State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

San Bernardino County Proclaims November 1 as ONT Day, Honoring Ontario International Airport’s Decade of Local Control
Photo – Members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors present ONT CEO Atif Elkadi (center left) and OIAA Commission President Dr. Ronald Loveridge (center, right) with a proclamation declaring November 1 as ONT Day. Ontario International Airport is being honored by lawmakers at the county and state level, commemorating its return to local […]
Oklahoma Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Dawn Aerospace Facility at Infinity One Spaceport
Oklahoma took another major step toward becoming a national hub for commercial spaceflight Tuesday as the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), and state leaders joined Dawn Aerospace to break ground on a new mission control facility and spaceplane hangar at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Burns Flat. […]
HyLight Raises €13M as Autonomous Airships Start Replacing Helicopters on Europe’s Critical Infrastructure
HyLight has raised €13 million from Rubio Impact Ventures, DRW and Teampact Ventures, joined by existing investors Y Combinator and Ring Capital. Founded in 2022, the company has already reached a milestone few industrial startups achieve: designing, building, industrializing and operating its own aircraft in France, while developing the software and artificial intelligence that turn […]
Oregon Department of Aviation Celebrates Completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) joined community leaders, State Aviation Board members, project partners and airport users Thursday, Oct. 1, to celebrate the completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project. The recently completed project included a complete reconstruction of the airport’s runway and apron, the addition of a second taxiway connector, improvements […]

State News

North Dakota Air Travel Sets New September Record

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission reports that the state’s eight commercial service airports established a new September passenger boarding record with 104,380 passengers in 2026. This surpassed the previous September high of 103,559 passengers set in 2025. The record was achieved despite a reduction in available airline capacity. Airlines offered approximately 124,000 departure seats during the month, a decrease of 5% compared to last September. With more passengers traveling on fewer available seats, the statewide average aircraft load factor, which measures the percentage of available seats occupied by passengers, increased from 79% in September 2025 to 84% in September 2026. Four North Dakota airports also established individual September passenger boarding records: Bismarck, Fargo, Devils Lake, and Jamestown. These milestones contributed to the statewide record and reflect strong passenger demand across several North Dakota communities. “These results are encouraging and reinforce the importance of supporting our airports as they work to maintain reliable airline service, attract additional capacity, and expand travel options for North Dakota communities,” said Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. Through the first nine months of 2026, North Dakota’s commercial service airports recorded 973,044 passenger boardings, keeping the state on pace for its second-busiest year on record. Additional Airport Information: Williston Basin International Airport: Delta Air Lines discontinued service on September 7, 2026, while Sun Country Airlines began seasonal service on September 10, 2026. Individual Airport September Passenger Records: Bismarck Municipal Airport established a new September passenger record with 25,218 boardings, surpassing its previous September record of 23,891 set in 2019. Fargo Hector International Airport established a new September passenger record with 49,464 boardings, surpassing its previous September record of 46,258 set in 2025. Devils Lake Regional Airport established a new September passenger record with 818 boardings, surpassing its previous September record of 752 set in 2025. Jamestown Regional Airport established a new September passenger record with 1,255 boardings, surpassing its previous September record of 969 set in 2017. View the September Airline Boarding Report September 2026 Statewide Airline Passenger Statistics Total Airline Passenger Boardings: 104,380 Available Airline Departure Seats: 124,034 Average Aircraft Load Factor: 84% Number of Successful Airline Departure Flights: 1,662 Number of Airline Departure Flight Cancellations: 3 Airline Departure Flight Cancellation Rate: 0.2%
San Bernardino County Proclaims November 1 as ONT Day, Honoring Ontario International Airport’s Decade of Local Control

