State Aviation Journal – Page 198 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since its First Flights in Berlin
It was a special date for Lufthansa and a special day for all the employees who have shaped the airline with the crane logo: Exactly 100 years ago on April 6, 1926 – Lufthansa (at that time: “Luft Hansa”) took to the skies on its first flights. On that day, two aircraft took off from […]
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform
Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s […]
SAS Marks 80 Years with Anniversary Aircraft
SAS marks the start of its 80th year of operations with a specially painted Airbus A330-300, celebrating eight decades of connecting Scandinavia with the world. Throughout 2026, the airline will highlight its heritage and continued role in linking people, businesses and societies. The anniversary comes 80 years after SAS’s first intercontinental flight on September 17, […]
Textron Aviation Names Five 2026 Top Hawk Recipients as Program Enters Its Second Decade of Workforce Impact
Photo – Factory-new Cessna Skyhawks (Model 172) to take flight as Textron Aviation names five 2026 Top Hawk recipients—helping train the next generation of pilots Textron Aviation Inc., announced Brazos Valley Flight Services, Executive Air Taxi Corporation, Fairmont State University, Sterling Flight Training and Victors Aviation as its 2026 Top Hawk program recipients, continuing a […]

State News

Oregon Airports to Receive More Than $27 Million in Federal Investment

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter announced last week that more than 25 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $27 million to make their infrastructure safer and better. “Oregonians rely on federal investments like these to support small businesses, emergency responses, and safe travel in communities across our state,” Wyden said. “I’ll keep battling for continued federal support for all airports in Oregon to keep our state’s residents and products moving smoothly and securely from point A to point B.” “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “Investing in critical airport improvements such as terminals, runways, and more strengthens infrastructure across our state. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds for improving the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.” “These investments across Oregon will help improve safety, modernize equipment and make these airports work better for everyone,” said Rep. Hoyle. “Reliability is essential for the economic growth of our coastal community. This funding is a win for the region.” “Ensuring our airports have the resources and funding they need is vital to the safety of everyone at the airport,” said Rep. Salinas. “This federal grant funding will help make them safer, more reliable, and better equipped to continue serving our local community for years to come.” “Federal investments like this are vital to keeping Oregon’s communities connected and our economy moving,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding will expand travel access, boost local businesses, and strengthen our region’s ability to compete and grow. I will continue fighting to ensure our airports have the resources to thrive and better serve Oregonians.” “The Hood River airport is an important gateway for communities across the Columbia Gorge—supporting emergency response, local businesses, and regional connectivity. This is an important investment, and I am determined to do all I can to keep needed federal dollars coming to my district and supporting the success of our communities,” said Rep. Dexter. The awards from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows: $6.24 million combined to Mahlon Sweet Field in Eugene to rebuild 21,177 square feet of terminal Concourse A, including interiors and restroom rehabilitation, construction including HVAC and mechanical; expand terminal Concourse A by 9,893 square feet, including HVAC and mechanical systems, including interiors and restroom rehabilitation. $3.45 million to Roberts Field in Redmond to expand the terminal by 131,283 square feet $3.18 million combined to Mulino State Airport to reseal 3,340 linear feet of hangar taxilane pavement; reseal 9,645 square yards of tiedown apron pavement and joints; reseal 3,425 linear feet of runway pavement and joints, expand an existing non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage by 10,500 square feet $2.67 million to the Grants Pass Airport for new guidance signs., new lighting on taxiway edge lighting, extends paved runway by 13,294 feet, install runway end identifier lights system and precision approach path indicator system, extend taxiway by 870 feet in length $2 million to Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford to rebuild 8,000 square yards of apron pavement; rehabilitate 30,000 square yards of apron pavement; update the pavement management plan and pavement survey and study $947,435 combined to Brookings Airport to rebuild runway lighting, install a new airport rotating beacon, rebuild the precision approach path indicator system, rebuild the runway end identifier lights system, acquire and install new wind cone navigational aids to provide pilots, rebuild the runway end identifier lights system $850,000 to Albany Municipal Airport to reseal 3,004 feet of runway, rebuild runway end identifier lights system $800,254 combined to Joseph State Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system, reseal 5,210 feet of runway pavement and joints; reseal 6,990 feet of taxiway pavement and joints $760,000 to Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend to build runway safety area $687,235 combined to Condon State Pauling Field to update the existing airport layout plan, reseal 1,030 feet of taxiway pavement; reseal 5,000 square yards of agriculture aircraft apron/pavement; reseal 830 feet of taxilane pavement $600,000 to Corvallis Municipal Airport to reseal 7,200 linear feet of taxiway pavement $534,000 to Ashland Municipal Airport to reseal 3,331 linear feet of taxilane pavement and joints; rehabilitate 131 linear feet of taxilane pavement; reseal 3,791 linear feet of runway pavement and joints $500,000 to the Oregon Department of Aviation to update the regional airport system plan, the pavement management plan and pavement study $490,224 combined to Chiloquin State Airport to reseal 4,190 square yards of apron pavement and joints, reseal 3,910 feet of runway pavement and joints $465,789 combined to Roseburg Regional Airport to rehabilitate 27,555 square yards of apron pavement; rehabilitate 5,003 feet of paved runway $439,810 to Lebanon State Airport to reseal 2,140 feet of taxiway pavement and joints; reseal 2,750 feet of runway pavement and joints $389,504 to Burns Municipal Airport to build a new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building $360,000 to Astoria Regional Airport to extend taxiways by 1,350 feet in length to reduce delays $326,774 to Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement; reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement $300,000 to Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad $300,000 to Baker City Municipal Airport to rebuild 500 feet of airport access road $300,000 to Crook County for the Prineville Airport to rehabilitate 5,404 linear feet of paved runway $285,000 to Crater Lake/Klamath Regional Airport in Klamath Falls to rehabilitate 9,888 square yards of apron pavement $220,000 to Ken Jernstedt Airfield in Hood River to reseal 175 feet of taxiway pavement, rehabilitate a tiedown apron and reseal 1,200 feet of apron taxilane $171,760 to Grant County Regional Airport in John Day to build a new fuel farm by adding a 15,000-gallon AvGas fuel tank and a 15,000-gallon Jet A fuel tank and self-service pumps and READ MORE
Hagerstown Regional Airport Announces Groundbreaking of Terminal Expansion

Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR)is pleased to announce the successful groundbreaking of a new terminal expansion project at Hagerstown Regional Airport, marking a significant milestone in the County’s ongoing commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and supporting economic growth. The 4,800-square-foot expansion represents a $5.1 million investment in the future of air travel in Washington County, Maryland. The project is made possible through a collaborative funding partnership with grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Maryland Aviation Administration matching with local Washington County Government/airport funds. Designed to modernize existing infrastructure and improve the overall passenger experience, the terminal expansion will include upgrades to ticketing areas, replacement of lobby and gate-side seating, and improvements to passenger amenities to include mother’s lactation room, vending area, additional potentially leasable spaces for future food and beverage concessionaires, additional airline ticket counters, offices, storage and support spaces, and increased passenger holdroom flow and seating capacity. The project will also achieve full ADA compliance, ensuring increased accessibility for all travelers. The airport is also looking in increase the number aircraft parking positions located closest to the terminal building from one, to two, and has purchased additional ground support equipment needed to support narrowbody airliner service. Additional terminal space being now built as part of this project could be adapted in future projects to better suit the support space needs of new entrant airlines, thus enabling future growth opportunities for HGR.

National News

CAN Appoints Aviation Pioneer Joan Sullivan Garrett to Board of Directors

Corporate Angel Network (CAN) has announced the appointment of Joan Sullivan Garrett to its Board of Directors. A pioneering entrepreneur and aviation medical innovator, Garrett is the Founder and Chairman of MedAire, a global leader in integrated medical, travel, and safety services for aviation and maritime industries. Since founding MedAire in 1985, she has been instrumental in developing real-time, ground-based medical support systems for in-flight emergencies—helping establish industry standards that continue to save lives worldwide. Joan Sullivan Garrett Garrett’s work has shaped how the aviation industry approaches passenger and crew health, with MedAire now supporting hundreds of airlines and thousands of aircraft globally. A widely recognized authority in aviation medicine and remote care, she has advised government agencies, testified before Congress, and contributed extensively to advancing health and safety protocols across the industry. “Joan is a true trailblazer whose career has been defined by innovation and a deep commitment to protecting and saving lives,” said Jean Rosanvallon, Chairman of the Corporate Angel Network Board of Directors. “Her unique perspective at the intersection of aviation and healthcare aligns seamlessly with CAN’s mission. We are excited to welcome her insight and leadership as we continue expanding access to life-saving treatment for cancer patients.” Garrett’s distinguished career includes service on numerous aviation and nonprofit boards, as well as numerous awards and honors, including the National Aeronautic Association Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award and inductions into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame and Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Her longstanding dedication to improving safety, care, and access within aviation brings a powerful dimension to CAN’s work. “I am honored to join the Board of Corporate Angel Network and support its extraordinary mission,” said Garrett. “The ability to remove barriers to care—especially for patients facing serious illness—is both impactful and deeply meaningful. CAN’s work exemplifies how aviation can be used as a force for good, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and reach.” Garrett will be joining other CAN Board members, including: Michael Amalfitano, Embraer Executive Jets; W.W. (Bill) Boisture, Jr., AE Industrial Partners; Derek DeCross, Signature Aviation; Scott Donnelly, Textron; Dan Drohan, Solairus; Elise Eberwein, formerly American Airlines; Jennifer Leach English, AIN Publications; Patrick Gallagher, NetJets Aviation; Matthew Greene, Safe Flight Instrument; Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation; Dawne Hickton, Cumberland Additive; David Hurley, ALOFT Aero Architects; Ève Laurier, Bombardier; Wilson Leach, Aviation International News; Jean Rosanvallon (Chairman), formerly Dassault Falcon Jet; and Dr. Bret Schipper, Hartford HealthCare.
