State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

RAF Red Arrows Demo Team to Make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Debut in 2026
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, best known as the Red Arrows, will for the first time bring its world-renowned formation flying excellence to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The team will participate during the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2026 fly-in convention July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Red Arrows […]
Inside EAMS: How FL Technics Turns Aging Aviation Assets into Market Opportunities
As airlines continue to face engine shortages and extended repair timelines, demand for serviceable material is rising, pushing the market to increasingly rely on dismantled aircraft as a faster and more cost-effective source of components. At FL Technics, Adriana Wheeler, SVP of Business Development, and Modestas Valiusevicius, SVP of Strategic Asset Purchasing, focus on sourcing, […]
Bremerton Air Show Returns to Bremerton National Airport for Fourth Year
The skies over Kitsap County will come alive once again as the Bremerton Air Show takes flight for its fourth consecutive year at the Bremerton National Airport July 11th & 12th. This show promises a thrilling weekend of high-flying excitement, historic aircraft, and family-friendly entertainment. More than just an air show, this event is a […]
Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird
Photo Credit floridapanthers.com By Andrew Stevens I always love it when different worlds we appreciate come together for an experience. I’m a big hockey fan and obviously this is the best time of the year with the Stanley Cup Playoffs ongoing (Go Ducks!). My hockey journey is a bit wild, but that’s not the story […]

State News

Phoenix Airport Museum Gets Spotlight for Museum Month

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport celebrates Museum Month, and the upcoming May 18 International Museum Day, by showcasing the Phoenix Airport Museum’s exhibitions. Museum Month is recognized annually in May to increase awareness of the role of museums in communities and to promote cultural heritage. Aviators by Donald Lipski – credit Matt Winquist Phoenix Airport Museum History The art in the airport has been a tradition since the 1960s when The Phoenix mural by Paul Coze was installed in the former Terminal 2’s lobby. The airport’s art program officially became a museum 38 years ago. Since the first exhibition, Dental Impressions, of children’s art posters, the Phoenix Airport Museum has presented more than 500 exhibitions highlighting Arizona’s culture. Today, there are more than 1,000 artworks in the museum’s collection, including both architecturally integrated artwork, like artist-designed glass murals, as well as “portable art,” such as paintings, sculptures and fine art prints. The museum includes more than 40 exhibition display areas, with artworks and exhibitions located inside, outside, above and below. Current Phoenix Airport Museum Exhibitions: Spectral Alchemy – Terminal 4, level 3 Gallery (pre-security) Brings together 15 local artists who create artwork with unique media to explore the creative and enchanting spirit of light. Fluoresce – Terminal 4, level 3, west of food court (pre-security) Features seven local artists who use blacklight paint to create vivid artworks that glow under ultraviolet light. Time & Place: Paintings by Martin Dimitrov – Terminal 4, level 3, in eight display cases on the east and west ends (pre-security, at both ends of level 3, outside of security entrances) Features more than 75 paintings highlighting Tempe-based artist Martin Dimitrov. Runway Fashion – Terminal 4, level 2 cases, near ticketing counters (pre-security) Showcases eight vintage flight attendant uniforms designed by notable fashion designers from the Aviation History Collection from the 1940s to 1980s. Desert Innovation – Terminal 4, level 3 along the passenger bridge between the A and D gates (post-security) Designed in partnership with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, this large-scale photo mural invites travelers to explore how the region paved the way to become a corridor for creativity and resilience. La Loteria – Terminal 3, level 4, east end (pre-security) Villegas’ series, La Lotería, transforms each card from the game’s 54 card deck into 54 vibrant paintings inspired by cultural stories, food and everyday items. Fly Over the West – Terminal 3, level 4, west end near PHX Sky Train® (pre-security) To promote its growing sightseeing business in the late 1920s, Scenic Airways captured aerial photographs to advertise that the best way to experience Arizona was from above, by airplane. Luis Jimenez artist spotlight – Terminal 3, level 1, northside (pre-security) Experience unique drawings and prints from the notable Mexican American sculptor, Luis Jiménez. Rooted & Rising – Terminal 3, level 4, west end gallery (post-security) Features 20 artists reflecting the evolving relationship between the desert’s natural and built environment. Best Selfie Spots Not only do the Phoenix Airport Museum exhibits offer a great way to witness creativity, but there are also several areas to capture the moment with a perfect selfie, including: Trace Elements by Daniel Mayer; Terminal 4, level 3, pedestrian bridges to PHX Sky Train® (pre-security) The Aviators by Donald Lipski; Terminal 3, level 4, east end (pre-security) The Ultimate Landscape by Merrill Mahaffey; Terminal 3, level 4 (post-security) The Phoenix by Paul Coze; Rental Car Center, level 3 Sky Curtain, PHX Sky Train® Station at the Rental Car Center Immersive artworks Terrazzo Floors Step into art at Phoenix Sky Harbor with multiple immersive artworks across the airport, including 10 artist-designed terrazzo floors throughout the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport system and Phoenix Light Passage by James Carpenter in Terminal 3, level 4, on the north concourse bridge (post-security). Anyone can come see Phoenix Airport Museum artwork that is pre-security and in the Rental Car Center without an airline ticket. Use the PHX Sky Train® to travel between terminals and to the Rental Car Center. The airport is Phoenix’s front door, and the Phoenix Airport Museum’s art and exhibitions give visitors an introduction to the inexhaustible array of artistic talent and cultural resources Arizona has to offer. Learn more about the Phoenix Airport Museum at skyharbor.com/museum.
Asheville Regional Airport Announces Place & Time an Art in the Airport Exhibition Celebrating Western North Carolina

