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

Singapore:

Vista’s XO expands global access for its Members

XO, part of the world’s leading global private aviation group, Vista, has announced greater global access to aircraft and a growing portfolio of curated events and lifestyle experiences for its Members.

According to The Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025, high-net-worth individuals increasingly prioritize lifestyle experiences and exclusive networks as part of their wealth strategy, underscoring a shift toward curated access and community-based value creation.

Membership through XO reflects this shift, positioning private aviation as both a mobility solution and a gateway to a broader ecosystem of access and connection.

With an established presence in the United States and continued expansion across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, XO serves a growing base of globally mobile clients seeking seamless digital booking paired with real-world advantages.

“Today’s global flyers expect more than access to aircraft. They expect transparency, flexibility, and meaningful advantages that extend beyond the journey," says Matteo Atti, Chief Marketing Officer at Vista. "They want a seamless ecosystem that anticipates their needs, unlocks exclusive opportunities, and delivers value at every touchpoint - in the air and on the ground.”

Aero Asset reports tightening supply and firm pricing in 2025 Twin-Engine Helicopter Market

Global helicopter sales and market intelligence firm, Aero Asset, released its 2025 Annual Heli Market Trends Twin-Engine edition during a press conference at VERTICON in Atlanta, GA.

Backed by Aero Asset’s expertise and proprietary market insight, the report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the global preowned twin-engine helicopter market in 2025.

The report tracks activity across weight classes, configurations, and regions, as well as trends in sales, supply, pricing, and liquidity. At the end of 2025, the data revealed that twin-engine supply dropped by 26% year-over-year (YOY), reaching a new five-year low.

“Despite softer transaction volume in 2025, tightening supply bolstered pricing and strengthened overall market equilibrium,” said Valérie Pereira, Vice President of Market Research. “Median transaction prices continued to rise, and the shorter time to sale reflected sustained demand for well-positioned twin-engine helicopters in 2025.”

Maxair and Elite Jets join George J.Priester Aviation family

Sharing a common service and relationship-based philosophy within charter operations, Maxair and Elite Jets are now coming alongside other legacy brands as part of the largest group of family led aviation companies.

Maxair and Elite Jets are combining forces with Priester Aviation, Mayo Aviation, Hill Private Aviation and Omni Private Aviation, within the George J. Priester Aviation network, adding to the collective’s 80-year history of aviation services.

“This partnership brings together organizations that share a passion in delivering high-touch ownerships and charter experience built on safety, service and long-term relationships,” said Chairman Andy Priester.

“Maxair and Elite Jets are experts in owned aircraft charter; Priester, Mayo, Hill, and Omni specialize in aircraft management and ad-hoc charter.

" Bringing these capabilities together creates new opportunities to serve clients more comprehensively while expanding opportunities for team members over time.”

Capstone Jet Charter launches advisory-led brokerage backed by Guardian Jet

The private jet charter market offers more aircraft and booking options than ever, but industry veterans say visibility does not always equal oversight.

Capstone Jet Charter has launched an on-demand charter brokerage model built around direct accountability and advisory evaluation rather than marketplace listings.

Led by Victoria Reina-Duffy, a veteran of aircraft management and charter operations, and supported by Guardian Jet’s principals, Capstone Jet approaches charter with the perspective of experienced aviation professionals.

Rather than simply locating available aircraft, the firm evaluates operators, maintenance pedigree and mission suitability before making a recommendation.

“Our clients don’t just want access to airplanes,” said Don Dwyer, co-founder and managing partner of Capstone Jet Charter.

“They want experts who understand their standards and take responsibility for the decision behind the flight. AI-powered booking platforms can show you which aircraft are available and generate instant quotes, but they don’t reveal maintenance history, crew experience or operator reliability. Supply is visible, judgment is not.”

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.

Adnan Rahal

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Adnan Rahal as Senior Vice President of Business Aviation, strengthening the company’s global leadership in private aviation charter services.

In his new role, Rahal will oversee the continued development of Chapman Freeborn’s business aviation division, supporting the company’s global strategy and expanding its capabilities in private jet charter solutions. He will work closely with regional teams to further enhance service delivery and strengthen relationships with clients and industry partners.

Prior to his promotion, Rahal served as Vice President of Business Aviation – Americas, where he was responsible for developing the company’s business aviation activities across the region and strengthening its presence in key markets. During this time, he contributed to the growth of Chapman Freeborn’s private aviation services and supported the delivery of complex charter operations for clients across the Americas.

Vantage Aviation

Torsten Schneider

New York - headquartered Vantage Aviation announces the addition of a seasoned aviation finance executive to its leadership team, as Torsten Schneider is the aviation services provider’s new Chief Financial Officer.

Schneider brings an excellent financial track record established over two decades to Vantage Aviation’s fully integrated business aviation services and the fastest growing FBO network in the country. He has spent most of that time in CFO level positions.

“Torsten builds effective finance organizations and develops valued relationships to further company growth,” said Vantage Aviation Founder and CEO Ryan Maxfield. “He’s bringing the experience and leadership needed to continue Vantage’s momentum. We’re fortunate to benefit from his strategic expertise to help us reach the next level.”

Schneider comes to Vantage Aviation after serving as CFO at APP Jet Center for its FBO network, and prior to that was CFO for an airport services provider, specializing in ground handling, cargo and travel, where he led a finance team of over 25 people.

A holder of an MBA and Bachelor of Science in International Business, Schneider also served in leadership positions in Switzerland and Canada, before settling in his current role in New York.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

No relief in sight: Middle East records big drop in flights as fuel costs double

Three weeks into the Iran-Israel-US conflict, Middle East business aviation has recorded its worst week yet, with bizjet departures down 44% year-on-year in Week 11 (ending 15th March), surpassing even the initial shock of Week 9 and confirming that the partial stabilization seen in Week 10 was short-lived.

Jet-A fuel prices are continuing to climb across all major benchmarks with Arab Gulf pricing now more than double pre-conflict levels. Turkey has emerged as the defining transit hub for bizjet flights out of the Middle East. Our analysis since the start of March is that some of these aircraft are heading onto Western Europe but many others staying put, or even heading back to the Gulf. Global bizjet activity is still resilient, 4% up in Week 11; Middle East activity drop has taken only 0.4% off worldwide trends.

Middle East bizjet departures: Week 11 2026 vs last year

Chart 1 below compares Middle East business jet departures day-by-day for Week 11 2026 against the equivalent week in 2025, the third consecutive week of conflictaffected data in WINGX's tracking.

Week 11 2026 (9-15 March) marks the largest downturn for Middle East bizjet departures since the conflict began. With 750 total departures against approximately 1,100 in Week 11 2025, the region recorded a 44% year-on-year decline, deepening sharply from the -4% recorded in Week 10 and surpassing even the -29% collapse of Week 9.

The progression across the three conflict-affected weeks tells a concerning story: Week 9's initial shock saw roughly 1,050 flights and a 29% decline, Week 10 showed apparent stabilization at over 1,100 flights and just -4%, but Week 11 has broken decisively lower to 750 flights. The brief recovery seen in Week 10 has not held.

Day-by-day, 2026 departures ran consistently below 2025 levels throughout the entire week, with no single day showing any sign of recovery. Saturday recorded the lowest daily total at just 87 departures, while no day reached over 135 flights.

full report

Scotland:

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.

Aero-Dienst Maintenance Line Station in Vienna celebrates 20 years of operation

On March 5, Aero-Dienst GmbH, one of Europe’s leading full-service providers for business aviation and air ambulance services, celebrated the Vienna Maintenance Line Station’s 20th anniversary.

What began two decades ago as a line maintenance location for Learjet operators stationed in Vienna has now developed into a comprehensive service center for a range of different aircraft types.

The scope of services covers all central service and maintenance items that are included in the line maintenance approval remit for the entire Bombardier product range, from the Learjet 45/60 to the Challenger 300/600 and the Global 7500, as well as the Dassault Falcon 2000EX Easy, 900EX Easy and Falcon 6X jets.

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.

ExecuJet Haite certified by multiple authorities on Gulfstream G700

The US FAA, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority (CAAV) have certified ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services to perform line and heavy maintenance on the Gulfstream G700, the aircraft manufacturer’s largest business jet.

ExecuJet Haite’s MRO centres in Tianjin and Beijing Daxing are now FAA-approved to carry out line and base maintenance checks, up to and including 1A and 2C inspections, on G700s. Meanwhile, the CAAV has added the G700 to ExecuJet Haite’s list of existing approval scope.

Aerocardal receives second LET L-410 NG as fleet expansion accelerates ahead of FIDAE 2026

Air ambulance, charter, and cargo services company, Aerocardal, has taken delivery of its second LET L-410 NG twin-engine turboprop aircraft, further expanding the company’s capabilities for passenger transport, special missions, and operations into remote destinations across Chile and the wider region.

The Let L-410NG is widely recognized for its ability to operate in demanding environments where infrastructure is limited. The aircraft’s short takeoff and landing performance allows access to unpaved and short runways, making it particularly well suited for operations in remote communities, mining regions, island destinations, and humanitarian support missions.

United Kingdom:

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.”

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.

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.

BBGA and EBBA issue joint communication on termination of dual membership agreement

"BBGA and EBAA have enjoyed ten years of a dual membership agreement, building a strong relationship both nationally and at the European level. During this period, both associations have worked closely together to support and represent the interests of our sector.

"Looking ahead, as the industry and the roles of both associations continue to evolve, BBGA and EBAA have mutually agreed to bring their current dual membership agreement to a close on 7 August 2026, as we were not able to reach alignment on subscription fees at this time.

"When this agreement ends, dual membership for BBGA-EBAA, will no longer be available. Members will therefore be asked to select a new membership option.

"Members will soon receive further communication outlining the updated process and the available options for membership. BBGA & EBAA are committed to support a smooth transition.

"Finally, although the membership process will change, BBGA and EBAA will continue to work together to represent our industry, maintaining a positive and constructive relationship."

United Kingdom:

Veteran GA champion, Charles Henry, named this year’s Outstanding Services to Aviation award recipient

Charles Henry FRAeS, FCMI, MCIM, Board Member of The British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA), is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Michael Wheatley Award for Outstanding Services to Aviation.

A highly experienced aviation professional, Charles has shaped and helped influence policy in support of the general aviation sector for over six decades and shows no sign of slowing down.

Charles has owned and managed several general aviation business operations and flight training centres. He is a renowned, passionate advocate for the sector, lending his expertise to BBGA on all matters pilot training and latterly small airfields, quickly earning the ear of regulators and decision makers.

GAAC Chair for 25-plus years

Charles served as Chair of the General Aviation Awareness Council (GAAC) for over 25 years, spearheading national efforts to protect and support the UK’s network of general aviation airfields. Subsequently, he became Chair of the Tax & Regulation Working Group of the General Aviation All Party Parliamentary Working Group for Aviation (APPG) in 2018, working closely with former Transport Minister Grant Shapps.

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.

Fly Above progresses as UK's newest charter operator

Fasting and flight maintenance: how one MRO provider navigates Ramadan

Airbus unveils new ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition

Luxaviation UK welcomes third Praetor 600 to fleet

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

National Research Council of Canada acquires Global 6500 for critical research and development activities

A Bombardier Global 6500 has been acquired by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to support advanced research and development activities for the defence and dual-use sectors.

The aircraft will join the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre fleet as a next-generation, high-performance research platform, enabling Canadian innovation partners to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies to support the Department of National Defence needs across a broad range of applications.

The Government of Canada spotlighted the Global 6500 aircraft acquisition during an event held at the NRC’s hangar in Ottawa. The NRC’s acquisition strengthens Canada’s continued confidence in this platform, complementing the Government of Canada’s order of 6 Global 6500 aircraft announced in December 2025 to support global utility flights and critical missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and national security operations.

“Canada has an exceptional talent base that will enable the Government of Canada and the NRC to conduct advanced research and development with their new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, supporting the creation of next generation sovereign defence and aerospace capabilities,” said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense.

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

Singapore:

VERTICON, Atlanta:

Wheeling, Illinois:

Guilford, Connecticut:

Farnborough, UK:

Chapman Freeborn

Adnan Rahal

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Adnan Rahal as Senior Vice President of Business Aviation, strengthening the company’s global leadership in private aviation charter services.

Vantage Aviation

Torsten Schneider

New York - headquartered Vantage Aviation announces the addition of a seasoned aviation finance executive to its leadership team, as Torsten Schneider is the aviation services provider’s new Chief Financial Officer.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Scotland:

Saint-Cloud, France:

VERTICON, Atlanta:

Vienna, Austria:

Scotland:

Manassas, Virginia:

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

Beijing:

Santiago, Chile:

United Kingdom:

United Kingdom:

Alison Chambers reports.

Utica, New York:

Timely, data-driven insight for business aviation.

UK and Belgium:

BBGA and EBBA issue joint communication on termination of dual membership agreement

United Kingdom:

EBACE26:

Conference confirmed for EBACE26