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

Ontario International Airport Unveils Bold New Monument Sign Celebrating New Era
Photo – Alan Wapner (second from right), President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners, and Curt Hagman, Vice President of the Board, unveil the new monument sign at ONT. Ontario International Airport (ONT) unveiled a striking new monument sign at Archibald Avenue and Airport Drive, marking a powerful visual statement of […]
UrbanLink Selects NOEMI Electric Amphibious Aircraft for Future Seaplane Operations in Florida
Elfly Group, developer of the all-electric amphibious aircraft NOEMI (No Emissions), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UrbanLink, a U.S.-based zero-emission mobility company backed by revered US airline entrepreneur Ed Wegel. The agreement includes a 10+10 soft order for the NOEMI electric amphibious seaplane, representing a potential order value of approximately […]
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 […]

State News

New Streamlined Parking System Announced for Kona and Hilo Airports

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has launched a new streamlined parking system at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO) that will make it more convenient and efficient for drivers to enter and exit the airport parking lots. HDOT has partnered with Metropolis, an artificial intelligence parking technology company, to implement ticketless parking at the two airports. Airport users can sign up for the new system by downloading the Metropolis app for iOS, visiting app.metropolis.io, or scanning a QR code at any of the KOA or ITO lots. To create an account, users provide their mobile phone number, license plate number and payment method. Once registered, users can simply drive in and drive out, without having to take a ticket. Payment is done automatically online via the user’s designated payment method. Drivers who opt not to register for the program will still take a ticket upon entering the lot and upon exiting, can pay the attendant using cash, credit card, or debit card. Parking rates at KOA and ITO remain unchanged. Beginning in March, passengers will also be able to reserve parking in advance. “The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is committed to delivering a smooth, stress-free travel experience at our airports,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “With this partnership, the two main airports on Hawai‘i Island are among the first airports in the U.S. to have Metropolis’ innovative technology, which will streamline the parking process at KOA and ITO.” “Partnering with Kona and Hilo International Airports is especially meaningful to me, both professionally and personally,” said Courtney Fukuda, chief integration officer at Metropolis. “As someone born and raised in Hawai‘i, I’m proud to help bring our advanced technology to travelers who value speed, ease and simplicity. Together, we’re reshaping the start of the journey for both residents and visitors, reducing friction and maximizing convenience from the moment they arrive. Whether welcoming guests to our islands or helping locals move through their day, our goal is to make everyday transactions effortless with 40-plus Metropolis locations in Hawai‘i and growing.” KOA and ITO are among nine airports nationwide to install Metropolis’ drive-in, drive-out parking technology, after its debut last year.
Ontario International Airport Unveils Bold New Monument Sign Celebrating New Era

Photo – Alan Wapner (second from right), President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners, and Curt Hagman, Vice President of the Board, unveil the new monument sign at ONT. Ontario International Airport (ONT) unveiled a striking new monument sign at Archibald Avenue and Airport Drive, marking a powerful visual statement of the airport’s transformation and its continued momentum as it celebrates a decade of local control. The new monument replaces a narrow, understated sign that had greeted visitors since 1998 and ushers in a bold, modern landmark that reflects the renewed energy, pride and ambition of Southern California’s fastest-growing airport. Featuring the iconic “ONT” airport code in towering letters backed by sculpted mountain forms inspired by the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, the monument creates an unmistakable sense of arrival for travelers and visitors alike. “For nearly three decades, our gateway sign quietly faded into the background,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners. “Today, we proudly unveil a monument that unmistakably declares who we are and where we are headed. This landmark reflects the power of local ownership and stands as a bold statement of ONT’s transformation –one that reaffirms our role as a premier Southern California and international gateway.” Standing approximately 12 feet tall, each of the three “ONT” letters is crafted from durable sheet metal, with the full installation weighing more than eight tons. The monument stretches roughly 60 feet across at its widest point, anchored by a deep concrete foundation that ensures its permanence for generations to come. A series of LED light bars will illuminate the sign at night, with the ability to change colors for holidays, special events and community celebrations. The unveiling comes as Ontario International Airport continues its yearlong celebration of the Decade of Local Control, which culminates this November, marking 10 years since ownership of the airport transferred to local leadership on November 1, 2016. That transition ignited a period of unprecedented growth, customer-focused innovation and regional economic impact, firmly reestablishing ONT as Southern California’s gateway of choice. Designed and fabricated by Ontario-based Sign Industries, the monument reflects a close collaboration between airport leadership and local creative partners. The mountain backdrop is composed of multiple modular sections assembled on site, mirroring the layered peaks of the San Gabriel range and reinforcing ONT’s strong sense of place. For visitors entering the airport campus, the new monument now delivers an unmistakable message: Ontario International Airport is no longer hidden in plain sight. It stands boldly as a source of regional pride and a beacon of the airport’s continued ascent.

