Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (May 2025)

May 30, 2025

Hartzell’s Tanis Preheat System Approved For Tecnam Traveller Aircraft

Hartzell Propeller was awarded a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval for its Tanis Preheat System for Tecnam Traveller aircraft in the U.S. and in the European Union. The system allows for reduced internal engine corrosion, reduced wear from cold weather start-ups and minimized start and run-up times, according to Hartzell.

UAS International Trip Support Celebrates 25th Anniversary

UAS International Trip Support is celebrating its 25th anniversary. According to UAS, the company completed over 111,000 service set-ups and arranged 20,000 international trips in 2024 alone. The company maintains its roots in Dubai and has since established regional headquarters in Texas, South Africa and Hong Kong. Additionally, UAS operates from regional offices in Beijing, Lagos and Nairobi.

May 29, 2025

Textron To Showcase Special Missions Aircraft At Paris Air Show

Textron Aviation announced the lineup of aircraft to be displayed at the 2025 Paris Air Show, including the Beechcraft King Air Military Multi-Engine Training System (METS) and a King Air 360 Multi-Mission Demonstration aircraft. According to Textron, its METS platform is used by the U.S. Navy and was selected for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Joining the special mission platforms are Leonardo’s Aermacchi M-346 and a Cessna Grand Caravan EX.

CAE Vienna Training Center Welcomes First Customer

CAE’s new training center in Vienna welcomed its first customer in April. The 8,000 ft.² facility, which now includes a Gulfstream G550 full-flight simulator (FFS), is expecting the deployment of a new Pilatus PC-24 FFS in the second half of 2025. According to CAE, the location will feature up to nine simulators, including Europe’s first Bombardier Global 7500 FFS in June, a Global Vision and Embraer Phenom 100/300 FFS this summer and a Bombardier Challenger 3500 in October 2025.

May 28, 2025

Collins Aerospace, Thomas Global Systems Partner On Pro Line 4 EFD Support

Collins Aerospace and Thomas Global Systems have entered a strategic partnership to provide long-term product support for Collins’ Pro Line 4 Electronic Flight Displays (EFDs). The agreement transfers maintenance and repair support responsibilities for Collins’ EFD-4076 and EFD-4077 devices to Thomas Global Systems. Additionally, Thomas Global Systems’ TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 replacement LCD-based units will become available to Collins customers.

Leonardo Sponsoring HeliStorm 2025 Workforce Development Event

Helicopter OEM Leonardo announced plans to sponsor HeliStorm 2025, a new workforce development event to be held in Dayton, Ohio. The event centers on scale model radio-controlled helicopters, but Leonardo is aiming to attract “the next generation of vertical lift recruits.” The event will be held on the front grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force on May 30-31, 2025, and will host thousands of STEM, private and public-school students from local communities.

May 21, 2025

Hellenic Ministry Of Climate Crisis To Buy Eight H215 Aircraft

Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to purchase eight H215 helicopters with an option for two additional aircraft. The helicopters will be used to support the combat of wildfires in Greece. The order follows a tender by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund on behalf of the Ministry. It also is supported by two European funds. Airbus Helicopters will partner with experienced H215 firefighting operators Airtelis and SAF Helicopters for technical and operational support. 

Wheels Up Launches SAF Program In Partnership With Delta

Wheels Up Experience, a provider of private aviation, has launched a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program for its charter customers. Those who opt into the initiative are able to book a private jet or group charter flight and support the use of SAF through a Wheels Up partnership with Delta Air Lines. The partnership allows private fliers to participate regardless of their flight operator or departure airport.  Availability of SAF remains scarce. In 2024, it accounted for 0.3% of global jet fuel production, for example. Therefore, it is not possible for every customer wanting to fly on SAF has access to it physically at their airport or on their aircraft, Wheels Up says. Through the program, charter customers may determine the amount of SAF they would like to support. Wheels Up will then coordinate with Delta to direct those customer contributions through the Delta SAF Program.

May 20, 2025

Bell Delivers Bell 407GXis To Chicago Police Department

Bell Textron has delivered two Bell 407GXis to the Chicago Police Department, which expands the department’s all-Bell fleet. The Chicago Police Department’s Helicopter Operations Unit serves as an aerial command-and-control center to first responders on the ground. The two new aircraft join the Department’s Bell 429 to enhance homeland security through aerial reconnaissance and surveillance.

StandardAero Completes 1,500th HTF7000 Engine Maintenance Milestone

StandardAero has completed maintenance on its 1,500th Honeywell HTF7000 series turbofan engine, the company says. The engine was received for major maintenance at StandardAero’s Augusta, Georgia, engine service center. The Honeywell HTF7000 engine, formerly called the AS907, reached 10 million flight hr. in 2024. The engine powers the Bombardier Challenger 300/350

May 19, 2025

Signature Completes Phase One Of Savannah/Hilton Head Facility

Signature Aviation has completed phase one of a new facility at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The initial phase includes a new terminal for private aviation guests with a redesigned crew lounge and conference room. It also includes 22,000 ft.2 of new hangar space and an EV parking statin in front of the terminal for guests with electric vehicles. The first phase captures the charm of Savannah, the company says. Future phases will include additional hangar space, office space and additional terminal amenities. In the future, Signature is planning to unveil renovated or new facilities at Raleigh-Durham, Palm Beach and Westhampton Beach.

Textron Aviation Delivers King Air 360C To Greece

Textron Aviation has delivered a Beechcraft King Air 360C turboprop to Greece’s Ministry of Health and the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV), as part of a Stavros Niarchos Foundation Global Health Initiative. The aircraft has been equipped with a cargo door and air-medical system. It will be used for urgent air transport from remote areas to central locations in Greece and Europe. The air ambulance conversion was performed by Fargo Jet Center at its special mission aircraft modification center at Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota.

May 16, 2025

Bell Signs Purchase Agreement For First Bell 505 In Netherlands

Bell Textron Name announced the sale of the first Bell 505 helicopter in the Netherlands to Verdegro Group Owner Gerrit Verwijs. Verdegro Group is a public safety infrastructure manufacturer specializing in mobile lighting, crash and traffic safety systems. According to Bell, the helicopter will be used for corporate travel throughout its international customer base and their facilities near Breda. The helicopter is powered by a Safran Arrius 2R engine with dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) and Garmin’s G1000H NXi all-glass avionics suite.

Aviation Concepts Technical Services Adds GVII-G500/G600 To Operations

Aviation Concepts Technical Services (ACTSI) announced it has received FAA approval for maintenance on Gulfstream GVII-G500/G600 aircraft. The airframe and associated engine capabilities have been added to the company’s Operations Specifications A003-1. The company now offers routine maintenance, repairs and inspections for Gulfstream G280, G550, G650, G650ER, G500 and G600 aircraft.

May 15, 2025

Diamond Aircraft, Austrian Research Institutes Partner For Hydrogen Aircraft Propulsion

Diamond Aircraft has teamed with an Austrian Research Promotion Agency-funded project to explore hybrid hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion in general aviation. The project consortium, dubbed H2EDT, combines research from FH Joanneum’s Institute of Aviation and Electronic Engineering, Graz University of Technology, HyCentA and the Institute of Engineering, Sciences, Technologies and Arts to design an experimental hybrid testbed at Diamond Aircraft’s Wiener Neustadt, Austria, facilities. According to Diamond, H2EDT received funds from Take Off, an Austrian government research funding program.

Tecnam Delivers New P2006T MkII To Melbourne Flight Training

Tecnam has delivered a new P2006T MkII aircraft to Melbourne Flight Training (MFT) in Melbourne, Fla. The aircraft joins the school’s fleet of five other Tecnam P2006T models and supports the launch of its new Platinum Multi-Engine program. MFT also announced its new self-examining authority, including Instrument, Commercial Multi Add-On and Certified Flight Instructor courses. The authority allows MFT to conduct check rides in house.

May 14, 2025

Piasecki Acquires Karman Air Vehicles’ KARGO UAV Program

Piasecki Aircraft Corp. announced its acquisition of Karman Air Vehicles’ autonomous medium-lift cargo drone, KARGO UAV. According to Piasecki, KARGO UAV has been demonstrated to the Marine Corps and Army for its cargo VTOL capabilities and has undergone military flight testing. The aircraft recently completed fully autonomous flight testing using Near Earth Autonomy’s Peregrine system. KARGO UAV’s demand is expected to exceed 300 units across military and commercial customers, according to Piasecki.

Garmin Launches Flight Planning Website

Garmin announced the launch of Garmin Pilot Web, a flight planning website compatible with the Garmin Pilot mobile app. According to the company, the website offers free features for pilots, including at-a-glance flight planning with high-resolution maps, charts, airport information, weather and aeronautical overlays. For North American users, expanded capabilities include routing, filing, aircraft performance data and a live internet traffic layer, among other features.

May 13, 2025

Signature Aviation Offering Enhanced Arrivals Services At Teterboro

Signature Aviation announced plans to enhance international arrival services at the northwest Customs & Border Protection General Aviation Facility at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. According to Signature, the facility will offer a more efficient traveler experience through enhancements on the customs ramp and through its clearance processes. Additionally, Signature team members will provide end-to-end baggage assistance and provide transportation to its new international arrival terminal at Hangar 12.

Gama Aviation Adds Cessna Citation 560XL/XLS Base Maintenance To UK Approvals

Gama Aviation announced the addition of base maintenance for Cessna Citation 560XL/XLS aircraft to its existing line maintenance approval in the UK. According to Gama, the approval augments the Group’s existing line maintenance operations at Luton and with its UK-based mobile Maintenance Service Team (MST). Gama Aviation serves as a Textron Authorized Service Facility and as a Special Mission Authorized Sales Representative, bolstering its previous operations for Beechcraft King Air services to full-service capabilities, according to the company.

May 12, 2025

Tamarack Aerospace, 4AIR Partner On Sustainability Rating Program

Tamarack Aerospace announced its partnership with 4AIR to create a comprehensive sustainability program exclusively for private aviation. The opt-in program enables Tamarack customers to commit 100 flight hrs. to carbon offsetting. According to Tamarack Aerospace, 4AIR’s contributions involve an initial assessment of the carbon emissions of the particular aircraft to accurately calculate the needed offsets, often going to verified real-world environmental projects.

Skyservice Adds Gogo Galileo HDX To G280 Aircraft

Skyservice Business Aviation has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval in Canada for the installation of Gogo’s Galileo HDX system on Gulfstream G280 aircraft. According to Skyservice, the system is undergoing validation processes by the FAA, National Civil Aviation Agency — Brazil (ANAC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Gogo’s Galileo HDX system provides in-flight connectivity with high-speed internet service.

May 08, 2025

Hartzell Propeller And Wipaire’s Yukon Approved For Use In Brazil

Wipaire’s Yukon carbon fiber composite propeller is now certified for use in Brazil. The propeller was developed in collaboration with Hartzell Propeller, offering a significant upgrade in performance for Cessna Caravan aircraft, the company says. According to Wipaire, more than 25 units have been sold in North America. Wipaire expects certifications in other countries in the near future, officials say.

Gama Aviation’s Staverton Location Adds Airbus H145 Maintenance

Gama Aviation is adding Airbus H145 maintenance to its Gloucester Airport location, also known as “Staverton.” The move follows its acquisition of Staverton a year ago. The approval adds to the location’s suite of engineering services, including for Leonardo AW169 and AW139 aircraft. The company intends to add Airbus EC/H135 maintenance support by the first quarter of 2026. Glasgow will operate as the primary location for aircraft based in Scotland and the north of England, officials say.

May 07, 2025

PWI LED Cabin Lighting Now Available For Lear 60, 60XR Jets

PWI, based in Wichita, announced the availability of its new PMA-approved LED cabin lighting system for Lear 60 and 60XR jets, modernizing the aircrafts’ high-voltage fluorescent light power supplies. According to PWI, the system replaces the power inverters and fluorescent light tubes, but still utilizes the original aircraft lighting wiring. The package offers a 100,000-hr. service life powered by aircraft-supplied 28-volts. The LED cabin lighting system is also available on Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, Cessna Citation, Challenger and Learjet aircraft.

Jets MRO Earns FAA Engine Repair And Overhaul Certification In Dallas

Jets MRO has received FAA Part 145 engine ratings at its facility at Dallas Executive Airport in Dallas. The MRO facility recently received its FAA Part 145 repair station certification in January 2025 and is now offering maintenance and repair servicers on powerplants for Citation, Hawker, Beechcraft and Challenger 300/600 series aircraft. According to Suresh V. Narayanan, Jets MRO CEO, the engine certification represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy.

May 06, 2025

Tecnam Delivers Three P2008 Aircraft To OSM Aviation Academy USA

Tecnam announced the sale of three P2008 aircraft to OSM Aviation Academy USA, an aviation training school serving 90 students. According to Tecnam, the new aircraft support the school’s plans to expand its operations, including a second base to accommodate EASA and FAA program students.

Unifi Secures Ground Handling, Security Contracts At London-Oxford Airport

Unifi announced its first aviation ground handling contract and third FBO security contract in the UK at London-Oxford Airport. The contracts give Unifi authority over ramp handling operations and fueling services at the airport, making it the first external company to manage ramp operations alongside the airport’s security. According to Unifi, the company will provide around-the-clock support, ID center management, access control and NASP passenger screening at the airport’s FBO.

May 02, 2025

Embraer E190-E2, E195-E2 Gain Type Certification In Mongolia

The Mongolia Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) has granted type certification to Embraer’s E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft, introducing the OEM’s advanced E-Jets E2 family to the Mongolian market. Embraer’s presence in Mongolia can be seen with Hunnu Air, which launched direct route flights between Ulaanbaatar and Beijing Daxing using E-Jets in 2023. The OEM originally began its tenure in the country through Aero Mongolia in 2018, with the entry of an ERJ 145.

Silverstone Names Air Charter Service As Official Private Charter Supplier

Silverstone, a British motorsport organization, named Air Charter Service (ACS) as its official private charter supplier. The partnership will culminate in an “improved customer experience” at a heliport for the British Grand Prix. During the event, the heliport receives more than 6,000 passengers on over 1,500 flights, according to ACS. Following the planned upgrades, the terminal will offer over 8,500 ft.² of space and Helipad’s proprietary passenger system.

May 01, 2025

JSfirm.com, NAAA Partner To Expand Job Distribution Network

JSfirm.com is partnering with the Native American Aviation Association (NAAA) to expand its Job Distribution Network (JDN), allowing NAAA members access to the website’s aviation career opportunities. The NAAA provides education to Tribal communities via hands-on training, multi-phase programs and mentorship.

Helijet Delivers Helicopter To Ukrainian Relief Efforts

Helijet, a Canadian-based helicopter airline, announced the completed delivery of a medically equipped Sikorsky S-76A to facilitate Ukrainian medical airlift missions in the war against Russia. According to Helijet, the helicopter was partially disassembled for its journey from Richmond, B.C. to Ukraine. The donation was made under the condition that the aircraft was used exclusively for non-commercial, humanitarian and medical evacuation missions in the country. Helijet’s donation was made possible through coordination with the Maple Hope Foundation and the Ukrainian World Congress.