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

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.
LAPP Urges City Council to Schedule Burke Lakefront Hearing

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 city has released redevelopment concepts, pursued federal engagement related to closure, and continued advancing a public narrative around the future of the site,” the LAPP wrote. “At the same time, those of us who operate businesses, employ local residents, invest capital, and rely on the airport every day have not been provided a meaningful public opportunity to present our concerns, ask questions, or respond to many of the assumptions being made about the airport and its future.” The committee previously held four hearings on the issue and only heard from the mayor’s office and their handpicked witnesses. At the April 1 hearing, Committee Chair Charles Slife said he was committed to scheduling a hearing to hear from airport supporters as it is “clear that there is more work to be done and more voices to be heard.” “Despite four hearings and repeated discussions of stakeholder engagement and public input, airport tenants, operators, aviation users, and employers have still not been provided with a dedicated public forum to present our concerns and analysis,” the LAPP wrote. “The hearings focused primarily on redevelopment concepts, closure pathways, environmental conditions, and studies commissioned by the City. While those perspectives are important, the businesses and organizations most directly impacted by a potential closure have not been given a comparable opportunity to present operational, economic, legal, and aviation-system impacts for public consideration.” In response to the letter, Councilmember Slife said, “it is still fully my intention to have one or more committee hearings to offer users and proponents of Burke the opportunity to offer input and share their perspective,” and said that “while Burke is certainly important, there is no definitive redevelopment plan or legislation before Council seeking approval for closure,” and “time sensitive issues and active legislation” have taken priority. “The mayor continues to mislead taxpayers by claiming that the airport is underutilized, operating at a deficit, and that other airports can absorb the nearly 50,000 flights that go into and out of Burke Lakefront every year,” said AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Kyle Lewis. “It is vital that City Council and the public hear the other side. The mayor’s plan puts lives and livelihoods in jeopardy, puts taxpayers on the hook for an unknown amount of money, and will lead to lost economic opportunities for Cleveland—which are badly needed.” The LAPP continues to urge Mayor Bibb and the city of Cleveland to work with the FAA to develop an Airport Master Plan for Burke Lakefront, which would provide an unbiased path forward that takes the needs and concerns of all parties into consideration. “We believe that process will show what the LAPP has said all along—that the best outcome for Cleveland is keeping the airport open while exploring the possibility of opening compatible land for new development,” said Lewis.

National News

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.
LAPP Urges City Council to Schedule Burke Lakefront Hearing

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 city has released redevelopment concepts, pursued federal engagement related to closure, and continued advancing a public narrative around the future of the site,” the LAPP wrote. “At the same time, those of us who operate businesses, employ local residents, invest capital, and rely on the airport every day have not been provided a meaningful public opportunity to present our concerns, ask questions, or respond to many of the assumptions being made about the airport and its future.” The committee previously held four hearings on the issue and only heard from the mayor’s office and their handpicked witnesses. At the April 1 hearing, Committee Chair Charles Slife said he was committed to scheduling a hearing to hear from airport supporters as it is “clear that there is more work to be done and more voices to be heard.” “Despite four hearings and repeated discussions of stakeholder engagement and public input, airport tenants, operators, aviation users, and employers have still not been provided with a dedicated public forum to present our concerns and analysis,” the LAPP wrote. “The hearings focused primarily on redevelopment concepts, closure pathways, environmental conditions, and studies commissioned by the City. While those perspectives are important, the businesses and organizations most directly impacted by a potential closure have not been given a comparable opportunity to present operational, economic, legal, and aviation-system impacts for public consideration.” In response to the letter, Councilmember Slife said, “it is still fully my intention to have one or more committee hearings to offer users and proponents of Burke the opportunity to offer input and share their perspective,” and said that “while Burke is certainly important, there is no definitive redevelopment plan or legislation before Council seeking approval for closure,” and “time sensitive issues and active legislation” have taken priority. “The mayor continues to mislead taxpayers by claiming that the airport is underutilized, operating at a deficit, and that other airports can absorb the nearly 50,000 flights that go into and out of Burke Lakefront every year,” said AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Kyle Lewis. “It is vital that City Council and the public hear the other side. The mayor’s plan puts lives and livelihoods in jeopardy, puts taxpayers on the hook for an unknown amount of money, and will lead to lost economic opportunities for Cleveland—which are badly needed.” The LAPP continues to urge Mayor Bibb and the city of Cleveland to work with the FAA to develop an Airport Master Plan for Burke Lakefront, which would provide an unbiased path forward that takes the needs and concerns of all parties into consideration. “We believe that process will show what the LAPP has said all along—that the best outcome for Cleveland is keeping the airport open while exploring the possibility of opening compatible land for new development,” said Lewis.

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

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 […]

AIR Act Introduced to Modernize Aviation Funding and Strengthen Airports Across the Commonwealth

June 14, 2026June 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) earlier this month introduced Senate Bill 1365, the Pennsylvania AIR Act, aimed at modernizing aviation funding and providing long-term support for airports across the commonwealth. The bill creates a dedicated Aviation Trust Fund to provide stable, predictable funding for airport improvements, workforce development, air service expansion and emerging aviation technologies. Funding […]

Lincoln Airport, Nebraska Air National Guard Celebrate Historic $100M Runway Reconstruction Project

June 14, 2026June 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Lincoln Airport Authority and Nebraska Air National Guard last week welcomed federal, state and local leaders, project partners and members of the media to the Runway 18/36 Reconstruction Project site to highlight one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Lincoln Airport’s history. Estimated at approximately $100 million, the multi-year reconstruction of Lincoln Airport’s […]

ALDOT Preparing for Record Year of Alabama Airport Investment

June 14, 2026June 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) Aeronautics Bureau is preparing for another record year of investment in Alabama’s airport system. Recently, ALDOT met with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airports District Office in Jackson, Mississippi, to begin coordinating fiscal year 2027 airport projects and funding priorities between the two agencies. FY2027 planning process underway Alabama airports […]

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