State Aviation Journal – Page 11 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector
Driven by the strong momentum of the global aeronautics industry, the discreet Toulouse-based Satys Group is consolidating its growth, recovering its pre-Covid profitability ratios, and entering 2026 with solid development ambitions across its six markets: commercial aviation, regional aviation, business aviation, helicopters, defense, and aircraft repainting. “This favorable environment contrasts sharply with the extreme difficulties […]
Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology
Daher unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family – the TBM 980 – which integrates Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics for an unprecedented piloting experience and incorporates cabin enhancements that further increase passenger comfort. The TBM 980 was introduced at Daher Aircraft’s TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by […]
Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet
Cirrus (Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.) introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet®. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era […]
Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition
A new, immersive exhibition at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is casting a light on passengers and inviting them to explore its spiritual and transformative qualities through a wide range of media. Spectral Alchemy, curated by the Phoenix Airport Museum, features works by 15 Arizona artists and transforms the Terminal 4, Level 3 Museum Gallery […]

State News

Daytona Beach International Airport Sets Record for Most Passengers Screened in a Single Day

The day after the Daytona 500 has long been the busiest travel day of the year at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), as race fans head home following The Great American Race. This year marked a new milestone, with a record 3,534 passengers screened through the TSA checkpoint, the highest single-day total since record keeping began. The peak hour occurred at 10 a.m., when 492 passengers were processed. The average wait time was only 14.31 minutes with a maximum wait time of just 48 minutes. For the Daytona 500 weekend, Delta Air Lines added nonstop flights from New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Detroit’s Metro Airport and American Airlines added nonstop flights from Dallas-Fort Worth, TX and Washington, D.C. Both airlines also added flights to/from their hubs in Atlanta and Charlotte; American also brought in larger planes. Other nonstop flights on Monday, February 16 included New York City and Boston on JetBlue; New Haven, CT and Philadelphia/Wilmington, DE on Avelo; and Providence, RI on Breeze. In total, the airport handled 22 departing and 21 arriving flights. The record-setting day was made possible through extensive coordination and preparation. “All of our airport partners really went above and beyond to make our busiest day of the year as smooth as possible for our passengers,” said Cyrus Callum, director of Aviation & Economic Resources with Volusia County Government. “TSA staffed additional officers and on-site technical support, the food concessionaire added team members and an extra ordering station, our janitorial company deployed additional cleaning staff, the airlines collaborated to avoid gate conflicts, and airport personnel were positioned throughout the terminal to ensure smooth operations,” said Callum.
Economic Impact Study Shows MEM Supports 67,550 Jobs and $10.7B in Economic Output

The Tennessee Association of Air Carrier Airports (TAACA), representing the state’s five primary commercial service airports in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, and the Tri-Cities, released the findings of its 2025 Economic Impact Study – based on calendar year 2024 data. The study affirms the aviation industry’s significant and expanding role as a driver of economic growth across Tennessee. Memphis International Airport (MEM) is highlighted as a major economic engine for Tennessee’s economy according to the study, with data revealing that MEM supports 67,550 local jobs and generates $10.7 billion in statewide economic output. The study was conducted by InterVISTAS Consulting, an internationally recognized aviation and transportation consulting firm with a proven record of delivering comprehensive economic impact analyses, air service development initiatives, strategic and business plans, market assessments, and economic recovery strategies for airports, transportation systems, tourism organizations, business associations, and government clients. The study evaluated the economic contributions generated by aviation activity at Tennessee’s commercial airports, including job creation, personal income, business revenue, and tax generation. The findings demonstrate the far-reaching economic value of commercial aviation to communities across the state, supporting thousands of jobs, enabling tourism and commerce, and generating substantial federal, state, and local tax revenues. Tennessee’s Five Primary Commercial Service Airports impact is as follows: $28.3 billion in total economic impact for Tennessee. Over 171,000 Tennessee jobs are facilitated by airport activity. Contributes to $4.1 billion in total taxes which includes $2.5 billion in federal, $1.08 billion in state and $548 million in local taxes. This represents an $8.8 billion, 45%, increase in economic impact since the State of Tennessee sponsored CY19 study. Key findings for MEM: $10.7 billion in statewide economic impact Of the $10.7 billion, $8.34 billion came from on-airport activities, $1.9 billion from visitor spending, and $402 million from capital improvements. Contributes to $1.5 billion in total taxes which includes $1.1 billion in federal, $300 million in state and $100 million in local taxes. In reference to MEM, the report stated, “The airport’s economic benefits are reflected not only in the employment and income it supports directly, but also in its broader contributions to the regional economy through GDP and economic output.” The study also underscores the need for continued investment in terminal facilities, airfield infrastructure, and roads to meet future demand and remain competitive. These findings will support collaboration among Airport Authority leadership, the business community, and elected stakeholders to advance projects at the airport to strengthen the region’s economy and workforce. MEM’s economic impact report can be found here. “This recent study demonstrates MEM’s role as a significant economic engine within the state of Tennessee,” said Terry Blue, President and CEO of the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority. “MEM takes great pride in its integral role not only locally and statewide, but across the Mid-South region by connecting people and commerce to the world.”

