State Aviation Journal – Page 2 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

STARLUX Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Phoenix
STARLUX Airlines, a Taiwan-based luxury carrier, launched nonstop service between Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Jan. 15, marking a milestone that expands the airport’s international connections and is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, STARLUX Airlines Chief Executive Officer Glenn Chai, airport […]
Stralis Aircraft’s European Launch Customer, EVIA AERO, Expands Its Partnership for Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft
Stralis Aircraft has announced a second major commitment from EVIA AERO, strengthening their partnership to bring zero-emission regional aviation to Europe. This new agreement represents the largest single-customer fleet of hydrogen-electric conversions to date, deepening EVIA AERO’s role as one of Stralis’ earliest and most significant European customers. EVIA AERO has committed to five Bonanza-A36-HE […]
Centennial Airport’s New Advanced Snow Removal Equipment Keeps Air Ambulance Services Flying Through Winter Storms
Pictured (left to right): Flight for Life Colorado Beechcraft King Air, Centennial Airport Snow Removal Equipment, Children’s Hospital Colorado Pilatus PC-12, iCare Ambulance Centennial Airport proudly announces the addition of two state-of-the-art snow removal vehicles to its fleet, significantly enhancing the airport’s ability to maintain clear and safe runways during Colorado’s severe winter weather. This […]
Bombardier Global 8000 Receives U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification
Bombardier announced that the Global 8000 received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The FAA certification marks the latest in a series of achievements over the past year that continue to illustrate the exceptional pedigree of this industry-defining ultra-long-range business aircraft. The Global 8000 received Transport Canada Type Certification on November 5, 2025 and entered […]

State News

STARLUX Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Phoenix

STARLUX Airlines, a Taiwan-based luxury carrier, launched nonstop service between Taipei Taoyuan International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Jan. 15, marking a milestone that expands the airport’s international connections and is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and STARLUX Airlines Chief Executive Officer Glenn Chai. Mark Skalny Photo (c)2025 Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, STARLUX Airlines Chief Executive Officer Glenn Chai, airport officials and community leaders welcomed the airline’s inaugural flight to Phoenix with a ribbon-cutting celebration. “This is a milestone event for the City of Phoenix. STARLUX was the first to commit to ending Phoenix being the only major American city without non-stop service to and from Asia,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “STARLUX’s new service between Phoenix and Taipei opens the door to expanded tourism, stronger business relationships, and new opportunities for companies looking to invest in our fast-growing and vibrant region. It further strengthens Phoenix’s position as a global city and builds upon our partnership with one of Asia’s most dynamic and vital economies. We’re grateful to STARLUX and its leadership for their investment, confidence, and commitment to our community. Their presence in Phoenix helps bring jobs, economic growth, and a brighter future for all who call our city home.” Ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming STARLUX. Mark Skalny Photography (c)2026 Providing a seamless, comfortable experience through its signature luxury service, STARLUX Airlines is operating the nonstop Taipei-Phoenix route using a new-generation Airbus A350 aircraft with 306 seats. The service offers first class, business class, premium economy and economy options and operates three weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Starting in March 2026, service will increase to four weekly flights, adding a Saturday departure. International air service plays a key role in the region’s economy, with flights from PHX to more than 25 destinations. Phoenix Sky Harbor’s most recent economic impact study shows international flights contribute more than $3.4 billion to the local economy each year. The economic impact of Taipei–Phoenix service from Phoenix Sky Harbor is expected to generate almost $170 million every year statewide. “We’re excited to welcome STARLUX to Phoenix Sky Harbor,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “This new Phoenix-Taipei route provides our travelers with the much-desired service to Asia. It not only offers travelers a chance to explore Taiwan, but also to experience the entire Asia region. This new route also supports jobs, brings further economic benefits, and creates new opportunities for our airport and all of Arizona. STARLUX was the first airline to commit to nonstop service between Taiwan and Phoenix, and we sincerely appreciate their partnership, investment, and commitment to bringing this important service to our region.”
SkyNRG Secures Key Environmental Approvals to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Eastern Washington

