State Aviation Journal – Page 92 – Your Best Source of State Aviation News

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector
Driven by the strong momentum of the global aeronautics industry, the discreet Toulouse-based Satys Group is consolidating its growth, recovering its pre-Covid profitability ratios, and entering 2026 with solid development ambitions across its six markets: commercial aviation, regional aviation, business aviation, helicopters, defense, and aircraft repainting. “This favorable environment contrasts sharply with the extreme difficulties […]
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 […]

State News

Asheville Regional Airport Posts Second-Highest Year in History with 2.24 Million Passengers in 2025

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) served 2,240,877 million passengers in 2025, marking the second-busiest year of passenger utilization in the airport’s history. This achievement underscores the region’s continued demand for air travel and highlights AVL as a vital and resilient gateway to western North Carolina. Despite significant challenges, including impacts from Hurricane Helene and ongoing terminal construction, AVL demonstrated remarkable resilience and sustained passenger growth. “Reaching 2.24 million passengers in 2025 in the wake of unexpected impacts and major construction is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Lew Bleiweis, President & CEO of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority. “The region has moved forward with resilience and so has its airport. This performance reflects the strength of our community’s support, the confidence of our airline partners, and the region’s continued appeal as both a destination and a place to live and work.” AVL continues to be a critical economic driver for western North Carolina, supporting jobs, visitor spending, and broader regional growth. Growth across AVL’s air service network remained strong throughout the year, highlighted by the addition of new nonstop routes and more airline seats for sale to existing routes. Looking ahead into 2026, travelers will see increased frequencies and capacity to key markets served by five airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country and United.
Electra Joins Virginia Smart Airspace Program to Establish National Blueprint for Advanced Air Mobility Instrument Flight Rules

Photo – Electra’s Direct Aviation model uses the nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, to unlock thousands of new Ultra Short access points – including fields, parking lots, and underutilized runways – bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play. Credit: Electra Electra announced a new partnership with the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Smart Airspace Program to design, implement, and test a first-of-its-kind, low-cost instrument flight rules (IFR) network for Ultra Short and other advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft complete with new, FAA-certified access points. Nearly all commercial aviation services operate under IFR to ensure reliability, predictability, and safety, especially when the weather is not clear. However, existing IFR arrival and departure procedures are not designed with AAM aircraft in mind. Without AAM-specific procedures, there could be unsustainable airport congestion, reduced time savings for passengers, and challenges in attaining full commercial viability of AAM aircraft. The program’s IFR routing, procedures, and new access points will separate AAM traffic from conventional flights, enable more direct routing, and be based on GPS navigation, making it a low-cost, scalable model for replication around the United States. Electra, which has developed the world’s first hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft, joins as a technical lead alongside NAVOS Air. The program is led by Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), supported financially by the Virginia Small Aircraft Transportation Systems Lab, and supported financially and technically by the Virginia Department of Aviation. “The Virginia AAM Smart Airspace Program is establishing the regulatory, procedural, and operational foundation for real-world AAM deployment—not in the future, but now,” said Tombo Jones, the Director of MAAP, an FAA Designated Test Site. “With FAA engagement, proven technical methods, and scalable infrastructure, Virginia is helping to define the national blueprint for how Advanced Air Mobility will operate in everyday airspace.” “This partnership marks a critical step forward on our path to unlocking a new era of aviation – one that is simpler, faster, and without the hassle of today’s commercial services,” said Parker Vascik, Director of Product Strategy, Electra. “By creating the necessary operational, physical, and digital infrastructure in an affordable package, we are one step closer to enabling safe, scalable, and reliable all-weather AAM operations across the country. Ultimately, our goal is to transform the future of travel, giving people the freedom to travel from where they are to where they want to go.” Electra’s team of aerospace engineers and pilots will work with the other technical leads to design, implement, and test instrument procedures for Ultra Short aircraft, including during the most technically difficult part of flying in poor weather – proceeding from cloud coverage to a landing site. The GPS-developed procedures will enable flight in instrument meteorological conditions: broadly, when flight visibility is less than 3 miles and cloud ceilings are less than 1,000 feet above the ground. The program will also research the successful implementation of Ultra Short access points. The program will also create a repeatable and scalable model for expanding AAM IFR networks, starting with the strategic connection of four Virginia nodes: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI): an off-airport Ultra Short access point in Blacksburg. Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (KROA): an on-airport Ultra Short access point that keeps AAM aircraft separated from conventional runways and flight patterns at a large airport. Allen C. Perkinson Airport, Blackstone (KBKT): an existing FAA-approved vertiport in a mixed civilian/military use environment that supports Ultra Short access. Shannon Airport: an existing rural airport with a turf runway in a commuter community in northern Virginia. A summer 2024 economic analysis conducted by the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems to measure the impacts of enabling AAM operations across Virginia projected more than $16 billion generated in new economic activity, $2.8 billion generated in tax revenue, and the creation of more than 17,000 high-value jobs across the aerospace ecosystem through 2045. Electra’s Direct Aviation model uses Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, to unlock thousands of new Ultra Short access points – including fields, parking lots, and underutilized runways – bringing air travel closer to where people live, work, and play. By pairing practical infrastructure with transformative capability, Direct Aviation enables trips that were previously impractical or impossible and expands economic opportunity to communities of every size. For more information, visit https://www.electra.aero.

National News

Kevin Burke Named 2026 Trade Association Executive of the Year

ACI-NA’s President and CEO, Kevin Burke, was recently named the 2026 Trade Association Executive of the Year at the annual Salute to Association Excellence awards luncheon. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership and impact within the association community. Kevin was recognized for not only his longstanding commitment to the association world but also to the aviation industry. “While my name might be on this award, this recognition is not just about me,” Burke said. “My success is based on the hard work and dedication of the extraordinarily professional team at ACI-NA, who nominated me for this award. Our team shows up every day committed to a mission, guided by our members, and grounded in purpose. They embody what a member-driven, mission-focused trade association should be.” Burke was recognized for his leadership in securing $40 billion from Congress in financial relief and investment for airports during the pandemic, his financial stewardship of ACI-NA, and his commitment to consensus building, especially in bringing more than 100 trade associations together to form ACI-NA’s Beyond the Runway Coalition. Join us in recognizing Kevin for this well-deserved recognition!
NBAA-Supported Senate Bill Calls for Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities at Contract Towers

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate to direct installation of cost-effective air traffic technologies to fill a critical safety gap at many general aviation (GA) airports across the country. Introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to procure and install Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT) technology at more than 90 smaller and rural airports under the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program. APRT uses automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data from aircraft to present controllers with a real-time display of local airspace, offering significantly greater situational awareness over use of visual observations and radio calls to separate traffic, and greatly reduced installation and maintenance costs when compared to radar-integrated systems. “This off-the-shelf technology will have a huge and immediate impact at many contract tower facilities across the country that currently manage a significant amount of mixed operations without any digital assistance,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “APRT is critical to reducing risk and maintaining operational safety. We are pleased to see this important safety legislation introduced in the Senate and urge its swift passage.” FCTs currently operate at 265 airports across the country. If enacted, this NBAA-supported legislation would facilitate acquisition, installation and operating expenses for APRT at the FCT airports that currently lack Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or similar radar-integrated air traffic displays. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 called on Congress to direct the FAA to approve systems like APRT to improve operational situational awareness at FCTs. The agency approved the first APRT last summer, with several additional airports deploying APRT to positive effect in the time since. In addition to NBAA, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act is also endorsed by the Regional Airline Association; U.S. Contract Tower Association; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Airlines for America.

International News

ADB SAFEGATE Sharpens Strategic Focus on Airside Operations

ADB SAFEGATE today announced the divestment of its Terminal business line, reinforcing its strategic commitment to airside operations and accelerating its investment in next-generation airfield technologies. As global air traffic grows and operational complexity intensifies, airports face mounting pressure to enhance safety, capacity, resilience, and sustainability — simultaneously. ADB SAFEGATE is responding by concentrating its innovation, capital, and expertise on the operational core of the airport: the airside. Accelerating Airside Innovation ADB SAFEGATE is advancing its roadmap across new-generation airfield lighting systems, intelligent power solutions, and digital platforms for Airfield, Apron, and Tower applications — designed to improve operational performance and resilience in complex airport environments. The company is expanding research and development investments, including the continued growth of its ADB SAFEGATE LABS initiative. The program accelerates co-creation with airport partners, enabling emerging technologies to be tested, validated, and scaled in live operational settings. Investment in R&D and Modern Manufacturing in Europe ADB SAFEGATE is strengthening its R&D and manufacturing footprint in Machelen, Belgium, through state-of-the-art facility upgrades and modernized production capabilities. These investments enhance product development cycles, quality control, and production capacity for next-generation airside technologies — reinforcing Belgium’s position as a global center of excellence for airside innovation. Launch of the Airside Innovation Summit Aligned with its renewed strategic direction, ADB SAFEGATE will launch the Airside Innovation Summit (http://www.airsideinnovationsummit.com), a global forum bringing together airport operators, regulators, technology partners, and industry experts to address emerging challenges in safety, automation, digitalization, and sustainability. Laurent Dubois, CEO of ADB SAFEGATE, said: “Airports are under unprecedented operational pressure. This decision allows us to dedicate our expertise, innovation, and resources entirely to the most safety-critical and performance-sensitive part of airport operations — the airside. Our ambition is to lead the digital transformation of airside environments and support airports worldwide in converting operational complexity into measurable performance gains.” A Clear Strategic Direction The divestment reflects a deliberate portfolio decision designed to create a sharper focus for both organizations. ADB SAFEGATE will concentrate fully on advancing intelligent airside solutions, while the Terminal business continues under new ownership with long-term growth ambitions. With a strengthened, pure-play airside focus, ADB SAFEGATE is positioning itself to shape the future of airport performance for decades to come.
Chapman Freeborn Arranging Emergency Charters Amid Middle East Aviation Disruptions

Chapman Freeborn maintains an active global crisis response framework and has been arranging emergency passenger and cargo charter flights, including evacuation missions, amid ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East and disruption to global aviation routes. According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, more than 2,000 flights to and from major Gulf airports have been cancelled, reflecting the scale of operational disruption across the region. In response to the current situation, Chapman Freeborn has worked in collaboration with government ministries and authorities across multiple countries to deliver critical air support. These operations include: Emergency passenger and cargo charter flights, including evacuation missions Time-critical cargo movements through bespoke charter solutions Strategic routing and operational coordination across disrupted air corridors Rapid-deployment charter options to maintain global continuity for our clients The company works closely with airlines, civil aviation authorities, governments, and humanitarian organizations to ensure every mission is carefully coordinated and every aircraft deployed with precision. With airspace restrictions shifting hour by hour, Chapman Freeborn’s global flight support and charter teams are operating 24/7 to provide clarity, safe routing, and uninterrupted operational continuity. “During periods of geopolitical uncertainty, speed, flexibility, and reliable operational planning are critical for our clients,” said Saska Gerasimova, Group Chief Executive Officer at Chapman Freeborn. “Our global teams remain ready to support airlines, cargo operators, and governments with safe, compliant, and responsive charter solutions as conditions continue to evolve, with a constant focus on protecting lives and safeguarding operations.” For urgent assistance related to evacuations or emergency air charters, Chapman Freeborn’s crisis response team is available 24/7: +44 (0) 1293 655 422 Flightsupport@chapmanfreeborn.aero PAX@chapmanfreeborn.aero Cargo@chapmanfreeborn.aero

Unmanned Systems

Everdrone Launches Next-Generation Medical Drone for Emergency Medical Transport

The Swedish company Everdrone is launching a new medical transport drone, E3. The drone is fully developed by Everdrone and features increased capacity to carry multiple types of medical equipment, significantly improving its performance compared to previous versions. “The new drone is faster, safer, and can carry heavier payloads. This will save lives,” says Mats READ MORE
FAA Radar Data Feed Activated in North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven announced last week the activation of the Vantis Federal Radar Data Enclave, a secure integration of unfiltered radar data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Vantis system at the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site. Senator Hoeven (center) announces activation. The test site is the first non-federal entity READ MORE

Aviation Education

City of Riverside Partners with Education Institutions to Explore Job and Economic Growth Through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT)

The City of Riverside is working with two local school districts and several local colleges to explore ways to create additional jobs and long-term growth in the aviation, aerospace, and related technology sectors through the Learning Institute for Flight Technology (LIFT). “This will ensure Riverside remains proactive, not reactive, about aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs,” READ MORE
Westmoore High School Wins Inaugural Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship

In a historic weekend for Oklahoma education and industry, Westmoore High School has been crowned the first-ever Oklahoma High School State Aviation Champions. The Jaguars secured the title at the event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and FlightSafety International in Tulsa. Westmoore High School placed first among 12 teams at READ MORE

Aviation Businesses Finish Strong in 2024, Look for Continued Growth and Success in 2025

December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 Kim Stevens

By Kim Stevens Photo above – Kinexis Consulting LLC, a New Jersey-based firm, established in 2016 performed well and met its goals in 2024. For three very diverse aviation businesses, 2024 had one thing in common – each performed well. “2024 has been a great year for us with a very strong 4th quarter,” […]

Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone Enables Drone Operational Zone

December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 Kim Stevens

The Autonomy Institute has announced Ondas Holdings Inc. as a lead commercial partner within the Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone (IIEZ) on Texas State Highway 130 (SH130). The initial design will enable ten drone zones to support high-traffic regions between the Circuit of the Americas and Georgetown, Texas. These locations will support routine operations for inspections, […]

$20 Million Announced in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding to Modernize Airport Owned Air Traffic Control Towers

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Kim Stevens

For a fourth year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $20 million being awarded to 20 airport-owned airport traffic control towers across the country, spanning 15 states. This funding will be used to upgrade existing or build new control towers across the country. The funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go to smaller […]

Sacramento County Department of Airports Releases RFQ for New Rental Car Facility

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Kim Stevens

The Sacramento County Department of Airports (SCDA), which operates Sacramento International Airport (SMF), has announced the release of a request for qualifications (RFQ) to identify a private developer to partner with the County and its stakeholders to deliver a new, state-of-the-art consolidated rental-car facility (ConRAC). The project will include construction of a multi-level facility south […]

James Hauslein Elected as New AOPA Chairman

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Kim Stevens

The AOPA Board of Trustees has elected James N. “Jim” Hauslein as chairman. Hauslein joined the board in 2012 and has served on numerous committees and chaired the Finance and Investment Committee. Hauslein has been an AOPA member since 1987, well before he earned his private pilot certificate in 1996. He later went on to […]

Aeronautics Director to Take On New Challenge as Division Engineer for NCDOT

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Kim Stevens

Rebecca Gallas, the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation Director, will be transitioning throughout December into her new role as Division Engineer for NCDOT Division 5. NCDOT’s Assistant Unit Head for Photogrammetry Nick Short, PE will serve as the interim Aviation Director. Moving up in NCDOT is a bittersweet transition for Gallas, whose […]

NC Universities and NCDOT Partner on Air Mobility and Drone Innovation

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Kim Stevens

North Carolina is paving the way for a new era of air transportation. The N.C. Department of Transportation has formed the University Transportation Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), bringing together top universities to redefine how we transport people and goods through innovative aviation technologies. This initiative brings […]

8th Annual Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day Luncheon; The Women behind Oklahoma’s Largest Aviation Event

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Kim Stevens

On Friday, December 6th, 2024, more than 1,300 people gathered on the northeast corner of Tulsa International Airport to celebrate the 8th Annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation & Aerospace Day Luncheon, honoring the trailblazing women who shaped Oklahoma’s early days in aviation and celebrating the success of today’s most influential aviation leaders from across the […]

Avianca Celebrates Its 105th Anniversary

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 Kim Stevens

Avianca, the oldest airline in the Americas and the second oldest in the world, proudly celebrated its 105 years of history on December 5th. With a robust network of routes, it reaffirms its commitment to connecting the skies of Latin America, consolidating a legacy that has shaped over a century of aviation on the continent. […]

NBAA Joins International Aviation Community in Celebrating ICAO’s 80th Anniversary

December 8, 2024December 8, 2024 Kim Stevens

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) marked the 80th anniversary of the signing of an agreement establishing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations agency that regulates international air navigation and promotes the safe development of global aviation standards. “Even as World War II raged on, there was worldwide recognition of the need […]

Christophe Cador, Founder of Satys, Announces Completion of Strategic Realignment Fully Refocusing Activities in Aeronautics Sector

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