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Your essential weekly digest of International Business and Private Aviation Industry news
Las Vegas:
Thrive Aviation has announced a strategic partnership and minority investment by Arulean Air, a Honda Aircraft Company subsidiary.
This investment in Thrive Aviation establishes the foundation for a new fractional ownership platform designed to scale significantly over the coming decade, expanding private aviation options for passengers.
Thrive Aviation will bring its exceptional operational safety standards, unwavering sophistication and industry-leading, client-focused approach to this new fractional program.
Thrive will operate and manage the program, from client relationship management to flight operations. Arulean Air will acquire aircraft for the fractional program, providing a foundation for the program to scale as the fractional owner base grows.
The program will initially operate two aircraft types: the HondaJet HA-420 in the light jet category and the Bombardier Challenger 3500 in the super-midsize category.
The HA-420 brings efficiency, technology and performance to regional missions, while the Challenger 3500 provides the cabin and range required for longer trips with more people aboard.
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Dallas, Texas:
NetJets is planning a more than 100,000-sq-ft private aviation campus at Dallas Love Field as part of a major expansion of its presence at the busy business aviation airport.
The project is expected to cost between $35m and $70m and is scheduled to be completed in May 2028.
As first reported by The Dallas Morning News, The development will be built in three phases. Initially, six existing hangars and a terminal will be demolished. The second phase will deliver a 14,000-sq-ft private passenger terminal, together with improvements to parking, landscaping and utilities.
The final and largest phase will comprise an 80,000-sq-ft aircraft maintenance hangar, plus around 20,500 sq ft of warehouse, workshop and office space. Texas filings put the start of construction at November 2026.
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By Cat Buchanan, Director of Business Development, STACK.aero
We talk a lot about efficiency in business aviation. Faster quotes. Fewer manual processes. Better data. Less duplication.
All of those are at the core of our philosophy and raison d’être. But ultimately, I think we are trying to achieve something much more fundamental: trust.
Business aviation is built on relationships. A client trusts their broker or operator to understand what they need, remember what matters to them and make things happen, often at very short notice. They expect the person at the other end of the phone or email to know them.
That is something we understood from the beginning at STACK.aero because, for the most part, our team came from the industry. Many of us were charter brokers ourselves.
We remember the spreadsheets, the PDFs, the Post-it notes, the endless emails, the multitude of file folders - often one for every client - sitting on our desks. We remember knowing that somewhere in all that information was the detail we needed… if only we could find it quickly enough!
And we remember how much depended on individual memory.
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Washington, DC:
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has published the Second Quarter 2026 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report.
The results for the first six months of 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, show increased overall shipments and an increase in the value of aircraft billings.
Aircraft shipments through the second quarter of 2026, when compared to the same period in 2025, saw piston airplanes decrease by 3.1% with 786 units, turboprops increase 7.8% with 289 units, and business jets increase 8.2% with 383 units.
The billings for airplanes through the second quarter of 2026 was $14.3bn, an increase of 15.5%.
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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.
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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.
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BBGA
Lindsey Oliver
Lindsey Oliver, Managing Director of the British Business & General Aviation Association (BBGA) has been honoured as a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
The Fellowship (FRAeS) is the highest grade of membership attainable, bestowed solely on those in the profession of aeronautics or aerospace, FRAeS status acknowledges Lindsey’s outstanding contribution to the UK business aviation industry.
This includes her tenure of 18 years with BBGA, becoming Managing Director in 2021. Day to day Lindsey has fostered and manages strong working relationships with the UK regulators, government stakeholders, IBAC and other national aviation associations, along with overseeing the work of the Association’s working groups.
Dave Edwards, Chief Executive of the Royal Aeronautical Society commented: “Lindsey is a passionate advocate for business aviation, a constructive partner to the Society and importantly, someone who is always looking at how we bring the next generation into our sector. I very much look forward to continuing to work with Lindsey and the BBGA as we tackle some of the shared opportunities and challenges facing UK aviation.”
Lindsey graduated from Harper Adams University in 1999 after studying agriculture and business.
ACS Germany
Timo Kaden
Leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has brought in the highly experienced Timo Kaden as Cargo Business Development Director for Germany, based out of the company’s Frankfurt office.
Caroline Werf, CEO ACS Germany, commented: “Timo brings with him 30 years of logistics expertise - he has worked for some of the biggest names in freight forwarding and has a wealth of contacts in the airfreight business. For the last 19 years he has worked in cargo aircraft chartering, both on the operational and sales sides, giving him a broad knowledge across every aspect of charter.
“In recent years we have significantly increased our presence in Germany, and we now have four offices across the country, in Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart and here in Frankfurt. Timo’s experience will help build and guide our growing team of cargo experts, with his vast knowledge and expertise.”
Timo added: “I have worked in the cargo business in Germany for my entire career and am looking forward to starting this new chapter building on business relationships across the country. We have an amazing cargo team here and I’m looking forward to working closely with them going forward.”