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s commercial operations, expand its domestic manufacturing capacity in Charlotte, and accelerate the rollout of its RaaS offering Lucid Refresh — the company’s full-service subscription platform for exterior cleaning operators. “We’re on an ambitious journey to give software a body to do physically productive work that the world needs and become the USA’s leading supplier of modular drones and robots,” said Andrew Ashur, Founder and CEO of Lucid Bots. “This capital allows us to meet the massive market demand we’re seeing today while expanding our product offerings and accelerating our manufacturing and autonomy goals. The next 18 months will be transformative for our product roadmap and the industry at large.” Watch Video Launch of Lucid Refresh Lucid Bots builds the robots, software, and support infrastructure that professional cleaning operators deploy on their jobs. Where a cleaning company traditionally needs to choose between turning down high-value exterior work or taking on the capital, training, and operational burden of robotics themselves, Lucid Refresh gives them a third option: access to a complete autonomous cleaning capability, including the Sherpa cleaning drone, the newly launched Lavo AI autonomous pressure washing robot, Lucid Command fleet management software, operator training, job intelligence, and an equipment loaner guarantee, as a single ongoing subscription. The operator brings the contract, and Lucid delivers everything needed to fulfill it. “Our customers are running cleaning businesses,” said Vic Pellicano, President and Chief Platform Officer of Lucid Bots. “They don’t need a robot — they need a way to take on jobs they couldn’t do before, execute them better than the competition, and do it without betting their company on a capital purchase. That’s what we built. It’s less like buying equipment and more like adding a robotics division to your business that you can deploy on any job, any time.” A Platform Built on Operator Success Lucid Bots’ operator network has generated more than $75 million in exterior cleaning revenue using Lucid systems — a figure that reflects the core thesis behind the company’s model: that Lucid wins when its operators win. The Sherpa drone platform reduces job completion time by 2–5x, and operators report payback periods of less than two months. With approaching 1,000 robots now in active operator hands, and 93% of new business originating from inbound interest, the company generated as much revenue in 2025 as it did in its first seven years combined. The company’s customer base spans independent operators to enterprise-scale accounts including Disney, Sunbelt Rentals, and commercial facilities managers across the country. The Data Advantage No Competitor Can Close The Series B accelerates Lucid’s two flagship product lines. The Sherpa drone continues to expand its autonomous capabilities, and Lucid Bots recently launched Lavo AI, a fully autonomous pressure washing robot designed for unattended operation, complete with its own mobile app and proprietary cloud data layer. What makes both platforms genuinely different is not the hardware. It is the data behind them. Lucid Bots’ systems have now logged hundreds of thousands of hours of real-world exterior cleaning across building types, surface materials, weather conditions, and job configurations that no competitor can replicate. That operational dataset trains the AI systems embedded in every Lucid robot and improves with every job completed. The result is cleaning performance that compounds over time: Lucid robots clean more precisely, adapt more intelligently to job conditions, and produce more consistent results than any service relying on human judgment or a thinner data foundation ever could. Every new deployment makes the system smarter. Every hour logged extends a lead that started years ago and widens by the day. Both platforms are manufactured at the company’s 25,000-square-foot facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, a domestic manufacturing footprint that provides compliance advantages under federal mandates for US-built robotic systems and positions Lucid to serve the growing number of commercial and government customers who require it. “At Cubit Capital, we invest in companies with courageous leadership confronting meaningful societal challenges, and Lucid Bots represents exactly that,” said Philip Carson, Partner at Cubit Capital. “The labor crisis in industrial work is real, and Lucid has achieved genuine innovation with technology that empowers workers and creates safer workplaces. Their traction speaks for itself, and we’re excited to support a team that’s striving for redemptive outcomes by empowering workers rather than replacing them.” “What excites us about Lucid Bots is that this isn’t a single-product company. It’s a platform defining a new category,” said Lister Delgado, Managing Partner at Idea Fund Partners. “By building AI systems trained on more real-world cleaning data than anyone else in the industry, they’re creating a compounding advantage that will be difficult to replicate. When you pair that with US-based manufacturing and strong unit economics, Lucid is poised to become a defining leader in the next generation of industrial automation.” “The Lucid Sherpa drone has elevated our business to new heights opening doors and differentiating ourselves from the competition,” said Ryan Godwin, Owner of Godwin Facility Services. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without adding the Lucid Sherpa to our business.” Lucid Bots is a member of the NVIDIA Inception Program and is actively developing its AI and autonomy capabilities in partnership with NVIDIA.