National News

AeroDefense Launches No-Cost Drone Detection Access Program for Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement

AeroDefense has announced a new initiative that enables AirWarden® Essentials customers to share system access with public safety partners—including State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement, DHS, and the FBI—at no additional cost to any party. As unauthorized and unsafe drone activity continues to increase around critical infrastructure, campuses, public venues, and corporate sites, rapid coordination between site security teams and responding officers has become essential. By providing agencies with real-time and historical visibility into drone and pilot location data, AeroDefense helps accelerate investigations, improve situational awareness, and support safer outcomes for the public. “Law enforcement plays a critical role in protecting communities, and we stand alongside them,” said Linda Ziemba, Founding CEO of AeroDefense. “This program is about removing barriers so agencies—from local police to federal partners like the DHS and FBI—have the visibility and support they need to respond confidently and work in step with the organizations they serve.” Through this initiative, AirWarden Essentials customers can securely share airspace awareness with SLTT and federal jurisdictions, creating a common operating picture for both real-time response and ongoing analysis. Authorized officers can: View real-time drone and pilot locations Access reporting and flight-path history to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies Support incident response, investigations, and evidence collection Coordinate directly with on-site security teams using the same airspace data AirWarden Essentials is AeroDefense’s wide-area drone detection solution designed to provide cost-effective, scalable airspace awareness. Launched in January 2025, the system is deployed across critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, stadiums and event venues, campuses, and other sensitive locations. It supports organizations monitoring single sites as well as large, distributed portfolios, allowing teams to view drone activity across multiple locations from a single interface. This centralized visibility enables faster response, shared reporting, and secure collaboration with authorized stakeholders, including law enforcement. The program reflects AeroDefense’s long-standing commitment to public safety and collaboration, building on its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the U.S. Air Force to develop a Collaborative Drone Detection Network (CoDDN) designed to enable shared airspace awareness across organizations and jurisdictions. AirWarden Essentials customers can begin enabling law enforcement access immediately.
AAR Appoints Dylan Wolin as Chief Financial Officer

AAR CORP. announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Dylan Wolin as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective February 23, 2026. Wolin’s responsibilities will include finance, accounting, tax, treasury, investor relations, and corporate development. Dylan Wolin Wolin will rejoin AAR from Federal Signal Corporation, where he served as President of Elgin, Trackless, and Vactor, the company’s primarily municipal-focused specialty vehicle businesses, from 2024 to 2026. From 2017 to 2024, Wolin led AAR’s strategic and corporate development, treasury, and investor relations functions. He helped lead the Company’s portfolio repositioning, capital markets activities, and strategic planning, including the acquisitions of Trax and Triumph Product Support. Before joining AAR and Federal Signal, Wolin was a Director in Boeing’s Corporate Development group, where he was responsible for merger, acquisition, and joint venture transactions. Prior to Boeing, he served as a Vice President in Deutsche Bank’s Global Industrials Group within its investment banking division. Earlier in his career, Wolin was an Associate at McManus & Miles, a boutique investment bank specializing in financial advisory and private placements. Wolin earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Tufts University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. “I worked very closely with Dylan during his seven years at AAR. He was instrumental in developing the strategy we are executing today. I am thrilled he is rejoining our senior leadership team, bringing valuable additional operational and strategic experience,” said John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO. “I would also like to thank Sarah Flanagan for her service as our Interim CFO. Sarah is a deeply valued member of our team, and I am looking forward to her continued leadership in our finance organization.” “AAR’s strong team, unique customer value proposition, and exciting additional growth opportunities underscore the Company’s compelling future,” said Wolin. “I am eager to partner with John and the rest of the AAR team to drive continued execution of AAR’s growth strategy.” Sarah Flanagan, the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, will return to her previous role as Vice President, Financial Operations, effective February 23, 2026. AAR reaffirms its guidance for the third fiscal quarter and full fiscal year issued on January 6, 2026.