National News

Bizav Industry Leaders DeMoor, Swanson Inducted into NBAA CAM Fellow Program

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will recognize two new members of the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Fellow Program at its Leadership Conference, Feb. 2-4 in San Antonio, TX. The new members, who were industry-nominated and chosen by a peer-evaluated process, are: Ryan DeMoor: head of aviation tax at MySky. Stuart Swanson: chief pilot for S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. DeMoor oversees the tax vertical in MySky’s suite of technology forward aviation finance products. He runs the fully outsourced MySky Managed Tax department and is also in charge of building out of MySky’s SaaS platform to include MySky Tax and MySky Pay. DeMoor also is a former chair of the NBAA Tax Committee and serves on the board of the West Michigan Aviation Academy Foundation. Swanson leads a 16-member team operating Falcon 7x and 8x aircraft globally. Prior to assuming the chief pilot role, he served as the S-76B helicopter operations supervisor and Falcon 900B captain for five years. He currently serves as the chair of the Chief Pilots Roundtable and vice chair of the NBAA CAM Governing Board. The CAM Fellow Program, which was launched in 2024, pays tribute to exceptional individuals who have demonstrated a substantial and ongoing commitment to the business aviation industry and the CAM program’s vision: “Committed to Excellence, Prepared to Lead.” The first fellow class included 19 inductees, and going forward up to two professionals receive the honor each year. Those recognized consistently go above-and-beyond in multiple facets and embody CAM’s values “SERVICES”: safety, ethics, relevance, vision, innovation, commitment, efficiency and security. “The CAM Fellow program recognizes those whose exceptional performance and commitment span every aspect of business aviation,” said Tyler Austin, NBAA senior director, events and credentialing. “Ryan and Stu exemplify the values of the CAM credential and have distinguished themselves as trusted leaders within our industry.” To be considered for recognition as a CAM Fellow, candidates must currently hold the CAM designation, receive at least one nomination by another Certified Aviation Manager, be an NBAA member and be a recognized leader currently employed in business aviation. The CAM Fellow recognition follows on the heels of the CAM certification award for tenure, which was implemented in 2023, and includes levels ranging from traditional CAM to CAM Silver and CAM Gold.
Paradies Lagardère’s 210 Airport Dining Locations Earn Certified Green Restaurant Status

Photo above – Mattison’s City Grille at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Leading North American airport restaurateur and retailer Paradies Lagardère announced that over 98.5% of the company’s 213 airport dining locations have earned the Certified Green Restaurant® status from the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), a national nonprofit that has been helping restaurants become more environmentally sustainable since 1990. Freddy’s at Gerald R. Ford Int’l Airport. Over the past year, Paradies Lagardère partnered with the Green Restaurant Association to strengthen its environmental impact across all certified locations. The company’s restaurant locations implemented over 5,000 environmental steps, earning more than 21,450 GreenPoints™ and meeting the GRA’s rigorous environmental standards. Based on national restaurant averages, these 210 locations can save up to an estimated 7.6 million kWh of energy (equivalent to about 1,130 cars removed from the road) and 6.6 million gallons of water (equivalent to about 605 average backyard swimming pools), as well as divert 5.8 million lbs. of waste from the landfill. The effort ensures travelers can reduce their environmental footprint by choosing to Dine Green while flying. The GRA certification evaluates restaurants on energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and other key criteria, and Paradies Lagardère’s Level 1 certifications reflect documented progress across those standards. In total, 210 dining locations met the Level 1 Certified Green Restaurant® requirements by completing a broad slate of improvements across energy, water, waste, reusables & disposables, chemicals & pollution, and food, and the company is working closely with a remaining brand partner to implement the necessary upgrades—moving confidently toward extending certification across its entire portfolio. Trio at Palm Sprigs Int’l Airport “This milestone reflects the passion and teamwork of so many people across our company,” says Valerie Davis, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Paradies Lagardère, who led the certification effort. “We’re incredibly proud to see our airport restaurants become Certified Green Restaurants®. It’s a big step forward in our journey to make airport dining more sustainable and to show that even in fast-paced travel environments, meaningful environmental action is possible.” “I applaud Paradies Lagardère on the certification of their locations,” said Michael Oshman, CEO and founder of the GRA. “The environmental practices of Paradies Lagardère and their 210 locations are a significant step forward for the restaurant industry and environmental change. They set an example for other locations to follow in their footsteps and show that it’s possible for any location to change their environmental footprint today.” The GRA’s standards reflect over 35 years of research in the field of restaurants and the environment. Restaurants earn GreenPoints™ across eight categories—Energy, Water, Waste, Reusables & Disposables, Chemicals & Pollution, Food, Building & Furnishing, and Education & Transparency—and must reach a minimum threshold to achieve certification. The standards provide a transparent measure of environmental accomplishments and a pathway to continued progress. “We hope to set a powerful example for how large-scale foodservice operations can adopt environmentally responsible practices that make a measurable difference,” says Leigh Allan, Paradies Lagardère’s Senior Vice President of Operations – Dining Division. The company will continue working with the GRA to pursue higher certification levels in the coming years as part of its broader sustainability strategy focused on responsible sourcing, waste reduction and carbon impact. Learn more about each restaurant’s environmental accomplishments here.

International News

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Unveils New Features to Accelerate Global Aerospace Growth as Trade Tickets Launch