Photo – Members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors present ONT CEO Atif Elkadi (center left) and OIAA Commission President Dr. Ronald Loveridge (center, right) with a proclamation declaring November 1 as ONT Day. Ontario International Airport is being honored by lawmakers at the county and state level, commemorating its return to local control and celebrating its remarkable growth over the past decade. Last Tuesday, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 1 of each year as “ONT Day,” honoring the determination and collaboration of the City of Ontario, San Bernardino County, and regional leaders who worked for years to reclaim the airport and establish a locally governed aviation gateway. Resolutions have also been advanced at the state level by 53rd District Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez and State Senator Susan Rubio. The recognition comes as ONT celebrates the 10th anniversary of its formal return to local control, which took place on November 1, 2016. “That day changed the trajectory of Ontario International Airport and, in many ways, the Inland Empire itself,” said Dr. Ronald O. Loveridge, President of the OIAA Board of Commissioners. “What began as a bold effort to return a vital regional asset to local control has become one of Southern California’s great success stories. We are deeply grateful to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, Assemblymember Rodriguez and Senator Rubio for recognizing this historic achievement.” Since the transfer of ownership, ONT has significantly expanded domestic and international air service, strengthened its position as a major global logistics hub and earned national recognition for its passenger experience. Annual passenger volume has grown from approximately 4.2 million in 2016 to more than 7 million today. The benefits have extended well beyond the airport itself. ONT’s economic output has increased 78% under local control, while the number of jobs supported by airport activity has grown 72%—underscoring its increasingly important role as an economic engine for the Inland Empire and Southern California. “Local control gave this region the opportunity to shape its own future, and our team has worked every day to turn that opportunity into results,” said Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the OIAA. “ONT Day recognizes the people who believed in this airport and the employees, partners and community members who continue to move it forward. We are proud of what we have accomplished together, and our responsibility now is to build on that progress with more travel options, an exceptional airport experience and greater economic opportunity for the region we call home.” ONT will celebrate its Decade of Local Control at its State of the Airport Gala on November 6.

National News

NBAA Honors Rep. Sam Graves, GA Champion, with Silk Scarf Award

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has presented its prestigious Silk Scarf Award to Rep. Sam Graves (R-06-MO) in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and steadfast commitment to business aviation. Rep. Sam Graves The award was presented at this year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). Since his election to Congress in 2001, Graves has championed the nation’s aviation industry through legislation that fosters innovation, development and safety. Currently serving as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Graves has announced he will not seek reelection to a 14th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Chairman Graves has been among the most effective and consequential legislators in the history of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His record as a legislator is legendary, and his legacy stands as a testament to bipartisan problem-solving,” said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard. “He has been a strong and committed ally of business aviation, and his impact on our industry and the broader aviation community will be felt for generations to come.” Graves’s transformative efforts on Capitol Hill have reshaped the aviation industry. These include leading the passage of the landmark Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill of 2024, which included the first-ever general aviation title, and was approved with near-unanimous bipartisan support; his instrumental role following the 2025 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to secure funding for a new air traffic control (ATC) system, and secure committee passage of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act to advance aviation safety standards; and, his unwavering fight against aviation user fees. Graves led the creation of the House General Aviation Caucus in 2009, and was named co-chair in 2011, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the interests of the general aviation community at the highest levels of government. An accomplished aviator, he founded and hosts the annual Wingnuts Flying Circus Airshow and Fly-In in his hometown of Tarkio, MO, and is a frequent participant and speaker at NBAA events, including the 2024 and 2025 editions of NBAA-BACE. Among his numerous accolades, Graves was presented with the NBAA American Spirit Award in 2018, along with former Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04-IN), for his pursuit of excellence and service to others. “In his 25 years representing Missouri’s 6th district, Rep. Graves reached across the aisle to make Congress and our country better,” said Hubbard. “We thank him for his dedication to public service, and his contributions to preserving America’s global leadership in aviation. The Silk Scarf Award is a fitting tribute to a career of service to business aviation and our nation.” “Congratulations to my friend, Chairman Sam Graves, on receiving the NBAA’s Silk Scarf Award,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-04-LA). “Over the course of his 26 years of faithful service in Congress, Chairman Graves has been a tireless advocate for American aviation and has brought a pilot’s understanding to his leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This recognition is well deserved, and I’m grateful to the NBAA for celebrating his decades of leadership.” “Chairman Sam Graves has been an unwavering champion who has advanced aviation safety in the United States,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “As both a dedicated public servant and an experienced pilot he understands firsthand that safety is the bedrock of the aviation community. He secured long-term funding for the FAA and worked tirelessly to modernize our airspace to ensure it remains the safest in the world.” “I wish I could be in Vegas to see Sam get the prestigious Silk Scarf Award. Sam will be remembered as the finest pilot-legislator in U.S. history,” said Dan Elwell, former FAA deputy administrator. ““Since the dawn of flight, no statesman has contributed more to the safety, success and pure enjoyment of aviation than Sam Graves.”
NBAA Awards 2026 Cartwright Scholarship

