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BlueSky Business Aviation News | 3rd April 2025 | Issue #790

Features George J. Priester Aviation WINGX ACS

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Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news

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Washington, DC:

NBAA applauds new data security protections for business aircraft owners

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed key steps taken by the FAA to bolster the security of information regarding business aircraft.

Publicly available, personally identifiable aircraft information has enabled flight-stalking by anyone, anywhere in the world, with any motive. Congress has historically recognized that the situation raises serious concerns regarding passenger security, safety and corporate espionage.

In 2024, Congress passed bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the FAA that included language requiring the agency to take steps to bolster the security of information related to aircraft ownership and operations.

“Security is a huge issue for companies large and small, all across the country, which is one of the reasons Congress passed bipartisan legislation requiring the FAA to strengthen the protections for aircraft ownership information and flight-data,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

“We are pleased with the steps the FAA has taken to protect entrepreneurs and businesses.”

Read a copy of the FAA statement


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Wheeling, Illinois:

George J. Priester Aviation marks 80th anniversary

In the infancy of corporate aviation, George Priester foresaw its growth potential and transformational possibility. He recognized flying as a business tool, and that vision led him to begin an aviation business in 1945.

Decades after Priester opened a flight training school outside of Chicago, George J. Priester Aviation celebrates its 80th company anniversary in 2025 as a multi-generational, family-run private aviation services leader, managing and operating aircraft across the US and internationally.

“My grandfather, George, was an aviation pioneer,” said Andy Priester, Chairman of George J. Priester Aviation and its affiliated brands - Priester Aviation, Mayo Aviation and Hill Private Aviation.

“He saw the immense value that air travel would have for businesses, communities and individuals. His vision still drives us 80 years later."

Flight School Beginnings

Flight School Beginnings

Even before George Priester began his business, he had been involved in aviation, solo piloting in 1928 and then becoming an instructor pilot in 1938. He founded the company that would bear his name as a flight training school for military veterans in 1945 at Palwaukee Airport (PWK), Illinois. More than 5,000 pilots ultimately attended the school.

more


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Tucson, Arizona and Nice Côte d'Azur, France:

World Fuel welcomes Tucson Jet Center and DC Aviation G-OPS to Air Elite network

World Fuel has announced the addition of two new members to the Air Elite by World Fuel network: Tucson Jet Center at Tucson International Airport (KTUS) and DC Aviation G-OPS at Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (LFMN)

“We welcome Tucson Jet Center and DC Aviation G-OPS to the Air Elite network,” said Malcolm Hawkins, senior vice president, global business aviation, World Fuel.

“Their dedication to excellence and customer service is core to the standards that our customers and network members depend on. We look forward to supporting their growth and success.”

Tucson Jet Center

Located at Tucson International Airport (KTUS), Tucson Jet Center is known for its exceptional customer service and commitment to safety.

Tucson Jet Center

"Customer service has always been something we pride ourselves on. We are delighted to be joining the Air Elite network. We believe with their help, we can move to the next level of service," said Amand Lawver, owner of Tucson Jet Center.

more


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Canada:

Air Charter Service opens second Canadian office, in Montreal

Leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has opened its doors in Montreal, Quebec, complementing its established Canadian operation in Toronto, and becoming the company’s 36th office globally.

Gary Hopkins, CEO of ACS Canada, commented: “We have been serving the whole of Canada from our Toronto office since opening there 15 years ago, but we’ve been looking at Montreal as a second location for a while now, to better serve Quebec.

"The city is an important centre of commerce, finance, industry and technology and the new operation means that we can be closer to our French-speaking clients in the province.”

more


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Everett, Washington:

ZeroAvia awarded USAF grant for an autonomous hydrogen-electric aircraft

ZeroAvia has been selected by AFWERX for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to conduct a feasibility study focused on integrating hydrogen propulsion into Cessna Caravan aircraft alongside advanced aircraft automation technology.

AFWERX awards aim to address research questions with specific implications for the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

ZeroAvia will analyze the potential for developing and delivering an 8,000 lb autonomous aircraft with hydrogen-electric propulsion for reduced engine noise and low thermal signature, thus significantly reducing detectability.

Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising technology for improving the range, duration and turnaround time of a range of electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

Hydrogen has additional advantages as an aviation fuel as it can be produced at point of refueling given ready supply of electricity and water, which dramatically simplifies fuel logistics - a critical consideration for any defense applications. Finally, hydrogen has the highest energy per unit of weight of any chemical energy source, which allows for potential maximum range of over 2,000 nm (almost 4,000 km) in an autonomous aircraft of this type.

Reliable Robotics - the California-based specialists in remote operation of aircraft - will support ZeroAvia in exploring relevant autonomous flight systems as part of the study.

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Europe:

PACIFIC, a new European project led by Airbus, will advance research on contrail mitigation and non-CO2 impacts

Airbus, within a consortium of 10 partners from four European countries, has launched PACIFIC, a project to study the impact of aviation's non-CO2 emissions on Local Air Quality and Climate with a focus on contrails.

Recent studies suggest that the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) could reduce both soot particles and contrail ice crystals. However, additional information on fuel composition and its processing in the engine is necessary to better understand the effects and benefits of SAF.

PACIFIC, a new European project led by Airbus, will advance research on contrail mitigation and non-CO2 impacts

PACIFIC (Particle emissions, Air Quality and Climate Impact related to Fuel Composition and Engine Cycle) seeks to bridge the gap in understanding aviation's non-CO2 emissions by testing an unprecedented range of fuels under controlled conditions. The project will ensure consistency in combustion parameters and hardware similarity from lab-scale experiments at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to full aircraft engine tests at Airbus Toulouse.

The research will focus on understanding how soot forms during fuel combustion, using improved prediction tools to better anticipate its presence in engine emissions. It will also analyse the quantity of fine particles released at different engine power levels, refining methods to estimate their impact from ground tests to real flight conditions.

more


People

Modesto Jet Center

Greg Holbrook

Greg Holbrook

Modesto Jet Center (CA) has announced the appointment of Greg Holbrook as its new General Manager.
Greg brings a wealth of experience in aviation operations, business development, and management leadership, positioning him to drive growth and elevate service excellence at the facility.

With a proven track record of exceeding business objectives, he has demonstrated expertise in leading high-performance teams, strategic planning, and optimizing operational efficiencies. Most recently, he served as General Manager at Hawthorne Global Aviation in Sioux City, IA. His extensive industry background includes managing technical support for over 50 business aircraft while working with industry organizations, such as the National Air Transportation Association, advocating for regulatory improvements.

Greg’s career highlights extend beyond aviation, showcasing his ability to lead and drive results across various industries. His leadership in the powersports sector has earned him recognition from major brands such as Yamaha, Honda, KTM and Husqvarna. Additionally, he played a key role in the creation of a professional motocross team that won the 2004 World Supercross Championship.

As General Manager, Greg will oversee all aspects of Modesto Jet Center’s operations, ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, safety, and business performance..

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WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Bizjet demand strong despite tariff concerns

  WINGX Global Market Tracker
In Week 13 (24th-30th March), global business jet sectors grew 8% compared to the same week 13 in 2024, well ahead of the last four-week trend of +3% growth, and the highest week-on-week increase this year.

According to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today, The biggest contributor this week is bizjet activity growth out of Texas and California, and overall private and corporate flight departments grew activity more than charter and fractional.

As Q1 2024 comes to a close, 900,221 business jet departures have been recorded globally, 3% more than in Q1 2024 and 34% more than in Q1 of 2019. The active bizjet fleet has also grown, active tails were up 1% in Q1 compared to last year, up 24% compared to 2019.

Globally, NetJets and Flexjet have recorded good growth in Q1, sectors up 10% and 17% respectively. In contrast, Vista Global sectors have fallen 10% this year compared to last year.

North America

In Week 13, there were 50,530 bizjet departures in North America, 8% more than last year, ahead of the last four-week trend of +4%. Part 135 & 91K operated sectors were 8% ahead of last year, ahead of the last four-week trend of +7%. Looking back 5 years ago, the pandemic lockdowns had reduced flight activity to just 12,016 bizjet departures across airports in North merica.

full report


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Myanmar:

Air Charter Service arranges first flights into Myanmar and Thailand following earthquake

Over the weekend Air Charter Service has been busy arranging charters in response to the earthquake that hit Myanmar last Friday, with several charters having already delivered aid to Yangon in the country, and Bangkok in Thailand.