Trade tickets for the most important aerospace and defense event of the year, Farnborough International Airshow 2026, are officially on sale, marking an unparalleled edition of the global aerospace showcase. Returning from 20–24 July 2026, the airshow will be the largest and most ambitious in its 78-year history, following record-breaking demand and the addition of a brand-new sixth exhibition hall. With exhibitor space selling out exhibition halls and chalets 12 months in advance, and a waiting list of more than 50 organizations, the 2026 airshow is set to welcome more international participation than ever before, reinforcing the airshow’s position as the premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and investment across aerospace, defense, space, and adjacent sectors. This landmark edition introduces major new features designed to influence and accelerate financial innovation across the sector, strengthen global industry ecosystems and empower SMEs: Defense SME Zone Highlighting Farnborough’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and innovation in defense, the Defense SME Zone will make its debut as a dedicated showcase for high-potential international organizations specializing in defense and security technologies. Designed exclusively for businesses with a turnover under £10 million, the zone provides an unprecedented opportunity for SMEs to engage directly with the global defense supply chain; connect with primes, investors, media, and government delegations; participate in exclusive networking events; and showcase innovations to more than 100,000 visitors. Sponsored by FTSE 100 defense company Babcock International, the Defense SME Zone will accelerate the visibility and growth of next-generation defense suppliers. Growing businesses, including the likes of Cognitive Design by CDS, Elite EMC Ltd, Emergent, Infortecorp Solutions Limited, Inspectahire, and Needles And Pins Aerospace, will have a presence during the show. The Enterprise Gateway: Where Knowledge Meets Opportunity Launching at the heart of the show alongside the renowned Business Connections Exchange, The Enterprise Gateway is a three-day expert-led program designed to drive supply chain development and unlock growth opportunities for SMEs and primes across multiple sectors. Speakers include a Partner at Mercurea, General Partner at Twin Track Ventures and Managing Director of Alatar Ltd. Taking place 21–23 July 2026, this new feature will provide practical workshops on procurement, regulation, exports, and funding; keynotes and mentoring from industry leaders and policymakers; live pitching sessions connecting SMEs with investors and primes; and insights aligned with the UK Government’s Plan for Change. Built to transform insight into action, The Enterprise Gateway equips businesses with the tools, connections, and confidence to scale sustainably in an evolving global market. A Record-Breaking Airshow Ahead With the largest-ever international industry presence, the 2026 edition underscores the demand from the world’s most influential organization to do business at one of the most trusted airshows in the world, and Farnborough’s unmatched ability to convene the global industry. Twenty-six international pavilions, including India, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland, are already confirmed. The week concludes with Pioneers of Tomorrow on Friday, 24 July, welcoming thousands of young people for a dedicated STEM day, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. Exhibitors, known as Champions of Tomorrow, will be demonstrating the opportunities within the sector and enable businesses to engage with the future workforce throughout the day directly helping to solve the skills-gap. The day will include dedicated features and activity, including a Careers Fair and digital Job Board to advertise apprenticeships, graduate schemes and entry-level roles, as well as competitions and on-stand experiences targeted at young people. Organizations already involved include Babcock International Group, Parker Aerospace and Belcan. Ticket Information Trade visitor ticket sales for Farnborough International Airshow 2026 are officially open. With demand at an all-time high, attendees are encouraged to secure their place early for what promises to be the most dynamic and future-focused edition yet. Prices start from £59+VAT. To purchase your airshow tickets or for more information, visit: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/ The Farnborough International Airshow is held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK.
Pilot Training Market 2025: Ab Initio Growth Contrasts with Type Rating Slowdown

