State Aviation Journal – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions
GeoCue has announced Steel City Drones as a new distributor of GeoCue TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software. Founded in 2011, Steel City Drones has spent the last 15 years serving customers across the drone industry, including public safety, construction, surveying, energy and utilities, agriculture and inspection markets. The company supports customers throughout the continental […]
The Star Fox Co-Op Experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is Amazing
As you know from my recent article, I was highly anticipating the release of the new Star Fox game on Nintendo Switch 2. This is a series I’ve loved since the very beginning on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and it’s so great to have another entry into the series arrive on the Switch […]
One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!
As you know, I love my retro aviation games. Anything that was related to aviation and flight was a must play for me growing up and this was absolutely the case with one of my all-time favorite Super Nintendo games, Star Fox! I still own a complete in box (CIB) copy of the SNES version […]
Dassault’s Falcon 10X Makes Maiden Flight
Photo credit: Dassault Aviation – M. Douhaire Dassault Aviation’s all-new Falcon 10X has successfully completed its first flight, demonstrating the program’s maturity and marking the launch of the flight test campaign. “This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “It is a reflection of the dedication and high skill […]

State News

Portland International Airport Completes Final Phase of Main Terminal

The second and final phase of the globally acclaimed Portland International Airport (PDX) main terminal expansion is now open. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the one million-square-foot project is the largest public infrastructure project delivered in Oregon’s history and realizes a decade-long vision to create a more welcoming, sustainable, and distinctly Pacific Northwest gateway for travelers. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the transformed PDX Airport sets a new standard for airport design. Image Credit: Ema Peter. Since phase I opened in 2024, the terminal has received multiple international honors, including the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airport award, Fast Company’s Best Design in North America distinction, and recognition from the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction. Featuring a 9-acre mass timber roof, the terminal evokes the feeling of walking through a Pacific Northwest forest. Views of the airfield, abundant natural light, and interior landscapes that celebrate the beauty of the region are present at every step of the passenger journey. The second phase introduces a distinct arrival experience for passengers landing at PDX. New exit lanes on the north and south ends of the terminal streamline concourse connections, leading arriving passengers to a new descent to baggage claim. Expanded post-security gathering areas create comfortable spaces for welcoming arriving travelers, while skylit all-user restrooms, new local retail and dining options, and art installations complete the passenger experience. “This airport is designed to meet the needs of travelers today while adapting to the demands of the future, enabling it to serve the region for decades to come. PDX provides a gateway to the Pacific Northwest, offering an unforgettable introduction to what makes this place so special,” said ZGF Managing Partner Sharron van der Meulen. “This project would not have been possible without the Port of Portland’s vision and dedication, along with the collaboration of our talented project partners. We’re incredibly grateful for their collective effort to deliver a terminal that is beloved by the community and travelers alike.” The PDX main terminal is designed to meet the needs of travelers today while adapting to the demands of the future. Image Credit: Ema Peter. The $2 billion terminal renovation and expansion is the largest mass timber project of its kind. Instead of building an entirely new terminal, the Port of Portland and ZGF decided to renovate and expand in place, keeping the airport fully operational throughout five years of phased construction while realizing schedule, time, and carbon savings. The strategy was made possible, in part, by a prefabricated wood roof that spans the entire terminal. “From their first designs to the final touches, ZGF has been an outstanding partner in creating a new PDX that reflects the best of our region,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “Thousands of local workers brought our shared vision to life, using locally sourced materials and setting a new bar for how it should be done – resulting in an airport that couldn’t have been built anywhere else. I couldn’t be prouder of this special place we built together.” The project’s sustainable design sets a new standard for airports worldwide. The main terminal expansion doubles passenger capacity while achieving a 50% reduction in energy use per square foot with a highly efficient, all-electric ground-source heat pump. Resilient design strategies enable the terminal to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The Portland International Airport Main Terminal project team includes Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture, KPFF, Arup, PAE, Swinerton, and more. For additional project information, visit: PDX Airport Main Terminal Expansion.
Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport Celebrates Completion of $5.7 Million Taxiway Improvement Project

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), alongside the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport, and the Cities of Guthrie and Edmond, today celebrated the completion of the airport’s $5.7 million Taxiway Realignment and Lighting Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. State and local officials join representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, and the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport to celebrate the completion of the airport’s $5.7 million Taxiway Realignment and Lighting Project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30, 2026. The project improves airfield safety, enhances operational efficiency, and positions the airport for future growth. The infrastructure investment reconstructed and realigned approximately 3,750 feet of parallel taxiway to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards, while replacing the airport’s taxiway lighting system with modern LED fixtures. The project also completed the first phase of a future terminal apron, positioning the airport for continued growth and future development. “Airports are never truly finished. They’re always evolving to meet the needs of the next generation of aviation. This project improves safety and efficiency today while preparing Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport for future development and the increasing demand we’re seeing from pilots, businesses and aviation partners across the region,” said Caden Young, airport director for Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport. The project was funded primarily through $5.13 million in grants from the FAA Airport Improvement Program, with ODAA contributing $285,000 and the Cities of Guthrie and Edmond providing the remaining $285,000. Construction was completed by Contech Inc., with engineering and design services provided by Parkhill. Airport operations remained open throughout construction using a phased approach that minimized disruptions for airport users. “Every airport improvement strengthens Oklahoma’s transportation network and creates new opportunities for economic growth,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “Investments like this ensure our communities have the infrastructure needed to attract business, support aviation and compete for future development. Projects like this are part of ODAA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, modern airport system that connects Oklahoma communities and supports economic prosperity.” For more than two decades, portions of the airport’s taxiway configuration no longer met current FAA design standards. The completed project improves operational safety and efficiency, while supporting the airport’s continued role as a regional transportation hub serving business aviation, flight training, aircraft maintenance, and economic development throughout central Oklahoma. The project also lays the groundwork for the airport’s next major capital improvement, a new terminal building and expanded aircraft parking apron, which is expected to begin construction later this year. Completing the initial apron work as part of this project will help minimize future impacts to airport operations during terminal construction. Jointly owned and operated by the Cities of Guthrie and Edmond, Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport has become one of Oklahoma’s premier general aviation airports, serving pilots, businesses, and visitors from across the region. The airport generates an estimated annual impact of $19.2 million and continues to play an important role in supporting economic development throughout north central Oklahoma.

National News

Colorado Shares Unleaded Aviation Fuel Transition Update

New ACRP Unleaded Avgas Transition Publications Available The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), which is part of the National Academies of Science’s Transportation Research Board, has just released two new publications addressing the aviation industry’s transition to unleaded aviation gasoline (avgas) that will be of interest to Colorado’s aviation community, as they continue to lead the way nationally in this transition. Both publications can be downloaded for free at the hyperlinks below: Research Report 284, Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Guide and Tools, summarizes the general steps and best practices that airports can follow when seeking to supply unleaded aviation gasoline. The report also highlights important sources of information to assist with planning and implementing an airport’s transition to unleaded aviation fuel. Publication 29409, Understanding the Transition to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline: A Primer, provides airports with concise information about the transition to unleaded aviation gasoline, based on the latest information available at the time of its preparation. For more resources and information about how the Colorado Division of Aeronautics is facilitating and supporting the transition to unleaded avgas in Colorado, please visit their unleaded avgas implementation webpage.
Celebration of America’s 250th Sees Delivery of $1.776 Billion to Upgrade Airports Across U.S.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced multiple Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants totaling $1.776 billion to upgrade American airports with runway rehabilitations, family-friendly enhancements, and safety upgrades. These investments address infrastructure needs, family-friendly improvements, and more. Forty-six states received investments, including: $88.8 million to Denver International Airport for pavement projects $74 million to Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field for runway rehabilitation, apron expansion, and upgrading visual guidance lights $62.4 million to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport for runway and runway lighting rehabilitation $62.2 million to Houston Hobby Airport for runway construction $47.6 to John F. Kennedy International Airport for taxiway construction and reconstruct an aircraft rescue and firefighting building. $36 million to Orlando International Airport for terminal, taxiway and lighting rehabilitation $28.1 million to Oakland International Airport for taxiway rehabilitation “What better way to celebrate America than investing in its future. We’re ushering in the Golden Age of Transportation and rebuilding our airport infrastructure is critical to making that vision a reality. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are building an aviation system worthy of our country’s incredible history,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “The FAA is prioritizing improving our nation’s airports and ensuring we issue grants quickly and efficiently,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “This funding does more than just rebuild runways and taxiways, it modernizes the travel experience for American families, ensuring our airports are safe and ready for the future.” Use FAA’s data visualization tools to see all airports receiving funding from Airport Infrastructure Grants and Airport Improvement Program.

