Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (July 2024)

July 5, 2024

Bell Textron Announces First Flight of Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-146C MK II 

Bell Textron Canada Limited announced the first flight of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-146 Griffon helicopter. The Bell 412EP variant was modernized under the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project, which provided upgrades to the helicopter’s avionics systems, cockpit displays, engines and sensor systems, according to Bell. The company was previously awarded the In-Service Support (ISS) contract to sustain the Canadian Air Force’s fleet through 2039.

July 3, 2024

Bombardier, F/LIST Open Material Lounge At London Biggin Hill Airport

Bombardier and F/LIST announced the opening of a 700 ft.² Material Lounge at London Biggin Hill Service Center. According to F/LIST, the new location serves as the “largest, most comprehensive portfolio of interior materials, fabrics and components that Bombardier has housed at one of its international service centers.” Additionally, the lounge represents F/LIST’s first space dedicated to showcasing its product portfolio outside of its headquarters in Austria, according to the company.

July 2, 2024

Gary/Chicago International Airport Breaks Ground On Hangar

Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) broke ground on its new $12 million aviation hangar. The 47,000 ft.² facility will house Wingtip Aviation and is expected to open in May 2025, beginning a 20-year lease with the GCIA Authority. According to the airport, the construction is supported by $1.3 million in funding from Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant program. The airport previously extended its runway to 9,000 ft.², making it the second-longest runway in the region, second to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.