Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Washington, DC: FAA ends single-pilot exemptions for older Cessna Citation jetsThe US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ended a more than 40-year programme allowing certain Cessna Citation business jets that are certificated for two-pilot operation to be flown by a single pilot under exemption. The policy, published in the Federal Register on September 28, took effect September 29. The FAA said it will stop issuing the exemptions and is rescinding existing exemptions held by training providers. Pilots who obtained single-pilot endorsements through those providers must now operate the affected aircraft with a qualified second pilot. The aircraft covered are the transport-category versions of the CE-500 series, including the Citation/Citation I (Model 500), Citation II (550), Citation S/II (S550), Citation V and Ultra (560), Bravo, Encore and Encore+, as well as the Model 552 Navy T-47A. The FAA began reviewing the exemption system in 2024 after discovering instances in which training was being offered under another organisation's exemption. The agency said its review identified incomplete records, training conducted in an advanced aviation training device contrary to exemption conditions, and improper checks by designated pilot examiners, including falsified records. Of 14 Part 61 exemption holders, 13 were either denied extensions or had their exemptions rescinded because of non-compliance or failure to respond to FAA information requests.
Washington, DC: NBAA welcomes new legislation boosting ATC modernization fundingNBAA joined Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, as well as other government and industry leaders, on September 28th in applauding new Senate legislation that would provide substantial added funding to continue critical air traffic control (ATC) modernization work begun last year. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), was introduced at an event hosted by Duffy at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The measure would give DOT an additional $30bn for ATC modernization.
The bill’s introduction comes on the heels of Duffy’s recent formal request that Congress provide the funding as an add-on to the $12.5bn lawmakers approved last year as a downpayment on aviation system modernization, including upgrades to ATC telecom infrastructure, airports and control towers. Joining Duffy at the DCA event were FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and the leaders with several industry stakeholder organizations. Along with NBAA, those groups and nearly 60 others are part of the Modern Skies Coalition, formed last year to support the administration’s plans to upgrade aviation safety and maintain America’s position as the global aerospace leader. Shortly after the coalition’s formation, Congress approved the first $12.5bn infusion for system upgrades.
Manassas, Virginia: Electra's EL2 Ultra-Short aircraft demonstrates 'helicopter style' operationsElectra has successfully completed first-of-its-kind flights from a heliport on a commercial airport ramp at the Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport. The operations showcased the breakthrough capabilities of Electra’s fixed-wing Ultra Short aircraft to use vertical flight landing areas and helicopter-style instrument procedures to support reliable, affordable, and safe regional operations without adding traffic to congested airport runways. Using Electra’s hybrid-electric EL2 Ultra Short aircraft, the flights tested point-in-space procedures and dedicated instrument routings across numerous Virginia airports, including Virginia Tech/Montgomery Regional Airport (KBCB) in Blacksburg, Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (KROA), and Allan C Perkinson/Blackstone AAF Airport (KBKT).
The flights at each of these locations, plus two additional sites in Newport News and Richmond, all took off and landed on small heliports, vertiports, taxiways, and other novel Ultra Short access points historically only accessible by helicopters. Electra conducted the work in coordination with the FAA eVTOL and AAM Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), the Virginia Smart Airspace Program, Virginia Tech, the Virginia Department of Aviation, and PennDOT, the lead eIPP participant for Virginia operations.
Miami, Florida: What private jet operators should expect from a catering partnerSkyDine Jet Catering explains why reliability, transparent pricing, open communication, and operational understanding should define the relationship between private jet operators and their catering providers. Private aviation is all about precision. Aircraft should be positioned, crews scheduled, fuel and ground services arranged, usually with strict time frames. Catering is introduced as yet another variable, but unlike many other behind-the-scenes services, passengers experience it firsthand. When everything works well, the catering order gets relatively little attention. The order reaches the intended airport at the specified time and with all preparations made in advance. But when something goes wrong, the matter may soon become an operational problem.
Late delivery may interfere with departure. Incorrect packaging may lead to complications onboard. Failing to meet a dietary requirement leaves a passenger without a proper meal. Incorrect delivery location requires the crew or operations team to find a solution in a very limited amount of time. Thus, for private jet operators choosing a catering partner, the quality of the food served is just part of the equation. Much more important is the understanding by the provider of the environment in which this food is supposed to be delivered. Reliability starts with realistic promises
DC Aviation Al-Futtaim Lija WierieszczinskajaDC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) has appointed Lija Wierieszczinskaja as its new Commercial Head to strengthen its senior leadership team, as it continues to grow its aircraft management, charter, maintenance and VIP handling activities. Lija brings broad experience spanning business aviation, aircraft management, luxury services, client experience and business development. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership positions within the private aviation sector, working with aircraft owners and high-net-worth clients while developing businesses and service propositions tailored to the highly specialised requirements of the luxury and private aviation markets. Her experience combines a deep understanding of aircraft management and private aviation operations with a strong focus on customer experience and long-term client relationships. “We are delighted to welcome Lija to DC Aviation Al-Futtaim,” said Holger Ostheimer, Managing Director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim. “Her deep experience in business aviation and strong understanding of the discerning expectations of VIP end-users and aircraft owners, add value to our clients and partners alike." Aviation Registry Group David ColindresAviation Registry Group (ARG) has announced the appointment of David Colindres as Vice Chairman, expanding his leadership responsibilities across the Miami-based aviation organization and its growing portfolio of international aircraft registries. Colindres will remain President of the San Marino Aircraft Registry (SMAR) while taking on his new group-level responsibilities. As Vice Chairman, he will also serve as a member of Aviation Registry Group’s Executive Board, with responsibility for overseeing the operations of the group of registries as a whole. ARG’s international registry portfolio currently includes The Registry of Aruba, the San Marino Aircraft Registry and, most recently, the Gibraltar Aircraft Registry. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Miami, Aviation Registry Group has more than 30 years of experience in civil aviation regulation, technical services and safety oversight. Its work spans aircraft registration and certification, regulatory compliance and support for civil aviation authorities, aircraft owners, operators and financial institutions internationally. ARG has operated The Registry of Aruba since 1995 and the San Marino Aircraft Registry since 2012, with Gibraltar becoming the latest addition to the group’s international registry portfolio.
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After two consecutive flat weeks, global bizjet activity eased 1.3% year-on-year in Week 39 (21-27 Sept), with just under 79,500 departures operated globally. The year-to-date figure now stands at +3.4% ahead of last year through 27 September, 0.3 percentage points below the comparable growth trend for the same dates in 2025 vs 2024. The Middle East returned to slight weekly growth at +3.3% but remains sharply down yearto-date at -14.6%, while bizjet demand stayed weak in Australasia & ANZ, off 12.6% on the week. While accounting for only 1.2% of global bizjet traffic last week, Africa again posted the most notable growth, up 46.1%. North America The North American market broadly tracked the global trend last week, though a touch below it, with demand down 1.6% year-on-year and just over 56,000 departures. The United States drove the trend, accounting for roughly 97% of North American flights (and around 68% of all global departures) with 54,445 flights, down 1.5%. The regional dip came despite firm growth across the largest states: bizjet flights from airports in Florida were up 8.7% and Texas up 6.4%, while California was essentially flat at -0.3%.
Wichita, Kansas: Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 flight test pilots put Garmin Emergency Autoland to the testFor generations, Cessna aircraft have been developed around a practical idea: give customers capable, reliable aircraft that help them accomplish what matters to them. Today, that thinking is helping shape the next generation of the Citation CJ4.
The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is progressing toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification with new technologies designed to make flying more intuitive while providing additional peace of mind for pilots and passengers. One of those technologies is Garmin Emergency Autoland, which is expected to make the CJ4 Gen3 the first light jet in the market to offer the capability upon certification.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: SmartJets sees growth in business aircraft market originating at the topHigh demand and significant OEM backlogs for new long-range bizjets boost pre-owned jet sales.Leading business aircraft dealer-broker, SmartJets, has announced its outlook for a strong Q4 2026.
Gulfstream G550 acquired by SmartJets in February. The business jet market is in full growth, characterized by high transaction volumes and large manufacturer backlogs. A community of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and corporate flight departments are principally driving this trend. In response to buyer demand for maximum range and optimal cabin capacity, the long-range business jet market segment is expected to see the fastest growth.
Melbourne, Australia: Textron celebrates Melbourne Service Center openingTextron Aviation has officially opened its new Melbourne Service Center at Essendon Fields Airport, with the ceremony held during the company’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Customer Conference in August.
The facility, which has been supporting customers since March 2026, expands Textron Aviation’s factory-direct maintenance and parts support capabilities in Australia. The expanded hangar provides additional capacity for servicing Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, while technical support is also available to operators across the wider Asia-Pacific region. Zaki Abu Ghazaleh, general manager, Australia Service Centers, said the facility represents an investment in supporting customers and strengthening Textron Aviation’s service capabilities in Australia.
Greensboro, North Carolina: HondaJet announces completion of first Echelon wing assembly alongside revised development timelineHonda Aircraft Company has announced completion of the first wing structure of the HondaJet Echelon test unit, marking a significant milestone in the aircraft's development and advancing the program toward mainline final assembly.
The aircraft will feature a larger cabin with increased passenger capacity compared to the current HA-420 and is designed to become the world's first single-pilot certified light jet capable of US transcontinental range, bringing the award-winning design features of the HondaJet to a new segment of the aviation market. This assembly milestone reflects continued progress across the HondaJet Echelon development program as the company, which is now targeting first flight in 2028 and type certification and first delivery in 2031.
Van Nuys, California: Signature expands operations at Van Nuys with acquisition of Castle & CookeSignature Aviation has completed the acquisition of Castle & Cooke Aviation Services LLC at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), expanding its operations in Southern California.
The acquisition enhances Signature’s existing presence at Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, enabling Signature to serve more guests while maintaining the high standards of service and safety Signature is known for. The transaction was completed on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, as VNY North officially joined Signature’s global network of more than 200 locations in 27 countries across five continents.
Cleveland, Ohio: Flexjet introduces Embraer Praetor 600E to fleetFlexjet has announced the first-ever customer delivery of the Praetor 600E from Embraer. As the world's first certified aircraft equipped with a fully operational Smart Window, the super-midsize Praetor 600E offers Flexjet aircraft Owners a transformative cabin experience complemented by class-leading performance, range and comfort.
“This milestone delivery continues a success story we have had with Embraer that began back in 2003,” said Michael Silvestro, Flexjet’s Chief Executive Officer. “As the leader in luxury private aviation, fractional aircraft Owners look to Flexjet to provide access to the world’s most advanced aircraft. Embraer’s unwavering commitment to innovation, exemplified by the Praetor 600E, continues to deliver the breakthroughs that enable us not only to meet those expectations, but exceed them.”
Santa Cruz, California: Joby completes first-ever fully autonomous flight across the United StatesJoby Aviation has announced that an aircraft equipped with its autonomy technology has completed the first-ever autonomous flight across the United States.
The aircraft flew 3,199 miles with zero control inputs from its onboard safety pilot, concluding the eastbound leg of its month-long tour in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, near the site of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight. The aircraft, a converted Cessna Caravan, performed autonomous taxiing, takeoffs, route navigation, and landings under remote supervision from Joby’s Autonomy Headquarters in California and Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, up to 2,323 miles away.
Wichita, Kansas: Textron rolls out 500th Cessna Citation LatitudeTextron Aviation has celebrated the rollout of the 500th Cessna Citation Latitude business jet from the company’s Wichita, Kansas, manufacturing facility.
“The rollout of the 500th Citation Latitude is a testament to the employees who build this aircraft with dedication and pride every day,” said Eric Cardinali, senior vice president, Manufacturing. “Behind every aircraft is a team committed to delivering the quality and craftsmanship our customers expect. This milestone is only possible because of the skill of our workforce and the trust customers continue to place in our products.” Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales & Marketing, added: “We strive to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers, and the Citation Latitude is a powerful example of that commitment.”
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 Dubai: Resilience and stability remain key hallmarks of Middle East business aviationResilience and operational stability continue to be the defining strengths of the business aviation sector across the Middle East, supporting sustained growth and ensuring the seamless movement of passengers, crews and critical missions throughout the region. This is made possible by collaboration and sharing of expertise across the sector. According to MedAire, a medical and security response organisation for aviation and maritime, as business aviation activity expands across key markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, operators are increasingly prioritising comprehensive risk management, medical support and security planning to maintain the highest standards of operational excellence. The region's highly developed aviation ecosystem, supported by world-class infrastructure, strong regulatory collaboration and continued investment across the sector, have reinforced the Middle East's reputation as one of the world's most resilient business aviation markets. As demand continues to grow, the industry is working together to honour its commitment to safety, security and preparedness, which remains central to its ability to deliver reliable connectivity for corporate, government, medical and humanitarian operations. “The Middle East has become one of MedAire’s most active and important regions, and the needs of aviation clients here are growing in both scale and complexity,” said Reely Rajan, Director, India, Middle East & Africa, MedAire. “We have expanded our footprint beyond Dubai into Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India so that more of our expertise sits closer to the people and operations it supports."
Why MEBAA Show is more relevant than ever this year By Tim Hawes, Managing Director, MEBAA Show Organiser, inD an Informa DWTC company. Business aviation has shifted a lot this last decade and the Middle East has kept up the pace. Characterised by resilience, agility and anchored by world-class private terminal (FBOs) and premier aircraft operators, our sector has matured into a critical logistical engine that keeps global commerce moving. This year, the Middle East Business Aviation and North Africa Association (MEBAA) celebrates 20 years under the leadership of Founding and Executive Chairman Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi. What an appropriate way to wrap up a landmark year than hosting the biennial MEBAA Show, which returns to DWC during 8-10 December. MEBAA Show is in pole position as the leading, international dedicated business aviation gathering, with an aircraft static display on site, to bring East and West together. It’s grown in relevance as a global show for business aviation leaders seeking opportunities, new collaborations and partnerships. And, as ever, its aviation has kept businesses and individuals moving. We spoke with industry data analysts WINGX, who will be with us at MEBAA Show, sharing insights and statistics at our upcoming BizAv Talks. Here are their highlights.
Stans, Switzerland: Pilatus PC-12 PRO Safety Autoland certifiedPilatus has announced certification of its Safety Autoland system for the new PC-12 PRO by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Integrated into the aircraft’s Garmin G3000 PRIME flight deck, Safety Autoland is designed to handle situations involving sudden pilot incapacitation - due to a medical emergency, for example. When the activation button is pressed or when a pilot inactivity is detected, the system takes full control of the aircraft, informing all occupants that the automated landing mode has been activated. Simultaneously, it begins analyzing all available information, including weather, aircraft status and navigation data. Based on this information, the system determines the best choice of airport, taking into account factors such as runway length, wind, weather conditions and remaining fuel. It then calculates a safe route, avoiding obstacles and terrain. During autonomous flight, Safety Autoland takes care of all the systems required for landing - including flaps, landing gear, lighting and de-icing - and fully prepares the aircraft for the final approach. It also handles all radio communications, automatically making calls on the appropriate frequencies to keep ATC and persons on the ground informed about the situation.
Ajdovščina, Slovenia: TFC Flight Training expands pilot development pathway with Pipistrel Explorer deliveryTextron Aviation affiliate, Pipistrel, has announced the delivery of two Pipistrel Explorer aircraft to TFC Flight Training, making the flight school the first Explorer operator in Germany. The delivery expands Pipistrel’s relationship with TFC and demonstrates how flight schools are building complementary fleets to support students across multiples stages of pilot development. Based in Essen, Germany, TFC Käufer is one of Germanys largest approved flight training organizations and has been training pilots for 45 years. Their existing fleet includes four Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft and seven Cessna 152 aircraft.
Adding the Pipistrel Explorer, TFC aligns aircraft capabilities with different phases of instruction, creating a more connected pathway as students' progress into cross-country flying, day and night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) training and spin recovery training. The combination also gives TFC greater flexibility to match aircraft utilization with specific training requirements. “The Pipistrel Explorer is an additional step on our continuous journey to more modern and sustainable pilot training,” said Christian Käufer, CEO, TFC Flight Training. “The Pipistrel Explorer fits seamlessly into our broader strategy at TFC: modern flight training, responsible use of resources and a strong focus on safety and quality.”
Asia: Demand for larger business aircraft in Asia set to riseNew research commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has revealed growing confidence in the Asian business aviation market, with industry professionals forecasting increasing demand for business aircraft over the remainder of the decade, particularly in the large cabin segment. The global survey of business aviation financiers and brokers across Asia found 85% of respondents expect purchases of large business jets to increase between now and 2030, including 30% who believe demand will increase dramatically. The research also points to a significant shift towards larger aircraft. Sixty percent of respondents expect demand for large and midsize business jets will continue growing faster than other business aviation categories through to 2030, with 62% estimate that 65% to 70% of new business jets spending between 2025 and 2034 will be concentrated on large and long-range aircraft. In addition to this market-wide trend, aircraft owners are also expected to continue upgrading into larger models. Today, over a half (56%) of respondents say at least a quarter of the aircraft they are involved in selling or financing represent upgrades into larger aircraft categories a figure expected to climb to 89% by 2030. The research identifies the key reasons behind purchasing decisions in the large aircraft segment.
NBAA-BACE 2026: New NBAA-BACE Horizon Stage puts aviation icons and innovators in the spotlightThis year's NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will feature the first-ever Horizon Stage, hosting headline conversations, top industry voices and standout recognition right in the heart of the NBAA-BACE exhibit hall. “NBAA is thrilled to bring this exciting new venue to NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA Senior Vice President, Events and Professional Engagement Jo Damato, CAM. “The Horizon Stage will honor some of business aviation’s storied icons, introduce some of its most promising innovators and showcase excellence across the industry. You won’t want to miss these milestone moments.” The Horizon Stage, prominently located on the show’s exhibit floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will include: The Launch, with a tribute to Steven Udvar-Hazy Recognizing Excellence in Flight Safety ‘AviationStart,’ a FLYING Production, with Jamail Larkins Military Connect Kickoff Alpha Wingman ‘PitchAv’ - A Startup Showdown
KlasJet receives FAA approval for ACMI and charter operations in the US ExecuJet Auckland becomes New Zealand’s first IS-BAH Stage I FBO Flexjet unveils its first dedicated European terminal at Farnborough MedAire strengthens partnership with crisis specialist GoCrisis
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Air Charter Service scoops Customer Focus Achievement Award at Aviation Industry Awards
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