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WINGX Global Market Tracker:
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Global bizjet activity contracted 3.0% in Week 36 (31 Aug-6 Sept), with the year-todate figure at +3.4% ahead of last year through 6 September, now matching the trend for the same dates in 2025 vs 2024.
North America notably declined 5.6% last week, although this is most likely due to when Labor Day weekend fell this year vs last, while the Middle East experienced a 5.1% gain compared to Week 36 2025, just the 6th time the Mideast region has seen weekly YOY gains this year, and just the 2nd instance of weekly year-on-year growth since the US-Israel-Iran conflict kicked off in Week 9.
Global bizjet departures trend by aircraft segment YTD (1 Jan-6 Sept)..
Through 6 September, global bizjet growth has been powered by the large-cabin end of the market, with Super Midsize (+7.4%, 599,696 departures) and Ultra Long Range (+6.9%, 302,102 departures) posting the strongest year-on-year gains.
full report
Montreal:
Bombardier has responded to President Donald Trump’s threat to block the company from selling aircraft in the United States unless it manufactures them domestically, highlighting the Canadian manufacturer’s extensive contribution to the US aerospace industry.
Trump made the comments on September 7th amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada, accusing Bombardier of benefiting from the American market while Canada restricts US companies. The threat has raised questions over the potential impact on Bombardier’s US workforce, suppliers and customers, as well as the wider American aerospace supply chain.
In its response, Bombardier has sought to underline just how deeply integrated its business is within the US economy.
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Isle of Wight, UK:
Britten-Norman’s first Islander assembled in the United Kingdom from detail component level completed its first flight from Bembridge Airport, Isle of Wight, at 14:25 on Thursday 3rd September, and has entered its flight test programme.
For operators evaluating the Islander, the first flight matters because of what it proves about supply. Britten-Norman now builds the complete airframe at Bembridge from detail component level, under its own production control, in place of receiving major sub-assemblies for final assembly.
A second airframe is progressing through the same line, components for the aircraft behind it are on order, and the company is working to a continuous production cadence with a strategic ambition of eight aircraft a year. Britten-Norman is the UK’s only civil A2 approved aircraft manufacturer.
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Kuala Lumpur:
Voluxis adds Citation Mustang to Asian fleet
Charter operator and aircraft management company Voluxis has added a Citation Mustang to its Asian fleet, based at Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur.
The four-seat Mustang has a range of up to three hours, making it perfect for short hops around Southeast Asia, such as to Singapore, Jakarta, Phuket, Penang or Langkawi.
Voluxis CEO Warren Gravell said the aircraft offers an attractive combination of comfort, efficiency and value, making private aviation more accessible for travellers across Southeast Asia.
 view a video walk-through of the aircraft
By Dawit Lemma, AfBAA Chairperson. |
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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.
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By Peter Baker, Training Manager, CAE. |
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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.
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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.
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Maldives:
Brook Aero has become the first aircraft ground-handling supervision company in the Maldives to achieve certification to three ISO management standards, in what is a significant milestone for the country’s developing business aviation sector.
The Maldivian company has secured certification to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety).
The achievement is notable because the three standards address three increasingly important areas of aviation operations: maintaining consistent quality, managing environmental responsibilities and ensuring appropriate occupational health and safety procedures.
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By Anita Gradwohl, Group Director Customer Relations & Sales, F/LIST. |
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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.
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New Delhi, India:
FLY91 and ATR have announced the purchase of 40 ATR 72-600 aircraft for around $1bn, marking the largest ATR firm order in almost a decade, and the largest ever by a regional airline.
Deliveries are scheduled from 2027 to 2032. The landmark agreement lifts ATR’s 2026 order intake to 54 aircraft, already surpassing the company’s total net orders for the whole of 2025, with more than three months still remaining in the year.
Less than three years after launching operations, pure regional player FLY91 is set to grow its fleet from six aircraft to 60 in the next five years. The order reflects both the airline’s confidence in the country’s growth potential and ATR’s conviction that regional aviation will play a central role in connecting India’s next generation of travellers.
India’s regional aviation expansion requires aircraft capable of delivering affordable air travel on short regional routes while maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and reliability.
In a market where fare affordability remains critical and fuel represents a significant share of operating costs, the ATR 72-600 enables airlines to operate short regional routes efficiently and reliably, supporting sustainable growth between Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities while helping make air travel accessible to millions more citizens.
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Oranjestad, Aruba:
New framework strengthens cooperation between both civil aviation authorities for San Marino-registered aircraft operating commercially under Aruba-issued AOCs.
The Department of Civil Aviation Aruba (DCAA) and the San Marino Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) have formally executed a new regulatory oversight agreement establishing a framework for San Marino-registered aircraft to operate commercially under Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) issued by Aruba.
The agreement represents an important milestone in the cooperation between the two jurisdictions, establishing a clear regulatory framework for the allocation and coordination of safety oversight responsibilities between the respective Civil Aviation Authorities.
The Registry of Aruba and the San Marino Aircraft Registry (SMAR) welcome the execution of the agreement, which further strengthens the longstanding relationship between Aruba and San Marino and provides aircraft owners and operators with greater flexibility while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory oversight and international aviation safety.
Established under Article 83 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the arrangement does not transfer regulatory functions or duties between the two authorities. Each retains its respective responsibilities while coordinating the oversight of aircraft operating within the framework.
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Brussels:
The European Cockpit Association (ECA) - representing over 44.000 pilots from across Europe - urges Germany not to grant additional traffic rights to UAE airlines unless fair competition conditions are guaranteed.
ECA warns against granting more traffic rights to airlines from the United Arab Emirates while major differences in competitive conditions and respect of social standards remain. The European pilots call on the German Government to protect the long-term interests of European aviation and Europe’s strategic autonomy before approving any further market access, at a meeting with the UAE State President, next week.
This is not only about individual flights. More traffic rights can permanently redirect traffic between Europe and major international markets. If more passengers are routed through non-European hubs, Europe risks losing value creation, jobs, and competitiveness.
“Europe cannot continue opening its aviation market indefinitely when the airlines involved operate under fundamentally different conditions. Competition is important, but it must be fair. Anyone granting additional traffic rights must therefore also consider the consequences for high-quality jobs, European hubs, and the long-term competitiveness of our aviation sector,” says Capt. Paul Reuter, ECA Vice President.
Operational conditions are also unequal. European airlines can’t overfly Russian airspace since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Emirates, however, continues to use it. This gives UAE carriers shorter routes to many Asian destinations, while European airlines face longer flights and higher costs.
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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.
The opening reflects the broader vision being advanced under the leadership of His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), to expand dedicated general aviation infrastructure and elevate Saudi Arabia’s position as a world-class destination for business aviation under Vision 2030.
The launch also marks Universal Aviation’s first operational location in Saudi Arabia and a major milestone in the company’s long-term expansion across the Kingdom and into the Middle East.
A new standard for private aviation in the Eastern Province
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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."
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Bahrain:
Bahrain International Airshow's eighth edition rescheduled to November 2028
The eighth edition of the Bahrain International Airshow, previously scheduled for 18th–20th November 2026 at Sakhir Air Base, will now take place from 15th to 17th November 2028.
The revised dates are intended to allow for broader international participation from visitors, exhibitors, delegations and industry partners, enabling them to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by an airshow renowned for its standing on the global stage.
"Preparations for the eighth edition are continuing in close coordination with stakeholders, partners and the international aerospace community," said the Supreme Organising Committee. "This will reinforce the airshow's role in building partnerships, supporting business and international trade opportunities, and cementing the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a leading destination for specialised international events."
Launched in 2010, The Bahrain International Airshow has become an established fixture on the global aerospace calendar, drawing leading aviation and aerospace companies, senior government officials, military and civilian delegations, and industry specialists from around the world.
NBAA data identifies powerplant failures among key Q2 safety concerns
FAI strengthens long-range charter fleet with second Global 6000 in a year
AXIS broadens training capabilities with expansion into helicopter simulation
Electra, City of Helsinki, and Haaga-Helia University sign MOU to explore direct aviation across the Gulf of Finland
General Aviation Service Spain: almost five decades of mastery in Europe’s most demanding business aviation arena
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30 years, 800 guests and £20,000 raised - Luxaviation UK celebrates at the Aviation Polo Cup 2026
More than 800 guests gathered at Hurtwood Park Polo Club in Surrey on September 5th for the 2026 Aviation Polo Cup, hosted by Luxaviation UK and Castle Air.
The event marked Luxaviation UK’s 30th anniversary, with the company celebrating in style by defeating Castle Air in the polo tournament. The day combined polo, aviation displays, family entertainment and fundraising, with £20,000 raised for four charities: Crowborough Community First Responders, fly2help, Cornwall Air Ambulance and Magpas Air Ambulance.
Ten auction lots and four raffle prizes included a Mercedes-Benz driving experience, Red Devils experience, a stay at Rockliffe Hall, Investec rugby tickets, a London helicopter tour with Castle Air and an empty-leg flight with Luxaviation UK.
Philip Amadeus was named Most Valuable Player, while Kiara, owned by Luxaviation UK team captain Cody Jones, was awarded Best Playing Pony. Luxaviation UK received the tournament trophy from Avinode Group.
Aviation entertainment included a LYNX Heli delivering the match ball, a Yak jets display, Spitfire display, Gravity Jet Industries demonstration and a drone show sponsored by Jetcraft and Jaffa & Co. Younger guests enjoyed a mini Land Rover Safari, fun fair, face painting and a visit from London Biggin Hill Airport mascot Captain Mary.
George Galanopoulos, CEO of Luxaviation UK, said: “For us, the Aviation Polo Cup is the perfect opportunity to get the industry together, celebrating our long-standing relationships and supporting local charities. Particularly in the year of our 30th anniversary, we are delighted to celebrate with our colleagues, friends, and their families.
Luxaviation Group CEO Patrick Hansen added: “Each year the polo event showcases the strength of our industry, as companies come together to celebrate and support local charities. I’m proud of the UK team for year-on-year delivering an enjoyable and successful day for attendees of all ages.”
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