Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Toronto, Canada: Aero Asset reports twin-engine supply at five-year low as retail sales riseGlobal helicopter sales and market intelligence firm, Aero Asset, has released its 2026 Half Year Heli Market Trends Twin-Engine edition. Backed by Aero Asset's expertise and proprietary market intelligence, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global preowned twin-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 twin-engine helicopter market.
Retail sales increased 8% year-over-year (YOY), while supply for sale declined 33% to its lowest level in five years. The tighter inventory environment improved the overall absorption rate from 18 months a year ago to 11 months. “While transaction activity increased during the first half of the year, the most significant development was the continued contraction in supply for sale,” said Valérie Pereira, Vice President of Market Research. “Supply reached a five-year low while pricing continues to strengthen, creating a favorable environment for sellers. The improvement in absorption rate reflects a balanced market.”
Washington, DC: Hubbard to lead NBAA as Bolen takes medical leaveThe National Business Aviation Association Board of Directors has named Dan Hubbard as interim chief operating officer, and designated Hubbard as the association’s day-to-day lead while President and CEO Ed Bolen takes a leave of absence for cancer treatment.  Dan Hubbard. Hubbard has been with NBAA for 22 years, and has served as its senior vice president for communications since 2008. “We are wishing Ed a full recovery as he takes the time he needs to focus on his health,” said John Witzig, chair of NBAA’s Board of Directors. “Dan has a strong strategic view of NBAA’s mission and all its initiatives. As NBAA’s interim COO, he will oversee day-to-day operations during Ed’s absence, including at NBAA-BACE, with support from a leadership team with decades of experience, and a proven track record of serving the business aviation community with excellence.” NBAA also announced that Heidi Williams will be elevated to senior vice president, operations, filling a role left by the retirement of Douglas Carr this past July. Vilnius, Lithuania: KlasJet receives FAA approval for ACMI and charter operations in the USACMI, private jet and charter provider, KlasJet - part of the Avia Solutions Group - has received Part 129 Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) approval from the FAA. With Department of Transport (DOT) and other relevant approvals already in place, receiving FAA approval opens the US market to KlasJet for charter and ACMI operations within the scope of its approved OpSpecs and DOT conditions, including approval for its Boeing 737NG fleet. The OpSpecs approval applies to foreign air carrier flights to and from the USA, or through US territory, and confirms that KlasJet meets strict FAA safety and operational requirements. “KlasJet is now ready to operate to and from the US. FAA approval was the final step needed to deploy our approved aircraft for charter and ACMI operations involving the United States and surrounding regions. We have FAA, DOT, TSA, CBP, and other relevant approvals in place, which means we are fully set up to start commercial operations,” says Diako Rad, Director Flight Operations at KlasJet. KlasJet’s FAA approval covers its Boeing 737NG fleet. This means the ACMI provider can use its well-developed operating model and existing fleet to support carriers in the US market.
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
Luxaviation Group Sabine von der LindenLuxaviation Group has announced the appointment of Sabine von der Linden as Chief Aviation Officer, effective on 11th September 2026. In her new role, Sabine will take responsibility for the Group’s aviation operations and report directly to Robert Fisch, President Aviation Services. Sabine joined Luxaviation five years ago as a captain on the Bombardier Global series and has since gained extensive operational experience across the Group, flying under the flags of Portugal, the UAE, Denmark, San Marino and, most recently, the UK. Her expertise in pilot training, assessment and operational standards led her to become an instructor and examiner before joining the management team, initially as an advisor and subsequently as Group Standards Officer. Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group, says: “Sabine’s appointment reflects the depth of operational expertise within Luxaviation. Her experience in the cockpit, combined with her extensive understanding of training and standards across the Group’s operations, makes her ideally placed for this position. Safety, consistency and operational excellence will remain fundamental as we continue to develop the Group.” Jetcraft April WoodJetcraft, a global leader in business aircraft sales, acquisitions, and trades has announced the appointment of April Wood as Sales Director for its US Midwest territory, strengthening its presence in one of the country’s key business aviation markets. Wood brings more than two decades of private aviation sales experience to Jetcraft, having previously held senior positions at NetJets and Executive Jet Management. Her background includes advising aircraft owners and businesses on complex operational and ownership requirements, giving her a strong understanding of the considerations that shape aircraft decisions beyond the transaction itself. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Wood will advise clients across the region on aircraft acquisitions and sales, drawing on Jetcraft’s global market intelligence and international network to identify opportunities that extend beyond the US. Her background also gives her insight into the operational and financial considerations that can influence an aircraft decision throughout the ownership lifecycle. |
Global bizjet activity saw a 2nd consecutive week of flat activity in Week 38 (14-20 Sept), with the year-to-date figure at +3.3% ahead of last year through 20 September, now 0.3 percentage points below the comparable growth trend for the same dates in 2025 vs 2024. The Middle East region continues to see significant declines compared to last year. Notably, bizjet demand is also well down in Australasia & ANZ. While accounting for only 1.2% of global bizjet traffic last week, Africa realized the most notable growth, up 17.4%.