SkyNRG announced a key milestone for Project Wigeon, a planned sustainable aviation fuel facility in Eastern Washington, after securing environmental approvals from the Washington State Department of Ecology and Walla Walla County.    These approvals confirm that the project meets state and local environmental standards, including requirements related to land use, water protection, and fuel transportation. Project Wigeon will be among North America’s first commercial-scale SAF projects producing jet fuel from renewable natural gas (RNG). “Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to reduce harmful emissions, which is why SkyNRG is building SAF facilities such as Project Wigeon around the world,” said John Plaza, Chief Executive Officer of SkyNRG Americas. “The Department of Ecology’s environmental review and Walla Walla County’s approval demonstrate our commitment to building this facility the right way—using industry-leading technology and conducting robust analysis of environmental impacts. This milestone allows SkyNRG to continue delivering clean fuel to major airports, building economic opportunity in Eastern Washington, and protecting natural resources and community health for years to come.” “For several years, Boeing has supported SkyNRG’s efforts to develop SAF in the Pacific Northwest to enable our industry’s long-term growth, innovation, and efficiency,” said Allison Melia, Vice President of Sustainability at Boeing. “We look forward to leveraging SAF supply from SkyNRG and others for our operations as we increase airplane production to meet strong demand for our products.”  SkyNRG’s new facility supports a fast-emerging SAF global market as the aviation industry looks to develop new, domestically produced fuel options to meet rising demand and reduce emissions. Demand for SAF is accelerating, with global demand projected to reach five billion gallons by 2030 and more than 12 billion gallons by 2035.  Environmental Permitting Progress In December 2025, Walla Walla County issued Project Wigeon its Critical Areas Permit, which documents the facility’s compliance with local environmental regulations. The Critical Areas Permit was preceded by the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) in September 2025.  The MDNS reflects the state’s conclusion that there are no significant adverse outcomes resulting from the project that are not mitigated.    The facility’s mitigation measures address local air emissions, clean fuel transportation, use of local water supplies, and groundwater impacts. This includes energy-efficient technologies built into the facility’s design and operations, creating a durable foundation for both environmental protection and long-term economic growth in the region.    Key aspects of the project include:   Closed-loop industrial water system (Zero Liquid Discharge): All industrial and process water produced at Project Wigeon will be treated and reused on site, avoiding discharge, storage in ponds, or dispersal into groundwater. Water conservation: The facility will use water from the Port of Walla Walla water system and will maximize recycling to reduce overall water demand.  Energy Production: Project Wigeon will utilize by-products of SAF production and excess steam to produce electricity on-site to offset impacts on the state’s electricity grid and reduce the overall lifecycle emissions of SAF. Air quality protections: The facility will be designed to operate under stringent air permit conditions set by state regulators, with ongoing monitoring and reporting.  Stormwater management: Engineered containment systems will manage and control stormwater to protect surrounding land and water resources to limit impacts to local groundwater.  Transportation safety and coordination: The transportation plan for SAF deliveries prioritizes safe, reliable methods for rail and trucks, purpose-built loading and containment areas that are aligned with federal and state requirements. Coordination with local partners and emergency services will be factored into project development and regular operations.  These measures, and the secured state and county approvals, are the result of more than three years of analysis and studies provided to state regulators, local officials, technical experts, and community leaders. This collaboration ensures the facility meets Washington’s highest environmental and community standards.   Sustainable Aviation Fuel  SAF is made from sustainable resources and can be used alongside traditional jet fuel to reduce emissions. It is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be used without changes to aircraft or fueling infrastructure once blended and certified.  Fuel produced at the Walla Walla site will use RNG feedstocks, otherwise known as biogenic methane. RNG is collected from domestic landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, and manure from animal farms, and can be delivered to Project Wigeon through existing infrastructure. SAF produced at Project Wigeon can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions up to 85% compared to fossil jet fuel, based on Washington state’s emissions calculators, and can materially reduce particulate and sulfur emissions from jet aircraft that burn traditional jet fuel. Washington’s Role in Scaling the SAF Industry  Washington state is a national leader in SAF policy, backed by bipartisan support to scale clean fuels, cut emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen U.S. energy independence through domestic aviation fuel production.  That leadership is reinforced by policies such as Senate Bill 5447, signed into law in 2023, which established one of the nation’s most effective incentives to scale sustainable aviation fuel. The state legislature has also demonstrated long-standing leadership through the Washington State Alternative Jet Fuels Workgroup. Created in 2011, this leadership group advances SAF development statewide through coordinated policy recommendations that support innovation, job creation, and emission reduction across the state’s aviation sector.   In addition to legislative support for SAF production and use, the executive branch has played an active role as a partner in advancing this work. In 2025, the Washington State Department of Commerce awarded a $1.5 million grant to the Port of Walla Walla to support SkyNRG’s construction of the facility, underscoring the project’s economic potential and the state’s commitment to advancing energy transition opportunities.

National News

AOPA Honors FAA MOSAIC Team with President’s Award

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) honored 38 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees for their work on the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, recognizing the team with the AOPA President’s Award during a ceremony at AOPA’s Washington office last week. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of the team. Finalized in 2025, the MOSAIC rule represents one of the most significant improvements for general aviation in decades, expanding sport pilot privileges and simplifying aircraft certification pathways. During the ceremony, AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance presented Bedford with a plaque in recognition of the team’s collective efforts, while each team member received an individual certificate acknowledging their contribution to the rulemaking effort. “The MOSAIC team took on a complex and consequential task, and their work will shape general aviation for years to come,” said AOPA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Murray Huling. “Pilots across the country are already seeing the benefits.” Throughout the rulemaking process, the FAA engaged closely with AOPA and the broader general aviation community, considering thousands of public comments and refining the final rule to better reflect how pilots fly today. “When these changes were first proposed in 2023, the stall speed requirements for an aircraft to qualify under MOSAIC were an improvement, but they would have left out a large portion of the general aviation fleet,” added Huling. “This team listened to that feedback, and after ensuring it would not negatively impact safety, raised the stall speed so that aircraft like the Grumman Cheetah and Piper Cherokee could qualify.” “The MOSAIC rule strikes an important balance by expanding access to general aviation while keeping safety at the forefront,” said AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance. “On behalf of our 300,000 members, we’re grateful to the FAA for their leadership and dedication to getting this right.”
SkyNRG Secures Key Environmental Approvals to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Eastern Washington

SkyNRG announced a key milestone for Project Wigeon, a planned sustainable aviation fuel facility in Eastern Washington, after securing environmental approvals from the Washington State Department of Ecology and Walla Walla County.    These approvals confirm that the project meets state and local environmental standards, including requirements related to land use, water protection, and fuel transportation. Project Wigeon will be among North America’s first commercial-scale SAF projects producing jet fuel from renewable natural gas (RNG). “Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to reduce harmful emissions, which is why SkyNRG is building SAF facilities such as Project Wigeon around the world,” said John Plaza, Chief Executive Officer of SkyNRG Americas. “The Department of Ecology’s environmental review and Walla Walla County’s approval demonstrate our commitment to building this facility the right way—using industry-leading technology and conducting robust analysis of environmental impacts. This milestone allows SkyNRG to continue delivering clean fuel to major airports, building economic opportunity in Eastern Washington, and protecting natural resources and community health for years to come.” “For several years, Boeing has supported SkyNRG’s efforts to develop SAF in the Pacific Northwest to enable our industry’s long-term growth, innovation, and efficiency,” said Allison Melia, Vice President of Sustainability at Boeing. “We look forward to leveraging SAF supply from SkyNRG and others for our operations as we increase airplane production to meet strong demand for our products.”  SkyNRG’s new facility supports a fast-emerging SAF global market as the aviation industry looks to develop new, domestically produced fuel options to meet rising demand and reduce emissions. Demand for SAF is accelerating, with global demand projected to reach five billion gallons by 2030 and more than 12 billion gallons by 2035.  Environmental Permitting Progress In December 2025, Walla Walla County issued Project Wigeon its Critical Areas Permit, which documents the facility’s compliance with local environmental regulations. The Critical Areas Permit was preceded by the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance (MDNS) pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) in September 2025.  The MDNS reflects the state’s conclusion that there are no significant adverse outcomes resulting from the project that are not mitigated.    The facility’s mitigation measures address local air emissions, clean fuel transportation, use of local water supplies, and groundwater impacts. This includes energy-efficient technologies built into the facility’s design and operations, creating a durable foundation for both environmental protection and long-term economic growth in the region.    Key aspects of the project include:   Closed-loop industrial water system (Zero Liquid Discharge): All industrial and process water produced at Project Wigeon will be treated and reused on site, avoiding discharge, storage in ponds, or dispersal into groundwater. Water conservation: The facility will use water from the Port of Walla Walla water system and will maximize recycling to reduce overall water demand.  Energy Production: Project Wigeon will utilize by-products of SAF production and excess steam to produce electricity on-site to offset impacts on the state’s electricity grid and reduce the overall lifecycle emissions of SAF. Air quality protections: The facility will be designed to operate under stringent air permit conditions set by state regulators, with ongoing monitoring and reporting.  Stormwater management: Engineered containment systems will manage and control stormwater to protect surrounding land and water resources to limit impacts to local groundwater.  Transportation safety and coordination: The transportation plan for SAF deliveries prioritizes safe, reliable methods for rail and trucks, purpose-built loading and containment areas that are aligned with federal and state requirements. Coordination with local partners and emergency services will be factored into project development and regular operations.  These measures, and the secured state and county approvals, are the result of more than three years of analysis and studies provided to state regulators, local officials, technical experts, and community leaders. This collaboration ensures the facility meets Washington’s highest environmental and community standards.   Sustainable Aviation Fuel  SAF is made from sustainable resources and can be used alongside traditional jet fuel to reduce emissions. It is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be used without changes to aircraft or fueling infrastructure once blended and certified.  Fuel produced at the Walla Walla site will use RNG feedstocks, otherwise known as biogenic methane. RNG is collected from domestic landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, and manure from animal farms, and can be delivered to Project Wigeon through existing infrastructure. SAF produced at Project Wigeon can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions up to 85% compared to fossil jet fuel, based on Washington state’s emissions calculators, and can materially reduce particulate and sulfur emissions from jet aircraft that burn traditional jet fuel. Washington’s Role in Scaling the SAF Industry  Washington state is a national leader in SAF policy, backed by bipartisan support to scale clean fuels, cut emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen U.S. energy independence through domestic aviation fuel production.  That leadership is reinforced by policies such as Senate Bill 5447, signed into law in 2023, which established one of the nation’s most effective incentives to scale sustainable aviation fuel. The state legislature has also demonstrated long-standing leadership through the Washington State Alternative Jet Fuels Workgroup. Created in 2011, this leadership group advances SAF development statewide through coordinated policy recommendations that support innovation, job creation, and emission reduction across the state’s aviation sector.   In addition to legislative support for SAF production and use, the executive branch has played an active role as a partner in advancing this work. In 2025, the Washington State Department of Commerce awarded a $1.5 million grant to the Port of Walla Walla to support SkyNRG’s construction of the facility, underscoring the project’s economic potential and the state’s commitment to advancing energy transition opportunities.

International News

Stralis Aircraft’s European Launch Customer, EVIA AERO, Expands Its Partnership for Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft

Stralis Aircraft has announced a second major commitment from EVIA AERO, strengthening their partnership to bring zero-emission regional aviation to Europe. This new agreement represents the largest single-customer fleet of hydrogen-electric conversions to date, deepening EVIA AERO’s role as one of Stralis’ earliest and most significant European customers. EVIA AERO has committed to five Bonanza-A36-HE aircraft retrofits. The EVIA AERO–Stralis partnership focuses on practical applications of hydrogen electric propulsion technology, expands the possibilities for island hopping in the Mediterranean and in the North and Baltic Seas, replaces fossil fuels, supports tourism and the regional economies of coastal and island destinations, and enables future routes to key leisure and business destinations such as Usedom and Helgoland in Germany or Sardinia in Italy. Stralis is using two Bonanza-A36 aircraft as hydrogen-electric testbeds, aligned with its technology roadmap. The Bonanza platform, suitable for regional routes, will greatly benefit EVIA AERO and similar airlines worldwide. Their 200-kW hydrogenelectric demonstrator will also mark the first piloted hydrogen-electric flight in the Southern Hemisphere from Brisbane Airport. The EVIA AERO vision is to implement a point-to-point network with multiple daily connections between European economic regions, operated entirely with aircraft powered by locally generated green electricity and hydrogen. Bonanza-A36 aircraft deliveries under this latest agreement are targeted to begin in 2029, aligning with the EVIA AERO rollout of decentralized hydrogen and PV-based airport energy systems. EVIA AERO was Stralis’ first European customer for their fleet of Beechcraft 1900D, a 19-seat regional hydrogen-electric aircraft. EVIA AERO plans to operate a sizable fleet of these aircraft on multiple regional routes across Europe, forming the backbone of its zero-emission network. This expanded partnership is a strong commercial signal that there is real, forward demand for hydrogen-electric aircraft in Europe’s regional markets. “This partnership is particularly exciting because, beyond aircraft operations, EVIA AERO is building the energy and infrastructure ecosystem needed to make hydrogen-electric flight a reality,” said Bob Criner, CEO and Co-Founder of Stralis. “Similar to our program in Australia, their holistic approach aims to support a new regional aviation model where aircraft are powered by locally produced green energy, significantly reducing emissions and long-term operating costs.” “Our fleet will be airborne with certified aircraft for our customers at the earliest possible time. To achieve this, the Bonanza A36 is the ideal product,” said Florian Kruse, founder and CEO of EVIA AERO, adding, “The first routes of our regional airline will be island services and medical flights. For this, the Stralis product is perfectly suitable. Additionally, we can train our future pilots on this aircraft at an early stage.”
IADA Caps Transformative Year, Expands Global Influence & Market Leadership

IADA Board of Directors (L-R) Patrick Hosmann Jr., James Person, Emily Deaton, Phil Winters, Shawn Dinning, Chad Anderson, Phil Stearns, Nick Schneider, Neil Howard, John Odegard, Jim Riner, and Greg Oswald. David Shannon and Stan Kuliavas are not pictured. The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) closed a milestone year in 2025, marked by strong preowned aircraft transactions, rising market confidence, and expanded global reach and continued investment in the future of business aviation. Through authoritative market intelligence, strategic partnerships, leadership appointments and philanthropic initiatives, IADA reinforced its role as the leading voice of the global aircraft resale community. John Odegard “Throughout 2025, IADA released a full slate of quarterly market reports and a comprehensive Market Portrait & Forecast, documenting tightening inventories, resilient demand and a sharp rise in optimism heading into year-end,” said IADA Chair John Odegard, who also serves as Partner and Co-Founder of 5×5 Trading. “These reports underscored IADA members’ dominant position in the preowned business aircraft marketplace and their ability to navigate a market adjusting to increasing new aircraft deliveries, marketplace disruptions and evolving buyer expectations,” he added. IADA also advanced its international footprint, deepening engagement across Europe with a strong presence at EBACE and NBAA-BACE, appointing its first European-based regional director and welcoming new Accredited Dealers and Verified Products and Services members from key global markets. These moves further solidified IADA’s standing as a truly international association setting professional standards for aircraft resale transactions worldwide. AircraftExchange.com, IADA’s authenticated online marketplace, continued to gain momentum with new strategic partnerships, a newly appointed board of directors and growing industry adoption, strengthening transparency and trust for buyers and sellers of preowned business aircraft. Leadership and governance remained a priority as IADA named new boards for both the association and the IADA Foundation, ensuring continuity, strategic growth and strong oversight. The organization also elevated thought leadership through industry commentary, webinars and collaboration with leading aviation associations and media partners. Through the IADA Foundation, the association expanded its philanthropic and educational impact, awarding scholarships and grants, launching new innovation initiatives in partnership with industry leaders, and supporting STEM-focused programs designed to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and entrepreneurs. IADA continues to lead by setting higher standards, delivering trusted market intelligence and investing in the people and platforms that move the industry forward. With momentum building across markets, membership and mission-driven initiatives, IADA enters 2026 positioned for continued growth, global influence and leadership in the preowned business aviation marketplace. 2025 Monthly Highlights January 2025 IADA opened the year with a strong outlook, reporting rising preowned aircraft sales and an optimistic forecast for 2025 contained in its 2024 Fourth Quarter Market Report. The association also announced expanded European engagement plans, reinforcing its global strategy. February 2025 IADA applauded rising new aircraft deliveries reported by GAMA, citing a positive long-term impact on the preowned market. The association also welcomed a significant group of new IADA-Verified Products and Services Members. March 2025 AircraftExchange.com continued its growth trajectory, reinforcing its position as the premier authenticated marketplace for preowned business aircraft. IADA also named new leadership for the IADA Foundation Board. April 2025 The First Quarter 2025 Market Report reflected a stable transactions environment with pricing moderation across most aircraft categories, signaling a healthier, more balanced marketplace. IADA announced a strong presence at EBACE25, held in Geneva. May 2025 IADA expanded its international staff with the appointment of its first European-based Regional Director. The association also welcomed new Accredited Dealers and Products and Services members, further strengthening its global roster. June 2025 The IADA Foundation opened applications for its 2025 Business Aviation Scholarships, committing nearly $100,000 to education, leadership development and industry advancement. IADA also launched a new aviation innovation grant in partnership with Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI). July 2025 IADA leaders and members were prominently visible at major industry gatherings, while the association highlighted notable industry milestones, including recognition of long-standing aviation leadership. August 2025 AircraftExchange.com announced a strategic partnership with the Embraer Jet Operators Association, expanding access to exclusive preowned aircraft listings. IADA also welcomed additional Verified Products and Services Members. September 2025 IADA members prepared for a major presence at NBAA-BACE 2025, underscoring the association’s collective market leadership and global influence. October 2025 IADA released both its Third Quarter 2025 Market Report and its comprehensive Current Market Portrait & Forecast, revealing a sharp rise in market optimism, tightening inventory and a healthy year-end outlook. November 2025 The IADA Foundation awarded its first Aviation Innovation Grant, supporting entrepreneurial talent and reinforcing IADA’s commitment to the next generation of aviation leaders. IADA named its most recent Board of Directors. December 2025 IADA capped the year by appointing a new Board of Directors for AircraftExchange and announcing the Foundation’s role as Technology Sponsor for the 2026 GAMA Aviation Design Challenge, closing the year with a strong focus on governance, innovation and STEM education.

Unmanned Systems

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

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

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 READ MORE

Aviation Education

EAA Young Eagles Program Continues Strong Gains in 2025

EAA Photo – Cindi Pokorny with a Young Eagle EAA’s Young Eagles program continues to make an impact in aviation, as more than 50,000 young people received flight experiences from 4,250 volunteer EAA-member pilots between October 2024 and October 2025. This period also saw 970 pilots fly a Young Eagle for the first time. “Our READ MORE
IAWA Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients as Program Surpasses Half a Million Dollars in Awards to Date

The International Aerospace Womens Association (IAWA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, awarded to women studying aviation and aerospace at universities around the world. Since launching the program in 2004, IAWA has awarded 131 scholarships to women attending 11 universities totaling $555,000, marking a significant milestone in its long-standing effort to expand opportunities READ MORE

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 […]

Sacramento County Department of Airports’ Cindy Nichol Becomes Chair of Airports Council

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 Kim Stevens

On January 1, 2026, Cindy Nichol, Director of Airports for the Sacramento International Airport, became Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada. Nichol was elected to the position in October 2025 and succeeds outgoing Chair Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation […]

Royal Air Maroc Cargo Launches New Casablanca–Dakar Freighter Service, Reinforcing its African Network

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 Kim Stevens

Royal Air Maroc Cargo, the cargo division of Morocco’s national carrier, has launched a new dedicated freighter route between Casablanca and Dakar (CMN–DSS). Operated by a Boeing 767 freighter offering 45 tons of capacity, this weekly Friday service strengthens the airline’s role as a strategic connector between North and West Africa. The addition of Dakar […]

Hawaiian Airlines Announces Investment Plan to Modernize Infrastructure and Guest Experience

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026 Kim Stevens

Hawaiian Airlines, a part of Alaska Airlines, today unveiled an investment plan of more than $600 million over five years to comprehensively enhance the experience for guests traveling to, from and within the islands by modernizing airport spaces, upgrading technology and retrofitting aircraft interiors, while expanding community and sustainability work across Hawai‘i. Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai […]

STARLUX Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Phoenix

Stralis Aircraft’s European Launch Customer, EVIA AERO, Expands Its Partnership for Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft

Centennial Airport’s New Advanced Snow Removal Equipment Keeps Air Ambulance Services Flying Through Winter Storms

Bombardier Global 8000 Receives U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification