State Aviation Journal - Your Best Source of State Aviation News

La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf
La Compagnie, the 100% Smart Business Class airline, has announced plans to launch nonstop service between New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) in Germany, beginning in Spring 2027. Operating up to five times weekly, the route will connect New York with Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region, one of Europe’s most […]
Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet
Tecnam has announced that Epic Flight Academy has expanded its modern fleet with the acquisition of two Tecnam P2006Ttwin-engine aircraft. Founded in 1999 and operating out of multiple locations, Epic Flight Academy is currently recognized as the largest Part 141 flight school in the United States, supporting a robust roster of approximately 600 active flight […]
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace
Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for […]
Virginia Department of Aviation and Industry Partners Highlight the Future of Aviation with 2nd Flight Demonstration
Photo – Greg Campbell, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation. The Virginia Department of Aviation and industry partners have completed the second Virginia flight demonstration of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), highlighting the future of air transportation in the Commonwealth and across the United […]

State News

Contour Airlines Announces New Seasonal Nonstop Service from Cape Girardeau to Orlando/Sanford, FL

Contour Airlines has announced the launch of new seasonal nonstop service between Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Beginning December 16, the new service will connect travelers throughout Southeast Missouri and the surrounding region directly to Central Florida, offering convenient access to Orlando and the area’s many popular attractions. Flights will operate from December 16, 2026, through March 27, 2027, with service available every Wednesday and Saturday. The seasonal route provides travelers with a convenient option for winter getaways, family vacations, and leisure trips to Central Florida. Flight Schedule (Effective December 16, 2026): RouteDepartureArrivalFrequencyCGI → SFB9:40 a.m.1:00 p.m.Wednesday & SaturdaySFB → CGI1:50 p.m.3:10 p.m.Wednesday & Saturday The new route builds on the success of Contour’s seasonal nonstop service between Cape Girardeau and Pensacola, Florida. Strong demand for that service demonstrated continued interest among travelers in the region for convenient, nonstop access to popular Florida destinations. “Adding seasonal service between Cape Girardeau and Central Florida gives travelers in the region another convenient way to escape the winter and enjoy all that Florida has to offer,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “We saw strong support for our seasonal Cape Girardeau/Pensacola service, and that success helped demonstrate the demand for convenient nonstop service to Florida. We’re excited to build on that momentum with new service to Orlando Sanford and provide our customers in Southeast Missouri with another great option for their winter travel.” Contour Airlines ERJ-135 “This new route to the Orlando Sanford International Airport is great news for our community,” said JoJo Stuart, Airport Manager at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. “It strengthens the value of having a hometown airport and gives Southeast Missouri travelers a direct way to reach one of Florida’s top vacation destinations without the hassle of connecting flights or long drives. We’re grateful to Contour Airlines for continuing to grow the options available right here at CGI.” The new service also represents a new partnership between Contour Airlines and Orlando Sanford International Airport, further strengthening connections between Southeast Missouri and Central Florida. “We are pleased to welcome Contour Airlines to our growing family of air service partners at Orlando Sanford International Airport. Contour’s commitment to reliable, customer-focused service aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver an exceptional travel experience. Together, we will expand travel options and introduce more passengers to the convenience and ease of flying through SFB. We are excited to get this new partnership underway and look forward to the opportunities it offers for the future,” said Nicole Martz, President and CEO of Orlando Sanford International Airport. Contour Airlines will operate the new service using its 30-seat regional jet, providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Each flight offers extra legroom, along with complimentary snacks and beverages. Located approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Orlando, Orlando Sanford International Airport provides convenient access to Central Florida’s popular attractions, beaches, and entertainment. The new seasonal service gives Cape Girardeau-area travelers a convenient alternative for reaching Central Florida without the need to drive to a larger airport or make a connecting flight.
Art Returns to Springfield-Branson National Airport with “The Life I Choose” as Launch Installation

