April 26, 2024

Kerry eCommerce, Menzies Aviation, Menzies Macau Airport Services Sign MOU

Kerry eCommerce signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Menzies Aviation and Menzies Macau Airport Services to launch a global customs clearance collaboration project. According to Kerry eCommerce, the MOU aims to “strengthen Macau Airport’s e-commerce cargo competitiveness and provide seamless customs clearance services for Kerry eCommerce export through Macau.” The MOU will allow Kerry eCommerce to utilize Menzie Aviation’s network of 255 destinations globally.

April 25, 2024

Davinci Jet Services Installs First SmartSky LITE On CJ4

Davinci Jet Services announced the first-article installation of the SmartSky LITE air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity system on a Cessna Citation CJ4 aircraft. According to SmartSky, the installation was performed by Davinci Jet Services’ MRO and FAA Part 135 charter firm in North Carolina. The upgrade is one of several coming to Davinci Jet’s managed fleet by the end of 2024. SmartSky LITE was recently recognized during Aviation Week’s 2024 Laureates Awards in the business aviation category.

April 24, 2024

Textron Aviation Expands Aftermarket Support For Citation CJ2

Textron Aviation announced its expanded offerings for the Cessna Citation CJ2, including a Garmin avionics upgrade. According to Textron, Garmin’s G600TXi flight display, TXI EIS, GTN 750Xi FMS/NAV/COMM and GFC 600 digital autopilot will offer aircraft-specific situational awareness features to the CJ2. Such features included stabilized approach monitoring and aural V-speed alerting for takeoff. The Garmin upgrade package is available for installation at any domestic or international Textron Aviation service center, according to the company.

April 23, 2024

Magnetic Engineering Expanding To Business Aviation

Magnetic Group’s engineering division announced its new Continuous Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) capabilities to expand its services to commercial and business aircraft markets. According to Magnet Engineering, the expansion comes after the approval of the Estonian Civil Aviation Authority and will include an extensive range of aircraft such as the A320 family, Boeing 737s and Embraer aircraft.

April 22, 2024

Mermoz Academy Receives 10 Tecnam P-Mentors

Tecnam announced the delivery of 10 P-Mentor aircraft to Mermoz Academy in Tours, France. The delivery marks the completion of the academy’s fleet expansion program and will be used for private and multi-pilot license courses. According to Tecnam, Mermoz Academy chose the P-Mentor for its low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions. The aircraft will serve the academy’s 220 current students and add to its fleet of five P2006T and four P2010 aircraft.

April. 19, 2024

Web Manuals Introduces Amelia AI For Flight Manuals

Web Manuals announced the introduction of AI-enhanced search functionality for pilots’ manuals. According to the company, Amelia AI will answer questions using information from pilot’s manuals to help avoid diversions or delays. The AI is powered by natural language processing to assist pilots’ decision making when addressing issues with their aircraft.

April. 18, 2024

Torres Strait Air Becomes Tecnam P2012 Australian Launch Customer

Torres Strait Air (TSA), an Australian-based charter company, is the launch customer for the Tecnam P2012 Traveller. TSA will receive two of the twin engine 11-seat aircraft in May and June 2024, with options for three STOL (short-takeoff-and-landing) versions. According to Tecnam, the deal will be financed by the National Australia Bank’s Indigenous Fund.

April. 17, 2024

Airshare Partners With Signature Aviation

Airshare, a private aviation company, entered into a nationwide fixed-base operator service agreement with Signature Aviation to provide hospitality services at 120 locations. The announcement follows Airshare’s recent expansion of its fractional program to 10 additional states. According to Airshare, the company’s fleet is now approaching 150 aircraft.

April. 12, 2024

Hartzell Aviation Releases FAA Safety Tip Videos

Hartzell Aviation unveiled a series of firewall forward safety tip maintenance training courses for Hartzell products across four popular aircraft. The course focuses on the Cirrus SR22T, Beech Bonanza, Piper Seminole and Van’s RV8 aircraft. According to Hartzell, the course covers a plethora of safety topics and can be taken for FAA course credits. Production of the series took place at Hartzell facilities in Ohio, Alabama and Minnesota.

