State Aviation Journal – Page 6 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology
Daher unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family – the TBM 980 – which integrates Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics for an unprecedented piloting experience and incorporates cabin enhancements that further increase passenger comfort. The TBM 980 was introduced at Daher Aircraft’s TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by […]
Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet
Cirrus (Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.) introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet®. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era […]
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 […]

State News

Garmin Opens Aviation Facility at Mesa Gateway Airport

Garmin has announced that it has acquired a hangar and office complex at the Mesa Gateway airport in Mesa, Arizona (KIWA). This new facility space will expand the company’s capacity for its aircraft certification and flight test organizations. “We are excited to add another aviation facility to our business,” said Phil Straub, Garmin Executive Vice President Managing Director Aviation. “The capabilities this location will provide are instrumental in extending aircraft airworthiness approvals and market coverage for our product lines. This expansion represents Garmin’s continued investment in infrastructure that supports growth and innovation in our aviation business segment.” The facility consists of two adjacent hangars of approximately 75,000 total square feet which includes office space that can accommodate approximately 75 associates. The Mesa Gateway Airport has three parallel runways, two of which are over 10,000 feet in length. This overall infrastructure, along with generally clear weather throughout the year, provides an ideal flight operations setting. This new Mesa location joins Garmin’s two existing flight operations centers in New Century, Kansas and Salem, Oregon. Additionally, Mesa Gateway is home to numerous aviation companies, including customer support/service centers of three major aircraft manufacturers – further underscoring the value of the community and location. The Phoenix area has served as a Garmin engineering hub for over 25 years, initially with a facility in Tempe, and later moving to a larger facility in Chandler. More recently, Garmin further expanded its footprint to Scottsdale after acquiring AeroData in 2019. The proximity of these locations provides support and infrastructure as Garmin continues to grow. The additional facility and expanded operations will allow Garmin to hire experienced associates for the engineering, aircraft airworthiness approvals and flight test teams in Mesa. Garmin products and services have revolutionized flight and become essential to the lives of pilots and aircraft owners and operators around the world. A leading provider of solutions to general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carrier customers, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate. Recipient of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for Garmin Autoland, Garmin developed the world’s first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to control and land an aircraft without human intervention.
Ontario International Congratulates China Airlines on Welcoming its 1 Millionth Passenger through ONT

Photo – From left, China Airlines flight attendant; James Kessler, Senior Vice President of Operations and Maintenance; Jack (Chih-Chao) Chih, China Airlines’ Vice President of Americas; Mr. Cheng; and Eren Cello, ONT Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing. Ontario International Airport (ONT) congratulated China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier, on achieving an extraordinary milestone: the airline’s 1 millionth passenger to travel through ONT since launching service between Ontario and Taipei, Taiwan, in 2018. The 1 millionth passenger, Mr. Cheng, was welcomed during a brief ceremony on Monday evening, February 2, marking another significant chapter in the long-standing partnership between ONT and China Airlines and highlighting the continued growth of international travel at the Inland Empire’s airport. Since becoming the airport’s first carrier to offer nonstop, transoceanic passenger service, China Airlines has played a foundational role in positioning Ontario International as a global gateway for Southern California, providing travelers with convenient access to Taiwan and onward connections throughout Asia. In 2025, nearly China Airlines served nearly 195,000 passengers through ONT. “China Airlines’ success at Ontario International Airport is a testament to the strength of this market and to the vision both organizations shared when service was launched in 2018,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners. “Welcoming the 1 millionth China Airlines passenger is not only a celebration of this airline’s achievement, but also a powerful affirmation of ONT’s growing role as an international gateway. It reflects our shared commitment to delivering world-class service, expanding global connectivity, and providing Southern California travelers with a more convenient and accessible option for international travel.” “Ontario International Airport is an ideal gateway for passengers traveling between Asia and major cities throughout the country. Through our cooperation with Southwest Airlines, travelers can easily connect to and from the Inland Empire to many more destinations across Asia and the United States. Looking ahead, China Airlines remains committed to enhancing our services, expanding our network, and delivering a safe, comfortable, and high-quality travel experience. We will continue working closely with our partners to bring more value and more choices to our passengers.” said China Airlines’ Vice President of Americas Jack (Chih-Chao) Chih. Over the past several years, ONT has experienced record growth in international travel, driven by expanded service to Asia and Latin America and reinforced by major investments in facilities, passenger amenities, and federal inspection infrastructure. International passenger volumes increased sharply in 2025, further solidifying Ontario’s position as one of the fastest-growing international airports in California. Wapner said that the milestone also reflects the airport’s broader transformation since its return to local control. “A region as large and dynamic as Greater Los Angeles deserves more than one global gateway. China Airlines helped make that vision real at Ontario, and this achievement demonstrates how far we’ve come together.” As ONT continues to expand its international footprint, partnerships such as the one with China Airlines remain central to its mission of delivering convenient, efficient, and globally connected air service for Southern California.

National News

Airports as Economic Engines: Managing a High-Value Public Asset

Airports generate hundreds of billions of dollars in direct and indirect economic activity annually in the United States, supporting millions of jobs and serving as critical gateways for commerce, tourism, emergency response, and national security. For states and local communities, an airport is often the single largest economic asset they own. Each airport plays a unique role based on its location, airspace, and surrounding economy. When managed well, an airport attracts investment, supports jobs, and generates long-term revenue. When managed poorly, it becomes a financial drag on already constrained municipal and state budgets. The difference between those outcomes comes down to how safely, efficiently, and continuously the airport is managed—and how effectively leadership uses data to improve performance over time. The Regulatory Reality: Compliance Is Not Optional Airport operators and state aviation directors operate within a dense framework of FAA Orders, Advisory Circulars, and grant assurances. For any airport accepting FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding, compliance is not discretionary—it is a fiduciary obligation to the public. Recognizing both the operational burden and opportunity for modernization, the FAA explicitly acknowledged in its 2020 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) could help airports manage assets more efficiently, improve safety, and reduce costs—especially for general aviation and smaller commercial airports that lack revenue from airlines, charter operations, or training schools.The FAA identified eight priority areas where drones can immediately improve airport operations: Pavement inspections Wildlife hazard management Foreign Object Debris (FOD) ARFF situational awareness Obstruction surveys Lighting inspections Perimeter surveillance Construction monitoring Several of these capabilities are no longer theoretical—they are operational today. Pavement Inspections Without Runway Closures Runway pavement is one of an airport’s most valuable and expensive assets. In 1998, the GAO highlighted the high cost, inconsistency, and safety risks of traditional pavement inspection methods. This led to the FAA’s push for 100% detailed inspections and standardized Pavement Condition Index (PCI) evaluations under ASTM D5340. Traditional vehicle- and foot-based inspections: Require runway closures Place personnel in active movement areas Produce inconsistent, non-repeatable results Are labor-intensive and costly By contrast, FAA-approved drone-based inspections, combined with AI analysis and engineer review: Meet all FAA safety, legal, and fiduciary requirements Eliminate runway closures Produce repeatable, auditable data Reduce inspection costs dramatically Support long-term maintenance planning and grant compliance This is not just safer—it is better asset management. Wildlife Hazard Management: Solving Hidden Problems Bird strikes are a well-known risk, but fewer airport leaders realize what attracts birds to runways in the first place. One surprising culprit: anthills. Ant colonies can: Attract birds searching for food Erode subsurface materials under runways, taxiways, and aprons Increase long-term maintenance costs Create safety hazards that are difficult to detect visually High-resolution 3D drone data allows airport operators to identify and mitigate these issues early, reducing wildlife risk while lowering long-term repair costs—something traditional inspections simply cannot do at scale. FOD: Identifying the Source, Not Just the Debris The FAA has determined that most FOD originates from pavement distress. Cracking, raveling, and joint failures generate debris that damages tires, engines, and aircraft structures.Once an airport is digitized using FAA-approved cameras: A baseline 3D model identifies where FOD is being generated AI analysis correlates pavement distress with daily operations Airport staff can proactively address high-risk areas Damage is mitigated before costly incidents occur This shifts FOD management from reaction to prevention. Obstruction Surveys Made SimpleDrone-based surveys using FAA-specified cameras generate precise 3D point clouds of pavement and surrounding features, making it easy to identify: Obstructions Vegetation encroachments Objects in the OFZ, RSA, and imaginary surfaces Structures affecting Part 77 compliance What once required multiple surveys and consultants can now be done through a single, repeatable digital process. One Digitization, Many Uses The real power of drone-based inspections is reusable data.FAA guidance typically considers data valid for six months, with a preference for leaf-on and leaf-off conditions. In practice, drones are now so efficient—and AI processing so fast—that they are becoming part of daily airport operations, supporting: Part 139 inspections ARFF response planning Perimeter security Construction monitoring Asset management systems One digital twin replaces dozens of redundant inspections. AIP Grant Eligible and Easy to Implement Yes—UAS inspections are AIP-eligible. The FAA’s Airport Data Information Portal (ADIP) makes grant requests straightforward. Using simple dropdown menus and short narratives, applications can be submitted electronically and routed to the appropriate FAA authority quickly. No friction. No guesswork. Sustainability, Safety, and Fiscal Responsibility Runways, roadways, and rail systems endure extreme loads and environmental stress. Rehabilitation is inevitable—but unnecessary rehabilitation is wasteful and avoidable.Inaccurate inspections lead to: Premature demolition Excess material production Increased air pollution Unnecessary environmental impact Silent Falcon’s inspection and analytics are precise enough to determine: Exact material quantities Targeted repair locations Optimal maintenance timing This reduces waste, lowers emissions, protects wildlife, and saves public funds—all while improving safety. Always Open, Always Safe Silent Falcon inspections do not disrupt operations. Airports remain fully functional while leaders receive: Accurate PCI ratings Georeferenced, auditable data Predictive maintenance insights Defensible FAA compliance documentation Our PavPrint™ technology creates an AI-powered digital fingerprint of your airfield, combining: High-fidelity digital twins Proprietary AI analysis Forward-looking maintenance forecasting One inspection. Endless insight. Data Access, Anytime Silent Falcon is developing an iOS application (launching Spring/Summer) that will allow airport leaders to access infrastructure data 24/7—on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. This is not about drones.It’s about better decisions, safer operations, and stronger airport economics. Airports are too valuable to manage any other way.
Air Care Alliance Welcomes Shakeel Mozaffar as New Director

The Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nonprofit public service organization representing a nationwide network of volunteer pilot groups that deliver impactful and inspiring service through aviation, has announced the appointment of Shakeel Mozaffar to its Board of Directors. Shakeel Mozaffar “Our Board of Directors is composed of a dedicated team of leaders committed to fostering and enhancing charitable aviation,” said Mark Hanson, President of Air Care Alliance. “We are excited to leverage Shakeel’s diverse experience and enthusiasm for public benefit flying to not only further our mission, but expand our reach and the possibilities of general aviation doing even more in the communities that we work, live and fly within.” With a long history in business and philanthropy, Shakeel Mozaffar is a global executive with extensive leadership experience across finance, international relations, technology, and global supply-chain management. Former CEO of the Altruism Research Institute, Corp., he presently devotes full-time to philanthropic pursuits. Throughout his corporate career, he has held senior executive roles including Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Head of New Product Development, Sales and Marketing at Polaroid Corporation, as well as Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Chief Technology Officer at ICI Plc. in London. “I am honored to join the Air Care Alliance board,” said Shakeel Mozaffar. “I am a firm believer that every public benefit flight represents an opportunity to make a profound difference – whether it be to provide a person who cannot access medical care because of distance with free air transportation; enable a Veteran to access care and support; assist in the transportation of animals to start a new life or become a service animal; educate students with STEM Flights to promote a career in aerospace or support a community in times of natural disaster crisis with supplies that are not accessible. In those moments, Air Care Alliance along with the volunteer pilot organizations throughout the United States turn compassion into motion and hope quite literally takes flight.” A committed humanitarian, Shakeel serves as a Volunteer Mission Pilot with Angel Flight NE, an Air Care Alliance member, and was honored with the 2023 National Endeavor Award for Philanthropy in Aviation. He has not only flown patients so they can access medical care, but he has also flown many long-distance disaster relief flights, most recently the flooding in the Carolinas, bringing much needed supplies to those affected by this natural disaster. He lives in Lincolnville, Maine with his wife Joan. With more than 13,000 volunteer pilots across the United States, these compassionate humanitarians are leveraging their talents and resources to assist those in need whether it be patients who need to travel long distances to access healthcare; an animal that requires relocation to enhance its adoption possibilities or to be a service animal for someone in need; educate students with STEM flights and for other compelling needs, an activity commonly known as “public benefit flying”. However, the power of general aviation and volunteerism within it is not very well known and for this reason Air Care Alliance is committed to educating the community about its benefits; encouraging more pilots to volunteer and continuing to expand its organizational network of volunteer pilot organizations (VPOs).

International News

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology

Daher unveiled the latest version of its TBM aircraft family – the TBM 980 – which integrates Garmin’s third-generation G3000® PRIME avionics for an unprecedented piloting experience and incorporates cabin enhancements that further increase passenger comfort. The TBM 980 was introduced at Daher Aircraft’s TBM production facility in Tarbes, France, during an event attended by customers, partners, officials and company employees. The unveiling also was viewed by a worldwide audience via a live-streamed presentation. TBM 980 deliveries are to begin this month following certification by the European and U.S. airworthiness authorities. “Our TBM 980’s motto, ‘Fly Differently,’ is more than just a slogan, because this aircraft redefines the way that pilots – and their passengers – want to fly. The aircraft is more intuitive and easier to operate,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher Aircraft. “Its touchscreen-controlled flight deck truly revolutionizes the interface between pilots and the avionics, while the passenger experience is further elevated in the six-seat cabin with such features as the capability to install a Starlink Mini terminal for satellite-based internet connectivity, along with 100-watt USB-C ports for the charging of mobile devices, as well as an upgraded passenger display with enroute flight data.” Chabbert said airworthiness certification has been issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), along with validation by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling Daher to begin TBM 980 deliveries this month.” “The TBM 980 is the sixth aircraft launched by Daher in the TBM 900-series since we acquired the TBM product line in 2014,” stated Didier Kayat, the Daher Chairman and CEO. “This underscores our firm commitment to the airplane family’s evolution through the continual application of innovation, and with our close working relationship with key suppliers.” The Garmin 3000® PRIME avionics’ highly intuitive and refined interface significantly improves cockpit ergonomics. Three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays ensure seamless control of flight functions, with significant improvements in screen and image quality. Pilot workload is reduced through customizable presets and a streamlined user interface. Its app-based interface uses shortcuts that enable pilots to quickly access essential functions (radios, transponder, flight plan, procedures, etc.) without navigating through multiple menus – thereby improving efficiency and reducing workload. The checklist button is replaced with a four-position joystick for up/down scrolling, check and quick access. Safety remains paramount aboard the TBM 980 with Daher Aircraft’s e-copilot® concentration of technological innovation and automated systems, proven across the TBM 900-series aircraft. This includes advanced weather detection, icing protection, flight envelope monitoring and the emergency descent mode, along with the game-changing HomeSafe™ emergency autoland functionality. The TBM 980 also is equipped with Garmin’s GWX™ 8000 all-digital radar, which has excellent range and performance with precision target imaging. StormOptix technology automatically adjusts radar settings for more accurate 3D profiling of storm cells. Precision piloting and excellent operational efficiency are ensured with the TBM 980’s features adopted from Daher’s best-selling TBM 960 version, including Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine and the five-blade Hartzell composite propeller – both of which are controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. The TBM 980 is approved for full “PRIST-free” operations, eliminating the need for anti-icing additives in the fuel system. Connectivity on the TBM 980 is possible with a Starlink Mini satellite Internet terminal using the factory-installed mounting in the cockpit and a dedicated 100-watt USB-C power port, as well as a comprehensive suite of subscription-based digital services – including Garmin PlaneSync™ (for remote aircraft activation, status monitoring and automated database updates using the Me & My TBM application), the Garmin Pilot™ and ForeFlight apps, Jeppesen aviation databases, and SiriusXM weather and audio services. The TBM 980 is the first airplane to be certified under the Daher Aircraft identity. As part of the parent Daher Group’s overall restructuring in its “Takeoff 2027” strategic plan, Daher Aircraft has become the legal structure that regroups all activities related to the company’s airplane product lines. As of December 31, 2025, a total of 1,294 TBMs had been delivered worldwide.
Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet

Cirrus (Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.) introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet®. The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era of smart and safe Personal Aviation™. The Vision Jet is recognized as the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet and the best-selling jet in aviation. Known for its V-tail design, quiet and spacious cabin, safety systems and intuitive Perspective Touch+™ avionics, the Vision Jet was designed with the pilot and passengers in mind. Cirrus is now delivering the G3 Vision Jet. “The G3 Vision Jet is a testament to our relentless innovation, continued investment in Personal Aviation and our owners who want to travel efficiently with award-winning safety features, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) and Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland for peace of mind,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “The G3 Vision Jet interior was engineered for excellence and comfort, now offering expanded seating for increased mission capability. The Cirrus Perspective Touch+ flight deck adds new features for reduced pilot workload, including ATC Datalink and Alerts-Linked Checklists, while new Cirrus Spectra™ wingtips illuminate the ramp.” A Reimagined Cabin The G3 Vision Jet cabin supports expanded mission capability while prioritizing pilot and passenger comfort. Now, the G3 can seat a total of seven occupants (six adults, one child) with the Premium and Arrivée trims or Xi-Designed aircraft. The cabin showcases newly designed seating, tray tables, personal device mount locations and interior aesthetic enhancements to create a flexible, productive and streamlined environment that adapts to every mission. Cabin Seating Expands The cabin now features a sleek, comfortable and convenient third-row bench seat that elevates the passenger experience by increasing spaciousness for seven passengers. Enhanced bolstered seats feature fine-tuned ergonomics, providing support to the headrest, armrests and knee area for a comfortable journey. The pilot and co-pilot seats can now be adjusted to their full aft range with single-handed operation, while the middle and third-row seats remain modular and can be removed or installed to serve the pilot’s mission. Cabin Aesthetic Upgrades All G3 seats feature a new hardshell back with hand-wrapped Alcantara. Depending on the G3 Vision Jet trim, seatbacks are now part of the design experience and carbon-fiber-equipped at the Arrivée level. Interior colorways are enhanced with two new Standard colors, five Premium offerings and a new collection of Arrivée colors, now aligning with the SR Series product line. Flight Deck and Exterior Light Enhancements The G3 Vision Jet adds Perspective Touch+ flight deck features to reduce pilot workload, increase safety and maximize productivity: ATC Datalink: Pilots can text to communicate with air traffic control to receive route updates, altitude assignments and more. Automatic Database Updates: Flight data is always up to date, streamlining the preflight process with the Cirrus IQ PRO Advanced™ subscription. Alerts-Linked Checklists: Provide quick access to relevant checklists in high-workload scenarios when a caution or warning alert may arise. Taxiway Routing and 3D SafeTaxi®: Increase situational awareness in airport environments with clear airport surface maps and directions for navigating unfamiliar airports. Cirrus Spectra™ Wingtips & Lights: New wingtip and landing lights are 2.7 times brighter, while the signature Cirrus halo light distinguishes the jet on the ramp. Cirrus Aircraft Ownership Over 700 Vision Jets have been delivered worldwide, maturing to serve business owners, entrepreneurs and those who demand efficient and cost-effective travel. Owners enjoy a lifetime of concierge, streamlined aircraft ownership through the Cirrus ecosystem of services for aircraft sales and management, finance and insurance, flight training, service and more.

Unmanned Systems

Airports as Economic Engines: Managing a High-Value Public Asset

Airports generate hundreds of billions of dollars in direct and indirect economic activity annually in the United States, supporting millions of jobs and serving as critical gateways for commerce, tourism, emergency response, and national security. For states and local communities, an airport is often the single largest economic asset they own. Each airport plays a unique role based READ MORE
Drone Survey Results: Citizens in Europe Welcome Drones in Life-saving Operations

Photo above – Sakari Röyskö | Forum Virium Helsinki A series of surveys reveals that citizens in six European cities strongly favor drone usage for emergency services and environmental monitoring. In Helsinki, citizens worry about criminal activity and invasion of privacy. In six cities, Helsinki, Hamburg, Stockholm, Gdansk, Riga, and Tartu, more than 8 000 READ MORE

Aviation Education

Women’s Aviation Career Symposium Inviting Women to Explore Careers in Aviation

The Women’s Aviation Career Symposium (WACS) will be held for the eighth year on February 28, 2026. This event is a professional career conference for women from high school through retirement and will be held at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation in Battle Creek, Michigan. The WACS event will award over $50,000 in scholarships READ MORE
Colorado Aeronautical Board Approves $442,422 in Aviation Education and Workforce Development Grants

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics is pleased to announce that the Colorado Aeronautical Board (CAB) has officially approved $442,422 in grant funding to support 15 organizations through the FY2026 Aviation Education and Workforce Development Grant Program. Students pilot small drones during a hands-on training session at the Wings Over the Rockies READ MORE

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

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

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

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

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

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

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

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

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

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

Steve Hughes Appointed Managing Director for GAC UK

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

Alton Bay Ice Runway Set to Open Soon

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

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

John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Kenny G to Headline Hollywood’s Biggest Night in Aviation

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

Hollywood star power and aerospace innovation will share the spotlight once again at the 23rd Annual Living Legends of Aviation® Awards, returning to the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday, January 23, 2026. “The Living Legends of Aviation is where Hollywood and the flight deck meet,” said John Travolta. “It’s an incredible night when the […]

Propeller Airports Appoints Mike Van de Ven to its Board

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

Propeller Airports announced the appointment of Mike Van de Ven, former President and COO of Southwest Airlines, to its Board. Mr. Van de Ven brings more than 30 years of leadership experience from Southwest, where he helped guide the company’s growth into the largest U.S. domestic carrier by passengers carried. He did this while consistently […]

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

January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 Kim Stevens

Arrive AI highlighted last week the strategic importance of Indiana’s selection as a newly designated federal Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) testing site. It’s the first such designation in more than a decade. Announced by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, the designation places Indiana at the center of […]

Daher Introduces the TBM 980 Featuring Significant Advancements in Avionics Technology

Cirrus Unveils New G3 Vision Jet

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

Ontario International Airport Unveils Bold New Monument Sign Celebrating New Era