State Aviation Journal – Page 262 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Marshall Receives $900,000 Federal Grant to Expand Aviation Training in Eastern Panhandle
Marshall University has received a $900,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., to support the development of a new aviation training facility at Martinsburg Airport, advancing the university’s growing aviation mission in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Moore secured funding to establish in-person training opportunities for Marshall University Aviation through his work on […]
Elegance Takes Flight – Lufthansa Unveils New Uniform
In its 100th anniversary year, Lufthansa is introducing a new uniform for its employees that combines tradition and innovation. The new outfits for cockpit, cabin, and ground staff were unveiled at a fashion show at the Lufthansa Group’s “Hangar One” visitor and conference center. The design was created in collaboration with employees from all uniformed […]
First Lufthansa A380 with New Business Class Takes Off for Los Angeles
Premium XXL: Lufthansa is retrofitting its eight A380s and installing an entirely new Business Class in its largest aircraft. In the future, Business Class on the A380 will offer even more comfort and privacy at a new premium level. The new Thompson seats feature a width of 58 cm, a bed length of at least […]
Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years with Opening of New Conference and Visitor Center
Lufthansa Group recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa with a major ceremony. As part of the event, Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center of Lufthansa Group at Frankfurt Airport, was officially opened. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered the official keynote speech. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group: […]

State News

Southwest Florida International Airport Reports Historic March Traffic

During March, 1,521,149 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, which was a historic monthly record. This was an increase of 3.9 percent compared to March 2025. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 1.9 percent. “March 2026 was the busiest March and best single month in the 43-year history of Southwest Florida International Airport,” said Steven Hennigan, C.M., A.C.E., executive director and CEO of the Lee County Port Authority. “We appreciate all our employees, airlines and airport business partners who support the traveling public every day and thank our passengers for their patience during what was an incredibly busy month. I also want to recognize the many TSA officers who came to work every day, despite personal hardships, to make sure travelers had a safe and secure experience at RSW.” The traffic leader in March was Delta with 289,910 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (282.966), United (225,833), American (214,941) and JetBlue (121,213). Southwest Florida International Airport had 12,577 aircraft operations, an increase of 4.7 percent compared to March 2025. Page Field saw 17,350 operations, which was a 30 percent increase compared to March 2025. Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 11.1 million passengers in 2025 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.
Texas A&M-RELLIS and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) Announce Partnership to Expand Drone Training Across Texas

Texas A&M-RELLIS, and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) have announced a new partnership to expand access to professional drone and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) instruction across Texas. The collaboration is intended to support statewide labor force and economic development priorities by preparing Texans for high-demand careers in industries increasingly reliant on drone technology. Brad Hall, Director of Operations at Texas A&M-RELLIS (left), shakes hands with Nick Langolf, Director of Academic Partnerships at USI. Across Texas, sectors such as package-delivery, energy, agriculture, construction, public safety, infrastructure, and defense are rapidly adopting drones and UAS technology as tools to improve safety, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. As adoption accelerates, employers are seeking skilled individuals with regulatory knowledge, practical experience, and industry-recognized credentials. This partnership is designed to help meet that demand by developing training pathways aligned with real-world employer needs. “Texas has been leading the nation in UAS testing and advanced air mobility research, positioning the state for the future of aviation,” said Josh Olds, President and CEO at USI. “This partnership with Texas A&M–RELLIS advances USI’s mission to develop a globally relevant, safety-first workforce for the evolving aviation ecosystem.” Texas A&M–RELLIS is a thriving network of public and private entities guided by core values of respect, excellence, loyalty, leadership, integrity, and selfless service, fostering and enabling innovation, excellence, and collaboration. The campus is a catalyst for transformation, advancing knowledge and building skill sets to lead Texas and serve the nation. Texas A&M-RELLIS, as a home to emerging technologies, aligns closely with USI’s commitment to industry standards, operational safety, and workforce credentialing. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to workforce development and economic growth in Texas and beyond,” said John Barton, Executive Director at Texas A&M-RELLIS. “By connecting education with industry-aligned training and certifications, we are helping ensure our learners are prepared for the jobs of today and the emerging technologies of tomorrow.” The drone instruction programs currently in development are designed to serve a broad range of participants, particularly the vast student population seeking skills to enhance their hiring ability. Additional details, including program structure, schedules, enrollment options, and potential funding opportunities, will be announced later this spring. Individuals, employers, and workforce partners interested in the drone instruction programs at Texas A&M–RELLIS are encouraged to apply early. Seating is limited and is offered on a first come, first serve basis. Programs Coming to Texas A&M-RELLIS This Year Beginning in June 2026, the following programs will be offered at Texas A&M-RELLIS, delivered by USI: In-person FAA Part 107 exam preparation workshops Professional Remote Operator certification program Professional Maintenance Technician certification program Advanced skills development for complex remote operations, including Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS)