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced Morgan Cooper as the 2026 winner of the Jake Cartwright Leadership Scholarship. Cooper is a customer success manager and FBO consultant in Mesa, AZ. This scholarship was created to support candidates in the association’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program and is underwritten by Solairus Aviation. It funds a CAM candidate, paying for all certification costs, including application fees, study guides and the exam registration fee. The scholarship is named in honor of Solarius Vice Chairman Jake Cartwright. The highly respected industry veteran has played a pivotal role in growing the company’s domestic and international business. A former commercial pilot and Marine Corps aviator who served in Vietnam, Cartwright previously was president and CEO of TAG Aviation USA. Launched in 2003, the CAM program is considered the gold standard in industry-sponsored aviation management certification programs. The CAM program was accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies in 2013, becoming the first program in the aviation industry to receive this recognition. Learn more about the CAM program. NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees and would not be possible without the generous financial support of NBAA member donors. Learn more about NBAA’s scholarships.

International News

VINCI Airports Launches the Transformation of Terminal 2 at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

VINCI Airports has launched a major modernization project for Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The ceremony was held in the presence of Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Véronique Sarselli, President of the Lyon Metropolitan Area, Philippe Valentin, President of the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, as well as Rémi Maumon de Longevialle , Chief Executive Officer of VINCI Airports, and Cédric Fechter, Area Director for France at VINCI Airports. This project is part of a strategic investment program of over €380 million planned over seven years, led by the shareholders of Aéroports de Lyon and contingent upon the signing of an economic regulation agreement with the French government by spring 2027. It will sustainably enhance the region’s attractiveness, improve the passenger experience and the airport’s energy efficiency, while also meet the needs of airlines. A terminal designed for the needs of tomorrow The project includes a 9,500 m² extension and the modernization of 12,000 m² of existing spaces, incorporating a next-generation security screening area, similar to the one to be deployed at Terminal 1 for summer 2027, as well as new retail and leisure areas. The bus station will also be expanded to enhance intermodal connections and accommodate more buses, particularly those connecting to the Alps. Terminal 2 is scheduled to open by 2029, ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. A more efficient and sustainable infrastructure Beyond a better passenger experience, the new Terminal 2 will improve the operational performance of the platform with optimized handling of oversized baggage (skis, bicycles, etc.) to meet the growth of mountain traffic in winter and summer, as well as greater flexibility in the use of aircraft parking positions. In line with VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy at Lyon Airport, a major energy-efficiency refurbishment will sustainably reduce its carbon footprint. This project is part of the Lyon airport’s decarbonization trajectory; it was the 6th airport in the world to obtain ACA (Airport Carbon Accreditation) Level 5 certification, the highest level of the program, attesting to its achievement of net zero carbon emissions from the airport’s direct emissions [1] and its commitment to decarbonizing the entire aviation ecosystem. Preparing for the future of the region This transformation is also a crucial step in preparing for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the natural gateway to the French Alps, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport will play a central role in transporting delegations, spectators, and international tourists. The future Terminal 2 will provide a welcome befitting this global event and will support the region’s tourism and economic development, benefiting the entire area and its local communities. A unifying project supported by all shareholders The laying of this foundation stone illustrates the collective mobilization of Aéroports de Lyon’s public and private shareholders around a shared vision: to equip the region with high-performing, sustainable infrastructure adapted to the needs of the coming decades. This convergence of views between the State, local authorities, the Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, VINCI Airports, and its partners Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Crédit Agricole Assurances demonstrates the shared confidence in the airport’s strategic role for connectivity, economic attractiveness, and the region’s international influence. Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports, declares said, “At VINCI Airports, we support local communities over the long term by investing in the transformation of the airports we operate and preparing for their future. The future Terminal 2 illustrates this ambition, shared with all our public and private partners: to sustainably strengthen Lyon-Saint Exupéry’s role in serving the connectivity and attractiveness of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is essential that we, together with the government, create the conditions to fully mobilize our investment capacity to continue modernizing the airport and supporting the region’s economic and tourism development.”
Nigerian Business Aviation Conference Returns after 10-Year Hiatus as African Business Aviation Sector Accelerates

The Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) will return in May 2027 after a 10-year hiatus, bringing the aviation industry together at a pivotal time for business and general aviation in Nigeria and across Africa. Segun Demuren, CEO EAN Aviation, speaks at NBAC 2017. Organised by EAN Aviation under the theme One Sky Many Stakeholders, NBAC 2027 will convene industry leaders, operators, regulators & government bodies, finance & leasing providers, OEMs, investors, aircraft owners and other stakeholders from Nigeria, across Africa and the international aviation community. The conference returns as African business aviation experiences unprecedented momentum. According to the WingX Global Market Tracker, Africa was the world’s fastest-growing business aviation region in 2025, with departures increasing by 15%, compared with global growth of 5%. Nigeria sits at the center of that growth. WingX recorded 49,586 business aviation departures from the country between January 2019 and May 2026, representing 19% of the African total. Lagos and Abuja ranked as the continent’s two busiest airports, while 80% of Nigerian activity was domestic – evidence of strong underlying demand. “These figures demonstrate both the strength of Nigerian business aviation and the opportunity ahead,” says Segun Demuren, CEO of EAN Aviation and Chairman, NBAC Steering Committee. “In Nigeria and across Africa, where scheduled services do not always connect commercial centers efficiently, business aviation is essential to mobility, investment and trade. It enables companies, investors and specialist teams to reach the places where they are needed and supports economic activity across the region.” “But demand alone will not create a sustainable industry,” Demuren continues. “Continued growth requires financing, infrastructure, maintenance capacity, skilled personnel, technology and clear, enabling regulation. No single organization or part of the industry can deliver all of that independently. We are bringing NBAC back to unite the people who can turn this momentum into lasting progress.” NBAC 2027 will bring the public and private sectors together to address these priorities and develop practical solutions suited to African operating conditions. For international stakeholders, the conference will provide direct access to one of the continent’s most important business aviation markets, insight into local requirements and opportunities to build credible partnerships in Nigeria and across West Africa. EAN Aviation has organized all four previous editions of NBAC. With more than 15 years of experience across the Nigerian business aviation value chain, the company combines detailed knowledge of the local operating environment with strong regional and international industry relationships.

Unmanned Systems

University of North Dakota Joins Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Signing Agreement to Advance Counter-Drone Technologies

The University of North Dakota and Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (NPUASTS) were part of a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on Oct. 14, joining forces with the U.S. Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401). UND President Andrew Armacost (left), U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (center) and Col. Jason Idleman display READ MORE
MassDOT Aeronautics Division Receives 2026 Aerial Achievement Award for Program Excellence

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that the MassDOT Aeronautics Division has been selected to receive the 2026 Aerial Achievement Award for Program Excellence, recognizing its innovative use of uncrewed aircraft systems to support the management and preservation of public infrastructure. The Aerial Achievement Awards are presented annually by drone manufacturer Skydio, Inc. to READ MORE

Aviation Education

AOPA Foundation Awards More Than $2.2 Million in Scholarships

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced that the AOPA Foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships in 2026—the largest amount in the Foundation’s history—with an average award of $6,500. With support from the Ray Foundation, more than $1.3 million will go to 115 high school students and teachers, who will each READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Holds Grand Opening in Connecticut