International News

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since its First Flights in Berlin

It was a special date for Lufthansa and a special day for all the employees who have shaped the airline with the crane logo: Exactly 100 years ago on April 6, 1926 – Lufthansa (at that time: “Luft Hansa”) took to the skies on its first flights. On that day, two aircraft took off from Berlin-Tempelhof Airport bound for Zurich and Cologne. Exactly a century later, this special date was fittingly celebrated as a chronological highlight of the anniversary year on Easter Monday – including two special flights that retraced the historic routes of the inaugural flights. A Boeing 787-9 and an Airbus A350-900, both in blue anniversary livery featuring a white XXL crane, had taken off from Frankfurt and Munich that morning. On board: hundreds of Lufthansa employees with their partners, who, as lucky winners of an internal raffle, had been invited by the company to join the anniversary flights and be there in person in Berlin on this special day. A total of more than 600 guests, including passengers on the fully booked special flights as well as invited guests from the political and aviation sectors, celebrated the highlight of the anniversary year at a festive event in Berlin. Among them was Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner. A special highlight: The Boeing 787-9 in anniversary livery was officially named “Berlin” during the ceremony. Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, emphasized in his speech: “Today, Lufthansa is celebrating its birthday! Driven by a pioneering spirit and passion, it all began here in Berlin. Exactly 100 years ago, the first flights of the original Lufthansa took off from here. Today, Berlin is one of our company’s largest locations. Around 2,000 Lufthansa employees live and work in the capital region. Lufthansa and the Group’s airlines will remain strong partners in Berlin in the future.” Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, emphasized in his welcoming remarks: “100 years of Lufthansa is an impressive anniversary. On April 6, 1926, two flights departed from Berlin to Zurich and Cologne, thereby establishing Lufthansa’s long-standing connection with Berlin. To this day, Lufthansa remains an outstanding partner for Berlin – and I am delighted that, on the occasion of this special anniversary, we are naming the Boeing 787-9 ‘Berlin.’” Routes of the inaugural flights re-enacted Around 3:15 p.m., the Boeing 787-9, which had previously been named “Berlin,” and the Airbus A350-900 with the registration D-AIXL then departed the capital for Zurich and Cologne. On their journey, the special flights flew over the locations where stopovers were made on April 6, 1926. The Boeing 787-9 flew from Berlin via Halle, Erfurt, and Stuttgart to Zurich, while the A350-900 flew via Magdeburg to Cologne. The flight numbers of the two flights, LH1926 and LH2026, also commemorated the special anniversary. Lufthansa will celebrate its 100th founding anniversary in 2026. Berlin plays a special role in the airline’s history: the first Lufthansa was founded here on January 6, 1926. Today, the Lufthansa Group is one of the four largest airlines worldwide and the largest airline group in Europe. In Berlin, the company is the clear market leader. Around 30 percent of all flights in the capital are operated by airlines within the group. The ceremonial highlight of Lufthansa’s anniversary year will take place on April 15 with a ceremony in Frankfurt. On this day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center at Frankfurt Airport.
The Air Charter Association Joins Industry’s CLIMBING. FAST. Advocacy Campaign

Today, the CLIMBING. FAST. campaign welcomed The Air Charter Association (The ACA) as its newest partner, expanding the coalition’s global reach and bolstering its efforts to showcase business aviation’s economic value and other essential societal benefits, including sustainability leadership. The partnership will be officially announced at The ACA’s European Regional Forum held as part of AERO Friedrichshafen, taking place from April 22-25, 2026. CLIMBING. FAST. is an international advocacy campaign focused on informing policymakers and opinion leaders about the essential contributions of business aviation, including the industry’s role in creating jobs, supporting economic development, connecting communities, advancing humanitarian missions, empowering businesses to succeed and driving more sustainable aviation through innovation on the ground and in the air. At the campaign’s launch in 2023, stakeholder partners noted the campaign would focus on setting the record straight about the sector’s importance in part through a multimedia campaign, which today incorporates a dedicated website, social media presence, media relations and storytelling functions, advocacy resources and more. The ACA is the leading worldwide trade association for the air charter industry with more than 450 member companies across 64 countries. The ACA provides accreditation and training, works with industry regulators and governing bodies, promotes best practices, delivers unrivalled networking opportunities and advocacy support, as well as workforce development through its internship program. “As we continue to expand our presence across the US, initiatives like CLIMBING. FAST. ensure we can better coordinate our air charter advocacy efforts with our industry partners,” said Glenn Hogben, Chief Executive, The ACA. “The air charter industry is a significant driver of employment, economic growth and technological innovation around the world, and it is important we continue to get that message across.” “NBAA is excited to welcome The Air Charter Association as a CLIMBING. FAST. partner,” said National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Business aviation is a global industry, and having The ACA aboard will strengthen our international presence and expand our opportunities for advocacy.” The ACA is the 17th organization to join the award-winning CLIMBING. FAST. program. The British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) and Irish Business & General Aviation Association (IBGAA) were the most recent to join, in 2025. In addition to NBAA, BBGA and IBGAA, CLIMBING. FAST. coalition members include the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Alpha Eta Rho fraternity, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA), the National Air Transport Association (NATA), Vertical Association International VAI) and Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA).

Unmanned Systems

DSLR Pros Joins GeoCue Distribution Network

GeoCue has welcomed DSLR Pros to its growing distribution network, expanding nationwide access to TrueView 3D Imaging Sensors and LP360 point cloud processing software for geospatial professionals across the United States. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, DSLR Pros has spent more than a decade pioneering commercial drone technology and tailored solutions for customers in geospatial, READ MORE
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s READ MORE

Aviation Education

CAP’s New Jersey Wing Assists U.S. Air Force with Critical Blood Processing Mission

Members of Civil Air Patrol’s New Jersey Wing recently mobilized to assist the U.S. Air Force in processing blood products destined for deployed service members. This effort expands the reach of Operation Pulse Lift, CAP’s ongoing humanitarian blood collection mission, and supports the need for blood for U.S. forces overseas. Civil Air Patrol’s Maj Megan READ MORE
Innovation Soars at State Capitol as Leaders Celebrate Oklahoma’s $44 Billion Aerospace Economy

Photo – The crowd of aerospace industry stakeholders, military members, educators and students filled the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol for the 2026 AERO Oklahoma Day. The event brought together more than 1,000 attendees to advocate for the state’s $44 billion aerospace and defense industry. The second floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State READ MORE

EAA, Boeing Extend Agreement for Collaboration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 Kim Stevens

The Experimental Aircraft Association has announced the extension of their Platinum-Level sponsorship with The Boeing Company. EAA’s relationship with Boeing dates back to 1989 and Boeing’s presence has grown into one of the largest vendor footprints on the AirVenture grounds. With this 3-year agreement, Boeing will retain the naming rights of Boeing Plaza, and continue […]

Positive Trend for Airline Boardings Continue

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released the monthly report that provides information relating to the airline passenger traffic at the eight commercial service airports within the state. Commercial airline boarding numbers for May 2023 reached 91,454 passengers, representing an 8% increase from the same period last year. Six of the commercial service airports […]

Sierra Charlie Aviation Places Pre Order for 100 Elixir Aircraft

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 Kim Stevens

At the Paris Air Show, Elixir Aircraft announced that Scottsdale, Arizona based Sierra Charlie Aviation has ordered more than 100 Elixir Full Glass Cockpit 100HP, part 23 aircraft, 50 on option. With the high demand for Airline pilots, the Elixir Aircraft will be integrated into Sierra Charlie’s Aviator Career Program. The program is designed and […]

Recommended Book – LOST AT SEA

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 Kim Stevens

Eddie Rickenbacker’s Twenty-Four Days Adrift on the Pacific—A World War II Tale of Courage and Faith by John Wukovits is the tale of Eddie Rickenbacker’s fight for survival with seven other men adrift on the Pacific. Spanning from Rickenbacker’s childhood; through his military, car racing, and aviation careers; and onto every moment inside the inflatable […]

Recommended Books – No Man’s Son

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 Kim Stevens

No Man’s Son details Michael Chowdry’s challenging journey from Pakistan to England, and then to the United States, where he first started realizing his dream of flying at a small flight school in Minnesota. It’s an excellent read for those interested in the immigrant experience, aviation, and business management. The International Air Cargo Association has […]

AzAA Announces Awards of Excellence Recipients

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 Kim Stevens

The Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) awarded the Airport Executive of the Year and announced the President’s Award at its annual spring conference held recently in Flagstaff, AZ. Chad Makovsky received the 2023 Airport Executive of the Year Award and Tammy Martelle received the President’s Award. Each honoree has made lasting positive impacts on airports in […]

Blood Sweat & Lears

June 25, 2023June 25, 2023 Kim Stevens

By Kim J Stevens I didn’t set out to collect ball caps! In fact, I seldom wear them. But over the years I’ve picked up a few here and there. Not too long ago I was sorting through some of my aviation stuff and found a large tub full of hats. I realized I had […]

RDU Memorial Day Weekend Passenger Traffic Tops 2019

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023 Kim Stevens

RDU’s busiest travel season kicked off with a bustling Memorial Day weekend. Passenger traffic was up 7% over 2019 levels and 23% above 2022 levels from Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29. “RDU was pleased to welcome even more guests over the holiday weekend than we saw in 2019 when we broke records for […]

CLT Breaks Ground on Fourth Parallel Runway

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023 Kim Stevens

Charlotte Douglas International Airport began the next project under the Destination CLT portfolio today with the groundbreaking of CLT’s fourth parallel runway. It was identified in the Airport’s 2016 Master Plan Update to address capacity, meeting future demand while enhancing operational efficiency. “This is a special day for the City of Charlotte as we break […]

Salem Academy and College One of Seven Schools Nationwide to Receive NASA Funding to Address STEM Gender Gap

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023 Kim Stevens

Salem Academy and College, located in Winston-Salem, N.C., has been selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to receive a grant of almost $750,000 directed to attracting and retaining women in STEM degree programs and careers. Salem’s project “Soar with Salem: A Comprehensive Program to Inspire Women and Girls to Become the Next […]

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years Since its First Flights in Berlin

Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

SAS Marks 80 Years with Anniversary Aircraft

Textron Aviation Names Five 2026 Top Hawk Recipients as Program Enters Its Second Decade of Workforce Impact