Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Tampa, Florida:FlyUSA expands fleet and operations with acquisition of TRYP Air Charter and MySkyFlyUSA has announced the acquisition of TRYP Air Charter and its affiliated company, MySky Aviation Solutions.This expansion brings FlyUSA's total aircraft under management from 24 to 28. The transaction also expands FlyUSA's on-fleet aircraft available for charter from eight to a total of 12, a 50% increase in its charter fleet. Under this transition, FlyUSA is fully committed to ensuring that it is seamless for all clients, partners and staff. "We've known the TRYP team since we first started FlyUSA and they've been a great partner to work with, we are all excited about joining forces," said Barry Shevlin, Co-Founder and CEO of FlyUSA.
"This transaction results in FlyUSA becoming the largest and most active combined turboprop and light jet fleet in the state of Florida, if not the broader Southeast US. "This partnership unlocks new opportunities for growth, but most importantly, delivers even greater value to those we serve. I could not be more excited having these two organizations join FlyUSA."
Savannah, Georgia:Gulfstream completes newest St. Louis expansionModernized facility increases aircraft completions operations and brings more jobs to aviation hub.Gulfstream Aerospace has announced the finalization of its expanded aircraft completions operations at St. Louis Downtown Airport during a ceremony to inaugurate the new space. Originally announced in 2023, the facility expansion provides the necessary resources to support full aircraft interior outfitting at Gulfstream’s St. Louis facility. “This St. Louis facility expansion is a continuation of our company-wide growth strategy to support the production of Gulfstream’s industry-leading fleet,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “It positions our team to further support completions of our next-generation aircraft for customers all over the world as demand for these aircraft continues to grow.” This expansion represents an investment of more than $30m and adds to Gulfstream’s St. Louis MRO facility that opened in 2017 to provide dedicated hangar space and service to support the entire Gulfstream fleet. Today, Gulfstream employs over 675 team members on-site in St. Louis and encompasses a total facility footprint of 645,013 square feet/59,993 square meters.
Savannah, Georgia:Sheltair completes major apron expansion at Savannah/Hilton Head IntlSheltair Aviation has completed a significant apron expansion at its Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) location, marking another major step forward in its ongoing commitment to supporting general aviation and the region’s growing business aviation needs. The newly constructed apron adds approximately 3.4 acres of aircraft parking and operational space to Sheltair’s existing 8.4-acre leasehold at SAV. This increase in aircraft parking capacity allows Sheltair to better accommodate transient and based aircraft, providing more safety, flexibility, and efficiency for general aviation customers. “The completion of our FBO ramp expansion marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to growth, efficiency, and excellence in safety and service,” said Leigh Kendziorski, General Manager at Sheltair SAV. “This apron expansion not only enhances our operational capabilities but also strengthens our ability to better serve our partners, clients, and the aviation community at large. As the general aviation fleet continues to grow in size, this expansion allows us to comfortably accommodate larger aircraft and meet the evolving needs of the industry.”
Scotsdale, Arizona:StandardAero celebrates 1,500th Honeywell HTF7000 major maintenance service event at Augusta Regional AirportStandardAero recently completed the 1,500th Honeywell HTF7000 series engine received for major maintenance at its Augusta, GA engine service center. StandardAero is the industry’s exclusive independent, OEM-authorized heavy maintenance provider for the HTF7000 turbofan engine model, and with this milestone, has performed more major HTF7000 workscope events than any other company in the industry.
The Honeywell HTF7000 engine, formerly known as the AS907, reached 10 million flight hours in 2024 from the wings of Bombardier Challenger 300/350, Cessna Citation Longitude, Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600, and Gulfstream G280 aircraft. StandardAero supports each of these aircraft’s engine needs from five sites world-wide, backed by over 100 technical staff. “This milestone echoes the continued trust operators have in StandardAero for their HTF7000 engine support,” said Tony Brancato, president of StandardAero Engine Services - Business Aviation division. “We’ve been channel partners with Honeywell for over half a century starting with the TFE731 engine, and our commitment to serving the HTF7000 customer base with expert, quality support is no different.”
Connecticut:Machinists union members go on strike at Pratt & WhitneyAbout 3,000 labor union members went on strike early Monday at jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut, as negotiations over wages, retirement benefits and job security broke down. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers were picketing at manufacturing locations in East Hartford and Middletown, after about 77% of nearly 2,100 union members voted to approve their first strike since 2001, union officials said. Their contract expired late Sunday. “Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so,” David Sullivan, the union's eastern territory vice president, said in a statement. ”This offer does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision - we will continue to fight for a fair contract.” The company, a subsidiary of Arlington, Virginia-based RTX Corp., called its latest wage and retirement proposal competitive, and said its workforce is among the most highly compensated in the region and industry.
Teterboro, New Jersey:Signature offers enhanced international arrivals services at Teterboro AirportSignature Aviation has announced a more streamlined service at the northwest Customs & Border Protection General Aviation Facility at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, which will enhance the resident and guest experience. Signature’s service at the northwest facility will provide a more efficient experience for our international arrival guests and residents at Teterboro by providing start-to-finish assistance on the customs ramp and reducing transportation time following the clearance process.
Upon landing, arriving guests and residents will taxi to the northwest customs ramp for clearance where they will be marshalled on to the ramp by a Signature team member. Following clearance, Signature’s team members will provide end-to-end service for baggage assistance and other critical guest and resident needs, while providing quick transportation to the new northwest Signature Aviation international arrivals terminal, Hangar 12, which borders the customs ramp.
Bitlux Dennis JuBoca Raton-headquartered private jet company, Bitlux, has announced the appointment Dennis Ju as Vice President of Growth.This strategic addition is set to drive the company’s growing jet card program which offers guaranteed availability, fixed hourly rates, and the option to pay directly in cryptocurrency.A seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience leading revenue growth and building high-performing teams in SaaS, franchising, and real estate services, Ju will lead customer acquisition, build partnerships, and set Bitlux up for long-term global growth. Ju has a track record of building and growing revenue for organizations in dynamic industries. He headed US and global sales teams at several high-growth businesses, introducing AI-powered prospecting software to reinvent lead generation and creating franchise networks through strategic partnerships. His successes also include securing crucial seed funding for startups and deploying pre-sale methods that accelerate product-market fit and revenue realization. In addition to his professional success, Ju remains committed to social activism. He serves on the board of Sheltered Alliance, a nonprofit that fights human trafficking. He has helped advance housing rights and census representation for underrepresented communities through his work with the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). |
Global business jet departures in Week 18 2025 were up 3% year-on-year, in line with the full month of April, during which 314,522 bizjet flights were operated, just shy of the record April activity of 2022.So far this year, large cabin business jet flights are up by 3.8%, with Small and Midsize jet activity up 2.7% and Turboprop activity up by 1%.
Global business jet departures for the month of April. North America Overall, bizjet activity in Week 18 across North America was up 1% compared to Week 18 last year, the US matching this trend. For Part 135 & 91K activity, bizjet flights were down 1% in Week 18. This is a slowdown from the 3% trends through Q1 2025.
GlobeAir's 'dream team' are excited to share news of their new, game-changing, fractional ownership programme for the light-jet sector in the European market.Commencing with the Cessna Citation M2, the programme will expand in the coming weeks to include the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3.
GearUp TV's Liz Moscrop talks to Bernhard Fragner, GlobeAir CEO & Founder, Jonathan Berdoz, VP Sales & Marketing, and CCO Mauro De Rosa.
Wichita, Kansas:Greece’s National Center for Emergency Care receives new Beechcraft King Air 360CTextron Aviation has announced the delivery of a Beechcraft King Air 360C aircraft to Greece’s Ministry of Health and the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV), as part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Health Initiative (GHI).
The versatile turboprop, equipped with a cargo door and an air-medical system, will further ensure that patients receive urgent air transport from remote areas to central locations in Greece and Europe. “The King Air 360C will significantly boost EKAV’s capabilities in providing emergency medical care, ensuring that patients receive immediate and reliable air transport from remote areas to central locations in Greece and Europe,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales. “The aircraft is equipped with the latest medical equipment and is ready to serve in diverse and remote locations.”
United Kingdom:Artemis Aerospace achieves a King’s Award for EnterpriseArtemis Aerospace has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.Artemis is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Announced on Tuesday (6th May), Artemis has been recognised for its excellence in international trade. A total of 199 awards have been announced with two companies being recognised with two awards.
Deborah Scott and Jim Scott, co-founders of Artemis Aerospace. Employing 14 people, Artemis Aerospace was founded in 1999 and is a leading aviation component supplies and support service. Based in West Sussex, the company operates globally and has international hubs covering the US and Asia.
Santa Cruz, California:Joby achieves testing landmark with piloted aircraftFirst full transition flights with pilot onboard.Electric air taxi developer, Joby Aviation, Inc., has reached a landmark moment in its aircraft test program, successfully completing flights with a full transition from vertical to cruise flight, and back again, with a pilot onboard.
Transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight is a key design attribute of the Joby aircraft, allowing it to take-off and land vertically like a helicopter, while maintaining the efficiency and speed of a conventional, fixed-wing aircraft in forward flight. This unique capability will enable Joby to deliver rapid and seamless passenger service directly to popular destinations.
AI is enabling industries across the globe to take quantum leaps in the way they operate, and the aerospace component supply sector is no exception. As the industry battles a shortage of both aircraft maintenance technicians and parts, in addition to considerable global disruption, the benefits that AI can bring to the table are significant.
Working around the world, logistics optimisation is crucial to ensure the right aircraft part is in the right place at exactly the right time; this process involves Holmesian detective abilities and top-drawer organisational expertise, all with a keen eye on clients’ budgets.Inevitably, it also involves tight deadlines; if an aircraft is AOG because a component is malfunctioning or broken, a solution needs to be found immediately. AI has the potential to cut through the paperwork and the timespan taken for every eventuality and overturn many of the processes which suppliers have developed over the years.
|
 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:Saudi Arabia officially opens domestic aviation market to international charter operatorsSaudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially removed cabotage restrictions on charter flight operations, with several international business and private jet operators already applying for permits to operate flights within the Kingdom.The decision, effective 1st May 2025, marks a major milestone in GACA’s strategy to transform Saudi Arabia into a global aviation hub and drive growth of the private aviation and business jet sector.
Imtiyaz Manzary, General Manager for General Aviation at GACA, said: “GACA is excited to welcome international operators to fly within Saudi Arabia. This policy change will build real opportunities for growth, create jobs, and make the Kingdom a more connected, accessible place for business and private travel. "We believe this step will unlock huge potential for operators and passengers alike.”
Vilnius, Lithuania:KlasJet expands VIP charter services to Milan in response to growing demand from sports teams and their fansPrivate and corporate jet charter company, KlasJet, part of Avia Solutions Group, is responding to the increased demand from the European market by reallocating one of its Boeing 737s to Milan Malpensa airport.According to the company's spokesperson, the airport was chosen because of its strategic location and numerous elite sports events that take place in its close proximity. The demand for VIP charter flights in Europe has been steadily increasing for the past few years, with a CAGR of 9.89% forecast until the end of the decade. Interest is exceptionally high during the summer season, when people travel extensively for holidays, major sports events, etc.
This trend is particularly pronounced in Italy, which hosts some of the most popular Formula One and MotoGP events in Europe. According to Valeria Prilipko, Sales Development Manager at KlasJet, this made Milan an ideal choice for plane reallocation. "Milan is a strategic geographic point for both domestic and international travel. This location allows fast access to major European hubs, while providing effective connectivity and quick access to other Italian cities," she says.
Broomfield, Colorado:Gogo confirms PMA for Gogo Galileo FDX, facilitating STC generation for super-midsize and larger aircraftGogo has received PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) from the Federal Aviation Administration for its Gogo Galileo FDX antenna.With PMA confirmed, the global Gogo dealer network is pushing ahead with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) generation for super-midsize and larger aircraft types, as Gogo marks the next step toward full-scale production and sales of the FDX electronically steered antenna (ESA). Purpose-built for business aviation and designed for ease of installation, the FDX Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) leverages the full potential of the Eutelsat OneWeb low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, supporting high-speed broadband with up to 195Mbps download and 32Mbps upload speeds throughout the cabin.
Simple cabling connects the ESA to the Gogo AVANCE system and is optimized for aircraft carrying multiple passengers using multiple devices simultaneously. Gogo has achieved PMA for the Gogo Galileo FDX just a few weeks after reaching the same milestone for its HDX antenna, demonstrating its commitment to delivering world-class connectivity through optimized solutions to every size of business, VVIP, head of state and mil/gov aircraft. The antenna can be equipped onto new aircraft or retrofitted for cabin upgrades to deliver uninterrupted global connectivity.
Darlington, UK:Thales signs five-year deal to extend stay at Teesside AirportA safety critical flight inspection company which has served the UK military for almost thirty years has signed a new lease to cement its place at Teesside Airport.Thales has signed a five-year agreement with the airport as part of a deal which also includes improvements to its home hangar. The company provides safety assurance for navigation systems and radars at Ministry of Defence sites all over the globe - with an ever-growing portfolio of civil airfields now also on its books. The agreement means the company’s operation will retain Teesside as its base until 2030 at the earliest.
Thales Flight Inspection Service specialises in conducting flight inspection services to ensures the navigation aids used by both military and civil aircraft are safe, accurate and operating in accordance with the regulations. These systems are imperative for ensuring aircraft can land safely and navigate accurately - particularly in challenging environments or during poor weather.
Athens, Greece:Greece orders eight Airbus H215 helicopters to combat forest firesAirbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country following a tender conducted by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the Ministry.This contract is supported by two European funds and aligns with the Ministry’s Aegis Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces. The contract will be based on a “government owned contractor operated” (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will be partnering with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the technical and operational support.
“The signing of the contract for the purchase of new H215 helicopters represents an important step in our efforts to mitigate the devastating consequences of the climate crisis in our country,” said Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, about the significance of the project.
|
Textron calls on aircraft owners to support 2026 Special Olympics airlift
Textron Aviation has announced the coordination of the ninth Special Olympics Airlift, a monumental event aimed at transporting hundreds of athletes and coaches across country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
The company is calling on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft owners and operators to come together on Friday, June 19th, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, to enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the host city, regardless of financial or logistical challenges.
The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation, mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft from across the country to create the world’s largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes.
“The Airlift is more than just a flight; it’s about giving these champions the chance to shine and achieve their dreams on a national stage,” said Ron Draper, president & CEO, Textron Aviation.
“Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the athletes’ faces as they embark on their journey to and from the Games is incredibly moving. We need Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers to join us in this heartfelt mission, volunteering their aircraft and time to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these athletes and their families.”
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.