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BlueSky Business Aviation News | 23rd July 2026 | Issue #852

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

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Savannah, Georgia:

Gulfstream G500 and G600 fleet surpasses 400 customer deliveries

Gulfstream has announced the 400th customer delivery of its award-winning Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 fleet, a milestone that underscores sustained global demand for the aircraft, their innovation and performance leadership.

The milestone delivery was a G600 outfitted at Gulfstream’s St. Louis facility for a customer in the Asia-Pacific region.

Since entering service, the G500 and G600 fleet has accumulated more than 519,000 flight hours and over 200,000 landings while demonstrating exceptional operational performance worldwide.

The program has also achieved more than 190 city-pair speed records, contributing to Gulfstream’s overall total of 815 records.

Recently, the G600 made a record-setting flight from Sapporo, Japan, to Savannah, flying 5,835 nautical miles/10,806 kilometers in 11 hours and 38 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.88.

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Toronto:

Aero Asset reports tightening supply and strong liquidity in the single-engine helicopter market

Helicopter sales and market intelligence firm, Aero Asset, has released its 2026 Half Year Heli Market Trends Single-Engine edition.

Backed by Aero Asset's expertise and proprietary market intelligence, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global preowned single-engine helicopter market during the first half of 2026.

The report examines retail sales activity, supply, pricing, regional market dynamics and liquidity trends across the industry's most actively traded single-engine helicopter models. The first half of 2026 was marked by declining retail sales and shrinking inventory for sale, driving the absorption rate down to five months.

"Although transaction activity declined during the first half of the year, the market remained healthy,” said Valérie Pereira, Vice President of Market Research.

"Inventory tightened faster than demand softened, supporting pricing stability and liquidity. Buyer demand remained active for quality aircraft, while sellers benefited from one of the lowest supply levels observed in recent years."

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Oshkosh, Wisconsin:

Epic Flight Academy boosts training fleet with up to 50 Pipistrel Voyagers

Textron Aviation affiliate, Pipistrel, has announced Epic Flight Academy as the launch customer for the Pipistrel Voyager during Textron Aviation’s press conference at EAA AirVenture 2026.

The company has signed a purchase agreement for up to 50 Voyager aircraft, with an order for 10 initial deliveries beginning in 2027, and options for up to 20 additional aircraft in 2028 and 20 in 2029, supporting the continued expansion of its training fleet and growing demand for pilot training.

Epic Flight Academy boosts training fleet with up to 50 Pipistrel Voyagers

Epic Flight Academy is a Florida-based flight training provider offering FAA Part 141 and Part 61 pilot training across multiple US locations. With a flight training fleet of 70 aircraft including Cessna Skyhawks, Epic continues to invest in training platforms that support pilot development.

The Voyager is a next-generation training aircraft designed to support the evolving needs of flight schools and pilot training programs worldwide. It has been purpose-built to align with emerging Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations, expanding both aircraft capability and pilot training opportunities.

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Montreal:

Bombardier completes Global 8000 Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

Full environmental footprint assessment of the aircraft throughout its lifecycle.

Bombardier's Global 8000 jet has obtained its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), joining several other Bombardier aircraft already with EPDs, including the Challenger 650, Challenger 3500, Global 5500, Global 6500, and Global 7500 aircraft.

With this important designation, Bombardier becomes the only business jet manufacturer to ever disclose the scientifically-analyzed environmental impact of its in-production aircraft via the publication of EPDs.

All of Bombardier’s business jets EPDs are publicly available on the company’s website and display, amongst other information, the aircraft CO2 emissions generated at each of the steps of the value chain: from raw material extraction until aircraft end-of-life.

“This is an important milestone for Global 8000, as EPDs transparently disclose the environmental impact they generate. The development of EPDs is in line with Bombardier’s objective to advance sustainable business aviation by making environmentally responsible choices in the full life cycle of aircraft design, from sourcing raw materials right up to assembly and operations. For us, it’s all about continuous improvement in every stage of aircraft development,” said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense.

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Melbourne, Florida:

Embraer launches the Phenom 300EV

Embraer has announced the latest evolution of the world's best-selling light jet - the Phenom 300EV.

As the fastest and longest-range aircraft in its class, the new Phenom 300EV builds on the platform's proven success with a range of upgrades focused on safety, performance, and passenger comfort.

Embraer launches the Phenom 300EV

The aircraft now features intuitive safety technologies, including Garmin Emergency Autoland, alongside a series of performance enhancements and interior refinements. These updates are designed to further elevate the Phenom 300EV's capabilities while improving cabin functionality and delivering an even better experience for customers.

As the largest business jet equipped with Garmin Emergency Autoland, the Phenom 300EV can execute a fully automated landing in the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation.

Landings and takeoffs are also supported by class-exclusive Autobrake, for further safety and comfort. Enabling these capabilities, a new Embraer-developed Multi-Purpose Electronic Controller (MEC), integrates rudder-by-wire and other electronically controlled aircraft functions, contributing to reduced pilot workload and simplified maintenance.

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Manassas, Virginia:

FAA certification milestone for Electra's EL9 Ultra Short Aircraft

Electra, the global leader in ultra-short hybrid-electric aviation, has announced that the FAA has closed the G-1 Issue Paper, formally establishing the certification basis for Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft and advancing the company toward the next big step in type certification of the company’s nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft.

Electra submitted its Part 23 type certification application in November 2025. The swift completion of the G-1 Issue Paper in just seven months reflects years of early technical engagement with the FAA and establishes an agreed regulatory foundation for several industry-first technologies, including distributed hybrid-electric propulsion, blown-lift for ultra-short takeoff and landing, and advanced fly-by-wire controls designed to support low-speed handling and reduce pilot workload.

FAA certification milestone for Electra's EL9 Ultra Short Aircraft

“The swift G1 achievement reflects the hard work and productive collaboration between Electra and the FAA, who are working together to make the future of aviation real,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra.

“We are focused now on carrying forward this strong momentum into the G-2 phase of our work with the FAA.”

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NBAA

Doug Carr

Doug Carr

The National Business Aviation Association has thanked NBAA Senior Vice President for Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations Doug Carr, who recently announced his decision to retire from NBAA at the end of August after 28 years of outstanding service to NBAA and the entire business aviation community.

“Doug has been a rock upon which NBAA has depended for nearly three decades,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Through his tireless work with the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and NBAA’s International Committee, his pivotal role in the formation of NBAA’s Security Council after 9/11, his leadership on countless safety initiatives with NBAA’s committees and the FAA that helped save lives and his indefatigable promotion of best practices in business aviation operations,

" Doug has made an indelible mark on NBAA and the entire business aviation industry. He will be greatly missed.”

Carr joined NBAA in April 1998 as manager of domestic operations. He subsequently was promoted to manager of safety and operations, director of government affairs and vice president of regulatory and international affairs.

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WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Global bizjets cool as Oshkosh packs the ramp

  WINGX Global Market Tracker
Global bizjet activity contracted 2.7% year-on-year in Week 29 (7-19 July), with the year-to-date figure through 19 July at +3.7% ahead of last year, a 0.2 percentage point reduction compared to the YTD trend report last week, though a notable increase compared to the 2025 vs 2024 trend across the same dates.

While accounting for only 1% of global bizjet traffic last week, Africa was the only region to experience YOY growth, seeing 6.3% more bizjet activity than in Week 29 2025.

Event Analysis: Business jets pack the Wittman Ramp for Oshkosh

Wittman Regional Airport’s (KOSH) parked business jet number runs at about 10 on a normal day, but during the start of AirVenture this week it reached 48 on the opening Monday, close to 5x its usual daily level. The increase is quite steep and obvious, as the ramp sat near baseline through mid-July before arrivals started to pile in over the weekend ahead of Monday’s opening day.

Looking at last year as the guide for what could be coming in the next few days, in 2025 the same ramp filled to a peak of 64 by mid-week before dropping back to normal once the show concluded. 2026 appears to be tracking broadly in line with last year, meaning the busiest days are most likely still ahead.

full report


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Farnborough International Airshow:

Vertical Aerospace makes history at Farnborough with first public eVTOL transition flight

UK Government backs UK production plans.

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, made history on Monday (20th July) by completing the first public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight at Farnborough International Airshow, switching from helicopter mode to airplane mode and back again.

Vertical Aerospace makes history at Farnborough with first public eVTOL transition flight

At 1:46PM local time, in front of a global audience of aerospace leaders, regulators, operators and media, Simon Davies, Vertical’s Chief Test Pilot, flew Vertical's full-scale prototype, completing a transition flight by moving from vertical take-off to wingborne cruise and back to vertical landing.

The flight marks another historic first for Farnborough and a major milestone for the advanced air mobility industry, demonstrating how electric aviation is moving from concept to commercial reality.

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Oshkosh, Wisconsin:

Denali entry into service expected in 2027 as flight tests continue

Textron Aviation has announced that the clean-sheet single-engine Beechcraft Denali turboprop is progressing through the final phases of flight testing.

The Denali program remains on schedule to complete all flight test activities in October 2026. Upon completion, Textron will submit final flight test documentation to the FAA for certification. The aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2027.

Denali entry into service expected in 2027 as flight tests continue

With more than 4,100 flight hours across 1,650 flights, the Denali flight test program’s three test articles are supporting ongoing validation of aircraft performance, systems and operational capabilities.

“Our teams continue to deliver meaningful progress on this clean-sheet aircraft,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “The Beechcraft Denali program is advancing through the certification process very well as we complete critical flight test milestones and continue validating performance, systems and operational capability, reinforcing our confidence in the aircraft’s performance and our path to entry into service.”

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Montreal:

Global 8000 sets new speed record en route to Farnborough

Bombardier's Global 8000 business jet has set a new speed record on a mission departing from Los Angeles and landing in Farnborough, UK.

Global 8000 sets new speed record en route to Farnborough

The aircraft completed the city pair in 8 hours and 46 minutes. In setting the record, the Global 8000 flight crew was able to overcome unfavorable tailwinds, reaching a top speed of Mach 0.93. This new speed record is also 2.2% faster than a previous record for the city pair set.

Boasting a top speed of Mach 0.95 and a range of 8,000 NM, the Global 8000 is the fastest and highest performing aircraft in the industry. On this specific mission, the aircraft headed to Farnborough to showcase its incredible performance attributes to spectators and take part in the aerial display at the Farnborough International Airshow.


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Luxembourg:

Luxaviation expands global fleet with nine aircraft additions across Europe and Asia-Pacific

Luxaviation Group is expanding its global fleet with nine recent and planned aircraft additions across Europe and Asia-Pacific, including two Gulfstream G700s and one Gulfstream G800, all ultra-long-range aircraft.

The expansion broadens Luxaviation’s offering across several aircraft categories and reinforces the Group’s operational presence in key European and Asia-Pacific markets.

Luxaviation expands global fleet with nine aircraft additions across Europe and Asia-Pacific

In Asia-Pacific, Luxaviation has strengthened its ultra-long-range capabilities with the arrival of two Gulfstream G700s and one Gulfstream G800. The aircraft enhance the Group’s ability to serve long-range business aviation requirements across the region and support owners seeking aircraft management capabilities across multiple jurisdictions.

In Europe, a Bombardier Challenger 604 and a Gulfstream G550 have joined the Luxaviation UK fleet and are available for charter. A further Challenger 604 is scheduled to enter service with Luxaviation UK in the coming weeks.

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Australia:

Australia's Revesco Aviation and Machjet International join Air Elite by World Fuel

World Fuel has announced that Revesco Aviation at Perth Airport (YPPH) and Machjet International at Sunshine Coast Airport (YBSU) have joined the Air Elite by World Fuel network, bringing the total number of member locations to 78 including 4 in Australia.

Australia's Revesco Aviation and Machjet International join Air Elite by World Fuel

Revesco Aviation joins Air Elite at Perth Airport (YPPH), Western Australia's primary international gateway. Located approximately 12 kilometers from Perth's central business district, the facility offers a dedicated FBO, passenger lounge, hangar access, aircraft ground support, and airside passenger pick-up and drop-off.

As a designated Point of Entry, Revesco Aviation coordinates customs, immigration, quarantine, and Off Terminal Clearance (OTC) services, supporting international arrivals into Western Australia.

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Farnborough International Airshow:

Bell marks 700th Bell 505 helicopter delivery

Bell Textron announced during Farnborough International Airshow 2026 that it has delivered its 700th Bell 505 to a private VIP operator, highlighting the platforms’ popularity in the corporate aircraft segment.

Since its introduction in 2017, the Bell 505 has accumulated more than 390,000 flight hours and operates in more than 55 countries across six continents.

Bell marks 700th Bell 505 helicopter delivery

Based on the proven Bell 206L-4 rotor and drive system, the Bell 505 brings that familiar feel of its predecessor and elevates it with intuitive avionics and operational reliability supported by a global network of trusted specialists in their respective fields for MRO and simulator training.

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Dubai, UAE:

GCAA certifies world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport in UAE

The world's first purpose-built commercial vertiport - developed by Skyports Infrastructure - has received regulatory certification from The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations.

GCAA certifies world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport in UAE

Located adjacent to Dubai International Airport and officially registered as VDX under the GCAA certification process, the facility paves the way for the future commencement of commercial Air Taxi services in Dubai.

VDX will serve as the first and primary hub within Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network, with three additional vertiports currently under development. The network and vertiports are being developed by Skyports in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

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Connecting You Now

Breaking down the cost barrier to inflight connectivity

Gogo CEO Chris Moore explains how Gogo Flexible Financing is making cutting-edge connectivity more accessible than ever.

  Chris Moore

Managing budgets for aviation has always been dynamic. New mandates require unexpected upgrades, tech issues require unexpected maintenance time, and changing fleets make financial planning a challenge.

Operating costs are one of the least predictable line items on a flight department budget sheet. Yet principals and passengers always expect the aircraft to be ready, waiting, and available as needed. They also expect the aircraft to be connected; even a short two-hour flight without connectivity can result in a lost deal, a missed call, or reduced productivity due to missed meetings.

Gogo enabling broadband in the sky.

Yet we know that not every operator has been able to access connectivity solutions, and that this can be driven by budget constraints. We understand the importance of budget management and the complex balancing act between flying with connectivity and the expenditure required to equip, install, and support it.

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Farnborough International Airshow:

Saudi Arabia's The Helicopter Company expands into fixed wing bizav with LOI for up to 60 new Bombardier jets

The Helicopter Company (THC), Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator, has announced its strategic move into fixed wing business aviation for the charter and management of jets.

THC and Bombardier signed a LOI towards finalizing a firm order for 12 aircraft, including 5 Challenger 3500, 5 Global 5500 and 2 Global 8000 aircraft, with purchase options for 48 more aircraft across these platforms.

The signing ceremony at the Farnborough International Airshow was attended by CEO of THC, Captain Arnaud Martinez, and Head of Aviation & Security at the Public Investment Fund, Muhammad Ovais Yousuf, and leadership from Bombardier, including CEO Éric Martel and company Chairman Pierre Beaudoin.

With the launch of this new segment of operations, THC, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, enters the business aviation sector as a natural extension of the journey it has been on since its founding in 2018. The new business stream is designed to meet growing demand for private and general aviation, driven by Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector, business activity, and emerging destinations.

“As a portfolio of companies, THC was always poised to expand beyond rotary-wing aviation into fixed-wing operations,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of THC. “Our vision has always been to become the General Aviation Champion from Saudi Arabia to the world.”

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THC orders eight additional Airbus H145 helicopters


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Fairoaks Airport, UK:

Starspeed partners with HeliFlite to introduce Sikorsky S-76 C++ helicopter charter services in the UK

Leading VIP helicopter operator and part of the Luxaviation Group, Starspeed Ltd, has entered into a partnership agreement with US-based helicopter operator HeliFlite to introduce Sikorsky S-76 C++ helicopter charter operations based in the United Kingdom.

Under the partnership, HeliFlite owns the aircraft while Starspeed acts as the UK-certified operator, enabling full commercial charter operations in compliance with UK CAA regulations.

The Sikorsky S-76 C++ will primarily serve metropolitan London, enabling rapid connections within 10–20 minutes to and from key UK gateways, with most charter activity expected to start or finish at Battersea Heliport.

Configured with a six-seat VVIP cabin, the aircraft is also well suited to longer domestic missions, including direct helicopter services from London to the Isles of Scilly, with flight times of under two hours to the island of Tresco, where Starspeed already operates scheduled and charter helicopter services.

In addition, the service will support cross-Channel city connections to destinations within approximately 200 miles of metropolitan London, including Paris, with London–Paris helicopter transfers of approximately 1 hour 25 minutes.

Operating from its base at Fairoaks allows unrestricted hours of operation, including early-morning arrivals, night flying and off-airfield landings where permissions allow, making the service particularly well suited to supporting inbound transatlantic traffic from the United States.

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Farnborough International Airshow:

Egyptian Aviation Academy orders ten Cessna Skyhawks to expand flight training capacity

Textron Aviation has announced, in coordination with Ariegsa Manufacturing, an order for ten new Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft from the Egyptian Aviation Academy (EAA), one of the region's oldest and most respected flight training institutions.

Ariegsa Manufacturing is the prime contractor for this sale. The aircraft will support EAA’s fleet modernization to enhance pilot training capabilities and are scheduled for delivery through 2027.

Egyptian Aviation Academy orders ten Cessna Skyhawks to expand flight training capacity

The order adds to the EAA’s existing training fleet that includes Cessna Citation Mustang, Cessna Skyhawk, Beechcraft Baron and Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft. The organization’s fleet modernization efforts reinforce its commitment to advancing pilot training across the Middle East and Africa.

“The Cessna 172 is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history because it’s considered the ideal choice for pilot training,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales. “We’re honored to be part of advancing the future of flight with the Egyptian Aviation Academy.”

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Farnborough International Airshow:

Boeing forecasts need for 674,000 new pilots by 2045

Boeing has released its 2026 Pilot and Technician Outlook, forecasting that the global commercial aviation industry will require more than 2.4 million new aviation professionals over the next 20 years to support continued growth and replace retiring workers.

The forecast estimates demand for 674,000 new commercial pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians, and 1,023,000 cabin crew members by 2045. Boeing said resilient passenger demand, expanding airline fleets, and higher aircraft utilisation will continue to drive recruitment.

Around two-thirds of new hires will replace employees retiring or leaving the industry, while the remaining third will support fleet expansion.

North America is expected to need 122,000 pilots, 125,000 maintenance technicians, and 191,000 cabin crew during the forecast period. Boeing also predicts Eurasia and China will account for the largest share of new aviation personnel, while South and Southeast Asia will experience the fastest workforce growth.

Download the Pilot and Technician Outlook 2026-2045


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Birmingham, UK:

UK's newsest private aviation operator cleared for take-off

Following approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, above™ is ready to start commercial operations, bringing a fresh approach to private aviation.

Operating from its base at Birmingham Airport's XLR Executive Jet Centre, above™ launches with 25 published fixed-price, city pair destinations across the UK and Europe, alongside flexible on-demand private charter services via charter brokers, aboard its Embraer Phenom 100 (G-FABV).

UK's newsest private aviation operator cleared for take-off

Vince Essex, CEO, Founder and Accountable Manager above™

A second Phenom 100 has already been identified, along with discussion about where to position it, regionally.

above™ has been built around a long-held belief: customers buy time.

Created for today's Modern Achievers - entrepreneurs, founders, professionals and their families who value time, flexibility and experiences - above™ believes private aviation should be straightforward, transparent and centred on maximising life's most valuable asset: time.

above™ launches with a portfolio of fixed-price charter routes from Birmingham, covering popular same-day return and one-night stay destinations across the UK and Europe.

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Bergen, Norway:

Innovation Norway awards NOEMI €3m for electric amphibious flight test programme

NOEMI Aerospace has secured €3m from Innovation Norway to support the flight test programme for its electric amphibious aircraft, advancing what could become the world's first certified electric amphibious aircraft for commercial passenger transport.

The public funding will be matched by €4m from private investors, bringing the total funding for the flight test programme to €7m.

The award marks an important milestone for NOEMI and for the development of a new global category in zero-emission regional aviation.

NOEMI in flight

The funding will support the flight test programme for NOEMI’s first aircraft, one of the most critical phases in the development of a new aircraft. The programme includes testing on the ground, on water and in the air, from the first system tests to first flight and the subsequent flight test campaign. The results will document the aircraft’s performance and characteristics, forming the basis for certification and commercial operations.

“Not only are we building a new aircraft, we are developing a new Norwegian industry. The flight test programme is one of the most important phases of the project and where we will demonstrate the technology at full scale," says Eric Lithun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NOEMI Aerospace.

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Events

Dubai:

MEBAA Show returns to spotlight the value of business aviation

The business aviation community will reunite in Dubai when the 11th edition of the MEBAA Show opens on 8th December at Dubai World Central.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, MEBAA Show 2026 is highly anticipated as the region emerges strong and open for business.

MEBAA Show returns to spotlight the value of business aviation

The show draws on the success of MEBAA Show 2024, which welcomed 10,000 attendees from over 100 countries; 145 exhibitors and 30 aircraft on static display.

MEBAA Show 2026 will refocus on the value of business aviation, underlining that this dynamic sector does not stand still and is as resilient as ever.

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Growing demand for long-range private travel drives DC Aviation Al-Futtaim's ACJ318 Elite+ fleet expansion

ACC Aviation market analysis reveals Q2 ACMI downturn but continued widebody strength

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


And Finally

More eyes in the sky for UK Police

The UK's National Police Air Service (NPAS) is expanding its airborne crime-fighting fleet with an order for two additional Airbus H135 helicopters, taking its ongoing fleet renewal programme to nine aircraft.

The latest order follows the delivery of the first two replacement helicopters to Airbus Helicopters UK earlier this year for specialist police modifications. It forms part of the 2025 Framework Contract with BlueLight Commercial, which names Airbus as NPAS's exclusive helicopter supplier for up to six years.

The UK's National Police Air Service is expanding its airborne crime-fighting fleet with an order for two additional Airbus H135 helicopters.

The UK's National Police Air Service is expanding its airborne crime-fighting fleet with an order for two additional Airbus H135 helicopters.

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, NPAS Accountable Manager, said the new aircraft will provide a modern, resilient capability that supports crews responding to incidents, assisting officers on the ground and protecting the public. She also praised the collaboration between NPAS, Airbus and BlueLight Commercial in delivering the programme.

The new H135s are due to arrive at Airbus' Oxford facility in 2028 before being fitted with mission-specific policing equipment. They will also feature Airbus' Helionix avionics suite, which is already being introduced to NPAS pilots through training and familiarisation flights. The advanced cockpit system is designed to enhance safety while reducing pilot workload during demanding operations.

Airbus Helicopters UK Managing Director Richard Atack said the programme builds on decades of British helicopter design and customisation expertise and will help deliver a best-in-class police fleet equipped with the latest surveillance and security technology.

NPAS currently operates 20 Airbus helicopters - 16 H135s and four H145s - from 14 bases serving all 43 police forces across England and Wales. The fleet is among the most intensively used police helicopter operations in the world, supporting everything from high-speed pursuits to missing person searches.


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