State Aviation Journal – Page 331 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Step Into the Phoenix Airport Museum’s New Immersive Art Exhibition
A new, immersive exhibition at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is casting a light on passengers and inviting them to explore its spiritual and transformative qualities through a wide range of media. Spectral Alchemy, curated by the Phoenix Airport Museum, features works by 15 Arizona artists and transforms the Terminal 4, Level 3 Museum Gallery […]
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 […]

State News

Lee County Port Authority Welcomes New Deputy Executive Director and Chief Development Officer

Steven Cornell, PE, has joined the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Development Officer. In this role, Cornell will lead the Development Division and is responsible for overseeing engineering & construction, planning & environmental compliance and capital programming at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers, Florida. Steven Cornell Cornell brings more than 40 years of airport project planning and capital development program delivery in various senior staff roles, serving as a consultant and contractor in planning, design and construction of complex airport development programs. His experience includes expansion, redevelopment and rehabilitation of airside, landside and terminal facilities for U.S. and international airports. Most recently, he was the principal of SSC Advisors LLC, providing on-call advisory services for airport capital development programs. Prior to that, Cornell worked on airport projects throughout the United States including San Diego, Houston and Orlando, and internationally at airports in South Korea and Qatar. Cornell holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of South Florida in Tampa, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Florida. The Lee County Port Authority operates Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, please visit flylcpa.com.
Combined F-16 and F-35 Training Reinforces Combat Readiness, Lethality and Interoperability

Story and photo by Richard McManus F-16 Fighting Falcons from Holloman Air Force Base and F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Luke Air Force Base have started week-long joint training missions designed to strengthen interoperability and reinforce the Air Force’s ability to execute complex, forward-deployed combat operations. The training brings together Airmen from multiple specialties to plan, generate and execute missions that mirror the demands of real-world operations. By integrating fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, the training focuses on leveraging each platform’s strengths to accomplish shared objectives in contested environments. “This type of joint training is critical,” said Col. John Ethridge, commander of the 49th Wing, Holloman Air Force Base. “It ensures our Airmen can seamlessly operate together, regardless of aircraft or home station, and rapidly adapt to mission requirements anywhere in the world.” The F-35’s advanced sensors and data-fusion capabilities allow pilots to detect, track and share threat information across the formation, while the F-16s provide flexible, multi-role capabilities to execute mission objectives. The combined force demonstrates how information sharing and coordinated tactics increase survivability and combat effectiveness. “Mastering fighter integration now, in the training phase, sets our pilots up for greater lethality when they deploy,” said Brig. Gen. David Berkland, 56th Fighter Wing commander. Success in the air relies on coordinated efforts on the ground. Maintenance Airmen from both bases work side by side to keep aircraft mission-ready, executing inspections, repairs and turnarounds under demanding timelines. Weapons crews safely and efficiently configure aircraft with the required munitions, ensuring each sortie launches fully capable. Pilots from both platforms emphasize the value of training together, noting that these missions enhance trust, communication and shared understanding of each aircraft’s role in a fight. Mission planning and execution require constant collaboration, reinforcing procedures that will be essential during future forward deployments. The integration also provides valuable lessons for command and control teams, who synchronize airspace, logistics and operational timelines to support simultaneous operations from multiple units. By training as an integrated force, Airmen sharpen skills that translate directly to real-world operations, where teams must rapidly deploy, integrate and sustain combat power in contested environments. “This is how we stay ready,” Berkland said. “We build ready teams through realistic training, integrated, disciplined, and prepared to execute wherever airpower is needed.”

National News

National Aeronautic Association Honors Boeing’s Stephanie Pope

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) presented the 2025 Clifford Henderson Trophy to Stephanie Pope, Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company and President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, earlier this month. The ceremony, held before an audience of aviation pioneers, government officials, and industry leaders in the nation’s capital, celebrated Pope’s transformative leadership and commitment to the future of aerospace. Stephanie Pope The Henderson Trophy is awarded to individuals or organizations whose vision and skill have made a significant, lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation. During the presentation, NAA leadership highlighted Pope’s decisive actions to elevate safety and quality standards in the commercial aviation sector. Under her guidance, Boeing has undertaken a comprehensive operational realignment to ensure long-term stability and engineering excellence. “Stephanie Pope represents the kind of steady, visionary leadership that the Henderson Trophy was created to honor,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “In a period of immense complexity for the industry, her focus on foundational safety and the human element of flight has strengthened the entire aerospace ecosystem.” Throughout her tenure, Pope has focused on three core pillars to transform the Boeing Commercial Airplanes division: ● Operational Safety & Predictability: Executing a methodical safety and quality plan that integrates a company-wide Safety Management System (SMS) into the production flow to ensure every aircraft meets the highest standards before delivery. ● Customer Experience & Reliability: Prioritizing “first-pass quality” to provide airline customers with reliable delivery schedules and aircraft that perform with excellence from day one. ● Cultural Transformation & Workforce Proficiency: Investing in a “just culture” by empowering employees to speak up, increasing training for a newer workforce, and simplifying complex factory processes based on direct feedback from the shop floor. Accepting the trophy, Pope credited the thousands of Boeing employees who are dedicated to the mission of safe, innovative flight. “The people of Boeing dedicate themselves to the incredible mission of connecting people and places around the globe, and we advance that mission every day by designing, building, and supporting the world’s greatest airplanes. Thank you to the National Aeronautic Association for recognizing our team’s hard work and dedication. It is an incredible honor,” said Stephanie Pope. “This legendary award inspires our team to deepen our commitment to continuously improve, deliver for our customers, and work across the industry to advance the future of flight.” The Clifford Henderson Trophy was established in 1960 in honor of Clifford Henderson, the founder and managing director of the National Air Races. Previous recipients include legendary figures such as Jimmy Doolittle, Scott Crossfield, and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, as well as organizations such as the Tuskegee Airmen and Sisters of the Skies. For a complete list of Henderson Trophy awardees, visit naa.aero.
Combined F-16 and F-35 Training Reinforces Combat Readiness, Lethality and Interoperability

Story and photo by Richard McManus F-16 Fighting Falcons from Holloman Air Force Base and F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Luke Air Force Base have started week-long joint training missions designed to strengthen interoperability and reinforce the Air Force’s ability to execute complex, forward-deployed combat operations. The training brings together Airmen from multiple specialties to plan, generate and execute missions that mirror the demands of real-world operations. By integrating fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, the training focuses on leveraging each platform’s strengths to accomplish shared objectives in contested environments. “This type of joint training is critical,” said Col. John Ethridge, commander of the 49th Wing, Holloman Air Force Base. “It ensures our Airmen can seamlessly operate together, regardless of aircraft or home station, and rapidly adapt to mission requirements anywhere in the world.” The F-35’s advanced sensors and data-fusion capabilities allow pilots to detect, track and share threat information across the formation, while the F-16s provide flexible, multi-role capabilities to execute mission objectives. The combined force demonstrates how information sharing and coordinated tactics increase survivability and combat effectiveness. “Mastering fighter integration now, in the training phase, sets our pilots up for greater lethality when they deploy,” said Brig. Gen. David Berkland, 56th Fighter Wing commander. Success in the air relies on coordinated efforts on the ground. Maintenance Airmen from both bases work side by side to keep aircraft mission-ready, executing inspections, repairs and turnarounds under demanding timelines. Weapons crews safely and efficiently configure aircraft with the required munitions, ensuring each sortie launches fully capable. Pilots from both platforms emphasize the value of training together, noting that these missions enhance trust, communication and shared understanding of each aircraft’s role in a fight. Mission planning and execution require constant collaboration, reinforcing procedures that will be essential during future forward deployments. The integration also provides valuable lessons for command and control teams, who synchronize airspace, logistics and operational timelines to support simultaneous operations from multiple units. By training as an integrated force, Airmen sharpen skills that translate directly to real-world operations, where teams must rapidly deploy, integrate and sustain combat power in contested environments. “This is how we stay ready,” Berkland said. “We build ready teams through realistic training, integrated, disciplined, and prepared to execute wherever airpower is needed.”

