State Aviation Journal – Page 707 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

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: […]
FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project
The Federal Aviation Administration will host four virtual public workshops in May as part of the Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project. The project is led by the FAA and proposes new and updated satellite‑based flight procedures to enhance safety and improve the efficiency of airspace serving Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and surrounding airports. The […]

State News

Metropolitan Airports Commission Promotes Matt Krogh to Associate General Counsel

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has promoted Matt Krogh to associate general counsel. Since joining the MAC’s Legal Affairs department in 2012, Krogh has served as primary legal counsel to multiple departments and has worked closely with members of the MAC Board of Commissioners on various high-visibility initiatives. The MAC owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six general aviation airports in the Twin Cities. MAC Associate General Counsel Matt Krogh. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. As associate general counsel, Krogh will provide overall legal guidance to the MAC and serve as an adviser to the Board of Commissioners. He will partner closely with executive leaders, management and staff on legal matters to advance the MAC’s purpose of providing exceptional airport experiences so Minnesota thrives. Krogh brings extensive experience across a wide range of legal disciplines, including organizational governance, real estate transactions, finance and procurement, and data practices compliance. He has drafted and negotiated commercial and ground leases with airlines, concessions and other tenants. Krogh has also supported major financing initiatives and advised on compliance with federal, state and local regulations impacting airport operations. Additionally, Krogh oversaw the MAC’s Policy Management Program, ensuring alignment with regulatory and statutory requirements, and has provided guidance on governmental laws. “Matt has been a trusted adviser in the MAC’s Legal Affairs department for more than a decade,” said Evan Wilson, the MAC’s general counsel. “His institutional knowledge, deep legal expertise and commitment to the MAC make him well-suited for the associate general counsel role.” Prior to joining the MAC, Krogh practiced corporate, finance and transactional law at Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP (now Fox Rothschild LLP). He also has a strong financial background, having worked as a senior tax accountant earlier in his career. Krogh earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minn., where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class and received multiple academic honors. He also holds a bachelor of accounting from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Grand Canyon National Park Airport Celebrated as 2026 ADOT Airport of the Year

Grand Canyon National Park Airport, operated by the Arizona Department of Transportation, has been named state Airport of the Year for 2026 following a complex runway renovation that enhanced operational reliability and safety. The award is presented annually by the ADOT Aeronautics Group, which supports Arizona’s 67 publicly owned and operated airports by dispersing grant funding for capital improvement projects. Grand Canyon National Park Airport follows Sedona Airport, the 2025 Airport of the Year. In 2025, Grand Canyon National Park Airport completed a $12 million project that resurfaced its sole runway, reconfigured a key taxiway intersection, refreshed apron markings and updated signage to meet current Federal Aviation Administration standards. Work was completed in a little more than two months, with careful consideration to minimizing the impact on airport operations, tenants and travelers. The award noted Airport Manager David Reffner’s role in engaging staff to execute upgrades while maintaining safety and service for Grand Canyon visitors. Airport staff coordinated planning, contractor oversight, safety, operations and communicating with stakeholders. The result is a renovated runway that improved the operational safety and reliability for Grand Canyon National park’s steady flow of tourist and general aviation traffic. Located 7 miles south of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in Tusayan, Grand Canyon National Park Airport serves those visiting Arizona’s No. 1 tourist attraction and is vital to the area’s tourism economy. It is Arizona’s only state-operated airport. This is the first time that Grand Canyon National Park Airport has been named Airport of the Year. It opened in October 1965, and its terminal was dedicated in October 1967. More information on the airport is available at azdot.gov/about/grand-canyon-airport.

National News

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

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 glider license, Private Pilot’s License (PPL), sport pilot license, flight ratings, and endorsements. Post-secondary scholarships can be applied to tuition costs at colleges, universities, or trade schools, for majors such as aviation management, aerospace engineering, airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance, and more. “Over the past three years, the EAA Aviation Foundation has tripled the number of scholarships we are able to award to students,” said Rebecca Greskoviak, Scholarship and Fund Stewardship Coordinator. “We are grateful for our donors who contribute to our goal of helping more students achieve their aviation dreams.” In addition to these scholarships, EAA will also be awarding more than 50 camperships to students attending EAA’s Air Academy Camp this summer. These scholarships offset the tuition cost for the multi-day camps in Oshkosh that feature hands-on activities and unique aviation experiences.
A Century of Possibility: American Airlines Celebrates 100 Years Moving Forever Forward

On April 15, 1926, a DH-4 biplane took off from Chicago bound for St. Louis. This flight, carrying only mail, operated under Robertson Aircraft Corporation. Driven by the possibilities aviation could unlock for the country and the world, this flight set into motion the creation of one of the world’s most iconic airlines: American Airlines. Watch video One hundred years later, American is commemorating this milestone anniversary in the skies with a similar excitement and passion for all that lies ahead. Hear from Robert Isom, American’s CEO, about what this milestone means for American. Celebrating our customers and team members American’s story is a result of the dedication of our customers and team members. From the first passenger flights on the Douglas DC-3 between Chicago and New York, to the dawn of the Jet Age with the introduction of the Boeing 707, the establishment of major hub-and-spoke carriers, and more, customers have had choices when they fly. Taken together, the moments where travelers chose American were instrumental in crafting the airline’s century of progress, innovation and global reach. This century of achievement is also the result of the team members who drove our progress and success through every era of change. The past 100 years have included every kind of experience — spanning from immense challenges to great successes — and at every moment, American’s team members rose to the occasion and cared for people on life’s journey. American will be celebrating this milestone with both customers and team members across the country. In Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX) and Washington, D.C. (DCA), customers traveling on the 100th scheduled departure of the day will enjoy a celebration of our history with a glimpse into our future. Together with various partners, travelers will enjoy an elevated celebration with keepsakes to show our appreciation before being welcomed on board to the future of travel. Throughout the month, customers at all of our Flagship® and Admirals Club® lounges can enjoy themed cocktails and hand-passed light bites to celebrate a taste of the culinary trends that have shaped the last century. At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), customers will enjoy a similar celebration with a surprise and delight with a special twist. Flight 100 to London (LHR) will operate with N735AT bearing the “Flagship DFW” special livery, while American’s centennial-themed livery will aptly operate Flight 1926 from ORD to STL and back. Throughout the year, American is sharing stories and celebrations about its rich history at aa.com/american100. With details about special liveries, team member stories and a timeline of key events in the airline’s history, American’s story is one of triumph, progress and continued connections with customers.

International News

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.”
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 departments, who tested all styles for comfort, functionality, and sustainability, and provided the design team with valuable feedback on how to refine the elements. The designs were then brought to life in collaboration with the renowned fashion brand BOSS. After more than two decades with the current uniform, Lufthansa is now gradually introducing around 40 new and reimagined pieces. Lufthansa’s brand colors continue to define the look – the elegant dark blue and the iconic Lufthansa yellow. A special highlight is a cape for cabin and ground crew that pays homage to Lufthansa’s history while simultaneously symbolizing a look toward the future. The process of co-designing the outfits lays the foundation for a long-term collaboration between Lufthansa and BOSS. Both brands stand for quality, precision, and timeless design – values brought to life through BOSS’s strong tailoring expertise. This close collaboration underscores a shared ambition to bring both brands’ identities to life for consumers, and to set new standards of quality and style in the premium travel and fashion segments. Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, said: “Our new uniform is far more than just a piece of clothing; it is an expression of our identity and a promise to our guests worldwide. It is our business card and stands for quality, reliability, and the unmistakable style that our passengers experience on every journey with Lufthansa.” James Foster, SVP Global Marketing at HUGO BOSS, added: “Working closely with Lufthansa, we have combined tailoring expertise with aviation know-how. The new looks represent quality, durability, and our shared commitment to excellence. We look forward to accompanying Lufthansa in the next chapter of its journey – both in the air and on the ground.” The new uniform line stands out not only for its timeless design but also for its thoughtfully designed, resource-efficient concept. Employees can flexibly mix and match new and existing uniform pieces, conserving resources while accommodating individual preferences. The rollout of the new outfits will take place in phases, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026. With this step, Lufthansa is strengthening its role as a leading premium airline and sending a clear signal of innovation and modernization of its brand.

Unmanned Systems

DSLR Pros Joins GeoCue Distribution Network

GeoCue has welcomed DSLR Pros to its growing distribution network, expanding nationwide access to TrueView 3D Imaging Sensors and LP360 point cloud processing software for geospatial professionals across the United States. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, DSLR Pros has spent more than a decade pioneering commercial drone technology and tailored solutions for customers in geospatial, READ MORE
Lucid Bots Raises $20 Million to Accelerate the Buildout of America’s Leading Exterior Cleaning Platform

Lucid Bots has announced it has raised an oversubscribed $20 million Series B round co-led by Cubit Capital and Idea Fund Partners, with participation from Taylor Rhodes, WaterStone Impact Fund, and Front Porch Ventures, in addition to existing investors. The raise brings total funding to $34 million and will be used to scale the company’s READ MORE

