Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Columbus, Ohio: NetJets expands US terminal network with four facility projectsNew and expanded facilities planned in Texas, Virginia, Colorado and Florida.NetJets is expanding its US ground infrastructure with new exclusive-use terminals at Dallas Love Field in Texas, Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, and Rifle Garfield County Airport in Colorado. The company is also moving to a larger terminal at Donald J. Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida. “As Owner demand continues to grow across key business, leisure, and seasonal destinations, NetJets is investing in the infrastructure to deliver an unmatched experience while supporting the service and reliability our Owners expect where they fly most,” said Patrick Gallagher, President, NetJets Aviation.
The facilities will provide dedicated passenger spaces, including lounges and private meeting rooms, alongside operational support for NetJets aircraft. The company operates more than 50 locations worldwide, including offices, private terminals and Service Hubs used for aircraft cleaning, restocking and, at selected sites, maintenance.
Broomfield, Colorado: Gogo signs multimillion dollar communications contract with overseas sovereign customerGogo has signed a sovereign-based communications lease in excess of $15m to provide geostationary (GEO) satellite connectivity to a government customer. For aircraft carrying government leaders, communications must remain continuously dependable and trustworthy no matter where they fly. The GEO solution ensures global connectivity, even in areas like Russia, China, and India where low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services are restricted. “This renewal reflects the confidence built through years of reliable performance and responsive support,” says Christopher Moore, Chief Executive Officer for Gogo. “The connectivity gives this customer a proven high performance GEO solution, backed by people who understand the demands of sovereign customers and are available around the clock.” Gogo’s global support team monitors and assists customers in multiple languages 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can send a specialized technician to the tarmac within 24 hours, if needed.
Houston, Texas: Av8 supports Wheels Up Phenom 300 fleet with five-year landing gear dealAv8, a Victor Sierra company, has announced a five-year landing gear maintenance agreement with Wheels Up covering overhaul and exchange support for its Phenom 300 fleet. Wheels Up operates one of the largest Phenom 300 fleets in the world, with expected expansion plans. Av8 will support the program through its landing gear exchange pool, the largest in the industry, allowing aircraft to return to service quickly without waiting on individual overhauls.
Av8's support is backed by over 300 FAA-PMA approvals for the Phenom platform and a broad portfolio of in-house RSDER-approved repair procedures, allowing Av8 to offer flat-rate pricing across the program and the longest warranty ever offered on Phenom 300 landing gear. "This agreement is another great addition to the long-term partnerships we've built with major operators,” said Bryan Stamp, President, Victor Sierra. “A five-year commitment from a fleet this size reflects the trust Wheels Up has placed in our team."
Washington, DC: NBAA applauds House legislation accelerating ATC modernizationThe National Business Aviation Association has welcomed legislation introduced by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-01-KS) that would significantly boost funding to continue vital air traffic control (ATC) modernization work begun last year. The bill, which calls for an additional $30bn in funds, is a companion to legislation introduced last month by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO). Mann, who announced the bill at Kansas City Downtown Airport (MKC), is a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Aviation.
Both bills follow Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s recent formal request for additional funding to supplement the $12.5bn Congress approved last year as a down payment on ATC modernization, including upgrades to telecom infrastructure, airports and control towers. “Modernizing our ATC system is a national imperative. While last year’s downpayment has allowed the Federal Aviation Administration to make significant progress, more funding is needed to finish the job,” said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard.
Los Angeles: IADA raises the bar with new global Certified Aircraft Broker programThe International Aircraft Dealers Association is further raising the professional standards for aircraft brokers with a comprehensive redesign of its Certified Aircraft Broker program. The new IADA Certified Aircraft Broker, Version 2.0 adds a new three-month IADA U preparation period and a more globally focused examination to the two years of required transaction experience, reflecting today’s international business aircraft marketplace. The new digital program was developed through collaboration among IADA leadership, the independent credentialing organization Joseph Allan and a committee of IADA dealers and brokers representing major business aircraft markets and regions throughout the world. The result is more than an updated examination. Version 2.0 creates an expanded professional-development process built around defined knowledge standards, required experience, extensive preparation and the complexities of domestic and cross-border aircraft transactions.
Aviator Aircraft Sales Carmen MunguiaAviator Aircraft Sales has announced the appointment of Carmen Munguia as Regional Director, Aircraft Advisory & Sales, further strengthening the company’s international presence. With more than 20 years of experience in private and business aviation, Carmen brings extensive expertise across aircraft sales and acquisitions, aircraft management, commercial development and bespoke aviation solutions for high and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Prior to joining Aviator Aircraft Sales, Carmen served as Director of Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions at Gestair, where she advised clients on aircraft transactions and developed tailored solutions across the business aviation sector. Her career has also included senior commercial and client-facing roles with organisations including VistaJet, ExecuJet and Aerolíneas Ejecutivas, giving her a broad international perspective across the private aviation market. Carmen’s experience spans the full transaction cycle, from identifying and positioning aircraft opportunities through to buyer engagement, negotiations and the coordination of complex acquisition and sales processes. She has developed a strong network of relationships with aircraft owners, Principals, Family Offices, operators, manufacturers and industry partners across international markets.
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Global bizjet activity rose just 0.4% year-on-year in Week 41 (5-11 Oct), with just over 81,400 departures operated globally. This was the slowest weekly growth since the Labor Day timing shift pulled Week 36 negative, and the four-week trend has eased to +2.3%. The year-to-date figure stands at +3.3% ahead of last year through 11 October. North America matched the global trend at +0.4%, Europe grew 1.8% and South America posted the strongest gain among the larger regions, up 10.7%. Central America (-19.3%) and the Middle East (-12.9%) remained the weakest sub-regions. What Drove the Week Unlike Week 40, when North America supplied almost all of the growth, gains in Week 41 were small and spread across several regions. South America added +0.35 points and North America +0.32 points, with Europe contributing +0.26 points. Central America (-0.40 points) and the Middle East (-0.27 points) took back most of those gains. The North American market was close to flat last week, with demand up 0.4% year-on-year and just over 59,000 departures. The United States accounted for roughly 97% of North American flights (and around 70% of all global departures) with nearly 57,200 flights, up just 0.7%, while Canada fell 7.7%.
The word “innovation” has become ever more closely associated with technology. Across aviation, discussions about the future quickly turn to AI, automation and digitalisation. These developments have significant potential, but they are only part of how our industry can innovate. For airports, innovation should start with understanding the problems that need solving. We can then determine the appropriate response. In some cases, technology will play a central role. In others, progress may come through infrastructure changes, new approaches or closer collaboration across the industry. This broader view of innovation is increasingly important as aviation considers how it can become more efficient and resilient while preparing for the future. Start with the problem
Broomfield, Colorado: Duncan Aviation orders 40 Gogo Galileo HDX systems in response to customer demandGogo has announced that Duncan Aviation has placed a prepaid order for 40 Gogo Galileo HDX systems, marking Gogo’s largest single MRO order this year. The investment reflects anticipated customer demand for Gogo Galileo’s best-in-class connectivity and Duncan Aviation’s commitment to making its leading performance and reliability readily available to aircraft owners and operators.
“As expectations around inflight connectivity rise, we anticipate growing demand for Gogo Galileo HDX and are ready to support it,” says Nate Klenke, Duncan Aviation’s Modifications Sales Manager.
For many years, technology in an aircraft cabin was something to be seen. Screens, switches and control panels signalled sophistication and a high-tech environment. Today, premium luxury implies the latest technology and effortless control - but not feature overload. Technology should support passengers, not dominate their experience. It should enhance comfort, productivity and wellbeing while allowing the cabin to remain a place of calm. In other words, technology should disappear into the experience. Increasingly, the cabin is not a collection of individual products but a complete passenger environment. Materials, furniture, lighting, connectivity and digital functions need to speak the same design language and work together seamlessly. After all, passengers are unlikely to remember how many features surrounded them. They will remember how the space made them feel. For F/LIST, making technology disappear into the experience is something we have been exploring for a while.
Wichita, Kansas: Textron brings mobile support teams under single leadershipTextron Aviation has brought its Mobile Service Units, Go Teams and 1CALL operation together under a single management structure, in a move aimed at improving coordination of field maintenance and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support.
The combined operation is intended to improve coordination between initial customer contact and the deployment of technicians, helping connect aircraft operators with the appropriate technical support when assistance is needed away from a service centre.
Wichita, Kansas: Yingling chosen as Epic Aircraft Authorized Service CenterEpic Aircraft, manufacturer of E1000 line of single-engine turboprop aircraft, has chosen Yingling Aviation to join its network of Authorized Service Centers, creating more opportunities for Epic operators in the Midwest. Throughout Yingling’s 80-year history, its strong track record of experienced MRO services - especially in turboprop and jets - has drawn aircraft owners and operators to its Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport location.
Epic E1000 AX. “Epic Aircraft owners are now able to see Yingling’s customer-first capabilities and commitment to excellence in maintaining their aircraft to the manufacturer’s highest standards,” said Kerry Heiss, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We’re eager to earn their trust to protect and keep their aircraft flying.”
Orlando, Florida: Sky Travel and Cove Capital to bring nearly 20 business aircraft to market in Q426Sky Travel, together with parent company Cove Capital Investments LLC, has announced plans to bring nearly 20 business aircraft to market during the fourth quarter of 2026, creating a significant range of acquisition opportunities for buyers with year-end aircraft requirements.
The incoming inventory will span multiple aircraft categories, from light and midsize business jets through large-cabin and long-range aircraft. Sky Travel expects the portfolio to provide particularly strong value opportunities for buyers seeking to complete acquisitions before the end of the year. Many of the aircraft will initially be presented on an off-market basis to Sky Travel’s selected partners and broker relationships. Approximately three weeks later, aircraft that remain available are expected to be introduced to the broader marketplace.
The aviation industry is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth. Air travel demand continues to reach record highs, airlines are expanding their operations, and the global aircraft fleet is expected to grow across every sector of aviation for the years to come. While this growth creates significant opportunities for the industry, it is also bringing an increasingly urgent challenge into focus: the shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance technicians. The issue is not simply a matter of keeping pace with industry growth. Over the next decade, over one-third of today's maintenance technicians are expected to reach retirement age. When combined with fleet expansion and rising demand for air travel, the result is a widening gap between the number of technicians needed and the number available in the workforce. For operators, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations, and business aviation providers, the maintenance technician shortage can have significant operational implications.
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 Amsterdam: AeronautX launches new bizjet pilot training centre in Amsterdam with VistaJet as strategic partnerAeronautX, an AX Aero Group company, has announced the launch of a new business aviation pilot training centre in Amsterdam, opening in Q1 2027. The centre, designed for and by business aviation pilots, provides a fresh alternative for operators seeking a personalised and practical approach to training. The purpose-built facility, near the global aviation hub of Schiphol Airport, will initially support training for the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Challenger 650 aircraft, with additional types planned over time.
Tailored to individual and organisational requirements, every element of the training experience - from instructor engagement to facilities and technology - is designed to build pilot proficiency, confidence and operational readiness. Training programmes include Initial Type Rating through base training, Recurrent Training, Type Rating Instructor (TRI) qualification, and a range of operator-specific courses. As part of the launch of the new centre, AeronautX has also entered a strategic partnership with VistaJet, supporting the aviation company’s continued growth in Europe and investment in its expanding Challenger fleet.
Dubai, UAE: ACJ research reveals greater use of private jets in the Middle EastNew research commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has revealed business aviation professionals in the Middle East expect significantly greater use of private aircraft through to 2030, driven by growing demand for flexibility, corporate travel, technological innovation and more sustainable operations. “Business aviation is evolving rapidly in the Middle East. Organisations increasingly value the flexibility, security and productivity that private aircraft provide," said Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets. "At the same time, technology is transforming the sector. Artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance are helping operators improve efficiency, while new connectivity solutions allow passengers to remain fully productive throughout their journey.
Sydney, Australia: Bombardier adds Sydney line maintenance stationBombardier has expanded its Australian customer support network with a new Line Maintenance Station (LMS) in Sydney, complementing its existing station in Perth and service centre in Melbourne. The Sydney facility will provide support for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events, unscheduled line maintenance and selected scheduled activities, including inspections. It brings Bombardier’s worldwide network of line maintenance stations to 11. Mobile Response Team capabilities will also enable technicians to provide support at customer locations when required. The team is certified to service all Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft. The opening forms part of Bombardier’s wider expansion of its Asia-Pacific support network. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to nearly double the size of its Singapore Service Centre, with the expanded facility expected to open in the second half of 2028. The Singapore site will provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, aircraft modifications, avionics installations and round-the-clock AOG support. A new Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) workshop will also add to Bombardier’s regional maintenance capabilities. Together, the Sydney and Singapore developments are intended to strengthen Bombardier’s support infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region, providing additional maintenance capacity and access to technical assistance for its growing customer base.
United Kingdom: Saxon Air wins Helicopter Operator of the Year for third timeSaxon Air has won Helicopter Operator of the Year at the Air Charter Association Awards 2026, securing the title for the third time in five years. The award recognises the company's performance in the helicopter charter sector, following previous wins in 2022 and 2023. Jordan Smith, Head of Rotary Operations at Saxon Air, said: “Winning the Air Charter Association's Helicopter Operator of the Year for the third time in five years is an incredible honour and a powerful validation of our team's relentless hard work. “This recognition reflects our commitment to safety, service excellence and innovation in rotary aviation. We are immensely proud of how far we've come.” The award follows a period of expansion for Saxon Air, which earlier this year became the UK's largest onshore helicopter charter operator, supported by investment in its fleet and operations team.
Marignane, France: Romania orders 12 Airbus H225M multirole military helicoptersThe government of Romania has signed a contract for the procurement of 12 Airbus H225M helicopters. The agreement was concluded with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) in the frame of the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE). The European Union’s financial instrument is designed to provide financial support to Member States to speed up defence readiness by allowing urgent and major investments in support of the European defence industry, with a focus on closing critical capability gaps.
Airbus has been present in Romania for over twenty years through its three businesses. Airbus Helicopters’ customer centre keeps proving to be a successful enterprise since its creation, providing support and services to the Romanian Airbus fleets while working for various export customers.
Lagos, Nigeria:Nigerian Business Aviation Conference returns after 10-year hiatusNBAC 2027 will unite Nigerian, African and international stakeholders to turn unprecedented market momentum into sustainable industry growth.The Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) will return in May 2027 after a 10-year hiatus, bringing the aviation industry together at a pivotal time for business and general aviation in Nigeria and across Africa. Organised by EAN Aviation under the theme One Sky Many Stakeholders, NBAC 2027 will convene industry leaders, operators, regulators & government bodies, finance & leasing providers, OEMs, investors, aircraft owners and other stakeholders from Nigeria, across Africa and the international aviation community. The conference returns as African business aviation experiences unprecedented momentum. According to the WingX Global Market Tracker, Africa was the world’s fastest-growing business aviation region in 2025, with departures increasing by 15%, compared with global growth of 5%. Nigeria sits at the centre of that growth. WingX recorded 49,586 business aviation departures from the country between January 2019 and May 2026, representing 19% of the African total.
ACJ research: Private aviation is supporting the global expansion of family offices IADA: Strong demand, tight supply drives preowned market Mente unifies aviation services under one brand
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Paraguayan Air Force becomes South America’s first SkyCourier military operator
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