Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Montreal: Bombardier plans 800 new US jobs as expansion drives wider employment growthBombardier is continuing to significantly enhance its American footprint with plans to hire 800 people across America. The company is actively recruiting for 500 positions across the country and plans to create an additional 300 jobs through footprint expansion projects. Texas is planned to be the next pillar of expansion and will account for 150 of the 300 new jobs. Hiring activities will further be spread across the company’s US home base in Kansas as well as in Indiana and Connecticut. Job creation in these states will be driven by infrastructure investments, which will total an estimated $270m in the first phase. “Our American service network is a key pillar of Bombardier's growth strategy. This new wave of expansion and hiring reflects our long-term confidence in this market and our employees in America,” said Eric Martel, President & CEO, Bombardier. “Based on our constructive conversations with the US administration, we see a bright path forward for our highly skilled aerospace workers as well as a positive environment for Bombardier to continue pursuing direct investments to grow our American footprint.”
Los Angeles: IADA Market Report shows rising dealer confidence, preowned demand remains strongConfidence among the world's leading accredited aircraft dealers increased during the third quarter of 2026. Strong demand for preowned business aircraft, tight supplies of desirable models and extended manufacturer delivery backlogs continued to support a resilient global marketplace, according to the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) Third Quarter Market Report. IADA members rated current business aircraft sales market conditions at 3.62 on a five-point scale, up from 3.45 during the second quarter and 3.47 during the same period in 2025. Their assessments reflect firsthand experience with aircraft transactions, buyer behavior, pricing, inventory availability and changing market conditions. The report found that demand remained particularly strong for late-model, well-maintained aircraft, while limited supplies of quality inventory continued to strengthen sellers' negotiating positions. Who is driving today's market "Buyers need expert guidance, and they are finding it with IADA Accredited Dealers and Certified Brokers. Many of the best aircraft now trade off-market through IADA Member relationships before ever being publicly listed," said IADA Executive Director Lou Seno. "Overall, the market is strong and maturing, with buyers more selective and pricing increasingly tied to aircraft condition," he added.
Orlando, Florida: NBAA honors Signature Aviation for its efforts to combat human traffickingAl Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership recognizes the company’s work equipping aviation professionals to identify and report suspected trafficking.The National Business Aviation Association has awarded Signature Aviation the association’s 2026 Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership for its commitment to combating human trafficking, in part through collaboration with NBAA and other stakeholders. Through NBAA’s Operation Flightline initiative, Signature Aviation is helping equip aviation professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize potential signs of human trafficking and report suspected cases.
Developed in collaboration with NBAA and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the initiative was unveiled earlier this year at NBAA’s International Operators Conference (IOC). The award was presented on October 21st during a luncheon at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. How is Signature Aviation helping combat human trafficking?
Las Vegas, Nevada: Universal Aviation rebrands as Affinity AviationUniversal Aviation has rebranded as Affinity Aviation, with the Evans family-owned FBO and ground support business beginning a phased transition across its global network. The company operates more than 75 locations in over 20 countries. The new name was announced at NBAA-BACE 2026 in Las Vegas and will replace Universal Aviation progressively through 2027. The Evans family will continue to own and lead the business, which has more than 65 years of experience in business aviation. The company said the rebrand would be accompanied by continued investment in facilities, personnel, safety and operational capabilities.
Several major infrastructure projects are under way. In Saudi Arabia, the company has begun operations at a new general aviation terminal and FBO in Dammam, the first of three planned facilities in the Kingdom. Further developments are planned in Jeddah, including an approximately 108,000-square-foot private aviation hangar, and Riyadh, where a dedicated private aviation lounge and ground handling operation are planned.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Gogo unveils long-term Galileo service roadmapGogo has outlined its long-term roadmap for Gogo Galileo, with significant improvements to extend the value of customers’ investments through the mid-2030s and beyond. For aircraft owners and operators, the roadmap provides a basis for investing confidently today, with a clear path to meet rising connectivity expectations over the life of their aircraft. The roadmap, unveiled this week at NBAA-BACE 2026, positions Gogo Galileo as an enduring best-in-class connectivity platform purpose-built for business aviation and military/government aircraft, with a chassis architecture designed to support successive generations of technology. Customers installing Galileo today or in the near term, whether the HDX or FDX antenna, are assured of a defined, predictable path to higher performance as onboard technology and satellite networks advance. Customers are also expected to benefit from broader service availability over the next decade as additional countries authorize low Earth orbit (LEO) operations.
Mott MacDonald Michael DowdsMott MacDonald, the employee-owned engineering, management and development consultancy, has appointed Michael Dowds as aviation lead for UK and Europe. He joins at a pivotal time as Mott MacDonald's aviation business expands its work with airport owners, operators and investors across the UK and Europe. Michael will lead Mott MacDonald's aviation business across the UK and Europe, working with clients and teams to strengthen relationships, drive growth and support the delivery of major airport programmes. He will work with Mott MacDonald teams to support airport owners, operators and investors navigate complex challenges spanning strategy, planning, design, delivery and operational transformation. Michael brings more than two decades of international aviation experience, having held senior leadership roles with both Deloitte and BAA Airports across airport planning, development, operations and management consultancy. His international career spans work with airport operators, investors, infrastructure clients and airlines, giving him extensive insight and experience in shaping major airport programmes and supporting long-term aviation growth strategies.
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Global bizjet activity returned to growth in Week 43 (19-25 Oct), up 0.7% year-on-year with just over 81,750 departures operated globally. Notably, some of the improvement came from the NBAA-BACE convention in Las Vegas, which fell a week later this year than in 2025; excluding Nevada, global departures were up just 0.3%. The four-week trend has slowed to +0.7%, and the year-to-date figure stands at +3.2% ahead of last year through 25 October. North America grew 2.2%, while Europe slipped 2.0% and Central America (-25.3%) and the Middle East (-11.3%) remained the weakest regions last week. What Drove the Week The chart below breaks global growth down by sub-region. North America added +1.57 points, with Nevada alone contributing almost half a point. Africa, South America and the Caribbean added a further +0.41 points on a combined basis. Central America (-0.62 points), Europe (-0.27 points) and the Middle East (-0.24 points) took back around two-thirds of the gains.
Manhattan, New York: No runway required: Electra takes off and lands Ultra Short airplane at Manhattan HeliportElectra's hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft has completed a successful takeoff and landing at Downtown Skyport in Lower Manhattan, marking what is believed to be the first-ever landing at the heliport by a fixed-wing aircraft without vertical takeoff capability.
The demonstration, the latest in Electra’s ongoing Life Beyond Runways series, showcases Direct Aviation, a new model for regional mobility that uses accessible air travel to connect passengers directly from where they are to where they want to go. Direct Aviation enables people to skip congested roads and crowded airport hubs for more accessible and efficient travel.
Boise, Idaho: Western Aircraft celebrates 300th PC-12 deliveryMarks 30 years as Authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Center.Western Aircraft, part of Greenwich AeroGroup, marks three significant milestones in 2026 as part of its long-standing partnership with Pilatus: the delivery of the company’s 300th PC-12 - a PC-12 PRO, the delivery of the 30th new PC-24, and its 30th anniversary as an Authorized Pilatus Sales & Service Center.
The three special milestones were jointly acknowledged in a ceremony held at Western Aircraft’s head office in Boise, Idaho, USA. Since the partnership began in 1996, Western Aircraft has become one of the most successful and experienced Authorized Pilatus Sales Centers, and the first to achieve these milestones.
Duluth, Minnesota: Cirrus breaks ground on $8m Engine Run-Up CenterCirrus Aircraft has broken ground on a 15,000-square-foot Engine Run-Up Center, designed to safely and efficiently test SR Series, Vision Jet, and TRAC10 engine system functionality, performance, and fuel calibration as part of the aircraft certification process.
Cirrus will invest over $8m in the facility, which will provide a centralized, enclosed, well-equipped, climate-controlled building year-round. The Run-Up Center is expected to be completed and operational in summer 2027. The new facility will feature two calibration stalls where Cirrus technicians can set up, test and adjust engines during operation.
Basel, Switzerland: Nomad Technics completes major Challenger 604 and Global 5000 inspectionsNomad Technics has successfully completed two significant heavy maintenance events on Bombardier business jets at its Basel facility. The projects included a 7,800 Landings Inspection on a Bombardier Challenger 604 and a 120-Month Inspection on a Bombardier Global 5000.
Bombardier Challenger 604 The Challenger 604 inspection involved an extensive structural and systems review in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance requirements. The work package included detailed inspections of primary aircraft structures, landing gear, flight control systems, as well as the accomplishment of various scheduled maintenance tasks and rectification of findings identified during the inspection process.
Independence, Kansas: Civil Air Patrol orders 21 new Cessna aircraft to strengthen lifesaving and community missionsTextron Aviation has announced an order from Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for 21 additional Cessna piston aircraft that will support CAP's emergency response, training and community missions across the US. Deliveries are expected to be completed in 2027.
The order includes seven Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft, 11 Cessna Skylane 182 aircraft, two Cessna Turbo Skylane T182T aircraft and one Cessna Turbo Stationair HD 206 aircraft. CAP is the world's largest operator of Cessna aircraft. “These Cessna aircraft help ensure our members are ready when communities need us, whether searching for someone who is missing, responding after a disaster, or introducing young people to aviation,” said Major General Regena Aye, national commander and CEO, Civil Air Patrol.
London: London Biggin Hill Airport welcomes students to its 10th Futures WeekLondon Biggin Hill Airport is celebrating the milestone tenth edition of Futures Week, its flagship week-long initiative introducing young people to the aviation industry.
The bi-annual event gives students first-hand experience of the sector and offers an insight into the range of career pathways available. Former participants have gone on to pursue apprenticeships, further education and employment with companies including Bombardier, British Airways, Castle Air Aviation Group and the Royal Navy. The tenth edition welcomed 15 students for a behind-the-scenes look at careers spanning all aspects of aviation, from aircraft engineer and air traffic control to Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) and charter broker.
Las Vegas, Nevada: NetJets flight activity in Las Vegas rises as new airport facility opensNetJets and Signature Aviation have opened a new facility at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, combining a private terminal, two hangars and aircraft maintenance and support facilities.
The development covers more than 300,000 square feet and is designed to support NetJets’ growing flight activity in Las Vegas. The companies said the project is the first new-build facility they have jointly developed. NetJets reported that its flight activity in Las Vegas increased by almost 45% between 2022 and the end of 2025, reaching nearly 8,000 flights. Activity in the first part of 2026 was almost 30% higher than in the same period last year.
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 Orlando, Florida: Signature Aviation introduces simplified FBO pricingSignature Aviation has introduced Signature Access, a new pricing structure designed to give business aviation operators clearer, more predictable costs when using its facilities. The scheme combines core access charges into a single price based on aircraft size, time on the ramp and terminal location. At participating locations in the continental US, eligible fuel purchases qualify for a waiver of the first hour’s access charge. Optional services, including hangar accommodation, ground power units (GPU) and lavatory services, are charged separately. "We are grateful to the guests and operators whose perspectives helped shape Signature Access," said Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer, Signature Aviation. "Their feedback was instrumental in creating a clearer, more predictable pricing approach that gives guests greater visibility, flexibility and control. It also reflects our broader commitment to listening, innovating, and investing in an exceptional guest experience.” Signature Access is already available at selected locations, with a phased rollout planned over the coming months. Signature is also changing its Event Fee policy. From 2027, fees are expected to apply only to a limited number of high-demand events, with affected locations and prices published at least 30 days in advance.
Malta: Voluxis flying high as it obtains Malta AOCPrivate aviation group, Voluxis, has been granted an Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) from The Civil Aviation Directorate within Transport Malta (TMCAD). “This adds a third AOC to our portfolio, complementing our UK (G-reg) and San Marino (T7-reg) certifications," said Voluxis CEO, Warren Gravell. "It is our first EASA AOC and allows free movement around Europe, to maximise our charter capabilities. “We see Malta as an important part of our aircraft management strategy providing full access to commercial operations within Europe. "Our clients have the choice between the UK, San Marino and now, Malta, to register their aircraft, with each AOC having a slightly different list of benefits. We will have our launch aircraft on the AOC, which we can’t wait to offer to our clients."
São Paulo, Brazil: Embraer executive aviation backlog hits record US$8.2bnEmbraer’s Executive Aviation backlog reached a record US$8.2bn in 3Q26, up 5% quarter-on-quarter and 12% year-on-year. The division recorded a 1.4x book-to-bill ratio over the past 12 months. During the quarter, Embraer introduced the Phenom 300EV, the latest version of its light jet, featuring Garmin Emergency Autoland. The aircraft became the first light jet certified with the technology and received certification from ANAC, the FAA and EASA. Embraer also delivered the first Praetor 600E to Flexjet. The new Praetor 600E and midsize Praetor 500E have both received triple certification. Across the company, Embraer’s total backlog reached a record US$35.7bn, up 14% year-on-year.
Las Vegas, Nevada: What's driving business aircraft flying? Seefeld Group and JIQ launch UtilizationEx to examine demandSeefeld Group and JIQ, the market intelligence platform of JETNET have announced the launch of UtilizationEx, a new global Seefeld Group survey combining JIQ flight activity intelligence, drawing on JETNET’s WINGX data, with operator insights into sentiment, intentions and decision-making to better understand the drivers of business aircraft utilization and forecast future demand. Business aviation has increasingly sophisticated data showing how much aircraft are flying and how activity is changing. But flight activity measures realized use - not necessarily the underlying demand or the factors shaping future utilization. Aircraft availability, maintenance downtime, fleet transitions, economic and geopolitical conditions, crew availability, operating costs and other factors can prevent mission demand from being fully reflected in observed utilization. Latest JIQ flight activity data for September shows global business jet activity about 3% above 2025 levels year to date.
Farnborough, UK: Affinity Aviation Group welcomes strategic UK partnership with AeronautX amid strong year of growthAffinity Aviation Group (AAG), the business aircraft sales, acquisitions and charter specialist, has announced a new strategic collaboration with Austria’s AeronautX, Europe’s newest business aviation training provider. As AeronautX prepares to open its new pilot academy near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol next spring, Affinity has invested in a significant shareholding in AeronautX UK Ltd, who recently set up an office within AAG’s existing HQ at Farnborough Airport, Hampshire. Jörg Oberhofer, Founder and CEO of AeronautX commented: "This new partnership with Affinity Aviation Group and our presence at Farnborough Airport are key to AeronautX's growing UK operations. Our new training centre opens in Q1 2027 with Bombardier Challenger 350/3500 and Challenger 650 full flight simulators, all of which will be UK CAA certified. This builds on the Base Training approvals AeronautX already holds for Embraer and Gulfstream aircraft." “This partnership represents an exciting step forward for both teams as we also strengthen our presence in the business aviation sector,” commented Andrew Hoy, Founding CEO of Affinity Aviation Group. "With AeronautX investing heavily in the future of business aviation training, this is an exciting opportunity to build a relationship with a like-minded organisation that shares our commitment to expertise, quality and long-term growth.”
Friedrichshafen, Germany: Helicopters to feature prominently at AERO 2027AERO 2027 (April 14–17, 2027) will provide a greater profile for helicopters, building on the success of AERO 2026, organisers Fairnamic have confirmed. Helicopters (executive, GA and utility) will feature in three connected areas of AERO, Europe’s largest trade show for General Aviation & Business Aviation as the scope of the whole event widens. The increased interest in business aviation will expand to include helicopters alongside corporate jets and turboprops. Early exhibitors include a reshaped increased pavilion of the German Helicopter Association (DHV), Bell, Robinson, Guimbal and the DRF.
"With some 50 business aircraft (fixed wing and rotary) showcased in 2026, it became clear that this section of the show was not only welcomed, but that corporate helicopters are a complementary and highly valued part of executive aviation," said Tobias Bretzel, AERO Show Director at Fairnamic GmbH. "This is a logical extension for helicopter OEMs, operators and owners, many of whom are already closely involved in fixed wing operations."
PlaneSense to equip entire fleet of PC-12 turboprops and PC-24 Jets with Gogo Galileo connectivity Cessna Citation Gen3 programmes pass 1,220 flight test hours Air Charter Service sees strong European performance
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