Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Santa Cruz, California:Joby gears up to launch first air taxi pilot training with CAE simulatorsJoby Aviation has accepted the first of two flight simulators developed in partnership with CAE, a global leader in pilot training. The simulators, scheduled to be qualified amongst the highest Federal Aviation Administration classifications for flight simulation, provide the ultra-realistic environment required for commercial single-pilot eVTOL operations and are equipped with the same simulation technology used to train pilots for the world’s leading airlines. “These simulators are central to the FAA certification process and are being delivered on time to support pilot training ahead of Joby’s first commercial flights planned for this year,” said Bonny Simi, President of Operations for Joby. “Developing flight simulators that are fully qualified by the FAA takes years of work and access to aircraft data, and it is required for Part 135 operations of eVTOL aircraft in the United States. Having started this multi-year process with CAE in 2022, Joby is progressing in developing qualified, scalable pilot training infrastructure as we near commercial operations.”
“CAE is proud to partner with Joby to bring world-class simulation technology to the emerging eVTOL market. These simulators set a new benchmark for training infrastructure in urban air mobility,“ said Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE. “By leveraging decades of expertise in high-fidelity simulation, we are helping Joby prepare pilots for safe, efficient operations and supporting the industry’s transition to sustainable air transportation.”
Wichita, Kansas:First Cessna SkyCourier delivered into Mexico, expanding air freight capabilities for FlexCoahThe first Cessna SkyCourier in Mexico was recently delivered to cargo transportation provider FlexCoah for use by the company’s aviation subsidiary, Altair. The aircraft - a freighter variant - will expand the company’s air freight capabilities throughout the country.
The Cessna SkyCourier’s combination of reliability, payload capacity and mission flexibility makes it a powerful asset for operators looking to scale their operations while maintaining cost-efficiency,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “The delivery of the Cessna SkyCourier to FlexCoah reflects the aircraft’s growing role in transforming regional logistics.” Founded in 2009 in Saltillo, Mexico, FlexCoah is a nationally recognized freight transportation company specializing in long-haul and local cargo services. The new Cessna SkyCourier will join the company’s Cessna Caravan aircraft to support large-scale freight hauls, offering customers a reliable and flexible logistics solution that meets their evolving needs. |
Global business jet demand in 2025 was a bump-up compared to 2024, with flight ectors up by 5% in the last 12 months.The third quarter of the year was strongest, with September delivering a stand-out 9% year-over-year growth. With 3.9 million departures recorded, 2025 racked up the highest annual volume on record.While North America had a dominant 72% share of global business jet traffic in the last 12 months, European business jet trends were flat, up only 1% compared to 2024, with other geographic regions seeing much stronger growth. The stand-out market was Latin America, with bizjet flights up by 11% year-over-year, representing just 6% of global activity, while Africa, accounting for only 1% of global traffic, saw activity surge by 15% vs 2024. Other notable ROW markets that saw strong growth last year included Asia, 3% of traffic, up by 4%, and the Middle East, 2% of all traffic, up 7%.
Wichita, Kansas:Cessna Citation Ascend enters into serviceThe Cessna Citation Ascend achieved a major milestone as the first retail customer took delivery of the midsize business jet on December 30th, marking the aircraft’s entry into service.
Announced in 2023 the aircraft boasts an entirely new cockpit, improved performance and a luxurious flat floor cabin. The Citation Ascend received type certification from the FAA in November 2025. “The first Citation Ascend delivery underscores Textron Aviation’s commitment to redefining the midsize segment with an aircraft that blends innovation, efficiency and unmatched comfort,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing. “We look forward to seeing the Ascend begin its journey with customers around the globe.”
Connectivity solutions for business aviation invariably involve discussions about networks; after all, without the satellite networks, there would be limited options for staying in touch with colleagues, family, and friends. The value and faith we place in these networks to support connectivity is immense. Owners and operators using the cabin broadband expect it to work. They want to do what they need, whether it’s reading the latest news, tracking their company’s stock, or streaming the newest box-office releases, when they want, without issue.
Gogo Network Operations Center. At Gogo, we have another network that we value just as much as the satellite networks. This is our ever-expanding dealer and MRO network. Currently comprising more than 150 dealers with a presence in over 250 locations globally the latest entities to join the elite list include Nomad Technics of Switzerland, Falcon in the UAE, and Elektronik Lab India Private Limited.
Abu Dhabi, UAE:Edése Doret secures third design contract from RoyalJet for three ACJ320neosEdése Doret Industrial Design, Inc.(EDID), a global leader in luxury aviation and yacht design, has been awarded the design contract by RoyalJet, the Abu Dhabi-based global premium private jet operator, for the interiors of three Airbus Corporate Jet ACJ320neo aircraft. The prestigious commission marks the third project collaboration between EDID and RoyalJet, underscoring a trusted partnership built on innovation, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to excellence in private aviation.
“We are honoured to continue our relationship with RoyalJet, one of the world’s premier luxury operator,” said Edése Doret, Founder and President of Edése Doret Industrial Design, Inc. “Our vision for these new ACJ320neo aircraft is to deliver an unparalleled elevated passenger experience that reflects the essence of Emirati identity of timeless, elegant, sophisticated modernity which is perfectly tailored to RoyalJet’s elite clientele.”
Bermuda:Atlantic Aviation adds Bermuda with acquisition of Cedar Aviation ServicesAtlantic Aviation has expanded its global network with the acquisition of Cedar Aviation Services Ltd at L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) in Bermuda.
Well known among operators visiting the island for its highly personalized service and long-tenured team, Cedar Aviation has built a reputation for exceptional care and hospitality. While the location will transition to the Atlantic Aviation name in the coming months, customers can continue to expect the same outstanding service and attention to detail they have long received. Atlantic Aviation’s Bermuda FBO features a 6,440-square-foot executive terminal and nearly 700,000 square feet of ramp space.
Mississauga, Ontario:Bombardier expands RCAF fleet with six advanced multi-role aircraftThe Government of Canada has purchased six Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to perform worldwide utility flights and support missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and national security operations.
Representatives from Bombardier and the federal government celebrated the agreement at Bombardier’s Global Aircraft Assembly Centre in the Greater Toronto Area, where the Global 6500 aircraft is assembled. Interior completion work on these aircraft will be performed in Greater Montreal. This order is valued for Bombardier at approximately $400m USD, based on the current list price for the Global 6500 aircraft and the cost of military modifications.
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 Luxembourg:ExecuJet marks milestone year 2025 for its FBO networkKey achievements in sustainability, operational excellence and global expansion.ExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, reflects on a milestone year 2025, marked by significant steps forward in sustainability, operational excellence and global expansion, reinforcing the company's leadership position within the private aviation sector. In Europe, ExecuJet reinforced its position as the continent’s largest FBO network, operating 64 locations and managing more than 110 facilities worldwide. In Germany, investments in Munich and Berlin included lounge refurbishments and upgraded GAT facilities, enabling the network to manage high-profile events such as the UEFA European Championship final in Berlin and major Munich events including the Champions League Final and UEFA semi-final.
These operations highlight ExecuJet’s ability to provide reliable, secure, and high-quality service for royal households, embassies, and government delegations. At Brussels Airport, ExecuJet’s FBO supported operations linked to the EU Summit held on 18th and 19th December, once again demonstrating its expertise in protocol handling and secure ground operations for high-level governmental and institutional traffic. |
Behind the scenes of ground handling in the Nordics
Over the past few years, Aviator Airport Alliance has strengthened its position as a leading ground handling provider in Scandinavia, operating in one of Europe’s most demanding aviation markets.
Operating across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, the company is part of Avia Solutions Group and supports a wide range of scheduled and charter airlines, delivering high-precision operations under tight turnaround and safety requirements. Aviator CEO Jo Alex Tanem talks about the realities of ground handling in the Nordics and the exceptional operations handled behind the scenes.
Pit-stop precision
Much of ground handling takes place behind the scenes, yet these services are critical to smooth airline operations. Once an aircraft lands, it must be turned around for its next flight within an extremely tight window - and winter adds the complexity of de-icing procedures. According to Tanem, a Norwegian who has spent more than three decades in aviation, ground handling must be coordinated down to the second.
“When an aircraft arrives, we have about 25 minutes until its next departure. In that time, 160 passengers disembark and the same number board; 100-120 bags are unloaded along with cargo - sometimes pets or wheelchairs. Then the hold is loaded again, catering is restocked, and 10-20 tonnes of fuel are pumped in. To make it all happen, we operate like an F1 pit crew: everyone and everything in position, then the moment the aircraft stops, we execute dozens of tasks simultaneously,” Tanem explains.
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