Members of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce and Epic Flight Academy staff welcomed local residents and aviation enthusiasts at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Epic’s 12th FAA Part 141 flight school. The event on Saturday, October 17, 2026 was well attended with people touring the school and experiencing the flight simulator. Director READ MORE

NBAA Honors Rep. Sam Graves, GA Champion, with Silk Scarf Award

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has presented its prestigious Silk Scarf Award to Rep. Sam Graves (R-06-MO) in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and steadfast commitment to business aviation. The award was presented at this year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). Since his election to Congress in 2001, Graves has championed the […]

North Dakota Air Travel Sets New September Record

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission reports that the state’s eight commercial service airports established a new September passenger boarding record with 104,380 passengers in 2026. This surpassed the previous September high of 103,559 passengers set in 2025. The record was achieved despite a reduction in available airline capacity. Airlines offered approximately 124,000 departure seats during […]

San Bernardino County Proclaims November 1 as ONT Day, Honoring Ontario International Airport’s Decade of Local Control

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – Members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors present ONT CEO Atif Elkadi (center left) and OIAA Commission President Dr. Ronald Loveridge (center, right) with a proclamation declaring November 1 as ONT Day. Ontario International Airport is being honored by lawmakers at the county and state level, commemorating its return to local […]

University of North Dakota Joins Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Signing Agreement to Advance Counter-Drone Technologies

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The University of North Dakota and Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (NPUASTS) were part of a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on Oct. 14, joining forces with the U.S. Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401). The agreement, announced by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and supported by the other members […]

MassDOT Aeronautics Division Receives 2026 Aerial Achievement Award for Program Excellence

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that the MassDOT Aeronautics Division has been selected to receive the 2026 Aerial Achievement Award for Program Excellence, recognizing its innovative use of uncrewed aircraft systems to support the management and preservation of public infrastructure. The Aerial Achievement Awards are presented annually by drone manufacturer Skydio, Inc. to […]

Colorado Division of Aeronautics Receives Special Recognition Award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics received a special recognition award from the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame at a Colorado Aviation Historical Society ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Each year, the Colorado Aviation Historical Society honors individuals and organizations whose vision, service, innovation, and dedication have left a lasting impact […]

NBAA Awards 2026 Cartwright Scholarship

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced Morgan Cooper as the 2026 winner of the Jake Cartwright Leadership Scholarship. Cooper is a customer success manager and FBO consultant in Mesa, AZ. This scholarship was created to support candidates in the association’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program and is underwritten by Solairus Aviation. It funds a […]

Ontario International Airport on Pace for 7 Million Passengers in 2026

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Ontario International Airport (ONT) welcomed almost 5.3 million passengers over the first nine months of 2026 and remains on pace for 7 million passengers over the full year. This represents a more than 65% increase in passenger volumes since 2016 when the airport transitioned to local control. The Southern California aviation gateway reported more than […]

AOPA Foundation Awards More Than $2.2 Million in Scholarships

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced that the AOPA Foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships in 2026—the largest amount in the Foundation’s history—with an average award of $6,500. With support from the Ray Foundation, more than $1.3 million will go to 115 high school students and teachers, who will each […]

Aurora State Airport Master Plan Reflects Years of Community Engagement

October 25, 2026October 25, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) is highlighting the extensive community engagement behind the draft Aurora State Airport Master Plan as the proposal moves toward consideration by the State Aviation Board. The planning record includes 14 public meetings, 467 responses to the initial community survey, 75 responses to an alternatives feedback form, and more than […]

San Bernardino County Proclaims November 1 as ONT Day, Honoring Ontario International Airport’s Decade of Local Control

Oklahoma Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Dawn Aerospace Facility at Infinity One Spaceport

HyLight Raises €13M as Autonomous Airships Start Replacing Helicopters on Europe’s Critical Infrastructure

Oregon Department of Aviation Celebrates Completion of the Oakridge State Airport Runway Rehabilitation Project