April. 11, 2024

Web Manuals Acquires ManualAI

Web Manuals, an aviation documentation solutions provider, announced the acquisition of ManualAI Sweden AB. ManualAI, based in Gothenburg, specializes in AI-based search technology. According to Web Manuals, the addition of ManualAI will bolster the company’s digital documentation system through the integration of bespoke AI functions. Web Manuals CEO Martin Lidgard emphasized the company’s evolving technology as “pivotal as we start to incorporate AI functions into our product offering.”

April. 10, 2024

Go Rentals Opens FBO In Panama City

Go Rentals, a car rental company geared to private aviation travelers, announced the opening of its newest fixed-base operation at Southern Sky Aviation at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). The facility opened April 1, but a grand opening event is scheduled for April 24, 2024. Go Rentals will operate as Southern Sky Aviation’s designated on-site provider of car rental services. According to the company, the facility is designed with vacationing guests in mind by providing convenient access to Destin and Jacksonville, Florida.

April. 9, 2024

Prime Appearance Named CAA Preferred Detailing Service Provider

The Corporate Aircraft Association (CAA) has named Prime Appearance as its preferred aircraft detailing service provider for the month of March. Prime Appearance offers aircraft exterior detailing and paint protection services, as well as interior detailing and carpet protection. According to Prime Appearance, the company maintains a presence at 50 airports across the U.S.

April. 8, 2024

STACK.aero Launches FL3XX Integration

STACK.aero, a business aviation workflow technology provider, is collaborating with FL3XX, a digital aviation operations management system. The move, announced during the 2024 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, will allow customers to combine customer and business data to improve workflow efficiency. According to STACK.aero, the automated two-way data flow “removes the need for double entry of information, minimizing data input errors.”

April. 5, 2024

Crosslake Group Acquires Two Aviation MRO Companies

Crosslake Group, a private financial firm, has acquired Continental Aircraft Support and Magnum Aircraft Repair Services, both located in South Florida. The two companies will add to Crosslake’s After Market Aviation Parts Investment Platform, led by Aeromax Industries. According to Crosslake, the acquisition will help expand the company’s capabilities in parts manufacturing, parts repair and overhaul and spare parts sourcing.

April. 4, 2024

Inform Aviation, FlightAware Partner On Ground Operations Optimization

Inform Aviation and FlightAware announced their strategic agreement that combines predictive flight data by FlightAware with Inform’s GroundStar products. The combination gives dispatchers “more precise calculation of turnaround milestones that minimizes operational uncertainties and streamlines airport ground operations.” Both companies are employing the use of AI models to produce predictive datasets, they say.

April. 3, 2024

Mayo Aviation, Stevens Aerospace Partner For Maintenance Services

Mayo Aviation announced its strategic alliance with Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems to provide expanded maintenance capabilities for its managed aircraft and charter customers. As part of the deal, Stevens Aerospace will acquire Mayo Aviation’s MRO operations at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colorado. According to Mayo Aviation, existing relationships and maintenance options will remain available to Mayo customers. Mayo Aviation President Brent Moldowan says Stevens Aerospace aligns with his company’s values and that “partnering with such an established, similar-minded company allows Mayo to best serve our owners’ needs and benefit charter clients.”

April. 2, 2024

Veryon, Rolls-Royce Deutschland Enter Engine Diagnostics Agreement

Veryon, a aviation software solutions provider, announced its long-term agreement with Rolls-Royce Deutschland for its Veryon Guided Troubleshooting product. According to Veryon, the cloud-based software allows users to monitor and maintain unscheduled maintenance operations. Veryon also offers a comprehensive fault isolation solution, used by Dassault, Gulfstream and Rolls-Royce. The agreement included Guided Troubleshooting with Initial Symptom Profiles to cover engine models such as the BR710, BR725, Pearl 700 and Pearl 10X.