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has announced the opening of Place & Time, the new Art in the Airport exhibition featuring eight regional artists selected from more than 120 applicants across Western North Carolina. The exhibition is on display now through August 4, 2026. The process of curating this new exhibit was inspiring. “The quality of the submissions were extraordinary,” said Alexandra Ingle, curator of the Art in the Airport program. “I am always deeply impressed by the incredible talent this region is fortunate to call its own.” A common thread runs through the selected works. Each piece speaks to a specific place and time, drawing attention to past, present and future, and together celebrating the natural beauty of the region and the idea of capturing a fleeting moment in time. The exhibit takes its name from a theme that surfaced during the curation process. “When I began reviewing submissions, I wasn’t looking for a title. I was looking for resonance,” Inge said. “As the selections came together, it became clear each piece was in conversation with where we are and when we are. Place & Time felt like the only authentic name for it.” Place & Time is on display in AVL’s new art gallery, which opened in June 2025 in the new North Concourse. The eight artists featured in Place & Time represent a range of mediums: Christa Capua, digital collage Marcia Moore, reclaimed bike tire sculptures Erik Mace, photography (archival pigment print) Martin Pasco, acrylic and oil landscapes Jeff Kinzel, foil on canvas Kevin Andrew, acrylic and marker Maddison Graybill, ceramics Deb Williams, kiln-formed glass Place & Time is on display in the AVL terminal through August 4, 2026. Travelers interested in purchasing featured works may contact art@flyavl.com. More information about the Art in the Airport program can be found at flyavl.com/artintheairport. Local artists interested in applying can sign up for AVL’s Window Seat, e-newsletter, to hear about application deadlines and more related to the program.

National News

New Cessna Caravans to Boost USDA’s Fight Against Crop-Damaging Insects

Textron Aviation Inc. has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has ordered three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support its sterile insect release program protecting citrus crops along the Rio Grande River in southern Texas. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2027. APHIS will use the Caravans to carry and release sterile insects that help prevent the spread of destructive pests, including fruit flies. The environmentally friendly technique helps safeguard fruit-bearing trees, reduce crop damage and protect agricultural industries that rely on healthy harvests. “These aircraft will help APHIS reach remote areas and carry out their important mission of protecting agriculture,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales. “We’re proud to support their work with the dependable and versatile Caravan.” Known for its payload capacity, reliability and ability to operate in remote environments, the Cessna Caravan is well-suited for aerial application missions that require long flight durations, steady low-altitude operations and access to rugged airstrips. APHIS will equip the aircraft with custom release systems that safely distribute sterile insects across wide areas — an approach that reduces pest populations without the use of chemicals. APHIS currently operates Cessna Stationair aircraft for similar missions. The addition of the Caravan expands its fleet capacity, enhancing the agency’s ability to conduct aerial pest management programs that protect crops, support growers and strengthen environmental stewardship.
JetBlue Airways Selects ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock FleX Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System for Multi-Airport Technology Program

ADB SAFEGATE has announced that JetBlue Airways has selected Safedock FleX — the company’s latest generation Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) — for a multi-airport technology refresh across four of its major U.S. stations. The program spans Boston Logan (BOS), New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), and San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU), and reflects JetBlue’s continued confidence in ADB SAFEGATE as its long-term gate technology partner. “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with JetBlue on this important program,” said Doug Woehler, ADB SAFEGATE Business Development Director. “By deploying Safedock FleX across their network, we are helping JetBlue achieve their goal of continuous innovation — delivering a scalable, integrated apron platform that will support safe and efficient operations well into the future.” The engagement builds on a relationship that began in 2009, when ADB SAFEGATE and JetBlue implemented gate management technology to support the airline’s operations. The hardware refresh now underway, and continuing through 2028, upgrades legacy ADB SAFEGATE equipment to Safedock FleX across more than seventy gates, further integrating JetBlue’s apron hardware and software into a unified, future-ready system. “Our relationship with ADB SAFEGATE goes beyond a technology refresh,” stated Mohammed Nabi, IT Manager Airport Operations Products, for JetBlue. “They work closely with our team, understand our operational goals, and bring solutions that are built for the long term. The Safedock FleX program across our network is a reflection of that trust, and we look forward to continuing to build on it together.”

International News

RAF Red Arrows Demo Team to Make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Debut in 2026

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, best known as the Red Arrows, will for the first time bring its world-renowned formation flying excellence to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The team will participate during the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2026 fly-in convention July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Red Arrows will perform as part of the afternoon air shows on July 24-26. It is part of the team’s extended U.S. tour in 2026 to honor America’s 250th anniversary. “The Red Arrows have long been on the list of teams that aviation enthusiasts have wanted to see at Oshkosh,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “The team’s extended U.S. tour schedule fortunately allowed them to include AirVenture on their itinerary so they can be added to the legendary flight teams that have flown at Oshkosh. We welcome them to our event and eagerly anticipate their extraordinary aerial performances.” Now in their 62nd season, the Red Arrows represent the speed, agility, and precision of the Royal Air Force. They assist in recruiting, act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas, and promote the best of British military aviation. “The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States – the tour is a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British, at significant events and occasions marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies and international counterparts. The tour will celebrate and underline the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and our closest security partner” said Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. “The power to inspire through aviation is something felt by airshow crowds on both sides of the Atlantic and we’re hoping to meet countless individuals and families at these locations, as well as during a busy programme of ground engagement that forms an important element of the tour. “An enormous amount of work continues to go into the planning for the visit, by teams in the UK and US, and we’re excited and honoured to bring our signature display of red, white and blue to some of the biggest, most well-known airshows and events this summer.” With a spectacular combination of close formations and precision flying, the Red Arrows have been displaying since 1965. The team – which uses the British-built Hawk T1 fast-jet – has flown nearly 5,000 displays in 57 countries, with pilots who have flown operationally in frontline aircraft such as the advanced Typhoon. The team’s home base is at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and the pilots are augmented by engineers and essential support staff with frontline, operational experience. The Red Arrows team members will also participate in numerous public appearances and events on the grounds during AirVenture week. That exact schedule will be announced as it is finalized.
New AfBAA Executive Doubles Membership and Fulfills Key Goals in First 12 Months of Leadership