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.”
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.”
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 expands avionic modernization upgrade availability for original Cessna CitationJet aircraftTextron Aviation has announced the availability of an all-Garmin avionics retrofit solution for Cessna CitationJet aircraft, serial numbers 525-0001 through 0359, following Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certification (STC).
The certification expands Textron Aviation’s investment in supporting legacy Cessna aircraft by extending its OEM-supported avionics modernization to the earliest CitationJet aircraft. The all-Garmin upgrade solution gives owners and operators access to advanced cockpit technology also available on the CJ1 and CJ2 while helping keep their aircraft capable, relevant and supported.
Farnborough, UK: Flexjet unveils its first dedicated European terminal at FarnboroughFlexjet has officially opened a $34m private terminal at Farnborough Airport, becoming the company’s first dedicated facility of its kind in Europe. The 2,098m² terminal, located in a new airside building separate from Farnborough’s main terminal, is exclusively for Flexjet aircraft Owners and their guests. It provides private lounges and meeting areas, a dedicated security and immigration facility, and direct access to the ramp.
Among the facility’s features is a full-size recreation of the cabin of a Flexjet Gulfstream G700, including a master bedroom suite, while the Owners Bar & Lounge overlooks the airfield.
Montana: Cessna Grand Caravan EX chosen to support Cape Air's Montana networkThe legendary Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprop has been selected by Cape Air for a fleet order of eight aircraft to support the airline's regional passenger operations, further strengthening its ability to connect the communities it serves.
Cape Air plans to introduce the Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops into its Montana network beginning in 2027, transitioning regional operations to the proven turboprop platform.
San José, Costa Rica: Universal Aviation secures general aviation hangar at San José AirportUniversal Aviation Costa Rica has secured a 10,000-square-foot aircraft hangar at Juan Santamaría International Airport (MROC/SJO), following a competitive process conducted by airport operator AERIS.
The hangar, managed through GAT SJO, is currently the only facility at MROC available for general aviation use. |
 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. Nearly half (45%) of respondents say buyers place equal importance on increased range and larger cabin space, while 28% identify cabin comfort, passenger capacity and aircraft customization as the most important considerations. A further 27% believe range and mission flexibility are now the primary purchasing drivers. Luxembourg and Auckland: ExecuJet Auckland becomes New Zealand’s first IS-BAH Stage I FBOExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, has announced that its FBO facility in Auckland (NZAA) is the first in New Zealand to achieve International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage I accreditation, following a successful audit in July 2026. The accreditation comes as ExecuJet continues to strengthen its FBO presence across Asia-Pacific. Sydney and Melbourne achieved IS-BAH Stage III accreditation in 2023. Earlier this year, ExecuJet was also appointed sole FBO operator at Sydney International Airport. Feedback from the audit highlighted the professionalism of the Auckland operation and the maturity of its supporting systems.
Phoenix, Arizona: MedAire strengthens partnership with crisis specialist GoCrisisMedAire has announced a strategic investment in GoCrisis, moving the companies’ four-year aviation relationship beyond strategic partnership and toward closer business integration. Through the investment, GoCrisis will leverage MedAire’s IT, finance and back-office business infrastructure, while both organizations retain their identities, organizational capabilities and established operating roles. “When a serious aviation event affects crew or passengers, an operator must make decisions about its people while maintaining ongoing operations," said Bill Dolny, CEO, MedAire. "Those affected may be far from home and outside their usual support networks, and their medical, security, practical and family needs may continue after the immediate event. The closer relationship is intended to let clients retain the decisions that belong to them while MedAire carries more of the operational burden of bringing the right support around their people.”
Medaire CEO Bill Dolny, with Elmarie Marais, CEO of GoCrisis. MedAire supports aviation clients around the clock through medical, security and operational-assistance teams and a global network of vetted providers, drawing on 40 years of aviation experience. Founded in 2014, GoCrisis supports organizations across industries through family assistance, emergency contact centers, crisis communications, field response and recovery. Together, MedAire and GoCrisis connect aviation clients to a crisis-response network of more than 100 crisis experts and 2,000 GoResponders, with access to more than 100,000 emergency response specialists through partners in more than 90 countries. The network is supported by 29 Assistance Centres, 25 Security Centres and more than 91,000 vetted providers.
Sydney, Australia: ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia completes 20-year heavy maintenance check on Indonesian-registered Legacy 600ExecuJet MRO Services Australia has completed a major 20-year scheduled airframe inspection on an Indonesian-registered Embraer Legacy 600 at its Sydney facility, underscoring the company’s ability to attract heavy maintenance work from across Asia. The 20-year inspection is one of the heaviest maintenance checks done on the Legacy 600, as it involves removal of the leading gear and the cabin interior, so as to examine hard-to-reach areas for in-depth inspections. Maintenance engineers then carry out Direct Visual Inspection to assess structural fatigue.
During the inspection, a few defects requiring highly specialised repairs were discovered. ExecuJet worked closely with Embraer and specialist engineering partners to coordinate expertise and specialised equipment from North America and Europe to Australia. Once on-site, the specialist team deployed a custom-built line boring jig to precisely restore the parts that needed it. The work required accuracy measured to thousandths of an inch, highlighting the precision engineering and international coordination involved in resolving a complex structural finding during heavy maintenance. ExecuJet MRO Services Australia is certified by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and currently performs about three airframe heavy maintenance checks on Indonesian-registered aircraft per year.
London: Global 8000 cleared for landing at London City AirportBombardier's Global 8000 business jet has received the green light by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to land at London City Airport, one of the world’s most influential financial hubs. This important designation, effective immediately, ensures that the world’s most impressive ultra-long-range business aircraft can connect nonstop from key destinations such as Singapore, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Buenos Aires to downtown London.
“UK CAA approval to access London City Airport ensures customers can save precious time when accessing one of the world’s most important finance hubs,” said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense. “London City Airport’s steep approach requirement for noise-abatement laws and its very short runway makes it amongst one of the world’s most challenging airports," said Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense.
London: Air Charter Expo launches Regional event in GermanyAir Charter Expo Regional-Europe debuts within AERO Friedrichshafen 2027.Air Charter Expo Regional-Europe was formally announced by Show organisers The Air Charter Association and Business Air News at Air Charter Expo (ACE26) at London Biggin Hill Airport on 8th September. It was a highlight for the UK show which surpassed a record 2,100 visitors, from 62 nations, bolstered with a fully booked aircraft static. Heralding the collaboration, Glenn Hogben, Chief Executive of The Air Charter Association commented: “We are delighted to be debuting our first Air Charter Expo Regional-Europe at AERO 2027 in Germany with a dedicated two and a half days of networking and educational workshops for the air charter community. "This is a great opportunity for our growing, global membership.” Tobias Bretzel, Show Director of AERO at Fairnamic GmbH added: “Bringing together two established and growing event brands during April 14th to 16th, 2027, builds on a terrific first collaboration this Spring at AERO 2026.”
Global Jet Capital publishes annual Business Jet Market Forecast Air Charter Expo sets new record attendance for third consecutive year Enhancing accountability and transparency in FAA certification Jettly launches Smart Match™: AI-powered private jet charter matching in 24 hours NetJets plans major new campus at Dallas Love Field Thrive Aviation enters fractional market with Honda Aircraft subsidiary, Arulean Air
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