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

Manassas, Virginia:

Electra strengthens IP position with new patents for hybrid-electric Ultra-Short takeoff aircraft

Electra.aero, Inc. has been granted a series of US patents that protect core components of its groundbreaking hybrid-electric propulsion and flight control architecture, a system designed to enable Ultra Short takeoff and landing operations while maintaining conventional aircraft performance and safety margins.

These patents cover critical elements necessary to deploy electric blown lift practically, advancing the company’s protection of its nine-passenger Ultra Short aircraft.

Together, the patents safeguard the control logic, power management, and pilot interface systems that define how Electra integrates electric propulsion into a practical, FAA-certifiable hybrid-electric platform.

They cover systems and methods for controlling the flight path of a blown lift aircraft, pilot guidance display for that aircraft, and a battery disconnect system that improves maintenance, performance, and safety.

more

Singapore:

CAE to deliver breakthrough FFS training for EVE eVTOL pilots

Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS), a joint venture between Embraer and CAE, has purchased its first full flight simulator (FFS) dedicated to training pilots for Eve Air Mobility.

The simulator will be the first device delivered to ECTS following its selection in October 2024 as Eve’s training provider and will be operated by ECTS to deliver training to Eve and its customers.

The FFS will also play a critical role in the certification process for Eve’s eVTOL aircraft and in preparing pilots for safe, efficient operations ahead of Eve’s planned entry into service.

The CAE 3000 series full-flight simulator integrates high-fidelity motion cueing, a precision flight deck replica, and the next-generation CAE Prodigy Visual System powered by Unreal Engine, delivering the ultra realistic training environment required for commercial single pilot eVTOL operations in dense urban settings.

“As development at Eve Air Mobility progresses, high fidelity simulation is key to training the first wave of pilots and ensuring a safe entry into service of this new aircraft,” said Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation at CAE and ECTS Board Member. “CAE and ECTS are proud to support Eve in developing a scalable, certifiable training ecosystem. This simulator sets a new benchmark for advanced air mobility training infrastructure and underscores our shared commitment to safe, seamless urban air transportation.”

more

Columbus, Ohio:

FlightSafety launches industry-first Advanced Circling and Visual Approach course

New program elevates safety and proficiency in high-risk approach operations

FlightSafety International has announced the launch of the industry’s first Advanced Circling and Visual Approach course.

The immersive curriculum is designed to enhance pilot and crew proficiency while lowering the risks associated with maneuvering low to the ground in reduced visibility conditions.

The three-part course emphasizes planning, briefing, and execution strategies. The training includes interactive eLearning that builds foundational knowledge of circling and visual approaches and highlights associated risks and mitigations.

A facilitated ground session reinforces key concepts through discussion and scenario-based learning. The course concludes with hands-on simulator training, where pilots apply the techniques across varying scenarios and operational conditions, such as complex situations involving mountainous terrain, low visibility, and tighter maneuvering airspace.

more

Montreal:

Bombardier expands US MRO and AOG network with acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions

Bombardier has acquired Delaware-based MRO provider Velocity Maintenance Solutions, further expanding its US maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) network.

The acquisition, completed through Bombardier’s US subsidiary Learjet Inc., supports the company’s continued growth in aftermarket services and reinforces its focus on delivering enhanced support and convenience to operators worldwide.

Velocity operates a 35,000-square-foot hangar at Wilmington Airport and deploys 14 mobile repair trucks across the United States, strengthening Bombardier’s ability to provide responsive, close-to-base maintenance and service solutions. The company is recognized for its technical expertise and customer-focused approach.

Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services, said Velocity is a strong strategic fit and praised its skilled team and service culture. The acquisition aligns with Bombardier’s broader strategy of investing in infrastructure and expanding its global services network, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.

Duluth, Minnesota and Knoxville, Tennessee:

Cirrus unveils new G3 Vision Jet

Cirrus Aircraft has introduced the next evolution of its jet product line with the new Generation 3 (G3) Vision Jet.

The G3 Vision Jet reveals a reimagined interior with premium materials and an expanded seating option for six adults, as well as ATC Datalink and over 30 refinements designed to create a new era smart and safe Personal Aviation.

The Vision Jet is recognized as the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet, known for its V-tail design, a quiet and spacious cabin, safety systems, and intuitive Perspective Touch+ avionics.

“The G3 Vision Jet is a testament to our relentless innovation, continued investment in Personal Aviation and our owners who want to travel efficiently with award-winning safety features, the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and Safe Return Emergency Autoland for peace of mind,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus.

more

Elfly

Simon Bendrey

The Elfly Group has announced the appointment of Simon Bendrey as Chief Engineer and Head of Design, strengthening the company’s leadership team as it enters the next phase of development of ‘NOEMI’, the world’s first fully-electric amphibious seaplane.

Bendrey brings more than 30 years’ experience in aircraft design and development, including nearly 20 years within the Airbus supply chain, where he worked on the design and approval of primary aircraft structures, predominantly wings across various aircraft types including A380, A400M and A350 aircraft.

Latterly, he spent over five years as Head of Design and Chief Engineer at Dufour Aerospace in Switzerland, leading the development of advanced electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

At Elfly, Bendrey will lead aircraft design and engineering as the company transitions from concept validation to full-scale experimental prototype development, flight testing and certification.

“Simon brings rare depth across clean-sheet design, composites, certification and real-world execution," said Elfly Founder and CEO Eric Lithun. "As we move into full-scale prototype development, his experience is exactly what we need."

Construction of the full-scale experimental NOEMI prototype is planned to commence in early 2026, with first flight targeted for 2027.

AEVEX

Jason Gursky

California-based UAS contractor, AEVEX, has announced the appointment of Jason Gursky as Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasury.

Gursky brings deep capital markets, investor relations, and corporate finance expertise to AEVEX as the company continues to scale its operations and expand its leadership position across unmanned systems, autonomy, and advanced defense technologies.

In his role, Gursky will lead AEVEX’s investor relations and treasury functions, supporting strategic financial planning, capital allocation, and engagement with investors and financial stakeholders.

Gursky joins AEVEX from Citi, where he most recently served as Managing Director and Equity Analyst covering the aerospace and defense industries. Prior to Citi, he was Corporate Treasurer and Vice President of Investor Relations at Maxar Technologies. Earlier in his career, held equity research roles at both Citi and JPMorgan.

Gursky holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, an MA from Johns Hopkins University, and a BA from the University of California, Davis.