The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report during its annual State of the Industry Press Conference.
Overall, when compared to 2024, the business jet and piston airplane segments saw increases in shipments and preliminary aircraft deliveries were valued at $35.7bn, an increase of 14.6%.
“The state of the general aviation manufacturing industry remains steadfast," said James Viola, GAMA President and CEO.
Airplane shipments in 2025, when compared to 2024, saw piston airplanes increase by ten units to 1,782, turboprops decline slightly by 5.1% with 594 units, and business jets increase 11.8% with 854 units.
The value of airplane deliveries for 2025 was $31.0bn, an increase of 16.1%.
Helicopter shipments in 2025, when compared to 2024, saw piston helicopters at 206 units, and preliminary turbine helicopters at 732 units, a decrease of four and fourteen units respectively. The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2025 was $4.7bn, an increase of approximately 5.5%.
Bombardier has announced strong fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, exceeding targets and marking the company’s fifth consecutive year of sustained growth.
The company also released its 2026 guidance, highlighting its priorities and signaling a strong year ahead.
“Bombardier’s 2025 results validate the unwavering dedication of our team, allowing us to deliver on our commitments for the fifth consecutive year," said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We fulfilled the strategic path we set in 2021 and have completed our turnaround plan with poise, discipline and consistent execution.
“I am incredibly proud of the entire Bombardier team - their commitment, focus and passion across every part of the organization have been instrumental in strengthening our foundation for both immediate and long-term success. We have transformed the business, reinforced our competitive position, and established a clear and disciplined track record for growth - and the future looks bright.”
The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed a bipartisan bill, introduced in both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, which would enhance transparency, predictability and accountability in the Federal Aviation Administration’s aircraft type certification process.
The “Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act” would require the FAA to provide more predictability in type certification timelines and equip the agency with additional resources to meet those timelines, including clearer delegation of routine tasks. This includes certification of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.
Today, aircraft manufacturers often face unpredictable and inconsistent aircraft type certification processes with limited FAA resources assigned to type certification projects.
The act proposes several improvements:
Bring transparency to certification timelines; Simplify paperwork requirements; Standardize and streamline delegation of routine tasks and Ensure Congressional oversight.
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.
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.
Vienna, Austria-headquartered aviation management platform, FL3XX, is strengthening its global leadership structure through a series of senior executive promotions, as the aviation management platform enters its next phase of growth.
Stefan Oberender
Under the new structure, Paolo Sommariva, co-founder of FL3XX, will serve as chairman, and Stefan Oberender, also a co-founder, takes on the role of CEO, assuming responsibility for the company’s strategy and overall leadership.
The executive team will be further supported by Manuel Gusterer, newly appointed COO, to oversee operational execution and global service delivery; Filip Ranebo as chief revenue officer, heading up marketing and sales to drive growth; and Sergiy Tavanets as CTO, leading technology, platform development, and engineering innovation.
As aviation businesses increasingly rely on connected digital systems to manage operational complexity and rising demand, FL3XX’s leadership structure is intended to uphold the continuity and reliability required to support aviation operations in 2026 and beyond.
The leadership update follows a period of sustained momentum for FL3XX, which processed more than $1bn in operator revenue from June 2024-November 2025 and is seeing particularly strong growth in North America, with rapid onboarding of aircraft and expanding presence among top operators going digital.
Air Charter Service
Robert Nicholes
Leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has announced that Robert Nicholes has taken the reins of the company’s Georgia office, in Atlanta.
Speaking of the appointment, Richard Thompson, President of ACS Americas, said: “Robert initially joined ACS in our New York office, more than ten years ago, before moving to our Houston operation in 2017.
During that time, he progressed to the role of Sales Director in the Private Jets division, before a family move took him to Georgia in late 2023.
“Following a short spell elsewhere in the industry, we’re delighted that he has rejoined ACS to take up the position of CEO of our Atlanta office, which is an expanding market for us in the US, and Robert is exactly the right person to spearhead our growth in the region.”
Robert added: “I’m thrilled to be back at Air Charter Service, and am excited about the challenge ahead, where we’ll be looking for new talent to build upon our amazing team here, as we progress to the next step in our growth in the state.”
In Week 07 2026 (9-15 Feb), global business jet activity increased 6.1% compared to Week 07 2025, for a total of 77,000 flights, which represents an additional 660 flights per day
On a year-to-date basis (1 Jan-15 Feb), global bizjet traffic is 3.2% ahead of the comparable period last year, still slightly behind the 3.9% growth rate achieved during the same period in 2025 vs 2024.
Highlight of the Week: World leaders meet in Munich
Munich's airports have shown a marked increase in arrivals prior to the annual Security Conference this year. In the three days leading up to the 62nd Munich Security Conference (10-12 Feb), bizjet arrivals at Munich area airports surged to 165, with 110 landings recorded on 12 February alone. That represents a 2.4x spike above average February traffic, as Heads of State and senior policymakers converged on the Bavarian capital for three days of high-level security dialogue.
Textron Aviation's affiliate, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., has announced that its Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the Cessna Citation Ascend has achieved Federal Aviation Administration Level D qualification.
This milestone significantly enhances advanced training options for midsize jet pilots, delivering a highly immersive and true-to-life training environment on the recently FAA certified Citation Ascend. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) qualification is anticipated in 2026, further extending the simulator’s global reach.
Delaware-based completions and MRO specialist ALOFT AeroArchitects, has announced the opening of a new satellite engineering office located in Northwest Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis location at Woodland Corporate Park will house Program Management, FAA Certification Engineering, and Structural, Electrical, Interior, and Mechanical Systems Engineers to support a diverse backlog of VVIP and special mission modification work well into the future.
The space is currently being custom modified to support a new and collaboration-centric workspace which will provide new employees with easy nearby access to all the best Indianapolis has to offer.
Specialist regional aircraft lessor, TrueNoord, has announced the successful delivery of two ATR 42-600 aircraft to JSX, the US public charter carrier known for its distinctive ‘hop-on’ premium service model.
The first aircraft was delivered in November, with the second following in January. Both turboprops are now in operation with the service.
The transaction strengthens TrueNoord’s presence of ATR turboprops in the North American market.
First aircraft arrive as Gama Aviation’s Sharjah Business Aviation Centre opens
The arrival of the first aircraft at Gama Aviation's Sharjah Business Aviation Centre was marked by a traditional water cannon salute from Sharjah Airport’s Fire & Rescue teams.
The $60 million Sharjah BAC, which is now fully operational as a complete FBO, represents a significant long-term investment in the Middle East and has been designed and delivered to set a new benchmark for business aviation operations in the region.
“This is a hugely proud moment for Gama Aviation and for everyone who has worked to bring the Sharjah Business Aviation Centre to life," said Tom Murphy, Managing Director of FBO Services. "The scale of investment, the quality of the facility and the dedication of the team behind it are exceptional."
Honda Aircraft Company's HondaJet Elite II has become the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified to equip Emergency Autoland (EAL), following certification of the system by the Federal Aviation Administration.
As the name Emergency Autoland implies, the EAL system is designed to enable the aircraft to land autonomously in an emergency situation where the pilot has become incapacitated. The system may be initialized either by pushing a button to engage the EAL, or by automated monitoring systems, which can detect pilot unresponsiveness that may render EAL activation appropriate.
One of India’s leading private aviation operators - New Delhi-headquatered JetSetGo - has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vertical Aerospace for the intended purchase of 50 Valo aircraft, alongside a strategic collaboration to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services in India.
The MoU establishes a framework for the two companies to jointly develop route networks, operating models, regulatory engagement and the commercial rollout of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft across India.
Valo will be Vertical’s certification electric aircraft, designed to fly up to 160 km at speeds of 240 km/h with zero operating emissions and engineered to meet airliner-level safety standards. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility, well-suited to use cases across India.
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.
ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East celebrated its 20th anniversary at the onset of this year, commemorating two decades of sustained growth, technical excellence and a reputation for trusted service to the region’s evolving business aviation market.
The company started operations at Dubai International Airport in January 2006, making it one of the first dedicated business aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul companies to establish operations in the Emirate.
Saxon Air has entered a new phase of accelerated growth, positioning itself as the largest onshore charter rotary operator in the UK.
Since December 2025, five new managed helicopters have joined the fleet, taking the total rotary fleet to twelve aircraft - with further expansion underway and three more expected to join the AOC by April 2026.
The milestone cements Saxon Air’s standing as a trusted operator delivering premium helicopter charter and aircraft management solutions nationwide.
AW109SP (G-ISPM).
The latest addition under Saxon Air’s management, a factory-new AgustaWestland AW109SP (G-ISPM), reflects the company’s continued commitment to operating modern, twin-engine VIP aircraft. With a diversifying fleet that now includes the Leonardo AW109S, AW109 Trekker, AW109SP, AW119Kx and Airbus H125, Saxon Air has established one of the newest and most versatile rotary portfolios in the UK market.
Growth backed by trust
This rapid expansion is not incidental. It is the result of long-term relationships, operational credibility and a reputation for delivering discreet, efficient and commercially intelligent solutions.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted AirX Charter a Foreign Operator Authorization under GACAR Part 129, authorizing the carrier to conduct domestic on-demand private jet operations within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thereby expanding customer choice and enhancing access to high-quality business and private aviation services.
Granting authorization to AirX marks another important step in advancing the objectives of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the leading aviation market in the Middle East by 2030.
It also reflects continued progress under GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap, which is guiding the sector’s transformation by aligning infrastructure development, regulation, and investment opportunities to meet rising demand for premium private aviation services among business travellers and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNW) across the Kingdom.
The authorization was presented at GACA’s headquarters in Riyadh by Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi, GACA’s Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, to Mr. Houssam Hazzoury, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirX, following AirX’s successful fulfilment of all regulatory, operational, and aviation safety requirements under Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Law.
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has announced that ticket sales are live for EBACE26, the industry’s leading Business Aviation event.
EBACE26 sees the return of the static display in a new location at Geneva Airport, with a strong line-up of aircraft spanning a range of sizes and mission profiles, including turboprops and ultra-long-range jets.
Meanwhile, the floorplan for the indoor exhibition is finalised, with a new operators lounge for this year’s edition, the return of networking zones, this time located at the edge of the Hall, and three conference stages with a full agenda.
Stefan Benz, CEO, EBAA, says: “EBACE is the European stage for Business Aviation and this year’s show is being shaped by the industry, for the industry, with open dialogue between the EBAA and the EBACE Advisory Council members about how the event needs to evolve.
“Visitors to EBACE26 can expect to see the exciting static display return with a refreshed concept, along with hospitality zones at our new, dedicated and secure static display location. We’re also pleased to introduce a new operators lounge in the Hall, providing a private space for key exhibitors and operators to connect in a more focused environment."
ELITE Simulation Solutions, a global leader in flight simulation technology, has announced the sale and installation of a state-of-the-art 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion flight simulator for a private customer based in Monaco.
The system has been specially adapted to support an advanced fear of flying course, delivering an immersive and highly realistic exposure-based flight simulation environment.
At the core of the installation is ELITE’s high-performance 6DOF motion platform, designed to deliver precise physical cues that replicate the sensations experienced in real flight.
The platform provides controlled motion in all six axes, allowing users to experience changes in acceleration, orientation, and position with a high degree of realism - critical for recreating the physical sensations that often trigger anxiety during flight.
To support the specific requirements of fear of flying therapy, the simulator has been enhanced with dedicated software developed and integrated specifically for this application.
The World Overflight Risk Conference (WORCTM) is returning in 2026 for its second instalment following the success of its inaugural edition, bringing together the global aviation community to address the evolving and increasingly complex risks facing international flight operations.
WORC2026 is designed to confront threats including international overflight challenges, geopolitical instability, cybersecurity, hybrid warfare and the impact of unmanned systems.
As global tensions intensify, overflight risk is no longer confined to specific geopolitical hotspots, evidenced by increased drone activity in Europe and a volatile environment in the Middle East. It has become a global issue affecting millions, one that demands urgent attention from the wider aviation community.
Providing a vital platform for the industry to collaborate through practical solutions and shared strategies, the conference will spotlight the role of real-time intelligence, automation and cross-sector cooperation in enhancing aviation safety, resilience and regulatory compliance.
The San Marino Aircraft Registry (T7) will bring the international aviation community together for the San Marino Aviation Rendezvous 2026, an in-person event focused on strengthening cross-regional collaboration across the global aviation sector, set to take place from 14th to 16th April 2026 at The Lana Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Organized in coordination with the San Marino Civil Aviation Authority, the Rendezvous builds on the outcome of last year’s Safety Conference.
The 2026 edition broadens its scope beyond safety to address regulatory exposure, operational oversight, technical decision-making, and the financial structures that support aircraft ownership and operation across borders, with a particular focus on cross-regional cooperation between Europe, the Middle East, and other international aviation markets.
The program is designed around current, real-world challenges faced by aircraft owners, operators, and financiers. Through keynote discussions, panel sessions, and technical briefings, participants will examine how regulatory frameworks are evolving and where greater alignment between regions is needed to support safe and compliant operations.
As American as Blueberry Pie: Air Charter Service flies 440 tons of Peruvian berries into NYC
Late last year, leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, was called upon for an urgent shipment of more than 400 tons of blueberries from Peru to New York.
Ana Benavente, CEO of ACS São Paulo, commented: “Peru’s main blueberry harvest runs from August to November, peaking in September and October. The country is one of the world’s top blueberry exporters and, during these months, export volumes spike sharply - too much for regular passenger belly capacity to handle, especially on the Lima to New York route.
“Supermarkets and distributors in the US, especially on the East Coast, require fresh produce to be delivered within 24–36 hours of harvest. When a supplier’s yield exceeded the expected capacity during peak harvest season we were asked by one of our clients if we could arrange the urgent transportation of 440 tons of the fruit from Peru up to New York over a two-week period. Perishable cargo rarely flies on full charters, but the sheer volumes dictated that they were needed this year. We sourced four Boeing B747-400Fs, that were able to carry out the flights, each with 110 tons on board, with a few days in between each rotation.
“One of our team flew with the first aircraft to ensure everything ran smoothly, and he coordinated with the warehouse when the aircraft arrived, to ensure the cargo was properly broken down and successfully delivered to the trucks in as swift a time as possible.”
