Rolling Business Aviation Daily Briefs (October 2026)

October 23, 2026

Great Lakes Helicopter Signs On To Support Horizon's eVTOL

Horizon Aircraft has signed an LOI with Ontario-based Great Lakes Helicopter (GLH) to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and pilot training programs for the planned Cavorite X7 eVTOL aircraft. GLH intends to purchase a number of Cavorite X7s.

October 22, 2026

Great Lakes Helicopter Signs On To Support Horizon's eVTOL

Horizon Aircraft has signed an LOI with Ontario-based Great Lakes Helicopter (GLH) to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and pilot training programs for the planned Cavorite X7 eVTOL aircraft. GLH intends to purchase a number of Cavorite X7s.

October 21, 206

Australia's FlyOnE Signs For MDA1 Electric Regionals

Australian electric aircraft operator FlyOnE has signed a letter of intent with Germany's MD Aircraft for 10 MDA1 eViator all-electric nine-passenger regional aircraft. The MDA1 is planned to fly in early 2028, with certification and entry into service targeted for 2030.

Gogo Signs $15 Million-Plus Government Connectivity Contract

Gogo has signed a contract valued at more than $15 million to provide geostationary satellite connectivity to an undisclosed overseas government customer. The service will support communications aboard government aircraft, including in regions such as Russia, China and India where low-Earth-orbit satellite services face restrictions.

October 20, 2026

Hybrid Startup Evio Joins Regional Lessor TrueNoord's Tech Hub

Canadian hybrid-electric regional aircraft startup Evio has joined the TrueNoord New Technology Hub, a collaborative initiative established by lessor TrueNoord to support the introduction of next-generation regional aircraft technologies to reduce emissions. The companies will explore areas such as maintenance, financing, leasing and infrastructure.

FAA Funds Research Projects To Expand Drone Operations

The FAA has awarded $12 million to 19 companies for research projects to help expand drone operations in national airspace. Topics include drone visibility and identification, collision avoidance, communications and surveillance as well as connecting drone and traditional traffic management systems.

October 19, 2026

Clay Lacy Aviation Receives Van Nuys Noise, Sustainability Awards

Clay LaClay Lacy Aviation has received its 10th Friendly Flyer Award and an inaugural Green Tenant Award from Los Angeles World Airports. cy Aviation Receives Van Nuys Noise, Sustainability Awards

The honors recognize the company's compliance with voluntary noise-abatement procedures at Van Nuys Airport and its adoption of zero-emission ground support equipment.

India's EPlane And Noida Airport Partner On Air Taxi Infrastructure

India's ePlane has partnered with Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, to develop operating procedures, vertiport management systems and charging stations required to deploy e200X eVTOL air taxis. Operated by Zurich Airport International, Noida became operational in June, serving the Indian capital, Delhi.

October 16, 2026

Bombardier Opens Sydney Line Maintenance Station

Bombardier has opened a line maintenance station in Sydney, Australia, expanding its global network to 11 locations. The facility will provide aircraft-on-ground support, unscheduled maintenance and select scheduled inspections for Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft, supported by a dedicated mobile response team.

CBAA Partners With AvPosts On Aviation Employment Platform

The Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) has partnered with AvPosts, a recruitment platform connecting business aviation employers and job seekers across Canada. CBAA will serve as the platform's exclusive agent, while job seekers can access opportunities and employers can post openings and create profiles free of charge.

October 15, 2026

A2Z Drone Backs Food Delivery Pilot Project In Indonesia

California-based A2Z Drone Delivery is participating in a food delivery pilot underway in Bali with Grab Indonesia and beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operator Skyy Network. The project is using A2Z's redundant-battery Longtail Dual drone and AirDock autonomous launch, recovery and rapid charging infrastructure.

Aeroberm Modular Vertiport Prepped For UAE Rollout

Australian modular vertiport developer Aeroberm has partnered with Dubai-based AAM aviation consultancy, services and charter provider Foster Aviation to accelerate the rollout of vertiport infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates.

October 14, 2026

Textron Aviation Launches Youth Apprenticeship Programs

Textron Aviation has launched three state-registered youth apprenticeship programs in Kansas for students beginning at age 16. The programs cover airframe and powerplant maintenance, avionics and engine buildup, with the first cohorts beginning this fall and training lasting up to three years.

SC Aviation Breaks Ground on $3.5 Million Hangar

SC Aviation has broken ground on a 30,000-ft.² hangar at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville, Wisconsin. The $3.5 million facility, scheduled for completion in March 2027, will support aircraft management, charter and maintenance operations and accommodate aircraft as large as the Gulfstream G700 and Bombardier Global 8000.

October 13, 2026

Epic Names Yingling Aviation As Authorized Service Center

Epic Aircraft has named Yingling Aviation an authorized service center for its E1000 family of single-engine turboprops. The Wichita-based MRO provider will offer Epic operators in the Midwest factory-authorized maintenance, repair and overhaul services from its facility at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

Textron Aviation Opens Australia Service Center

Textron Aviation formally opened its Melbourne Service Center at Essendon Fields Airport in Australia. This followed a ribbon-cutting ceremony held during the company’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Customer Conference. The facility, which has supported customers since March, provides factory-direct maintenance, parts support and technical expertise.

October 12, 2026

Epic Aircraft Receives FAA Autoland Certification for E1000 AX

Epic Aircraft has received FAA certification for Garmin Autoland on its E1000 AX single-engine turboprop. Integrated with the aircraft's Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and Autothrottle, the system can automatically select an airport, fly an approach and land the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated.

McFarlane Aviation Acquires Airglas

Farlane Aviation has acquired Anchorage, Alaska-based Airglas, a manufacturer of fiberglass skis, heavy-duty nose forks and cargo and fuel pods for backcountry and military aircraft. Airglas will continue manufacturing its product line in Anchorage with its existing workforce, while gaining access to McFarlane's broader distribution network.

October 9, 2026

Volant Signs eVTOL Agreement With Indonesia's WhiteSky

China's Volant Aerotech has signed a memorandum of agreement with Indonesian charter operator WhiteSky group covering the supply of VE25-100 eVTOL air taxis. Volant has retired its X1 technology demonstrator, first flown in 2023, having fully transitioned flight testing to the first development VE25 aircraft AC101.

West Star Aviation Introduces Interactive AOG Map

West Star Aviation launched an interactive Live Aircraft On Ground (AOG) Technician Map that allows business aircraft operators to view the locations and technical expertise of its mobile maintenance personnel across the U.S. The company says its AOG network includes more than 250 technicians backed by a 12-person control center providing around-the-clock coordination and dispatch.

October 8, 2026

Pilatus Earns Approvals For Autoland On PC-12 PRO

Pilatus received uropean Union Aviation Safety Agency and FAA certification for the Safety Autoland system on its new PC-12 PRO. Integrated into the aircraft's Garmin G3000 PRIME flight deck, the system can automatically select an airport, navigate, communicate with air traffic control and land the aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation.

Pipistrel Delivers Explorers To German Flight School

Pipistrel delivered two Explorer aircraft to TFC Flight Training, making the German flight school the country's first operator of the type. TFC, which already operates four electric Velis Electro aircraft, will use the Explorers for cross-country, day and night VFR and spin-recovery training.

October 7, 2026

UAE's Lodd Plans Hili Cargo EVTOL Commercial Trials In 2027

Abu Dhabi's Lodd Autonomous has signed 11 agreements covering more than 330 Hili hybrid-electric uncrewed cargo aircraft, CEO Rashid Matar Al Manai told United Arab Emirates news agency WAM on Sept. 24. Commercial trials of the 550-lb.-payload, 430-mi.-range electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) vehicle are planned to begin in mid-2027.

BlueLight Humanitarian Airlines Flies Relief To Flood Victims

BlueLight Humanitarian Airlines completed its first relief mission, transporting 37 metric tons of Belgian Red Cross and IFRC supplies aboard a chartered Boeing 767 freighter from Dubai to Kathmandu following flooding in Nepal. The Geneva-based organization, which does not yet operate its own aircraft, says it secured the freighter within 30 hr. of receiving the cargo requirements and subsidized the charter rate.

Vietnam Provides Sandbox Environment For EVTOL Testing

Vietnam has become the second country to join EHang's Global Fast Track Program, following Sri Lanka. EHang partner HungViet Technology and Investment Trading signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology to carry out sandbox testing of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL air taxi.

Canadian Startup Cleared To Fly Prototype EVTOL

Toronto-based startup Mostavio has received a special flight operations certificate from Transport Canada, clearing the way for outdoor, untethered flight testing of its MX1 single-seat multicopter eVTOL prototype. The company plans to develop a 2-3-passenger eVTOL air taxi.

October 6, 2026

Dubai Investor Backs Samson Sky’s Switchblade Flying Car

Startup Samson Sky has secured an $80 million investment from Dubai-based Matin Group to help establish the first production facility for its Switchblade hybrid-electric roadable aircraft in the U.S. Another $20 million must be raised to launch production, Samson says.

SkyDrive, Verty Team To Plan South Korea EVTOL Services

Japan’s SkyDrive has signed an MOU with Seoul-based Verty with the goal of launching commercial operations with its SD-05 eVTOL air taxi in South Korea by 2028. Verty is aiming to become the first in South Korea to secure an air operator certificate for eVTOL services.