National News

Kinexis Consulting Welcomes Lorena de Rodriguez as Business Development Manager

Kinexis Consulting continues to expand its expert airport advisory team by adding Lorena de Rodriguez as its business development manager. With more than thirty years of experience across airport and airline operations, safety, security, and workforce development, Lorena brings deep expertise and experience supporting TSA programs, training initiatives, and industry-wide efforts through ACI World – Airports Council International, ACRP, and Safe Skies PARAS. Lorena de Rodriguez “I am pleased to welcome Lorena to Kinexis Consulting. Lorena’s strategic mindset and results-driven approach align perfectly with our vision as we continue to grow and innovate in the aviation sector,” said Saurabh Pethe, Kinexis President. Lorena told the State Aviation Journal that she is excited to be a part of the Kinexis team. “I joined Kinexis because I believe airport management deserves consultants who lead with experience. The Kinexis Airport Advisory Team is built around professionals who understand the full scope of airport operations. A team that knows security systems, compliance, and airfield safety and who bring genuine empathy to every engagement,” said Lorena. “That combination of depth and dedication is rare, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.” Lorena, who previously led the team at Safety & Security Instruction (SSi, Inc) for more than twenty years, will be based in Arizona.
NBAA’s AAM Roundtable Welcomes Eve Air Mobility

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced Eve Air Mobility has joined its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Roundtable. Established in 2021, the NBAA AAM Roundtable brings together industry leaders to help shape the policies, infrastructure and operational frameworks needed to support the safe integration of AAM technologies into the National Airspace System. The roundtable represents original equipment manufacturers developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and related technologies, and focuses on key issues including airport access, airspace integration, community acceptance and supporting infrastructure. Over the past five years, the roundtable has played a key role in aligning industry priorities and advocating for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation as the first-ever policy and regulations were being created. Eve joins current roundtable members Archer, BETA Technologies, Hillwood Aviation, Joby Aviation and Wisk. “Advanced air mobility has the potential to transform how we move people and goods safely, efficiently and sustainably,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are honored to have Eve Air Mobility’s valuable experience and perspective to inform the AAM Roundtable’s work to support the growth of a sector that is redefining the concept of on-demand transportation in exciting new ways.” Eve Air Mobility, backed by Embraer, is taking a holistic approach to progressing the eVTOL ecosystem, with an advanced lift + cruise aircraft, comprehensive global services and support network and a unique air traffic management solution. Its addition to the roundtable underscores the continued industry momentum behind efforts to bring eVTOLs to market. “We are entering a pivotal time where vision becomes reality,” said Eve Air Mobility Chief Commercial Officer Megha Bhatia. “By joining NBAA’s AAM Roundtable, Eve is advancing the groundwork needed for the safe, scalable launch of advanced air mobility in the United States. We invite industry partners and stakeholders to contact us to explore collaboration opportunities and help shape the future of air mobility.” Washington policymakers have been highly focused on developing the regulatory framework and other tools to ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in AAM development. In December, the Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled the nation’s first Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy, providing a regulatory framework to support the ongoing development and integration of these technologies. Matt Byrd, president and CEO with NBAA AAM Roundtable member Hillwood Aviation, was an invited speaker at an event held at the DOT to champion the strategy. The DOT strategy’s unveiling was preceded by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) release of a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) to establish requirements for the safe, efficient integration of AAM aircraft into the nation’s aviation system. The SFAR was announced at the opening of NBAA’s 2024 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