International News

ACI World Releases Global Airport Traffic Forecasts as Long-Term Demand Growth Continues to Reshape Aviation

Airports Council International (ACI) World released its World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2025–2054, the industry’s most comprehensive and authoritative outlook on global airport traffic. Key highlights Global passenger traffic forecasted to reach 10.2 billion in 2026 (+3.9% YoY). Long-term demand remains strong with global passenger traffic projected to double by 2045 and reach 18.8 billion (3.4% CAGR). Although demand shows structural strength, it is increasingly uneven across regions, with mounting capacity constraints. Sustained growth outlook holds The long-term outlook is firmly positive. Global passenger traffic demand is projected to double by the mid-2040s, driven primarily by emerging and developing markets. However, this growth is increasingly accompanied by: Capacity constraints, such as airport infrastructure limitations and aircraft delivery challenges. Uneven regional growth, with some markets significantly outperforming while others structurally lag. Operational complexity, driven by supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainty and sustainability imperatives. For further insights and regional breakdowns, download the Executive Summary of the ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts (WATF) 2025–2054. What this means for the industry: A call for collective action “The forecast sends a clear signal to the global aviation community: long-term growth is not guaranteed without coordinated action,” said ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci. “To accommodate rising demand, the industry must accelerate investment in airport infrastructure, airspace capacity, and operational resilience, while strengthening collaboration across airports, airlines, governments, regulators, and industry partners. “Without collective action, capacity constraints jeopardize the industry’s ability to meet the projected demand and create operational bottlenecks, directly affecting the quality and reliability of the passenger journey. At the same time, insufficient investment to meet the projected demand would result in missed economic development opportunities at regional and national levels. Aviation plays a central role in global economic development (3.9% of global GDP; ATAG). “Ensuring the sector can sustainably absorb future demand growth is therefore not only an industry priority, but a global economic imperative.” The ACI World Airport Traffic Forecasts (WATF) 2025–2054 provides a comprehensive 30-year outlook on global airport demand, covering passenger traffic, air cargo, and aircraft movements across 176 markets. Using advanced machine-learning models, it delivers highly accurate, transparent forecasts to support data-driven planning and investment decisions worldwide.
New Board of Directors Appointed at Everdrone Ahead of Accelerated Expansion

Everdrone AB has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors, following a decision at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. The newly elected board brings broad strategic experience to support the company’s next phase of national and international expansion. Mats Sällström “The new board members will support Everdrone’s next steps to accelerate growth and scale our drone-based solutions to additional regions, healthcare systems, and markets,” says Mats Sällström, CEO of Everdrone. Everdrone is currently in a strong expansion phase both in Sweden and internationally. At this stage, the company requires clear strategic governance, and the shareholders have therefore appointed a board with solid experience in developing and leading companies through a scaling phase. “The new board will primarily focus on ensuring access to capital, while prioritizing investments in market expansion, R&D, and regulatory matters.” The board brings together expertise in aviation, healthcare, commercialization, growth companies, and financial governance. The elected members are Ann-Christine Hvittfeldt (Chair), and board members Richard Tejme, Åke Lundén, Mats Sällström, and Magnus Hallberg von Geijer. Ann-Christine Hvittfeldt, Chair, has more than 15 years of experience in board work as a member and chair of owner-led, listed, and state-owned companies, including nine years as a board member of the Swedish Transport Agency (LFV). She is currently active at the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI), where unmanned aviation is one of the transport modes under research. Ann-Christine contributes strategic focus, structure, and a growth perspective. Richard Tejme is an investor, advisor, and board member with more than 25 years of experience from senior leadership roles as CFO and CEO across multiple industries. He is Chairman of the Board of Capitainer and Copture, and a board member of Mindler. Richard contributes deep financial expertise, strategic leadership, and hands-on experience in building and scaling growth companies. Åke Lundén is an entrepreneur and business angel, and founder of Benify and Friends Capital. He has extensive experience from board roles in startup companies, with a particular focus on go-to-market strategies and B2B SaaS. Mats Sällström has more than 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, and technical project management. Prior to Everdrone, he worked as a production and project manager at HiQ Gothenburg, where he was responsible for delivering innovative solutions to clients including Lego, Volvo Cars, and Electrolux. Mats is CEO and co-founder of Everdrone and has led the company from concept stage to commercial operations. Magnus Hallberg von Geijer has more than 25 years of experience in Life Sciences, with a background at international corporations such as GSK and Johnson & Johnson, and in recent years as an entrepreneur and investor. He has a strong focus on translating innovation into commercial value within healthcare. Magnus is Chief Commercial Officer at Everdrone.

Unmanned Systems

Nevada UAS Test Site and Eagle Field Airport Form Strategic Collaboration to Accelerate UAS and AAM Testing Across Western U.S.

