Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
 Washington, DC:NBAA mourns loss of visionary leader and business aviation champion Fred SmithThe National Business Aviation Association has marked the passing of former FedEx CEO Fred Smith, the company’s world-renowned founder and a tireless business aviation advocate throughout his pioneering career. “Fred Smith changed the world with his creation of the cargo airline industry, but he always credited business aviation with helping make FedEx the company it is today,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said.  Frederick Wallace Smith. “NBAA is proud that FedEx has been a member company since 1983, because the company has continually represented the values and professionalism NBAA has promoted since its inception.” FedEx began its operations utilizing Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft, one of which is today displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. Over time, FedEx operated the world’s largest fleet of Cessna Caravans. In 2012, NBAA recognized Smith with its Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award for his contributions to the international nonprofit ORBIS, which operates a “Flying Eye Hospital” and training center credited with restoring sight to more than 23 million individuals around the world.
Saudi Arabia:Bombardier begins landmark Challenger 3500 deliveries to Saudi's Aloula AviationBombardier has announced the commencement of deliveries of three state-of-the-art Challenger 3500 aircraft to airline company Aloula Aviation based in Saudi Arabia. Aloula Aviation will be receiving the first Challenger 3500 aircraft to be registered in Saudi Arabia. “The business jet market in the Middle East is thriving, and we are witnessing a significant increase in demand for super midsize aircraft, particularly for travel within the region and to Europe," said Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier. "As the undisputed market leader in this segment, the Challenger 3500 is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of clients such as Aloula Aviation, as well as our growing client base in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. “Bombardier and Aloula Aviation both share an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the Challenger 3500 will surpass their expectations on every front. As Saudi Arabia continues its bold path laid out in the Vision 2030 plan, we are proud to support Aloula Aviation with this significant addition to their fleet, and the region’s growing aviation hub.”
Fort Lauderdale, Florida:Broward Aviation Services acquires Ohio-based Support Air IncAircraft part-out specialist Broward Aviation Services Group (BASG) has announced its acquisition Support Air, Inc., a service company and aircraft material provider located south of Dayton, Ohio. Support Air, Inc., founded in 1996, specialises in Boeing and Airbus fleet types for freight carriers and corporate/VIP flight departments through material sales, advance exchanges, consignment services, and repair management programmes. Support Air will continue as a standalone company with no expected changes to the current executive leadership team. This strategic acquisition will complement BASG’s current portfolio and solidify the Group’s dedication to foster growth in the aviation USM aftermarket arena.
Broomfield, Colorado:Gogo successfully completes first 5G end-to-end call5G end-to-end connection marks a significant step towards delivery of next-generation air-to-ground connectivity.Gogo confirms that GCT Semiconductor has successfully completed the very first end-to-end call using its next-generation 5G technology. The call, which took place on June 16th, 2025, confirms the Gogo 5G chip is fully functional and ready to move through the final phases of integration. The technology milestone represents a critical stage in Gogo’s journey towards delivering 5G air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity to North American operators.
Gogo moves one step closer to next generation 5G ATG connectivity. GCT Semiconductor Holding, Inc. delivered the new 5G chipset to Airspan, a provider of network deployment solutions and Gogo’s 5G partner, in May. The successful integration of the microchip, which is smaller than a thumbnail, into hardware and software allowed Airspan to configure and support the end-to-end call. The connection, set-up in the lab, confirms the 5G technology is ready to transition to the next phase of integration testing and performance optimization. With the final trials and documentation completed, Gogo will be ready to ship the 5G solution to its MRO network for installation. Along with a more resilient connection, the Gogo 5G ATG system, which has been designed specifically for business aviation users, will provide customers with high-speed broadband for smoother video conferencing, streaming, and other activities across multiple devices, than has been possible before.
Rome and Orlando:UrbanV and Signature Aviation sign JV agreement to develop networks of Vertiports in the USUrbanV, a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, and Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, have signed a Joint Venture agreement to accelerate the development of vertiport networks across the US, with an initial focus on Florida, New York, California, and Texas The partnership unlocks strong synergies in the development of Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure in the United States and beyond. Studies will assess network planning, demand potential, infrastructure feasibility, operational integration and financial modeling to support vertiport site selection and deployment strategies. Signature Aviation will integrate vertiports within its network of private aviation terminals and drive regulatory discussions. The JV will engage with potential vertiport sites and AAM operators, leveraging both companies’ industry connections to form strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating AAM adoption. “This joint venture agreement is a major step in the development of AAM infrastructure for the United States,” said Carlo Tursi CEO at UrbanV. “We have the ambition to become a major global operator of vertiport networks and we will pioneer the establishment of some of the first AAM routes."
Satair Tommy HughesSatair, an Airbus Services company and a global leader in the commercial aerospace aftermarket, has announced the appointment of Tommy Hughes as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).In this role, Tommy will lead Satair’s global commercial strategy and customer success, reinforcing the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships and service excellence across the aviation industry.With over 35 years’ of leadership experience in aviation, including the last decade as CEO of VAS Aero Services, Tommy Hughes brings a deep understanding of the industry and a proven track record in delivering high-value, customer-focused service. To ensure seamless operations and continued customer support during this transition, Tommy will also serve as interim Managing Executive of VAS Aero Services while a search is underway for his successor. This interim structure will secure uninterrupted service to VAS Aero Services customers and partners and maintain close alignment with Satair’s commercial objectives. Tommy Hughes succeeds Paul Lochab, who served as Satair Chief Commercial Officer for nearly ten years, playing a key role in strengthening Satair’s commercial reach and nurturing customer relationships worldwide.
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In the last week, Week 25 (16th-22nd June), global bizjet activity grew 6% compared to Week 24 last year, marking the 9th consecutive week of year-on-year growth.So far this year just 5 weeks have fallen short of 2024 activity levels. Global Part135 & 91K activity grew 8% compared to Week 25 last year, the last four-week trend now 5% ahead of comparable last year. In the most recent week, conflict between Israel and Iran intensified, resulting in just 22 bizjet flights out of Israel, and a shakeup of bizjet activity out of countries in the Gulf. For example, there were 100 additional bizjet departures out of the UAE in the last week compared to W25 in 2024, and 14% fewer departures from Qatar compared to W25 last year. Year to date (1st January-22nd June), global bizjet activity is 3% ahead of last year, almost 1.8 million sectors flown. Global bizjet flying hours are also up 3% compared to last year, almost reaching 3 million hours flown. The month to date (1st-22nd June) trend stands at +5% vs June last year. North America In Week 25 business jet activity in the United States grew 8% compared to Week 25 last year, the last four-week trend standing at +5% compared to last year. There were strong gains across the core US bizjet States of Florida and California, departures up 9% in both States.
Saint-Cloud, France and Mumbai, India:Dassault partners with Reliance Group to manufacture Falcon 2000s in IndiaFirst-ever assembly line for Falcon executive jets outside France.Dassault Aviation and Reliance Infrastructure Ltd subsidiary, Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), have partnered to manufacture Falcon 2000 LXS executive jets in India for the global market.
This is for the first time that Dassault Aviation will manufacture Falcon 2000 jets outside France, positioning India as a strategic global aviation hub. This is an epic moment for India as it joins the elite club of countries manufacturing next-generation business jets after United States, France, Canada and Brazil. For Dassault Aviation, DRAL will become Center of Excellence (CoE) for Falcon series, including Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X programs, the first such CoE outside France.
Texas:JSX to begin ATR operations in the USATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft has announced that JSX intends to begin ATR operations in late 2025.The Texas-based, award-winning public charter air carrier will lease two ATR 42-600s to expand its hop-on service, reaching more private terminals, FBOs, and underserved airports across the United States.
The ATR operations will be supported by a comprehensive ATR Global Maintenance Agreement to maximise aircraft availability and reliability. JSX will offer its customers a premium configuration that is part of the ATR HighLine cabin collection, featuring a spacious interior with plans to certify and install Starlink high-speed internet connectivity.
France:Aura Aero passes 650 pre-orders for ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft, valued at over $10.5bnAura Aero announced at the Paris Air Show that it has secured more than 650 pre-orders for ERA, its hybrid 19-seater, scheduled for entry into service by 2030.
Five new customers signed Letters of Intent with the French manufacturer, to add ERA to their fleet by the start of the new decade: Marathon Airlines, a Greek ACMI airline (20 firm and 20 options), Solyu, a South Korean low-carbon aircraft lessor (20 firm and 20 options), JumpAir Airlines, a lithuanian ACMI and charter airline (10 firm and 10 options), Safarilink, a Kenyan regional airline (4 firm and 2 options), and an undisclosed customer from Europe (3 firm and 3 options).
Basel, Switzerland:Jet Aviation has redelivered two Bell 429 helicopters to a customer in the Middle East. The aircraft were the final two in a total fleet of six modified Bell 429s delivered to this customer.The contract was initially signed in 2019, and the first two aircraft were redelivered in 2020. Two more followed in 2024, with the final two redelivered in March 2025.
For all six, the team worked closely with the customer as a Bell Independent Representative to understand their specific mission needs and propose both the most suitable aircraft and a series of customized modifications to meet these requirements. The aircraft include a custom package of mission equipment including EOIRS, mission mapping, video downlink, Searchlight, and mission communications.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida:VIP Completions and YODEZEEN complete transformative G550 interior refurbishmentVIP Completions, providers of custom aircraft completions and refurbishment services, and YODEZEEN, an award-winning multifunctional architecture studio, have unveiled a spectacular Gulfstream G550 interior refurbishment project.
Acquisition of this aircraft was brokered by VIP Completions’ sister company SmartJets, a leading turnkey aircraft dealer-broker. This project redefines the boundaries of aircraft interior design. For example, custom dynamic fiber optic accent lights seamlessly integrated into the headliner in a “starlight” pattern, real carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin, new mid-cabin bulkhead with pocket door and all-wood eucalyptus paneling. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in eight weeks.
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 Norway:Norway’s Elfly signs contract with EASA for development of Noemi conceptual prototype aircraftNorway's Elfly Group has signed a contract with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the development of the conceptual prototype model of its Noemi (No Emissions) clean sheet, all-electric commercial seaplane. The contract signed by Elfly's Founding CEO Eric Lithun and EASA’s David Solar reinforces the company's commitment to work closely with EASA towards eventual certification (2030) of the Noemi in Europe.
This development follows the recent conclusion of the Concept-Freeze-Review (CFR) of the aircraft prototype. The next step towards first flight of the full-scale aircraft includes interactions and technical discussions with the Agency. The EASA Pre-Application Contract (PAC) agreement allows Elfly Group to take the initial step with the agency towards achieving the first flight of the full-scale Noemi conceptual prototype aircraft. The PAC between Elfly and EASA covers the entire process of prototype development covering the agreement on the flight conditions necessary for the aircraft’s Permit-to-Fly. The PAC is structured to reflect a type certification process. This helps both Elfly and EASA to familiarize the development and test activities towards the target for certification.
Paris, France:CAE forecasts 1.5 million civil aviation professionals needed over next 10 yearsAdditional 33,000 bizav pilots and 69,000 technicians.An estimated 1.5 million civil aviation professionals will be needed worldwide by 2034, according to CAE’s biennial Aviation Talent Forecast, released this week at the Paris International Air Show. The comprehensive 2025 edition of the forecast analyzes the need for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, cabin crew, and, for the first time, air traffic controllers, predicting that 71,000 controllers will be needed globally over the next 10 years.
Marie-Christine Cloutier, VP-Strategy, Performance, Air Traffic Services & Marketing at CAE, presents the Aviation Talent Forecast. The 2025 CAE Aviation Talent Forecast reports that 1,292,000 commercial aviation professionals will be needed - 267,000 pilots, 347,000 aviation maintenance technicians, and 678,000 cabin crew - with the largest percentage required to meet rapidly rising demand in the Asia Pacific region. In addition, 102,000 business aviation professionals are expected to be needed worldwide over the next 10 years, including 33,000 pilots and 69,000 aircraft maintenance technicians.
Bonjour from Le Bourget!GearUp TV's Liz Moscrop brings you highlights from the spectacular Paris Air Show.
From the cutting-edge innovation of Dassault Aviation and Gulfstream’s sleek bizjets, to Voltaero’s pioneering hybrid-electric aircraft, this year’s show was a showcase of aerospace excellence and future-forward technology."
United Kingdom:Britten-Norman marks 60 years of the Islander and looks ahead to a bold new futureBritten-Norman is celebrating a major milestone this week, 60 years since the maiden flight of the first variant of the iconic Islander aircraft.First flown on 13th June 1965 from Bembridge Airport, the Islander was the result of a bold vision by John Britten and Desmond Norman to create a reliable, rugged aircraft that could go where others couldn’t. That same pioneering spirit is alive in the company today.
For 60 years, the Britten-Norman Islander has proven its strength and versatility in every corner of globe - from the Ecuadorian Amazon to remote Scottish islands, and from daily passenger routes to disaster relief and frontline operations.
France:VoltAero unveils Cassio 330 production configurationVoltAero has presented the production version of its Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft for sustainable regional transportation.The production configuration represents an evolution of the Cassio 330’s design that reflects VoltAero’s close working relationship with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness certification agency throughout the aircraft’s development, applying the company’s Design Organization Approval (DOA).
Multiple factors led to this evolution, resulting in decreased complexity for the Cassio 330’s airworthiness certification and aligning its overall design in compliance with EASA’s latest CS.23 certification specifications for normal category airplanes.
United Kingdom:Air Charter Service makes strategic management restructure of its Time Critical divisionLeading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has made two promotions in a strategic management restructure, announcing a new Group Chief Executive Officer and a new Group Chief Operating Officer for its Time Critical products.Dan Morgan-Evans, Group Cargo Director at parent company Air Charter Service, commented: “Our Time Critical services of Onboard Courier (OBC) and Next Flight Out (NFO) have seen incredible growth in the first six months of the year, after a change of leadership last year, with Robert Alleman and Andreas Spies proving pivotal in these results." |
UK-first: Green light for long-range drones to fly across UK’s Critical National Infrastructure
CAA approves milestone Operational Authority marking massive breakthrough in the drone industry.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved Operational Authority for leading independent drone advisors, Drone Major, to conduct the UK’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights over the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure marking a major breakthrough in the drone industry.
This is the first time long-distance approved BVLOS drones in non-segregated airspace have been given the green light to fly over the UK’s critical national infrastructure and places the UK at the forefront of drone innovation.
This development will initially enable long-range drones to patrol over the UK’s rail networks. It marks an important step towards enabling more complex BVLOS operations across other areas of Critical National Infrastructure, with potential applications in sectors such as energy, utilities, defence, border management, and sensitive national infrastructure surveillance.
The approval was possible as a result of Network Rail enabling and funding this groundbreaking work, and now paves the way for possible imminent trials of the technology on a critical 12km route between Wolverhampton and Sandwell & Dudley Station in partnership with Network Rail.
The trials have the potential to vastly improve the safety, speed, and efficiency of the UK railway service, while also delivering many millions a year in savings.
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