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Features

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

Savannah, Georgia:

New super-midsize G300 takes flight

Gulfstream's new G300 has made its first flight, demonstrating significant program maturity and officially launching its rigorous flight test program.

Introduced on September 30th in Savannah as the latest addition to Gulfstream’s visionary fleet, the G300 represents a new standard in its segment and is poised to redefine the super-midsize category.

The first G300 took off from Ben Gurion International Airport at 8:05 a.m. local time and flew for 2 hours and 25 minutes at a speed of Mach 0.75 and an altitude of 30,000 feet/9,144 meters.

“With its combination of safety, technology, performance and cabin comfort, the G300 is a game changer for the super-midsize category,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream.

“This latest investment, designed to exceed our customers’ expectations for large-cabin features in a mid-cabin aircraft, brings another new category leader to our next-generation fleet. With the addition of the G300, Gulfstream truly offers an aircraft for every mission. Achieving first flight at this stage in the program is a remarkable achievement.”

NBAA welcomes bipartisan bill to restore and extend SAF tax credit

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed a new bipartisan bill that would restore the full value of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit and extend the incentive for eight years.

The Securing America’s Fuels Act (SAF Act), introduced by Reps. Mike Flood (R-01-NE) and Sharice Davids (D-03-KS), follows congressional passage of legislation earlier this year that extended the 45Z tax credit but reduced its value, rendering many new SAF projects less financially feasible.

The new bill would return the credit to $1.75 per gallon and extend it through 2033 - key steps to scaling domestic production of the low-carbon fuel.

The tax credit helps close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, enabling producers to bring more SAF to market while creating new home-grown economic opportunities for farmers, rural communities and fuel producers.

FL3XX handles $1bn in operator revenue over the past 18 months

FL3XX’s aviation management platform has processed more than $1bn in operator revenue over the past 18 months, as automated workflows reshape business aviation operations.

Data from more than 158,400 flights and 393,800 passengers between June 2024 and November 2025 shows the scale of activity. During this period, operators managed more than 219,400 ground handling services through the FL3XX platform.

Accommodation, catering, transportation, and airport slot arrangements together account for more than 24% of all services coordinated through the system, reflecting a wider industry shift toward integrated platforms that support the full scope of trip logistics.

Paolo Sommariva, CEO, FL3XX, says: “Automation is now fundamental to managing complex aviation operations efficiently. We’ve received reports of aircraft availability rising by up to 25% and scheduling time reducing by 30% after digital adoption. With real-time information and coordinated tasks, teams can react faster and scale safely as demand increases."

NBAA welcomes DOT, FAA selection of integrator for future ATC network

The National Business Aviation Association has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of a prime integrator for a brand-new air traffic control (ATC) system, and commended both agencies for reaffirming their commitment to implement that system by the end of 2028.

Peraton was selected through what DOT and FAA termed, “a first-of-its-kind federal procurement contract” to oversee the rollout of the new ATC network, which will enhance the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

"The business aviation community applauds DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford for taking this critical step toward building a safer and more efficient ATC system – a national imperative we fully support,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

Among Peraton’s initial priorities will be to complete the replacement of core ATC systems with fiber optic, satellite and wireless telecommunications and other modernized technologies.

Sheltair unveils new Sarasota FBO showcasing world-class Gulf Coast hospitality

Sheltair Aviation celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its brand-new FBO at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) on November 19th, marking the official debut of a first-class gateway on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Sheltair Sarasota offers the hallmark hospitality and exceptional line services the company is known for, including full ground support and concierge care. Its convenient location - just minutes from downtown Sarasota and Bradenton—provides quick access to major business centers, shopping, and the region’s famous white-sand beaches.

Set on 24 acres in the airport’s north quadrant, the impressive facility features a 10,705-square-foot terminal crowned by an immense airside canopy designed to accommodate corporate aircraft of all sizes while covering guests during arrivals and departures. The facility also includes two modern hangars totaling 46,000 square feet of aircraft storage and more than 9,000 square feet of office space.

OK3 AIR set to debut new hangar and major infrastructure upgrades at Heber Valley Airport

OK3 AIR, the exclusive FBO at Heber Valley Airport (KHCR), has announced its new state-of-the-art hangar, to be completed by the end of the year, and a series of significant infrastructure enhancements designed to support the airport’s long-term growth.

The hangar will offer 31,500 square feet of modern, flexible space - large enough to accommodate an ultra long range business jet. With this addition, the airport will offer a total of 65,000 square feet of hangar capacity, giving both business and leisure travelers expanded opportunities to securely store their aircraft.

