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

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Washington, DC:

GAMA reports first-half 2025 growth in aircraft shipments and value

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has published the Second Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report.

The results for the first six months of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, show increased shipments in the business jet and piston airplane sectors and an increase in the overall value of aircraft shipments.

Aircraft shipments through the second quarter of 2025, when compared to the same period in 2024, saw piston airplanes increase 5.1% with 810 units, turboprops decrease 4.3% with 268 airplanes, and business jets increase 9.9% with 354 airplanes.

The value of airplane deliveries through the second quarter of 2025 was $12.3bn, an increase of 9.9%.

Rolland Vincent Associates releases report on the structural divide between Super Mid-Size and Large Business Jet markets

Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA), a consultancy specializing in business aviation intelligence, strategy, and forecasting, has released a groundbreaking market analysis entitled Tailored to Fit: Decoding the Structural Break Between Super Mid-Size and Large Business Jets.

This in-depth study examines the clear differences between the two segments and their implications for future aircraft design, product strategy, and investment decisions.

RVA publishes occasional deep-dive commentaries on key business aviation topics, aiming to spark informed discussion and encourage product innovation - long proven to stimulate demand for business jets. The first in this series examined tariffs, concluding that the sector’s future is best served by preserving a zero-tariff regime.

This second report tackles another central question for the future of business aviation:

Where is the next clean-sheet business jet platform most likely to emerge?

Based on RVA’s analysis, the most likely candidates are either the upper end of the Super Mid-Size (SMS) segment or within the Large Jet class.

Avelo orders up to 100 Embraer E195 E2s

Avelo Airlines has placed a firm order for 50 Embraer E195 E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for 50 more, supporting the airline’s strategy to deliver affordable and convenient travel across the United States.

Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2027. The list-price value of the order is US$4.4bn, excluding purchase rights.

Avelo will be the first US carrier to operate Embraer’s largest and most advanced commercial aircraft, making this a significant milestone for Embraer’s flagship E2 program. The E195 E2s will modernize Avelo’s fleet, complementing its Boeing 737NGs for the foreseeable future while improving cost efficiency and network reach.

The E2’s excellent short-field performance, enabled by E2TS (Embraer Enhanced Takeoff System), Embraer’s first of its kind proprietary technology, is a key capability that will open new markets for Avelo and drive efficiency in many of Avelo’s existing airports. This, along with the aircraft’s range, fuel efficiency, and small noise footprint establish it as the ideal aircraft to expand Avelo’s network.

NBAA lauds House passage of important pilot mental wellness legislation

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed passage by the US House of Representatives of a bipartisan bill to improve pilot access to mental health care.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R. 2591) directs the FAA to revise mental health disclosure and treatment regulations, to update archaic policies surrounding such disclosures and to remove current barriers that may discourage pilots from seeking out mental wellness services.

“We are encouraged to see continued progress on this important legislation combatting the stigma and misinformation surrounding mental health concerns among our nation’s pilot community,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “It is vital that we foster an environment where pilots can seek help without fear of professional repercussions while also enhancing the safety of the traveling public.”

The bill also authorizes the FAA to spend nearly $40m over three years on programs to destigmatize mental health care and require the agency to implement the recommendations of the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee, on which NBAA represented business aviation stakeholders.

Dierks Bentley joins 2026 Special Olympics Airlift to support athletes

Multi-platinum country star Dierks Bentley has pledged his support for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, an extraordinary mission transporting hundreds of athletes and coaches to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

Using Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft, the Airlift ensures that participants from across the country can attend, no matter their financial or logistical challenges.

Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley.

Bentley is calling on pilots nationwide to join him in this inspiring effort, creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Special Olympics athletes.

Organized by Textron Aviation, the Airlift mobilizes hundreds of volunteer pilots and aircraft, forming the world’s largest peacetime airlift.

Pilots and aircraft owners who donate their planes, crew, fuel, and time earn the prestigious “Dove” call sign and receive FAA priority in the National Airspace System while flying in the Airlift.

Textron Aviation invites Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker operators to take part on Friday, June 19th, and Saturday, June 27th 2026, helping transport athletes and coaches to and from the Games.

Become a Dove for this monumental nationwide aviation event by visiting airlift.txtav.com.

Web Manuals

Louise Barnekow

Digital documentation leader Web Manuals is strengthening its board of directors with the addition of Louise Barnekow, who will draw on her extensive SaaS experience to help drive forward the company’s ambitious global strategy.

Barnekow was recently appointed CEO of Besedo, a global software company, after transitioning from her role as CEO of Mynewsdesk, a leading PR and communications platform in the Nordic region.

Before stepping into the CEO role, she was chief product officer at Mynewsdesk, a position she has held at multiple technology firms over the past two decades. Barnekow also brings valuable governance experience, having served on the boards of several IT companies.

With a customer base that grew more than 10% in the past 12 months, and now stands at well over 700, Web Manuals is positioning itself for further global expansion, to support even more business aviation operators, airlines, MROs, cargo, eVTOLs, helicopters, and flight schools.

Britten-Norman

Ben Smith

Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the iconic Islander aircraft and a key player in aircraft support and modifications, has appointed Ben Smith as Head of Aftermarket to lead its global support strategy and drive aftermarket growth.

Ben joins with more than a decade of experience in technical sales, digital services, and aviation support, having previously led Garmin’s UK and EMEA aviation sales efforts.

During his time at Garmin, he worked closely with Britten-Norman, supporting avionics integration programmes - including the rollout of TXi and GTN Xi systems - while working with a wide portfolio of fleet operators, OEMs, MROs, and government clients.

As Head of Aftermarket, Ben will lead Britten-Norman’s global strategy across spares, repairs, upgrades, and operator support. His priorities include modernising internal systems, boosting responsiveness, and delivering customer-focused solutions that maximise the lifetime value of the Islander fleet.

Ben is a licensed Private Pilot with a First-Class Honours degree in Aerospace Technology. He is also an alumnus of the RAF’s University of London Air Squadron, where he gained early exposure to military aviation and leadership. With his engineering background, flying experience, and commercial knowledge, Ben understands the challenges operators face and is focused on delivering practical solutions that meet their needs.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

North America powers gains, Europe softens

In Week 36 (1st-7th September), global bizjet activity reached 73,678 departures, up 10% compared to Week 36 of 2024. Looking at the rolling last 52 weeks, the most active week remains Week 26 2025, with a total of 78,808 bizjet departures, while the slowest week was Week 2 2025 recording 60,510 departures.

Business jet activity saw steady growth in early September (1st-8th September), with total departures up 11% year-on-year and flight hours rising 10%. Light and super midsize jets led the market, accounting for nearly half of all flights and showing double-digit growth, while ultra-long-range and heavy jets also posted solid gains.

The only significant declines came from the bizliner segment. On the operator side, fractional ownership surged 17% in both flights and hours, while aircraft management dipped slightly.

North America: Consistent 13% growth led by Texas

The North American market recorded 13% year-on-year growth in Week 36, with total departures reaching 51,063, 13% higher than W36 last year. The US mirrored this trend with 13% growth and over 49,000 flights.

full report

“North America continues to underpin the global trend with consistent gains, while Europe’s softer performance reflects lingering headwinds despite bright spots in Switzerland and Italy.

"Meanwhile, Africa and South America are emerging as standout growth engines, adding fresh momentum beyond the traditional core markets.

Toronto:

PwC: Bombardier added $7.4bn to Canada’s GDP in 2024

A study by PwC Canada provides an update on the substantial economic and social contributions of Bombardier’s manufacturing operations in Canada. Indicators such as the GDP, exports and supported jobs presented Bombardier’s significant role in the Canadian economy.

The report positions Bombardier as a key driver of Canada’s aerospace industry with $7.4bn in contribution to the country’s GDP in 2024, and output value representing approximately 1% of total Canadian exports. In that same year, Bombardier’s aircraft exports made up 5% of Quebec’s total export value.

Bombardier’s activities also contributed considerably to the provincial and federal economies in 2024, bringing over $1.2bn in taxes on income, products and production.

F/LIST lights up the future of cabin interiors with new Lightshifter technology

F/LIST, the Austria-headquartered pioneer of innovative luxury design for cabin interiors, is lighting up the skies by switching on its brand-new Lightshifter concept.

