State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji
Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel), announced it has been awarded a new contract from Fiji Airports to implement a remote tower system for Labasa Airport, enabling aerodrome air traffic services to be delivered from a centralized Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Nadi. This is the first such installation for the Pacific Islands. With Labasa Airport servicing […]
Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]
Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been counting down the days until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 since the very moment I hit the road home from AirVenture 2025. It’s what I do, it’s who I am! Sure, you lose count as you enter the ‘ber months, or burrr months, depending on where […]
Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport
The City of Springfield and the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board has announced the appointment of David Schaumburg, AAE, as director of aviation, effective June 28. His salary will be $220,000. “I am very pleased to announce Dave Schaumburg as the next director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” said City Manager David Cameron. “Dave’s […]

State News

MAMA Members Brief Key State Lawmakers on Beacon Hill

Members of the Massachusetts Airport Managers Association (MAMA) Legislative Committee travelled to Beacon Hill on June 17 to brief lawmakers on key aviation issues and thank them for their support of Massachusetts’ 37 public use airports through the MassDOT Aeronautics Division. State Representative Michelle Badger (1st, Plymouth) took time from her busy legislative schedule to meet with the MAMA delegation during their recent visit to the State House. From left are; Joe Donovan, Donovan Strategies; Tom Hurley, MAMA Executive Director; Sean Collins, Regional Manager of Government Affairs, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assn; Chasen Congreves, Project Manager, McClure; and Andy Widor, MAMA President and Airport Manager, Westover Metropolitan Airport. The briefings were conducted in the offices of Senator Jamie Edlridge, Senate Chair of the Revenue Committee; Senator Brendan Crighton, Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee; Representative Adrian Madaro, House Chair of the Revenue Committee; Representative Michelle Badger, Member of the Aviation Caucus; Senator John Velis, Senate Chair of the Aviation Caucus; and Senator Mike Rodriques, Senate Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. The MAMA delegation stressed the need to retain the sales tax exemption on aircraft and aircraft components in order to preserve $1 billion in state and local revenue and more than 200,000 aviation-related jobs in the Commonwealth. Delegates also acknowledged Governor Maura Healey’s signing of the state’s Supplemental Budget which includes a new sustainable aviation fuels tax credit of up to $10 million per year for the next three years. The aim is to encourage the use of sustainable aviation fuels by airlines operating in Massachusetts and to promote the growth of the Massachusetts clean-fuels industry. The Legislative Committee works with other MAMA committees including the Conference, Emerging Leaders, Environmental Affairs, Marketing and Scholarship Committees to promote the economic, public service and educational value of the state’s more than three dozen airports.
JetZero Breaks Ground on First Aircraft Factory in Greensboro, North Carolina

JetZero today broke ground on its first manufacturing and final assembly campus, an 8 million square foot factory on more than 600 acres in Greensboro, North Carolina. The project, supported by the largest ever State-level incentive package for any startup of any industry, will be home to production of JetZero’s next-generation aircraft and will create 14,500 jobs over the next 10 years. JetZero will make the Z4 in Greensboro. Designed for the unserved commercial middle market, with 250 passenger capacity on a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles, the Z4 will be up to 50 percent more fuel efficient with an elevated passenger experience and will readily fit into today’s airport infrastructure. “Today, a great new chapter in North Carolina’s storied history of flight is taking off,” said Governor Josh Stein. “JetZero’s decision to build here is a vote of confidence in North Carolina’s workforce, our universities and community colleges, and our long aerospace tradition. These 14,500 jobs and $4.7 billion in investment will transform the triad region for generations. North Carolina is not only First in Flight, we are the future of flight, too.” “It should come as no surprise that JetZero is breaking ground here in North Carolina – the first in flight state,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero. “North Carolina has a vision for its future as a global aerospace hub, and JetZero shares that vision. We believe the time has come for an all-wing airplane, to support the industry’s need for more efficient airplanes that also deliver an incredible experience. We intend to reshape aviation, from right here in North Carolina.” JetZero is also designing military variants of the Z4, including an aerial refueler and transport aircraft. As a refueler, the all-wing design allows for twice the range or twice the payload to support U.S. air power. With America’s 250th birthday just three weeks away, the timing of today’s groundbreaking carries special meaning. As the nation celebrates a quarter millennium of innovation and independence, JetZero’s commitment to reinventing how aircraft are designed and built stands as a testament to that same pioneering spirit, carrying American aviation boldly into the next century. Digital-First, AI-Native Smart Factory JetZero’s Greensboro plant will be designed using advanced digital and AI native platforms developed in collaboration with Siemens and Deloitte. These platforms and tools allow engineers to build a complete digital twin of the factory before any concrete is poured — testing how machines, people, and materials will move through the building, and making changes on a screen rather than on a job site. That flexibility is rare in aerospace manufacturing and will make the Greensboro facility the most efficient and adaptable plant of its kind anywhere in the world. “Our partnership with JetZero demonstrates how cutting-edge industrial technology can help reindustrialize America,” said Ann Fairchild, President and CEO, Siemens USA. “Our digital twins help bring the next generation of manufacturing facilities to life faster and with greater confidence. We’re proud to help JetZero build a world-class aerospace facility that will create thousands of jobs and strengthen North Carolina’s position as the next great U.S. aerospace hub.” “By pairing advanced AI and digital tools with our deep operational and industry experience, we’re helping JetZero set a new standard for manufacturing speed, quality, and scale,” Kelly Herod, chief client officer, Deloitte. “Our work with JetZero brings automation and AI together with data strategies informed by our experience at The Smart Factory by Deloitte @ Wichita—connecting design, the shop floor, and the workforce.” Construction in Greensboro begins immediately, with hiring expected to ramp in phases over the next decade as the facility comes online.

National News

NATA Congratulates Caitlin Locke on FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Appointment

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) congratulated Caitlin Locke on being named Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. Locke, who has spent nearly 18 years at the FAA, moves into the agency’s top civilian safety role after serving as Executive Director of the Aircraft Certification Service within the Aviation Safety organization. The appointment aligns with ongoing FAA efforts to modernize certification, strengthen safety oversight, improve efficiency, and better integrate new technologies into agency processes. Caitlin Locke “NATA congratulates Caitlin Locke on her promotion to FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. She has been a valued partner to NATA and the broader general aviation community, bringing technical expertise and a collaborative approach to complex safety and certification issues,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “Locke’s leadership through the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative reflects the balanced, data-driven, and solutions-oriented engagement that is essential to addressing industry priorities while reinforcing the safety and strength of the national airspace system. We look forward to continuing our work with her in this important new role.”
TDI Partners with Kansas Company to Advance Aircraft-Moving Innovation

Kansas State University’s Technology Development Institute, or TDI, recently partnered with RPMC LLC of Almena on a new device for moving aircraft around the tarmac and into hangars. The device was developed to support maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, operations and help facilities use limited hangar space more efficiently. To accomplish this, the ability to maneuver aircraft into tight locations with precision control is critical. One challenge faced by MRO facilities is safely and accurately positioning aircraft within hangars, where available space is often limited and moving aircraft can be difficult. Recognizing this challenge, RPMC examined other types of equipment currently being used to address the concern. Several types of vehicles were available on the market, but the cost of the equipment was often out of reach for many MROs across the country. This created an opportunity to develop a cost-effective solution capable of moving and positioning aircraft in tight locations. The company identified the market opportunity and immediately began work on the first prototype. The initial proof of concept demonstrated the potential of the invention but did not include many of the functional features required to meet market demand, such as a battery-powered drivetrain and wireless remote control. Although the prototype was operational and validated the concept, the company recognized that additional engineering expertise and resources would be necessary to further develop the product and prepare it for real-world testing. RPMC contacted the Northwest Kansas Economic Development Innovation Center, or NWKEIC, to discuss the project and available resources that could assist with the development of the new device. The Innovation Center connected the company with TDI to evaluate the idea and determine next steps. Through its mission of helping Kansas entrepreneurs bring innovative products to market, TDI provided support throughout the product development process. TDI assisted the company in applying for the Kansas Department of Commerce Proof of Concept grant program to obtain initial funding for market research and demonstrations using the existing prototype. The team then used information gathered from those demonstrations to inform the design of the second-generation prototype. Both TDI and NWKEIC provided funding support, in addition to RPMC funding, to design and build the second-generation system. “The unit is designed to move small aircraft all the way up through regional jets and up to a narrow-body 737 or A320 aircraft,” said Bret Lanz, commercialization director at TDI. “It has taken several years for us to get through the product development process, but being able to conduct the customer research, use that information in the redesign of the system, source all of the required components and complete fabrication, it’s very rewarding to see it on the tarmac actually moving aircraft.” This collaboration highlights TDI’s role in helping innovators transform ideas into market-ready technologies. By combining the company’s idea with TDI’s engineering and commercialization expertise, the team has accelerated development and advanced the product toward commercialization. K-State’s Technology Development Institute in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering received a grant from the Research and Entrepreneurship Federal Matching Grant Dollars Fund and is a recipient of a grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to support rural entrepreneurship. TDI provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products and technologies.

International News

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji

Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel), announced it has been awarded a new contract from Fiji Airports to implement a remote tower system for Labasa Airport, enabling aerodrome air traffic services to be delivered from a centralized Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Nadi. This is the first such installation for the Pacific Islands. With Labasa Airport servicing the broader population of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, this project represents an important step in the modernization of air traffic management services within the Fiji Domestic Airspace. It will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen safety, and support more resilient aviation operations across the region. The project forms part of Fiji’s government-led investment in tourism-enabling infrastructure under the World Bank-financed Fiji Tourism Development Program in Vanua Levu. Led by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in collaboration with Fiji Airports and other implementing partners, the program supports coordinated investments to strengthen regional connectivity, improve essential infrastructure and services, and enable sustainable tourism development across Vanua Levu and Taveuni. “Fiji Airports’ selection of Adacel to deliver this remote tower program reflects a shared commitment to advancing aviation capabilities in the region,” said Daniel Verret, Chief Executive Officer of Adacel. “Our REVAL remote tower solution is a certified, operational, and field-proven platform that delivers enhanced situational awareness and operational resilience, providing a scalable approach to modernizing aerodrome services while enabling customers to expand capabilities over time and maintain long term efficiency and sustainability.” Mesake Seavula Nawari, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports said, “This project marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Fiji’s air traffic management services and reflects our commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and resilient aviation operations for the people of Vanua Levu.” He continued, “By introducing remote tower technology at Labasa Airport, we are strengthening the reliability and sustainability of air services, improving connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors, and supporting the continued growth of tourism and economic opportunities across the Northern Division. As the first remote tower installation in the Pacific Islands, this project also positions Fiji at the forefront of aviation innovation in the region and demonstrates our commitment to investing in smart, future-ready infrastructure that will serve our communities for generations to come.” Delivering a modern remote tower solution Under the contract, Adacel will deploy its REVAL digital tower system in a remote tower configuration, consisting of a Remote Tower Module (RTM) installed at Labasa Airport and a Remote Tower Centre (RTC) located at the Nadi Operations Centre. This architecture enables real-time operational visibility and control from a centralized facility, supporting safe and efficient remote service delivery. The solution will deliver high-resolution out-the-window views through an advanced camera system, combined with intelligent video processing and augmentation capabilities. These features provide enhanced situational awareness, supporting safe and effective operations in a wide range of operational conditions.
Global Airport Public-Private Partnership Investment Reached $52 Billion in 2025

Worldwide, 13 new airport public-private partnerships were launched in 2025, with a total value of $9.83 billion, according to Reason Foundation’s Annual Aviation Infrastructure Report. The paper finds that global airport public-private partnership deal values jumped to $51.96 billion across 79 projects in 2025, exceeding the pre-pandemic 2019 level of $51 billion and significantly above the 2020 low of $11 billion. The annual report shows that 49% of global passenger air traffic now passes through airports with significant private investment and management. Today, over 80% of regional passenger traffic in Latin America and Europe goes through privately-backed airports, but just 7% of traffic in the US and North America does. London Heathrow, Paris de Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino, Zürich, Istanbul, Vienna, and Melbourne are some of the major airports privately managed. The paper also finds that the remote air traffic control tower market is now projected to grow from $537 million in 2025 to $3.3 billion by 2035.

Unmanned Systems

Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale

As the Federal Aviation Administration continues advancing the regulatory framework for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is expanding the real-world test environment companies need to move from promising technology to operational reality. Located in Springfield, Ohio, NAAMCE is the only facility in the United States offering an end-to-end READ MORE
Vantis Expands BVLOS Capabilities as Frontier Precision Joins as New Champion Operator

Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) system, has reached another major milestone with the onboarding of Frontier Precision as its second champion operator. Frontier Precision has secured a new FAA waiver for BVLOS operations, expanding their operational capabilities available through the Vantis service volumes. The waiver is fully aircraft‑agnostic for systems under 55 pounds, allowing Frontier READ MORE

Aviation Education

Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft

The momentum continues for Texas Southern University’s aviation program. The program made Houston aviation history again Friday with the delivery of a brand-new twin-engine Diamond DA42. “We’ve had some great days at Texas Southern Aviation,” said Dr. Terence Fontaine, Executive Director of Aviation. “This may be one of the pinnacle moments of the program. We’ve READ MORE
Into the Firestorm

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the READ MORE

NATA Congratulates Caitlin Locke on FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Appointment

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) congratulated Caitlin Locke on being named Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. Locke, who has spent nearly 18 years at the FAA, moves into the agency’s top civilian safety role after serving as Executive Director of the Aircraft Certification Service within the Aviation Safety organization. The […]

MAMA Members Brief Key State Lawmakers on Beacon Hill

June 21, 2026June 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Members of the Massachusetts Airport Managers Association (MAMA) Legislative Committee travelled to Beacon Hill on June 17 to brief lawmakers on key aviation issues and thank them for their support of Massachusetts’ 37 public use airports through the MassDOT Aeronautics Division. The briefings were conducted in the offices of Senator Jamie Edlridge, Senate Chair of […]

JetZero Breaks Ground on First Aircraft Factory in Greensboro, North Carolina

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

JetZero today broke ground on its first manufacturing and final assembly campus, an 8 million square foot factory on more than 600 acres in Greensboro, North Carolina. The project, supported by the largest ever State-level incentive package for any startup of any industry, will be home to production of JetZero’s next-generation aircraft and will create […]

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 Kim Stevens

Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel), announced it has been awarded a new contract from Fiji Airports to implement a remote tower system for Labasa Airport, enabling aerodrome air traffic services to be delivered from a centralized Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Nadi. This is the first such installation for the Pacific Islands. With Labasa Airport servicing […]

Global Airport Public-Private Partnership Investment Reached $52 Billion in 2025

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 saj_admin

Worldwide, 13 new airport public-private partnerships were launched in 2025, with a total value of $9.83 billion, according to Reason Foundation’s Annual Aviation Infrastructure Report. The paper finds that global airport public-private partnership deal values jumped to $51.96 billion across 79 projects in 2025, exceeding the pre-pandemic 2019 level of $51 billion and significantly above […]

TDI Partners with Kansas Company to Advance Aircraft-Moving Innovation

June 15, 2026 saj_admin

Kansas State University’s Technology Development Institute, or TDI, recently partnered with RPMC LLC of Almena on a new device for moving aircraft around the tarmac and into hangars. The device was developed to support maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, operations and help facilities use limited hangar space more efficiently. To accomplish this, the ability […]

LAPP Urges City Council to Schedule Burke Lakefront Hearing

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 saj_admin

In a letter to Cleveland City Council members, the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP) is urging the Council’s Transportation and Mobility Committee to schedule a hearing on Mayor Justin Bibb’s proposed closure of Burke Lakefront Airport with airport proponents and stakeholders. “Over the past year, discussions regarding the future of Burke have accelerated significantly. The […]

AfBAA Launches Groundbreaking Research to Improve Understanding of Business Aviation in Africa

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 saj_admin

Photo Caption: AfBAA launches new research initiative to clarify the state of business aviation in Africa. Copyright VIPAero The African Business Aviation Association, AfBAA, has announced the launch of a landmark research project that aims to advance the understanding, perception, and knowledge of the sector across the African continent. The first phase of the multi-phase […]

CEVA 2026 Takes Off in Ciudad Real with the National and International Elite of Aerobatics

June 14, 2026June 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Spanish aerobatics is once again showcasing at the highest level. The 2026 Spanish Aerobatic Championship (CEVA) and its International Open will bring together 31 pilots from 10 countries from 25 to 27 June at the La Caminera Club de Campo in Torrenueva (Ciudad Real). This year’s event will feature 81 competition flights and a dozen […]

High Flying Hangars Signs Lease Agreement for Development at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia

June 14, 2026June 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – The High Flying Hangars development begins soon at the Manassas Regional Airport, with 35 executive-style hangars planned. [Courtesy of Manassas Regional Airport] High Flying Hangars has signed the lease agreement for the development of a new hangar project at the Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF) in Prince William County, Virginia, with the execution of […]

Adacel to Deliver REVAL Remote Tower System for Labasa Airport in Fiji

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport