State Aviation Journal – Page 94 – 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

NAV CANADA Announces New President & CEO

December 1, 2024December 1, 2024 Kim Stevens

NAV CANADA has announced the appointment of Mark Cooper as President & CEO, effective December 2, 2024. Mr. Cooper has 25 years of experience in aviation and has been instrumental in the evolution of NAV CANADA’s Strategic Direction since joining NAV CANADA in 2019 as Vice President & Chief Technology and Information Officer. “The Board […]

Record-Setting Grant Allocations Announced by Nebraska Aeronautics Commission, NDOT Aeronautics

December 1, 2024December 1, 2024 Kim Stevens

The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission, working alongside the Nebraska Department of Transportation-Division of Aeronautics, approved state-funded federal matching grants and state aid only grants of over $4.5 million on October 18. The federal matching grants support projects totaling over $93 million. This record-setting funding is a direct result of the passage of LB 727 and LB […]

Virginia Aviation Board Funds 23 Projects at 18 Airports in Virginia

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Kim Stevens

The Virginia Aviation Board, during its quarterly meeting on November 21st, awarded $2,431,569.47 to fund 23 projects at 18 airports in Virginia. “The 23 projects that were funded by the Virginia Aviation Board will help make the airports more customer friendly, enhance the safety and security of the airports, and improve the services for the […]

Greg Principato Elected FAI President at 118th General Conference in Riyadh

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Kim Stevens

Photo above – New FAI Executive Board. L to R: Timo Hyvönen, Agust Gudmundsson, Gillian Rayner, President Greg Principato, Marina Vigorito, Mary Anne Stevens, Igor Erzen, Secretary General Markus Haggeney. The 118th FAI General Conference was held November19-21, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 120 registered participants in attendance. The event, hosted by the Saudi […]

LAX Automated People Mover Begins New Phase of Testing

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Kim Stevens

Employees and guests at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can now catch a glimpse of the Automated People Mover (APM), as a new phase of testing will bring train cars through the Central Terminal Area (CTA). This is a key milestone for the APM testing team, with the first train vehicles crossing over Sepulveda and […]

SAS Notes 70th Anniversary of Becoming World’s First Airline to Fly Over the Polar Regions

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Kim Stevens

Seventy years have passed since SAS made aviation history on November 15, 1954, by becoming the world’s first airline to operate a commercial flight over the North Pole. The pioneering flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles not only significantly reduced flying time and lowered fuel consumption, but also established the most efficient link between Europe […]

First Flight Society Announces 2024 Class of Honorary Members

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Kim Stevens

The First Flight Society announces two new Honorary Lifetime Members: Dr Peggy Chabrian, the founder of Women in Aviation International and aerobatic national champion Michael Goulian. Dr. Chabrian is the founder of Women in Aviation International and was the first president from 1994 until September 2019. WAI is an organization dedicated to the advancement and […]

October Sees Sixth Consecutive Record-Breaking Month for Airline Boardings in North Dakota

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Kim Stevens

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) released its monthly report detailing airline passenger traffic at the state’s eight commercial service airports, showing that in October 12,273 passengers boarded flights in the state, making it the busiest October on record and surpassing the previous high of 110,013 passengers set in October of 2014. The latest figures […]

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport Anticipates Record Holiday Travel Season

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Kim Stevens

The 2024 holiday travel season is expected to be one of the busiest nationwide, and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) is excited to welcome an increase in passenger traffic after an inspiring year of growth, including the launch of a new airline, major terminal improvements, and increased service over last season, adding 76 extra flights […]

University of Arizona’s DBIA National Design-Build Student Competition Win Highlights Women’s Growing Role in AEC

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Kim Stevens

The University of Arizona’s Cardinal Design-Build team was named the winner of the 2024 DBIA National Design-Build Student Competition, hosted by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) at the Design-Build Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas. The all-female team from the University of Arizona made history with their win, highlighting the growing role of women […]

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