Building on the magical F/LIST Shapeshifter technology, which transforms solid-state monuments into multiple applications, F/LIST is now morphing wood veneer surfaces to reveal integrated illumination technology to create unexpected textures, effects, and atmospheres in the cabin.

F/LIST is switching on dramatic lighting in the skies with the launch of F/LIST Lightshifter.

The Lightshifter is a completely new material concept that enables naturally oiled wood veneer to seamlessly expose light sources on demand. When activated, the solid wood veneer surface transforms into a canvas for the lighting effect, adding depth and dimension to the previously flat surface.

more, plus video

Fort Worth, Texas:

World’s largest Bell HEMS operator adds Bell 429s to emergency services fleet

Global Medical Response (GMR) has signed a purchase agreement with Bell Textron Inc., for seven Bell 429s with the option to purchase an additional eight, maintaining its spot as the world’s largest Bell helicopter operator in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) field.

Global Medical Response and Bell leadership meet in Fort Worth, sign purchase agreement for seven Bell 429s with the option to purchase an additional eight.

As a platform built for rapid response, the Bell 429’s BasixPro intuitive displays and wide clamshell doors make it an ideal aircraft of choice for HEMS operators. This dual-engine aircraft offers a fast cruise speed of 150 knots, allowing Global Medical Response to be on scene for urgent calls or interfacility transport when minutes matter.

Tamarack and ForeFlight announce enhanced Active Winglet performance data integration

Tamarack Aerospace Group, developer of the revolutionary Active Winglet and SMARTWING technology, has announced a new phase of its collaboration with ForeFlight to deliver enhanced flight planning data for Active Winglet–equipped aircraft.

With a global fleet now exceeding 200 upgraded CitationJets, Tamarack has partnered with ForeFlight to integrate significantly higher-resolution performance datasets into the ForeFlight platform. These updates are built on thousands of additional fleet hours, reflecting the proven operational efficiency of Tamarack’s Active Winglet technology.

Ushering in a new era of inflight connectivity

Gogo CEO, Chris Moore, discusses how the company's multi-orbit, multi-band tech is shaping the future of inflight connectivity.

Estimates suggest that 402.74 million terabytes of data are created each day, and more than 50% of the data transmitted is video content. Approximately 250 million emails are sent every minute, and nearly 151 million hours are spent on Zoom meetings every 24 hours.*

We live in a digitally defined world where consistent, reliable connectivity solutions in the office, at home, in the cabin, in fact, everywhere, are now an expectation.

As a customer-centric aviation business, Gogo is dedicated to developing, launching, and supporting products and services that enable a data-rich experience during all phases of flight. We recognize that it’s not just an expectation, but a necessity for the needs of the global business aviation and government fleets.

Say Again: Embry-Riddle researchers develop AI system to decode aviation speak

Pilots and air traffic controllers have long faced challenges with radio communications - whether from high cockpit noise, weak transmissions or misinterpreted aviation jargon.

To help them communicate more clearly and accurately, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers have developed a system that uses artificial intelligence to transcribe and translate aviation radio communications.

While other areas of aviation have undergone automation and technological advancements, radio communication has largely remained unchanged, said Andrew Schneider, an assistant professor in the College of Aviation who directs the university’s Speech and Language AI Lab.

Toulouse, France:

Clean Aviation selects ATR to drive future of sustainable regional flying

ATR will be the first to fly a hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, marking a major milestone in sustainable aviation.

ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft, has announced its selection by the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (Clean Aviation) to lead two groundbreaking initiatives set to redefine the future of low-emission regional aviation.

As part of Clean Aviation’s Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft (UERA) thrust, ATR will spearhead two ambitious development projects aimed at demonstrating the integration of hybrid-electric propulsion, advanced propeller systems and electrified aircraft systems on a regional aircraft.

By 2030, ATR will achieve a world first: flying a hybrid-electric regional aircraft using an ATR 72-600 test bed.

This breakthrough will be made possible through several projects, two of which will be led by ATR, with the support of the European Union, and in collaboration with international industry and research organisations, including Safran and RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

CAE inaugurates Central European flagship business aviation training centre in Vienna

Global aviation training leader, CAE, has officially inaugurated its first business aviation training centre in Central Europe, CAE Vienna.

