We strongly recommend viewing BlueSky in your browser. Click on our masthead

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 16th October 2025 | Issue #815

NBAA-BACE Roundup

Translation and Social Media. Twitter French German Spanish Italian Portuguese Russian Arabic Chinese Search BlueSky Google News App

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

clicik to visit Gogo

Las Vegas:

Business aviation’s vital contributions take centre stage at NBAA-BACE keynote

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen took the keynote stage on opening day of the 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition for “an absolute celebration of business aviation” and its role not only in driving economic growth and technological innovation, but also in inspiring future generations to aim higher.

“We’re a vital link in the global transportation system,” Bolen said. “We create jobs. We help companies be efficient and productive in an intensely competitive global marketplace. We provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, and we are on a mission to net-zero. It is great to be part of a great industry.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

Bolen emphasized that safety also remains of paramount importance not only in the business aviation community but throughout all other industry sectors following a series of high profile, fatal accidents earlier this year.

“We saw the entire aviation community coming together on the plan to build a brand-new air traffic control system,” Bolen said. “Airlines, airports, labor, all of general aviation [and] alignment between the president, the secretary of transportation, both houses of Congress and a public demanding that we build a new ATC system.”

Bolen also recognized in the audience the two most recent enshrinees to the National Aviation Hall of Fame, aviation safety consultant and former NTSB member John Goglia and NBAA Chair Emeritus Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton. “We’ve gotten to our point today by standing on the shoulders of giants,” he said.

more


click to visit The London Heli Shuttle


Las Vegas:

Mystery solved: Bombardier confirms BOND as the buyer behind its landmark June 2025 deal

BOND will enter the thriving business aviation market through their $1.7bn firm order for 50 Bombardier aircraft and a comprehensive service agreement.

Bombardier has revealed BOND as the customer behind its previously announced firm order for 50 aircraft, valued at US$1.7bn. The announcement came on the first day of NBAA-BACE, where BOND also unveiled its new brand identity.

The order includes both Challenger and Global aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2027. Choosing Bombardier exclusively to launch its operations marks a major milestone for BOND and highlights the company’s confidence in Bombardier’s aircraft and service expertise.

“As someone who has spent their career in private aviation, I’m excited to have the best planes in the world to offer to our customers at BOND,” said Bill Papariella, Chairman and Group CEO of BOND.

“Our relationship with their team spans many years through my previous work in the aftermarket space at Jet Edge, and I’ve seen firsthand the culture, consistency, and service mindset that make Bombardier exceptional.

"This relationship isn’t simply about aircraft - it’s about shared values and a long-term commitment to redefining reliability and care in private aviation. The capital markets’ response to our announcement in June validated that belief.

"What we’re building with BOND is a continuation of that same vision I began at Jet Edge: that great aviation companies are built around service, and Bombardier is the best in the world to help us deliver on that promise.”

more


click to visit Bon Soiree


United States:

Robust financing fuels growth in US business aviation, new study reveals

The US business aviation finance market is entering a period of accelerated growth, supported by increasingly favorable financing conditions, rising corporate demand, and new tax incentives that make fleet investment more attractive, according to a new study.

The research, commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), surveyed both US large corporations with an annual revenue of more than $500m and US-based business aviation financers and corporate jet brokers. The findings highlight broad confidence in the market’s financial outlook and expanding access to credit and leasing options.

Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets, said: “Our findings show that the business aviation sector remains strong, supported by attractive financing conditions and a clear shift towards larger, longer-range aircraft. As companies upgrade their fleets, specialist lenders and leasing structures are playing a bigger role, while heavy business jets are proving resilient in value. This combination points to a dynamic and expanding US business aviation market.”

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) business aviation financier and broker respondents expect the market to grow over the next two years, with 11% predicting strong growth. At the same time, 77% believe access to business aviation finance will increase over the next three years, providing corporations with more options to upgrade their fleets.

more


click to visit Jet+


Las Vegas:

Aero-dienst GmbH establishes US subsidiary

Strategic move to enhance parts availability and service expertise.

Aero-dienst GmbH, headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany, has announced the establishment of its US subsidiary, Aero-dienst America Inc. Located in Palm Beach, Florida, the new entity marks a significant milestone in the company's international growth strategy.

As a full-service provider for business aviation and air ambulance services, Aero-Arbeit is expanding its international presence to enhance service quality, customer proximity and response times. The initial priority is to ensure a reliable supply of spare parts.