The global flight training market in 2025 was largely defined by contrasts. Initial pilot (ab initio) and MPL (Multi-crew Pilot License) training expanded as airlines invested in future pilot pipelines. Type rating activity, on the other hand, faced headwinds from aircraft delivery delays and market adjustments. For training organizations, 2025 required balancing immediate constraints with long-term positioning. The year showed that airlines were no longer simply reacting to staffing gaps but building structured pathways to meet demand they knew was coming. Aira Klusaitiene, Chief Sales Officer at BAA Training, one of the leading global aviation training organizations delivering both Ab Initio and Type Rating training, says that airlines are now starting to plan ahead much more substantially. Aira Klusaitiene “After years of reactive hiring, we’re seeing serious investment in ab initio and cadet programs. They know they’ll need pilots, and they’re acting on it now.” Airlines invested in ab initio and MPL training pipeline Throughout 2025, ab initio training saw renewed momentum as airlines shifted from short-term solutions to long-term workforce planning. Multi-Crew Pilot License programs moved further into the mainstream. While MPL has existed in Europe for years, 2025 brought notable expansion. For example, the Spanish low-cost airline Volotea launched its partnership with BAA Training in February 2025, offering cadets a job-guaranteed pathway. Qatar Airways and other carriers continued expanding their established cadet initiatives across Europe as well. “Airlines using MPL programs consistently tell us their cadets are better prepared for line operations,” Klusaitiene says. “The training is tailored to airline procedures from day one, which makes the transition smoother. We’re also seeing airlines value the stability—they know exactly when pilots will be ready and what competencies they’ll have.” For training academies, MPL offered greater stability. Programs backed by airlines reduced reliance on self-funded students and aligned training output directly with airline demand. The model was proving its value not as an alternative to traditional routes, but as a strategic workforce tool. A constrained year for type rating Type rating activity in 2025 told a different story. Aircraft delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus created a trickle-down effect across the training market. With manufacturers struggling to meet delivery schedules—and not expecting to fully recover until 2031-2032—airlines worked with the resources they already had. Cadets at simulator training center. Fleet growth stalled, and so did the need to train pilots on new aircraft types. Airlines maximized existing capacity rather than expanding, which meant fewer type rating courses than in previous years. The situation was complicated by airline exits from the market late in the year, which returned experienced pilots and aircraft to the available pool. “Last year was challenging for type rating,” Klusaitiene notes. “Deliveries slowed significantly, and airlines focused on optimization. We saw experienced pilots put back into the market. But even with that, fleet transitions—like airlines switching aircraft families for cost-effectiveness—still created pockets of demand.” Narrow-body aircraft, which represents approximately 60% of the commercial aircraft market, remained the focus for future fleet planning. As of mid-2025, narrow-body orders accounted for 88.9% of Airbus’s backlog—7,660 aircraft out of 8,617 total. However, delivery delays meant airlines had to defer expansion timelines and optimize existing capacity while waiting for new aircraft. Looking ahead to 2026 While 2025 presented challenges for type rating, the outlook for 2026 signals a geographic and operational shift in training demand. Asia and the Middle East are positioned to drive the next phase of growth. Middle Eastern carriers placed hefty aircraft orders during 2025. FlyDubai ordered 225 aircraft (150 A320neos and 75 B737 MAXs), while Qatar Airways secured 160 widebody aircraft (130 B787 Dreamliners and 30 B777-9s) in what became Boeing’s largest widebody order. “2026 looks different regionally,” Klusaitiene says. “Middle East orders are significant. Qatar Airways alone ordered 160 widebody aircraft. When those deliveries accelerate, training demand will follow. In Vietnam, for example, we’re seeing both fleet expansion from established carriers and new airline launches. This creates sustained pilot demand across multiple fronts.” Vietnam exemplifies the regional growth trajectory. Vietjet ordered 20 A330neos in May 2025, doubling its widebody commitment, while Vietnam Airlines planned a tender for 50 narrowbody aircraft. The market also attracted new entrants: Sun PhuQuoc Airways launched in November 2025 with plans to operate 100 aircraft by 2030, targeting 20 million passengers annually. The concentration of narrow-body orders, particularly A320 and B737 families, means training demand will align closely with delivery schedules. Manufacturers have indicated they expect to address the current backlog by 2031-2032, but as deliveries begin to normalize, training organizations will need to scale type rating capacity accordingly. The Middle East’s aviation sector provides context for this growth. In the UAE, aviation contributes 18.2% to national GDP, five times the global average of 3.9%. The region’s aviation sector is projected to reach $730 billion in GDP contribution by 2043, more than doubling from current levels. Airlines continue to face uncertainty around delivery timelines, which affects their ability to plan training intake with precision. However, the underlying demand remains clear: when aircraft arrive, pilots will need to be ready. How 2025 shaped up to be Pilot training in 2025 reflected a market in transition. Ab initio and MPL programs expanded as airlines invested in long-term pilot pipelines, while type rating activity contracted under the weight of aircraft delivery delays and market adjustments. It became clear that airlines were planning strategically rather than reacting tactically. The year reinforced that training demand follows fleet movement. When deliveries stall, type rating slows. When airlines commit to future growth, ab initio investment accelerates. For training organizations, 2025 required balancing immediate capacity constraints with positioning for the demand that manufacturers’ backlogs promise will eventually arrive. Geography also played a defining role. While Europe maintained steady activity, the Middle East and Asia emerged as the centers of future growth, driven by substantial aircraft orders and ambitious aviation expansion plans. Vietnam’s launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways and the Middle East’s record-breaking orders signal where the next wave of training demand will concentrate. As 2026 begins, the training market READ MORE

Unmanned Systems

Indiana’s National Drone Site Puts Arrive at the Center of Autonomous Delivery Scale

Arrive AI highlighted last week the strategic importance of Indiana’s selection as a newly designated federal Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) testing site. It’s the first such designation in more than a decade. Announced by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, the designation places Indiana at the center of READ MORE
Vantis Enables ISight Drone Services to Expand BVLOS Operations

Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) system, has achieved another significant milestone with the approval of its first drone operator authorized to fly BVLOS across all four Vantis operational volumes, or service areas. ISight Drone Services has received a Part 107 BVLOS waiver, expanding its approved operations into eastern North Dakota and enabling statewide service volumes READ MORE

Aviation Education

Pilot Training Market 2025: Ab Initio Growth Contrasts with Type Rating Slowdown

The global flight training market in 2025 was largely defined by contrasts. Initial pilot (ab initio) and MPL (Multi-crew Pilot License) training expanded as airlines invested in future pilot pipelines. Type rating activity, on the other hand, faced headwinds from aircraft delivery delays and market adjustments. For training organizations, 2025 required balancing immediate constraints with READ MORE
Enid High School Aviation Program Reaches New Heights with Inaugural Flight of Student-Built Aircraft

Several Garfield County community members were on hand to see Enid High School’s aviation students’ hard work take to the skies Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2026 at Woodring Regional Airport. Enid celebrated the inaugural flight of its student-built RV-12iS Light Sport Aircraft as part of the Tango Flight (TFI) aircraft construction program. Enid High School celebrated READ MORE

Contour Airlines Announces New Seasonal Flights from Cape Girardeau, MO to Pensacola, FL

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

Contour Airlines has announced new seasonal nonstop service from the City of Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) in Missouri to Pensacola International Airport (PNS), starting May 6, 2026. This new route expands Contour’s growing seasonal network and provides travelers with convenient nonstop access to the Florida Gulf Coast during the peak spring and summer travel […]

Award-Winning Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshop Enters Fourth Year at Sky Harbor

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

Traveling by air can be very hectic even for seasoned fliers, but it can be overwhelming for someone experiencing dementia. An estimated 7 million people in the United States experience dementia, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has proudly offered the Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshop to passengers and caregivers of people with dementia, to […]

AOPA Launches Member Call to Action on ADS-B Misuse

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched a member call to action asking its 300,000 members to contact their senators and representatives in Congress and urge them to cosponsor the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA), legislation that would address growing concerns over the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data, including its […]

Omni Aircraft Maintenance Expands with New 40,000-Square-Foot Hangar

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Omni Aircraft Maintenance has acquired a new 40,000-square-foot hangar facility at KTUL to support increasing demand from individual aircraft operators and fleet customers. The expansion also includes an additional 18,000 square feet of office and customer workspace designed to enhance collaboration, communication, and customer engagement throughout the maintenance process. The additional capacity strengthens Omni’s ability […]

Op Ed: Why Franchising Makes Sense in a Growing Aviation Industry

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

By Dustin Zeitler I’ve spent more than two decades working in the aviation industry and in that time seen cycles of growth, consolidation, and reinvention. One thing, however, has never changed: aviation rewards those who respect the details, which is what led us to start RealClean and after a great deal of deliberation—to become the […]

Pilot Training Market 2025: Ab Initio Growth Contrasts with Type Rating Slowdown

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

The global flight training market in 2025 was largely defined by contrasts. Initial pilot (ab initio) and MPL (Multi-crew Pilot License) training expanded as airlines invested in future pilot pipelines. Type rating activity, on the other hand, faced headwinds from aircraft delivery delays and market adjustments. For training organizations, 2025 required balancing immediate constraints with […]

UrbanLink Selects NOEMI Electric Amphibious Aircraft for Future Seaplane Operations in Florida

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

Elfly Group, developer of the all-electric amphibious aircraft NOEMI (No Emissions), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UrbanLink, a U.S.-based zero-emission mobility company backed by revered US airline entrepreneur Ed Wegel. The agreement includes a 10+10 soft order for the NOEMI electric amphibious seaplane, representing a potential order value of approximately […]

Tecnam Expands South American Presence as P2012 Traveller Achieves Type Validation in Ecuador

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

Tecnam Aircraft has announced that the República del Ecuador Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC) has officially validated the Type Certificate of the entire P2012 aircraft Series. This comprehensive approval covers the P2012 Traveller (powered by Lycoming TEO-540 or Continental GTSIO-520-S engines), the P2012 STOL (powered by Continental GTSIO-520-S engines) and the P2012 Sentinel SMP […]

Steve Hughes Appointed Managing Director for GAC UK

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

ECS Group welcomes air cargo expert Steve Hughes as incoming Managing Director for Globe Air Cargo (GAC) UK, and expresses its heartfelt thanks to Michelle House, who retires at the end of this year after ten fruitful years at the forefront of the company and 44 years in the industry. Hughes joins Globe Air Cargo […]

Alton Bay Ice Runway Set to Open Soon

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Alton Bay, New Hampshire Ice Runway is close to opening for the season with the layout and installation of all of the cones and markers complete. Airport manager, Jason Leavitt, said the runway will be 2,900-ft long and 100-ft wide. “The parking area is also laid out and will be similar size as last […]

Ontario International Airport Unveils Bold New Monument Sign Celebrating New Era

UrbanLink Selects NOEMI Electric Amphibious Aircraft for Future Seaplane Operations in Florida

STARLUX Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Phoenix

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