The project, overseen by Span Construction and Engineering, Inc., includes extensive airside improvements critical to enhancing operational safety and efficiency. Upgrades include a 20,000-square-foot ramp, FAA-compliant drainage systems and new aircraft markings—all designed to strengthen the airport’s ability to meet future capacity.

“This new hangar and its state-of-the-art infrastructure mark an exciting milestone for OK3 AIR and for the future of aviation in our region,” said Nadim AbuHaidar, owner of OK3 AIR. “We’re excited to open the doors and deliver expanded capabilities that meet the rising demand from private aircraft.”

Shannon Schell

Spectrum Aeromed, a global leader in customized air medical interiors and equipment, has announced the appointment of Shannon Schell as its new President.

Schell brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in aviation, healthcare, and logistics, including extensive expertise in the air ambulance industry.

Before joining Spectrum Aeromed, Schell served as President and CEO of REVA, Inc., one of the largest fixed-wing air ambulance companies in the Americas. Under Schell's leadership, REVA experienced transformative growth, expanding its international reach, improving operational performance, and driving significant increases in both revenue and profitability.

Schell’s career also includes senior leadership roles with VTX1 Companies, UniTek Global Services, and UPS, where he developed a proven track record of operational excellence, organizational transformation, and business expansion.

Schell holds an MBA from Bellevue University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the University of North Dakota. He is a Six Sigma Green Belt and has significant experience with multiple large-scale mergers, acquisitions, and strategic growth initiatives throughout his career.

WINGX Global Market Tracker:

Slackening bizjet demand in California slows global activity trends in W49

In Week 49 (1-7 Dec) 2025, global bizjet activity amounted to 76,800 departures, 3% busier than Week 49 2024.

On a rolling last four-week basis (W46 – W49), global business jets have notched more than 307,000 departures, a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. This four-week trend of 5% is in line with the global year-todate (1 Jan-7 Dec) trend of 5% compared to 2024.

Highlight of the Week: Netflix corporate aircraft activity in run up to Warner Bros. acquisition

On 5 December, Netflix made a definitive offer to acquire Warner Bros. The days running up to the offer showed significant flight activity from the Netflix corporate flight department. From 1 January through 30 November, Netflix averaged 4 flights per day across its wholly owned business jets and turboprop aircraft, distributed between a Gulfstream G550 (44% of flights), King Air 350 (29%), Embraer Praetor 600 (14%), and Dassault Falcon 2000 (13%).

Whereas, in the four days preceding the acquisition offer (1-4 Dec), Netflix daily flight activity went up to 6, then 8 flights on 2 December. The primary route during this period was between Burbank (home to Warner Bros.) and San Jose (home to Netflix).

full report

Montreal:

Bombardier celebrates Global 8000 entry-into-service

Bombardier has celebrated the entry-into-service of its Global 8000 business aircraft during a special event held at its state-of-the-art Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario in the presence of employees, government officials, suppliers, media and special guests.

Patrick Dovigi, buyer of the first Global 8000 aircraft, accepted the keys to his brand-new private jet, while Canadian rock star Tom Cochrane presented by Rolling Stone Canada delivered a powerful performance fitting for the debut of the world’s fastest civil aircraft since the famed Concorde.

“Pride and excitement only begin to describe what the entry-into-service of the Global 8000 means for all 18,000 of us at Bombardier,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier.

How airlines manage cultural diversity in the cockpit

Being a global industry, aviation brings people together from around the world. For the most part, this works out well, and even has a net positive effect when it comes to breaking down barriers between people from different countries.

But how exactly should airlines handle cultural, linguistic, and religious differences to ensure safety in the sky?

Franco Narcisi, Chief Pilot at Avion Express, a leading narrow-body ACMI operator and part of Avia Solutions Group, shares key insights.

From local hiring to multinational crews

Due to different regulatory practices, airlines in some countries have kept their pilot rosters uniform, mostly hiring from their home countries. This, however, is not the case with larger international carriers, ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operators, and airlines from rapidly growing regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia, all of whom are now employing pilots from dozens of countries globally.

click to visit DaVINCI Training Institute

Austin, Texas:

Million Air and Avfuel bring SAF to Austin

Million Air Austin (KAUS) and leading fuel supplier Avfuel Corporation have partnered to advance sustainable aviation at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport by introducing sustainable aviation fuel to their operations.