Eagle Field Airport LLC and the Nevada Center for Applied Research (NCAR) at the University of Nevada, Reno have formed a strategic partnership to advance research, development and flight testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies. The partnership brings together Eagle Field’s historic private airfield in California (Federal Aviation Administration READ MORE
New Board of Directors Appointed at Everdrone Ahead of Accelerated Expansion

Everdrone AB has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors, following a decision at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. The newly elected board brings broad strategic experience to support the company’s next phase of national and international expansion. Mats Sällström “The new board members will support Everdrone’s next 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

Wheels Up Announces the Appointment of Vinayak Hegde as President

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

Wheels Up announced the appointment of Vinayak Hegde as President. The move comes during a time of historic demand and revenue growth and on the heels of its public listing in July 2021. Since May 2021, Hegde has served as Chief Marketplace Officer, responsible for leveraging innovative and proprietary technology to both grow and expand […]

St. Paul Teacher Selected as the 2021 A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) recently announced that Caroline Little, Space Foundation Teacher Liaison, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Teacher Innovator Institute Fellow, and NASA Wearable Equipment to Avert Radiation Mentor, can now add the NAHF’s 2021 A. Scott Crossfield Educator of the Year to her impressive resume. The Crossfield Award, […]

Walston Awards NCAP Credentials to 14 Public Airport Managers

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

Bobby Walston, Aviation Director for the North Carolina Department of Transportation recently had the honor of awarding North Carolina Airport Professional (NCAP) credentials to 14 managers of public airports who demonstrated their knowledge and expertise by completing requirements of the NCDOT Division of Aviation’s Airport Leadership and Management Program (ALMP). Airport managers praised the program […]

NCDOT’s Division of Aviation Claims Three NCAA Awards

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division has been honored with three awards from the North Carolina Airport Association (NCAA). NCDOT Aviation Director Bobby Walston was presented with the 2021 Willard G. Plentl Aviation Professional of the Year Award in recognition of his service to North Carolina’s aviation sector that exemplifies Plentl’s ideals. Walston, who […]

Kelly Fincannon Hired as OAC Chief Airport Engineer

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission has announced Kelly Fincannon as the agency’s Chief Airport Engineer. His focus is on airport planning, design, construction, and project management with a mission to provide continued development and improvement of the Oklahoma Airport System, working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration, airports, consultants, and construction contractors. Kelly earned an MS […]

Dee Howard Foundation’s Newest Slate of Officers to Support Growth and Expansion of Innovative Educational Mission

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

Bianca Rhodes, President and CEO of Knight Aerospace, has been elected by the DHF Board of Directors to succeed Wayne Fagan as Board Chair and President of The Dee Howard Foundation. “December 31, 2021 will be my last day as Board Chair and President of The Dee Howard Foundation,” said Wayne Fagan, founder and outgoing […]

NBAA Unveils 2021 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40; Includes Tina Wilson, Louisiana DOTD

October 11, 2021October 12, 2021 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has unveiled the 2021 Business Aviation Top 40 Under 40, which recognizes rising leaders who are driving innovation within the industry. Among those selected this year is Christina Wilson, Aviation Development Program Manager with the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development. “We are very proud of Tina and what […]

328 Support Services GmbH Officially Becomes Deutsche Aircraft GmbH

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

328 Support Services GmbH (328SSG) – Type Certificate holder for the D328® aircraft – officially became Deutsche Aircraft GmbH (Deutsche Aircraft). The new company name follows the reestablishment of the company as an Aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Following a decades-long track record of success as 328SSG, Deutsche Aircraft is poised to support the future […]

Hawthorne Global Aviation Services Signs Development Lease at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

Hawthorne Global Aviation Services, LLC has executed a development lease with Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, WI (“CVRA”) to construct a new hangar at the field. The new facility will be 22,500 square feet and will include a 32-foot-high door capable of accommodating all of the newest general aviation aircraft. Construction is slated […]

Memphis City Council Approves Reappointment of Gregory Fletcher to Airport Authority Board

October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 Kim Stevens

The Memphis City Council has approved the reappointment of Gregory Fletcher to the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners. Fletcher, who was nominated by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, has served on the MSCAA board since September 2019. His new term will expire on December 31, 2027. Fletcher is a retired attorney and […]

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

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