Art is returning to Springfield-Branson National Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 16, with The Life I Choose serving as the first installation in the airport’s Sky Gallery following recent flooring renovations. Izzy Presented by Abilities First in partnership with photographer and filmmaker Randy Bacon and 8 Billion Ones, The Life I Choose features portraits and first-person stories from people of all abilities across southwest Missouri. The airport installation marks the next stop for the project, which debuted in Springfield this summer and is now moving into public spaces throughout the region. Each portrait is paired with a personal story, giving the person featured the opportunity to introduce themselves in their own words. The stories share what they care about, where they work, what they enjoy, who they love, what they have experienced and what they want others to understand about their lives. The Life I Choose was created to give people control of how their stories are told. Too often, people are introduced by a diagnosis, service or label before anyone has the chance to know who they are. The project shifts that focus and introduces people as neighbors, employees, artists, friends, advocates and family members. The portraits will be displayed throughout the Sky Gallery at Springfield-Branson National Airport, putting the project in front of travelers from across the Ozarks and beyond. Kristi “This exhibit reflects what we know to be true: every person deserves the opportunity, support, and respect to choose the life they want to live,” said Maggie Rollwagen, president and CEO of Abilities First. “The Life I Choose reminds us that people with the lived experience of a disability are not asking to be placed on the margins of our community. They are already part of the heart of Greene County and Missouri.” The airport installation builds on the project’s first public exhibition in Springfield and continues conversations about independence, accessibility, inclusion and the opportunity for people to live the lives they choose. For Abilities First, the airport also creates a chance to share these stories with people who may not otherwise encounter the organization through a program, event or community partnership. “Public art in the airport is one of the many ways we serve our community, while also enhancing the passenger experience for more than 1.5 million passengers annually,” said David Schaumburg, Director of Aviation for the airport. “Many of our passengers have personal experiences that connect with stories told in Randy Bacon’s remarkable portraits, and hundreds of people a day will have the opportunity to experience them. Art returning to the airport is a moment worth celebrating, and we look forward to the Sky Gallery reopening with this installation.” The installation will remain on display in the Springfield-Branson National Airport Sky Gallery through December.

National News

97% of America’s Red-Eye Flights Take Off in the West, and Overnight Flying Is at Record High, 26 Years of Federal Data Show

An analysis of every US domestic flight since 2000 found red-eyes concentrated in the Pacific and Mountain time zones, growing, and more reliable than daytime flights. About one in sixty US domestic flights is a red-eye, and 97 percent of them take off in the western United States, according to a new Champion Traveler analysis of 26 years of Bureau of Transportation Statistics flight records. The study counted every scheduled domestic flight reported to the federal government from 2000 through 2025 and classified as a red-eye any flight scheduled to depart between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. and land between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time. In 2025, 115,580 of 6.9 million flights met that definition. Key findings: Red-eyes are a western phenomenon. 97 percent of 2025’s overnight flights departed from the Pacific and Mountain states plus Alaska and Hawaii, a share that has never fallen below 95 percent since 2000. The red-eye is at a record high. Overnight flights grew 54 percent, from 75,158 in 2000 to 115,580 in 2025, after a low in 2009 and a collapse in 2020. Anchorage is the red-eye capital by share: 26 percent of its departures are overnight flights. Los Angeles leads by count with 19,064. Las Vegas flew the most red-eyes in America in 2000, lost more than half by 2010, and has since recovered. The middle-of-the-night departure is disappearing. Flights leaving after midnight were 31 percent of red-eyes in 2000 and 14 percent in 2025. The legacy airlines lost the overnight market. American, Delta and United flew 97 percent of red-eyes in 2000 and 64 percent in 2025. Alaska Airlines is now the most red-eye-heavy carrier, and Southwest, which flew none for 25 years, took 5.6 percent of the market in its first year. Red-eyes are more reliable. In 2025, 82.4 percent arrived within 15 minutes of schedule, against 77.6 percent of other flights, and they were cancelled less often. The geography has a simple cause. An overnight flight from the West Coast crosses three time zones and lands on the East Coast at breakfast; the same trip westbound would land in the middle of the night, so airlines schedule almost no overnight flights in that direction. Among the 300 busiest red-eye routes in the study, 82 percent land in the Central or Eastern time zones. The full study, with a sortable table of every US airport’s red-eye departures in 2000, 2010, 2019 and 2025, airline shares back to 2000, departure hours, seasonality and reliability, is at https://championtraveler.com/news/red-eye-flights-share-of-us-flights/.
Business Aviation Legend Roger Whyte to Receive NBAA’s Doswell Award