The SAF - which went into service on November 20th - provides a meaningful solution for operators seeking to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from flight operations. This marks the first SAF location in Texas for both companies, offering a consistent supply of SAF specifically for the airport’s business and general aviation traffic.

ACS gearing up for largest ever FIFA World Cup

Following Friday evening’s World Cup draw, leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, is gearing up for one of the most complex tournaments ever, in terms of logistics.

With more teams, more stadiums, across more countries and times zones than any previous World Cup the company is expecting a lot of people to turn to aircraft charters.

Alex Sadat-Shafai, ACS Group Commercial Director, and who was in Washington DC for the draw on Friday, commented: “With the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, this will be the biggest World Cup ever, and the matches are in 16 stadiums, spread across four time zones, some more than 3,400 miles (5,500 km) apart.

"The largest single distance between stadiums is Vancouver to Miami, but that won’t happen in the group stages. There are several more stadium pairings that exceed 2,000 miles (3,200 km), making it a logistical nightmare, not just for the teams, but also the fans."

World Fuel Services adds two new FBOs to Air Elite Network in the UK and Colombia

World Fuel Services has expanded its global network of FBOs, Air Elite by World Fuel, with two new locations: Samson Executive Jet Centre at Newcastle International Airport (EGNT), UK, and Aerosupport FBO at El Dorado International Airport (SKBO), Bogotá, Colombia.

Aerosupport FBO, Bogotá, Colombia

With these additions, the Air Elite network now includes 85 member locations worldwide, further strengthening its commitment to delivering exceptional service, maintaining the highest safety standards, and providing exclusive rewards.

JEKTA unveils 1:9 scale model of PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft as flight testing continues in Italy

JEKTA, the Switzerland-based manufacturer of the zero-emissions Passenger Hydro Aircraft - Zero Emissions 100 (PHA-ZE 100) amphibious aircraft, has revealed photographs of the 1:9 scale model of the PHA-ZE 100 amphibious flying boat that it is using to gather test data representative of the full-size aircraft.

While the final aircraft configuration will evolve based on data generated by operating the model in the air and on the water, the model is closely representative of the definitive PHA-ZE 100 design.

Universal Aviation and AERODOM launch premier FBO in the Dominican Republic

Universal Aviation, a global leader in business aviation ground support, and AERODOM, part of the VINCI Airports network, have the official inauguration of a new, purpose-built FBO terminal at Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport (El Catey – MDCY) in Samaná, Dominican Republic.

The opening marks a significant milestone in the growth of premium business aviation infrastructure in one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing luxury destinations.

The new facility becomes Universal Aviation’s third FBO in the Dominican Republic, joining existing locations at La Isabela International Airport (Santo Domingo) and Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Puerto Plata).

London:

London Biggin Hill Airport unveils major runway enhancement

London Biggin Hill Airport has completed a milestone runway resurfacing project.

The work, achieved with the support of an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK, marks a key phase in the airport’s ongoing investment to enhance operational resilience and deliver smoother, more predictable arrivals for business aviation customers.

Following a summer of work, London Biggin Hill’s runway now boasts a brand new grooved surface along with advanced LED and centreline lighting to increase the visual cues and situational awareness for pilots.

These improvements ensure the runway continues to meet the needs of modern business aviation and reinforce the airport’s role as a resilient port of entry for London.

Robert Walters, Commercial Director, London Biggin Hill Airport, says: “This resurfacing project is a significant step in our ongoing investment in the airport’s core infrastructure. By enhancing the runway’s durability and performance, we’re giving operators clearer guidance and a more predictable arrival experience.

"Business aviation customers value confidence in their planning, and this work reflects our commitment to evolving the airport around the needs of pilots flying into the capital. We would like to thank HSBC UK for their ongoing support, without which the project would not have been possible.”

CAE to enhance air traffic controller training with CAE Ridge

CAE announced at Airspace Asia Pacific 2025, that it is expanding the use of CAE Ridge, its proven and advanced 3D visualization tool, to its Air Traffic Services training offering.

CAE Ridge enhances Air Traffic Controller training by introducing immersive, collaborative scenarios that accelerate learning and improve operational decision-making.

This commercial off-the-shelf solution, already in use in military applications by CAE Defense & Security, is now being leveraged to elevate both civil and defence Air Traffic Services training solutions.

CAE Ridge reinforces CAE’s commitment to deliver innovative, digitally powered training tools that can reduce time to licensing, strengthen operational readiness, and support the long-term transformation goals of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and Air Traffic Organizations (ATOs).

