Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Washington, DC:GAMA releases Q1 2025 Aircraft Shipment and Billing ReportThe General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has published the First Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report. The results for the first three months of 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024 show increased shipments across all sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments. Aircraft shipments through the first quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 19.3% with 353 units, turboprops increase 23.1% with 133 units, and business jets increase 11.0% with 141 units. The value of airplane deliveries through the first quarter of 2025 was $5.04bn, an increase of 25.7%.
Suffolk County, New York:Signature opens newest location at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton BeachSignature Aviation has announced the opening and operations launch at its facility at Francis S. Gabreski Airport (FOK) in Westhampton Beach, New York.The opening will elevate the travel experience into the popular tourist destination in Suffolk County known for its beaches, ease of city access, and dining options while also serving as a preview for the state-of-the-art facility Signature has planned for the site in the future. Signature began operations out of a custom-built, short-term facility on May 23, 2025 to serve the area’s travelers. This customized location was designed using premium materials and finishes which will match many of the features in the planned design of the location’s long-term terminal project. The initial site will include nearly 350,000 square feet of ramp space available with aircraft parking access at the time of launch.
Wichita, Kansas:Textron announces fleet order for up to 12 Cessna Citations from Aerolineas EjecutivasTextron Aviation has entered into a purchase agreement with Aerolíneas Ejecutivas (ALE), Mexico’s leading business aviation company, for up to 12 Cessna Citation business jets.ALE will operate the aircraft - a mix of Cessna Citation Latitude, Citation CJ3 Gen2 and Citation CJ3 Gen3 business jets - in its fractional ownership division, MexJet. ALE expects to take delivery of four aircraft, including two Citation Latitudes and two Citation CJ3 Gen2 aircraft, in 2026. “Cessna Citation business jets are ideal for fractional customers seeking class-leading comfort and performance,” said Marcelo Moreira, vice president, Sales, Latin America. “We appreciate customers like ALE, who recognize the benefits of flying a diverse fleet of Citation jets. "The operating economics of Citations, along with Textron Aviation’s extensive service and support network, ensures continuous productivity and enjoyment throughout the ownership experience.”
Oxnard, California:Golden West Jet Center to close after nearly two decades of dedicated serviceStrategic shift leads FBO owners to focus on enhancements at Million Air Burbank.After 18 years of operation at Oxnard Airport (KOXR), fixed base operator Golden West Jet Center will officially conclude its services on June 1st, 2025.The leasehold at Oxnard Airport was recently the subject of a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. During this time, owner Harold Lee chose not to submit a bid for renewal. “We’ve truly valued our time at Oxnard Airport,” said Lee. “However, our strategy has evolved, and continued operations at Oxnard no longer align with our long-term goals. We remain optimistic about the future for our company and are open to new opportunities.” A seasoned veteran in the FBO industry with nearly 40 years of experience, Lee also owns Van Nuys Skyways, Inc., which operates as Million Air Burbank at Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR). His previous FBO locations include Million Air Van Nuys (KVNY), Million Air Palm Springs (KPSP) and Golden West Jet Center in Santa Maria (KSMX).
AfBAA:AfBAA announces new leadershipThe African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has announced the election of a new leadership team to steer its affairs.The new appointees are Mr Dawit Lemma, as Chairperson and Mr Craig Middleton, as Vice-Chairperson & Treasurer. Dawit Lemma is a seasoned aviation executive, entrepreneur, and advocate with over 25 years of experience spanning multiple continents. As the Founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation Holdings Ltd., he has successfully scaled operations into nearly 35 countries, establishing the company as a leader in aviation services across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.  Dawit Lemma His expertise lies in aircraft ground handling, maintenance, aviation business development, and operational excellence, backed by a solid technical foundation as a licensed commercial pilot (FAA, SACAA, EASA/Swiss FOCA) and FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic. Craig Middleton has over 30 years of expertise in aviation management, strategic business development, and operational leadership, Craig has consistently driven growth, innovation, and operational excellence across multiple international aviation organizations.  Craig Middleton As the Director of Sales and Account Management at General Aviation Services Ltd (G.A.S.), Craig is dedicated to optimizing customer experience, managing key accounts, and resolving operational challenges to elevate service standards. His strategic acumen ensures the company continues to expand its market presence and revenue streams within the aviation sector.
Guardian Jet Greg WeldeleGuardian Jet LLC, a global leader in aircraft consulting, appraisals and brokerage, has named Greg Weldele as Vice President for the South Central region, reinforcing the firm’s already-strong presence in the US and sharpening its focus on client growth in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico.With more than two decades of experience in business aviation, Weldele brings a deep understanding of aircraft sales, financial analysis, legal risk and international market strategy.Prior to joining Guardian Jet, Weldele served as Regional Sales Director for Embraer Executive Jets, where he was responsible for more than $750m in new and pre-owned aircraft sales in Texas and Louisiana. He also held senior leadership roles in aircraft finance at Bank of America, where he led sales efforts in South America and the US Midwest, and began his tenure as a Business Development Officer in 2007. Earlier in his career, Weldele held key positions at The Royal Bank of Scotland, Merrill Lynch Capital, and the Provident Financial Group, Inc., deepening his experience in global aircraft finance and client consulting. Weldele holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and also studied international economics at the university’s John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg. FL Technics Mazvydas MatazinskasFL Technics, part of Avia Solutions Group, has appointed Mazvydas Matazinskas as its new Head of Logistics and Storage.With over a decade of experience in the field, Matazinskas will lead the company’s global logistics strategy, oversee its implementation, and drive further development initiatives. He has spent the past eight years within FL Technics’ logistics department. Commenting on his new role, Matazinskas said: “This career step gives me the opportunity to apply my accumulated experience to support the company’s growth - by developing innovative, LEAN-driven processes, strengthening relationships with international clients, and improving internal operations.” According to Matazinskas, logistics is one of key components of FL Technics’ aviation business. Aviation logistics is distinct for its specialization in transporting aviation cargo globally across diverse sectors. |
In the most recent week (19th-25th May), global business jet sectors grew 10% compared to Week 21 last year, with the core US market recording 16% year on year growth.According to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today, the Charter and Fractional markets were strong last week, global sectors 8% ahead of W21 last year, up 15% in the US. As May draws to a close, the global bizjet fleet is flying 3% more sectors than May last year. Only three weeks this year have seen negative YOY trends.
In the seven weeks since the announcement of Trump’s tariffs in April, global business jet activity is up 3.3%, almost identical to the 3.4% YOY trend in the 7 weeks preceding the tariffs. The trend for US domestic bizjet sectors has accelerated from 3.4% to 4.1%. There have been discernible slowdowns in YOY trends in Europe (slight), the global part-135 fleet activity (modest) and in flights from Germany and Canada (substantial). North America Bizjet departures from airports in California, Florida and Texas powered US activity in Week 21, sectors in these US States up 15%, 14% and 17% compared to W21 last year.
'The best talk show in town'GearUp TV's Liz Moscrop presents a few of the key highlights from EBACE25.
Toronto:First production Bombardier Global 8000 completes flawless inaugural flightThe fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde.Bombardier's first production Global 8000 aircraft has successfully completed its inaugural flight.The milestone was completed on May 16th from Bombardier’s state-of-the-art Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, and the aircraft executed a series of tests, part of the production flight test procedures during the flight.
The exquisite jet landed under the expert command of pilot Sandro Novelli, assisted by co-pilot Charlie Honey and flight engineer Bhargav Bhavsar. All flight controls were exercised on the aircraft, and the systems and aircraft performed as expected.
EBACE25:TITAN Aviation Fuels International helps clients manoeuver ReFuelEU mandateGeneva-based TITAN Aviation Fuels International is extending its knowledge and support to business aviation operators seeking to comply with the complex ReFuelEU mandate.With more than fifty years of fuelling expertise behind it, the TITAN team is well positioned to help operators navigate access to higher and lower Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends as well as ensure regulatory compliance. The mandate, which was introduced in January 2025, requires in-scope operators (those that fly more than 500 flights annually) to uplift a 2% SAF blend at designated airports in continental Europe. In addition to providing information about the mandate requirements, TITAN is monitoring which airports must supply the 2% SAF, advising operators about when they need to be compliant, and enabling operators to show their compliance by providing invoices that clearly break out the cost of the 2% SAF uplift.
Luxembourg and Dubai, UAE:ExecuJet Middle East elevates global travel with ultra long-range. high-performance fleet expansionAs private aviation adapts to the rise of intercontinental lifestyles, increased mobility among ultra-high-net-worth individuals and a growing demand for nextgeneration aircraft, ExecuJet Middle East is expanding its managed fleet with a strategic, futurefocused approach.This development underscores a broader industry shift toward sustainability, advanced technology and ownership models that offer greater flexibility and personalisation for a globally connected clientele.
Operating from its newly opened, state-of-the-art private jet terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), ExecuJet continues to redefine the region’s private aviation landscape. The latest fleet expansion introduces some of the most advanced large-cabin aircraft on the market, including the Bombardier Global 7500, Global 6000, Global 5000, Challenger 650, Gulfstream G650ER, Dassault Falcon 7X, Falcon 8X and the Boeing Business Jet.
Kazakhstan:Kazakhstan approves ExecuJet Haite for aircraft maintenanceThe Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK) has certified ExecuJet Haite to perform line and base maintenance on Bombardier Challenger series and Embraer Legacy business jets. This marks ExecuJet Haite's first certification in the Central Asian region.
Embraer Legacy aircraft at ExecuJet Haite Tianjin maintenance base. “Kazakhstan borders China and is Central Asia’s largest business jet market and we see Kazakhstan and the wider central Asian region as a growth opportunity for our company. There are 8-10 Bombardier Challenger aircraft registered in Kazakhstan and about the same number of Embraer Legacy aircraft,” says Paul Desgrosseilliers, General Manager of ExecuJet Haite. “We believe we are well-placed to serve operators from Kazakhstan, and the wider central Asia region, because of our proximity to that market. Our competitiveness in pricing and downtime, coupled with the high quality of our workmanship, makes for a significant value proposition for those customers,” adds Desgrosseilliers.
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 EBACE25:EBACE - different - but a lot to likeEmerald Media's Alison Chambers reports from Geneva. As the curtain fell on EBACE 2025 last Thursday attendees came away pleasantly surprised.The first edition ‘EBACE by EBAA’ - since the show debuted under the wing of NBAA in 2001 - was better than expected, despite absent OEMs, an aircraft static and key primes. In the place of regulars like AMAC Aerospace, Honeywell, RTX, we saw shiny new exhibitors from the Middle East - like RightJet and Falcon (with its fancy chandeliers) along with names that would typically grace Schedulers and Dispatchers. New features like the Associations’ Village was a welcome addition - a group expected to play an important part in the future, highlighted EBAA Director General Holger Krahmer in his opening remarks last Monday. Perhaps he was musing about a new strategy for the rebranded show. I love the idea of a Eurovision Show Contest / meets Routes - where cities and airports bid each year to host it.
Moving the show around is smart idea considering business aviation has a target on its back. Engaging with different cities, local media, politicians, could be just the new direction it needs. At each new city it lands in the show would garner more supporters, raise awareness about what business aviation does. We already have Climbing. Fast. The NBAA advocacy initiative going global with support from IBAC. During EBACE BBGA announced it was joining the cause. “We are delighted to be taking a room in the virtual house,” said Managing Director Lindsey Oliver. Expect Ireland to follow suit. Joe Buckley, IBGAA Founding Director was very enthusiastic.
Everett, WA and Kemble, UK:ZeroAvia to build manufacturing hub in ScotlandHydrogen Centre of Excellence and major manufacturing facility close to Glasgow Airport.Zero-emission aviation leader, ZeroAvia, will build a major manufacturing facility for production of its hydrogen-electric powertrains at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland, close to Glasgow Airport in Renfrewshire.ZeroAvia’s Hydrogen Centre of Excellence will support the company in a range of manufacturing operations relating to powertrain production and testing and will also be the company’s primary location for production of advanced high temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell stacks and supporting systems. With nearly 3,000 full engine and component orders agreed with airlines and OEMs - corresponding to over $10bn in future revenues - ZeroAvia is advancing its production operations to meet demand. The new facility will complement ZeroAvia’s Propulsion Center of Excellence in Washington State which is focusing primarily on electric motors and power electronics. The company also has plans to expand its R&D and aircraft testing centre at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire. The project in Scotland, which will unlock millions in private investment and support hundreds of jobs over the next few years, has been made possible by a £9m Regional Selective Assistance grant from Scottish Enterprise.
EBACE25:HansJet launches PC-12 membership programme in Southern EuropeNo upfront investment required.HansJet, headquartered in Malta, announced at EBACE 2025 the launch of a fully flexible membership/fractional programme centred on the popular Pilatus PC-12. After four years of successfully serving the On Demand Charter Market and pioneering the European single engine turbine market with more than 5,000 flight hours delivered, HansJet has carefully crafted two programmes which are specifically tailored around the needs of PC-12 clients who fly more than 50 flight hours per year.
The programmes launch from this month, in response to customer demand for the versatile, single-engine turboprop and are aimed both towards HNWIs and corporates. An initial four PC-12s (PC-12NG and NGX variants) will be offered into the programme. HansJet is also planning to add three more (new and pre-owned) PC-12s as interest grows. The programme centres on two offerings.
Vienna:CAE welcomes first customer to its new CAE Vienna training centreGlobal aviation training leader CAE has opened CAE Vienna, its first business aviation training centre in Central Europe and welcomed its first customer in April. The company also announced that a Gulfstream G550 full-flight simulator (FFS) is already in operation, and a new Pilatus PC-24 FFS will be deployed at the 8,000 square foot training facility in the second half of 2026. CAE Vienna will feature up to nine full-flight simulators (FFS), including Europe's first Bombardier Global 7500 FFS scheduled to enter service in June, a Global Vision and Embraer Phenom 100/300 FFS this summer, and a Bombardier Challenger 3500 in October 2025.
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TAG Aviation’s pilot training program elevates Angel Wun to Gulfstream G650 junior First OfficerTAG Aviation is proud to announce that Angel Wun has successfully completed her line check and is now officially a Gulfstream G650 Junior First Officer. This milestone underscores TAG Aviation's commitment to developing and nurturing talent within the aviation industry through its unique TAG Trained Pilot (TTP) program.Angel's achievement demonstrates the success of the TTP program, a cornerstone of TAG Aviation's talent development strategy for nearly a decade. The TTP program exemplifies TAG Aviation's "Aviator DNA" and dedication to cultivating the next generation of skilled pilots. "We are proud of Angel and her accomplishment," said Juan Mas, Director of Flight Operations "Her success demonstrates the effectiveness of our investment in young talent and reinforces that our people are our greatest asset." One of TAG Aviation's key differentiators is its commitment to addressing the industry-wide challenge of a shortage of properly trained and qualified business aviation professionals. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and development programs, TAG Aviation provides a supportive environment where individuals can reach their full potential. |
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