Air Charter Service arranges first flights into Myanmar and Thailand following earthquake

The epicentre of the earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter Scale, was less than 20 miles away from Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay, but caused damage as far away as south-west China and Thailand.

Ben Dinsdale, Air Charter Service’s Director for Government and Humanitarian Services, commented: “With Mandalay’s main airport currently unavailable, and many of the local airports in the country unable to accept large aircraft, we have been having to use Yangon to fly the bulk of the aid in, with the possibility of ferrying into regional airports on smaller aircraft, or by road, from there.

more


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Wichita, Kansas:

Cessna Caravan celebrates 40 years

Textron Aviation is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Cessna Caravan single-engine utility turboprop with customers throughout the year, recognizing its growth and popularity throughout the world during the past four decades.

Cessna Caravan celebrates 40 years

The Cessna Caravan platform, which also includes the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, has more than 3,100 aircraft delivered and is certified in 100 countries. The aircraft has accumulated over 25 million flight hours globally.

Conceived as a rugged utility aircraft with low operating costs, the first Caravan delivery was celebrated in 1985. The aircraft is renowned for its ability to operate in remote areas with extreme weather changes, mountainous terrain and rough landing locations.

more


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London:

OPUL Jets acquires Zenith Aviation, strengthening UK and European charter and management capabilities

OPUL Jets UK Ltd has announced its acquisition of Zenith Aviation, a respected UK-based operator headquartered at London Biggin Hill Airport.

The acquisition includes Zenith’s UK-issued Air Operator Certificate (AOC), a managed fleet of G-registered aircraft and a fully accredited CAA Part-145 maintenance facility, significantly expanding OPUL’s regulatory reach, technical capabilities and in-house expertise.

OPUL Jets acquires Zenith Aviation, strengthening UK and European charter and management capabilities

The acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in OPUL’s growth strategy, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of private jet charter, aircraft management, and engineering services across the UK and Europe.

more


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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:

FL Technics nears completion of new Punta Cana facility, expanding MRO services in the Americas

FL Technics, a global MRO provider and subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, is expanding its global footprint by establishing a new aircraft maintenance hangar facility in the Dominican Republic.

FL Technics nears completion of new Punta Cana facility, expanding MRO services in the Americas

As the facility nears completion, the company has already secured key specialists and is actively recruiting the remaining team. Additionally, the certification process with the FAA and Instituto Dominicano De Aviación Civil (IDAC) is currently underway.

Located in Punta Canta, the site will open in October 2025 and will allow FL Technics to heavy maintenance operations in the Americas through a 52,000-square-meter complex, delivering base maintenance for Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 family aircraft.

more


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Washington, DC:

Aircraft laser strikes continue to be dangerously high

Pilots made nearly 13K reports in 2024; the most in California, Texas, and Florida.

Pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration last year. While that is a 3 percent decrease from 2023, the numbers are still too high.

Aircraft laser strikes continue to be dangerously high

Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat and is a federal crime. Lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers. Pilots have reported 328 injuries since the FAA began tracking laser strike reports in 2010.

more


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St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands:

Execujet St Thomas completes FBO development

Execujet has announced the competion of its FBO development project at Cyril E. King Airport (STT/TIST), St. Thomas, USVI.

Located next to the air operations area, the FBO's spacious apron accommodates passenger drop-off, GPU hook-up, and parking for any size aircraft, in addition to direct access to the airport's 7,000-foot runway.

Execujet St Thomas completes FBO development

Inside, flight personnel enjoy several dedicated amenities including a lounge, a private bathroom with a shower, a flight planning station, and a full kitchen. For those wanting to explore the island beyond the FBO’s property, Execujet offers complimentary crew car privileges.

Execujet's new build further blends form and function with high-value features throughout the property, including a ramped walkway connecting the lobby to the airfield’s only exclusive vehicle parking area, 24-hour police and video surveillance, and solar-sourced energy.


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New Orleans:

UAS International Trip Support now offers RSP at 30 US airports

Leading global aviation solutions provider, UAS International Trip Support has announced the inclusion of five more airports to its US Customs and Border Protection’s Reimbursable Services Program (RSP) offering.