International News

USTDA Advances U.S. Leadership in the Pacific Islands through Palau Airport Project

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is advancing American leadership in the Pacific Islands by supporting upgrades to critical aviation infrastructure at Palau International Airport (ROR). Last week, USTDA announced the award of technical assistance funding to the Palau National Aviation Administration (PNAA) to increase the island nation’s aviation capacity and safety in support of stronger bilateral ties. (L-R) Front Row: USTDA Deputy Director Tom Hardy and PNAA Administrator Lebuu Littler. Back Row: U.S. Embassy Koror Economic Officer Marston Morgan, USTDA Regional Manager Kevin Toohers, U.S. Embassy Koror Deputy Chief of Mission Shankar Rao, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Palau Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, and PNAA Deputy Administrator Richard Alonz. “Our support to strengthen Palau’s aviation infrastructure using high-quality U.S. solutions deepens our steadfast partnership on matters of mutual strategic interest,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “USTDA’s work helps strengthen the sovereignty of partner countries like Palau, while enhancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region more broadly.” USTDA’s funding will bring American expertise to support improvements to ROR, Palau’s primary airport and its only international entry point for commercial airlines. The technical assistance will update the airport’s master plan to help it prepare for long-term growth, including analysis of how to extend the existing runway to accommodate larger planes, and will provide guidance on determining the specifics of airport development needs across the country. It will also generate opportunities for U.S. companies to export their solutions to the project’s construction. Pacific Island countries like Palau are among the world’s most air-dependent economies due to their remote location. Airline connectivity is critical for driving tourism, as well as education, employment opportunities, healthcare access, and the delivery of goods and services. Improved and expanded ROR infrastructure will facilitate economic development, including by ending logistical constraints limiting the size of aircraft that can use ROR and by developing other airstrips in the country. Palau’s officials emphasized how this initiative will support the country’s long-term growth and connectivity goals. Minister Charles Obichang, Palau Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industry said: “Palau’s future depends on safe, reliable and sustainable air connectivity for our people and visitors alike, and this partnership helps us take a major step in that direction. USTDA’s support is truly catalytic for our island nation, because it gives us the high-quality planning and technical expertise we need up front to unlock larger investments in our aviation infrastructure. By working with American innovators and experts, we are strengthening our airport and economy, we are also deepening our long-standing partnership with the United States and contributing to a more secure and open Pacific region that benefits our people and the world.”
JobsOhio Powers Hartzell Propeller’s New Innovation Center with $2M Grant

