State Aviation Journal – Page 511 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education
Photo – Gulfstream President Mark Burns (center) with representatives from the University of Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, reinforcing its long-standing […]
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 […]

State News

Phoenix Sky Harbor Sets Passenger Records in March

Last month was a busy one for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with Spring Break passengers coming and going, and others enjoying a variety of events around the Valley. With 5,128,429 passengers coming through the airport, it marks the busiest month ever in the airport’s history surpassing the previous March 2024 record by 1.27%. March 8 was also a milestone day when 86,250 passengers were screened at PHX. That is the most ever in one day. “March’s record number of travelers at Sky Harbor points to something greater — Phoenix is a world-class destination with a world-class airport,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “With events including the women’s NCAA Final Four, Cactus League Spring Training, and the M3F Music Festival, the Valley was the place to be! The staff at America’s Friendliest Airport — especially the TSA agents who were at times seeing delays in pay — made it all possible.” For comparison, America’s Friendliest Airport®’s previously busiest day ever was Feb. 13, 2023, the day after the Valley hosted Super Bowl LVII. On that day, the airport saw 83,914 passengers pass through checkpoints. Here are some other figures from last month’s March 8 record day at PHX: 1,520 takeoffs and landings, compared to 1,335 on an average day. An average wait time at TSA security checkpoints of 7 minutes, 24 seconds. 38,706 checked bags. Nearly 9,800 rental car returns and 6,860 rental car pickups. 59,702 people rode the PHX Sky Train®, compared to a daily average of 45,610 for 2026. 22,469 total rideshare pickups and drop offs. 1,000 taxi pickups and drop offs. More than 51.6 million passengers travelled through Phoenix Sky Harbor in 2025 – the second time the airport has surpassed the 50 millionth passenger mark. Year-to-date, passenger traffic at PHX is up 2.3% compared to 2025. “Passing this record during a busy spring weekend is very exciting for us,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “It shows it’s not just huge major event weekends that are attracting record levels of passengers to PHX, and it reinforces the needs for us to continue to work to enhance and expand our facilities. Our thanks go to airport staff, partners, and especially the Transportation Security Administration employees who demonstrated exceptional commitment to our passengers and community by providing unwavering service during the partial federal government shutdown where they continued to work despite not receiving pay. Together, our airport teams work to help ensure visitors have a positive, welcoming experience and want to come back to Phoenix again.”
Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education

Photo – Gulfstream President Mark Burns (center) with representatives from the University of Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to strengthening the talent, skills and innovation that will shape the future of business aviation. The investment will benefit Savannah-area schools, technical colleges and universities across the state, expanding educational pathways and supporting the development of future industry leaders. “Each year, we invest $5 million in education through our Georgia partnerships, and we are proud to deliver our 2026 commitment today,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Developing a strong local talent pipeline is essential to our future, and we are grateful for our educational partners who help prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.” To mark the contribution, Gulfstream welcomed dignitaries, educational partners and students to its exclusive Discover the Difference event at its worldwide headquarters in Savannah. The event showcases Gulfstream’s next-generation fleet, providing guests with a unique opportunity to experience the innovation, performance and craftsmanship that define the industry leader. Gulfstream’s educational outreach spans K-12 programs, dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, technical colleges and research universities, introducing students to the diverse careers available in business aviation. These investments also support Gulfstream’s research and development efforts, all based in Savannah, where nearly 2,500 engineers and other professionals develop innovations at the forefront of aerospace technology. With more than 13,000 employees residing in Georgia, Gulfstream continues to play a major role in the state’s economic growth. In 2025, Georgia surpassed $60 billion in exports, with aerospace as the state’s number one international export. Gulfstream’s strong educational partnerships have ensured Georgia remains an innovation leader by helping to create new jobs and opportunities across the state.

National News

Aviation Workforce Crisis Meets Action: I Hart Flying Foundation Launches $20,000+ National Scholarship Initiative