They include Salt Lake City International (KSLC), Buffalo Niagara International (KBUF), Denver International (KDEN), San Francisco International (KSFO), and Kona International at Keahole (PHKO). This latest addition brings the total number of UAS RSP airports to 30.

UAS International Trip Support now offers RSP at 30 US airports

As a member of the US CBP Reimbursable Service Program (RSP), UAS can request and pay for CBP overtime services at approved US entry ports where the hours of operation are limited. This greatly enhances operational flexibility and efficiency for UAS clients by empowering flights from overseas to directly reach their preferred destination on their preferred schedule, rather than being bound by CBP’s designated hours.

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United KIngdom:

NATS and University of Exeter launch new PhD’s in Air Traffic Management

NATS, the UK’s leading air traffic services provider, and the University of Exeter have launched the first NATS led Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) for Air Traffic Management (ATM).

The programme, worth over £1m, has drawn substantial funding from UK government through the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council’s (EPSRC) Industrial Doctorial Landscape Awards scheme, will open its doors to its first ten PhD students in October 2025.

The CDT aims to develop the next generation of researchers and industry leaders who will tackle the most pressing challenges in air traffic management (ATM) through cutting-edge research and innovation in key areas such as Artificial intelligence technologies, Human-computer interaction, Operational research, Control engineering.

This programme builds on the existing partnership between NATS and the University of Exeter through work on Project Bluebird.

Bringing together leading academics, industry experts and doctoral candidates, research will focus on AI for Air Traffic Control/Management, Human-Machine Teaming for Air Traffic Control, and technology to enhance airspace efficiency, resilience and sustainability, whilst keeping safety at the forefront.

more


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Luxembourg:

Luxaviation joins Project SkyPower to drive aviation’s transition to electro-sustainable fuel

Luxaviation Group has joined Project SkyPower, an international CEO-led initiative dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of
electro-sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF).

This strategic milestone reinforces Luxaviation’s long-standing commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for aviation.

Project SkyPower brings together leading actors from across the aviation ecosystem, including operators, manufacturers, energy producers, and policymakers, to scale the production and infrastructure of e-SAF. With a focus on electrofuels derived from renewable electricity, the initiative aims to address the environmental and energy transition challenges the aviation sector faces today.

Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group, states: “Project SkyPower represents the type of collaborative, progressive platform our industry needs. Luxaviation’s engagement in the initiative underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and industry innovation, as well as our active role in shaping the future ecosystem for electro-sustainable aviation fuels.”

Luxaviation’s participation as an active member of Project SkyPower provides the Group with an opportunity to engage in strategic discussions that will help shape the regulatory and industrial framework of electro-sustainable fuels. Furthermore, this involvement enables
Luxaviation to remain actively aligned with policy and technology developments in the e-SAF landscape.

more


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London:

Onboard medical equipment will advance with real-time telemedicine technologies says Aeromedic/AMETEK MRO

Aeromedic is a leading provider of medical equipment to the aerospace industry responsible for the design, manufacture, repair and refurbishment of first aid kits and emergency medical kits that are supplied to airlines worldwide.

In-depth specialist knowledge of global regulatory approvals, complex compliance monitoring, and the interpretation of arcane import/export procedures, keeps Aeromedic at the forefront of this essential service.

According to Engineering Director Steve Rowley, changes to commercial air transport regulations around the world, have resulted in airlines needing to review and update their onboard medical provisions.

“I believe that airlines will increasingly look towards adopting new technology, with real-time telemedicine capabilities that can connect passengers and crew with remote medical experts and diagnostic tools in case of an emergency, such as mobile ECGs. Critical conditions can be accurately identified, avoiding the need for emergency landings and the significant cost and passenger inconvenience that ensues.”

Onboard medical equipment will advance with real-time telemedicine technologies says Aeromedic/AMETEK MRO

In Europe, the CAA/EASA mandate that airlines must have kits on board every aircraft, also the number of kits required depends on the size of the aircraft.

more


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Bizav Newsreel

BBGA: Real voices

GearUp.TV partnered with BBGA to spotlight the people who matter most - their members.

BBGA: Real voices

Gama Aviation's Graham Williamson’s testimonial is part of a video series created to amplify BBGA’s community, showcase member stories, and bring heart to the business aviation space.

Because powerful advocacy starts with authentic voices.

Video watch the video


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Farnborough, UK:

Farnborough Airport signs landmark 12.5m litre SAF deal in pioneering step to help kick-start UK domestic refining sector

Farnborough Airport has signed a landmark deal with Hydrogen Refinery for 12.5 million litres or 10,000 tonnes per annum of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced locally from waste.

Farnborough Airport is already one of the largest single-site suppliers of SAF to the business aviation community, having sold over 2 million litres of 38% blended SAF since 2021. With the introduction of SAF mandates taking effect at the start of this year, domestic sales of SAF are increasingly being put at risk by the lack of production and investment within the UK.

The UK and the European Union have legislation-backed mandates on both the amount of SAF that must be used from January 2025 and also the way that SAF must be produced in the future. This is to ensure advanced fuels can be developed over time to support the required growth in SAF production without incentivising farmers to switch from growing food to growing SAF feedstocks.

SAF today is almost entirely produced from waste cooking oil or HEFA (Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids), however Hydrogen Refinery’s ground-breaking technology is able to produce carbon negative SAF from a variety of mixed waste products, sourced locally or from landfill sites.

Simon Geere, CEO at Farnborough Airport, commented: “We are delighted to be forging this ground-breaking alliance with e-fuels developer Hydrogen Refinery.

"Their patented technology has the potential to provide Farnborough Airport with enough proprietary supplies of SAF for us to become the first and only airport in the world to be offering fuel with a 20% blend across its entire supply by 2028, well ahead of the UK Government’s own target of 10% by 2030."

more


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Events

New Orleans:

Insight and inspiration drive a powerful 2025 Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference

The National Business Aviation Association’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC) left an indelible mark on the industry’s 2025 event calendar, with unmatched opportunities for networking, learning and sharing new ways to navigate challenges, now and in the future.

The high-energy conference featured more than 430 exhibiting companies and more than 3,300 attendees, including 350 first-time participants.

“This year’s Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference reverberated with a passion for aviation, and a commitment to coming together and moving forward with a sense of shared purpose,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We connected with each other, gained valuable insights from each other and invested in the industry’s future together.”

‘Gold-Medal Mindset’

Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller.

The conference formally got underway with a keynote session featuring seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller, who shared how her unique experience as a world-class gymnast and cancer survivor fuels her focus on a mindset centered on teamwork, resilience and a commitment to excellence.

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Stories you might have missed.

More stories on our Industry tabs at the top of the page.


And Finally

Airbourne Colours paints Brussels Airlines’ newest Belgian Icon livery

Airbourne Colours, industry-leading experts in aircraft painting and refinishing, has successfully transformed Brussels Airlines' Airbus A320 (OO-SNM) into the latest Belgian Icon livery 'Atomium' at its aircraft paint facility at East Midlands Airport, UK.

The meticulous painting process required over 400 litres of paint and took approximately 2,400 hours to complete, resulting in a stunning tribute to one of Belgium's most recognised symbols. The 'Atomium' proudly joins the prestigious line-up of Belgian Icons, reinforcing Brussels Airlines' commitment to showcasing local heritage worldwide and bringing little pieces of Belgium to the skies.

‘Atomium’ at Airbourne Colours' paint facility, East Midlands Airport.

‘Atomium’ at Airbourne Colours' paint facility, East Midlands Airport.

This marks the sixth Belgian Icon livery that Airbourne Colours has created for Brussels Airlines in the last 10 years, highlighting the company's expertise and long-standing partnership with the airline. The Belgian Icons series aims to introduce the best of Belgium to the world, making flying even more enjoyable for passengers.

Simon Cracknell, Airbourne Colours’ Sales and Marketing Director commented: "We are thrilled to have partnered with Brussels Airlines again to bring their vision of the Atomium to life. This project showcases our team's skill and dedication in creating intricate, eye-catching aircraft liveries.”

The newly painted A320 made its debut at a special ceremony in Brussels before embarking on its maiden commercial flight to Prague on March 27th. Aviation enthusiasts and travellers alike can look forward to spotting this impressive aircraft as it serves Brussels Airlines' European network.

  Aitbourne Colours

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