico Hires Senior Cost Specialist for Next Phase of National Growth

Connico has announced the addition of Erika May as senior civil cost specialist. With more than 10 years of construction industry experience, May expands the firm’s cost estimating and project management capabilities to support complex infrastructure projects nationwide. Erika May “Erika has an impressive track record in cost estimating and managing complex aviation projects,” said Sri Kumar, Connico president and CEO. “She understands that excellent consulting relies on seeing what is ahead and helping clients make the right call when the stakes are high. We’re proud to welcome her and know both our clients and our team will benefit from her expertise and leadership.” In her role, May specializes in the civil components of complex infrastructure projects. Drawing on her extensive experience in construction leadership and in the field, she develops reliable estimates that help clients make informed project decisions and manage risk from planning through delivery. May holds an associate degree in science from Terra State Community College and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Toledo. She is a LEED® Green Associate™ and is currently pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Beyond her professional experience, May has completed the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy, served on several nonprofit and civic boards throughout Northwest Ohio, and was recognized as a Northwest Ohio 20 Under 40 recipient for her leadership and community involvement. “I’m honored to join Connico at such an exciting point in its growth,” said May. “Connico’s commitment to exceptional service, its people and creating the best place to work truly sets it apart. I’m excited to collaborate with this talented team, continue growing professionally and contribute to what’s next for the firm and our clients.”
EAGLE Members Welcome Public Release of FAA Unleaded Avgas Transition Plan

The industry members of the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative welcome the FAA’s release of the Transition Plan for Unleaded Aviation Gasoline, an important step toward a smart, safe, and orderly transition away from leaded fuel. With the plan now publicly available, pilots, aircraft owners, airports, fuel producers, and other stakeholders have a common framework for understanding and participating in the transition. The plan establishes an initial process to identify and address the technical, operational, infrastructure, regulatory, liability, and market issues associated with the transition to high-octane unleaded fuels. Protecting the safety, reliability, and accessibility of the general aviation fuel supply must remain central as testing continues and the FAA updates the plan based on data and operational experience. EAGLE’s industry members remain committed to working with the FAA and other stakeholders to eliminate lead from aviation gasoline without adversely affecting the safe and efficient operation of the existing general aviation fleet.

International News

Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO) Forges Strategic Partnership with AURA AERO to Accelerate Industrialization of the ERA Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Above – Jérémy Caussade, Co-founder and President of AURA AERO, left, and John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft with a signed strategic MOU. SAJ photo by Kim Stevens. Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO), the dedicated manufacturing division of Piper Aircraft, today announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French sustainable aviation pioneer AURA AERO. This landmark collaboration brings together PIMCO’s extensive aerospace manufacturing capabilities and AURA AERO’s expertise in next generation aircraft development to support the industrialization and scalable production of ERA, AURA AERO’s Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft. As the aviation industry accelerates its transition toward decarbonization, the partnership bridges nearly 90 years of proven aerostructure fabrication and certification expertise with next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion technology. The alliance is designed to optimize the manufacturing supply chain and ensure robust industrial readiness for the 19-seat ERA, AURA AERO’s revolutionary hybrid-electric regional aircraft engineered to drastically reduce emissions, acoustic footprint, and direct operating costs (DOC) without compromising range or operational flexibility. Strategic MOU signing. The collaboration underscores PIMCO’s strategic expansion into the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and sustainable aviation sectors, providing turn-key, high-volume manufacturing solutions to innovative OEMs. For AURA AERO, the agreement strengthens the industrial foundations required to scale ERA production. Backed by an order book of approximately 700 aircraft, ERA entry into service is scheduled for 2030 from AURA AERO’s manufacturing facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida and in Toulouse, France. “Industrial readiness is as critical as aircraft development. With PIMCO’s long standing experience in aluminum aerostructures, we are strengthening the manufacturing capabilities behind ERA and taking another important step toward delivering commercial aviation’s first hybrid-electric passenger aircraft,” said Jérémy Caussade, Co-founder and President of AURA AERO. “We are thrilled to partner with a visionary industry leader like AURA AERO to advance their hybrid-electric ERA platform,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “By leveraging our legacy of proven aerostructure manufacturing and rigorous certification processes, we are uniquely positioned to help bring the future of eco-designed, sustainable commuter transport to the global market.”
Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Johan Landin as Sales Director

Deutsche Aircraft has announced the appointment of Johan Landin as Sales Director. In this role, Landin will lead the commercial growth, customer engagement and global market development of the D328eco and D328MR (Multi-Role) aircraft programs. With an extensive background in aerospace, defense and international business development, Landin joins Deutsche Aircraft from the Saab Group in Sweden, where he has held senior commercial and leadership positions over more than 15 years. His experience includes roles as Campaign Director for the Gripen fighter aircraft, Head of Marketing & Sales for Air Traffic Management, and most recently, Country Manager, overseeing the full breadth of Saab’s product portfolio. Throughout his career, Landin has consistently delivered innovative technology solutions, identified new business opportunities and led strategic development activities across complex international markets. With a track record in navigating regulatory environments, coordinating international stakeholders and guiding customers through transformational journeys, Landin offers a unique perspective on cultivating long-term customer relationships and delivering value-driven solutions in both commercial and multi-role sectors. As a commercial pilot who has flown regional turboprop aircraft and operated his own pilot recruitment agency, Landin also brings invaluable firsthand insight to the role. This real-world experience, combined with his corporate leadership skills, reflects his passion and expertise in aviation. “I am excited to join the team at such an interesting time,” said Johan Landin, Sales Director at Deutsche Aircraft. “I look forward to contributing my experience to drive the commercial growth of the revolutionary D328eco aircraft and support the next phase of regional aviation.” Anastasija Visnakova, Chief Commercial Officer at Deutsche Aircraft, welcomed the appointment. “Johan brings a unique combination of experience, from international sales in the aerospace industry to firsthand operational expertise as a commercial pilot,” she said. “His leadership will be instrumental as we expand our global footprint and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.” “Johan’s experience across aerospace, multi-role and commercial aviation makes him an excellent addition to our sales team,” added Nils Heuer, Director Global Sales at Deutsche Aircraft. “His customer-centric mindset, background as a pilot, and international business expertise will strengthen our engagement with operators and partners as we scale the market presence of the D328eco program.” With Landin on board, the team is strengthening its commercial capabilities across both civilian and defense sectors for the D328eco and D328 Multi-Role (MR) aircraft programs. Landin holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and will be based in Stockholm, Sweden, reinforcing Deutsche Aircraft’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence close to key customers and partners.

Unmanned Systems

BRINC Raises $125M to Place 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof

BRINC today announced a $125 million financing round led by Motorola Solutions, with participation from Index Ventures and Dylan Field, Figma’s CEO and founder. The investment brings BRINC’s total capital raised to over a quarter billion dollars and will fuel the company’s mission to deploy 911 response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations READ MORE
Oregon Department of Aviation Releases New Drone Training and Testing Template for Oregon Public Agencies

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has released a new training and testing companion to its public agency drone policy template, giving Oregon public bodies a clearer path for training, evaluating, and documenting the people who fly drones for public work. The earlier ODAV template helped agencies answer an important question: What rules should guide READ MORE

Aviation Education

Flight Instructor Wins AOPA Sweepstakes Aviat Husky

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced at EAA AirVenture that Ashley Almquist is the winner of AOPA’s Sweepstakes Aviat Husky. Her new airplane, a 2024 Aviat Husky A-1C-200, is a versatile, two-seat tailwheel airplane known for its impressive handling and performance. Almquist graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2026 with a READ MORE
AOPA Foundation to Expand High School Aviation Education with Maintenance and Manufacturing Curriculum

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced today that it will add a maintenance and manufacturing pathway to its High School Aviation STEM Curriculum, the free, nationally recognized program that has reached more than 130,000 students since it launched in 2016. The new curriculum, which is made possible by a donation from Gregory READ MORE

