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BlueSky Business Aviation News | 17th July 2025 | Issue #804

Features Global 7500 WINGX Joby

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

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Toronto, Canada:

Preowned single-engine helicopter market sees continued price growth in H125

Global helicopter sales and market intelligence specialist, Aero Asset, released its 2025 Half Year Heli Market Trends Single-Engine Edition.

Backed by Aero Asset’s expertise and proprietary market insight, the report delivers a detailed analysis of the global preowned single-engine helicopter market in the first half of 2025.

Preowned single-engine helicopter market sees continued price growth in H125

The report reveals that retail sales volume dropped 19% year-over-year (YOY) to a four-year low, while median transaction prices rose 19%. Supply for sale continued to climb, up 9% YOY and absorption rate reached a four-year peak Q2 2025.

“We’re seeing a combination of declining sales volume and prices soaring,” said Valerie Pereira, Aero Asset’s Vice President of Market Research.

“Despite this market disparity, buyers continue to pursue mission-specific configurations. Notably, demand in the EMS segment grew in the first half of the year, signaling its continued resilience.”

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click to visit Collins Aerospace


Washinton, DC:

NBAA welcomes Senate confirmation of Bedford to lead the FAA

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed US Senate confirmation of Bryan Bedford as the next permanent administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Bedford is a longtime pilot with decades of leadership and management experience at regional carriers Mesaba Airlines, Business Express Airlines and, most recently, Republic Airways.

Bryan Bedford

His selection to lead the FAA comes at a time of heightened focus on aviation safety and the need to transform the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system.

“We welcome Bryan Bedford’s confirmation to lead the FAA, where his strategic thinking, extensive leadership experience and consistent focus on safety will guide the agency and industry in working together on the development of a robust and resilient ATC network,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We look forward to working with Bryan to ensure that the United States continues to operate the world’s largest, safest, most diverse aviation system.”

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click to visit The London Heli Shuttle


Santa Cruz, California:

Joby boosts manufacturing in California and Ohio, grows aircraft fleet

Electric air taxi manufacturer, Joby Aviation, has announced the expansion of its site in Marina, California, which will double its aircraft production capacity at that location.

The total site now spans approximately 435,500 square feet and will support the scale-up of commercial operations. Joby also expanded its flight test program with the addition of a new aircraft to its growing fleet.

Joby boosts manufacturing in California and Ohio, grows aircraft fleet

“Reimagining urban mobility takes speed, scale, and precision manufacturing. Our expanded manufacturing footprint in both California and Ohio is preparing us to do just that,” said Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer. “We celebrated the opening of the new facility with the flight of our sixth aircraft, which earned airworthiness certification within a week of completion.”

The opening of the new manufacturing space is a big step forward as Joby gets ready to scale production and enter the market. Achieving this comes down to three key strengths:

Committed to American Innovation:

Drawing on top talent at its California and Ohio facilities, Joby designs, builds, and tests its aircraft in the US. Using tools like advanced data analytics and 3D printing, Joby produces components that are lighter, stronger and more flexible. With its newly expanded Marina facility, the Company plans to add hundreds of full-time jobs to support increased aircraft production.

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click to visit Bon Soiree


Montreal:

IBAC announces 4 new industry partners

‘British Invasion’ with Affinity Aviation Group, Gama Aviation, and NERD.aero from the UK - and Execaire Aviation from Canada.

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) welcomes four new members to the Industry Partner Programme (IPP).

The ‘British Invasion’ refers to the three UK-based companies, Affinity Aviation Group, Gama Aviation, and NERD.aero, joining as IBAC partners, bringing the British-based businesses to five and a total of 26 IBAC Industry Partners including Execaire Aviation from Canada.

“We appreciate the support from around the world for our Industry Partner Programme, especially in the UK and Canada, where business aviation provides mission-critical support,” said Kurt Edwards, Director General of IBAC.

“We look forward to their input into our work informing development of global business aviation standards, based on their extensive and unique experience.”

more


click to visit Artemis Aerospace


Women in Aviation International:

WAI2026 Scholarships open: October 15th deadline

The 2026 Women in Aviation International (WAI) scholarship program is officially open.

Currently, there are over 50 scholarships valued at more than $200,000 offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatch, and career advancement for individuals of all ages and stages of their aviation and aerospace career journey.

This 2026 scholarship cycle includes several new scholarships to further members’ learning in flight training and dispatch.

Applicants are encouraged to check for new scholarships often and may apply for up to three scholarships per year.

“WAI believes in shaping the future of our industry by investing in the people who will meet the needs of our current and future global workforce demands,” says WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “The support of our annual scholarship program is one of the major benefits of being a WAI member, and we appreciate the generosity of our scholarship funders.”

The total amount of scholarships awarded by WAI funders since 1995 is more than $15m.

more


click to visit DaVinci Inflight Training


Williston, North Dakota:

Overland Aviation welcomes Williston Flight Care to the community

New partnership launches a vital chapter in emergency services for the region.

Overland Aviation - in partnership with the City of Williston, CHI St. Alexius Health Williston and Care Flight - officially welcomed Williston Flight Care to the region with a public ribbon cutting ceremony on June 17th.

"We’re thrilled to support this vital partnership in bringing locally-operated essential services back to the region,” said Tanner Overland, president and founder of Overland Aviation.

“It's a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations unite around a shared commitment to providing reliable, lasting services to our community for years to come."

Overland Aviation welcomes Williston Flight Care to the community

The Williston community has been without locally-operated air medical transportation services since 2023. The reestablishment of flight care to the region - which began service on June 4th - is a crucial development for Williston and surrounding communities, providing critical air ambulance service and helping ease the strain on ground emergency responders.

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People

Silver Air Private Jets

Jessica Rust

Jessica Rust

Santa Barbara-based Silver Air Private Jets, has announced the promotion of Jessica Rust to Executive Vice President of Sales.
In her new role, Jessica will lead Silver Air’s sales strategy and drive the continued growth of Flight Club, the company’s exclusive, invitation-only program for discerning individual and corporate clients.

Jessica brings more than 20 years of experience in business aviation, with a track record of building high-performing sales teams and delivering tailored solutions to clients. At Silver Air, she previously served as Director of Charter Sales, where she played a pivotal role in launching and scaling Flight Club.

“Jessica’s promotion is a testament to her exceptional leadership and deep industry expertise,” said Jason Middleton, CEO and Founder of Silver Air.

“Her vision for Flight Club and her ability to build lasting relationships make her the ideal leader to drive our sales organization forward - particularly with corporate travel departments seeking consistency and a more straightforward approach to charter.”

click to visit air bp

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Busiest July for bizjet activity

  WINGX Global Market Tracker
In Week 28, global bizjet activity reached 76,604 departures, an increase of 13% over the prior week and 4% above Week 28 of 2024, according to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today.

While still shy of this cycle’s 52-week peak of 78,808 flights (recorded in Week 26 of 2025), activity remains well ahead of the 52-week trough of 60,521 (Week 2 of 2025). Looking at the rolling four-week total, global flights are 4% ahead of versus the same period last year.

So far this year, business jet activity has totaled roughly 2 million flights - an overall increase of 3% compared with the same period last year. Flight hours are also 3% ahead of 2024, while the fleet of active aircraft has modestly contracted by about 1%.

As we approach mid-July, global business jet activity is accelerating, with flights rising 6% year-on-year and flight hours climbing by the same margin, departures have risen above every comparable July since 2019. Despite this uptick in flying, the active business-jet fleet held steady at around 16,400 “tails,” implying that each aircraft logged more hours on average compared to July of last year.

full report


click to visit VarnaJet


Montreal:

Bombardier Global 7500 breaks record with 135th City-Pair speed milestone - most ever for a bizjet

Bombardier's performance-leading Global 7500 business jet has achieved another record-breaking milestone: 135 speed records, the most ever set by a single business aircraft type.

Bombardier Global 7500 breaks record with 135th City-Pair speed milestone - most ever for a bizjet

Some of the blazing-fast aircraft’s impressive city-pair speed records include key city pairs such as Tokyo to San Francisco, London to Riyadh, Oakland to Tokyo, Hartford to Dubai, Tokyo to Toronto and Montreal to Paris, among many others.

Earlier achievements on the Global 7500 include the longest flight ever recorded in business aviation - an 8,225 nautical mile (15,232.7 km) flight from Sydney to Detroit - as well as the industry’s longest range non-stop mission from London City Airport to Los Angeles.

more


click to visit Krimson Aviation


click to visit Voluxis


Women in Aviation International:

Girls in Aviation Day hosted in St Barths by new Carib Skies WAI Chapter

A closing highlight of CARIBAVIA 2025 on St. Barths was the return of Girls in Aviation Day on Friday, 13th June.

Fifteen girls aged 14-15 (Grade 9) from local school College Mireille Choisy travelled to the airport for a full morning’s educational session.

Girls in Aviation Day by the new Carib Skies Chapter

This year GIAD was co-organised between Women in Aviation International’s Kelly Murphy; new WAI Carib Skies Chapter President Ludmila de Weever, St. Maarten Member of Parliament and Carib Skies’ Chapter member Melissa Lake, Territorial Councillor, St Barths.

Covering the Caribbean Islands, Carib Skies is now available for individuals and corporates based there.

more


click to visit Artemis Aerospace


click to visit FLIGHTWORX


Wichita, Kansas:

Cessna Grand Caravan EX adds executive interior upgrades for elevated travel experience

The legendary Cessna Grand Caravan EX will now feature three new executive interior schemes for customers to select when designing their aircraft cabin.

The Lunar, Obsidian and Saddle Sport interiors join the existing Canyon and Savanna schemes, providing a broader range of standard choices.

Lunar Premium Interior.

Lunar Premium Interior.

Premium versions of each of the new interiors are also available, featuring quilted seat stitching and plush carpet, providing an elevated aesthetic to the cabin.

more


click to visit London Biggin Hill Airport


Summer Ad Promotion


Sydney, Australia:

ExecuJet MRO Sydney working on three Falcons simultaneously

ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia has three Dassault Falcons in Sydney undergoing heavy maintenance checks simultaneously, a first for the company and demonstrating its breadth of capability as a Dassault factory-owned MRO organisation.

ExecuJet MRO Sydney working on three Falcons simultaneously

The aircraft - a Falcon 2000EX EASy, a Falcon 900EX, and a Falcon 900EX EASy - are undergoing scheduled airframe heavy maintenance checks at ExecuJet’s MRO centre at Sydney Airport.

The New Zealand-registered Falcon 2000EX EASy is undergoing a 24-yearly (3C) heavy maintenance check and will receive a full airframe repainting upon completion.

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click to visit HOT-STOP 'L' at Baker Aviation.


click to visit F/LIST


Wichita, Kansas:

Cessna Skyhawk soars with enhanced efficiency

Solid-state dual electronic ignition system introduced to the industry-leading piston.

The industry-leading training aircraft, the Cessna Skyhawk, now features a dual electronic ignition system (dual EIS), enhancing maintenance, efficiency and overall operation of the single-engine, high-wing piston.

Cessna Skyhawk soars with enhanced efficiency

This solid-state electronic technology improves maintenance intervals, fuel efficiency and engine performance, ultimately reducing aircraft operating costs.

more


click to visit TITAN AVIATION FUELS


click to visit REDiFly


Dublin, Ireland:

ACIA Aero Leasing signs agreement for sale of first ATR72-600 Large Cargo Door freighter to FedEx

ACIA Aero Leasing (“ACIA”), a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services, has announced that they have signed a definitive agreement for the sale of an ATR 72-600 LCD (Large Cargo Door) freighter (MSN1239) to FedEx.   ACIA Aero Leasing signs agreement for sale of first ATR72-600 Large Cargo Door freighter to FedEx

This is the first ever 72-600 passenger aircraft to undergo conversion to a freighter. ACIA speculatively launched the -600 series conversion program in 2024. The aircraft will be delivered to FedEx by December 2025 and enter FedEx operations thereafter.

more


click to visit Oriens Aviation


Cleveland, Ohio:

Embry-Riddle freshman wins $100k in Flexjet’s private jet interior design contest

Flexjet has awarded an aviation business student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University $100,000 for his winning aircraft interior design, Carolina, in the Project LXi - Design the Ultimate Private Jet Interior Contest.

'CAROLINA' by Woojae Sohn.

'CAROLINA' by Woojae Sohn.

Woojae Sohn, worked with his father, Youngmin Sohn, on the design and drew inspiration from their family vacations in Mount Pleasant, SC.

The interior will be installed in one of Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 aircraft and will become one of the Flexjet’s LXi Cabin Collection of custom interiors.

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Job Hunting?

Isle of Man:

BBGA out front at the Isle of Man Aviation Conference

For the first time, the British Business General Aviation Association joined Martyn Fiddler as joint hosts of the 13th Isle of Man Aviation Conference, bringing together 120 business aviation delegates at Douglas’ Villa Marina venue.

Conceived in 2007 to celebrate the Isle of Man aircraft registry (IOMAR), the event has become a calendar favourite. “It’s refreshingly straightforward,” said Dave Edwards, CEO of the Royal Aeronautical Society, chairing the event for the third year. Honeywell’s Chris Bigwood and 4Air’s Maureen Gautier will co-chair the event in 2026.

Dave Edwards.

Dave Edwards.

With over 400 business aviation tails, the ’M’ registry has expanded into ‘transitional’ aircraft – between owners or lessees, in any part of the world, as well as aerial flying work. Being non-commercial, its synergy with BBGA and the UK Civil Aviation Authority, encouraged to promote the G-reg, is obvious.

“It's good to have a choice of registries,” Isle of Man Director of Civil Aviation Simon Williams highlighted, smaller registries having the advantage of being responsive and nimble.

“We’ve suffered turbulence in recent years, with EBAA and BBGA constantly correcting misconceptions about our ‘enabling’ industry,” commented Dave Edwards. “Business aviation is easy to caricature, but it’s a vital strategic asset. It’s led in the adoption of Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other technologies, on the path to net zero.”

more


click to visit Jet+


Torp, Norway and Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

Elfly Group signs deal with Cambodia’s VET Airways for five ‘NOEMI’ seaplanes

Elfly Group, developers of the all-new NOEMI (no emissions electric seaplane) has signed an MoU, worth $50m, with Cambodia’s VET Airways for five aircraft, committing to bring clean, go-anywhere air travel to Southeast Asia.

This marks Elfly’s 52nd aircraft, ordered through customer MoUs, as demand for the all-electric, amphibious NOEMI takes off globally - from Denmark to Greece, Indonesia, Panama, and now Cambodia.

Elfly Group signs deal with Cambodia’s VET Airways for five ‘NOEMI’ seaplanes

“There’s a huge market for seaplanes in Asia,” enthused Neak Oknha Suo Vireak, CEO of VET Airways’ parent company, Vireak Buntham Express Co. Ltd.

“The amphibious NOEMI can fly straight from airports to the coast and out compete road transport, which is important as we are looking into using it in our logistics network too.”

This is the latest milestone from Elfly, coming hard on the heels of an exciting series of developments.

more


click to visit FLIGHTWORX


Guernsey, Channel Islands:

Pula expands maintenance capability with acquisition of JMI

Pula Aviation Services Limited (PASL) has further strengthened its portfolio of aviation businesses with the acquisition of UK-based aircraft maintenance provider, JMI-Jet Maintenance International Limited (JMI).

This strategic acquisition enhances PASL's aircraft maintenance capabilities, adding JMI's well-established base at London Oxford Airport and its line station at London Biggin Hill to the group's existing footprint.

Founded in 2018, JMI is a fully independent MRO provider, offering base maintenance, line support, and AOG services to aircraft owners and operators across the UK and Europe.

Operating out of an 18,000 sq. ft. hangar at Oxford, JMI specialises in engine and airframe maintenance, structural repairs, avionics upgrades, interior modifications and aircraft painting support.

Steve Page, CEO of PASL, commented: "This acquisition aligns with our group strategy to expand core capabilities across the aviation support services. JMI complements our existing aircraft maintenance offering at ASG, our parts supply business Airpart, and our special missions aircraft operations."

more


click to visit London Oxford Airport


Sydney, Australia:

Web Manuals sizes up in Sydney

Web Manuals is celebrating another global milestone with the opening of a larger office in the heart of Sydney, Australia.

Since the launch of Web Manuals’ first entity in Sydney, the company has grown by more than 250 customers worldwide, with almost 20% located in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, and more than half of those operating in Oceania.

Emil Ahlgren, director of operations, APAC, Web Manuals says: “Our growing customer community in Oceania speaks volumes about the demand for digitalization, automation, and innovation in the region.

"We’ve seen a broad range of companies joining us, from airlines and business jet operators through to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), flight schools, and aero medical services."

more


click to visit VarnaJet


Cargo

Scotland:

Chapman Freeborn transports record cargo shipment at PIK

Global air charter specialist, Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, has successfully completed a record-breaking cargo shipment operation at Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK).

Earlier this year, the company organized a cargo charter flight that transported the longest piece of cargo the airport has ever handled.

Chapman Freeborn transports record cargo shipment at PIK

The shipment included a 67-foot-long, 24-tonne component, transported on three 20-foot connecting pallets, along with two additional 40-foot components. Designed for the oil and gas industry, these outsized components were transported aboard a B747F nose loader.

Originating from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the shipment arrived at Prestwick following a stopover at Liège Airport (LGG), where it underwent a security screening. In Glasgow, the cargo was unloaded in just 30 minutes using three main deck loaders and two cranes.

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United Kingdom:

Bombardier's new paint facility at London Biggin Hill takes shape

51,000 sq.ft. paint shop to employ more than 50 skilled technicians.

Bombardier has announced that the development of a new 51,000 sq.ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing in earnest with several key processes completed, including ground stabilization and foundation work on the hangar.

The hangar steel framework continues to progress and the cladding works have also commenced.

Bromley and Biggin Hill Member of Parliament, Peter Fortune, visited the London Biggin Hill Service Centre on July 4th, which provided him with a closer look at the exceptional aerospace expertise at the service centre and the development of its most recent expansion.

Peter Fortune, Member of Parliament for Bromley and Biggin Hill, and Sander Podgoric, General Manager of Bombardier’s London Biggin Hill Service Centre.

Bombardier’s new two-bay paint facility is expected to employ more than 50 skilled paint technicians.

more


Events

The Air Charter Association:

The Air Charter Regional Forum debuts in the US to tackle industry challenges

Leading global trade body, The Air Charter Association (The ACA), is hosting its first Air Charter Regional Forum on 19th & 20th August 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Air Charter Regional Forum will be the third US industry event delivered by The ACA following successful roundtables in Colorado and Georgia, and will be hosted by Glenn Hogben, chief executive of The ACA and Ryan Waguespack, The ACA’s International Board Member for North America.

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Stories you might have missed.

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


And Finally

Titan Airways Introduces first Embraer E190LR regional jet

Titan Airways, Europe’s leading charter airline, this week announced that it had completed the purchase of its first Embraer E190LR regional jet. Newly registered G-POWX, joined Titan’s 13-strong fleet of modern passenger and cargo aircraft on 27th June and is now available for ad-hoc charter and lease bookings.
The Embraer E190LR is a complementary addition to the airline’s mainstay Airbus family of A320, A321 and A321LR variants. Currently configured in dual-class layout with nine business class and 88 economy seats, the E190LR is better suited for domestic and regional operations.
Titan Airways Introduces first Embraer E190LR regional jet
Photo: Mark Bell, NCL Airpics.

Alex Harrington, Titan Airways Commercial Director, commented: “We are delighted to introduce the Embraer 190LR into our fleet. This modern aircraft will allow us to offer our clients a more fuel-efficient option when serving the 70-seat + charter market. It has a spacious cabin and nicely fills the gap for smaller capacity charter and lease requests in the UK and Europe.” To optimise its charter appeal, Titan plans to offer varied cabin options, including a 100 seat all-economy layout, he noted.

“Boasting an impressive range of 2,400nm and the capability to operate to restrictive airfields, such as London City, Florence, Berne, and San Sebastien, we are confident the Embraer 190LR will be a popular addition to our fleet. We are already seeing considerable interest and bookings from airline and charter customers,” he stated, adding the airline is already looking at other opportunities to add more EJet variants to the fleet.

Titan Airways may be new to the E190LR, but its commercial fleet is supported by an Embraer Phenom 300 light jet, which is regularly used to position crews and engineers. The eight-seat executive jet is also available to charter via business aviation specialists, SaxonAir.

  Titan Airways

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