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will honor business aviation leader, former industry executive and steadfast industry advocate Roger Whyte with the association’s prestigious John P. “Jack” Doswell Award at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) coming to Las Vegas, Oct. 20-22. Whyte has played pivotal roles in the development of the modern business aviation industry and its expansion across Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific, holding executive positions at Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation) and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. He has also served on the NBAA Board of Directors, including as chairman of the NBAA Advisory Council, and chair of the board’s Nominating Committee. “Roger Whyte reflects the very best of business aviation, including vision, integrity, service and a deep commitment to advancing the global industry,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Across decades of leadership, Roger has helped expand the reach of business aviation around the world, while also giving generously of his time and expertise to strengthen the organizations that support it.” Whyte began his aviation career as general manager of European FBO – OEFAG Aviation Services – in 1974. He joined Cessna in 1982 as its Citation regional sales manager for German-speaking Europe. Whyte was then appointed director of Europe, Middle East and Africa, and later became director of international Citation sales. Upon his retirement from Cessna in 2010, Whyte held the position of senior vice president of sales and marketing, with responsibility for all aircraft product lines. He later represented Gulfstream aircraft sales in Austria for six years. Whyte is also a founding member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), which promotes the highest aviation safety standards across the business, charter and fractional ownership industries. He also served for three years as chairman of the board of directors for Prague-based Central Europe Private Aviation Association (CEPA). He also helped expand business aviation across China and the Asia-Pacific, including through the development of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE), which focused on advocacy for greater access for business aviation across the region. Whyte has also served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and on the Board of Governors for the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He is a member of the board of directors of business aircraft management company Avcon Jet, and he retired last December after 15 years on the board of Duncan Aviation. Whyte continues to advise that company and several other organizations on matters affecting the global business aviation industry. “Roger has been a trusted voice, a thoughtful leader and a passionate advocate for business aviation,” Bolen concluded. “We are pleased to honor his decades-long commitment, service and legacy with the Doswell Award.” Named for the former director of flight operations for FlightSafety International and chair of NBAA’s Airspace/Air Traffic Committee, the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award honors lifelong individual achievement on behalf and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation. Learn more about NBAA’s Doswell Award. Taking place Oct. 20-22, NBAA-BACE is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future. Learn more about NBAA-BACE.

International News

Nearly 35,000 Girls, 200 Events: International Girls in Aviation Day Returns September 19

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is counting down to its 12th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) on September 19, 2026. A total of 200 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with more than 34,500 attendees expected to take part. Of these events, 70 are planned in international locations representing 27 countries, and 131 are planned in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Girls in Aviation Day is part of a multi-faceted international youth program designed by WAI to spark interest in aviation and aerospace careers among girls and young women around the world. Attendees will meet female role models, hear from career panels, and tour airplanes and airports — introducing them to the full range of career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace. Hands-on activities planned for this year’s events include a sectional chart scavenger hunt, flight planning, building a tailwheel airplane, inflight safety briefing, and learning about aircraft engines and avionics alongside maintenance technicians. “Every year, Girls in Aviation Day opens more doors and sparks more curiosity in the next generation of aviators,” says WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “We’re grateful to our chapters, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters whose generosity makes this program possible, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of new participants into the aviation community this September.”
Airports Council Names Christopher J. Rocheleau President and CEO