Mar. 28, 2024

Bell Textron, Abu Dhabi Aviation Sign Facility Agreement

Bell Textron and Abu Dhabi Aviation announced their signing of an agreement for the UAE operator to become an authorized Bell Customer Service Facility (CSF). The company will now provide services for Bell 212, Bell 412 and Subaru Bell 412EPX aircraft. According to Bell, Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, with a fleet of 61 helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft.

Mar. 27, 2024

Duncan Aviation Adds Drone Repair Capabilities To Dallas Satellite Location

Duncan Aviation announced the addition of drone repair services to its satellite location in Dallas. The facility is the company’s first foray into repairs for commercial cargo drones for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). According to Duncan, demand for drone repair services is growing in the U.S. through the use of drones for grocery, medicine and food deliveries via drones, as well as for aerial photography.

Mar. 26, 2024

Clay Lacy Aviation Becomes Starlink Authorized Dealer

Clay Lacy Aviation announced its agreement to become an authorized dealer and installer for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite-based internet. Currently, Clay Lacy offers Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the Bombardier Global 6000, Express and XRS and the Gulfstream G650/ER. Later this year, Clay Lacy expects to add multiple Challenger, Global, Gulfstream and Embraer aircraft to its availability. According to the provider, Starlink offers in-flight 4K video calls, streaming, online gaming and virtual private networks (VPNs).

March. 21, 2024

Pilatus PC-21 Fleet Reaches 500,000 Flight Hr. In Safety 

Pilatus announced the passing of 500,000 safe flight hr. for its global fleet of nearly 250 PC-21 training aircraft. According to Pilatus, the PC-21 training system includes mission planning and debriefing systems, training materials, virtual reality (VR) tools and a flight simulator.

March. 20, 2024

Bell Textron, Abu Dhabi Aviation Sign Facility Agreement 

Bell Textron and Abu Dhabi Aviation announced their signing of an agreement for the UAE operator to become an authorized Bell Customer Service Facility (CSF). The company will now provide services for Bell 212, Bell 412 and Subaru Bell 412EPX aircraft. According to Bell, Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, with a fleet of 61 helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft.

March. 19, 2024

Bell 505 Receives STC For Garmin’s GFC 600H Flight Control System<\/p>

Bell Textron has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency supplemental type certification (STC) of Garmin’s GFC 600H flight control system for the Bell 505 helicopter. The system previously received approvals from the FAA and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). The GFC 600H includes a console-mounted mode controller and a night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display. According to Bell, more than 500 Bell 505s have been delivered globally.

March. 18, 2024

LEVO.Aero, Outer Banks Aviation Partner On Industry Modernization

LEVO.Aero, a aviation technology company, has partnered with Outer Banks Aviation to launch the first Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Resource Management (CRM) and SMARTInbox—software designed for charter operators. The partnership is also launching the LEVO Marketplace. According to LEVO, the marketplace will enable retail customers to purchase private charter flights and book empty-leg seats.

March. 15, 2024

C&L Aerospace Opens New Wichita Warehouse

C&L Aerospace has announced the opening of its new 8,500 ft.² parts warehouse in Wichita. The facility will house avionics and parts inventories for Citation CLS, Citation Sovereign, BeechJet, Hawker, Challenger ERJ 135/145 and E170/190 aircraft, the company says. The warehouse is part of C&L’s larger expansion plan, which includes two additional warehouse facilities. The facility will provide more favorable shipping times and rates for customers on the west side of the U.S., the company says.

