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

Broomfield, Colorado:

Gogo completes first Gogo Galileo installation in Brazil on multi-orbit connected aircraft

Gogo's Galileo connectivity system has been installed in Brazil, marking a regional milestone.

The owner of the aircraft, a Bombardier Global 6000, chose to add the new system to achieve multi-orbit connectivity. It already had a Gogo Plane Simple antenna running on a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite system. The owner chose to add low earth orbit (LEO) connectivity to ensure redundancy and constant reliable coverage worldwide.

Gogo’s Plane Simple Ku-band terminal using SES FlexExec’s GEO satellite system had been installed in 2024 by Líder Aviação, a Gogo authorized dealer in Brazil.

Líder Aviação has now completed the installation of a Gogo Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) powered by the Eutelsat OneWeb enterprise-grade LEO network. HDX provides a compact, lightweight, low power and high-performance solution with reliable speeds of up to 60 Mbps, optimized for light to large-cabin aircraft.

NBAA cheers grassroots success in repealing onerous Washington state aircraft tax

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed the repeal of an unduly burdensome tax on most general aviation (GA) aircraft in Washington state, which was enacted last year and set to take effect on April 1st.

Specifically, the repealed measure (SB 5801) would have established an onerous 10% tax on the purchase of new and existing aircraft valued at more than $500,000.

A new bill (House Bill 2711), signed on Tuesday (31st March) by Gov. Bob Ferguson, replaces and supersedes SB 5801 with a 7-cent per gallon increase to the state’s aviation fuel tax and a moderate increase to aircraft registration fees.

“The success in halting the original aircraft tax is a win for job creation, local investment and economic opportunity,” said NBAA Regional Director Phil Derner. “The measure signed today represents the views of a wide range of stakeholders and, importantly, ensures our seat at the table as an active, contributing neighbor in the state of Washington.”

General aviation plays a critical role in serving citizens, companies and communities in the Evergreen State. Of the 140 airports in Washington, only a handful have regular airline service; the remainder are primarily used by general aviation aircraft for business transportation, civic services, humanitarian missions and other essential flight operations.

Embry-Riddle opens cutting-edge flight training center in Arizona

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the city of Prescott have opened a pivotal flight training center at Prescott Regional Airport in Arizona, marking a significant investment in aviation education, safety and workforce development.

The debut of the city of Prescott’s Strategic Academic Flight Education Complex represents a milestone in the university’s partnership with the airport and the region. Embry-Riddle is the first educational tenant within the city-owned development.

At the center of the project is Embry-Riddle’s new operations facility. The development includes a 263,000-square-foot aircraft ramp and a new two-story, 20,000-square-foot flight operations building with dispatch, briefing and instructional space for student pilots and faculty.

The new facility complements the university’s existing flight operations at the airport, creating a state-of-the-art, streamlined environment for hands-on training while supporting long-term infrastructure needs.

“This is about giving our students the kind of professional aviation environment that is the standard at Embry-Riddle - built for flight training and grounded in safety at every level,” said Dr. Ken Witcher, chancellor of the Prescott Campus. “We are proud to partner with the city of Prescott on a project that reflects a shared commitment to aviation education and to the future of this region.”

Southern Sky Aviation opens new US customs facility

Southern Sky Aviation in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has celebrated the opening of its new US Customs facility with a ribbon cutting on March 19th, significantly expanding international access and delivering a seamless arrival experience.

As a designated Point of Entry at Trent Lott International Airport (KPQL), Southern Sky Aviation now offers efficient on-site customs clearance, allowing international guests to bypass the long lines and congestion often associated with larger airports.

The FBO also participates in the US Customs and Border Protection Reimbursable Services Program, enabling 24/7 service and increased efficiency during high-traffic periods.

Av8 expands thriving Phenom landing gear overhaul program

Av8, a leading provider of landing gear overhaul, repair, and component support services for business aviation, has announced a strategic investment into its already well-established Embraer Phenom landing gear overhaul program.

The investment reflects the company’s continued commitment to expanding support capabilities and improving turnaround times for operators of one of the industry’s most widely used light business jets.

As part of the program expansion, Av8 has acquired additional complete ship sets of Phenom 300 landing gear, along with a substantial inventory of high-value rotable parts and components.

