We strongly recommend viewing BlueSky in your browser. Click on our masthead
Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
Washington, DC:
The National Business Aviation Association’s most recent analysis of business aviation accidents and incidents finds that among six recent fatal accidents included in the study, powerplant system or component failure was the leading occurrence category, cited in two events.
The analysis - which covers the second quarter of 2026, from April through June - examines 66 reportable events, including 42 incidents and 24 accidents. Six accidents were fatal, resulting in 22 fatalities. The fatal accidents involved two business jets, three business turboprops and one turbine helicopter.
Collisions during takeoff or landing were the most frequent accident type overall, with one fatal occurrence and four nonfatal. Runway excursions and powerplant system or component failures followed, with three accidents each.
Bird strikes accounted for 12 of the quarter’s 66 events. Non-powerplant system or component failures followed with 11 events, while powerplant system or component failures accounted for nine.
more
Nashville, Tennessee:
Atlantic Aviation has announced that construction is underway on its first facility at John C. Tune Airport, also known as JWN, marking a significant milestone in the company’s planned expansion within the Nashville market and supporting the continued growth of business aviation in Middle Tennessee.
Construction activities are now underway on Atlantic’s highly anticipated executive FBO, following the company’s successful award through the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s competitive RFP process.
Located just eight miles west of downtown Nashville, JWN serves as a vital gateway for general aviation and an increasingly important complement to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Both airports are owned and operated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
Atlantic’s new facility at JWN is designed to deliver a modern, elevated experience for customers while supporting the operational needs of today’s business aviation community.
The development will include a 7,500-square-foot executive FBO terminal, a 37,000-square-foot hangar and office complex capable of accommodating a full range of business aviation aircraft, and approximately 175,000 square feet of new ramp space. Additional infrastructure will include a 60,000-gallon Jet-A fuel farm, 12,000 gallons of 100LL fuel capacity, and a dedicated de-icing pad. The project is expected to be completed in Q4 2027.
more
Hammond, Louisiana:
Sky X, a premier full-service FBO at Louisiana’s Hammond Northshore Regional Airport (KHDC), officially opened the doors to its stunning new facility, setting a new standard for aviation throughout the Greater Gulf Coast region.
Sky X is the region's only FBO offering FAA/DOT-approved maintenance, an AOG Rapid Response Team, an FAA-certified repair station and FAA Part 135 charter operations, all on-site.
Prior to opening its new terminal, Sky X successfully began FBO operations late last year out of its existing avionics facility, building a reputation for personalized service and technical expertise.
The opening of the newly constructed FBO facility marks the completion of the first phase of a nearly two-year development project. The centerpiece of the new facility is a 10,000-square-foot FBO terminal thoughtfully designed to deliver an exceptional experience for pilots, passengers and crew alike.
Upon entering the elegant new lobby, guests are welcomed into a space where contemporary design meets elevated comfort. Premium finishes and modern architecture create an inviting environment intentionally designed for both luxury and functionality.
more
Montreal:
Bombardier to acquire MHICA assets in Ontario
Bombardier is set to acquire the assets of MHI Canada Aerospace (MHICA) in Mississauga, Ontario, in a move designed to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and supply chain.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed later this year.
The acquisition will bring MHICA’s aerostructure manufacturing operations and approximately 750 employees into Bombardier, expanding the company’s in-house production capabilities and operational resilience.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will support an orderly transition, including providing transitional assistance after closing to maintain continuity for employees and aircraft programmes.
Bombardier said the deal forms part of its strategy of investing in strategically important manufacturing capabilities while increasing flexibility to meet sustained demand for its aircraft. The acquisition will also expand Bombardier’s manufacturing footprint in Canada and reinforce its commitment to developing local aerospace talent.
Wheeling, Illinois:
Priester Aviation retires 80-year-old name as companies unite under one brand
After 80 years, the George J. Priester Aviation name is being retired as the company consolidates its aviation businesses under the Priester Aviation brand.
Mayo Aviation, Hill Private Aviation and Omni Private Aviation will transition to the Priester Aviation name in the coming months, bringing the company's operations in Chicago, Denver, Atlanta and Tulsa under a single brand and service standard.
Priester Aviation, which traces its origins to 1945, says the move reflects several years of work to integrate its services, safety systems, operations and infrastructure under its "One Priester" strategy.
Elite Jets and MaxAir, the group's newer additions, will retain their existing names but become co-branded as "a Priester Company." Their combined fleet of 12 Phenom jets will support availability for Invision Jet Card holders and charter customers.
"As the Mayo, Hill, and Omni names transition, their owners will find in Priester what they have always had: a relationship built over decades, rooted in trust and built to grow with them," said Brent Moldowan, CEO and president of Priester Aviation.
The company says the unified brand is designed to provide customers with a single provider throughout their aviation journey, from charter and jet cards to whole-aircraft and fleet management.
Textron Aviation
Brian Rohloff
Textron Inc. announced the appointment of Brian Rohloff as president and CEO of its Textron Aviation segment, effective August 31st, 2026.
Rohloff succeeds Ron Draper, who announced his retirement after more than 27 years with Textron, including the past eight years leading Textron Aviation.
"Brian is a proven leader who brings a deep understanding of our business, our products, our customers and our industry," said Lisa Atherton, president and CEO of Textron Inc.
"Throughout his 29-year career with Textron Aviation, Brian has demonstrated strong leadership across multiple functions and has built trusted relationships with employees, customers and suppliers. I am confident he will continue to build on Textron Aviation's strong foundation and drive the business for growth and continued success."
Rohloff has held leadership positions at Textron Aviation spanning customer support, sales, supply chain and quality throughout his career, providing a broad perspective across the business. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, Customer Support, where he led Textron Aviation's global customer support operations.
Previous roles at Textron Aviation include vice president, Quality; vice president, Sales; senior product director for the Citation XLS+ and Citation X; and director of Paint Operations. He is a graduate of Wichita State University.
King Aerospace
Sam Jackson
King Aerospace, an international leader in modification and maintenance support for corporate, VVIP, government, military and special missions aircraft, has announced the recent appointment of noted aviation industry veteran Sam Jackson as chief operations officer.
Jackson brings more than 20 years of progressive aviation leadership experience to the role, with a strong track record of advancing strategic vision, operational excellence and sustainable financial performance across the MRO sector. He said he was drawn to King Aerospace by the company's values, reputation and future potential.
Prior to joining King Aerospace, Jackson served as general manager and vice president of operations at Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, where he oversaw approximately 800 personnel across maintenance, engineering, materials and quality functions. He also previously served as vice president of maintenance at Flightstar Aircraft Services and director of maintenance at HAECO Americas.
Jackson is a licensed airframe and powerplant technician who began his aviation career as a jet engine mechanic in the US Marine Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
|
WINGX Global Market Tracker:
|
|
 |
Global bizjet activity was relatively flat in Week 35 (24-30 August), just 0.5% more traffic than in Week 35 2025, with the year-to-date figure at +3.5% ahead of last year through 30 August, just a 0.2 percentage point increase compared to the trend for the same dates in 2025 vs 2024.
For the third consecutive week, Asia stood out as the region with the largest declines, down 7.2% while accounting for 3% of global activity.
In contrast, airports in South America and Africa both realized double digit gains, up 21.9% and 18.1%, respectively.
North America, at 71.1% of all activity and up 4.8% accounts for +3.4 points of that gain, continuing to serve as the global growth engine for bizjet traffic.
While accounting for 7.5% of global bizjet traffic this year, South America’s 3.4% yearto-date expansion offsets the Middle East’s 16.1% decline, while the Mideast made up just 1.7% of global activity.
full report
Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
Universal Aviation has officially begun operations at the new General Aviation Terminal (GAT)/FBO and dedicated hangar at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (OEDF).
Universal is the appointed manager and operator of the new GAT/FBO and is providing full-service ground handling through the facility. Developed in close partnership with MATARAT Holding and Dammam Airports Company (DACO), the facility represents the first dedicated General Aviation Terminal/FBO in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - a significant milestone for Dammam and for the continued development of the country’s general aviation infrastructure.
Universal Aviation has also successfully handled its first flight through the new facility, marking the start of live operations at Dammam’s new GAT/FBO.
more
By Dawit Lemma, AfBAA Chairperson. |
|
 |
Dawit Lemma, Chairperson of AfBAA explains why the AfBAA research project is so important for African business aviation and beyond.
In 2025, the African Union backed a call for governments and international organizations to stop using the familiar Mercator map of the world. The 16th-century graphic stretches the world near the poles to ensure they are featured; as a result, many geographic features are distorted. Africa appears smaller than it should, and Greenland looks bigger, even though Africa is 14 times larger.
The result is a genuine misconception about how vast the African land map is. The African Union argued that this undermines the perception of its importance on the global stage by obscuring its spatial complexity and, in turn, its opportunities.
This perception can easily spill, and often does, into every aspect of the continent's economic, social, and cultural importance. The perception is that it’s a small continent, comprising small countries, when nothing could be further from the truth.
more
By Peter Baker, Training Manager, CAE. |
|
 |
Peter Baker, Training Manager at CAE, covers the evolution of recurrent training within the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and how it is creating new opportunities to align training with operational risk and real-world performance.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, so too must the way we design and deliver recurrent training. Within the EASA environment in particular, the introduction of Phased Recurrent Training and CORe (Continually Optimized Recurrent Training) represent a significant shift towards a more adaptive, data-driven approach grounded in Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA).
However, with that shift comes complexity. Regulatory language, new methodologies, and varying levels of familiarity across operators can make these concepts difficult to translate into something tangible and operationally meaningful.
At CAE, our focus has been on bridging that gap and ensuring that CBTA is not only understood, but also effectively applied in a way that delivers measurable value to our customers.
more
Switzerland:
With its striking new “Schwarzhorn” building, Pilatus has officially opened an ultra-modern center of advanced composite competence in canton Nidwalden: effective immediately, the development and production of composite components will be united under one roof for the first time.
The new building provides state-of-the-art workplaces for around 300 employees and has been designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability.
Composites - also known as fiber-reinforced materials - have been used since over 40 years at Pilatus, but only for non-load-bearing secondary structures such as covers and cowlings. The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet marks a departure from this in that composite materials are now used for primary structural components as well.
more
By Anita Gradwohl, Group Director Customer Relations & Sales, F/LIST. |
|
 |
A beautiful aircraft interior can capture your attention in an instant. But what happens after the thousandth flight?
For an operator, true luxury is not only what passengers see when they step aboard. It is how effortlessly the cabin works, how beautifully it ages, and how reliably it performs, flight after flight.
We’re seeing that distinction become increasingly important to operators.
At F/LIST, our primary customers are typically the aircraft OEMs, but we actively engage with operators because they give us something invaluable: a view of how an interior lives in the real world. And every operator looks through a slightly different lens.
more
Melbourne, Australia:
Textron strengthens customer support in Australia through CASA Part 145 approval
Textron Aviation has received Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Part 145 approval for its Australian maintenance organization, reinforcing the company's commitment to providing factory-direct service and support throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The approval applies across Textron Aviation's Service Center network in Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast, establishing one of the most comprehensive OEM-owned support footprints in Australia.
CASA Part 145 approval confirms that the company's maintenance organisation meets Australia’s rigorous requirements for personnel, processes, systems and oversight, and gives customers added confidence that maintenance is carried out within a CASA-approved framework.
With more than 1,400 Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft operating in Australia, the approval further strengthens Textron Aviation’s local support capability.
Advertisement:
In the world of business aviation, longevity is not merely a measure of time - it is a testament to resilience, expertise, and the ability to evolve with an industry that never stands still.
General Aviation Service, Spanish FBO network embodies this principle. With more than 45 years of continuous operation in one of Europe’s most active and operationally complex markets, the company has become a reference point for operators seeking reliability, precision, and a service philosophy rooted in genuine human connection.
Spain’s aviation landscape is a study in contrasts: bustling metropolitan hubs, seasonal surges driven by tourism, and a constant flow of international business traffic. To thrive here requires more than technical competence. It demands an instinctive understanding of the rhythms of the market, the expectations of operators, and the nuances of regional operations. Over four decades, General Aviation Service Spain has not only mastered these dynamics—it has helped define them.
A market that tests every skill
more
|
Isle of Wight, UK:
The first Islander to be fully built in the UK since Britten-Norman repatriated production to Bembridge has begun its ground test programme, with first flight targeted for September.
Delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) will follow completion of flight testing and customer preparation, and the company is opening its production line to customers and media ahead of the aircraft's formal launch later this year.
The aircraft was rolled out at the company's Isle of Wight facility on Thursday 30th July, the day after electrical power was successfully applied for the first time. The roll-out followed the installation of the aircraft's engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes and flight control surfaces and mechanisms, and came in sequence with the programme's previous public milestones: 75% structural completion confirmed in June, power-on on 29th July, and roll-out the following day.
The aircraft is the first Islander to be fully assembled through Britten-Norman's reshored UK production line, marking the return of complete civil Islander manufacturing to the United Kingdom following a period in which major assemblies were manufactured overseas prior to final assembly in the UK.
more
Germany:
FAI’s Bombardier family now totals 18 aircraft.
FAI rent-a-jet, Germany's leading provider of mission-critical aviation services, has further strengthened its fleet with the addition of a Bombardier Global 6000 (D-AFAN, MSN 9471).
The acquisition was completed just five weeks after the letter of intent (LOI) was signed, underlining FAI's reputation for acting quickly and reliably in aircraft acquisitions.
The ultra long-range business jet is the second Global 6000 to join the fleet in 2026 and the seventh Bombardier Global series aircraft operated by FAI, bringing FAI’s all Bombardier business jet fleet to 18. The Global 6000 which has logged only 900 flight hours will be based at its Nuremberg headquarters and is available for immediate worldwide corporate charter.
Siegfried Axtmann, Founder and Chairman of FAI Aviation Group, said: "The addition of our second Global 6000 further strengthens our ability to meet growing demand for long-range charter solutions. With its exceptional range, comfort and reliability, the aircraft is ideally suited to the needs of our international clientele. Presented in immaculate condition and with its exceptionally low hours, it is a superb addition to our fleet.”
more
Bangkok, Thailand:
Leading advanced training solutions provider, AXIS Flight Simulation, is increasing its training footprint by entering the helicopter simulator manufacturing market with two new Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD), the AX-DH and the EASA and FAA approvable Flight Training Device (FTD).
Both FSTDs, with the AX-DH being based on AXIS’ proven AX-D system, featuring a high-resolution visual system and a 6-DOF electric motion system, have been designed to deliver unmatched realism for rotor-wing operations.
The devices offer a full-scale, aircraft-specific cockpit and the option for operators to switch between Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) during approaches, allowing pilots to practise realistic transitions, improving operational readiness.
Designed to reflect the demands of helicopter operations including offshore operations and night vision goggle (NVG) flights, the FSTDs feature a full-scale cockpit, helicopter-specific flight dynamics and avionics models, and high-resolution projection system. With weather, landscape and operational surroundings rendered in real time, the simulators provide a highly accurate environment for individual and multi-crew training.
more
Helsinki:
Electra has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences to explore how Direct Aviation can enable faster, quieter, and more efficient regional air mobility across the Gulf of Finland.
The collaboration will study a new approach to Helsinki-Tallinn connectivity using Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft, designed to take off and land in just 50 metres, and compact access points located closer to where journeys begin and end. The parties will also evaluate additional regional destinations of interest to Helsinki residents, businesses, and visitors.