“CAE Ridge represents a meaningful advancement in preparing tomorrow’s air traffic controllers,” said Emmanuel Levitte, Chief Technology Officer, CAE.

“By introducing immersive 3D visualization early in the training process, we help build confidence, competencies and situational awareness faster, increasing the effectiveness of training programs, driving toward an optimal time to licensing.”

Construction of Bombardier's landmark Abu Dhabi facility accelerates

On track to open in the second half of 2026.

Bombardier has announced significant progress on its new state-of-the-art service centre at the Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI).

Construction has advanced, with the structural framework of the main building and hangar now rising.

On track to open in the second half of 2026, this flagship facility represents a major milestone in Bombardier’s strategy to expand its global customer service and support network and deliver world-class maintenance capabilities in the Middle East.

“Seeing this flagship facility take shape is a powerful symbol of Bombardier’s commitment to delivering world-class maintenance capabilities in the Middle East,” said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Bombardier Aftermarket Services and Strategy.

“At Bombardier, our priority is to be our customers’ most trusted ally throughout their aviation journey. We strive to make every service experience seamless, guided by care, convenience, and confidence. This new service centre stands as a powerful testament to that commitment - further reinforced by our #1 ranking in product support for two consecutive years.”

Spanning approximately 120,000 sq. ft., the new service centre will feature a 55,000 sq. ft. hangar, a dedicated parts depot, and a full suite of maintenance services - including scheduled and unscheduled heavy maintenance, aircraft modifications, and AOG support.

BBGA names Victor’s Hugo Robotti-Guinamand as its ‘Excellence in Aviation Next Generation’ Award winner

The British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) has announced Hugo Robotti-Guinamand, Group Charter Executive from Victor, as the recipient of its 2025 Excellence in Aviation - Next Generation award.

This category recognises the achievements of outstanding next-gen professionals who have made a significant impact in their business aviation role. Hugo accepted the accolade from Aoife O’Sullivan, BBGA Chair and Partner, Keystone Law, at BBGA’s 2025 Christmas Networking Event.

Hugo Robotti-Guinamand.

Hugo joined Victor in 2022 as Commercial Jet Associate, progressing to Group Charter Senior Associate in 2024 and then Group Charter Executive in July.

He has managed some of Victor’s most complex charter projects, including logistics for Olympic sports teams, international orchestras and leading sports organisations including Roma and the Norway Football Federation.

Hugo has embraced aviation sustainability and consistently champions Victor’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offering, educating clients that each purchase can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%, compared with fossil jet fuel.

GACA signs MoU with Archer to accelerate air taxi deployment

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Archer Aviation to accelerate the deployment of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across the Kingdom.

The agreement forms part of GACA’s ongoing efforts to advance the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem in line with the AAM Roadmap and the objectives of the Aviation program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), representing another step in the Kingdom’s broader program to develop next-generation air transport solutions.

Under the agreement, GACA and Archer will cooperate to enhance and further mature the existing regulatory framework governing eVTOL operations in Saudi Arabia.

This includes continued alignment with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification standards to strengthen interoperability, reinforce safety, and support the progressive scale-up of air taxi services.

GACA and Archer will also undertake a series of proof-of-concept demonstrations and experimental flights to validate regulatory approaches, support infrastructure development, and strengthen public readiness for electric air taxi services.

San Marino Aviation Rendezvous 2026

Dubai 14-16 April 2026

The San Marino Aviation Rendezvous will bring together aircraft owners, operators, and aviation professionals for focused discussions on aviation law, aircraft registration, and regulatory developments.

Organised by the San Marino Aircraft Registry, the Rendezvous has become a must-attend forum for anyone involved in aircraft ownership and operation.

Full details and Registration

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Textron Aviation unveils “The Heart of Our Story” display at Career & Learning Center

A new, permanent art installation titled “The Heart of Our Story” has been unveiled at Textron's Career & Learning Center.

The piece was designed to honor the bold vision that has shaped the company’s journey - from founders to the team members who carry their innovative spirit forward today. The piece was designed and built entirely in-house, showcasing the team’s incredible vision, talent and versatility.

The artwork is a visual celebration of Textron Aviation’s mission to build the future of flight. It reflects the pride employees take in their work, the craftsmanship behind every aircraft and the strong sense of community that connects generations of aviation professionals.

"This installation is more than just art," said Matthew Harrell, industrial design supervisor and lead project designer, "it’s a tribute to the people who make Textron Aviation extraordinary. It’s a reminder that our legacy is built by individuals who imagine, create and soar to new heights together.