International News

Jonathan Rayner Appointed Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport

London City Airport has announced the appointment of Jonathan Rayner as its new Chief Commercial Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. He joins the airport this month. Jonathan joins London City Airport at an important moment in its development, as the airport progresses its next phase of investment, customer proposition and commercial growth. He will lead the airport’s commercial strategy, with responsibility for strengthening airline and business partnerships, enhancing the passenger experience and driving performance across the airport’s revenue-generating activities. Jonathan Rayner Jonathan joins from Peel Ports Group, where he serves as Chief Commercial Officer and sits on the Executive Board. Prior to that, he was Chief Commercial Officer at London Luton Airport and held senior leadership roles at Edinburgh Airport, including Aviation and Digital Director. Andy Cliffe, Chief Executive Officer of London City Airport, says: “Jonathan is a highly accomplished commercial leader with experience across aviation, transport and infrastructure, and I am delighted to welcome him to London City Airport. “He joins us at a pivotal time as we build on our strong foundations and move into our next phase of growth. London City has a unique market position, a high-quality customer proposition and a significant opportunity ahead of it. Jonathan’s industry knowledge and commercial track record will be central to strengthening our airline relationships, enhancing our offer and helping us to deliver sustainable growth for London’s most central airport.” Jonathan Rayner, says: “London City Airport is one of the most distinctive airports in the UK, with a powerful brand, a highly valued customer experience and a unique position at the heart of London. “I am thrilled to be joining the business at such an exciting time. The airport has a compelling opportunity to grow its customer offer, deepen its airline and commercial partnerships and continue broadening its appeal for both business and leisure passengers. “I look forward to working with colleagues across the airport and with our partners to build on that momentum and help deliver the next stage of London City Airport’s growth.” London City Airport is the capital’s most central airport and serves more than 30 destinations across the UK and Europe. The airport welcomed 3.7million passengers in 2025 and has secured government approval to increase annual passenger capacity to 9 million by 2031. It is also progressing regulatory and consultation processes to support the introduction of larger, cleaner and quieter new-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo, which would help unlock further route opportunities and enable growth with fewer flights than would otherwise be required. The airport is also continuing to strengthen its customer and airline proposition as it enters this next phase. Recent developments include the launch of British Airways’ new Toulon service, further expanding London City Airport’s growing leisure offering, and plans to open its first luxury pre-flight hospitality experience in early 2027, in partnership with Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, as the airport approaches its 40th year.
National Airlines Continues Strategic Fleet Expansion with Delivery of Second Boeing 777F

National Airlines has marked another major milestone in its continued growth journey with the delivery of its second Boeing 777 Freighter (N792CA) from the Boeing production facility in Everett, Seattle. The latest addition further strengthens the airline’s long-haul cargo capabilities and reinforces its commitment to providing customized global charter cargo solutions to customers and industries worldwide. National Airlines Boeing 777-200F Aircraft (N791CA) during test flights 1. In April 2026, National Airlines welcomed its first Boeing 777 Freighter during a special delivery event attended by the airline’s leadership team, strategic partners, and valued customers. The arrival of the second aircraft within a short span highlights the airline’s ambitious fleet expansion strategy and its growing presence in the international air cargo market. National Airlines Chairman Christopher Alf commented, “We are excited about the arrival of our second Boeing 777 Freighter and look forward to further growing our charter cargo offerings and services for specialized industries and customer groups in the coming months. This milestone marks another important step in our long-term fleet expansion strategy. A special word of appreciation to our National Airlines Maintenance and Operations teams as well as the Boeing team for their leadership, partnership, and continued support throughout this fleet expansion program.” The Boeing 777-200 Freighter is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced and efficient long-range cargo aircraft. Powered by modern GE90 engines and equipped with cutting-edge avionics and fuel-efficient technology, the aircraft offers exceptional payload capability, operational reliability, and intercontinental range. With the ability to transport specialized cargo across long distances nonstop, the B777F enables faster, flexible, and more efficient transportation solutions for a wide range of industries. National Airlines is also preparing to welcome its third and fourth Boeing 777 Freighters in the coming months, further accelerating the airline’s transformation into a leading provider of customized air cargo solutions connecting businesses and industries around the world. With this latest delivery, the airline now operates a fleet of two 777 freighters, nine B747 freighters, alongside passenger aircraft including the A330-300 and A330-200, while continuing to expand its fleet.

Unmanned Systems

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions

GeoCue has announced Steel City Drones as a new distributor of GeoCue TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software. Founded in 2011, Steel City Drones has spent the last 15 years serving customers across the drone industry, including public safety, construction, surveying, energy and utilities, agriculture and inspection markets. The company supports customers throughout the continental READ MORE
Vantis Capabilities Unlocked for Traffic Management and BVLOS Flights

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is unlocking the unique capabilities of Vantis to operators for no cost, offering the ability to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), beginning July 1, 2026. With this, operators will get Application Programming Interface (API) access and onboarded on the statewide UAS system at READ MORE

Aviation Education

New Jersey Wing Cadets Visit State House for Legislative Day

More than 50 cadets and adult members of the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol recently gathered at the New Jersey State House for State Legislative Day, helping raise awareness of the organization’s missions and services among state lawmakers. CAP Cadet Capt. Logan Lancellotti (left) of the Allentown Composite Squadron presents New Jersey Gov. READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Trains Air Force Pilots

New Smyrna Beach, FL – Epic Flight Academy recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of U.S. Air Force pilots who completed Initial Pilot Training (IPT) at Epic’s New Smyrna Beach campus. Epic trained these officers under an Educational Service Agreement with the Air Force. Following the successful completion of the inaugural cohort in READ MORE

Portland International Airport Completes Final Phase of Main Terminal

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

The second and final phase of the globally acclaimed Portland International Airport (PDX) main terminal expansion is now open. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the one million-square-foot project is the largest public infrastructure project delivered in Oregon’s history and realizes a decade-long vision to create a more welcoming, sustainable, and distinctly Pacific […]

Jonathan Rayner Appointed Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

London City Airport has announced the appointment of Jonathan Rayner as its new Chief Commercial Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. He joins the airport this month. Jonathan joins London City Airport at an important moment in its development, as the airport progresses its next phase of investment, customer proposition and commercial growth. […]

Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport Celebrates Completion of $5.7 Million Taxiway Improvement Project

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), alongside the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport, and the Cities of Guthrie and Edmond, today celebrated the completion of the airport’s $5.7 million Taxiway Realignment and Lighting Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The infrastructure investment reconstructed and realigned approximately 3,750 feet of parallel taxiway to meet current Federal Aviation […]

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

GeoCue has announced Steel City Drones as a new distributor of GeoCue TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software. Founded in 2011, Steel City Drones has spent the last 15 years serving customers across the drone industry, including public safety, construction, surveying, energy and utilities, agriculture and inspection markets. The company supports customers throughout the continental […]

Genetec Helps Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport Modernize Security Operations

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

Genetec Inc. has announced that Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) has modernized its physical security operations using Genetec™ Security Center. The airport selected Genetec as part of its terminal modernization project to support future expansion, evolving Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements, and potential new carriers and flight routes. Located outside Rock Springs in Sweetwater County, […]

Colorado Shares Unleaded Aviation Fuel Transition Update

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

New ACRP Unleaded Avgas Transition Publications Available The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), which is part of the National Academies of Science’s Transportation Research Board, has just released two new publications addressing the aviation industry’s transition to unleaded aviation gasoline (avgas) that will be of interest to Colorado’s aviation community, as they continue to lead […]

AWOS III Weather Systems Now Live at Bethel, Strengthening Safety and Community Resilience

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has announced that a new Automated Weather Observing System III (AWOS III) unit is officially operational at Bethel Regional Airport (0B1), with Princeton Municipal Airport (PNN) to follow soon. This state-of-the-art system delivers continuous, real-time weather data that enhances aviation safety, supports emergency response, and bolsters local economic activity. […]

Vantis Capabilities Unlocked for Traffic Management and BVLOS Flights

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site is unlocking the unique capabilities of Vantis to operators for no cost, offering the ability to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), beginning July 1, 2026. With this, operators will get Application Programming Interface (API) access and onboarded on the statewide UAS system at […]

The Star Fox Co-Op Experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is Amazing

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 Andrew Stevens

As you know from my recent article, I was highly anticipating the release of the new Star Fox game on Nintendo Switch 2. This is a series I’ve loved since the very beginning on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and it’s so great to have another entry into the series arrive on the Switch […]

FAA Awards Nearly $32 Million to North Dakota Airports

July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $31,968,035 in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants for airports across North Dakota, U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer announced Thursday. The funding will be distributed as follows: The FAA AIP provides funding to airports nationwide for planning, capital, and safety enhancement projects.

GeoCue Welcomes Steel City Drones as New Distributor for TrueView and LP360 Solutions

The Star Fox Co-Op Experience on Nintendo Switch 2 is Amazing

One of the greatest pilots of my youth is about to take flight! Fox McCloud!

Dassault’s Falcon 10X Makes Maiden Flight