Skyports Secures Nine Japanese AAM Infrastructure Projects

Working with Japanese corporations including Kanematsu and Mitsui Fudosan, the UK’s Skyports Infrastructure says it has secured nine Japanese subsidy projects spanning six prefectures for vertiport development and AAM network planning, a 100% success

5X5 Aviation Insurance Grows In Year One

5X5 Aviation Insurance has expanded into 41 states during its first year of operations as it builds out a direct-to-consumer aviation insurance model using pilot flight data in underwriting. The company says most customers move from quote to bound coverage in about 15 min., while policyholders can receive savings for activities including training, safety participation and sharing flight data.

October 5, 2026

Kite Sets Up Australia Production For VTOL Logistics Drones

Australia’s Kite Aerospace has begun production of its Kite, a fixed VTOL logistics drone capable of carrying 5.5 lb. 150 mi., in partnership with Sykes Advanced Manufacturing in Geelong, Victoria, an advanced composites facility previously operated by Quickstep.

KlasJet Earns Approval For Charter Flights To U.S.

KlasJet has received FAA Part 129 Operations Specifications approval, clearing the company to operate approved charter and ACMI flights to and from the U.S. The authorization covers KlasJet’s Boeing 737NG fleet and follows earlier DOT, TSA, CBP and other required approvals.

Korea Airports To Help Develop UTM For Kazakhstan

The governments of Kazakhstan and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on technology transfer, development and implementation of an uncrewed traffic management (UTM) system for low-altitude airspace in Kazakhstan. To be implemented by Korea Airports Corp. and Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advance Air Group, the project is to begin in Alatau City.

North Carolina Begins FAA EIPP Demonstration Flights

Flights have begun under the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s eLIFT-NC project, part of the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Joby flew from Dare County Regional Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Sept. 17 and from Sept. 17-24 BETA Technologies flew daily between Raleigh Executive Jetport, Pitt-Greenville Airport and Dare County.

October 2, 2026

EHang, CAFUC Team On Low-Altitude Operations

EHang and the state-owned Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAQFUC) have established the Low-Altitude Operations Research Institute to advance research, applications and workforce development for commercial operation of pilotless eVTOLs.

Embraer Delivers First Praetor 600E To Flexjet

Embraer delivered the first Praetor 600E to Flexjet, making the fractional operator the fleet launch customer for the upgraded super-midsize business jet. The aircraft features Embraer’s 42-in. 4K OLED Smart Window, while Flexjet is also scheduled to receive its first Praetor 500E in the fourth quarter of 2026.

ExecuJet’s Aukland FBO First In New Zealand to Earn IS-BAH

ExecuJet announced that its Auckland FBO has become the first in New Zealand to achieve IS-BAH Stage I accreditation following an audit in July. The facility joins ExecuJet’s Sydney and Melbourne locations in Australia holding IS-BAH accreditation, with Auckland now targeting Stage III.

Gama Aviation Begins FBO Operations In West London

Gama Aviation has begun FBO operations at RAF Northolt in West London, adding the airport to its existing network in Glasgow, Jersey and Sharjah. The company plans to refurbish passenger lounges and crew facilities at Northolt as part of a broader investment in its FBO network.

October 1, 2026

Air Charter Expo Regional To Debut At AERO Friedrichshafen

Air Charter Expo Regional-Europe will debut at AERO Friedrichshafen in Germany from April 14-16, 2027, under a partnership between The Air Charter Association, Business Air News and AERO organizer Fairnamic. The event will feature dedicated networking and educational programming within AERO 2027, which organizers say has already signed more than 300 exhibitors.

Beyond Aero Picks TAT For Hydrogen Propulsion Cooling

French startup Beyond Aero has selected aerospace systems supplier TAT Technologies to support definition of the thermal management architecture for its planned BYA-1 hydrogen-electric business aircraft, integrating TAT’s Universal Cooling System into the gaseous-hydrogen, fuel-cell-powered aircraft.

Brazil’s Desaer To Use Siemens For Design Of ATL-100

Brazilian startup Desaer has selected Siemens’ Xcelerator software portfolio to create a digital twin and digital thread for development of the planned ATL-100 twin-turboprop 19-passenger utility transport. Development of the ATL-100 is supported by investment from the Brazilian municipality of Maricá in Rio de Janeiro state.

U.S. Pump Specialist Wins Role On European LH2 Refueling Project

Pennsylvania-based Ebara Elliott Energy is to supply a specialized liquid hydrogen (LH2) pump system for the Airbus-led, EU-funded Goliat project to demonstrate high-flow LH2 handling and refueling technologies for future large commercial aircraft ground operations.