Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Washington, DC:NBAA joins Modern Skies Coalition in support of DOT’s ATC-modernization planThe National Business Aviation Association joined more than 50 other industry groups to express strong support for Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy’s proposal for a comprehensive upgrade of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system, which serves approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers every day. “Secretary Duffy’s plan cements America as a global leader in aviation, investing in both technology and the air traffic control workforce to enhance US aviation safety and reliability,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said in remarks delivered at an event held in Washington, DC, to unveil the DOT plan.
“The swift implementation of these updates is not just important, it’s imperative. We commend the Secretary for his focus on speed, efficiency, and safety and we fully support his call for Congress to provide the necessary funding.” Importantly, a central focus of Secretary Duffy’s plan to modernize the ATC system focuses on implementing needed technological upgrades, enhancing connectivity and ensuring US infrastructure can adapt to evolving technologies and increasing air traffic. Additionally, Secretary Duffy’s focus on accelerating the recruitment and training of air traffic controllers, which is part of his supercharge program announced in February, is a crucial step in addressing a longstanding workforce shortage.
Atlanta, Georgia:Wheels Up launches new SAF program via partnership with Delta AirlinesWheels Up has announced the launch of its new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program. Wheels Up charter customers who opt into this initiative are able to seamlessly book a private jet or group charter flight and contribute towards decarbonizing aviation by supporting SAF. Wheels Up will partner with Delta Air Lines to purchase SAF, ultimately allowing private fliers to participate regardless of their flight operator or departure airport. While SAF is expected to play a critical role in decarbonizing aviation, it remains scarce today. In 2024, it only accounted for 0.3% of global jet fuel production, and it has very limited availability.
In this context, it is impractical to ensure that every customer wishing to 'fly on SAF' has physical SAF at their airport, much less loaded into their specific flights. Through Wheels Up's program, charter customers determine the amount of SAF they wish to support, and Wheels Up coordinates with Delta to direct customer contributions through the Delta SAF Program. By integrating SAF into Wheels Up's charter infrastructure, Wheels Up and its customers have the opportunity to help increase the demand for SAF. Such market frameworks are anticipated to play a critical role in scaling SAF production and use in the coming years.
Melbourne, Florida:Sheltair MLB welcomes new T-hangars to support GA communitySheltair has announced the opening of its new T-hangar complex at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). This much needed and exciting project underscores Sheltair’s dedication to fostering the general aviation community by offering new facilities that cater to the diverse needs of aircraft owners and operators. The newly constructed hangars feature contemporary amenities, thoughtfully designed to accommodate various aircraft types and enhance operational efficiency. The impressive structure, spanning over 34,500 square feet, will include 30 T-hangars tailored for single-engine and light twin aircraft. Set on nearly 4.5 acres of prime apron space, this hangar complex will warmly welcome its tenants and their passengers, featuring 37 parking spaces for passenger vehicles and two restrooms, all designed to enhance the flying experience. These new facilities aim to enrich the experience for general aviation users, attracting more aviation-related activities to the Melbourne area and supporting local economic growth.
Montreal:CAE set to showcase innovative eye tracking technology for Air Traffic Services training at Airspace WorldGlobal aviation training leader CAE will showcase its innovative eye tracking technology for air traffic services (ATS) training at Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.CAE is studying the technology, which is proven for pilot training and has been adapted for ATS training, as a way to better understand how trainees scan, process, and respond to dynamic radar environments. This technology is one of many elements in CAE’s advanced end-to-end training ecosystem that is being explored to elevate the company’s ATS training quality, enable scalable delivery, and ensure operational readiness in rapidly evolving airspace environments. CAE’s integration of eye tracking technology for ATS is on display at stand H2670 at Airspace World. “As Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) accelerate their modernization efforts with airspace improvements including Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), improved infrastructure and new technologies to meet current and future demand for air traffic services, it is critical that equal emphasis be placed on training innovation,” said Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President - Strategy, Performance & Marketing at CAE and Head of CAE’s new Air Traffic Services division. “We need to prepare the next generation of air traffic personnel and ensure ANSPs are future ready with high-quality training programs and adequate training capacity. CAE’s turnkey expertise in competency-based training design, advanced instructional delivery, and data-driven technologies can support ANSPs in this transformation.”
