State Aviation Journal – Page 212 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
For the millions of travelers who pass through Asheville Regional Airport each year, the terminal is the first sight of home and the last glimpse of it before departure. Now, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is offering two artists, or artist-led teams, the opportunity to define that moment permanently. AVL is actively seeking artists for two […]
Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
I’m going to be completely honest with you. I’ve been counting down the days until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 since the very moment I hit the road home from AirVenture 2025. It’s what I do, it’s who I am! Sure, you lose count as you enter the ‘ber months, or burrr months, depending on where […]
Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport
The City of Springfield and the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board has announced the appointment of David Schaumburg, AAE, as director of aviation, effective June 28. His salary will be $220,000. “I am very pleased to announce Dave Schaumburg as the next director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport,” said City Manager David Cameron. “Dave’s […]
Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership
Photo Caption: West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sign a ceremonial agreement launching a new aviation pathway for West Virginia students. West Virginia students will have a direct route to high-demand and high-wage careers through the new Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway developed […]

State News

Electric Aircraft Symposium Returns to Oshkosh

Established in 2007, this year will mark the 20th annual Electric Aircraft Symposium. The 2026 EAS hosted by the Vertical Flight Society Federal City Chapter (VFS FCC) will be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 18 and 19, on the two days immediately prior to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus. The event will feature 12 in-depth sessions with more than three dozen speakers from the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry encompassing a broad range of topics covering a wide variety of electric aircraft categories — light sport, training, general and regional aircraft, as well as helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) — featuring battery-, hybrid- and hydrogen-electric propulsion approaches, plus sessions on infrastructure and regulations. This year’s program will include presentations from two electric helicopter developers (Robinson and United Therapeutics), eight eVTOL developers (Archer, Beta, Eve, Horizon, Joby, Jump, Pivotal, SkyFly and Wisk), six conventional electric aircraft developers (Ampaire, AURA, Bye, Electra, EVIO and Pipistrel) and six propulsion system companies: H2FLY, H55, Hydroplane, magniX, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Whisper Aero. EAS2026 will also highlight two recent developments expected to stimulate renewed interest in electric aircraft across the United States: The FAA’s new MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule that revolutionizes general aviation by updating light sport aircraft (LSA) categories to include electric propulsion, rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft for the first time. The FAA and US DoT’s new eVTOL Integration Pilot Project (eIPP), which will see eight projects spanning 26 states and involve leading aircraft manufacturers, operators, state partners and airports. EAS has grown over the past two decades and serves as a showcase of the increasing momentum and variety of electrically powered aircraft. The first EAS was held in 2007 in Santa Rosa, California, and moved to Oshkosh in 2017 to attract a wider aviation audience. REGISTRATION and a detailed agenda can be found on the website www.eas2026.org. EAS2026 Discount Courtesy of the VFS FCC and Five Alpha LLC, you are eligible for a $50 discount off the early-bird and regular ticket prices for in-person registration for the Electric Aircraft Symposium, and the discount can also be used to purchase the EAS2026 video and presentation package. To receive the discount, proceed to the “Buy Tickets” link, select the ticket option(s) and enter the discount code EAS2026x50RA on the payment page.
ND Aeronautics Commission Announces $19.2 Million in 2026 Airport Grant Awards

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has finalized and approved approximately $19.2 million in state infrastructure grant allocations for public airports across North Dakota. The investments will support critical maintenance, safety, and development projects at both commercial service and general aviation airports, helping strengthen the long-term reliability and performance of the state’s aviation system. The funding comes as North Dakota continues to experience strong demand for air travel, with statewide airline passenger activity reaching record levels in recent years. Of the total allocation, approximately $12.6 million will support major infrastructure projects at North Dakota’s commercial service airports, while approximately $6.6 million has been awarded for projects at general aviation airports. In total, 191 individual projects at 63 public-use airports received funding through this state grant round. State aviation grant funding also plays a critical role in leveraging substantial federal investments available through programs such as the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), and the Airport Terminal Program (ATP). By providing the required local and state matching funds, these investments help North Dakota communities maximize federal participation in airport infrastructure improvements. “North Dakota’s airports are essential to the state’s economy, connectivity, and quality of life,” said Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. “These investments will help communities maintain safe and reliable infrastructure, support continued growth in air travel and aviation activity, and ensure that our airport system remains well-positioned to serve North Dakota’s needs for many years to come.” Major Funding Sources: · $14 million is provided through the Airport Infrastructure Fund, created under the 2019 “Operation Prairie Dog” legislation which utilizes oil and gas tax revenues to support the long-term development and maintenance of North Dakota’s 89 public-use airports. · $4.7 million is drawn from the Aeronautics Commission’s Special Fund, which is primarily supported by state aviation fuel and aircraft sales tax revenues. · $0.5 million comes from a direct legislative appropriation of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIIF) dollars. These funds have been directed toward generational airport projects at the Fargo, Grand Forks, and Dickinson airports. Highlights of Commercial Service Airport Projects: Commercial Terminal Apron Expansion at the Fargo Hector International Airport Primary Runway Reconstruction at the Grand Forks International Airport Commercial Terminal Expansion Design at the Bismarck Municipal Airport Crosswind Runway Rehabilitation at the Minot International Airport Commercial Terminal Building Remodel at the Jamestown Regional Airport Airfield Pavement Rehabilitation at the Devils Lake Regional Airport Construct Public Hangar at the Williston Basin International Airport View the Commercial Service Airport Grant Awards Highlights of General Aviation Airport Projects: Primary Runway Rehabilitations at the Rugby and Wishek Municipal Airports Airfield Pavement Seal Coats at the Glen Ullin, Larimore, Lisbon, Mott, and Valley City Municipal Airports Taxiway Construction at the Killdeer Airport Airfield Lighting Rehabiliations at the Beach, Carrington, Lakota, Pembina, and Rolla Municipal Airports FAA Weather Camera Installations at the Ellendale, Mandan, Parshall,Wahpeton, Watford City, and Westhope Municipal Airports AWOS replacement at the Cooperstown Municipal Airport View the General Aviation Airport Grant Awards Additional information on North Dakota’s Airport System North Dakota has 89 public-use airports with varying levels of infrastructure requirements that need to be maintained and enhanced. Airports are economic drivers for our communities and allow for the efficient movement of people, goods, and services throughout the state. The airports throughout North Dakota cumulatively have approximately 61 million square feet of pavements that need to be maintained in order to ensure the safe operating environment for aircraft. Airport development needs have also continued to grow throughout the years and the current North Dakota statewide capital improvement plan has identified an estimated $1.1 billion of airport improvement project work that will need to be prioritized over the next 10 years. The Economic Impact of North Dakota’s Airport System The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission is working to finalize a comprehensive statewide study to estimate the annual economic impact of the state’s 89 public-use airports. The results showed that these airports contribute approximately $1.8 billion in economic output each year to North Dakota’s economy, supporting over 13,600 jobs and generating more than $750 million in annual payroll. The full results of the new economic impact of aviation study is expected to be released during the Summer of 2026.

National News

Electric Aircraft Symposium Returns to Oshkosh

Established in 2007, this year will mark the 20th annual Electric Aircraft Symposium. The 2026 EAS hosted by the Vertical Flight Society Federal City Chapter (VFS FCC) will be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 18 and 19, on the two days immediately prior to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus. The event will feature 12 in-depth sessions with more than three dozen speakers from the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry encompassing a broad range of topics covering a wide variety of electric aircraft categories — light sport, training, general and regional aircraft, as well as helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) — featuring battery-, hybrid- and hydrogen-electric propulsion approaches, plus sessions on infrastructure and regulations. This year’s program will include presentations from two electric helicopter developers (Robinson and United Therapeutics), eight eVTOL developers (Archer, Beta, Eve, Horizon, Joby, Jump, Pivotal, SkyFly and Wisk), six conventional electric aircraft developers (Ampaire, AURA, Bye, Electra, EVIO and Pipistrel) and six propulsion system companies: H2FLY, H55, Hydroplane, magniX, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Whisper Aero. EAS2026 will also highlight two recent developments expected to stimulate renewed interest in electric aircraft across the United States: The FAA’s new MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule that revolutionizes general aviation by updating light sport aircraft (LSA) categories to include electric propulsion, rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft for the first time. The FAA and US DoT’s new eVTOL Integration Pilot Project (eIPP), which will see eight projects spanning 26 states and involve leading aircraft manufacturers, operators, state partners and airports. EAS has grown over the past two decades and serves as a showcase of the increasing momentum and variety of electrically powered aircraft. The first EAS was held in 2007 in Santa Rosa, California, and moved to Oshkosh in 2017 to attract a wider aviation audience. REGISTRATION and a detailed agenda can be found on the website www.eas2026.org. EAS2026 Discount Courtesy of the VFS FCC and Five Alpha LLC, you are eligible for a $50 discount off the early-bird and regular ticket prices for in-person registration for the Electric Aircraft Symposium, and the discount can also be used to purchase the EAS2026 video and presentation package. To receive the discount, proceed to the “Buy Tickets” link, select the ticket option(s) and enter the discount code EAS2026x50RA on the payment page.
WMG Expands Team with Five Strategic Hires

WMG has announced the addition of six new professionals to support its growing team with expertise in complex aviation, commercial and public-sector construction programs nationwide. Maritza Godina Maritza Godina joins WMG as a Tenant/ADR Project Manager based in Seattle, Washington. She brings 18 years of experience delivering large-scale tenant improvement and concession projects across major airport and commercial developments. She supports the South Concourse Evolution project in Seattle, overseeing complex buildouts involving multiple stakeholders and tenant groups. Previously, she managed concessions redevelopment initiatives and high-value programs across terminals at Los Angeles International Airport. Eric Lederman Eric Lederman joins the firm as a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) Consultant with extensive environmental and safety leadership experience in aviation and infrastructure projects. Lederman has led environmental compliance and safety initiatives on major programs at Los Angeles International Airport, including the Delta Skyway modernization. He is recognized for maintaining high standards of safety, quality and compliance across complex, fast-paced project environments. Ivy Ayad Ivy Ayad joins WMG as an Accounting Clerk with more than nine years of international accounting and finance experience. She has managed key financial operations across organizations in the United States, Australia and Europe. Ayad brings deep expertise in ERP systems along with strong analytical and reporting capabilities that support accurate and efficient financial operations. Patrick Schee Patrick Schee joins WMG as a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Manager, bringing over a decade of experience in construction management and public-sector project delivery. Currently supporting the LAX Terminal 5 project, he oversees stormwater compliance activities to ensure adherence to environmental permit requirements through active coordination with contractors and agencies. Zuzanna Cermak Zuzanna Cermak joins WMG as an Assistant Project Manager with more than a decade of experience managing complex residential, commercial and specialty construction projects. She has led multi-phase developments exceeding $20 million, overseeing schedules, budgets, subcontractors and compliance across active and occupied sites. Her experience includes facade reconstruction, fire protection systems and large-scale renovations, as well as managing permitting and multi-agency coordination on high-profile aviation projects. Maxwell Bates Maxwell Bates joins WMG as a Procurement Manager, bringing more than 12 years of experience in construction procurement, contract administration and cost control. He has supported commercial and residential projects ranging from $2 million to $25 million, with expertise spanning subcontractor buyout, preconstruction planning and project execution, including the LAX Gateway program. “The collective expertise and years of proven excellence that Maritza, Eric, Ivy, Patrick, Zuzanna and Maxwell bring to the WMG team will help us continue to deliver the high-quality client experience our partners have come to know us for,” said Lauren Weinbaum, WMG’s founder and president. “We are proud to have them contributing to the continued growth of our firm as we reach into new markets and geographies.” Together, these new team members reflect WMG’s continued investment in experienced professionals who bring specialized expertise to complex project environments and strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality outcomes across sectors.

International News

When the Schedule Fails: How Commercial Aviation’s Perfect Storm is Reshaping Demand for Private Charter

In an increasingly turbulent aviation landscape where delays, cancellation, strikes, and airport congestion are becoming worryingly familiar, private and charter aviation offer a more dependable alternative. Marton Modis, Chief Commercial Officer for VIP operations at premium VIP charter and ACMI provider KlasJet, shares an insider view on the changing business travel environment. The European airline industry is facing a convergence of pressures with few precedents. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed jet fuel prices to $150–200 per barrel, prompting carriers such as Lufthansa to cut tens of thousands of short-haul flights. Unresolved ATC strikes across France, Spain and Italy are compounding the disruption, while Eurocontrol data shows these three countries already account for two-thirds of all en-route flow management delays. The result is a commercial aviation network under sustained, structural pressure — and you have the perfect storm. Uncertainty cuts both ways Marton Modis The natural assumption may be that this level of instability in commercial air travel would lead to a rise in charter travel, but the picture is far more nuanced than that. As Marton Modis, Chief Commercial Officer for VIP operations at KlasJet, explains: “The current political landscape has affected aviation massively. All of this has created a ton of uncertainty: airlines are reducing routes, passengers are more hesitant to spend big on travel. For us, it has created an even bigger divide – clients who fly with us regularly are now more reliant on us than ever, but those for whom chartering is not business-critical are being very cautious.” Although there was an uptick in enquiries after the initial wave of disruptions, the situation has now stabilised, and volume is roughly in line with 2025. Modis, however, is quick to strike a note of caution. “This year is a little out of balance, born out of the uncertainty in the market.” Who feels it most Nonetheless, from this challenging and complex picture a new client segment is emerging for the charter industry: organisations and individuals who had hitherto relied on commercial aviation for their business critical travel. “Corporate delegations, sports teams, government clients and family offices who mostly stayed away from chartering are now facing a choice: cancel – which is not always feasible – or increase budgets and choose charter. We work with these clients to limit their financial exposure while building long-term relationships, in the hope they will still come back to chartering even when the commercial aviation industry recovers.” This new segment brings with it a new suite of requests, Modis continues. “We’re seeing last minute schedule recoveries, where a group needs to get airborne after their commercial connection has collapsed. This kind of request drove demand early in the year. But now that businesses are becoming more aware of the surrounding structural pressures, they’ve started planning ahead. And this means they are placing more emphasis on having a reliable partner.” Risk management, not luxury This expansion in client base reflects a broader redefinition of the notion of luxury, as Modis is quick to emphasize: “Luxury is today defined less by sparkle and gold than it is by convenience, speed, comfort and agility. Our job is to highlight that while our service is rooted in traditional luxury values, our operations are designed to serve these more modern definitions. For clients weighing the cost of a charter against the cost of a missed connection, the conversation isn’t really about price or glitter – it’s about risk management.” The charter model offered by operators such as KlasJet is one that is engineered for unpredictability. Whenever needed, the client’s booking can come with A, B and C plan options to ensure that eventualities are covered. The team monitors each flight in real time, with schedule changes being made proactively, before the client even is aware of any issues. As Modis illustrates: “If an airport announces a strike from 12 UTC, we make sure to depart beforehand, communicating with the client at every step. Flexibility and communication are key – no surprises.” Looking ahead With ATC strikes so far unresolved in Spain and France, a Lufthansa pilot workforce holding a near-unanimous strike mandate, and the Strait of Hormuz showing no imminent resolution, the pressure on commercial aviation is unlikely to ease before peak season begins. KlasJet’s June–September schedule is already full – long-lead bookings alongside same-day requests – with the FIFA World Cup in the United States adding further weight to an already unpredictable year. For clients with fixed travel obligations, the window to secure capacity is narrowing. “Chartering is already a major and critical element of business travel. We expect that this will be even more significant going forward – and KlasJet is ready to meet that demand.”
Mason City Municipal to Host World’s Top Aerobatic Pilots

The 2026 World Aerobatic Championship has been relocated to the Mason City Municipal Airport. Competition flying will take place from August 24 through September 2, bringing more than 35 of the world’s top aerobatic pilots to north-central Iowa. The pilots will represent countries from around the globe and compete for individual and team honors. “Mason City will be a great venue, with abundant hangars for aircraft and teams, limited airfield traffic, and direct air carrier service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport,” organizers said in a press release. “We’re incredibly grateful for the strong support from the Mason City community, whose enthusiasm and commitment to the event make this possible.” The World Aerobatic Championship is the premier international competition in precision aerobatic flight. Pilots will demonstrate the extraordinary skill, discipline and precision required at the highest level of the sport.

Unmanned Systems

Ohio’s NAAMCE Expands the Test Environment Advanced Air Mobility Innovators Need to Validate and Scale

As the Federal Aviation Administration continues advancing the regulatory framework for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is expanding the real-world test environment companies need to move from promising technology to operational reality. Located in Springfield, Ohio, NAAMCE is the only facility in the United States offering an end-to-end READ MORE
Vantis Expands BVLOS Capabilities as Frontier Precision Joins as New Champion Operator

Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) system, has reached another major milestone with the onboarding of Frontier Precision as its second champion operator. Frontier Precision has secured a new FAA waiver for BVLOS operations, expanding their operational capabilities available through the Vantis service volumes. The waiver is fully aircraft‑agnostic for systems under 55 pounds, allowing Frontier READ MORE

Aviation Education

Texas Southern University Expands Elite Flight Training Fleet with New Twin-Engine Aircraft

The momentum continues for Texas Southern University’s aviation program. The program made Houston aviation history again Friday with the delivery of a brand-new twin-engine Diamond DA42. “We’ve had some great days at Texas Southern Aviation,” said Dr. Terence Fontaine, Executive Director of Aviation. “This may be one of the pinnacle moments of the program. We’ve READ MORE
Into the Firestorm

The Allied Heroes Who Flew World War II’s Most Daring Missions From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war.One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the READ MORE

Congressman Ryan Zinke Announces More Than $25 Million in Airport Infrastructure Grants for Montana

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

The Office of Congressman Ryan Zinke has announced more than $25 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support critical infrastructure upgrades at six Montana airports. The funding will support runway, taxiway, apron, lighting, drainage, and access road improvements in Hamilton, Deer Lodge, Missoula, West Yellowstone, Polson, and […]

FlyGuys Returns as Partner for Second Annual Elevate Scholarship Program, Connecting Certified Drone Pilots to Nationwide Career Network

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

FlyGuys has announced its continued support of the Elevate Scholarship Program for the second consecutive year, joining the National Center for Autonomous Technologies in offering 300 scholarships covering the $175 FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification test fee. The program targets students ages 16-24 enrolled in aviation or uncrewed systems programs across the United States. […]

More Than $13.6 Million Announced for Airport Improvements Across Maine

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that multiple Maine airports will receive a total of $13,647,939 to support important infrastructure improvements. The funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which Senator Collins helped to author. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, […]

Secretary Duffy Announces $835.8 Million for Air Traffic Control Facility Upgrades Across U.S.

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Department’s investment of over $750 million to replace eight air traffic control towers and Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACONs) with brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is providing $85.8 million to upgrade Federal Contract Towers (FCTs) at 41 airports across 24 states. “This […]

Federal Funding of More Than $21 Million Announced to Upgrade 8 Virginia Airports

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $21,024,663 in federal funding to improve airport infrastructure across Virginia. This funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which the senators have supported robust funding for through the annual federal budget process. “Travelers deserve the comfort of knowing […]

USTDA Backs New Airport Development in the Philippines

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is supporting the development of a new international airport in Metro Manila, Philippines, that will strengthen secure transportation links with the United States. USTDA announced funding today for a feasibility study on the proposed Sangley Point International Airport, which would ease congestion at Manila’s existing airport and serve as […]

McFarland Johnson Opens Syracuse Office to Strengthen Central New York Infrastructure Services

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

McFarland-Johnson, Inc. (MJ) recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Syracuse office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by elected officials, CenterState CEO representatives, MJ leadership, clients, associates, and community guests underscoring the significance of MJ’s partnership with the region. The new office expands MJ’s local presence in Central New York and positions the firm […]

Updated Statewide Plan Guides Investments in 134 Public-Use Airports

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

For the first time since 2017, Washington has a new playbook for the skies. A recently completed, comprehensive roadmap called the Washington Aviation System Plan (WASP) guides how the state invests, protects and modernizes its 134 public-use airports over the coming decade. This update arrives at a pivotal moment, as Washington’s aviation system has faced […]

Embry-Riddle, FDOT Host Inaugural Summit to Shape Future of Advanced Air Mobility in State

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

More than 300 leading researchers, policymakers and aviation innovators gathered at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the first-ever Florida Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium, featuring two days of talks and advanced demonstrations on this revolutionary class of aircraft poised to transform how people and cargo are moved through the skies and the emerging sector’s potential economic […]

North Dakota Air Travel Set New April Record

May 17, 2026May 17, 2026 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its April 2026 airline passenger statistics for the state’s eight commercial service airports. North Dakota’s commercial airports recorded 105,393 passenger boardings during April, establishing a new statewide passenger record for the month and surpassing the previous April high of 104,271 boardings set in 2025. Four North Dakota […]

Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home

Counting Down the Days Until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Dave Schaumburg Named Next Director of Aviation for Springfield-Branson National Airport

Marshall and W.Va. Department of Education Launch Aviation Pathway Partnership