Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Cleveland, Ohio and London:Flexjet lands $800m investment backed by L CattertonMarks the largest equity investment in the history of private aviation.Flexjet has closed an $800m equity investment from a consortium of strategic investors led by leading global consumer-focused investment firm L Catterton, with participation from affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC and the J. Safra Group. The investment, which marks the largest equity investment in the history of private aviation, will support Flexjet’s continuing vision to significantly transform the Private Jet Flight Experience.
Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci. With investments in its global workforce, infrastructure and fleet modernization, Flexjet has built the foundation for a travel experience that is responsive to the latest demands of its clients, which includes more demand for larger aircraft and international flights. Flexjet’s vision includes a more bespoke experience that begins with access through private terminals and ends with providing unique access to destinations, products and curated events that are not available outside of the Flexjet community. Additionally, much of Flexjet’s success is built on its ability to control the key ingredients that lead to specialized service delivery. This includes private aviation’s largest in-house maintenance network, private terminals and its Cabin Attendant Academy.
São Paulo, Brazil:Embraer finishes 2Q25 on an all-time high with US$29.7bn backlogExecutive Aviation delivered 38 aircraft during the quarter, up 41% year-over-year.Embraer registered a US$29.7 bn backlog in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25) - the highest level ever recorded by the company - delivering 61 aircraft across all its business units. The result reflects a 30% increase compared to the second quarter of last year (2Q24), when 47 jets were delivered, and more than twice the number of aircraft (30) recorded in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25). Executive Aviation posted a backlog of US$7.4 billion in 2Q25, up 62% year-over-year (yoy) but down a slight 2% quarter-over-quarter (qoq). Deliveries reached 38 jets during the period, 41% higher than the 27 jets in 2Q24. Consequently, in the 1H25, deliveries totaled 61 aircraft and 41% of the midpoint of the full year guidance (between 145 and 155 in 2025), 8 percentage points higher than the average 32% level for the period recorded over the past 5 years.
Washington, DC:NBAA commends House panel for advancing broad DOT funding packageThe National Business Aviation Association has welcomed the US House Appropriations Committee’s vote to advance a comprehensive funding package for the US Department of Transportation (DOT) that includes several important provisions to enhance aviation safety, security, technology and workforce development, while also reiterating opposition to air traffic control (ATC) privatization. The Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Bill provides $23.3bn appropriated for the Federal Aviation Administration, an increase of $2.3bn over FY25.
Included is a $1.8bn increase over FY25 levels for FAA facilities and equipment and funding for the agency to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers, with an additional $4.3bn allocated to enhance the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including airports. Notably, the legislation also states: “The committee does not support the transfer of the responsibility for overseeing a safe air traffic system from the FAA to a not-for-profit, independent, private corporation.” “NBAA commends the committee for recognizing the urgent need to enhance the safety and reliability of ATC, while also preserving congressional and FAA oversight of our National Airspace System,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “This forward-looking measure provides the DOT with the necessary funding and guidance to help advance our nation’s aviation industry.”
Salt Lake City, Utah:Elevate Jet adds VIP airliners to growing fleet management portfolioElevate Jet, LLC, an Elevate Aviation Group company, has been awarded Certified Air Carrier capabilities by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate Large Aircraft, such as the Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ), Embraer Lineage 1000, and Boeing Business Jet (BBJ). The certification allows Elevate Jet to engage in a broader range of commercial activities including large aircraft operations for management, demonstration flights, structured leasing opportunities, and more - capabilities critical to supporting the company's efforts in representing and marketing VIP Airliners. Reid Oslin, VP Strategic Accounts at Elevate Aviation, said, “These aircraft are in increasing demand in the US charter space. "For decades we have specialized in curating trips for a variety of highly discerning clientele such as the best names in music and entertainment, executives and founders, and presidential campaigns; each able to benefit from the Large Aircraft placements soon to be available with the growing Elevate Jet fleet.”
Oshkosh, Wisconsin:FAA expansion of light-sport rules welcomed by NBAA as step forward for aviation accessThe National Business Aviation Association welcomed the Federal Aviation Administration’s publication of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification Final Rule (MOSAIC). The final rule, released at EAA’s AirVenture, builds on the 2004 Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft and has significant potential for flight training, aerial work and personal travel by expanding the aircraft sport pilots may operate. “The long-awaited final rule, MOSAIC, is the culmination of decades of FAA and industry light-sport aircraft and sport pilot certification efforts and the result of an over 20-year successful safety record of light-sport category aircraft,” said NBAA Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations Doug Carr. “In addition to expanding privileges for sport pilots and capabilities for light-sport category aircraft, the rule will play a crucial role in development of innovative technology for the cockpit.”
Santa Cruz, California:Joby boosts manufacturing in California and Ohio, grows aircraft fleetElectric 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.
“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.
Textron Aviation Maggie ToppingMaggie Topping, senior vice president, Human Resources & Communications, Textron Aviation, has been selected as the J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence for the Spring 2025 term at Wichita State University's W. Frank Barton School of Business.This role highlights Maggie's exceptional leadership and Textron Aviation’s dedication to inspiring the journey of flight and preparing the next generation for future careers in aviation.During her residency at the Barton School of Business, Maggie will engage with students and faculty through mentoring sessions, collaborative discussions focused on program and curriculum innovations and provide a public keynote in partnership with Luke Paney, chief information officer, Textron Aviation, titled: Driving Innovation Forward: Textron Aviation’s Balanced Approach to AI, Talent, and the Transformation of Work. Maggie's deep ties to Wichita and her commitment to her alma mater reinforce her impact as Executive-in-Residence. Her extensive leadership experience, combined with her roles on several boards such as WSU Tech, the WSU Foundation & Alumni Engagement, the WSU National Advisory Council and the WSU Barton School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board, significantly enhances educational and community initiatives. |
In Week 29, global bizjet activity reached 77,336 departures, an increase of 1% over the prior week and flat against Week 29 of 2024, according to WINGX's 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 3% ahead of the same period last year. Now past the mid-point of July (1st-20th July), global business jet flights are up 3.6% vs the same period last year. The active fleet of global business jets has also grown compared to 1st - 20th July 2024, with 18,354 active business jets, a 2.2% year-on-year increase. Regional Performance Analysis North America: Below Average Performance North American markets delivered sub-par results in Week 29, seeing a 1% retraction in bizjet flights versus Week 29 2024. The key US market saw a slightly worse 2% retraction, while key state Florida performed below the national market trend, -6% year-on-year. The overall North America four-week trend remains positive at +2% compared to last year.
Ballston Spa, New York:Saratoga County Airport unveils modernized terminal and hangar complexThe New York aviation community came together to celebrate the grand opening of Saratoga County Airport’s (K5B2) new terminal and hangar complex during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 26th.
The new 40,500-square-foot facility, which houses the FBO, combines modern sophistication with Saratoga’s rich regional character, showcasing natural materials and a warm, welcoming design. The heated hangar complex (encompassing 20,000 square feet of the facility) can accommodate aircraft up to a Gulfstream G500, and guests can enjoy runway views from Alexi’s at the Airport - the terminal’s new full-service restaurant opening this fall.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin:General aviation community unites to support the 2026 Special Olympics AirliftDuring the industry’s iconic Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, leading general aviation organizations - including EAA and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) - announced their collective support and endorsement of the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift event.
Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation and Jack J. Pelton, chairman and CEO, Experimental Aircraft Association.. The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation, mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft to create the world’s largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes. This monumental event will transport hundreds of athletes and coaches across the country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.
Bend, Oregon:Epic Aircraft E1000 AX achieves FAA certificationNext-generation model features Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland.Epic Aircraft has announced FAA Type Certification (TC) of its latest high-performance, single-engine, turbine model, the E1000 AX.
Delivering the same unparalleled performance as its predecessor and category-leading E1000 GX, the E1000 AX made its public debut in April at Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. “Aircraft deliveries will begin this week at factory headquarters in Bend, Oregon,” said Doug King, CEO of Epic Aircraft, LLC. “We just completed a record-breaking sales quarter, and July is already the best sales month in company history. All 2025 E1000 AX production positions are filled, and sales are brisk for 2026 deliveries.”
United Kingdom:The Air Charter Association ushers in the next generation of aviation professionalsLeading global trade body, The Air Charter Association (The ACA), has finalised its 2025 Internship intake, and will be hosting its training week at London Biggin Hill Airport in August 2025.
The ACA Internship programme, established in 2024, supports the development of the next generation of air charter professionals. It provides an opportunity for young people aged 18-25 to access dedicated aviation training and professional experience with industry leading companies. The internship acts as a valuable springboard to gain the knowledge, skills and contacts needed to navigate a challenging employment landscape.
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 Paris, France:Safran finalises acquisition of Collins Aerospace flight control and actuation unitsSafran has announced the closing of the acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s flight control and actuation activities which are mission critical systems for commercial and military aircraft, and helicopters. With this transaction, Safran becomes a global leader in flight control and actuation systems and is well-positioned for next-generation platforms. The acquired business employs approximately 4,000 people across eight main facilities in Europe (UK, Italy and France) and Asia, and has activities in Poland, USA and India.
Flight control and actuation systems from Collins are integrated on board 180 platforms, and generated revenue of around $1.55bn in 2024 and an EBITDA of about $130m. This business will be consolidated from August 1st, 2025 within Safran Electronics & Defense. Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran stated: “This acquisition offers a unique opportunity to solidify our position in mission critical flight control and actuation functions and create a global leader in this domain. It will enable us to deliver a comprehensive offering to our customers and position us extremely well for next-generation aircraft. This business fits perfectly with both our product portfolio and our DNA with a high technology content, recurring aftermarket sales and profitable growth.” |
ACS Mexico on tap with emergency charter for beer maker
Last month Air Charter Service’s Mexican office was contacted by a leading alcoholic beverage manufacturer in Mexico, who was facing a brewery shut down and needed just over half a ton of beer hops transported from Washington State to Mexico City, a journey of more than two and a half thousand miles, within the next 24 hours.
Marco Circosta, ACS Mexico’s CEO, commented: “We were contacted by our freight forwarder customer in Mexico whose client’s brewery urgently needed a delivery of hops to avoid a production line shut down. The hops needed to be in Mexico within 24 hours of the customer first contacting us, so we quickly got to work sourcing an aircraft and found a Falcon 20, that was available nearby and was easily loadable, as it had a side cargo door that could fit the 561-kilogram load in on just one pallet.
| “A complication was that, as the cargo was not traveling under refrigeration, we needed to coordinate with all relevant parties in order to minimise exposure to external conditions, by expediting the customs, loading and offloading processes. From initial phone call to completion of the charter was just under 20 hours, ensuring the production line could keep on running.” |  |
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