As the aviation industry faces ongoing workforce shortages and increasing demand for skilled talent, the I Hart Flying Foundation (IHFF) has announced the launch of its 2026 national scholarship cycle, delivering more than $20,000 in flight training funding, pilot equipment and industry-supported resources. The initiative, “Access Granted: Runway to Rise,” marks the first phase of IHFF’s multi-year HART-LED: Cleared for Takeoff campaign, focused on a critical gap in aviation: ensuring aspiring pilots not only begin training, but complete it. Through its HART-LED: Approach, a structured, investable model, the organization provides support across three critical phases: Access, Advancement, and Completion. Eliminating funding gaps and sustaining momentum so women can progress seamlessly from their first flight to professional aviation careers. Women represent less than 6% of pilots globally and less than 3% of aircraft maintenance technicians, highlighting the need for a stronger, more robust aviation workforce pipeline. While many industry efforts focus on recruitment, IHFF is addressing a deeper challenge: training disruption caused by financial barriers at the earliest stages of flight training. “It’s not a capability problem. It’s a continuity problem,” said Rachelle Spector, Founder and CEO of I Hart Flying Foundation. “We’re ensuring women don’t just gain access to aviation, but have the support to advance, complete, and lead.” The Runway to Rise scholarship series supports women at the earliest and most vulnerable stage of flight training, where financial interruption most often occurs. This cycle provides direct funding, essential pilot supplies, and structured mentorship aligned with key certification milestones, helping scholars maintain momentum from their first flight through career progression. A Structured Model Delivering Measurable Results IHFF’s scholarship model is milestone-based and designed for accountability, aligning funding with key training phases, supported by mentorship and a national Selection Committee using a structured, blind review process. The approach is already demonstrating strong outcomes. To date, IHFF has: ● Awarded nearly $400,000 in flight training scholarships and in-kind support ● Supported approximately 50 HART Scholars across North America ● Achieved a 98% advancement rate to the next certification level ● Maintained a 100% completion rate among advancing scholars The Selection Committee includes aviation leaders such as Captain Beth Powell, Lisa Holland, and Glendon Fraser, among others across the industry. Aviation leaders across the industry are aligning behind this structured approach to workforce development. “Strengthening the aviation workforce requires intentional investment in both entry and long-term career pathways,” said Paul Floreck, Board Member of IHFF and Senior Vice President of Sales, US and Canada at Dassault Falcon Jet. “IHFF is creating a clear, structured path for women to not only enter aviation, but successfully advance within it.” “Partnering with I Hart Flying Foundation gives us direct visibility into the next generation of aviation talent,” said Lisa Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Sheltair Aviation. “We’ve seen HART Scholars progress firsthand at national industry events, and the impact is real.” The 2026 scholarship cycle is supported by a growing network of industry partners, including Gulfstream Aerospace, Dassault Falcon Jet, Clay Lacy Aviation, Solairus Aviation, Sheltair Aviation, and Enterprise Mobility Foundation, along with in-kind contributions from King Schools, Bose Aviation, and Starbucks. Beyond funding, IHFF connects scholars with industry leaders through national aviation events and mentorship opportunities, providing early exposure to career pathways and professional networks. Applications for the Access Granted: Runway to Rise scholarship cycle open April 21 and remain open through May 25. As IHFF approaches its 10-year milestone, the organization continues to scale a model focused on one outcome: ensuring women in aviation have a clear, continuous path to advance, complete, and lead.
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.

International News

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 to Convene the UK Government

The UK Government has confirmed its largest commitment to the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow to date. It’s being held July 20 -24th. The engagement reaffirms the event’s role as a central platform for the UK Government to further strengthen its international relationships with allies and partners to support defense and wider foreign policy. The announcement follows the Defense Diplomacy Strategy naming the airshow as one of the key cultural events in leveraging the UK’s culture, history and excellence to make defense diplomacy a ‘whole-of-society effort’. After its successful 2024 launch, the UK Government Hub will again bring together departments and agencies to highlight UK expertise, policy leadership, investment, and support for aerospace, defense, and space organizations. The 2026 Hub will bring together officials across the UK Government, from: The National Armaments Director Group, part of the UK Ministry of Defense Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) Enterprise Space Category Department for Transport Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Met Office UK Export Finance (UKEF) National Wealth Fund The UK Government Hub continues to serve as a focal point for strategic dialogue, partnership building, and the promotion of UK innovation and trade on a global stage. Its return in 2026 reflects the continued commitment to supporting industry growth, advancing future technologies, and strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in defense, aerospace and space. Rupert Pearce The National Armaments Director Group, part of the UK Ministry of Defense, develops, delivers and sustains the UK’s national arsenal and defense infrastructure. Its mission is to maximize the ability of UK warfighters to deter, operate, fight and win. Discussing the group’s presence, including commercial, international, export, digital, procurement and support specialists, Rupert Pearce, the UK’s National Armaments Director (NAD) and a member of the Defense Board, said: “In today’s environment, the UK can only deliver the pace, resilience and efficiency we need by building stronger partnerships between government, industry and our allies. “This underscores the significant strategic contribution the Farnborough International Airshow makes, as a platform that brings together the UK defense base, towards ensuring the nation remains secure and resilient at home and abroad. Our dedicated presence in the UK Government Hub is an important opportunity for the National Armaments Director Group. Our teams will be convening the investors, innovators and manufacturers of all sizes who underpin our national arsenal and sharing how our new operating model will help us deliver the capabilities our military partners need, when and where they need them. “The Hub also gives us a space to welcome the national and international delegations and organizations who shape our collaborative capability programs and can be our key partners in investment and export opportunities. “I look forward to meeting many of our current and future defense enterprise partners at the Farnborough International Airshow, and to reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted, leading defense partner on the global stage.” Following the launch of the inaugural Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit, British Business Bank and the National Wealth Fund have confirmed their role as ‘Supporting Partners’ of the summit, offering businesses a vital opportunity to explore available financing options and access the long-term support that can help them to scale and thrive in the evolving global market. In addition, the UK Space Agency (part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) will be present in the Space Zone, located within Hall 4. With the largest-ever international industry and UK government presence, the 2026 edition underscores the demand from the world’s most influential organizations to do business at one of the most trusted airshows in the world, and Farnborough’s unmatched ability to convene the global industry. 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. 20-24 July Farnborough International Airshow 2026 offers a unique opportunity for leading innovators in aerospace and defence industries to showcase their advancements. Harness the convening power of this premier event to engage with industry peers on a global stage, create partnerships and propel your business forward in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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.