JetBlue to Continue Providing Essential Air Service to Presque Isle

August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation has selected JetBlue to continue providing Essential Air Service (EAS) to Presque Isle according to a recent release from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Under the agreement, which covers a two-year term from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028, JetBlue will provide seven round […]

Connico Hires Senior Cost Specialist for Next Phase of National Growth

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

Connico has announced the addition of Erika May as senior civil cost specialist. With more than 10 years of construction industry experience, May expands the firm’s cost estimating and project management capabilities to support complex infrastructure projects nationwide. “Erika has an impressive track record in cost estimating and managing complex aviation projects,” said Sri Kumar, […]

EAGLE Members Welcome Public Release of FAA Unleaded Avgas Transition Plan

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

The industry members of the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative welcome the FAA’s release of the Transition Plan for Unleaded Aviation Gasoline, an important step toward a smart, safe, and orderly transition away from leaded fuel. With the plan now publicly available, pilots, aircraft owners, airports, fuel producers, and other stakeholders have a […]

A Smart, Safe Transition to Unleaded Aviation Fuel

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026 Kim Stevens

By the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) Initiative. The move away from leaded aviation gasoline to an unleaded future is one of the most important transitions facing general aviation. It affects aircraft owners, pilots, airports, fuel producers, distributors, retailers, maintenance providers, engine and airframe manufacturers, and the communities that depend on general aviation every […]

Flight Instructor Wins AOPA Sweepstakes Aviat Husky

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced at EAA AirVenture that Ashley Almquist is the winner of AOPA’s Sweepstakes Aviat Husky. Her new airplane, a 2024 Aviat Husky A-1C-200, is a versatile, two-seat tailwheel airplane known for its impressive handling and performance. Almquist graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2026 with a […]

Michael Goulian Named Keynote Speaker for 2026 MAMA Conference October 25-27

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 Kim Stevens

One of North America’s most decorated aviators, Michael Goulian doesn’t just fly—he redefines what is possible in three dimensions. Known for an aggressive, crisp performance style that fuses heart-stopping gyroscopic tumbles with competition-level precision, Goulian is a master of the air show arena. The Massachusetts native and entrepreneur will be keynote speaker when more than […]

MSP Airport Debuts Tactile Maps to Expand Traveler Accessibility

July 25, 2026July 25, 2026 Kim Stevens

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is providing a new navigational resource for people who are blind or have low vision. MSP is the first airport in North America to offer tactile maps for its entire suite of public restrooms to help users better understand the layout of key fixtures within each facility. “This adds another […]

North Dakota Air Travel Remains Strong Through First Half of 2026

July 25, 2026July 25, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its June 2026 airline passenger statistics for the state’s eight commercial service airports. With the first half of 2026 now complete, North Dakota’s commercial service airports have recorded 642,823 passenger boardings, a decrease of 1.8 percent from the 654,350 passengers recorded during the same period in 2025. […]

Electra Picks Ohio for First Advanced Aircraft Production Facility

July 24, 2026July 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Electra selects Springfield, OH for its first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short, ushering in a new era of air mobility known as Direct Aviation. Credit: Electra Electra has announced plans to establish its first production facility for the EL9 Ultra Short in the City of Springfield, within Clark County, a major […]

Eve Air Mobility and FDOT Partner to Advance Advanced Air Mobility in Florida

July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 Kim Stevens

Eve Air Mobility has announced a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a focused Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative at SunTrax Air. The FDOT-led initiative will bring together Eve’s expertise in eVTOL aircraft, operations, and services with SunTrax Air’s research, testing, and validation capabilities. The effort will focus on delivering insights into […]

Electra Picks Ohio for First Advanced Aircraft Production Facility

Eve Air Mobility and FDOT Partner to Advance Advanced Air Mobility in Florida

Electra and Safran Reach Development and Production Agreement for TG600 Turbogenerator to Power EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Gale Associates, Inc. to Lead Rehabilitation of Mansfield Municipal Airport Runway