Associations thanks Rep. Sam Graves for his tireless service to general aviation

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) have expressed their gratitude to longtime congressional leader and tireless general aviation advocate Rep. Sam Graves (R-06-MO), following his announcement that he will not seek reelection to a 14th term in the US House of Representatives.

Rep. Sam Graves.

Graves is chair of the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, on which he has served since he was first elected to Congress in 2001. He has long championed legislation fostering innovation, development and safety across the nation’s aviation industry.

“Sam Graves deserves to be considered one of the most effective and consequential chairs in the history of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,” said NBAA President and CEO, Ed Bolen.

Matt Davies

Gulfstream has announced the appointment of Matt Davies as director of service center operations at Gulfstream’s Farnborough facility in England, effective immediately.

In his new role, Davies will oversee all Farnborough Service Center operations and lead the team in delivering service excellence. He will ensure that customers and operators visiting Gulfstream’s UK facility continue to receive exceptional support that is safe, reliable and efficient.

Davies brings nearly 30 years of aviation experience, much of it with Airinmar, an AAR company that specializes in management services of aircraft and component maintenance for airlines, airframe manufacturers, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations. He most recently served as general manager at Airinmar following a series of positions with increasing responsibility.

Additionally, Davies has held roles with Honeywell Aerospace and GE Aircraft Engine Services and is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

“Matt’s extensive experience and leadership make him an excellent addition to our Farnborough team and an important resource for our UK and regional customers,” said Lor Izzard, senior vice president, Gulfstream Customer Support. “He will play a key role in continuing to deliver the quality of service and customer experience that define Gulfstream’s worldwide support network.”

StandardAero

Giovanni Spitale

StandardAero, a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, MRO and engine component repair, has announced Giovanni Spitale as President of its Business Aviation segment effective immediately

Spitale will replace Anthony (Tony) Brancato III, who is retiring after nearly a decade in leadership positions with StandardAero and more than four decades in aviation.

Based at the company’s headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ and reporting to COO Kim Ernzen, Spitale will oversee strategic growth, operational excellence, and customer support for the StandardAero Business Aviation division.

Spitale joins StandardAero following his most recent successful tenure as Chief Executive Officer at Davis Standard, LLC. He previously held several senior executive roles at The Boeing Company and leadership positions at Milacron Holdings Corp., GE Aviation, Moog, and Honeywell International on various business aviation programs.

A veteran of the US Armed Forces, Spitale began his career in the US Navy where he served as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor for nearly a decade. He holds an MBA in international management from Arizona State University’s WP Carey School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Thomas Edison State University. He is a PMP-certified professional and a Six Sigma Green Belt.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Airline disruptions boost bizav despite rising fuel costs

The Iran-Israel-US conflict and specifically the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent jet fuel prices to record highs, forcing scheduled carriers to cancel thousands of flights, raise fares sharply, and warn of worse to come.

At the same time, TSA staffing shortages across major US hubs have left commercial terminals in disarray during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Caught between soaring costs and collapsing service reliability, a growing cohort of travelers are turning to business aviation, and the data is starting to show it. Global bizjet activity surged +11.3% year-on-year in Week 13, even as the Middle East continues to record some of the sharpest traffic declines since the conflict began.

Global bizjet activity: How much is the Middle East dragging on global traffic?

The broader bizjet market continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of the ongoing conflict. Global bizjet sectors were +11.3% YOY in Week 13, with the year-to-date figure (1st January-29 March) +4.5% ahead of last year, a notable acceleration from the +2.2% achieved over the same period in 2025 vs 2024. In the last year, WINGX data shows only 3 weeks that recorded greater than 10% weekly YOY growth (Week 45 2025, Week 2 2026, and Week 13 2026).

full report

Montreal:

Bombardier delivers first Global 8000 to NetJets

Bombardier has celebrated the delivery of the first Global 8000 aircraft to fleet launch customer NetJets.

With this most recent addition, NetJets plans to build a 24-strong fleet of Global 8000 aircraft and will be working with Bombardier to upgrade its entire in-service Global 7500 fleet to Global 8000 jets.

NetJets’ Patrick Gallagher (left) and Bombardier’s David Murray celebrate the delivery of NetJets’ first Global 8000 business at Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre.

NetJets could subsequently grow its fleet through a series of options that could be exercised progressively over the coming years.

By Kyle Patel, President of Bitlux.

Why certifications, operational discipline, and internal processes are more relevant to jet card memberships than marketing promises.

Private aviation is often defined by speed, convenience, and flexibility. For many travelers considering a private aviation membership or jet card program, these promises may be very relevant indeed.

One of the most critical aspects of any private aviation program is often not discussed at all: safety governance.

Every private jet flight is supported by an operational infrastructure that includes aircraft operators, regulatory compliance checks, and internal safety disciplines. For travelers, however, the problem is that all of this is invisible. Jet card programs or charter brokers may appear very similar on the surface, but the operational disciplines behind each service may be quite different.

This is especially true when evaluating a membership or a jet card program. Ultimately, what a private aviation program offers is not just access to an aircraft. It is what lies behind every flight: safety governance.

Cessna SkyCourier to make show debut at FIDAE 2026

Textron Aviation will return to FIDAE 2026, taking place April 7th–9th in Santiago, Chile, with a strong showing of its special mission platforms.

Debuting at the show will be the Cessna SkyCourier turboprop in passenger configuration.

The SkyCourier's presence has steadily expanded across the world, with announcements in the last year including the first deliveries to Canada and Mexico, as well as the first order from Mongolia. These milestones demonstrate the aircraft’s adaptability and the rising need for versatile utility platforms across regions and mission sets.

Melanie Daglish elected to BBGA Board

Melanie Daglish, from specialist insurer ITIC, shares why she joined the BBGA board and what she brings to the table.

As professional indemnity insurers with over 100 years of experience, ITIC offers the aviation industry something unique; how to retain client relationships when things go wrong.

watch the video

Singapore:

Beyond the upgrade: Inside Textron Aviation’s Customer Support network across the Asia region

As one of the most dynamic and diverse aviation markets, Asia relies on dependable customer support to keep operators flying.

Textron's Singapore Service Center supports operators across Asia with specialized maintenance, avionics troubleshooting and modernization upgrades tailored to regional operating needs and backed by OEM expertise. The facility also holds approvals from 14 National Aviation Authorities, enabling the team to support Textron Aviation aircraft registered across multiple global markets.

Jackie Chen, general manager of Textron Aviation’s Singapore Service Center explains the key role the company plays across the region, delivering OEM-backed maintenance, upgrade capabilities and a consistent service experience for Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker operators throughout Asia.

watch the video

Dübendorf, Switzerland:

ELITE secures first Airbus A320 FNPT II MCC APS flight sim sale to France

ELITE Simulation Solutions, a global leader in certified flight simulation training technology, has announced the successful sale of an Airbus A320 FNPT II MCC flight simulation training device to AEROFLIGHT, L’École de pilotage de l’est Parisien - Lognes, France

The ELITE Airbus A320 FNPT II APS MCC is a state-of-the-art flight training device engineered to replicate the Airbus A320 cockpit environment with exceptional fidelity, including original A320 parts.

Designed to meet rigorous aviation training standards and French DGAC EASA CS-FSTD (A) FNPT II MCC APS approval requirements, the simulator supports Multi-Crew
Coordination (MCC), instrument procedures, and advanced Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) preparation - offering flight schools and training organisations a highly immersive training platform compliant with European and DGAC regulatory frameworks.

World Fuel adds Bangkok and Augusta locations to Air Elite network

World Fuel has announced the addition of MJets Company Limited in Thailand and Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services in Augusta, Georgia, to Air Elite by World Fuel, further expanding the global Air Elite Network serving business aviation worldwide.

MJets Company Limited, based in Bangkok and Phuket, joins Air Elite as one of Southeast Asia’s most established private aviation service providers, supporting international operators across Thailand and the broader region.

Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services.

Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services, located at Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS) in Augusta, Georgia, joins the Air Elite Network as a key gateway serving business aviation traffic to the Central Savannah River Area.

Signature debuts state-of-the-art private aviation terminal in Glasgow

Signature Aviation has announced the debut of its newest terminal at Glasgow Airport (GLA) in Scotland.

The cutting-edge facility was officially introduced during a grand opening celebration this week, showcasing the enhanced guest experience and spotlighting the terminal’s expansive, thoughtfully designed amenities.

The new Signature GLA terminal was designed to enhance the guest experience as a gateway to one of the most culturally rich and historic cities in Scotland and greater Europe.

Seven Bell 407GXis to join South Africa’s Transmission Company

Bell Textron Inc. announced during VERTICON 2026 that the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 407GXis for utility operations, including high voltage powerline maintenance, emergency management and operational support.

The NTCSA is a key operator of the country’s national electricity transmission grid and is responsible for building a sustainable energy future for South Africa and beyond.

Republic of Uzbekistan:

Tashkent launches dedicated gateway for business aviation

Effective 17th February 2026, all business aviation operators planning charter flights to Tashkent are required to nominate Tashkent-Vostochny Airport (Tashkent-Humo International/Tashkent-East, UZTP/TVT) as the destination airport in flight applications and flight plans, replacing Tashkent International Airport (UZTT/TAS) for such operations.

Tashkent-Humo (UZTP/TVT) has officially commenced operations as a modern airport dedicated to business aviation. The airport operates in a specialized format focused on business aviation.

The absence of scheduled passenger services, along with restricted public traffic access, helps maintain a controlled and calm operational environment, ensuring a high level of comfort, discretion, and efficiency for VIP and corporate clients.

Dedicated access roads and a secure airport setting further enhance operational control. For flight crews, the airport layout eliminates the need to transit through main passenger terminals, reducing delays and improving turnaround efficiency. While Tashkent-Humo is located slightly farther from the city centre, transfer times remain consistent at approximately 25–30 minutes, helping operators avoid the traffic congestion.

Air Charter Service’s Time Critical operation sees huge growth in NFO offering

Last year the Time Critical division of leading aircraft specialist, Air Charter Service, saw incredible growth, particularly in its IATA-accredited Next Flight Out (NFO) offering - with 175% more shipments than in the previous 12 months.

Robert Alleman, CEO of ACS Time Critical, said: “We enjoyed a very successful 12 months last year - with all three of our services seeing large increases. The biggest of those came in our NFO division with almost three times the amount of work compared to 2024.

"We brought in the experienced Ash McCook a little under 18 months ago, who has a background in urgent logistics, which started in the armed forces more than 15 years ago – his focus on the NFO offering and team has really paid dividends.

“NFO provides a more versatile and cost-effective solution than OBC as it allows for larger shipments that are unaccompanied by a passenger. With recent geopolitical situations, tariffs, supply chain disruptions and rapid market changes, NFO has become an invaluable resource for a wide array of industries."

South Africa's Air Mercy Service marks Diamond Jubilee

The Air Mercy Service (AMS) proudly celebrated 60 years of delivering critical aero-medical and rescue services across South Africa, marking a legacy of innovation, compassion, and life-saving impact.

Since its establishment in 1966, AMS has played a vital role in bridging the gap between remote communities and essential healthcare.

Through a unique partnership model, the organisation has evolved into a highly specialised aero-medical and healthcare support service - providing emergency aero-medical transport, rescue operations, and a Flying Doctor outreach programme to underserved and rural communities.

Voluxis CEO, Warren Gravell, gives his outlook for 2026

Warren Gravell, CEO of Voluxis, the charter operator and aircraft management company, has spoken about office consolidation in 2025, and looks forward to the company’s new AOC and focussing on the customer in the coming year.

"I think probably the main development of last year was the consolidation of our Biggin Hill and Farnborough offices into one new office at the latter, bringing all our UK staff under one roof, he says.

"We also acquired new office space in both Dubai and Singapore, strengthening our global offering, and have made some key hires.

Warren Gravell.

“Looking forward to this year, in the immediate future, we are finalising our application to obtain our Maltese AOC in the coming months. Going into the summer season, the European AOC is going to be key, to give a further market offering."

watch the interview

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil:

Eve conducts full-scale eVTOL prototype flight for Brazilian President Lula

Eve Air Mobility, a leader in advanced air mobility solutions, successfully conducted a flight of its full-scale engineering prototype at Embraer’s test facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, for Brazilian government authorities, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The milestone marks further progress in Eve’s flight test campaign toward the future certification pathway of its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Eve continues advancing its flight test campaign, with its engineering prototype having completed 35 flights and accumulated nearly 1.5 hours of total flight time since its first flight in December 2025. The aircraft has reached an altitude of 140 feet above ground level (AGL), equivalent to 43 meters, establishing new program milestones and demonstrating consistent flight behavior under the tested conditions, including maneuvers with simultaneous inputs across three axes.

ACS’s staff fundraising reaches more than $200,000 for the second year in a row

Last year Air Charter Service’s charity committees around the world helped raise more than $200,000 for charitable causes through an array of challenges, volunteering, raffles and more - an amount matching their record, set in 2024.

Katie Ivie, Group HR Director, who leads the Charity Committee, commented:

“The worldwide team has really stepped up again following our record amount last year, with a range of physical challenges, including marathons, a 550 mile bike ride, summitting Kilimanjaro, and donations made by staff towards the relief effort following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica last October."

Record-breaking NBAA SDC2026 powers business opportunities and a bold vision for the future

A record-setting 3,500 attendees had an opportunity to see the full range of leading products and services on a sold-out exhibit floor over two business-driven days that also featured inspiration, innovation and powerful in-person connection at every turn throughout the 2026 National Business Aviation Association Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2026) in Cleveland.

“The year’s conference was yet another record-breaking event, but it was about much more than a set of numbers,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

“This conference uniquely brings together a group of professionals who fundamentally understand that we are all better - as individuals, and as an industry - when we can come together to share our passion, our knowledge and our sense of possibility about the future. That collective optimism and excitement also reached a high point at this year’s conference.”

For the more than 440 leading companies that filled the Huntington Convention Center, SDC2026 was a strategic opportunity to supercharge business with clients and customers from all 50 US states, and 55 countries from around the world - more than 350 of whom were first-time participants at the event.

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

Airbus brings digital technology to firefighting

Airbus has just successfully completed a unique first-of-its-kind trial in forest firefighting.

By linking aircraft, helicopters, drones and ground personnel via communication and data processing systems, the company has demonstrated the ability to carry out highly accurate water drops and significantly reduce the time between fire detection and extinguishment.

The trial mobilised significant resources, including the Airbus H130 FlightLab helicopter, two aircraft, an ATR 72 test aircraft and a Cirrus SR20 light aircraft, four drones including an Airbus Aliaca, and three lorries from the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of Le Gard (SDIS 30) to collect and process data.

Forest Fire Fighting Global System (FFFGS) | Copyright Airbus Helicopters.

To interconnect the entire system, Airbus deployed a local private mobile network bubble in the area, connected to Agnet, the mission-critical communication solution developed by Airbus for security and emergency services.

These tests were carried out by Airbus and its partners at the Garrigues military camp in Nîmes (France), based on scenarios developed with Departmental Fire and Rescue Services (SDIS) as well as the Entente Valabre, a public body empowered by the French Ministry of the Interior to assess forest firefighting equipment, provide training for personnel in France and abroad, and which is recognised as an international authority.

In these scenarios, two drones and the light aircraft captured images of the fire area, including infrared footage, and transmitted them in real time to Airbus servers connected to a command centre aboard a ground vehicle. The images were analysed, geolocated and merged with data, including satellite imagery, taking into account the terrain, wind strength and direction measured by a drone, and the location of firefighters on the ground. Data processing systems using AI produced a comprehensive view of the tactical situation on the ground and in the air, and enabled flight paths and water drop points to be transmitted to the helicopter equipped with a precision water drop assistance system and to the ATR72, which was simulating a water bomber.

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

Broomfield, Colorado:

Washington, DC:

Prescott, Arizona:

Moss Point, Mississippi:

Houston, Texas:

Washington, DC:

Gulfstream

Matt Davies

Gulfstream has announced the appointment of Matt Davies as director of service center operations at Gulfstream’s Farnborough facility in England, effective immediately.

StandardAero

Giovanni Spitale

StandardAero, a leading independent pure-play provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, MRO and engine component repair, has announced Giovanni Spitale as President of its Business Aviation segment effective immediately

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

The Iran-Israel-US conflict and specifically the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent jet fuel prices to record highs, forcing scheduled carriers to cancel thousands of flights, raise fares sharply, and warn of worse to come.

At the same time, TSA staffing shortages across major US hubs have left commercial terminals in disarray during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Montreal:

By Kyle Patel, President of Bitlux.

Santiago, Chile:

Singapore:

Dübendorf, Switzerland:

Houston, Texas:

Scotland:

Atlanta, Georgia:

Republic of Uzbekistan:

United Kingdom:

Cape Town, South Africa:

United Kingdom:

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil:

United Kingdom:

Cleveland, Ohio: