Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Washinton, DC:Associations welcome passage of US Budget Reconciliation BillThe National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), have welcomed the final vote in the House of Representatives of a bill promoting the growth, safety and sustainability of the US aviation industry. The final legislation preserves $12.52bn to fund replacement of aging air traffic control (ATC) facilities, systems and infrastructure and to bolster controller staffing and training.
Announced by House leaders in April, the ATC funding provision has the support of NBAA and more than 50 other aviation stakeholders comprising the Modern Skies Coalition of aviation associations, trade unions, manufacturers and others. “We thank congressional leaders for preserving this vital ATC-transformation measure in the final budget-reconciliation bill, which provides a critical downpayment on investments in new technologies, facilities, the controller workforce and other priorities,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. GAMA president and CEO, James Viola, stated: “GAMA appreciates the hard work that was put forth by Congress in the budget reconciliation package to grow and strengthen aviation manufacturing leadership and the overall aviation ecosystem."
Carlsbad, California:Viasat to enhance in-flight connectivity for business jets on Hawaii routesSatellite communications provider, Viasat Inc., has announced a milestone for its JetXP business aviation in-flight broadband service, following recent test flights that successfully connected the Global Aero Terminal (GAT) 5510 to a ViaSat-3 satellite for the first time. An initial five-hour flight from San Diego to Hawaii, operated using a Gulfstream G280 aircraft, delivered an enhanced connectivity experience that exceeded all performance targets for consistency, reliability and speed. The impressive results were repeated soon afterwards with a second flight operated using a Gulfstream G-III aircraft.
This latest innovation was enabled by a new software upgrade for the GAT-5510 terminal that can be downloaded over-the-air and configured remotely on aircraft. Viasat has now finalized network tests and is working with partners and customers on fleet-wide deployments of the upgrade later this month. The addition of ViaSat-3 capacity over North America and Hawaii is the latest step in Viasat’s commitment to continue enhancing in-flight connectivity standards for super-mid and large-cabin jets.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin:Lou Seno marks 70th year of consecutive EAA Oshkosh attendanceAviation leader Louis Seno Jr., Executive Director of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) and Chairman Emeritus of Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), is set to mark an extraordinary milestone: his 70th consecutive year of attendance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest aviation gathering. Seno is also a Board Director of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA).
Seno attended his first EAA event in 1956 at just six years old, accompanying Louis C. Seno Sr. a WWII B-24 crew chief who became a GA flight instructor and amateur aircraft builder. That moment with his father began a streak that has continued unbroken for seven decades. From the early grassroots gatherings at Curtiss-Wright Field to the bustling Oshkosh events of today, Seno has witnessed and contributed to the remarkable evolution of aviation culture in America. Seno Jr. was also recognized with the FAA’s Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe piloting and he has over 7,000 flight hours.
São José dos Campos, Brazil:Embraer offers new scholarships to train masters students in Aeronautical EngineeringApplications are now open for the new edition of the Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Program offered by Embraer, a career acceleration initiative for engineers from nearly 30 different fields. Run in partnership with the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA), the program will offer an initial monthly scholarship of R$5,000 to 45 new master’s students located in Brazil. “Developing people is a strategic investment and a hallmark of Embraer’s culture,” says Andreza Alberto, Vice President of People, ESG, and Corporate Communications at Embraer. “By the end of the program, the hiring rate of these new talents is high, over 96%. To date, more than 1,600 graduates from the initiative have joined our team, helping us design the future of aviation.”
Over the course of 18 months, the selected candidates will take part in both in-person and partially remote classes held in São José dos Campos (SP), Brazil, at Embraer’s headquarters and ITA. The curriculum is taught by professionals from both institutions as well as external consultants. Students will graduate with a professional master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering, recognized by the Ministry of Education of Brazil.
Wichita, Kansas:Starlink high-speed internet now available for Cessna CaravanTextron Aviation has announced an additional high-speed internet connectivity solution for the Cessna Citation Caravan following the FAA's issuance of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Starlink high-speed internet connectivity. AeroMech’s STC utilizes Starlink’s constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide more reliable connectivity over land, water and remote areas, where traditional in-flight Wi-Fi may not have service.
"The Caravan recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and offering Starlink high-speed connectivity upgrade continues to provide customers with the latest technology, no matter where the aircraft is in its lifecycle.” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. Customers can schedule the upgrade for installation at North American Textron Aviation Service Centers and select International Service Centers. AeroMech’s STC utilizes a Starlink Aviation Kit, consisting of an Aero Terminal (Antenna), Power Supply Unit (PSU), two Wireless Access Points (WAPs), harnessing and only requires power input from the aircraft.
Hunt & Palmer USA Management Team promotionsHunt & Palmer USA Inc., the leading international air charter company’s US business, has announced a series of strategic, key promotions for several of its management team.The move reflects the company’s commitment to leadership excellence and comes as it continues to grow its North American operations and strengthen its position in both commercial and executive air charter sectors.Effective immediately, Paul McCluskey (pictured) has been appointed Senior Vice President, Commercial Aviation; Wendi Matthews-Ortiz becomes Senior Vice President, Executive Aviation; and Karen Farquharson assumes the role of Associate Vice President, Business Development. Announcing the promotions from the company’s Florida-based head office, company Director, Simon Edwards, said: “We are pleased to announce these key promotions in our management team. "Each of these individuals has played a pivotal role in the successful development of our North American operations and I’m sure they will continue to be instrumental in our future success. "I congratulate them on their promotions and wish them continued success in the company.”
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Global business jet activity continues its robust trajectory, with Week 27 (June 30th-July 6th) marking the 11th consecutive week of year-on-year growth at +5% versus the comparable period in 2024, according to WING's Global Market Tracker published today.
June specifically delivered strong performance metrics, with the global business jet fleet flying 3.9% more sectors than June 2024, while the active fleet expanded 2.1% year-on-year.
Texas:Business aviation steps up to support Texas flood victimsGeneral aviation pilots, including business aircraft operators, are helping to rush critically needed supplies to those affected by the catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country.
Operation Airdrop, a Texas-based nonprofit organization founded in 2017, has established bases at the Commemorative Air Force Museum at Burnet Municipal Airport (BMQ) northeast of Kerrville, TX, and the Million Air FBO at Addison Airport (ADS) near Dallas. Pilots and local residents may drop off supplies at either location. All donations - ranging from chainsaws and shovels to clear debris, to mops, brooms, cleaning supplies and N95 masks - are consolidated at BMQ, then transported via ground vehicles to the communities of Kerrville, Hunt and other surrounding areas most affected by flooding.
Cleveland, Ohio:Embry-Riddle freshman wins $100k in Flexjet’s private jet interior design contestFlexjet has awarded an aviation business student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University $100,000 for his winning aircraft interior design, Carolina, in the Project LXi - Design the Ultimate Private Jet Interior Contest.
'CAROLINA' by Woojae Sohn. Woojae Sohn, worked with his father, Youngmin Sohn, on the design and drew inspiration from their family vacations in Mount Pleasant, SC. The interior will be installed in one of Flexjet’s Gulfstream G650 aircraft and will become one of the Flexjet’s LXi Cabin Collection of custom interiors.
Montreal:Bombardier inaugurates Montreal Innovation and Design CentreDedicated to creating the future of business aircraft customer experience.Bombardier has announced the inauguration of the Bombardier Innovation and Design Centre, the new cornerstone of the company’s customer-centric strategy.
The Innovation and Design Centre’s mission is to keep Bombardier’s aircraft ahead of the curve by delivering continuous innovations and improvements to the entire portfolio. A multidisciplinary team entirely dedicated to this new space will work in the strictest confidentiality on innovations aimed at redefining the customer experience of business aircraft.
Williston, North Dakota:Overland Aviation welcomes Williston Flight Care to the communityNew partnership launches a vital chapter in emergency services for the region.Overland Aviation - in partnership with the City of Williston, CHI St. Alexius Health Williston and Care Flight - officially welcomed Williston Flight Care to the region with a public ribbon cutting ceremony on June 17th.
The Williston community has been without locally-operated air medical transportation services since 2023. The reestablishment of flight care to the region - which began service on June 4th - is a crucial development for Williston and surrounding communities, providing critical air ambulance service and helping ease the strain on ground emergency responders.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin:Textron's largest ever lineup at EAA AirVentureTextron Aviation is bringing a comprehensive lineup of its industry-leading products to the 2025 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisconsin from Monday, July 21st to Sunday, July 27th.
Cessna SkyCourier (freighter variant) for the first time at the static display. The static display at Whitman Regional Airport will be the largest the company has ever included at EAA, and the largest static display of any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) at this year’s show. One of the aircraft on display, a Cessna Grand Caravan EX, will feature a special paint scheme celebrating its 40th year of flight.
Ireland:ECT Aviation launches time-critical cargo routes with the BN2T-4S IslanderRepublic of Ireland based ECT Aviation has acquired its first Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft, expanding its operations into dedicated cargo services between Europe and North Africa.
The aircraft will be deployed on high-frequency freight routes, notably linking Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport (LFLL) with key North African destinations. |
 United Kingdom:Bombardier's new paint facility at London Biggin Hill takes shape51,000 sq.ft. paint shop to employ more than 50 skilled technicians.Bombardier has announced that the development of a new 51,000 sq.ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing in earnest with several key processes completed, including ground stabilization and foundation work on the hangar. The hangar steel framework continues to progress and the cladding works have also commenced. Bromley and Biggin Hill Member of Parliament, Peter Fortune, visited the London Biggin Hill Service Centre on July 4, which provided him with a closer look at the exceptional aerospace expertise at the service centre and the development of its most recent expansion.