The new centre has been in operation since April and is now offering customers pilot training on four aircraft types: Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 7500 and Bombardier Global 6000. An Embraer Phenom 100/300 full-flight simulator (FFS), part of the Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS) joint venture is also in operation.

A fifth simulator, a Bombardier Challenger 3500 FFS, will be ready for training in October and the sixth, a Pilatus PC-24 FFS, will be deployed in the second half of 2026.

“The inauguration of CAE Vienna ushers in a new era for business aviation in Europe, adding critical training capacity in the region and making a broad portfolio of training programs more accessible than ever for our customers,” said Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President, Business Aviation.

“According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, the business aviation industry in Europe will need 7,000 new pilots and 9,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 10 years.

"With the ability to train thousands of aviation professionals annually, CAE Vienna is ideally equipped and perfectly located to help meet that demand.”

Air Charter Service opens first office in Saudi Arabia, and 39th globally

Leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has opened its first office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the capital city, Riyadh.

At the official launch, earlier this week, Justin Bowman, Air Charter Service’s Chief Executive, said of the new operation: “We have been targeting the expansion of our Middle Eastern operations for some time now, and Riyadh was the natural choice for this move. Following the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)’s recent decision to open the Kingdom’s private aviation sector to global charter companies, now is the perfect time.

Elie Hanna (left) with Justin Bowman at the ACS Riyadh launch.

“Riyadh is the political, financial, and commercial centre of Saudi Arabia and, outside of the UAE, we have more customers in Riyadh than anywhere else in the Middle East.

"Our clients value face-to-face contact, and our team in Saudi Arabia will be looking to grow our already significant business even further."

The ACA promotes professional training and development of next generation at US Air Charter Regional Forum

Leading global trade body, The Air Charter Association (The ACA) held its first US Air Charter Regional Forum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 19th-20th.

Starting with a networking reception at W Aviation, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE), the Forum conference sessions later took place at the Courtyard by Marriot.

The ACA was delighted to welcome over 50 air charter professionals representing brokers, operators, FBO’s and support companies from across the industry, with delegates in attendance from North, Central and South America.

The conference opened with a panel discussion on challenges facing the US charter market, moderated by The ACA’s North America Board Member Ryan Waguespack, alongside panellists Viviana Kozin, COO, George J. Priester Aviation; Joel Fenn, regional private jets director, Air Charter Service; Jack Burt, SVP cargo, Chapman Freeborn and Kirti Odedra, director of sales, Planet Nine Private Air.

£40m boost propels Osprey Flight Solutions to the forefront of AI-powered aviation risk management

Level Equity backs the aviation tech leader to fuel global expansion and accelerate next-generation risk intelligence solutions.

Osprey Flight Solutions, the global leader in aviation risk management, has secured more than £40m in growth investment from Level Equity, a leading technology growth capital firm based in New York.

Venture capital company 24Haymarket and all existing angel investors will maintain a minority investment in the business, highlighting their ongoing confidence in Osprey’s trajectory and success to date.

Andrew Nicholson, Osprey Flight Solutions CEO.

Founded in 2017, Osprey has built the industry’s first truly predictive and dynamic aviation risk management platform, combining AI-driven data analytics, proprietary technology and expert intelligence. In an industry where outdated models once dominated,

Osprey is setting a new standard in helping airlines, operators, insurance companies and governments anticipate risks before they happen.

Behind the scenes of the NAS: Exclusive experience debuts at NBAA-BACE

A new, interactive event offering a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of National Airspace System (NAS) management will be part of the 2025 National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

During two sessions taking place Thursday, Oct0ber 16th, from 9-11 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center, W 208-210, pilots, schedulers and dispatchers, and department managers will be able to engage directly with NBAA Air Traffic Services (ATS) professionals about how to best navigate all aspects of aircraft operations.

“This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with NBAA’s Air Traffic Services team, learning more about how they work for NBAA members to provide up-to-the-minute air traffic information, and to benefit from the team’s extensive experience to minimize flight delays,” said Heidi Williams, NBAA vice president, air traffic services and infrastructure."

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

Summer celebration of aviation and sport at Luxaviation UK’s Aviation Polo Cup 2025

Luxaviation UK and Castle Air welcomed more than 800 guests to this year’s Aviation Polo Cup at Hurtwood Park Polo Club on Saturday 6th September.

The event created an opportunity for networking and fundraising, with the charity auction raising £19,000 for fly2help, Cornwall Air Ambulance and Magpas. Prizes included experiences from Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Le Manoir, Coworth Park, Gusbourne Wine Estate, Aston Martin London, Red Devils, Gravity Industries, and an empty leg flight with Luxaviation UK.

Summer celebration of aviation and sport at Luxaviation UK’s Aviation Polo Cup 2025

Following an exciting polo match, Sammy Luff of the Luxaviation UK team was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), presented by Jetex, while Baysur Loli was recognised as Best Playing Pony by London Biggin Hill Airport. Aspinal of London celebrated the style of the day, awarding best dressed guests and gifting prizes to the players.

George Galanopoulos, CEO of Luxaviation UK, says: “The Aviation Polo Cup is about more than polo - it brings together colleagues, friends and their families from across business aviation to strengthen relationships and support important charities. “I’d like to thank our sponsors Jetex, London Biggin Hill, Döhle Corporate Trust, Aston Martin London, Private Jet Media and Wheely, as well as our partner Castle Air and all of our suppliers, whose support and enthusiasm made the day so special.”

Entertainment included the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, Spitfire flypasts, a gravity jet pack demonstration, live music from Martin Bell and DJ Sarah Bo Parker, and a closing drone show. Guests also explored Aston Martin’s latest range (Vantage, DB12, Vanquish and DBX 707), while children enjoyed activities with London Biggin Hill’s mascot bear Captain Mary, a Mini Land Rover Safari, a fun fair, face painting and more.

Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group, says: “This event highlights the strength of collaboration within our industry. I’m proud of our UK team for delivering such a successful and memorable day for all.”

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Aviation, News, Flight, Aerospace, Private, MRO, Airport, Aircraft, Jet, Fleet, FBO, Fixed Based Operation, Rotor, Helicopter, Jet Centre, Business Aviation, Private Aviation, General Aviation, Bizav, Interiors, OEM, Charter, Operator, Broker, Pilot, Crew, Cabin, Training, Sustainable Aviation, SAF, FAA, EBAA, NBAA, FAA, Hybrid, UAM, Simulator, UAV, eVTOL, Embraer, Gulfstream, Cessna, Dassault, Bombardier, Textron, Pilatus.

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

Washington, DC:

Plano, Texas:

Washington, DC:

Washington, DC:

Wichita, Kansas:

Dierks Bentley joins 2026 Special Olympics Airlift to support athletes

Web Manuals

Louise Barnekow

Digital documentation leader Web Manuals is strengthening its board of directors with the addition of Louise Barnekow, who will draw on her extensive SaaS experience to help drive forward the company’s ambitious global strategy.

Barnekow was recently appointed CEO of Besedo, a global software company, after transitioning from her role as CEO of Mynewsdesk, a leading PR and communications platform in the Nordic region.

Britten-Norman

Ben Smith

Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the iconic Islander aircraft and a key player in aircraft support and modifications, has appointed Ben Smith as Head of Aftermarket to lead its global support strategy and drive aftermarket growth.

Ben joins with more than a decade of experience in technical sales, digital services, and aviation support, having previously led Garmin’s UK and EMEA aviation sales efforts.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Toronto:

Thomasberg, Austria:

Fort Worth, Texas:

Sandpoint, Idaho:

Gogo CEO, Chris Moore, discusses how the company's multi-orbit, multi-band tech is shaping the future of inflight connectivity.

Daytona Beach, Florida:

Toulouse, France:

ATR will be the first to fly a hybrid-electric regional aircraft by 2030, marking a major milestone in sustainable aviation.

Vienna, Austria:

Saudi Arabia:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

London:

NBAA-BACE 2025:

A new, interactive event offering a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of National Airspace System (NAS) management will be part of the 2025 National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

Summer celebration of aviation and sport at Luxaviation UK’s Aviation Polo Cup 2025