As the first company from the German-speaking region of Europe to enter the North American parts distribution market, Aero-Arbeit anticipates excellent access to the world´s largest business aviation parts market.

The goal is to source spare parts more quickly and under better commercial conditions, thereby sustainably improving supply reliability and cost efficiency.

Optimized parts availability will benefit both the customer aircraft fleet operated in Europe and Aero-Arbeit's own fleet of air ambulance jets, which has been conducting global medical repatriation flights on behalf of its parent company ADAC (the General German Automobile Club) for nearly 30 years.

more


click to visit FLIGHTWORX


Savannah, Georgia:

Gulfstream opens Texas Repair and Overhaul Center

Gulfstream has announced the official opening of its new Texas Repair and Overhaul Center, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

This significant milestone supports Gulfstream’s long-term strategy to increase in-house component support and enhance parts availability to minimize customer downtime.

Gulfstream opens Texas Repair and Overhaul Center

The 100,000-square-foot/9,290-square-meter facility currently supports a multitude of services including repair and overhaul on wheels, brakes, batteries and hydraulics, along with structural and composite repairs and paint.

The center, which Gulfstream will ultimately expand to support avionics, landing gear and other components, represents an investment of more than $21m and houses over $5m in dedicated spare parts and inventory for repairs.

more


click to visit DAVINCI Inflight Training


People

Air Charter Safety Foundation

Larry Soles

Larry Soles

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has announced the appointment of Larry Soles as its new Director of Operations.
Soles joins ACSF with an extensive background in operational safety leadership, most recently serving as Senior Director of Operational & System Safety at Wheels Up, where he directed the Safety, Security, and Compliance teams.
Previously, Soles held senior safety leadership roles with another Part 135 operator and a large regional airline, where he overhauled both SMS and Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS) programs. He began his aviation career as an enlisted aircrew member in the United States Air Force, giving him a cross-sector foundation in safety, discipline, and operational performance.

As Director of Operations, Soles will oversee ACSF’s expanding portfolio of safety programs, including the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), Industry Audit Standard (IAS and IAS Lite), Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), and Member Assistance Program (MAP), helping operators strengthen their SMS frameworks and foster a culture of continuous safety improvement.


Castle & Cooke Aviation - Honolulu

Amy Kaleikini

Amy Kaleikini

Castle & Cooke Aviation has announced the promotion of Amy Kaleikini to general manager of its Honolulu FBO (PHNL).
Kaleikini brings more than 20 years of both commercial and business aviation experience to the role, along with a personal passion for service. Over her career, Kaleikini has demonstrated a proven record of building high-performing, guest-focused teams, making her an ideal choice to lead an FBO focused on “Nonstop Excellence. Nonstop Elegance.”

Kaleikini began her aviation career as a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines, later moving into customer service leadership roles with Aloha Airlines and America West.

In private aviation, she held leadership positions at Circle Rainbow Aviation and Air Service Hawaii before joining Castle & Cooke Aviation in 2008 as customer service manager.

click to visit F/LIST


WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Week 41 marks 25 consecutive weeks of year-on-year growth

  WINGX Global Market Tracker
In Week 41 (6 October-12 October), global bizjet activity reached 79,114 departures, up 4% compared to the prior week (Week 40) and up 7% versus Week 41 of 2024

On a rolling last four-week basis (W38 – W41), global business jets have accumulated more than 314,000 departures, a 7% increase compared to the same period last year.

The streak continues: 25 consecutive weeks of year-on-year growth. Out of the 41 weeks so far in 2025, 38 posted gains, with the biggest surge of 13% in Week 37, and the largest decline just 3% in Week 16.

North America: Florida surges 20% as region posts 6% growth

The North American market recorded 6% more activity in W41 2025 vs W41 2024, with total departures at 57,097. The US accounted for 97% of North America activity in Week 41, driving the region’s growth.

Among key states, trends varied with Florida posting exceptional 20% growth, while Texas also performed strongly with 9% more business jet activity than in Week 41 last year.

California activity was stagnant last week with only 1% growth. North America’s rolling four-week trend now sits at 7% ahead of the comparable period in 2024.

Notably, Florida is driving this 4-week trend, with 12% more activity compared to week 38-41 last year.

 

“We're now at 25 consecutive weeks of growth, which really shows the strength and consistency of the business aviation market.

"Florida's 20% surge and Africa's 48% growth demonstrate how diverse the demand drivers are globally."

full report


click to visit TITAN AVIATION FUELS


click to visit CAE


Las Vegas:

Honeywell sees record business jet demand, expects decade of continued growth

34th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook projects 8,500 new business jet deliveries valued at $283bn.

Honeywell has published its 34th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook, which forecasts a record-setting number of new business jet deliveries over the next decade.

The report provides unique insights into current industry trends and longer-cycle developments based on forecasting models and surveys of hundreds of business aviation operators across the globe.

Honeywell sees record business jet demand, expects decade of continued growth

Within the report, Honeywell predicts 8,500 new business jets with a projected value of $283bn the highest in the report’s 34-year history - will be delivered over the next 10 years with an average annual growth rate of 3%.

The strong demand for new jets continues to persist against a backdrop of increasingly complex macroeconomic and geopolitical factors. However, those factors have not slowed down the demand for new aircraft.

more


click to visit Krimson Aviation


click to visit DaVINCI Training Institute
watch the video
click to visit DaVINCI Training Institute

Las Vegas:

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 earns FAA type certification, introducing the most advanced Gen2 upgrades yet

Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 has achieved Federal Aviation Administration type certification, bringing the most comprehensive Citation Gen2 investment to market.

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 earns FAA type certification, introducing the most advanced Gen2 upgrades yet

Based on customer feedback, enhancements throughout the aircraft include Garmin autothrottle technology, an additional 4.5 inches of legroom for pilots and a fully customizable cabin environment. After completing 445 flight test hours, the light jet is expected to enter into service this year.

video more, plus video


click to visit Voluxis


click to visit Artemis Aerospace


Las Vegas:

Global 8000 set for 2025 debut as fastest civil aircraft since Concorde

Bombardier has announced that the Global 8000, the world’s fastest business jet, just got faster with a new top speed of Mach 0.95 - the highest speed in civil aviation and the fastest business jet in history.

Bombardier Global 8000 set for 2025 debut as fastest civil aircraft since Concorde

Speaking on the first day of NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, Stephen McCullough, Bombardier's SVP of Engineering and Product Development, said: “The Global 8000 was already the fastest business aircraft ever built, and with this new speed capability, this incredible aircraft is set to redefine the ultra-long-range market.

"This achievement underscores the significant contributions of our innovative design, flight test and production teams and showcases their immense expertise, obsession with excellence and unrelenting commitment to push the boundaries - the heartbeat that drives everything we do at Bombardier.”


click to visit TAG Aviation


request our media pack


Las Vegas:

Cessna Citation Ascend makes world debut at NBAA-BACE

The Cessna Citation Ascend landed at Henderson Executive Airport in Las Vegas this week, marking its world debut at the 2025 National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition.

The aircraft, which flew to the show using sustainable aviation fuel, joined other industry-leading Cessna Citation business jets on the static.

Cessna Citation Ascend makes world debut at NBAA-BACE

“With the aircraft making its debut at NBAA-BACE, visitors can see the new Garmin G5000 cockpit and experience the sleek new interior features including a flat floor, larger windows and wireless cabin management system,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation's SVP, Sales & Marketing.

Currently under development, the aircraft recently achieved a major milestone as the first production unit rolled out of the factory. Textron Aviation expects the aircraft to enter into service later this year following certification from the FAA.


click to visit London Biggin Hill Airport


click to visit TAG Aviation


Stans, Switzerland:

German Armed Forces receives first PC-12

Pilatus has handed over a PC-12 to the Technical and Airworthiness Center for Aircraft and Aeronautical Equipment of the German Armed Forces (WTD 61).

German Armed Forces receives first PC-12

This versatile single-engine turboprop will be stationed at the Ingolstadt/Manching air base in Germany, where it will be used for training test pilots and transporting personnel and material.

Cost-effective to operate and flexible in use, the PC-12 will provide the German Armed Forces with a high-performance aircraft which will considerably strengthen the service’s operational readiness.

more


click to visit HOT-STOP 'L' at Baker Aviation.


click to visit FLIGHTWORX


Las Vegas:

Skymark, World Fuel, and Clay Lacy unveil Nation’s largest all-electric aircraft refueler

Skymark Refuelers, in partnership with World Fuel Services and Clay Lacy Aviation, has launched the largest all-electric aircraft refueler in the United States - a 7,000-gallon EV Refueler advancing sustainable airport operations.

Skymark Refuelers, World Fuel, and Clay Lacy unveil Nation’s largest all-electric aircraft refueler

This innovative vehicle marks a major step in electrifying ground support equipment, combining zero-emission performance, efficiency, and safety. Key features include an all-electric drivetrain, PTO shaft-driven pump, advanced thermal management system, and smart monitoring for enhanced control and reliability. Fully compliant with NFPA standards, the refueler delivers both environmental and operational excellence.

Deployed with Clay Lacy Aviation, the 7,000-gallon EV Refueler sets a new benchmark for cleaner, smarter airport fueling solutions across the nation.


click to visit air bp

Job Hunting?

Las Vegas:

Record backlog drives strategic expansion and new investment at Comlux America

Comlux America has announced a major expansion of its operations and workforce to support a record order backlog and anticipated growth over the next several years.

Driven by strong demand across multiple platforms, Comlux America’s current backlog comprises 28 aircraft, including six A220s for Magnifica Air, four ACJ TwoTwentys, fifteen A321 NEOs, and three A320 NEOs.

To accommodate this extensive pipeline, the company has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indianapolis Airport Authority to expand its hangar capacity and operational footprint.

Record backlog drives strategic expansion and new investment at Comlux America

As part of the agreement, Comlux America will add two new hangars by Q1 2026, providing 4 additional narrowbody bays, and complete a further expansion by the end of 2026, adding 4 more bays for narrowbody programs.

These projects will enhance Comlux’s capacity and flexibility, enabling it to accommodate a growing mix of VIP completions and MRO projects.

In alignment with its infrastructure investments, Comlux America is growing its employee base to meet increased production demand. The company’s workforce expanded by 20% in 2025, with a further 20% increase planned in 2026.

more


click to visit London Oxford Airport


Las Vegas:

Gogo flying high at NBAA-BACE

Gogo Galileo HDX and FDX STCs confirmed; more than 150 HDX antennas shipped; flight testing of Gogo 5G ATG service planned.

Gogo has been flying high at NBAA-BACE this week with momentum building across its entire multi-orbit, multi-band business aviation connectivity portfolio.

The first Gogo Galileo FDX supplemental type certificates (STC) for the larger of the two electronically steered antennas (ESA) are now available. Ahead of NBAA, ALOFT AeroArchitects confirmed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for Boeing BBJ737NG aircraft with the first FDX antenna already flying on a previously unconnected executive airliner.

StandardAero generated the first pair of Gogo Galileo STCs for the HDX and FDX terminals on Challenger 600 series. This fuselage supports the Gogo Galileo FDX antenna.

A second Gogo Galileo FDX was completed as StandardAero became the first Gogo Galileo dealer to simultaneously complete a pair of STCs, with the FAA approving HDX and FDX paperwork for Bombardier Challenger 600 series aircraft.

A further eight Gogo Galileo FDX STC agreements are also in process, covering a total of 24 aircraft types.

more


click to visit Collins Aerospace


Las Vegas:

Jet Aviation marks 40 years of US operations with continued growth and innovation

Jet Aviation is celebrating 40 years of business aviation excellence in the United States, highlighting decades of service expansion and announcing new developments across its operations, including growth in its aircraft management and charter fleet, enhancements to its digital staffing platform, and the 40th anniversary of its Palm Beach, Florida, facility.

Jet Aviation Flight Services celebrates 40 years

Jet Aviation Flight Services (JAFS), the company’s US aircraft management and charter division, marks its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1985 and expanded with the acquisition of Executive Air Fleet in 1988, JAFS today manages a diverse fleet of aircraft across the United States under its Part 91, Part 125, and Part 135 certificates.

Jet Aviation marks 40 years of US operations with continued growth and innovation

“From our beginning in 1985 to the global network we are part of today, we are proud of the legacy and expertise that define Jet Aviation Flight Services,” said David Dalpiaz, vice president, flight services in the Americas. “Our growth reflects the dedication of our team and our commitment to providing a seamless, integrated experience for every aircraft owner and charter customer.”

Over the past four decades, JAFS has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive, tailored solutions, including management, charter, staffing, maintenance, completions, inflight services, and regulatory support.

more


click to visit VarnaJet


Las Vegas:

Introducing CAE CORe: an enhanced data-driven training method, filling a gap in business aviation

As traditional regulation prescribes, pilots train regularly for emergency situations that, fortunately, most will never encounter outside of a simulator.

However, there is a gap when it comes to emerging threats that are not typically covered during a standard task-based training session. This leaves pilots less well-equipped to deal with new risks.

Introducing CAE CORe: an enhanced data-driven training method, filling a gap in business aviation

Approximately 95% of business jet operators manage fleets of five aircraft or fewer, with more than 80% operating a single aircraft. Due to the limited number of aircraft and pilots, these operators often lack the volume of data required to generate sufficient feedback for driving meaningful improvements in advanced pilot training.

As a result, business aviation pilots, much like those in small airlines, typically continue to follow traditional training regulations.

However, the operational parameters are known to be much more diverse, calling for more practical, real-world training in addition to minimum requirements fulfilled by task-based instruction in business aviation.

more


click to visit Artemis Aerospace


Savannah, Georgia:

Gulfstream fleet surpasses 3 million nautical miles flown on SAF

Gulfstream Aerospace's fleet of corporate, demonstration and support aircraft has surpassed 3 million nautical miles flown on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends.

In addition, the Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream G700, Gulfstream G600 and Gulfstream G400 flew to this week’s 2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas using SAF blends.

Gulfstream fleet surpasses 3 million nautical miles flown on SAF

“Flying more than 3 million nautical miles on SAF blends is a testament to our commitment to sourcing and demonstrating the benefits of SAF,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream.

“We have long been at the forefront of sustainability innovations, and this latest milestone further showcases our leadership and efforts to advance business aviation’s overarching sustainability goals.”

more


Events

EBACE26:

EBAA reaffirms Geneva as the home of EBACE as static display returns for 2026

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) is reaffirming Geneva as the home of EBACE26, confirming the event’s return to the city with a full static display.

Following EBACE’s evolution in 2025, the first year fully organised by EBAA, the 2026 edition will build on a new vision for the show.

EBAA reaffirms Geneva as the home of EBACE as static display returns for 2026

Stefan Benz, CEO, EBAA, says: “We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the positive and supportive reaction to EBACE remaining in Geneva with a static display. Switzerland remains the centre of business aviation in Europe and Geneva combines outstanding connections, a strong financial ecosystem and a clear appeal to the industry’s end users.

“In previous years, the true value of Geneva as a location has not always been fully realised. For EBACE26, our goal is to build on that foundation and ensure the city’s strengths, its accessibility, professionalism and global outlook, are used to their full potential.

more


Search BlueSky


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


And Finally

KlasJet employee breaks three national records in single high-altitude jump

Aleksej Zelenkov, a duty manager at private and corporate jet charter company, KlasJet, has broken three Lithuanian skydiving records in a single jump from 7,620 meters during a specialized high-altitude event in Herning, Denmark.

The achievement included setting new Lithuanian records for the highest skydive, longest canopy flight duration at approximately 13 minutes, and the highest altitude display of the Lithuanian flag.

KlasJet employee breaks three national records in single high-altitude jump

“The conditions of the jump were genuinely extreme - the temperature was -37 degrees Celsius, and I needed an oxygen source. Unlike my previous high-altitude jump with freefall, this time I deployed the parachute immediately after exit, which meant feeling the full force of that cold instantly. My hands and feet went numb almost immediately,” Zelenkov remembers.

Zelenkov executed the jump during a specialized high-altitude event in Denmark, one of the few opportunities in Europe for civilian skydivers to reach such heights. After completing a freefall jump from 7,500 meters the previous year, he decided to attempt something more challenging - an immediate canopy deployment from an even higher altitude.

more


click to visit Gogo


Information Follow us on Facebook. MEBAA Enquiries Unsubscribe About Us | Privacy Policy | Company Information. Press Releases & Announcements EBAA Advertisie in BlueSky Subscribe to BlueSky LinkedIn NBAA BBGA Search BlueSky's archive. Follow us on Twitter.

Unsubscribe

Aviation, News, Flight, Aerospace, Private, MRO, Airport, Aircraft, Jet, Fleet, FBO, Fixed Based Operation, Rotor, Helicopter, Jet Centre, Business Aviation, Private Aviation, General Aviation, Bizav, Interiors, OEM, Charter, Operator, Broker, Pilot, Crew, Cabin, Training, Sustainable Aviation, SAF, FAA, EBAA, NBAA, FAA, Hybrid, UAM, Simulator, UAV, eVTOL, Embraer, Gulfstream, Cessna, Dassault, Bombardier, Textron, Pilatus.