Bombardier’s new two-bay paint facility is expected to employ more than 50 skilled paint technicians and will be the perfect complement to the close to 250,000 sq. ft. service facility, which is fully equipped to perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, modifications and avionics installations for Bombardier Global, Challenger and Learjet aircraft. With a targeted completion date in the second half of 2026, the new paint facility will add to the centre’s comprehensive service options, ensuring Bombardier’s customers have a top-tier option for all their paint needs.
São Paulo, Brazil:Embraer delivers 61 aircraft in the 2nd quarter, up 30% from 2Q24Embraer delivered 61 aircraft in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25) across all its business units. The result represents an increase of 30% compared to 2Q24, when 47 jets were delivered, and more than double (103%) the volume recorded in the first quarter of 2025. In Executive Aviation, deliveries reached 38 aircraft and surpassed the number from a year ago by 41%, while increasing 65% over 1Q25. Deliveries in Commercial Aviation maintained the same volume as in 2Q24, totaling 19 aircraft. Compared to 1Q25, deliveries rose 171%. The company also delivered 4 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft in the Defense & Security segment, bringing the total number of airplanes in the quarter to 61.
Geneva, Switzerland:Global Jet adds Falcon 6X to charter fleetGlobal Jet has announced the addition of a Europe-based Dassault Falcon 6X to its charter fleet, enhancing its lineup with one of the most advanced and spacious business jets available. The aircraft features the tallest and widest cabin of any purpose-built business jet, seating up to 14 passengers. Amenities include an ultra-quiet cabin, advanced air filtration, Ka-band high-speed Wi-Fi, and three integrated iPads to control lighting, entertainment, and climate. Its 5,500-nautical-mile range and Mach 0.90 cruising speed make it ideal for intercontinental routes such as Paris to Singapore or Dubai to Tokyo.
The Falcon 6X also boasts short-field capabilities, enabling access to more airports and offering greater travel flexibility. With a fully equipped galley and advanced safety systems, it delivers both luxury and peace of mind. Over the past year, Global Jet has continued its impressive growth, adding more than 17 aircraft to its managed fleet. The charter and brokerage division has also expanded significantly with nine new additions, including a Falcon 7X, G650ER, and Falcon 900LX.
Rochefort, France and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:VoltAero signs agreement with Malaysia’s SEDC Energy and France’s ACI Groupe for Cassio aircraft production and equity stakeVoltAero, the French pioneer in electric-hybrid aviation and developer of the Cassio aircraft family, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with SEDC Energy (SEDCE) of Malaysia and France’s ACI Groupe, marking a major step toward establishing a regional hybrid-electric aircraft assembly facility and innovation center in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. As part of this agreement, SEDCE and ACI Groupe have expressed their interest in acquiring an equity stake in VoltAero and becoming a strategic investor. The investment forms the foundation of a broader strategic partnership aimed at supporting clean aviation development across the Asia-Pacific region.
The agreement outlines a shared vision to create a state-of-the-art assembly center in Sarawak for VoltAero’s Cassio aircraft, which utilizes electric-hybrid propulsion for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly regional transportation, as well as for pilot training. “This partnership is a major milestone for VoltAero and for the global transition to air transportation with reduced emissions,” said Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technical Officer of VoltAero. “Establishing a regional hub in Malaysia allows us to expand our production capacity, deliver on regional demand, and transfer technology and skills to a key part of the world that is embracing sustainable aviation."
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Avia to complete one of the world's first Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions
AviaAM Leasing Service Centre, an Avia Solutions Group company specialising in tailored aircraft leasing and trading services, is entering the final stages of a unique project - a Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with US-based Mammoth Freighters LLC, which specialises in Boeing 777 P2F conversions. The conversion is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“This type of conversion of a popular passenger aircraft is a historic achievement for AviaAM Leasing," says Jonas Janukėnas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group. "Boeing foresees air cargo operators will need more than 2,600 freighters over the next two decades to keep up with increasing global freight traffic. P2F conversions are one way to meet this growing demand.”
“Once converted, the Boeing 777-300ERMF will be one of the most fuel-efficient long-range freighters available. Its impressive payload capacity and range make it an attractive option for cargo operators worldwide,” added Brian McCarthy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mammoth Freighters LLC.
Tadas Goberis, CEO of AviaAM Leasing, emphasizes the project’s significance: “This represents the world's first aircraft of this type - a prototype that marks a significant milestone in our company's growth. We plan to convert several additional aircraft of this model in the near future. This project will help us strengthen our position in the cargo aircraft leasing sector, as these converted aircraft will enable logistics companies to expand their capacity."
A Boeing 777-300ER can carry nearly 400 passengers in a standard two-class layout. Once converted, it will be capable of transporting up to 98 tonnes over 5000 nautical miles with substantial volume of 819 cubic meters of cargo on long-haul routes, including transatlantic operations. AviaAM Leasing, which provides commercial aircraft leasing, trading, and administration services, has already completed over 150 aircraft transactions as well as more than 50 aircraft conversion and refurbishment projects. The company is among the top 50 leaders in the aircraft leasing market. |
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