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

Washington, DC:

Supersonic flights move closer to return as House passes aviation bills

The National Business Aviation Association has applauded the House of Representatives for passing four bills that will strengthen America’s leadership in aviation, including one that would allow the return of supersonic flights.

The supersonic bill (H.R.3410) would require the FAA to issue new rules allowing civil supersonic flight in the US, as long as the aircraft is operated to ensure that no sonic boom reaches the ground. The US has not allowed supersonic flights since 1973.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the bill in December. Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rep. Troy Nehls (R-22-TX) introduced the legislation last year shortly before President Trump signed an executive order directing the FAA to take steps to allow supersonic flights.

Gulfstream delivers 200th G600

Gulfstream has announced the 200th customer delivery of the award-winning Gulfstream G600.

The aircraft was outfitted at Gulfstream’s facility in St. Louis and delivered to a North America-based customer.

To date, the G600 fleet has logged more than 197,000 flight hours and completed over 87,000 landings. The aircraft has amassed 95 city-pair speed records, including recently surpassing a record that had been held for more than a decade.

For that achievement earlier this year on a flight from Aspen, Colorado, to the UK’s London City Airport, the G600 demonstrated impressive performance, completing the journey in 7 hours, 42 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.91.

“Interest in the G600 remains incredibly strong worldwide as customers continue to be impressed with its remarkable capabilities,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Reaching the 200th delivery reflects the program’s continued momentum while reinforcing the aircraft’s proven maturity and reliability.”

Southern Sky Aviation opens new US customs facility

Southern Sky Aviation in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has celebrated the opening of its new US Customs facility with a ribbon cutting on March 19th, significantly expanding international access and delivering a seamless arrival experience.

As a designated Point of Entry at Trent Lott International Airport (KPQL), Southern Sky Aviation now offers efficient on-site customs clearance, allowing international guests to bypass the long lines and congestion often associated with larger airports.

The FBO also participates in the US Customs and Border Protection Reimbursable Services Program, enabling 24/7 service and increased efficiency during high-traffic periods.

“We are proud to welcome US Customs and Border Protection to Southern Sky Aviation at Trent Lott International Airport,” said Darryl Brewer, president of FBO operations for Southern Sky Aviation. “Its presence transforms PQL into a true Port of Entry and positions our airport to serve international aviation operations with professionalism, security and southern hospitality service.”

Av8 expands thriving Phenom landing gear overhaul program

Av8, a leading provider of landing gear overhaul, repair, and component support services for business aviation, has announced a strategic investment into its already well-established Embraer Phenom landing gear overhaul program.

The investment reflects the company’s continued commitment to expanding support capabilities and improving turnaround times for operators of one of the industry’s most widely used light business jets.

As part of the program expansion, Av8 has acquired additional complete ship sets of Phenom 300 landing gear, along with a substantial inventory of high-value rotable parts and components.

The acquisition further solidifies Av8’s position as the market leader in exchangeable, overhauled landing gear assets and significantly strengthens the company’s ability to support both scheduled overhauls and unscheduled maintenance events for Phenom operators around the world.

Aero Star expands maintenance capabilities with addition of Citation airframe services

Aero Star Aviation, a leading provider in Embraer 100 and 300 series and Praetor 500 and 600 aircraft, has announced the expansion of its service offerings to include Citation 560XL and Latitude airframes for maintenance and support.

This new capability represents a strategic step forward for Aero Star as it continues to meet growing customer demand for high-quality, reliable maintenance solutions across a broader range of business aircraft platforms.

With the addition of Citation airframes, operators can now access the same technical excellence and customer-focused service that has made Aero Star a trusted name in Embraer business jet maintenance and management.

“Our reputation has been built on providing exceptional support for Embraer and Praetor aircraft,” said Owner & President, Chris Grinnell. “Adding the Citation airframe services allows us to extend that same commitment to safety, quality, and responsiveness to a wider segment of the business aviation community.”

NBAA and 4AIR partner on accreditation to advance sustainability leadership

The National Business Aviation Association and 4AIR, a leader in aviation sustainability solutions, have announced a strategic partnership to expand and strengthen NBAA’s Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program.

The announcement was made prior to the start of the 2026 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2026) in Cleveland.

NBAA’s Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program, launched in 2022, has been evaluating and recognizing business aviation organizations for their efforts to make flights, operations, ground support and infrastructure more sustainable.
4AIR will help NBAA deliver and scale the accreditation program and continue to encourage organizations to take a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility.

“This program allows flight departments and businesses to demonstrate sustainability progress and leadership while helping move business aviation forward together to meet our industry’s unified goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the years to come,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

“We are excited to partner with 4AIR and tap into their sustainability expertise to make the Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation Program even better.”

Paul Hoatson

Paul Hoatson was recently appointed Director of Commercial & Network Planning at Dubai-headquartered Magma Aviation, creating a major step in the company's ongoing expansion and strategic advancement.

Having previously served as Head of Network Planning & Alliances, Hoatson has played an instrumental role in shaping Magma Aviation’s network strategy, route development initiatives, and partnership framework. His transition into the director role heralds a more comprehensive focus on aligning commercial objectives with network planning capabilities.

Paul Hoatson brings more than 20 years of extensive industry experience and a strong grasp of operational planning, airline partnerships, and market dynamics. Magma's long-term expansion will be further supported by his leadership, which will also assist establish the company as a dynamic player in the international air cargo market.

“Since he joined Magma eight years ago, Paul has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our network, our customers, and the markets we serve. His appointment as Commercial & Network Planning Director strengthens our leadership structure and ensures closer alignment between our commercial and marketing direction and operational strategy,” said CEO, Peter Kerins.

Aviramp

Derrick Ogden

World-leading aircraft boarding ramp manufacturer Aviramp has strengthened its presence in the Asia–Pacific region with a key appointment.

Derrick Ogden has joined the UK-based company as principal consultant for the Australian market.

Derrick has spent more than four decades working in Australian aviation, leading on safety, compliance and operations at some of the country’s largest carriers, including Qantas and Jetstar.

He has worked closely with Aviramp since the commissioning of the first Continental ramp in Melbourne and was also involved with major rollouts at Gold Coast and Hobart airports.

Derrick will work closely with airports, airlines and ground handlers to support the adoption of Aviramp’s boarding ramps - equipment designed to improve safety, reduce manual handling risks and deliver a dignified, step-free boarding experience for all passengers.

Aviramp, which is based in Telford, was named in the most recent Sunday Times 100 - the prestigious ranking of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies - and is a current holder of the Queen’s Award for International Trade.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Middle East conflict enters fourth week while Spring break and TSA chaos fuel US bizjet activity

Since the outbreak of the Iran-Israel-US conflict on 28 February, Middle East business aviation remains deeply disrupted, with 3,789 bizjet departures recorded across the conflict-affected last 4 week period, a 28% year-on-year decline driven by a volatile week-by-week trajectory.

While the regional crisis continues to cast a shadow over global trends, the broader bizjet market has demonstrated resilience, with two distinctly American stories dominating the domestic picture this week.

Global Bizjet Departures Trends YTD (1 January-22 March).

Spring break drove 5,860 bizjet arrivals across five major leisure destinations, up 10% year-on-year, as leisure demand for private aviation holds firm.

Simultaneously, the partial government shutdown gripping the Department of Homeland Security has left TSA operations in disarray at major hubs, with callout rates exceeding 40% at some of the country's busiest airports, and WINGX data showing broad-based bizjet growth across the most affected metro areas throughout the disruption period.

full report

Republic of Uzbekistan:

Tashkent launches dedicated gateway for business aviation

Effective 17th February 2026, all business aviation operators planning charter flights to Tashkent are required to nominate Tashkent-Vostochny Airport (Tashkent-Humo International/Tashkent-East, UZTP/TVT) as the destination airport in flight applications and flight plans, replacing Tashkent International Airport (UZTT/TAS) for such operations.

Tashkent-Humo (UZTP/TVT) has officially commenced operations as a modern airport dedicated to business aviation. The airport operates in a specialized format focused on business aviation.

The absence of scheduled passenger services, along with restricted public traffic access, helps maintain a controlled and calm operational environment, ensuring a high level of comfort, discretion, and efficiency for VIP and corporate clients.

World Fuel adds Bangkok and Augusta locations to Air Elite network

World Fuel has announced the addition of MJets Company Limited in Thailand and Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services in Augusta, Georgia, to Air Elite by World Fuel, further expanding the global Air Elite Network serving business aviation worldwide.

MJets Company Limited, based in Bangkok and Phuket, joins Air Elite as one of Southeast Asia’s most established private aviation service providers, supporting international operators across Thailand and the broader region.

Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services.

Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services, located at Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS) in Augusta, Georgia, joins the Air Elite Network as a key gateway serving business aviation traffic to the Central Savannah River Area.

BBGA at 50

BBGA Chair Aoife O'Sullivan describes the true value of being a member and why aviation law is such a fantastic arm of the legal profession to get into.

watch the video

Dübendorf, Switzerland:

ELITE secures first Airbus A320 FNPT II MCC APS flight sim sale to France

ELITE Simulation Solutions, a global leader in certified flight simulation training technology, has announced the successful sale of an Airbus A320 FNPT II MCC flight simulation training device to AEROFLIGHT, L’École de pilotage de l’est Parisien - Lognes, France

The ELITE Airbus A320 FNPT II APS MCC is a state-of-the-art flight training device engineered to replicate the Airbus A320 cockpit environment with exceptional fidelity, including original A320 parts.

Designed to meet rigorous aviation training standards and French DGAC EASA CS-FSTD (A) FNPT II MCC APS approval requirements, the simulator supports Multi-Crew
Coordination (MCC), instrument procedures, and advanced Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) preparation - offering flight schools and training organisations a highly immersive training platform compliant with European and DGAC regulatory frameworks.

Signature debuts state-of-the-art private aviation terminal in Glasgow

Signature Aviation has announced the debut of its newest terminal at Glasgow Airport (GLA) in Scotland.

The cutting-edge facility was officially introduced during a grand opening celebration this week, showcasing the enhanced guest experience and spotlighting the terminal’s expansive, thoughtfully designed amenities.

The new Signature GLA terminal was designed to enhance the guest experience as a gateway to one of the most culturally rich and historic cities in Scotland and greater Europe.

The new facility provides 433 square meters of total space (nearly 5,000 square feet), highlighted by several new amenities for world travelers, including an expansive new lounge space, a large meeting room for business use, a VIP lounge, showers, and a dedicated screening room.

Dassault Aviation unveils the Falcon 10X

In a dramatic unveiling before more than 400 customers, partners and aviation leaders gathered in a new production hall in Bordeaux-Mérignac, Dassault Aviation has rolled out the Falcon 10X - its most ambitious business jet ever.

The Falcon 10X introduces the largest, most comfortable, and most versatile cabin ever designed in a purpose-built business jet- redefining what passengers can expect from time spent in the air.

“The objective,” says Dassault President & CEO Eric Trappier, “is to allow passengers to experience time on board the aircraft as just another part of their everyday life, not as a long interval between origin and destination. So they arrive feeling refreshed and at their very best.”

Seven Bell 407GXis to join South Africa’s Transmission Company

Bell Textron Inc. announced during VERTICON 2026 that the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 407GXis for utility operations, including high voltage powerline maintenance, emergency management and operational support.

The NTCSA is a key operator of the country’s national electricity transmission grid and is responsible for building a sustainable energy future for South Africa and beyond.

Air Charter Scotland secures continuation of Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO route through to end of August

Air Charter Scotland learned this week they have been successful in their bid to continue operating the Wick-Aberdeen-Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, through to 14 August, 2026.

This follows formal agreement from Scotland’s Ministers to allocate additional funds for the lifeline service connecting the community of Caithness with the mainland.

“We are delighted with the news today,” said Air Charter Scotland COO Derek Thomson, noting the timetable will be adjusted at the end of March in line with feedback from leisure passengers and the oil and gas sector.

On 1 March, the original King Air 200 service was bolstered with the Jetstream J32 offering 18 seats, operating Monday to Friday, plus Sunday.

Electra named as inaugural participant in DoT's Advanced Air Mobility Program

American aviation pioneer will demonstrate real-world operations of the world's first hybrid-electric Ultra Short airplane.

The US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration have announced that Virginia-based Electra.aero, Inc. is the premier private company participant in the Trump Administration's inaugural Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) alongside state partners.

The program calls for the formation of public-private partnerships with state and local governments and private sector companies to develop new frameworks and regulations to accelerate the safe deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft and to put Electra’s aircraft into demo operations with those public partners.

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil:

Eve conducts full-scale eVTOL prototype flight for Brazilian President Lula

Eve Air Mobility, a leader in advanced air mobility solutions, successfully conducted a flight of its full-scale engineering prototype at Embraer’s test facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, for Brazilian government authorities, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The milestone marks further progress in Eve’s flight test campaign toward the future certification pathway of its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Eve continues advancing its flight test campaign, with its engineering prototype having completed 35 flights and accumulated nearly 1.5 hours of total flight time since its first flight in December 2025. The aircraft has reached an altitude of 140 feet above ground level (AGL), equivalent to 43 meters, establishing new program milestones and demonstrating consistent flight behavior under the tested conditions, including maneuvers with simultaneous inputs across three axes.

Preliminary results indicate efficiency gains, with propulsion and battery performance above initial expectations, while noise levels remain within projections, significantly lower than those of conventional helicopters.

BBGA at 50: How charter is evolving

Alison Chambers reports.

Experienced charter brokers are revered in times of crisis. An app can’t navigate sudden airspace closures, liaise with trip support companies, as ongoing unrest in the Middle East has flagged.

Executive helicopters are more in demand than ever. There are fewer business jets / operators positioned out of northern UK and as far as obtaining permits to operate G-reg aircraft intra Europe - 'We don’t always get what we want' a charter panel at last week’s British Business and General Aviation Association annual conference highlighted, sponsored by Hunt & Palmer.

Hunt & Palmer is marking 40 years of operations this year. Reflecting on the early 1990s, a standout decade, Sandy Boyer, Head of Executive Aviation Sales, commented: "Life was a lot simpler then. We used the telephone - a lot. We built long term relationships and clients were prepared to wait. They also paid the appropriate price for a premium service. It was a boom time and we were busy supporting a lot of emerging dot com businesses.

"In contrast, we’re now seeing (corporate) clients reserving a back-up charter aircraft - just in case the primary one has an AOG - supported with standby crew and approved permits. In my whole time at H&P I can count the number times that’s happened on one hand, yet we have been asked to make such arrangements, three times this year, already. It illustrates that for time pressed companies, it’s not cost, it’s the need to get there in the quickest, safest way, working with a broker they trust."

"I’ve been in the business for 35 years and there have aways been challenges, adds Luxaviation UK CEO George Galanopoulos. Predecessor LEA (London Executive Aviation) is marking 30 years in 2026. He highlights 2022, as the best year, straight after the pandemic. “A golden year. We widened out our customer base, attracted new, younger clients, happy to share their travel experiences on social media. Business aviation played a big part helping the recovery effort, reconnecting cities that lost connections," he added.

Gama Aviation welcomes Hunt & Palmer to the Group

Gama Aviation has reached an agreement to acquire Hunt & Palmer, one of the most established and respected names in international aircraft charter, materially expanding the Group’s scale and reach in the global charter market.

Founded in 1986, Hunt & Palmer has built an outstanding reputation over four decades as a trusted charter broker serving clients across business aviation, commercial charter, music touring and cargo.

Its teams operate globally from offices in the UK, USA, Hong Kong and Australia, supporting complex charter requirements and maintaining long-standing relationships with operators and carriers worldwide.

Marwan Khalek, Group CEO, Gama Aviation.

The business is widely recognised for its service quality, operational expertise and ability to deliver highly tailored charter solutions to a loyal, repeat client base.

Hunt & Palmer will continue to operate under its well-known brand within the Gama Aviation Group, maintaining the relationships, experience and service culture that have defined the company for nearly forty years.

Marwan Khalek, Group CEO, Gama Aviation, commented: “Strategically, the acquisition allows us to significantly increase our share of the global charter market, enter a new segment (Cargo) and enhance our aircraft management offering. I expect Hunt & Palmer to play an important role in growing our business aviation activities further.”

JETNET announces the next evolution of JETNET iQ

Timely, data-driven insight for business aviation.

JETNET has announced the next chapter of JETNET iQ, reaffirming its long-term commitment to delivering trusted, timely, data-driven insight to the global business aviation community.

For more than a decade, JETNET iQ has been a recognized source of market perspective for aviation professionals. As the industry continues to evolve at an accelerating pace, JETNET is reimagining iQ to meet the needs of a market increasingly seeking timely, comprehensive, and actionable intelligence—rooted in the full depth and breadth of JETNET’s aviation data intelligence.

This evolution reflects JETNET’s core strength: gathering, normalizing, validating, and analyzing the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of aviation data.

“Business aviation professionals are increasingly seeking data-driven insights aligned with real-world developments as they unfold,” said Derek Swaim, Chief Executive Officer of JETNET. “The next generation of JETNET iQ is designed to deliver exactly that.”

A new model for market insight

Moving forward, JETNET iQ will shift from a periodic reporting model to an ongoing, multi-format intelligence program.

UAS launches GTMx for flight operations

UAS International Trip Support returned to NBAA’s Schedulers and Dispatchers this week for the live launch of GTMx - the next-generation trip management platform designed to transform how flight departments create, manage, and track trips.

Built with a mobile-first mindset and engineered around the real-world experience of operations teams, GTMx redefines operational control, speed, and clarity.

Reimagined around the operator experience and rebuilt from the ground up with the latest mobile-first architecture and a completely new user interface, the platform eliminates fragmented workflows, email chains, and disconnected communication tools, delivering a unified, intelligent experience.

The new system allows operators to create and submit a trip through a simplified workflow and provides a centralized dashboard for fleet oversight and trip status tracking. The platform also includes integrated pre-planning information such as airport data, weather, immigration information, and NOTAMs, along with real-time alerts and notifications.

Conference confirmed for EBACE26

EBACE26 will deliver a completely reimagined conference agenda. Set across three new stages - EBAA, Association and Media - the show offers three days of unmatched market intelligence on the topics shaping the future of our industry.

Featuring a range of panel discussions, keynotes and Q&As, EBACE26 will put the entire ecosystem in the spotlight, from policymakers and operators to technical disruptors and leading journalists. With dedicated days on Innovation, Safety and Future Workforce, EBACE explores the full spectrum of challenges and opportunities facing Business Aviation.

EBAA stage Led by EBAA, this new stage will focus on the issues that matter most to its members. It will highlight key advocacy efforts and projects, alongside sessions on the state of the industry and Europe’s 2026 market outlook.

Association stage Hosted by leading European associations, this platform is dedicated to digesting key regulatory headwinds facing business aviation, as well as other market trends.

Media stage Delivered by media partners, the sessions will feature the voices who report on our industry. Allowing open discussion and deep insight from exhibitors, this stage offers an unmatched opportunity to hear about key topics such as connectivity, maintenance and aircraft charter.

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Chapman Freeborn secures successful delivery of second ATR 72-600MPA aircraft to the Philippine Air Force

Chapman Freeborn has successfully completed the delivery of an ATR 72 600MPA aircraft to the Philippine Air Force.

The ATR 72 600MPA, configured for maritime patrol missions, was manufactured by Leonardo S.p.A. in Turin, Italy. It is the second aircraft of this type acquired by the Philippine Air Force as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme. Chapman Freeborn also managed the delivery of the first aircraft in May last year.

This second transfer required meticulous and highly coordinated planning. The ferry operation involved specialised equipment and multiple international stopovers - including Egypt, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Thailand - with on board assistance provided throughout the journey by team member Viv Sinclair, before reaching its final destination in the Philippines.

The operation required navigating a series of challenges, including weather-related delays and complex permit requirements, to ensure the ATR 72 600MPA arrived as planned.

“The successful management of a mission with this level of complexity perfectly reflects the capabilities of our team. Once again, it demonstrates our operational agility, deep logistics expertise, and strong collaboration with our partners at Leonardo,” said David Selby.

They added that transporting an aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems demands advanced technical knowledge and the ability to adapt quickly during transcontinental movements.

The delivery of the second ATR 72 600MPA marks another milestone in a broader defence agreement with Elbit Systems, aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ long range maritime surveillance capabilities.

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

Washington, DC:

Savannah, Georgia:

Moss Point, Mississippi:

Houston, Texas:

Dallas, Texas:

Washington, DC:

Magma Aviation

Paul Hoatson

Paul Hoatson was recently appointed Director of Commercial & Network Planning at Dubai-headquartered Magma Aviation, creating a major step in the company's ongoing expansion and strategic advancement.

Aviramp

Derrick Ogden

World-leading aircraft boarding ramp manufacturer Aviramp has strengthened its presence in the Asia–Pacific region with a key appointment.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Since the outbreak of the Iran-Israel-US conflict on 28 February, Middle East business aviation remains deeply disrupted, with 3,789 bizjet departures recorded across the conflict-affected last 4 week period, a 28% year-on-year decline driven by a volatile week-by-week trajectory.

While the regional crisis continues to cast a shadow over global trends, the broader bizjet market has demonstrated resilience, with two distinctly American stories dominating the domestic picture this week.

Spring break drove 5,860 bizjet arrivals across five major leisure destinations, up 10% year-on-year, as leisure demand for private aviation holds firm.

Republic of Uzbekistan:

Houston, Texas:

Dübendorf, Switzerland:

Scotland:

Saint-Cloud, France:

Atlanta, Georgia:

Scotland:

Manassas, Virginia:

American aviation pioneer will demonstrate real-world operations of the world's first hybrid-electric Ultra Short airplane.

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil:

United Kingdom:

Alison Chambers reports.

United Kingdom:

Utica, New York:

Timely, data-driven insight for business aviation.

Cleveland, Ohio:

EBACE26:

Conference confirmed for EBACE26

Chapman Freeborn secures successful delivery of second ATR 72-600MPA aircraft to the Philippine Air Force