Helsinki and Tallinn are twin cities, with just 80 kilometers separating them across the Gulf of Finland. Approximately 7.5 million travelers move between the cities each year, reflecting their strong commercial, tourism, and cultural ties.
Despite the short distance, the journey can take hours. Ferries take two hours, plus the time required to reach the terminal and board, while flying today requires traveling through international airports and the traditional airport and security process.
Direct Aviation means flying from where people are to where they want to go. By combining Ultra Short aircraft with compact access points closer to travelers, it can reduce the friction of ferry crossings, airport transfers, long drives, and hub connections and create faster, simpler, easier regional connections.
more
New Delhi, India and Sandefjord, Norway:
NOEMI Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SkyHop Aviation, India's first dedicated commercial seaplane operator, to start with the introduction of up to 15 NOEMI amphibious aircraft into the Indian market.
The agreement represents another important commercial milestone for NOEMI in India, one of the world's most promising emerging markets for seaplane operations.
This latest milestone follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway and the subsequent invitation to meet Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Ji to discuss the significant potential for seaplane operations in India.
The agreement provides NOEMI with early engagement with government-backed seaplane operations as India moves forward with an ambitious national strategy for regional connectivity.
"We are seeing India put real effort into turning it’s seaplane strategy into reality. This is the beginning of a strong new market," said Eric Lithun, Founder and CEO of NOEMI Aerospace.
"There is clear government ambition, a major programme for new seaplane routes, and operators preparing to expand their fleets. Our agreement with SkyHop is an important confirmation that NOEMI fits the direction this market is taking. We are very proud of the momentum we are building together in India."
more
Oberpfaffenhofen:
In September 2026, General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) will put a major focus on Africa.
With two trade show appearances, the German aircraft manufacturer is highlighting the strategic importance of the African continent for the Do228 NXT. The company will exhibit at El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt (September 8-10, 2026) and the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) Expo in South Africa (September 16-20, 2026).
By focusing on the second-largest continent, GA-ATS underscores the importance of Africa and the Middle East as a large and growing market for the new Do228 NXT turboprop aircraft.
In Africa, the Do228 has a long and proven operational history with over 30 different operators in nearly 20 different countries. To this day, the Do228 serves as a vital platform for connecting remote areas, landing at unpaved airfields, STOL operations and conducting demanding operations under harsh conditions.
more
Citation CJ3 Gen3 takes major step towards certification
From slow start to steady climb: What’s driving EMEA’s VIP charter recovery in 2026
Atoms and Joby form strategic partnership to build America's vertiport network
Solairus to acquire Clay Lacy’s aircraft Management & Charter divisions
NOEMI and Pawan Hines to explore electric seaplane operations in India
|
SyberJet shatters 13-year-old light jet transcontinental East-to-West speed record
Unofficial record - pending certification.
SyberJet Aircraft announced that its SJ30-2 has set an unofficial East-to-West transcontinental speed record in the C-1.f aircraft class, flying nonstop from Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego, California in approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes at an average speed of 505.3 mph.
The flight, piloted by Gordon “Gordy” Bryan with SyberJet CEO Trevor Milton aboard, decisively breaks the existing record of 339.4 mph set by the Embraer Phenom 300 in 2013. Official certification from the National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale is expected to take approximately 90 days.
SyberJet CEO Trevor Milton and pilot Gordon Bryan.
“The results are fantastic,” said Trevor Milton, CEO of SyberJet Aircraft. “I want to thank Gordy, the mechanics, the employees and all the supporters that watched the journey. This is exactly the kind of moment that can’t be disputed and cements the legacy of SyberJet as the fastest and farthest flying light jet in the world.”
The SJ30-2 is SyberJet’s FAA-certified aircraft and the platform on which the company’s next generation aircraft, the SJ36, is being developed.
The record-setting SJ30-2 will be on display at NBAA-BACE 2026’s Aircraft Connection at Henderson Executive Airport in space AC-03. SyberJet will also debut the all new SJ36 at SyberJet World, held in conjunction with NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas.
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. |
|
