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

MSP Airport Debuts Tactile Maps to Expand Traveler Accessibility

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. Ken Rodgers, president of the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota, assisted in the development of new tactile maps at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission “This adds another layer of wayfinding to remove barriers in navigating the airport, which can be more challenging for individuals who are blind or have low vision,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP. “We’re proud of the partnership and innovation that led to this latest large-scale advancement in our accessibility efforts, which help all airport users have a better experience at MSP.” Nearly 150 tactile maps — which measure approximately two to three feet square — have been installed near each restroom entrance at a height between 48 and 60 inches from the floor, an optimal reach range based on Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. The MAC partnered with members of its own MSP Travelers with Disabilities Advisory Committee to develop map symbols, since there are no national standards. Along with lettering and braille, the map symbols — including square, triangle, line and oval, and diamond — note locations for stalls, urinals, accessible stalls, sinks and other fixtures. Every map marks a “start here” entrance location with a raised-dot path to orient users how to move through the restroom. “To be able to put your hands on something and get a basic idea of what a room looks like is a game changer in terms of feeling comfortable and independent,” said Ken Rodgers, president of the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota, who is blind. Rodgers directly consulted on the project as part of MSP’s advisory committee. “I can’t tell you how many urinals I’ve touched in places you’re not supposed to touch — and that requires good hand-washing.” One of the biggest challenges in developing the tactile map program is the volume and variety of restrooms at the airport, which served more than 36 million passengers in 2025. “We had to work with a pre-built environment where all but two restrooms were unique in their layout and fixture locations,” said Phil Burke, MAC assistant director of customer experience. “In essence, each map had to be custom designed and precise to the touch to create the maximum benefit for individuals who can’t always rely on a companion to assist them in navigating our restrooms.” Travelers, visitors and airport employees will find the new tactile maps near all restroom types across MSP’s two terminals. These include men’s, women’s, accessible, companion care, nursing and lactation rooms. The signs are also located outside service animal and pet relief areas. MSP has earned the highest level of accreditation for passenger accessibility by Airports Council International, a global organization representing more than 1,900 airports in 170 countries. In partnership with the MSP Travelers with Disabilities Advisory Committee, the airport has deployed nearly 25 accessibility initiatives over the last decade to strengthen its commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for all travelers.
North Dakota Air Travel Remains Strong Through First Half of 2026

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. Despite the modest decline, passenger activity remains strong and represents the second-highest January-through-June total on record. Airlines also continued expanding service across North Dakota during June, offering 133,395 departing seats—a 1.4 percent increase over the same month last year. Carriers operated 1,757 scheduled departures while maintaining an exceptional level of operational reliability. Only 17 flights were canceled statewide during the month, resulting in a cancellation rate of approximately one percent. Average flight load factors remained near 80 percent, demonstrating that the additional capacity continued to be well supported by passenger demand. Passenger activity continues to vary among individual markets during the first half of the year. Fargo, Devils Lake, Jamestown, and Williston experienced stable or increasing passenger activity, while Bismarck, Dickinson, Grand Forks, and Minot recorded modest declines compared to the same period in 2025. Such variation is common as airlines adjust schedules, aircraft capacity, and seasonal service to respond to changing demand and operational considerations. “North Dakota’s commercial aviation system continues to demonstrate its strength,” said Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “While some markets have experienced airline service adjustments, carriers continue to invest in North Dakota by expanding capacity and adding service where opportunities exist. Overall demand for commercial air travel remains strong, operational reliability is excellent, and our airport and community leaders will continue working to strengthen and expand commercial air service across the state.” Continued demand for commercial air travel is also occurring alongside significant investments in airport infrastructure across North Dakota. Airports throughout the state are modernizing terminals, reconstructing runways, and improving airfield facilities to enhance the passenger experience, increase operational efficiency, and position their communities for future growth. Air Service Updates: Minot: United Airlines has expanded its Denver service by adding a fourth daily departure. Williston: Delta Air Lines has announced that it will suspend its nonstop service to Minneapolis effective September 7th, 2026. Williston will continue to be served by United Airlines with multiple daily flights to Denver. Grand Forks: Allegiant Airlines has temporarily suspended its seasonal nonstop service to Las Vegas. The route is scheduled to resume in September 2026. Individual Airport June Passenger Records: The Fargo Hector International Airport established a new June passenger record with 50,959 boardings, surpassing its previous June record of 47,898 set in 2025. The Devils Lake Regional Airport established a new June passenger record with 1,044 boardings, surpassing its previous June record of 905 set in 2025. View the June Airline Boarding Report