Scotsdale, Arizona:StandardAero celebrates 1,500th Honeywell HTF7000 major maintenance service event at Augusta Regional AirportStandardAero recently completed the 1,500th Honeywell HTF7000 series engine received for major maintenance at its Augusta, GA engine service center. StandardAero is the industry’s exclusive independent, OEM-authorized heavy maintenance provider for the HTF7000 turbofan engine model, and with this milestone, has performed more major HTF7000 workscope events than any other company in the industry.
The Honeywell HTF7000 engine, formerly known as the AS907, reached 10 million flight hours in 2024 from the wings of Bombardier Challenger 300/350, Cessna Citation Longitude, Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600, and Gulfstream G280 aircraft. StandardAero supports each of these aircraft’s engine needs from five sites world-wide, backed by over 100 technical staff. “This milestone echoes the continued trust operators have in StandardAero for their HTF7000 engine support,” said Tony Brancato, president of StandardAero Engine Services - Business Aviation division. “We’ve been channel partners with Honeywell for over half a century starting with the TFE731 engine, and our commitment to serving the HTF7000 customer base with expert, quality support is no different.”
APOC Craig SkiltonAPOC Aviation has brought in experienced senior executive, Craig Skilton, to lead its rapidly developing components division. His remit will encompass increasing market share for APOC’s growing portfolio.Although his role is global, Skilton will primarily concentrate on Europe & Asia Pacific as APOC’s two key markets and within that, strengthening the organisation’s foothold in the UK. He will also work in tandem with APOC’s emergent repairs business as the Company evolves from quick-turn sales of repairable/serviceable stock to intrinsically more valuable components ready to exchange and lease.Skilton has extensive experience in the aviation industry. Prior to joining APOC, he enjoyed a decade of leadership experience at AJW Group, playing a key role in driving strategic growth as Head of Business Development, before switching focus to lead the Company’s digital initiatives, one of those being AJW’s eCommerce Store - Eventory. Since AJW, he founded Digital Flight, a fast-growing technology hub and helped SkySelect Inc. - a Silicon Valley-based AI-driven procurement platform for aircraft spares - before transitioning back into the parts trading environment through his current role at APOC. Jetcraft Philip BaerWorldwide aircraft sales, acquisitions and trading company, Jetcraft, has announced the appointment of Philip Baer as a Sales Director in the United States.Based in Dallas, Baer will lead sales across the South Central territory, including Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. His appointment further boosts Jetcraft's US market presence, bringing extensive local expertise to Jetcraft’s expanded Americas sales team. Prior to joining Jetcraft, Baer spent two decades with NetJets and NetJets Europe, leading a team responsible for half the company’s billion-dollar revenue. Chris Hollingsworth, RVP Sales, Americas, says: “North America is at the forefront of pre-owned aircraft transactions, and we remain committed to expanding our thriving team to continue to meet the needs of this dynamic region, ensuring our customers have access to the best advice and aircraft for their missions. Philip’s proven leadership, sharp commercial instinct and commitment to the very best in market intelligence make him an exceptional addition to Jetcraft.” Baer is multilingual and holds an Executive MBA from SMU Cox School of Business, an MSc from the University of Oxford and an FAA Private Pilot License. His appointment follows the promotions of Chris Hollingsworth and Sean O’Leary to Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs). |
Business jet demand was up in the most recent week, week 19, the 5th to 11th of May, compared to week 19 in 2024, according to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today.The last 4-week trend in bizjet activity is 2% and the year-to-date trend is 3%. Overall, the resurgence in bizjet activity since November 2024 is clearly tapering in recent weeks. North America Bizjet flights from airports in North America were up 2% compared to Week 19 last year, effectively an additional 994 flights. For May so far (through 12th), regional bizjet flights are up by 0.5%, with the dominant US market up by 0.4%, a much weaker trend compared to US trends over the last 4 weeks, which is up 2.5%. This month is seeing a big fall in Cayman, Bermuda and Dominican Republic. Week 19 saw an erosion in activity out of Florida, outbound flights down by 1%, significantly slower than the 6% growth over the last 4 weeks. Whereas the other principal activity hubs, California and Texas, saw a Week 19 increase in flight activity.
Kemble, UK & Everett, WA, USA:ZeroAvia launch operator RVL Aviation to fly world first zero-emission cargo services in the UKZeroAvia will provide ZA600-equipped Cessna Caravan to power initial UK domestic services, likely to be the world’s first hydrogen-electric commercial operations.ZeroAvia has signed an agreement with RVL Aviation which will see RVL operate Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft retrofitted with ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric, zero-emission ZA600 powertrain.
Flights within the British Isles will commence once certification for the engine, airframe integration and planned services are obtained and all retrofit and training work is complete. Analysis performed by RVL and ZeroAvia confirms that the ZA600-enabled Cessna Caravan would meet existing operational requirements while virtually eliminating the climate impact of the operations. There are nearly 1,000 aircraft operating cargo routes around the world today that could in future be powered by ZA600 powertrains.
Beijing Daxing:ExecuJet Haite completes first bizjet base maintenance check at Daxing baseExecuJet Haite Aviation Services announced the successful completion of its very first airframe heavy maintenance check at its new base maintenance facility at Beijing Daxing International Airport.
The inaugural check was a 2C-level maintenance check for a Gulfstream G550 aircraft operated by Aladdin Business Jet. Aladdin Jet operates the G550 on Chinese domestic routes and because of its 6,750 nautical mile range - the G550 is also used for international sectors. This ultra-long-range aircraft can fly China to the US west coast non-stop. The comprehensive maintenance inspection involved 198 routine maintenance tasks and 94 non-routine specialized maintenance tasks.
In the latest column from STACK.aero Catherine Buchanan, Director of Business Development, reviews the competitive advantage offered by an evolving and adaptive CRM system.
The key success factor of any business aviation charter company is a steady and preferably growing clientele of happy, loyal customers who regularly return to their trusted broker.In such a highly competitive market, these golden clients are often difficult to win and even harder to keep, so finding a customer relationship management (CRM) system that is a digital differentiator can deliver a serious competitive advantage. Contrary to common thinking, it is not necessarily price or the speed of access to a preferred aircraft type that brings a customer back; it is personal, efficient, and trustworthy service that consistently delivers a superior-quality experience. Those who can provide a fast, reliable, customized service to passengers with high expectations will gain and retain business.
London:Gulfstream unveils redesigned London showroomGulfstream Aerospace has announced the official unveiling of its reimagined London Sales and Design CenterOriginally opened in 2013, the nearly 5,500-square-foot/511-square-meter space located in Mayfair gives customers based in or traveling through the city exclusive access to Gulfstream’s London-based sales executives and interior design team.
The London Sales and Design Center features a full-size G400 cabin mock-up and a G700 and G800 cabin mock-up along with the award-winning G500 and G600 customizable seat collections for customers to test the comfort and functionality of seating, flooring and materials in an actual cabin living area without leaving the city center.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida:VIP Completions anticipates busy third quarterGlobal market volatility provides opportunities for educated buyers while keeping the VIP Completions team fully occupied.VIP Completions, providers of aircraft completions and refurbishment services, announces a positive outlook for the remainder of the year, despite global market volatility.
Gutted interior of Dassault Falcon 2000LX. “I say this with humility - we are doing well - despite all the volatility around us,” says Ben Shirazi, President, VIP Completions. “Our clients are finding value in this tumultuous market and bringing their new acquisitions to us for refurbishment and revitalization. I believe this is testament to the caliber of work we deliver and the professionalism of our team.”
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 United Kingdom:bp leads industry taskforce to achieve update to Defence Standard for renewable aviation fuelbp has successfully led a taskforce to achieve approval from the UK Ministry of Defence for co-processing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with up to 30% renewable hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) feedstock concentration, a significant increase from the current limit of 5%. This standard is now approved for the production of JetA1, globally.The Defence Standard milestone was achieved through collaboration with industry stakeholders, including OEMs, IATA, fuel producers and airline companies, to help lower lifecycle carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
Co-processing is a method where vegetable oils, waste oils and fats, or similar sustainable feedstocks are processed along with conventional feedstocks in existing refineries. It is a SAF production method that can be activated quickly and use existing fuel distribution infrastructure, important especially during the early scale-up of SAF. This achievement allows bp and other fuel producers to accelerate SAF production at higher concentrations using existing refinery process units. Refinery co-processing is a crucial step towards reducing aviation industry emissions. bp already produces SAF via co-processing at its refineries and plans to increase its renewable feedstock content from 2025 onwards.