March. 14, 2024

Grand Aire Acquires National Flight Services FBO At KTOL

Grand Aire Acquires National Flight Services FBO At KTOL Grand Aire, a private air charter provider, has announced the acquisition of National Flight Services’ (NFS) fixed base operator assets at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (KTOL) in Ohio. The acquisition includes FBO equipment and facilities for Grand Aire’s cargo operations on the east end of the field. According to Grand Aire, the two companies will remain separate, with NFS continuing aviation maintenance services at KTOL. Exterior and interior upgrades are planned for Grand Aire’s newly acquired facilities.

March. 13, 2024

Skyservice, Fontainebleau Partner On New Fort Lauderdale FBO Skyservice Business

Aviation has announced the completion of its investment in Fontainebleau Aviation’s newest fixed base operator development at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. According to Skyservice, the Fontainbleau Aviation FBO, expected to be completed by early 2025, will include an 80,000 ft.² hangar and a 25,000 ft.² lobby. Fontainebleau Aviation is currently accepting hangar lease agreements for the new facility.

Mar. 12, 2024

Duncan Aviation Forges Dealership Agreement With SpaceX 

Duncan Aviation forged a dealership agreement with SpaceX to install hardware for the Starlink high-speed, inflight connectivity system. The Starlink system is already approved for several Gulfstream, Bombardier and Beechcraft models.Duncan Aviation forged a dealership agreement with SpaceX to install hardware for the Starlink high-speed, inflight connectivity system. The Starlink system is already approved for several Gulfstream, Bombardier and Beechcraft models.

Mar. 04, 2024

Sheltair Upgrades Tampa Bay FBOs In $2 Million Project

Sheltair Aviation is renovating its fixed-base operations at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (KPIE) and Tampa International Airport (KTPA) in Florida. The KPIE FBO renovations will feature upgrades to its conference room, pilot lounge, flight planning room and customer service manager’s office. The KTPA FBO upgrades will come alongside the completion of a $26 million hangar complex, which includes a relocated conference room, a new customer service desk and a back-counter check-in area. According to Sheltair, the Tampa-area renovations are worth a total of approximately $2.05 million.

Mar. 01, 2024

Clay Lacy Aviation Technicians Complete Gulfstream Ground Handling Training Program

Clay Lacy Aviation has completed Gulfstream-authorized ground handling and service training by 66 of its line service technicians. The program, developed by Gulfstream and FlightSafety International, trains technicians on methods to improve dispatch reliability and safety. The technicians serve at Clay Lacy Aviation’s FBOs in Van Nuys and Orange County, California. The company plans to send technicians from an upcoming FBO in Waterbury-Oxford, Connecticut in the near future.

Feb. 29, 2024

Elfly Moves To Torp Airport

Elfly Group, an electric seaplane developer, has moved to new facilities at Torp (Sandefjord) Airport in Southern Norway as part of its expansion. Elfly will take over 1,160 m² of office and workshop space in a 1,700 m² hangar, where it will build its first full-scale electric seaplane “Noemi.” The new facilities will be used by its 30-member team with senior engineers from Airbus, Pilatus Aircraft, Honda Aircraft, Dornier Seawings and Heart Aerospace.

Feb. 28, 2024

Axis Aviation Launches In-House Dispatch Service

Axis Aviation announced the launch of its in-house dispatch service. The move brings “total operational control” to its round-the-clock customer service and cost savings, according to the company. Axis Aviation has hired additional team members, based at its headquarters in Vienna, to run the new service. The expanded capabilities follow Axis Aviation’s FAA Part 129 Operations Specifications certification to charter flights from Europe to the U.S.

Feb. 27, 2024

PrimeFlight Aviation Services Acquires Majority Stake In Aero Charter De Mexico

PrimeFlight Aviation Services has acquired a majority stake in Aero Charter de Mexico in a stock deal, the company says. The acquisition serves as PrimeFlight’s entrance into the Mexican market. According to the company, PrimeFlight will takeover AeroCharter’s operations at 16 airports across the country including in Cancun, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Culiacan, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, La Paz, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Queretaro, San Jose Del Cabo, Santa Lucia, Tijuana and Villa Hermosa.