International News

AutoFlight Completes First 2-Ton-Class eVTOL Tea Delivery in China

AUTOFLIGHT has successfully completed China’s first 2-ton-class eVTOL dedicated spring tea transport trial in Guizhou, a mountainous province in western China. The trial deployed AutoFlight’s CarryAll (V2000CG) – a fully autonomous, unmanned eVTOL aircraft – to transport fresh spring tea between Anshun and Guiyang, two Guizhou cities approximately 120km apart. The unmanned flight crossed rugged mountain terrain in just 37 minutes, a significant improvement over road transportation in the region, where winding mountain routes make timely delivery a persistent challenge. Following the eVTOL air transfer, the fresh tea was transported by a logistics company via high-speed rail for long‑haul delivery from Guiyang to Shanghai, covering a distance of nearly 2,000 kilometers. The integrated “eVTOL + high-speed rail” model enabled same-day delivery, bringing freshly picked tea from remote western mountain plantations to consumers in major eastern cities within 24 hours, preserving optimal freshness and flavor. Core Advantages of the Autonomous eVTOL Solution Autonomous Flight Capability: No onboard pilot needed, enhancing safety and operational efficiency for cargo transport High-Speed Performance: 37 minutes for the 120km mountain crossing, cutting transit time by hours compared to traditional ground transport Freshness Preservation: Shortened in-transit time preserves the unique, crisp taste and aromatic notes of premium spring tea Eco-Friendly: All-electric powered, zero operational emissions and low noise, aligning with sustainable development goals High Flexibility: Vertical take-off and landing capability, no runway required for point-to-point direct delivery The CarryAll (V2000CG) is the world’s first 2-ton-class eVTOL aircraft to obtain Type Certificate (TC), Production Certificate (PC) and Airworthiness Certificate (AC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). As a fully autonomous unmanned cargo aircraft, it boasts exceptional performance for a wide range of logistics scenarios: Maximum payload: 400kg Maximum range: up to 200km Cruise speed: approximately 180km/h Ideal for urban logistics, emergency material delivery, agricultural cold chain transport and remote area cargo services Li Yun, CCO of AutoFlight: “This innovative ‘autonomous eVTOL air transfer + high-speed rail trunk line’ model breaks logistics bottlenecks in high-altitude mountainous areas. AutoFlight will join hands with more partners to extend this efficient, green autonomous cargo model to more specialty agricultural producing areas. This will help more high-quality local agricultural products reach national markets quickly, driving regional industrial upgrading and rural revitalization.” AutoFlight’s cargo eVTOL models have conducted flight operations in real-world scenarios, including offshore oil platforms, intercity agricultural product transportation, and emergency fire-fighting, collaborating with global customers to advance the commercialization process of eVTOL. In addition, its 6-seat passenger eVTOL model V2000EM Prosperity is currently undergoing civil aviation airworthiness certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and has entered the Phase IV compliance verification stage.
BGS Expands Cooperation with LOT Across Central and Eastern Europe

Baltic Ground Services (BGS), an international provider of ground handling and aircraft fueling services, has extended its cooperation with LOT Polish Airlines across multiple stations in Central and Eastern Europe. Under the renewed agreements, BGS will continue providing aircraft fueling services at Riga (RIX) and Ostrava (OSR), where cooperation with LOT has been ongoing since 2021. The extended partnership also marks the start of operations in Tallinn (TLL), where BGS will begin supporting the airline as a new customer. In Vilnius (VNO), BGS has been providing ground handling services to LOT Polish Airlines since the company’s establishment in 2005. The airline currently operates between five and six daily flights to Warsaw, highlighting the long-standing and consistent cooperation between the two partners. The cooperation covers a combined annual fuel volume of approximately 6,500 tons across the three stations, reflecting the scale of LOT’s operations supported by BGS in the region. The expansion into Tallinn also represents a continuation of BGS’s strategy to grow its fueling network across key airports in Central and Eastern Europe. “Extending our cooperation with LOT reflects the consistency and reliability of our fueling services across different stations,” said Vitalis Dudys, BGS Group Head of Commerce. “We value long-term partnerships and are pleased to continue supporting LOT’s operations, while also expanding our cooperation into new locations such as Tallinn.” “We welcome the opportunity to continue and further expand our cooperation with BGS,” said Mateusz Dziudziel, Director of the Fuel Office at LOT Polish Airlines. “Ensuring high-quality fuel services is critical to maintaining safe and uninterrupted aircraft operations. We value BGS as a trusted partner and hope that further strengthening our cooperation will contribute to LOT’s operational stability and growth across the region.” “Our long-standing cooperation with BGS plays a key role in maintaining operational excellence across our network,” said Sebastian Jadczak, Director of Ground Operations Office at LOT Polish Airlines. “Reliable ground handling services are fundamental to ensuring a seamless travel experience for our passengers. We value the continuation of this strong partnership as we support our future growth.”

Unmanned Systems

Pyka’s Autonomous DropShip Completes First Flight

Pyka has announced the successful first flight of DropShip, its next-generation heavy-lift autonomous aircraft built for contested logistics and multi-mission operations. From concept to flight in just six months, this program sets a new benchmark for rapid development of advanced autonomous systems, delivering the mission-critical capabilities required today. It is engineered to extend reach, resilience, READ MORE
Texas A&M-RELLIS and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) Announce Partnership to Expand Drone Training Across Texas

Texas A&M-RELLIS, and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) have announced a new partnership to expand access to professional drone and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) instruction across Texas. The collaboration is intended to support statewide labor force and economic development priorities by preparing Texans for high-demand careers in industries increasingly reliant on drone technology. Brad Hall, Director READ MORE

Aviation Education

Texas A&M-RELLIS and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) Announce Partnership to Expand Drone Training Across Texas

Texas A&M-RELLIS, and Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) have announced a new partnership to expand access to professional drone and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) instruction across Texas. The collaboration is intended to support statewide labor force and economic development priorities by preparing Texans for high-demand careers in industries increasingly reliant on drone technology. Brad Hall, Director READ MORE
Marshall Receives $900,000 Federal Grant to Expand Aviation Training in Eastern Panhandle

Marshall University has received a $900,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., to support the development of a new aviation training facility at Martinsburg Airport, advancing the university’s growing aviation mission in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Moore secured funding to establish in-person training opportunities for Marshall University Aviation through his work on READ MORE

First Lufthansa A380 with New Business Class Takes Off for Los Angeles

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Premium XXL: Lufthansa is retrofitting its eight A380s and installing an entirely new Business Class in its largest aircraft. In the future, Business Class on the A380 will offer even more comfort and privacy at a new premium level. The new Thompson seats feature a width of 58 cm, a bed length of at least […]

Return of Seasonal Flights from Muscle Shoals to Pensacola Announced by Contour Airlines

April 26, 2026April 26, 2026 Kim Stevens

Contour Airlines has announced the return of its seasonal nonstop service from Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Pensacola, Florida, starting May 6, 2026. The summer seasonal service will provide travelers with convenient, nonstop access to the Florida Gulf Coast, just in time for peak vacation […]

Recalling Our Trip to AirVenture and Camping at the Aviation Exploration Base

April 22, 2026April 22, 2026 Kim Stevens

By Titus Drye Arriving at the Hickory Regional Airport early one Saturday morning, three cars get packed with camping equipment and excited, if slightly drowsy Aviation Explorers from EAA chapter 731. We settle in for the long first leg of the trip with pillows, snacks and eager expectation. This is the beginning of an experience […]

EAA Aviation Foundation Awards More Than 120 Scholarships to Students in 2026

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

The 2025-26 cycle of EAA Aviation Foundation scholarships gave 127 students a financial boost toward pursuing their aviation goals. With the support of the foundation’s donors, the scholarships total more than $800,000 in value. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing flight training or post-secondary education. For flight training, this can cover costs associated with a […]

U.S. Pacific Air Forces to Highlight Aircraft, Personnel at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Pacific Air Forces will take center stage as the featured service component at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, coming July 20-26, 2026, at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “As we aim to highlight a specific Air Force command every year at Oshkosh, the incredible work of Pacific Air […]

Public Benefit Flying Returns as Feature at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Organizations that provide humanitarian relief and more through aviation will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 as the popular Public Benefit Flying area will be part of the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in. July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The aircraft, crews, and organizations that supply aid to victims of […]

America’s 250th Anniversary to be Commemorated During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Above – Boeing Plaza at AirVenture 2025 – Photo by Kim Stevens The heritage, innovation, and technological advances of aviation in the United States over the past century will be part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in convention, on July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “’Celebrating the […]

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Introduces Vertical Lift Center, Offering Focal Point for Rotorcraft and Vertical Lift Technology

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

Rotorcraft and vertical lift technology will be the featured highlights at the new EAA Vertical Lift Center to be unveiled during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. “While homebuilt rotorcraft have long been a judged category at Oshkosh and we’ve always welcomed other rotorcraft, drones, and similar technology as part of the world of flight, the EAA […]

Magma Aviation Strengthens its Sustainability Efforts through Air Atlanta Partnership

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

Magma Aviation has partnered with Air Atlanta to further strengthen its commitment to reducing fuel consumption and improving environmental performance across its operations. Air Atlanta leverages an eco-flying platform called SkyBreathe to closely monitor fuel performance and identify fuel-saving opportunities. A key feature of the platform is its ability to analyze the organization’s operational data […]

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years with Opening of New Conference and Visitor Center

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

Lufthansa Group recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa with a major ceremony. As part of the event, Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center of Lufthansa Group at Frankfurt Airport, was officially opened. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered the official keynote speech. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group: […]

Marshall Receives $900,000 Federal Grant to Expand Aviation Training in Eastern Panhandle

Elegance Takes Flight – Lufthansa Unveils New Uniform

First Lufthansa A380 with New Business Class Takes Off for Los Angeles

Lufthansa Celebrates 100 Years with Opening of New Conference and Visitor Center