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

Washington, DC:

NBAA-supported Senate bill calls for enhanced surveillance capabilities at contract towers

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the US Senate to direct installation of cost-effective air traffic technologies to fill a critical safety gap at many general aviation airports across the country.

Introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to procure and install Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT) technology at more than 90 smaller and rural airports under the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program.

APRT uses automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data from aircraft to present controllers with a real-time display of local airspace, offering significantly greater situational awareness over use of visual observations and radio calls to separate traffic, and greatly reduced installation and maintenance costs when compared to radar-integrated systems.

“This off-the-shelf technology will have a huge and immediate impact at many contract tower facilities across the country that currently manage a significant amount of mixed operations without any digital assistance,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

“APRT is critical to reducing risk and maintaining operational safety. We are pleased to see this important safety legislation introduced in the Senate and urge its swift passage.”

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Farnborough, UK:

Gogo confirms new Plane Simple Ku-band STC as AirX upgrades Challenger 850 fleet

AirX, one of Europe’s largest private jet operators, has confirmed it is upgrading its connectivity across its Bombardier Challenger 850 aircraft fleet by installing the Gogo Plane Simple Ku-band terminal.

The equipping of the terminals is part of a customized service plan created by Gogo to support very specific AirX requests that ensure passengers receive high-speed inflight connectivity. The tailored bundle includes Pay-As-You-Go airtime for broadband connectivity, and AirX is also taking advantage of Sky Ticket Credit Card (STCC) technology, which enables the operator to provide on-demand connectivity.

The ability to control, manage and access customer connectivity usage through a dedicated portal ensures passengers can access high-speed Wi-Fi while onboard.

To date, two Bombardier Challenger 850 aircraft have been fitted with the Gogo Plane Simple Ku-band terminal and are now fully operational. The initial installation, managed by Alamo Engineering at AirX’s London Stansted facility, resulted in the issuance of a new EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the aircraft type.

The equipping of the advanced technology terminals represents the first phase of an entire AirX fleet connectivity upgrade, which aims to provide uniform, high-speed connectivity across the fleet.

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Wichita, Kansas:

Omani and Jeanie Carson named inaugural departure day Dove 1 for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift

Donating aircraft and crew to lead athletes home.

Omani and Jeanie Carson, of Omaha, Nebraska, have been named the inaugural departure day Dove 1 for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift.

The Carsons will donate their aircraft and crew to lead athletes home at the conclusion of the Games, marking the first year this honorary departure day distinction has been established.

As departure day Dove 1, the Carsons will guide the first aircraft lifting off from Minneapolis’ Twin Cities on Saturday, June 27th, reuniting athletes with their families, hometowns and communities after a week of competition, determination and unforgettable experiences.

Omani and Jeanie Carson

This newly established role distinguishes departure day Dove 1 from the previously announced arrival day Dove 1 and recognizes the Carsons’ leadership in supporting athlete travel during the return home.

“We are honored to help bring these remarkable athletes home,” said Omani Carson, founder and chairman, Carson Group. “Witnessing their determination and joy throughout the Games inspires us all. Being part of their journey home is a privilege and we hope our involvement encourages others to join this incredible mission in the future and make a lasting impact.”

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Melbourne, Florida:

Phenom 300 series dominates global light jet market for 14th consecutive year

Embraer's Phenom 300 series maintains its position as the world’s best-selling light jet for the 14th consecutive year, according to data released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) during its State of the Industry press conference in Washington, DC.

The data also confirmed the light jet as the most delivered twin-engine jet for the sixth year in a row.

In 2025, Embraer delivered 72 Phenom 300 series aircraft, marking the highest annual total of this decade. More than 900 aircraft are in service worldwide, operating in 70 countries and accumulating over 2.9 million flight hours.

The Phenom 300E is the fastest light jet in production, capable of a maximum speed of Mach 0.80 and a five occupant range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) with NBAA IFR reserves. The aircraft’s advanced avionics suite includes the Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) - the first system of its kind to be developed and certified in business aviation - as well as autothrottle, Synthetic Vision System, Emergency Descent Mode, and other features.

The Phenom 300E also incorporates technology typically found in larger jets, such as single point refueling, an externally serviced lavatory, and an airstair.

Guardian Jet

Anantha Krishna

In response to rising demand for advisory support across the Asia-Pacific region, Guardian Jet has appointed Anantha Krishna as sales director, Asia, establishing dedicated regional leadership for private aviation consulting and brokerage services for multinational enterprises, family offices and aircraft owners across the Asia-Pacificfic region, including East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Based in Singapore, he works closely with the firm’s global sales, consulting and technical teams on international fixed-wing and rotorcraft sales and acquisitions.

Krishna brings nearly 10 years of international aviation sales experience and has completed more than $200m in private jet and helicopter transactions across Asia and the Middle East.

Before joining Guardian Jet, Krishna held senior sales leadership roles at two aircraft brokerage firms. He also developed and launched the Pioneer Jet Program, an advisory service designed to guide first-time buyers through cost analysis, aircraft selection and ownership planning.

Krishna earned an MBA in aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a bachelor’s degree in materials engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He is fluent in English, conversational in Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Bahasa Indonesia, and currently learning Mandarin and Arabic.

Outside aviation, Krishna represented Singapore in international cricket for 17 years, beginning in his mid-teens.

Hunt & Palmer USA

Joe Lacek

Hunt & Palmer USA Inc., the US arm of international air charter leaders Hunt & Palmer PLC, has announced the strategic addition of Joe Lacek to its North American management team, strengthening the company’s position in the US cargo segment.

Lacek will assume the role of Vice President - US Cargo Charters.

“We are delighted to welcome Joe to the Hunt & Palmer team," said Jamie Peters, Director of Cargo at Hunt & Palmer. "Joe launched his aviation career at a well-respected competitor, working there for 8 years and proving year on year growth in the region.

"His deep knowledge of the North American market, and respected reputation in the industry makes him a perfect fit with our core values here at Hunt & Palmer.”