Feb. 26, 2024

Duncan Aviation Delivers First G650

Duncan Aviation announced the delivery of its first complete G650 paint job. The aircraft was renovated at the company’s MRO facility in Provo, Utah, where it received custom exterior paint, custom luxury vinyl tile flooring, carpet and reupholstered crew seats. The aircraft came straight to the Utah facility from its pre-purchase evaluation, the company says.

Feb. 23, 2024

Reading Aviation Launches Reading Regional Airport FBO

Reading Aviation launched its fixed base operation (FBO) services at Reading Regional Airport/General Carl A. Spaatz Field in Pennsylvania. Through the merging of two previous operations, Reading Aviation now serves as the only FBO at the airport. Reading Aviation’s 18,000 ft.² FBO, formerly home to Millenium Aviation, features 1,000 ft.² of office space, an on-site restaurant and a large co

Feb. 22, 2024

Mid-Continent’s SAM, USB Chargers Included On Cirrus SR Series G7

Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics, based in Wichita, announced its Standby Attitude Module (SAM) and True Blue Power USB Chargers will be included as standard equipment on the new Cirrus SR Series G7 aircraft. According to Mid-Continent, the remote-mounted SAM features independent Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) and software certified to DAL Level A. The additions also include True Blue Power TA202 and TA360

Feb. 21, 2024

Garmin Introduces New NAV/COMM Radios

Garmin unveiled its new series of COMM and NAV/COMM radios: the GTR 205 COMM radio and the GNC 215 NAV/COMM radio. Both devices feature full color LCD displays and a worldwide frequency database. The 1.3-in.-tall devices are designed for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Additionally, both devices offer frequency memory, instant recall and quick-tune to emergency channel 121.5. Acco

Feb. 20, 2024

Phoenix Rising Aviation, Global Jet Unveil InSight Flight Display For Falcon 900Bs

Phoenix Rising Aviation and Global Jet Partners announced the completion of its first Universal Avionics InSight Flight Display System for Dassault Falcon 900B aircraft, replacing its Control Display System/Retrofit (CDS-R). The system features four high-resolution displays and two touchscreen-enabled control displays. The system offers 3D synthetic vision capabilities that integrate with traffic, weather and terrain features.

Feb. 19, 2024

Global Aviation Tech Receives STC For ClearVision On Beechcraft King Air B200/300 

Global Aviation Tech (GATECH) has completed certification testing in support of FAA Approval of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) authorizing the integration of Universal Avionics’ ClearVision™ Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) with SkyLens™ Head-Wearable Display (HWD) technology in the Beechcraft King Air B200/300 aircraft.  The STC is pending with expected issuance in April. The product supports an enhanced flight vision experience for pilots. 

Feb. 15, 2024

Universal Avionics’ InSight Flight Display System Certified For Falcon 2000/EX

Universal Avionics (UI) received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its InSight Flight Display System on the Dassault Falcon 2000/EX. The upgrade includes four high-resolution displays and two touchscreen-enabled control displays with Universal Flight management Systems (FMS) and UniLInk data communication solutions. According to UI, the upgrade provides an additional 84 lb. of payload capacity and meets current and future airspace requirements for FANS 1/A+, CPDLC and ATN B1 through a “future-proof avionics solution.”

Feb. 14, 2024

McKinney National Airport Outlines Busy 2024

McKinney National Airport announced its upcoming development projects for 2024 to improve and expand its facilities and services. Slated for 2024, the airport will begin construction of a new 40,000 ft.² corporate hangar, a U.S. customs facility, and a 45,000 ft.² Cirrus Aircraft facility representing a $14.5 million privately funded capital improvements project. Additionally, the airport plans to make a 500 ft. extension to the northern portion of its runway and Taxiway B. According to McKinney National Airport, it received a $5 million grant to develop permanent hangar facilities and will break ground this year. The airport plans also involve Eastside airport development, reconstruction of Taxiway A and a taxiway connector project. 

Feb. 13, 2024

AvAir Acquires TAP Maintenance & Engineering Brazil’s Parts Inventory

AvAir, an aviation aftermarket solutions provider, has acquired TAP Maintenance & Engineering Brazil’s (TAP M&E Brazil) parts inventory of more than 100,000 line items. TAP M&E Brazil, a subsidiary of TAP Portugal Group, sold its inventory of rotable and expendable parts from its Rio de Janerio and Porto Alegre facilities, according to AvAir. The inventory will be relocated to AvAir’s Chandler warehouse.

Feb. 12, 2024

‘Out of Africa’ Gipsy Moth Aircraft To Be Auctioned For Charity

RM Sotheby’s, a collector car auction house, will auction the 1929 De Havilland DH60M Gipsy Moth aircraft featured in the 1985 film ‘Out of Africa’, featuring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, at the inaugural ModaMiami event in South Florida. Proceeds from the auction, which will be held March 1-2, 2024, will support the creation of a new rhino sanctuary in Kenya. According to RM Sotheby’s, the aircraft is fully operational and was last inspected for airworthiness in April 2022.

Feb. 09, 2024

GAMA Adds New Memberships

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced the addition of seven new memberships. The companies include aviation aftermarket product provider BLR Aerospace and aviation service provider Victory Lane Aviation as full members. Skyryse, a California-based company focusing on automated flight systems and Wing, a drone delivery company, have joined as associate members. Alaka’I Technologies and Crisalion Mobility, which both operate as eVTOL developers, join GAMA as associate members EPIC alongside the high-performance battery company, Cuberg.

Feb. 08, 2024

Plane Place Aviation Adds AOG/MRT Services In Texas And Oklahoma

Plane Place Aviation, an aviation maintenance provider, announced the addition of AOG/MRT services to its Texas and Oklahoma facilities. Additionally, the company will increase its on-site support at Dallas Love Field (DAL) airport. The new services will provide maintenance for Challenger 300, Hawker and Citation aircraft.

Feb. 07, 2024

Luxaviation, EOLA Announce Helicopter Services Partnership

EOLA announced its acquisition of a minority stake in Starspeed, Luxaviation Group’s helicopter company. EOLA plans to establish a presence in the UK through Luxaviation’s British subsidiary. According to Luxaviation CEO Patrick Hansen, the move is being made in response to “increasing demand for helicopters, particularly in the business travel and rapidly emerging tourism sector.” Starspeed was founded in 1978 and operates as a privately owned, corporate VIP helicopter company.

Feb. 06, 2024

Premier Aircraft Sales Takes First U.S. Retail DA-50 RG Delivery

Premier Aircraft Sales announced its status as the first U.S. dealer to take retail delivery of Diamond Aircraft’s single-engine, jet fuel, diesel-powered DA50 RG aircraft. Premier also became the first U.S. dealer to deliver a DA50 RG in 2023 during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The DA50 RG is powered by a six-cylinder 300-hp turbocharged engine, which runs on Jet-A fuel. Premier plans to showcase its DA50 RG demonstrator on static display during the U.S. Aircraft Expo Feb. 2-3 at Pompano Beach Airpark in Florida.

Feb. 05, 2024

Journey Aviation Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Journey Aviation, a private charter company, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The charter company operates a 23-aircraft fleet, which includes 18 Gulfstream jets. According to Journey Aviation, the company has flown more than 10,000 trips across 185 countries and has generated more than half a billion dollars in revenue in all.

Feb. 02, 2024

Feb. 01, 2024

ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East Completes Work On Bombardier Global 6000

ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East announced the completion of an extensive interior refurbishment, an airframe heavy maintenance check and a satcom system installation on a Bombardier Global 6000. According to the company, the airframe maintenance check comes due every 120 months and includes a full landing gear overhaul. Additionally, airframe specific work was performed on the aircraft’s inboard flaps, “requiring upper skin removal and rib replacement,” ExecuJet said.