National News

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 across the United States. BRINC Skybeam Spotlight in action. The capital will be used to expand BRINC’s domestic manufacturing capability, bring new products to market, and scale go-to-market operations. By the end of the year, BRINC will move into a new facility three times the size of its current factory, expanding its production capacity to meet surging demand from public safety agencies. “Every second matters in an emergency,” says Blake Resnick, Founder & CEO of BRINC. “Our 911 response drones put eyes on scene before first responders arrive, giving dispatchers and officers the situational awareness they need to act decisively and keep people safe. This investment enables our organization to build more products, expand our manufacturing capacity, and put a drone on the roof of every police and fire station in America.” Guardian’s Industry Leading Camera. The round comes at a moment of significant commercial momentum. BRINC more than tripled revenue in 2025 and quintupled monthly production capacity. This year, the company has signed nearly four times as many 911 response drone contracts as it did over the same period in 2025, with agencies including the Los Angeles Fire Department, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and hundreds of others across the country. BRINC builds drones for every mission. Lemur 2 is the most capable indoor drone. Responder leads the market in time on scene. Guardian is the 911 response drone built to replace helicopters. And because BRINC has deep, exclusive integrations with Motorola Solutions, every product in the fleet is just a button-press away. Agencies looking to learn more can reach out to their local BRINC representative or get in touch at brincdrones.com/contact.
National Aeronautic Association Names Kathryn Hughes as Recipient of the 2026 Stinson Award

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Col. (Ret.) Kathryn Hughes, MD, MPH, DAvMed, USAF, has been named the recipient of the NAA Stinson Award. Kathryn Hughes The Stinson Award honors the legacy of sisters Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, pioneering aviators of the early 20th century. Among the first women to earn pilot’s licenses, they founded the Stinson School of Flying and made significant contributions to early aviation, exhibition flying, and military flight training. The NAA Stinson Award recognizes a living U.S. citizen, group, or organization that has made a lasting impact on advancing women in aerospace through mentorship, advocacy, or pioneering efforts that have expanded opportunities for women in the field. “It takes immense tenacity to be a pioneer, and it takes a rare, fearless individuality to forge a path entirely your own,” said Amy Marino Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Kathy has never been afraid to step away from the crowd and do what others simply wouldn’t. She reflects the very essence of the Stinson sisters’ daring spirit and excellence. From the flight deck to her clinic, Kathy shines brightly on her own terms, and her true gift is empowering other women to find the confidence to do the exact same.” Dr. Hughes attended the United States Air Force Academy and, during her 26 years in service, logged over 3,000 military flying hours in multiple aircraft, including the T-38, RC-135, A-10, and Royal Air Force Hawk. While still serving as a pilot, she completed medical school and became the first female Pilot-Physician in the U.S. Air Force. She specialized in acceleration protection and life support equipment testing and evaluation. Her combined aviation and medical expertise enables her to advance human factors research, human systems integration, and enhanced pilot safety. After retiring from the military in 2016, Dr. Hughes has worked as a physician specializing in occupational and aviation medicine and is an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. She is a consultant for Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, the leading manufacturer of ejection and crashworthy seats that have saved over 7,800 lives worldwide. She serves in leadership roles in the Aerospace Medical Association and its Foundation Board. She remains an active general aviation pilot, manages her local airport, and volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Ninety-Nines, mentoring fellow women aviators. “It is a profound honor to have been selected for the prestigious NAA Stinson Award. I have long admired the audacity of Katherine and Marjorie Stinson and what they dared to accomplish,” said Hughes. “Throughout my own career in aviation and aerospace medicine, my goal has been to turn my opportunities into open doors for others. This recognition strengthens my commitment to mentoring and advocating for the next generation of those who strive for careers in aerospace.” Details about the Stinson Award presentation will be announced soon. For more information about the award or to view previous recipients, please visit naa.aero.

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

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
Aims Aircraft Maintenance Student Receives $10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship

Aims Community College Aircraft Maintenance student Kira Davis-Weber was honored with the prestigious $ 10,000 Centennial Airport Foundation Scholarship, showcasing her dedication and potential in aviation maintenance. The Centennial Airport Foundation awards annual scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, the quality of their application and READ MORE

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 […]

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

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

Monache Meadows Restored: RAF Continues to Expand the Map

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo Credit: The RAF, Monache Meadows, CA “It’s hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov of the restoration of Monache Meadows airstrip, on the Kern Plateau south of California’s Mount Whitney. This High Sierra airstrip had been accessed for recreation for years until the US Forest Service […]

MassDOT Aeronautics Division Receives Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing today that the MassDOT Aeronautics Division is being awarded the Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award for its innovative use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to support transportation operations across the state. The award will be presented at the ESRI User Conference on July 14, 2026, […]

Greenville Downtown Airport Welcomes Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

James Stephens, Greenville Downtown Airport Director, and Trish Balentine, owner and chef of Hangar 28 Kitchen and Events Photo credit: Greenville Downtown Airport/ Robert Hoover. The Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) officially welcomes Hangar 28 Kitchen & Events, as the newest addition to the airport’s Community Corridor. Located in the Community Corridor of the South Ramp, […]

Nearly $30 Million Announced for Airports Across Nevada

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced a $29,974,140 investment into Nevada’s airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring that these twelve airports will continue to serve communities throughout the Silver State. This funding will be used for pavement and utility upgrades, runway and taxiway modernizations, improvements to weather observation […]

Deutsche Aircraft Appoints Johan Landin as Sales Director

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 Kim Stevens

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 […]

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