Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Daytona Beach, Florida:IADA Q1 2025 report reflects strong transactions, market outlook temperedMembers of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) reported completing 316 aircraft sales transactions in the first quarter of 2025, a 24% increase from 254 deals during the same period last year.According to IADA’s First Quarter 2025 Market Report, while sales activity remained robust, members expressed a more cautious market outlook due to continued economic uncertainties. The data and insights in the report were compiled before global stock markets experienced recent tariff-driven volatility in April. In the first 90 days of 2025, IADA dealers had 250 aircraft under contract, compared to the 251 recorded at the end of the first quarter of 2024. Exclusive contracts to sell dropped from 304 in the first quarter of 2024 to 203 in the first quarter just ended, reflecting more of a buyers' market. “Although aircraft pricing has held steady, our members are voicing a more reserved outlook compared to the high confidence levels we saw at the end of 2024,” said Lou Seno, Executive Director of IADA.
Washington, DC:NBAA joins coalition supporting House ATC-Modernization Plan, underscored in association’s own letterThe National Business Aviation Association joined with more than 50 other industry stakeholders in strong support of a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) legislative proposal, introduced on Tuesday (29th April), for funding critical investments in national air traffic control (ATC) technology, infrastructure and workforce. The Modern Skies coalition, comprised of NBAA and other national and international aviation associations, trade unions, manufacturers and others, emphatically stated such investments - detailed in the T&I Committee’s proposal - are needed to ensure the United States remains “the gold standard” for aviation safety.
“As stakeholders from across the aviation industry, we have sounded the alarm for decades about the challenges created by aging technology and infrastructure, as well as the controller and technician staffing shortages,” the coalition’s statement noted. “The committee’s approach is a much-needed downpayment on achieving these benefits for the Americans who fly and ship goods every day. “We look forward to working with policymakers to augment this legislation based on a comprehensive proposal from the Department of Transportation to increase investments in these key areas and implement procurement reform that ensures performance and accountability,” the coalition’s statement continued.
Teterboro, New Jersey:Signature offers enhanced international arrivals services at Teterboro AirportSignature Aviation has announced a more streamlined service at the northwest Customs & Border Protection General Aviation Facility at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, which will enhance the resident and guest experience. Signature’s service at the northwest facility will provide a more efficient experience for our international arrival guests and residents at Teterboro by providing start-to-finish assistance on the customs ramp and reducing transportation time following the clearance process.
Upon landing, arriving guests and residents will taxi to the northwest customs ramp for clearance where they will be marshalled on to the ramp by a Signature team member. Following clearance, Signature’s team members will provide end-to-end service for baggage assistance and other critical guest and resident needs, while providing quick transportation to the new northwest Signature Aviation international arrivals terminal, Hangar 12, which borders the customs ramp.
Eugene, Oregon:Rosen Aviation announces acquisition by HEICO via Mid-Continent ControlsIFE and cabin electronics experts, Rosen Aviation, has officially been acquired by the HEICO Corporation as of April 17th, 2025. Rosen joins the HEICO group six months after Mid-Continent Controls (MC2), a niche designer and manufacturer specializing in proprietary in-cabin power and entertainment components and subsystems for business jets, was also recently acquired. The two organizations will be led by MC2 President, Thomas Hemphill, as part of the HEICO Electronic Technologies Group Radiant Power family of companies. HEICO stated that it expects the acquisition to be accretive to its earnings within the year following acquisition. The transaction marks HEICO's fourth acquisition in the past six months. Mesirow acted as sole financial advisor to the sellers.
Washington, DC:NBAA commends FAA’s withdrawal of onerous proposed airman medical denial policyThe National Business Aviation Association has welcomed the Federal Aviation Administration’s announcement the agency will withdraw proposed changes to the airman medical certification process, which the association and other stakeholder groups said could have long-term, negative implications on pilots’ careers. Under the now-retracted policy, a pilot who submitted a medical certificate application without full exam results or other information required for the FAA’s review of a given condition would have been issued an initial denial - rather than the deferral and 60-day letter issued under current policy - until the needed information was provided. Although the process change was meant to help reduce the FAA’s backlog of medical certificate applications, NBAA and others noted that the move could significantly increase unneeded confusion for applicants and introduce unintended consequences for those under initial denial, including employment ramifications. The change had been scheduled for implementation in January, but in response to the concerns from NBAA and other organizations, it was later postponed until March, before being withdrawn entirely.
Sacramento, California:Mather Jet Center opens and joins Avfuel NetworkAvfuel Corporation has announced that Mather Jet Center, a newly-formed FBO at Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR), has joined its network of branded FBO locations. Independently owned and operated, Mather Jet Center was formed by veteran aviation professionals - Victor Cushing, Matt Bosco and Dan Kimmel - who partnered on the venture. The trio credited cooperation with Sacramento County, which supported the opportunity to expand services for the region’s aviators with an alternate fuel provider at KMHR.
"Mather Jet Center is excited to partner with Avfuel to enhance its industry-leading fuel and service offerings in Northern California,” said Cushing, who is also founder and president of the airfield’s existing aircraft maintenance leader, Mather Aviation. “This partnership builds on our companies’ strong reputations, fostering industry connections and driving business growth." Washington, DC:NBAA releases 2024 Annual ReportThe NBAA Annual Report highlights association activity and industry developments each year, and provides an independent auditor’s report and financial statements. The Report provides an overview of the association’s work during 2024 to advocate for the business aviation community and provide value to its members. It also highlights NBAA’s 2024 activities and award recipients, complete with photos, and includes full listings for NBAA’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council in 2024. Download the 2024 NBAA Annual Report (PDF)
APOC Aviation Geoff EllisAPOC Aviation, the intuitive trading and leasing specialist focused on engines, landing gear and USM components, has announced the appointment of aviation expert, Geoff Ellis, as Technical Asset Manager.Ellis will assist with engine leasing, powerplant acquisitions and sales, material sales & trading. His role also includes management of technical records, overseeing shop visits, managing pre-buy inspections, and handling end-of-lease returns.With nearly 40 years of experience in aviation, Ellis has worked across manufacturing, structural maintenance and aircraft mechanics, and holds multiple qualifications, including EASA Part 66 B1.1, B2 Avionics, and B1.3 Turbine Helicopter licenses. He has held roles in line and base maintenance, charter engineering and supervision, providing him with a well-rounded perspective in aviation maintenance. Bruce Ansell, APOC Technical Manager Engine Division, affirms that Ellis is a great match for APOC. “Geoff brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the aviation industry, making him an invaluable addition to our team. His diverse background along with his numerous qualifications, will play a crucial role in strengthening our capabilities.” |
Global business jet activity rebounded significantly following Easter holidays in the core US market two weeks ago, activity in the latest week, Week 17 (21-27th April) jumped 11% compared to Week 16.According to WINGX`s weekly Global Market Tracker published today, the core US market recorded 11% growth compared to Week 17 last year, meanwhile in Europe, whilst activity was 12% ahead of the previous week, it was 4% below Week 17 in 2024. Month to date (1st-27th April), global bizjet activity is 2% ahead of last year, flight hours 3% ahead of last year. Year-to-date (1st January – 27th April), the global bizjet fleet has flown 3% more flights than comparable last year, recording over 2 million flying hours. Over 90% of US bizjet flights this month have been domestic flights, just 6% to international destinations. International connections from the US are 7% ahead of April 2024, flights to Mexico up 10%, flights to Canada up just 1%. A quarter of flights between the US and Mexico this month have been flown by Aircraft Management programmes, although activity is 8% behind last year. Private flight departments have been helping drive growth between the US and Mexico this month, flights up 32% compared to last year. Private flight departments have been helping drive growth between the US and Mexico this month, flights up 32% compared to last year.
Santa Cruz, California:Joby achieves testing landmark with piloted aircraftFirst full transition flights with pilot onboard.Electric air taxi developer, Joby Aviation, Inc., has reached a landmark moment in its aircraft test program, successfully completing flights with a full transition from vertical to cruise flight, and back again, with a pilot onboard.
Transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight is a key design attribute of the Joby aircraft, allowing it to take-off and land vertically like a helicopter, while maintaining the efficiency and speed of a conventional, fixed-wing aircraft in forward flight. This unique capability will enable Joby to deliver rapid and seamless passenger service directly to popular destinations.
Wichita, Kansas:Textron raises the bar for workforce development with state-of-the-art Career and Learning CenterTextron Aviation's new Career & Learning Center is complete and fully operational serving prospective, current and future Textron Aviation employees.Strategically located on the company’s East Wichita Campus, this state-of-the-art facility expands the training footprint to more than 75,000 square feet and provides a world-class employee experience during the application, hiring, onboarding and training processes.
“The Textron Aviation Career & Learning Center is an important investment in building the next generation of aviation manufacturing, support and professional talent,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “Recruiting, hiring and training a world-class workforce is vital to our ability to provide the best aviation experience for our customers.” The Career & Learning Center is divided into four different zones to support applicants and employees in their hiring and training journeys.
AI is enabling industries across the globe to take quantum leaps in the way they operate, and the aerospace component supply sector is no exception. As the industry battles a shortage of both aircraft maintenance technicians and parts, in addition to considerable global disruption, the benefits that AI can bring to the table are significant.
Working around the world, logistics optimisation is crucial to ensure the right aircraft part is in the right place at exactly the right time; this process involves Holmesian detective abilities and top-drawer organisational expertise, all with a keen eye on clients’ budgets.Inevitably, it also involves tight deadlines; if an aircraft is AOG because a component is malfunctioning or broken, a solution needs to be found immediately. AI has the potential to cut through the paperwork and the timespan taken for every eventuality and overturn many of the processes which suppliers have developed over the years.
Broomfield, Colorado:Gogo confirms outstanding Plane Simple ESA flight test campaignFive sorties and ten hours of flight demonstrate commercial potential for versatile antenna.Gogo has confirmed the exceptional performance of the Gogo Plane Simple Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) following a series of flight tests.
Gogo worked with MAG Aerospace, a premier innovator of defense technology, to rigorously test gate-to-gate continuous operations through all planned maneuvers, including standard taxi, take-off, and landing, as well as more challenging racetrack, figure-of-eight patterns, ascent/descent profiles, and hard bank movements up to 30 degrees. Abrupt power loss and muting were also trialed, with systems reconnecting immediately and automatically without the need for engineer intervention.
Savannah, Georgia:Gulfstream field and airborne support teams continue strategic expansionGulfstream has announced the opening of its newest Gulfstream FAST location in White Plains, New York.Positioned at Westchester County Airport, highly skilled FAST technicians are available to support aircraft service needs both on-site and in the surrounding area.
This news further supports Gulfstream’s global expansion of its FAST program, which has continued to grow and evolve over the years, increasing its field support readiness to better serve customers and the growing Gulfstream fleet.
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 Exeter, UK:UK’s first hydrogen-powered live aircraft turnaround takes place at Exeter AirportA pioneering demonstration showcasing how hydrogen can support the decarbonisation of airport ground operations has taken place at Exeter Airport - marking an important step towards achieving the first ‘zero-carbon turn’ of a commercial aircraft.In a first of its kind for the UK, the trial, delivered by a partnership of Exeter Airport, TUI, Cranfield University, ULEMCo, MULAG and Boeing and supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge programme, saw a TUI Boeing 737 passenger aircraft undergo a turnaround using ground support equipment powered by green hydrogen.
The live demonstration involved a hydrogen-powered baggage tug, pushback tug and ground power unit. It is the first time in the UK - and possibly the world - that multiple pieces of hydrogen-powered equipment have been used simultaneously for a commercial air transport operational aircraft and using ‘green’ hydrogen from renewable energy sources.
Darlington, UK:Thales signs five-year deal to extend stay at Teside AirportA safety critical flight inspection company which has served the UK military for almost thirty years has signed a new lease to cement its place at Teesside Airport.Thales has signed a five-year agreement with the airport as part of a deal which also includes improvements to its home hangar. The company provides safety assurance for navigation systems and radars at Ministry of Defence sites all over the globe - with an ever-growing portfolio of civil airfields now also on its books. The agreement means the company’s operation will retain Teesside as its base until 2030 at the earliest.
Thales Flight Inspection Service specialises in conducting flight inspection services to ensures the navigation aids used by both military and civil aircraft are safe, accurate and operating in accordance with the regulations. These systems are imperative for ensuring aircraft can land safely and navigate accurately - particularly in challenging environments or during poor weather.
Athens, Greece:Greece orders eight Airbus H215 helicopters to combat forest firesAirbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country following a tender conducted by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the Ministry.This contract is supported by two European funds and aligns with the Ministry’s Aegis Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces. The contract will be based on a “government owned contractor operated” (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will be partnering with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the technical and operational support.
“The signing of the contract for the purchase of new H215 helicopters represents an important step in our efforts to mitigate the devastating consequences of the climate crisis in our country,” said Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, about the significance of the project. “Wildfires have burned on average three to five million square kilometres globally in recent years with significant environmental consequences. It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
Unifi flies high at London Oxford AirportAviation services provider Unifi has now taken on responsibility for both ground handling and security operations at London Oxford Airport - a move set to alleviate pressure behind the scenes thanks to their extensive experience, vast network of skilled staff, and impressive ability to deploy and retain motivated short-term contract teams.
This marks a major step forward for operational efficiency at Oxford, with Unifi bringing their proven capability and people-first approach to the ramp and beyond. We turned this project around in just a couple of days over a public holiday weekend including messaging, scripting, shooting, editing, revisions and posting as a rush job for Unifi Aviation Services, capturing a significant and game-changing development.
Lithuania:Chapman Freeborn strengthens European presence with new Baltic charters teamChapman Freeborn has opened its new operations base in Lithuania in response to increased demand from Eastern Europe and the Baltics.Following a strategic restructure of its European operations, appointment of a new general sales agent in Eastern Europe, and a new European music and entertainment division, the move further extends Chapman Freeborn’s service offering across the continent. “Demand for government and ad-hoc passenger charters across the Baltic region and Eastern Europe has continued to grow steadily over the last year,” said James Edwards, Vice President Passenger - Europe, Chapman Freeborn.  James Edwards. “This is a proven market with vast amounts of potential and I look forward to working closely with our new team in Lithuania as we continue to expand our European network.” Chapman Freeborn will leverage support from the Avia Solutions Group, headquartered in Vilnius, and partner companies in the group. This follows the appointment of Francisco Serrano as Director of Passenger Charters for Iberia last month as part of Chapman Freeborn’s ongoing European expansion.
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Embraer takes Ipanema 203 agricultural airplane to Brazil's Agrishow
Embraer is exhibiting the Ipanema 203, the top-selling cropduster in the Brazilian agricultural aviation market, during the 30th Agrishow, taking place between April 28th and May 2nd in Ribeirão Preto (SP).
With more than 180 units sold in the last three years, the aircraft continues to be the preferred choice among rural producers.
"Agrishow, one of the largest agricultural fairs in the world and the largest agricultural fair in Brazil, is a great opportunity for producers looking for solutions that deliver higher productivity and lower costs for their crops. And in agricultural aviation, the ethanol-powered Ipanema 203 is a strong ally for these needs," says Sany Onofre, Embraer's Agricultural Aviation leader.
With a wide range of optional equipment aimed at boosting productivity, the ethanol-powered Ipanema 203 has the equivalent efficiency of up to four ground sprayers operating at the same time. The aircraft sprays more than 200 hectares per hour, delivering a high-quality application without kneading the soil or spreading pests by contact, generating a result for the field of up to 15 bags more per hectare.
According to the event's organizers, Agrishow is hosting its 30th edition with more than 800 exhibitors in an area of 520,000 square meters, with more than 195,000 visitors expected at this edition.
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