Photo – The Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center builds on the expansion already underway at the company’s headquarters in Piqua, Ohio, which integrates advanced materials manufacturing and aerospace technology. Hartzell Propeller builds upon its decades of investment in Ohio and unwavering commitment to the local community with the grand opening of the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center last week at the company’s current headquarters in Piqua, Ohio. The center is another example of how Ohio is driving both the general aviation and burgeoning advanced air mobility (AAM) industry. Hartzell is setting the pace for aviation ingenuity and discovery in Ohio, which traces back to the Wright Brothers’ initial trials in Dayton and Huffman Prairie, and the founding of Hartzell’s propeller business itself, more than a century ago, in 1917. That’s when Orville Wright suggested to Robert Hartzell—already an aircraft owner with dreams of barnstorming—that he utilize the family company’s skills to manufacture propellers from walnut using their craftsmanship and specialized techniques. Now more than a century later, the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center positions Hartzell to advance propeller design and technology for the next 100 years. The center will encompass three critical functional areas for the company, including all Hartzell carbon fiber propeller production, WhirlWind experimental and airboat propeller production, and the factory’s Piqua-based Hartzell Service Center, a key member of the Hartzell Global Services network. “Hartzell Propeller has been a cornerstone of Ohio’s aerospace since the Wright Brothers were developing aircraft here, and the company continues to evolve,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The newest investment establishing Hartzell’s Innovation Center demonstrates how legacy suppliers are leading the charge in next-generation aviation and supporting Ohio’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation and advanced air mobility.” The building housing the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center, located at 1900 Covington Avenue, sits adjacent to the main Hartzell facilities. The expansion will add more than 150,000 square feet to the current footprint. “The grand opening of the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center represents a major step forward for Hartzell Propeller,” said JJ Frigge, President of Hartzell Propeller. “Purpose-built to support the next chapter of advanced propeller innovation, this facility more than quadruples our carbon fiber production footprint and reinforces our ‘Built on Honor’ commitment to quality, performance, and support. “Combined with the support of JobsOhio, the Innovation Center also enables critical research and development for emerging markets such as Advanced Air Mobility, including our collaboration with Beta Technologies. Together, this investment accelerates our ability to transform ideas into certified, real-world solutions that advance aviation today and well into the future.” JobsOhio Grant Powers the Mission To accelerate the Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center, the company has secured a $2 million grant courtesy of JobsOhio, a Columbus, Ohio-based organization charged with developing the state’s pro-business climate. Hartzell officials formally accepted the grant today at the grand opening of the center. The award comes through the JobsOhio Research & Development Center Grant Program, which was founded to facilitate strategic corporate R&D centers in Ohio. Hartzell secured the grant by addressing the confluence of two key industries targeted by JobsOhio: Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace & Aviation. By accepting the grant, Hartzell commits to creating new jobs, keeping equipment and operations in the state, and matching the grant with its own monies. In fact, Hartzell has already invested $30 million in the facility and equipment, and it expects to invest more than $10 million in addition over the next 5 years. The Hartzell Propeller Innovation Center will drive new technologies across the company’s product offerings for multiple industries, including AAM. From a statewide level, Ohio is committed to supporting the growth and realizing the economic benefits of the AAM industry. “Hartzell Propeller’s decision to build its Innovation Center in Piqua is critical to driving progress in the aerospace industry, showing the world Ohio’s vision to lead in this sector,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This latest investment builds on Hartzell’s legacy of propeller technology innovation in the region for more than a century, and Ohio’s investment of more than $1.2 billion in advanced aerospace manufacturing and infrastructure over the last five years.” Hartzell Propeller & BETA Technologies Collaboration First FAA-Certified Electric Aircraft Propeller (July 2025): Piqua, Ohio-based Hartzell Propeller earned FAA Part 35 Type Certification for the first propeller designed specifically for advanced air mobility aircraft, working exclusively with BETA Technologies. This is the first propeller certified specifically for integration with electric propulsion systems. Four-Year Development Process: Hartzell and BETA have collaborated since 2021 on propeller development, from initial aerodynamic modeling to full-scale testing, with BETA flying Hartzell propellers for more than four years. Industry-Wide Applications: The five-blade carbon fiber propeller is designed to serve all AAM aircraft that utilize similar electric propulsion systems, positioning this Ohio-made technology as an industry standard.

Unmanned Systems

Ohio Advances Nation’s First Statewide Drone First Responder Program with Selection of Nine Public Safety Agencies

Ohio continues to lead the nation in modernizing emergency response with the selection of nine public safety agencies to participate in the Ohio Statewide Drone First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expand rapid aerial response capabilities across communities of all sizes. The program, led by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) READ MORE
$2 Million Federal Appropriation to Expand Drone Research and Teaching at UTEP Aerospace Center

Photo – U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales on the UTEP campus on Feb. 13, 2026, to announce a $2 million appropriation from the federal government to expand drone testing and operations infrastructure at the University’s remote facilities in Fabens and Tornillo, Texas. Credit: The University of Texas at El Paso. Officials at The University of Texas READ MORE

Aviation Education

Westmoore High School Wins Inaugural Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship

In a historic weekend for Oklahoma education and industry, Westmoore High School has been crowned the first-ever Oklahoma High School State Aviation Champions. The Jaguars secured the title at the event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and FlightSafety International in Tulsa. Westmoore High School placed first among 12 teams at READ MORE
Florida Legislature Recognizes ERU for 100 Years of Aviation and Aerospace Excellence

Photo – Embry‑Riddle President P. Barry Butler, students and guests are recognized at the Florida State Capitol. (Photo: Embry‑Riddle) Legislators in Tallahassee have honored Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERU) Centennial by adopting a resolution recognizing the university’s outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace in the state of Florida, across the nation and around the world. The READ MORE

SAS Named “European Airline of the Year 2026”

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

SAS has been named “European Airline of the Year 2026” at the Grand Travel Awards. The award is regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Norwegian travel industry and is based on votes from employees in travel agencies and other travel trade professionals. The Grand Travel Awards has been held annually since […]

ZenaTech Completes 20th Acquisition in Year One of Drone as a Service, Strengthening California Wildfire Management and Public Works Opportunities

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

ZenaTech, Inc. announced it has completed its 20th acquisition. The most recent acquisition is L.D. King, Inc., a well-established civil engineering and land surveying firm based in the Los Angeles area, further strengthening its footprint for drone solutions in one of the most wildfire-sensitive and natural disaster-prone regions in the US. This acquisition caps a […]

PSA Airlines Officially Opens Headquarters in Charlotte

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

PSA Airlines announced it has officially opened its new headquarters in Charlotte, completing its corporate relocation from Dayton, Ohio. With its move to Charlotte, which did not include any state or local incentives, PSA becomes North Carolina’s and the region’s only part 121 passenger airline based here. PSA’s headquarters relocation to Charlotte – which included […]

HDOT Begins Employee Parking Lot Improvements at Lihu’e Airport

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has started improvements to an employee parking lot at the Līhu‘e Airport that will help relieve some congestion in the airport’s public lot. The project involves upgrading an existing employee overflow gravel lot located northeast of the main terminal building with asphalt concrete paving, marked parking stalls, lighting, access […]

World’s First 737-800NG Combi Goes into Service for Air Inuit

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

Air Inuit announced that its first newly re-engineered Boeing 737–800NG combi aircraft has been certified by Transport Canada, marking the arrival of the world’s first 737–800NG configured for both passengers and freight. The aircraft will officially enter service on Air Inuit’s Montréal-Kuujjuaq route on January 13th, 2026. “Our investment in this next–generation combi reflects Air […]

Ontario International Airport Welcomes TSA Acceptance of Digital IDs – A Smarter, Easier Way to Fly

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

Ontario International Airport (ONT) announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now accepts Digital IDs at their TSA security checkpoints, making identification verification faster, more secure, and more convenient for travelers. ONT continues to embrace innovation that enhances the passenger experience. With TSA’s new Digital ID program, eligible travelers can present their identification directly from […]

ACI World Welcomes Munich Airport CEO as its New Chair

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

Airports Council International (ACI) World welcomes Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, as Chair of the ACI World Governing Board (WGB) for the 2026–2027 term. Lammers succeeds Candace McGraw, retired CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), who completes her tenure as ACI World’s first woman Chair, after guiding the organization through a period of […]

FAA Releases Draft Plan for Transition to Unleaded Avgas

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline for public comment. Pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation stakeholders are asked to review and comment on the FAA’s draft plan, which highlights many of the technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges in shifting from 100LL to unleaded fuel. (See: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/pubs) The draft […]

Brian Wynne Named NAFI Executive Director

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 Kim Stevens

The National Association of Flight Instructors has named Brian Wynne as its Executive Director. Wynne will also assume the role of President of the Board of Directors. Wynne is a seasoned association leader who has participated on numerous FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committees as well as the Administrator’s Management Advisory Council. He recently completed a nine-year […]

USDOT Secretary Duffy & FAA Administrator Bedford Announce Two New Designated Sites for Testing Drones and Other Unmanned Aircraft Systems

January 10, 2026January 10, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford announced two new test sites for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The sites, which will be located in The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Indiana Economic Development Corporation, are the first new UAS testing grounds in nearly a decade.  The UAS Test […]

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology

Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet

Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition