State Aviation Journal – Page 202 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Elegance Takes Flight – Lufthansa Unveils New Uniform
In its 100th anniversary year, Lufthansa is introducing a new uniform for its employees that combines tradition and innovation. The new outfits for cockpit, cabin, and ground staff were unveiled at a fashion show at the Lufthansa Group’s “Hangar One” visitor and conference center. The design was created in collaboration with employees from all uniformed […]
First Lufthansa A380 with New Business Class Takes Off for Los Angeles
Premium XXL: Lufthansa is retrofitting its eight A380s and installing an entirely new Business Class in its largest aircraft. In the future, Business Class on the A380 will offer even more comfort and privacy at a new premium level. The new Thompson seats feature a width of 58 cm, a bed length of at least […]
Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years with Opening of New Conference and Visitor Center
Lufthansa Group recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa with a major ceremony. As part of the event, Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center of Lufthansa Group at Frankfurt Airport, was officially opened. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered the official keynote speech. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group: […]
FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project
The Federal Aviation Administration will host four virtual public workshops in May as part of the Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project. The project is led by the FAA and proposes new and updated satellite‑based flight procedures to enhance safety and improve the efficiency of airspace serving Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and surrounding airports. The […]

State News

Woods Bagot Unveils Design of Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South at Los Angeles International Airport

Woods Bagot, has unveiled the design of the Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), marking the successful delivery of one of the most innovative aviation infrastructure projects in the country. Part of the airport’s broader multi-billion-dollar modernization initiative, MSC South adds approximately 150,000 square feet and eight gates for narrowbody aircraft, extending the capacity of the Tom Bradley International Terminal and significantly enhancing LAX’s operational flexibility. The new concourse was completed using a groundbreaking Offsite Construction and Relocation (OCR) method, in which nine building segments were constructed offsite and transported 1.75 miles across the airfield before being fully assembled on location. Photography by Jason O’Rear “MSC South reflects a new paradigm for how we think about large-scale aviation projects, from delivery to design,” said Principal Matt Ducharme, Woods Bagot’s North American Design Leader. “We’re incredibly proud to partner with LAWA on this visionary project, and to see it now completed and ready to serve the people of Los Angeles and travelers from around the world.” Designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), W.E. O’Neil Construction, and Buro Happold, MSC South embraces innovation at every level, from modular construction and environmental performance to enhanced user experience and community inclusion. The project achieved over 30% local hire participation, including graduates from the HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program, and is targeting LEED Silver certification. Midfield Satellite Concourse South MSC South thematically blends indoors and outdoors through a design that celebrates Southern California’s quality of light. The exterior facade features an integral performance-driven angled brise soleil that reduces glare and solar radiation while maximizing outdoor views. Passengers can enjoy a sense of domestic comfort complemented by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that accentuate exterior views. MSC South’s layout also draws inspiration from the emblematic architecture of modernist Case Study Houses MSC South represents another example of LAWA’s dedication to design excellence. Architecturally, the concourse creates a sense of place that celebrates and pays homage to the City of Los Angeles, with elements of the design strongly influenced by notable modernist homes. This is especially true of the project’s exterior brise soleil system – a solar shading feature on the concourse’s façade – that frames sightlines of the surrounding L.A. landscape. Inside MSC South, passengers’ comfort and well-being are of the utmost importance, with the interior feeling more like a domestic space than a traditional airport concourse. MSC South’s brise soleil system will also enable passive cooling and energy conservation, helping the project achieve its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver accreditation goal. As with all LAWA transformation projects, the team delivering MSC South is composed of local workers, with more than 30% of the team coming from Los Angeles’s local workforce. Offsite Construction and Relocation The completion of MSC South marks the successful implementation of a groundbreaking Offsite Construction and Relocation (OCR) method, which transformed how major airport infrastructure can be delivered. Beginning in early 2024, the concourse’s nine modular segments were built just north of LAX’s northern runways, approximately 1.75 miles from their final location, allowing work to proceed without disrupting active airfield operations. Each segment was then carefully transported to the site during overnight operations using Mammoet’s Self-Propelled Modular Transporters, with runway closures timed to ensure safety and minimal operational impact. Once assembled on-site, the modular structure, with its demountable seismic joints and highly coordinated utility infrastructure, provides a flexible, sustainable design that can be disassembled and relocated in the future if needed. MSC South Key Project Details Approximately 150,00sf of new construction Built with innovative Offsite Construction and Relocation (OCR) technique 8 Airplane Design Group (ADG) III Narrowbody Gates Targeting LEED Silver Project Team Design Architect: Woods Bagot Los Angeles Associate Architect: Raw International General Contractor and Construction Manager: W.E. O’Neil Construction Structural Engineer: Buro Happold Civil Engineer: Mott MacDonald / MA Engineering Mechanical and Plumbing Engineer: Syska Hennessy Group Electrical Engineer: PBS Engineering Geotechnical Engineer: Diaz Yourman & Associates Sustainability Consultant: Buro Happold Baggage Handling, Passenger Boarding Bridges and Fueling: Swanson Rink IT, Communications and Security: TLC Engineering Solutions Wayfinding: Selbert Perkins Design Lighting Design: Buro Happold Acoustics: Buro Happold Site Investigations and Surveying: Pfeiler & Associates Engineers, Inc Vertical Transportation: Syska Hennessy Group Code Compliance: Jensen Hughes Fire Protection: Schwab Engineering
SGF Now Offering Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Short-Term Parking Lot

