State Aviation Journal – Page 346 – 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

Surf Air Mobility Signs Order for Up to 150 Cessna Grand Caravan EX Aircraft

July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 Kim Stevens

Textron Aviation announced that Surf Air Mobility Inc., has signed a purchase agreement for up to 150 Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprop aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 100 aircraft and an option for 50 more. The order, which is subject to Surf Air Mobility obtaining financing, is part of an exclusive relationship […]

STOL Drag Making Aviation History with FAA National Accreditation

July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 Kim Stevens

In 2019, STOL Drag got its start after becoming the first new race class at the Reno Air Races in almost 20 years. This May, STOL Drag Events LLC., made aviation history after receiving a National Accreditation from the Federal Aviation Administration— allowing them to take their events on the road. What is it? STOL […]

Former Oklahoma Commissioners Recognized at July Aeronautics Commission Meeting; Airport Grants Approved

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

At its meeting on Wednesday, July 14, the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission recognized former District 3 Commissioner Michael Ray and former District 5 Commissioner Dave Amis, III by presenting them with an authentic runway light converted into an award and plaque. Former Commissioner Amis was one of the longest-serving commissioners with 24 years of dedicated service […]

AAAE Elects Leaders for 2021-22 at 93rd Annual Conference & Exposition

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

Lawrence J. Krauter, A.A.E., AICP, Chief Executive Officer, Spokane International Airport, took office this week as Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) for 2021-22. Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization representing individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. Other key appointments to the Association’s Executive […]

Global Jet Capital Appoints Vivek Kaushal as Chief Executive Officer

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

Global Jet Capital has announced the appointment of Vivek Kaushal as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), taking over from Shawn Vick who will assume the role of Executive Chairman. Vivek joined the Company in 2015, in conjunction with Global Jet Capital’s acquisition of the GE Capital business aircraft portfolio and was named Chief Operating Officer in […]

BasicMed Report Released by AOPA

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, after championing the decades-long push for long-overdue medical certification reform, has released a report on how BasicMed has kept safe pilots flying and free from unnecessary red tape and delays over the past five years. President Barack Obama signed into law legislation that created what is now referred to […]

Liberty University Selects ALSIM ALX Sim

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

ALSIM Simulators is excited to announce the sale of an ALX to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. This will be Liberty’s first ALSIM simulator. Liberty opted for all available flight models in the ALSIM ALX, which starts with a single engine piston close to a Cessna 172 and reconfigures to a medium jet similar […]

FAA to Host Northern California Airspace Workshops

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will host two virtual public workshops beginning today about the airspace in Northern California. The workshops will be via Zoom and livestream on social media on Tuesday, July 20, and Wednesday, July 21. FAA representatives will explain how air traffic operates in one of the busiest and most complex segments […]

Summer Travel Provides Boost to North Dakota Airline Passenger Recovery

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports posted a total of 81,499 airline passenger boardings during the month of June. This month experienced the highest level of passenger traffic that the state has seen since the Covid-19 pandemic began and continues the monthly positive trend of growing airline passenger demand. The June numbers show that the […]

WAI Announces Winners of Spring 2021 Scholarships

July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 Kim Stevens

Photo above – Shana Bartell Women in Aviation International (WAI) congratulates 48 members who have been selected as Spring 2021 scholarship recipients thanks to a generous $250,000 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, as well as a $6,000 WAI scholarship. View the full list of winners at www.WAI.org/2021-scholarship-winners. Scholarships include funding to further members’ […]

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