London:VistaJet welcomes dedicated Citation XLS to the UK market in partnership with Saxon AirVistaJet brings the popular Cessna Citation XLS aircraft in the iconic VistaJet silver and red livery to the UK market, operated by new partner Saxon Air, a leading provider of non-scheduled aviation services in the UK.This milestone marks VistaJet’s response to a surge in demand for domestic UK flights, and reinforces its commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through its global and regional infrastructure.
Saxon Air will operate the aircraft in the UK on behalf of VistaJet, offering clients unparalleled flexibility to fly point-to-point across the UK - from major cities to remote locations - with ease and efficiency. Optimized for journeys up to three hours, the Citation XLS combines light jet economics with mid-size jet performance. Its exceptional runway capability, speed, range, and comfort make it the perfect aircraft for domestic travel within the UK, whether for business or leisure. “At VistaJet, operational efficiency and client convenience are paramount,” comments Nick van der Meer, Chief Operating Officer of Vista. “Welcoming this Citation XLS onto a UK Certificate, in partnership with Saxon Air, allows us to offer domestic services on the Vista Members’ fleet. This not only enhances our ability to meet short notice demand, but also strengthens our scheduling flexibility, ensuring we continue to deliver seamless, end-to-end travel for our clients throughout the UK and beyond.”
United Kingdom:Air Charter Service gives quarterly sales updateLeading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has reported a buoyant first financial quarter of the year, especially on the private jets side of the business, which saw revenue increase by almost 20%, compared to the same period last year.Chris Leach, ACS’s Founder and Chairman, commented: “We are delighted with performance across the board at this stage of the year [our financial year starts on February 1st], but particularly happy with private jets, which saw a significant increase in revenue, up by 19.2%.
Chris Leach. “We’ve been fortunate enough to acquire a number of low value, high volume contracts, with multiple daily flights on different continents. These have massively inflated our total private jet charter numbers, making them incomparable to the same period last year. "However, if you take these contracts out, our underlying flight numbers have still increased by 13.3%, which is particularly pleasing when compared to the industry average, which only saw small growth over the first quarter of the year."
United Kingdom:Signum Aviation achieves a King’s Award for EnterpriseSignum Aviation, the UK-based flight planning and operational support specialist for the private aviation industry has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.These Awards are the most prestigious award a UK company can receive. His Majesty The King approves the winners, which recognises companies of all sizes. “We are honoured to have been chosen for this special award,” said Jonathan Gill, managing director and founder, Signum Aviation. “It is a terrific achievement and underscores our commitment to our valued clients across the globe. I would like to thank our dedicated and proactive team who continue to work tirelessly and with the upmost professionalism every day to make our business successful.”
Founded by Jonathan in 2007, the business has grown substantially from a small office in Chester in the UK and just one client, to a global business supporting over 300 aircraft tails around the world each year.
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Klein Vision unveils production prototype of the AirCar
The AirCar will be the world’s first mass-produced flying car.
Klein Vision, the Slovakia-based developer of the world's first certified flying car, the AirCar, has unveiled its production prototype at the 2025 Living Legends of Aviation Gala Dinner in Beverly Hills.
The production prototype builds on years of rigorous testing and technical refinement and is designed for commercial scalability.
AirCar inventor and designer Stefan Klein unveiled the production prototype to a crowd of industry leaders at the gala where Klein was honored with the Special Recognition Award for Engineering Excellence. The award celebrates his contribution to aviation innovation and his groundbreaking achievements in the emerging field of personal air mobility.
The production prototype was brought to life in a powerful short documentary that traced his 35-year journey across five generations of flying car innovation - a story of dreams taking flight.
The AirCar, which already holds a Certificate of Airworthiness, has successfully completed over 170 flight hours and more than 500 takeoffs and landings. This revolutionary vehicle is capable of automatic transformation from car to aircraft in less than two minutes, blending advanced aerodynamics, composite structures, and a new 280-horsepower engine.
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