With an eye to the sky and a heart for sustainability, Springfield-Branson National Airport is charging the road ahead for its passengers. Starting this week, passengers can now charge their electric vehicles at SGF. Six electric vehicle charging stations are located in the Southwest corner of the newly expanded short-term parking lot. The ChargePoint 6000 stations provide a standard output of 12K2 (50A) per port, allowing passengers arriving back to Springfield fast charging capabilities or park-and-fly electric vehicle charging functionality. At the airport, drivers will pay for the energy consumed on a per kWh basis. This pricing model bills for the energy consumed by the vehicle, but doesn’t encourage drivers to move their vehicle after charging has been completed. The initial charging rate will be $0.35 per kWh. The multipurpose electric vehicle charging stations provide flexibility and ease of use for passengers, necessities for any customer experience upgrade at the airport, says Dave Schaumburg, assistant director of aviation, operations and maintenance. “If you’re flying out or coming home, we want to ensure that passengers with electric vehicles have what they need on their travels,” said Schaumburg. “If you’re parking for multiple days and want your vehicle ready when you return or just need to be powered up for the drive home, this new technology is an amenity that meets our passengers’ needs.” Electric vehicles have increased in popularity in recent years, with Missouri home to nearly 30,000 electric vehicles according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But more than meeting changing driving habits of SGF passengers, providing electric vehicle charging stations is another way the airport infuses sustainability in its airport operations. “Five new jet bridges installed in 2025 have the latest technology, increasing energy efficiency in both the terminal and the aircraft parked at our gates,” said Brian Weiler, director of aviation. “Energy efficiency and decisions focused on sustainability whenever possible are a part of our mindset of how we run this airport.” Key points to know: Six electric vehicle charging stations are now operational in the short-term parking lot at the airport. While not free, this passenger amenity helps meet the needs of a growing number of passengers who own electric vehicles in Southwest Missouri. Drivers will pay $0.35 per kWh to charge their electric vehicles in the southwest corner of the short-term lot.

National News

EAA Aviation Foundation Awards More Than 120 Scholarships to Students in 2026

The 2025-26 cycle of EAA Aviation Foundation scholarships gave 127 students a financial boost toward pursuing their aviation goals. With the support of the foundation’s donors, the scholarships total more than $800,000 in value. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing flight training or post-secondary education. For flight training, this can cover costs associated with a glider license, Private Pilot’s License (PPL), sport pilot license, flight ratings, and endorsements. Post-secondary scholarships can be applied to tuition costs at colleges, universities, or trade schools, for majors such as aviation management, aerospace engineering, airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance, and more. “Over the past three years, the EAA Aviation Foundation has tripled the number of scholarships we are able to award to students,” said Rebecca Greskoviak, Scholarship and Fund Stewardship Coordinator. “We are grateful for our donors who contribute to our goal of helping more students achieve their aviation dreams.” In addition to these scholarships, EAA will also be awarding more than 50 camperships to students attending EAA’s Air Academy Camp this summer. These scholarships offset the tuition cost for the multi-day camps in Oshkosh that feature hands-on activities and unique aviation experiences.
A Century of Possibility: American Airlines Celebrates 100 Years Moving Forever Forward

On April 15, 1926, a DH-4 biplane took off from Chicago bound for St. Louis. This flight, carrying only mail, operated under Robertson Aircraft Corporation. Driven by the possibilities aviation could unlock for the country and the world, this flight set into motion the creation of one of the world’s most iconic airlines: American Airlines. Watch video One hundred years later, American is commemorating this milestone anniversary in the skies with a similar excitement and passion for all that lies ahead. Hear from Robert Isom, American’s CEO, about what this milestone means for American. Celebrating our customers and team members American’s story is a result of the dedication of our customers and team members. From the first passenger flights on the Douglas DC-3 between Chicago and New York, to the dawn of the Jet Age with the introduction of the Boeing 707, the establishment of major hub-and-spoke carriers, and more, customers have had choices when they fly. Taken together, the moments where travelers chose American were instrumental in crafting the airline’s century of progress, innovation and global reach. This century of achievement is also the result of the team members who drove our progress and success through every era of change. The past 100 years have included every kind of experience — spanning from immense challenges to great successes — and at every moment, American’s team members rose to the occasion and cared for people on life’s journey. American will be celebrating this milestone with both customers and team members across the country. In Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX) and Washington, D.C. (DCA), customers traveling on the 100th scheduled departure of the day will enjoy a celebration of our history with a glimpse into our future. Together with various partners, travelers will enjoy an elevated celebration with keepsakes to show our appreciation before being welcomed on board to the future of travel. Throughout the month, customers at all of our Flagship® and Admirals Club® lounges can enjoy themed cocktails and hand-passed light bites to celebrate a taste of the culinary trends that have shaped the last century. At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), customers will enjoy a similar celebration with a surprise and delight with a special twist. Flight 100 to London (LHR) will operate with N735AT bearing the “Flagship DFW” special livery, while American’s centennial-themed livery will aptly operate Flight 1926 from ORD to STL and back. Throughout the year, American is sharing stories and celebrations about its rich history at aa.com/american100. With details about special liveries, team member stories and a timeline of key events in the airline’s history, American’s story is one of triumph, progress and continued connections with customers.

International News

BGS Expands Cooperation with LOT Across Central and Eastern Europe

Baltic Ground Services (BGS), an international provider of ground handling and aircraft fueling services, has extended its cooperation with LOT Polish Airlines across multiple stations in Central and Eastern Europe. Under the renewed agreements, BGS will continue providing aircraft fueling services at Riga (RIX) and Ostrava (OSR), where cooperation with LOT has been ongoing since 2021. The extended partnership also marks the start of operations in Tallinn (TLL), where BGS will begin supporting the airline as a new customer. In Vilnius (VNO), BGS has been providing ground handling services to LOT Polish Airlines since the company’s establishment in 2005. The airline currently operates between five and six daily flights to Warsaw, highlighting the long-standing and consistent cooperation between the two partners. The cooperation covers a combined annual fuel volume of approximately 6,500 tons across the three stations, reflecting the scale of LOT’s operations supported by BGS in the region. The expansion into Tallinn also represents a continuation of BGS’s strategy to grow its fueling network across key airports in Central and Eastern Europe. “Extending our cooperation with LOT reflects the consistency and reliability of our fueling services across different stations,” said Vitalis Dudys, BGS Group Head of Commerce. “We value long-term partnerships and are pleased to continue supporting LOT’s operations, while also expanding our cooperation into new locations such as Tallinn.” “We welcome the opportunity to continue and further expand our cooperation with BGS,” said Mateusz Dziudziel, Director of the Fuel Office at LOT Polish Airlines. “Ensuring high-quality fuel services is critical to maintaining safe and uninterrupted aircraft operations. We value BGS as a trusted partner and hope that further strengthening our cooperation will contribute to LOT’s operational stability and growth across the region.” “Our long-standing cooperation with BGS plays a key role in maintaining operational excellence across our network,” said Sebastian Jadczak, Director of Ground Operations Office at LOT Polish Airlines. “Reliable ground handling services are fundamental to ensuring a seamless travel experience for our passengers. We value the continuation of this strong partnership as we support our future growth.”
Elegance Takes Flight – Lufthansa Unveils New Uniform

In its 100th anniversary year, Lufthansa is introducing a new uniform for its employees that combines tradition and innovation. The new outfits for cockpit, cabin, and ground staff were unveiled at a fashion show at the Lufthansa Group’s “Hangar One” visitor and conference center. The design was created in collaboration with employees from all uniformed departments, who tested all styles for comfort, functionality, and sustainability, and provided the design team with valuable feedback on how to refine the elements. The designs were then brought to life in collaboration with the renowned fashion brand BOSS. After more than two decades with the current uniform, Lufthansa is now gradually introducing around 40 new and reimagined pieces. Lufthansa’s brand colors continue to define the look – the elegant dark blue and the iconic Lufthansa yellow. A special highlight is a cape for cabin and ground crew that pays homage to Lufthansa’s history while simultaneously symbolizing a look toward the future. The process of co-designing the outfits lays the foundation for a long-term collaboration between Lufthansa and BOSS. Both brands stand for quality, precision, and timeless design – values brought to life through BOSS’s strong tailoring expertise. This close collaboration underscores a shared ambition to bring both brands’ identities to life for consumers, and to set new standards of quality and style in the premium travel and fashion segments. Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, said: “Our new uniform is far more than just a piece of clothing; it is an expression of our identity and a promise to our guests worldwide. It is our business card and stands for quality, reliability, and the unmistakable style that our passengers experience on every journey with Lufthansa.” James Foster, SVP Global Marketing at HUGO BOSS, added: “Working closely with Lufthansa, we have combined tailoring expertise with aviation know-how. The new looks represent quality, durability, and our shared commitment to excellence. We look forward to accompanying Lufthansa in the next chapter of its journey – both in the air and on the ground.” The new uniform line stands out not only for its timeless design but also for its thoughtfully designed, resource-efficient concept. Employees can flexibly mix and match new and existing uniform pieces, conserving resources while accommodating individual preferences. The rollout of the new outfits will take place in phases, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026. With this step, Lufthansa is strengthening its role as a leading premium airline and sending a clear signal of innovation and modernization of its brand.

Unmanned Systems

DSLR Pros Joins GeoCue Distribution Network

GeoCue has welcomed DSLR Pros to its growing distribution network, expanding nationwide access to TrueView 3D Imaging Sensors and LP360 point cloud processing software for geospatial professionals across the United States. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, DSLR Pros has spent more than a decade pioneering commercial drone technology and tailored solutions for customers in geospatial, READ MORE
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s READ MORE

Aviation Education

EAA Aviation Foundation Awards More Than 120 Scholarships to Students in 2026

The 2025-26 cycle of EAA Aviation Foundation scholarships gave 127 students a financial boost toward pursuing their aviation goals. With the support of the foundation’s donors, the scholarships total more than $800,000 in value. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing flight training or post-secondary education. For flight training, this can cover costs associated with a READ MORE
K-State Salina Launches Aviation Summer Camp for High School Students