Photo – The AfCAC Secretariat & AfBAA discussions at Aviation Africa 2025 result in an MOU. One year after electing a new Chairperson and Vice Chair, the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has made huge strides in its mission to support and promote the business aviation community across the continent. Highlights include more than doubling the membership, with the current listing rising to 55 members with many former members returning. A new UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) committee has been formed in recognition of the growing numbers and vast potential for the unmanned aerial vehicle sector across Africa. The Association has also established an Operators Committee to attract more operators and bolstered the Safety and Training Committee in support of its mission to raise standards across the continent. L to R – Kevin Storie, CEO CAASA, Dawit Lemma, AfBAA Chair, & Craig Middleton, AfBAA Vice Chair, sign MoU at Aviation Africa 2025. Close ties with both regional and international bodies have also been established. A milestone meeting with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) focused on creating and sharing valuable aviation data, enabling the prominent agency to advocate on AfBAA’s behalf. Initiatives were agreed that will see AFCAC represent business aviation interests at national CAAs and external agencies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “This was a breakthrough discussion, and we are delighted that the AFCAC can better support us in conversations with government and regulatory bodies. This cooperation will benefit all African aviation stakeholders, not just the individual organizations,” said Dawit Lemma, Chairperson AfBAA. AfBAA has also signed MOUs with the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA) and the Airlines Association of South Africa (AASA). Recognizing the influence of each entity, the discussions will help each organization support the other on regional and national issues. Lemma said: “Communication between the associations is essential for us all to build knowledge, intelligence, and understanding. As well as the agreements with African bodies, we are working with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) to encourage members to adopt the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) and the International Standard for Business Aviation Handlers (IS-BAH).” With a key focus on raising the profile, the executive also worked closely with organizers of the influential Aviation Africa event to host a dedicated AfBAA pavilion, where members could exhibit on a shared single AfBAA booth to increase exposure and maximize budget. “Following the success of the Africa Pavilion at Aviation Africa in Kigali, at the 2026 Nairobi event in September, we are repeating the concept with more booths and are delighted that all 12 are now booked.” A keynote speech delivered by Lemma inspired discussion and debate, showcasing the new approach to AfBAA. Lemma adds: “Our board strategy is based on five key pillars and aims to generate momentum, raise visibility, and support credibility by acting as a single voice with regulators, industry, and international organizations. We are streamlining governance and operations; expanding the aircraft segments that can join; and increasing the Association’s visibility outside of Africa. We have also improved our internal and external communications, with regular press coverage and a flow of feedback from our members that helps us to understand and support their needs.” Craig Middleton, AfBAA Vice Chairperson, added: “AfBAA acts as a bridge, adapting global frameworks to local conditions for effective implementation, which will boost the sector’s safety, efficiency, and growth across the continent. “We are proud to have fulfilled the promises we made when we took up responsibilities in May 2025. We have made great progress on all our set priorities and, thanks to feedback from our growing membership, have highlighted areas of concern and improvement for the next 12 months. It has been a privilege and a joy to have been an active part of the growth of the Association, both in size and stature, over this year, and we have plans to continue this dynamic development in the coming months.”

Unmanned Systems

FlyGuys Returns as Partner for Second Annual Elevate Scholarship Program, Connecting Certified Drone Pilots to Nationwide Career Network

FlyGuys has announced its continued support of the Elevate Scholarship Program for the second consecutive year, joining the National Center for Autonomous Technologies in offering 300 scholarships covering the $175 FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification test fee. The program targets students ages 16-24 enrolled in aviation or uncrewed systems programs across the United States. READ MORE
Embry-Riddle, FDOT Host Inaugural Summit to Shape Future of Advanced Air Mobility in State

More than 300 leading researchers, policymakers and aviation innovators gathered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the first-ever Florida Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium, featuring two days of talks and advanced demonstrations on this revolutionary class of aircraft poised to transform how people and cargo are moved through the skies and the emerging sector’s potential economic READ MORE

Aviation Education

New Aviation Academy at N.C. Global TransPark Creates Path to Rewarding Careers

The North Carolina Global TransPark is the official home to a new academy for Lenoir Community College students seeking careers in aviation. Officials held a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday to mark the grand opening of Lenoir Community College’s Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence. N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson (middle, second row) joined READ MORE
Idaho Announces 2026 Aviation Art Contest Winners

Photo – 1st place in the 16-18 age group. Art by Mattie A. The Idaho Division of Aeronautics announced the winners of the 2026 Aviation Art Contest in Idaho. The annual contest is an opportunity for Idaho students from ages 5-18 to exhibit their Artist’s View of Aviation. The theme was Around the World in READ MORE

Phoenix Airport Museum Gets Spotlight for Museum Month

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport celebrates Museum Month, and the upcoming May 18 International Museum Day, by showcasing the Phoenix Airport Museum’s exhibitions. Museum Month is recognized annually in May to increase awareness of the role of museums in communities and to promote cultural heritage. Phoenix Airport Museum History The art in the airport has […]

Asheville Regional Airport Announces Place & Time an Art in the Airport Exhibition Celebrating Western North Carolina

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has announced the opening of Place & Time, the new Art in the Airport exhibition featuring eight regional artists selected from more than 120 applicants across Western North Carolina. The exhibition is on display now through August 4, 2026. The process of curating this new exhibit was inspiring. “The quality of […]

U.S. DOT Awards $6.6 Million to North Dakota Airports

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration awarded $6,628,591 to airports across North Dakota through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. The funding will be distributed as follows: $1,107,162 to the Jamestown Regional Airport to reseal 2,285 feet of existing Taxiway A/A1 and 1,450 feet of existing Taxiway A-Ext pavement, reseal 3,712 feet […]

Crosswalk and Traffic Signal Improvements to Begin at Līhu‘e Airport

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

The public is advised that construction work is scheduled to begin on May 26, 2026, along the Līhuʻe Airport curbside pick-up and drop-off areas. The project will improve the airport’s three existing crosswalks and traffic signals to enhance pedestrian visibility, accessibility and overall public safety. During construction, which will be divided into six separate work […]

New Aviation Academy at N.C. Global TransPark Creates Path to Rewarding Careers

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Carolina Global TransPark is the official home to a new academy for Lenoir Community College students seeking careers in aviation. Officials held a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday to mark the grand opening of Lenoir Community College’s Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence. Governor Josh Stein, who offered recorded remarks by video, said the […]

Oklahoma Greenlights $520 Million, Five-Year Airport Construction Program

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved a $520 million, five-year program to improve the state’s airport network during its May 13 meeting. The comprehensive initiative funds 176 total infrastructure developments, including 99 specific pro-growth projects. Running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2031, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ (ODAA) Airport Construction […]

Port of Bremerton Receives Statewide Recognition for Community Outreach Efforts

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Port of Bremerton has been honored with the Washington Public Port Association’s Community Outreach Award, recognizing the Port’s public outreach efforts tied to the Airport Feasibility Study. The award highlights the Port’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and meaningful public participation in evaluating the potential introduction of passenger and/or cargo service at Bremerton National Airport. […]

Iowa DOT Names Shane Wright as Aviation Director

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) has announced that Shane Wright has been named Aviation Director for the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau. He has been part of the Iowa DOT since 2015 and brings nearly 20 years of aviation experience that includes commercial airport management, Part 139 airport operations, fixed-base operations, and commercial […]

New Cessna Caravans to Boost USDA’s Fight Against Crop-Damaging Insects

May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 Kim Stevens

Textron Aviation Inc. has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has ordered three Cessna Caravan aircraft to support its sterile insect release program protecting citrus crops along the Rio Grande River in southern Texas. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2027. APHIS will […]

JetBlue Airways Selects ADB SAFEGATE’s Safedock FleX Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System for Multi-Airport Technology Program

May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 Kim Stevens

ADB SAFEGATE has announced that JetBlue Airways has selected Safedock FleX — the company’s latest generation Advanced Visual Docking Guidance System (A-VDGS) — for a multi-airport technology refresh across four of its major U.S. stations. The program spans Boston Logan (BOS), New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), and San Juan Luis Muñoz […]

RAF Red Arrows Demo Team to Make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Debut in 2026

Inside EAMS: How FL Technics Turns Aging Aviation Assets into Market Opportunities

Bremerton Air Show Returns to Bremerton National Airport for Fourth Year

Two Stanley Cups, a Gold Medal, and a Ride in an Air Force Thunderbird