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

Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education

Photo – Gulfstream President Mark Burns (center) with representatives from the University of Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Mercer University and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced a $5 million investment in Georgia education, reinforcing its long-standing READ MORE
MAMA Extends Scholarship Deadline to May 31

College students preparing for aviation careers are encouraged to apply for either of the two scholarship programs being offered by the Massachusetts Airport Management Association. The deadline to apply for both scholarship programs is May 31, 2026. Crocker Snow Memorial Scholarship The Snow Scholarship is valued at $2,000 and seeks candidates who are focusing their READ MORE

Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission Gets Record Number of Applications for Aviation and Aerospace Education Grants

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Kim Stevens

Aviation and Aerospace is trending among Oklahoma students, and the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC) has emphatically been a driving force of those trends. Through summer camp programs and primary through secondary aviation education curriculum across the state, the Commission has boosted that interest through their aviation and aerospace education grant program. Last year, 25 organizations […]

Return to Normandy: American Airlines Brings D-Day Veterans to France for Historic Commemoration of World War II Invasion

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Kim Stevens

Eight veterans of the D-Day invasion, which marked a major turning point in World War II, arrived in France last week aboard American Airlines flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami (MIA). The airline hosted many of them and their guests at a luncheon on the Sunday before, at the CR Smith Museum in Fort […]

D-Day Squadron Successfully Participates in Official D-Day Commemoration Ceremonies

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Kim Stevens

Photo above by Moreno Aguiari The D-Day Squadron flew in the official 75th commemoration of the Invasion of Normandy. This event was attended by the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and featured 60 surviving veterans, many of which took part in the largest seaborne invasion […]

RAA Names Bill Whyte VP-Aviation Operations & Technical Services

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Kim Stevens

The Regional Airline Association has announced the appointment of Bill Whyte as Vice President of Aviation Operations and Technical Services. He will join RAA’s staff on June 16. Whyte was most recently the General Manager of Flight Operations Training at Compass Airlines with responsibility for the development and implementation of all pilot training programs for […]

North Dakota Awards $3.5 Million for Airport Infrastructure Grants

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Kim Stevens

On June 6th the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission finalized approximately $3.5 million in infrastructure grant allocations to multiple public airports throughout the state.Â There were 165 individual projects that received grant awards at 58 different public-use airports throughout the state. Additionally, the Aeronautics Commission also provided aviation education grants as follows: $7,930 to the Dakota […]

JetSuiteX to Launch Acclaimed Air Service from Phoenix with Hassle-Free Daily Flights

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Kim Stevens

JetSuiteX, an air carrier that offers daily flights from private terminals for the cost of a commercial ticket, has announced that it will soon launch service from Phoenix to Burbank, Las Vegas, and Oakland. Customers traveling between these cities will be able to enjoy the seamlessness of flying on 30-seat jets from private terminals with […]

NATCA Mourns Loss of Former Executive Board Member and Dedicated Union Activist Carol Branaman

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 Kim Stevens

Carol Branaman, a dedicated air traffic controller at facilities in Florida and Colorado, who served as one of the first two women on the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) National Executive Board from 2000-2006, passed away on June 5th. She was 67. Branaman was a beloved sister, union activist, and friend. She gave her […]

University of Dubuque Acquires Alsim AL250 Simulator

June 9, 2019June 9, 2019 Kim Stevens

Alsim is proud to announce the sale of an AL250 simulator to the University of Dubuque. The simulator will be installed in the University’s Ed Babka Aviation Learning Center, a new state-of-the-art flight operations center scheduled to open fall 2019. The University of Dubuque has a growing Aviation program, including Flight Operations and Aviation Management […]

Woodie Woodard Named Recipient of 2019 ACC Aviation Award of Excellence

June 8, 2019June 8, 2019 Kim Stevens

The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) has announced the selection of Ms. Woodie Woodward as the recipient of the 2019 ACC Aviation Award of Excellence. The award will be presented on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, during the ACC 41st Annual Conference & Exposition Awards Luncheon in Palm Springs, California. The Aviation Award of Excellence is presented […]

Cirrus Aircraft Announces New Chief Executive Officer

June 8, 2019June 8, 2019 Kim Stevens

Cirrus Aircraft has announced that Zean Nielsen has been selected to succeed Co-founder Dale Klapmeier as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Nielsen has held senior leadership roles at a range of global world-class organizations, including Tesla Motors, James Hardie and Bang & Olufsen. “Cirrus Aircraft has a remarkably bright future ahead,” noted Dale Klapmeier, […]

Gulfstream Invests $5 Million to Support Georgia Education

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