Kansas State University Salina is reintroducing an aviation summer camp experience that will allow high school students to become immersed in the world of flying that provides real piloting opportunities, with the launch of the new K-State Aviation Academy, June 21-27. The weeklong camp is for high school students between 15-17 years of age, and READ MORE

Woods Bagot Unveils Design of Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South at Los Angeles International Airport

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Woods Bagot, has unveiled the design of the Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), marking the successful delivery of one of the most innovative aviation infrastructure projects in the country. Part of the airport’s broader multi-billion-dollar modernization initiative, MSC South adds approximately 150,000 square feet and eight gates for narrowbody […]

SGF Now Offering Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Short-Term Parking Lot

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

With an eye to the sky and a heart for sustainability, Springfield-Branson National Airport is charging the road ahead for its passengers. Starting this week, passengers can now charge their electric vehicles at SGF. Six electric vehicle charging stations are located in the Southwest corner of the newly expanded short-term parking lot. The ChargePoint 6000 […]

BGS Expands Cooperation with LOT Across Central and Eastern Europe

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Baltic Ground Services (BGS), an international provider of ground handling and aircraft fueling services, has extended its cooperation with LOT Polish Airlines across multiple stations in Central and Eastern Europe. Under the renewed agreements, BGS will continue providing aircraft fueling services at Riga (RIX) and Ostrava (OSR), where cooperation with LOT has been ongoing since […]

Elegance Takes Flight – Lufthansa Unveils New Uniform

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

In its 100th anniversary year, Lufthansa is introducing a new uniform for its employees that combines tradition and innovation. The new outfits for cockpit, cabin, and ground staff were unveiled at a fashion show at the Lufthansa Group’s “Hangar One” visitor and conference center. The design was created in collaboration with employees from all uniformed […]

Hawaiian Airlines Joins Oneworld Alliance, Connecting Hawai‘i to the World

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Hawaiian Airlines became the newest member of the oneworld® alliance, connecting Hawai‘i to more of the world with the largest network of flights to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian’s oneworld membership, the 96-year carrier’s first entry into a major alliance, makes it easier than ever for travelers worldwide to visit Hawai‘i – a […]

First Lufthansa A380 with New Business Class Takes Off for Los Angeles

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Premium XXL: Lufthansa is retrofitting its eight A380s and installing an entirely new Business Class in its largest aircraft. In the future, Business Class on the A380 will offer even more comfort and privacy at a new premium level. The new Thompson seats feature a width of 58 cm, a bed length of at least […]

Return of Seasonal Flights from Muscle Shoals to Pensacola Announced by Contour Airlines

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Contour Airlines has announced the return of its seasonal nonstop service from Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Pensacola, Florida, starting May 6, 2026. The summer seasonal service will provide travelers with convenient, nonstop access to the Florida Gulf Coast, just in time for peak vacation […]

Recalling Our Trip to AirVenture and Camping at the Aviation Exploration Base

April 22, 2026April 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

By Titus Drye Arriving at the Hickory Regional Airport early one Saturday morning, three cars get packed with camping equipment and excited, if slightly drowsy Aviation Explorers from EAA chapter 731. We settle in for the long first leg of the trip with pillows, snacks and eager expectation. This is the beginning of an experience […]

EAA Aviation Foundation Awards More Than 120 Scholarships to Students in 2026

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 2025-26 cycle of EAA Aviation Foundation scholarships gave 127 students a financial boost toward pursuing their aviation goals. With the support of the foundation’s donors, the scholarships total more than $800,000 in value. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing flight training or post-secondary education. For flight training, this can cover costs associated with a […]

U.S. Pacific Air Forces to Highlight Aircraft, Personnel at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Pacific Air Forces will take center stage as the featured service component at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, coming July 20-26, 2026, at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “As we aim to highlight a specific Air Force command every year at Oshkosh, the incredible work of Pacific Air […]

Elegance Takes Flight – Lufthansa Unveils New Uniform

First Lufthansa A380 with New Business Class Takes Off for Los Angeles

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years with Opening of New Conference and Visitor Center

FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project