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA has announced that Christopher J. “Chris” Rocheleau has been selected as its next President and CEO. Rocheleau will join ACI-NA on October 5, succeeding Kevin M. Burke, who will step down on October 4 after nearly 13 years leading the association. Burke will serve as CEO Emeritus through the end of 2026. “The North American airport industry is navigating significant change, and Chris Rocheleau is the kind of leader ACI-NA needs as we look to the future,” said Cindy Nichol, Director of Airports for Sacramento County and Chair of the ACI-NA Board of Directors. “Chris brings a deep breadth of aviation knowledge, proven executive leadership, and relationships across government and industry. He understands the strength of the organization he will inherit and shares our commitment to delivering meaningful value to our members. The Board is confident that Chris will build upon ACI-NA’s strong foundation and ensure The Voice of Airports® remains influential, forward-looking, and effective in Washington and Ottawa.” Rocheleau brings more than three decades of leadership experience spanning aviation safety and policy, organizational management, national security, government, and industry. His career includes more than two decades in senior leadership positions at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), culminating in service as acting administrator and deputy administrator. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), where he held broad responsibility for the association’s operations and management. Rocheleau brings considerable international aviation experience. His FAA career included senior responsibility for international affairs and aviation policy, and he has worked with aviation authorities, governments, and industry stakeholders around the world. Rocheleau brings proven experience working with regulators at Transport Canada, particularly on aviation bilateral agreements. He also served as the U.S. representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal on COVID aviation recovery efforts. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead ACI-NA and represent the airports and business partners that make our aviation system possible,” said Rocheleau. “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the important role airports play in advancing aviation safety, connecting people and commerce, strengthening communities, and driving economic growth. ACI-NA has an outstanding reputation, a talented team, and a strong foundation built under Kevin Burke’s leadership. My first priority will be listening to ACI-NA’s leadership, members, staff, and partners, and then working together to ensure our association and our industry are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Rocheleau assumes leadership of ACI-NA at a consequential time for North American aviation. Airports are confronting significant infrastructure needs, air traffic control modernization, workforce constraints, evolving safety and security requirements, emerging technologies, governance changes, growing passenger demand, air service connectivity, and an increasingly complex policy environment. Rocheleau’s career has placed him at the center of many of the most significant issues facing the aviation system. In January 2025, he returned to public service when he was appointed acting administrator of the FAA. He led the agency through the aftermath of the January 29, 2025, midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the subsequent nationwide aviation safety review. During his tenure, Rocheleau also worked to accelerate the hiring of air traffic controllers and helped advance efforts to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system. Following the confirmation of Bryan Bedford as FAA administrator in July 2025, Rocheleau continued serving as deputy administrator through July 2026, helping advance the agency’s safety and modernization priorities and supporting the integration of emerging aviation technologies. Rocheleau previously joined NBAA in 2022 as chief operating officer, with broad executive responsibility for the association’s work on safety and aircraft operations, as well as its administrative, financial, technical, and human resources functions. He returned to NBAA in August 2026 following his most recent period of service at the FAA. During his earlier career at the FAA, Rocheleau held numerous senior executive positions with responsibility for aviation safety, policy, international affairs, environment, emergency operations, and organizational leadership. His roles included acting associate administrator and deputy associate administrator for aviation safety, FAA chief of staff, and assistant administrator for policy, international affairs, and environment. Rocheleau began his professional career as an officer and special agent in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel in 2010. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Public Administration from City University of Seattle. He also completed the Executive National Security Program at Harvard Kennedy School and the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College. “On behalf of the ACI-NA Board and our entire membership, I want to express our profound gratitude to Kevin Burke,” Nichol added. “Kevin will leave ACI-NA after nearly 13 years of distinguished leadership, having positioned the association well for the future. That is an extraordinary legacy, and it gives Chris and all of us a tremendous foundation upon which to build.”

Unmanned Systems

Commercial Drone Alliance Welcomes Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response to Its Board of Directors

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has announced that Christopher Todd, Founder and President of Airborne Response Corp has joined its Board of Directors. The CDA’s Board acts on behalf of the entire membership, helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. Christopher Todd Todd has over 30 years of business technology experience advising Fortune 500 companies, READ MORE
Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Europe is advancing the integration of large drones into its airspace, a necessary step towards uncrewed aviation at scale. Launched at the EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels on the 1st of September, the SESAR IRINA2 project brings together leading European public and private aviation organizations with a common goal to set the standard and protocols for READ MORE

Aviation Education

Nearly 35,000 Girls, 200 Events: International Girls in Aviation Day Returns September 19

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is counting down to its 12th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) on September 19, 2026. A total of 200 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with more than 34,500 attendees expected to take part. Of these events, READ MORE
Epic Flight Academy Now Offers A&P Test Prep Course

Epic Flight Academy has announced the launch of a two-week test prep course for FAA Part 147 airframe and powerplant certification. The courses are offered at both the New Smyrna Beach, Florida campus (EVB) and the Erlanger, Kentucky campus (CVG). Epic COO and Aircraft Mechanic Program Director Josh Rawlins explained, “Ever since we opened our READ MORE

Contour Airlines Announces New Seasonal Nonstop Service from Cape Girardeau to Orlando/Sanford, FL

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Contour Airlines has announced the launch of new seasonal nonstop service between Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Beginning December 16, the new service will connect travelers throughout Southeast Missouri and the surrounding region directly to Central Florida, offering convenient access to Orlando and the area’s many popular attractions. Flights […]

Nearly 35,000 Girls, 200 Events: International Girls in Aviation Day Returns September 19

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is counting down to its 12th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) on September 19, 2026. A total of 200 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with more than 34,500 attendees expected to take part. Of these events, […]

Airports Council Names Christopher J. Rocheleau President and CEO

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA has announced that Christopher J. “Chris” Rocheleau has been selected as its next President and CEO. Rocheleau will join ACI-NA on October 5, succeeding Kevin M. Burke, who will step down on October 4 after nearly 13 years leading the association. Burke will serve as CEO Emeritus through […]

97% of America’s Red-Eye Flights Take Off in the West, and Overnight Flying Is at Record High, 26 Years of Federal Data Show

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

An analysis of every US domestic flight since 2000 found red-eyes concentrated in the Pacific and Mountain time zones, growing, and more reliable than daytime flights. About one in sixty US domestic flights is a red-eye, and 97 percent of them take off in the western United States, according to a new Champion Traveler analysis […]

Art Returns to Springfield-Branson National Airport with “The Life I Choose” as Launch Installation

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Art is returning to Springfield-Branson National Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 16, with The Life I Choose serving as the first installation in the airport’s Sky Gallery following recent flooring renovations. Presented by Abilities First in partnership with photographer and filmmaker Randy Bacon and 8 Billion Ones, The Life I Choose features portraits and first-person stories […]

MSP Airport Deploys Expansive Private Wireless Network

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Photo – A new private 5G network provides enterprise-grade connectivity across the MSP Airport campus, including the airfield. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has deployed a new private 5G network that will improve connectivity to vital operational and safety systems that control, monitor and support daily activities. MSP is […]

PHX Refreshes Concessions with Regional Focus in Celebration of Airport Concessions Day

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is joining airports across North America to celebrate Airport Concessions Day, observed on Sept. 16. The celebration comes as the airport continues a major concessions refresh designed to expand local restaurants and shops at America’s Friendliest Airport®. “We are bringing more local restaurants and shops so travelers can enjoy the […]

Business Aviation Legend Roger Whyte to Receive NBAA’s Doswell Award

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will honor business aviation leader, former industry executive and steadfast industry advocate Roger Whyte with the association’s prestigious John P. “Jack” Doswell Award at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) coming to Las Vegas, Oct. 20-22. Whyte has played pivotal roles in the development of the […]

Aerospace Visionary Steven F. Udvar-Hazy to Receive NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will present its most prestigious honor, the NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, to aviation icon, philanthropist and innovator Steven F. Udvar-Hazy during the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), taking place Oct. 20-22 in Las Vegas. “Steven’s influence across the entire aviation/aerospace landscape is profound,” NBAA […]

WSDOT Updating Methow Valley State Airport Master Plan: Open House in Winthrop

September 14, 2026September 14, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division is updating the Methow Valley State Airport Master Plan. The plan will guide airport development and investment through 2046, with particular emphasis on improvements during the next 10 years. The updated plan will identify current and future airport needs, help maintain compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards […]

La Compagnie to Launch Direct All-Business Class Service between New York and Dusseldorf

Epic Flight Academy Adds Tecnam Aircraft to Fleet

Dronamics to Shape the Integration of Large Drones into European Airspace

Virginia Department of Aviation and Industry Partners Highlight the Future of Aviation with 2nd Flight Demonstration