Aviation Education

NDOT Aeronautics Launches Traveling Youth Aviation Art Exhibit

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Aeronautics Division is launching a statewide traveling Youth Aviation Art Exhibit highlighting student creativity and aviation education across Nebraska. 1st Place (Senior Age Category)Kiersten Hans (Nebraska) Since 1986, NDOT Aeronautics has administered the U.S. and International Youth Aviation Art Contest, engaging students in exploring aviation through art and encouraging READ MORE
EAA Aviation Foundation Awards More Than 120 Scholarships to Students in 2026

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 READ MORE

DOT and FAA Propose New Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

February 15, 2015 Kim Stevens

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today proposed a framework of regulations that would allow routine use of certain small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in today’s aviation system, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate future technological innovations. The FAA proposal offers safety rules for small UAS (under 55 pounds) conducting non-recreational operations. The rule would […]

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, AgriLife Research Approved for Drone-Based Plant Health Study

February 15, 2015 Kim Stevens

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M AgriLife Research have received the state’s first permit to use drones to conduct agricultural research at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi. Research will begin soon in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sometimes called drones, that will help growers improve crop […]

Embraer Executive Jets delivers first Legacy 500 in Australia

February 15, 2015 Kim Stevens

Embraer Executive Jets announced the delivery last week of the new Legacy 500 midsize jet to an undisclosed customer, based in North Queensland, Australia. The aircraft will be used primarily for business purposes, and the purchase was negotiated by Norris Aviation Services Australia, on behalf of the buyer. The Legacy 500 was awarded type certification […]

GREEK AIRLINE ELLINAIR SELECTS SITA FOR PASSENGER MANAGEMENT

February 15, 2015 Kim Stevens

Greek airline Ellinair has signed a seven-year agreement with air transport IT specialist, SITA, for the Horizon next generation passenger services system to support the airline’s ongoing growth and evolution. The agreement includes core reservations services that will help the airline manage its reservations at airline and partner sales offices, as well as through global […]

NASAO Teams with GA Partners on Release of New Economic Impact Study

February 12, 2015 Kim Stevens

The National Association of State Aviation Officials, (NASAO) teamed with seven other general aviation associations and released a new industry-wide study detailing the economic contributions of general aviation (GA) to the U.S. economy. The study indicates that GA supports 1.1 million total jobs and supplies $219 billion in total economic output. “When state leaders work […]

Falcon 8X Completes Successful First Flight

February 8, 2015 Kim Stevens

Dassault Aviation announced last week that the company’s new flagship, the ultra-long range Falcon 8X, successfully completed its first flight a little more than one month after rollout. With test pilots Eric Gérard and Hervé Laverne at the controls, aircraft 8X s/n 01 lifted off from Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac plant near Bordeaux at 2:00 PM. […]

Crider to Serve as Chair of AAAE National Airports Conference

February 8, 2015 Kim Stevens

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) recently announced that Rick Crider, A.A.E., executive vice president and port general manager of Port San Antonio, Texas, will serve as chair of AAAE’s 2015 National Airports Conference (NAC). The NAC is one of AAAE’s signature meetings and is expected to attract more than 300 attendees. This year, […]

RAF Reports Aviation Included in USFS Final Planning Directive

February 8, 2015 Kim Stevens

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), through participation in US Forest Service (USFS) public comment sessions and attending meetings of the Federal Advisory Committee as observers, has secured the documenting of aviation within the Final Planning Directive (FSH 1909.12). The document acknowledges recreational aviation in multiple places. These aviation references clarify and solidify aviation as a […]

Hartzell Receives STC for Lightweight Scimitar Prop for Cessna 172RG Cutlass

February 8, 2015 Kim Stevens

Hartzell Propeller Inc. received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration for the company’s new state-of-the-art lightweight Scimitar prop for all Cessna 172RG Cutlass aircraft. The newly designed and aggressively shaped Scimitar swept tip aluminum compact blended airfoil two-blade propeller and light-weight carbon fiber, all composite spinner assembly enhance standard-equipped propeller performance. […]

FAA Names Wei as Deputy Director Airport Planning and Programming

February 8, 2015 Kim Stevens

Victoria Wei has been named the FAA’s new Deputy Director of the Office of Airport Planning and Programming in Washington DC. Wei, who currently serves as the Director, NextGen Performance and Outreach, has over 18 years of experience in the transportation and aviation sectors, including serving as an attorney with DOT and FAA, as well […]

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

FAA to Host Virtual Public Workshops for Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project