Business Aviation & AAM Report

The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran slowed aerospace orders at General Dynamics, but the division still managed to record a book-to-bill ratio of 1.13.

Joby Aviation has begun a series of piloted demonstration flights across New York City.

Clay Lacy Aviation said it will not charge special event fees at any of its FBO locations in the U.S. during the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament.

Autonomous flight system developer Merlin has raised $80 million in new funding through the sale of shares to an existing institution investor.

Lower-altitude “e-routes,” along with changes to airspace regulations, will be needed to integrate electric aircraft into the commercial aviation environment.

The promoters of the satellite-based Iris high-speed data communications system for air traffic control have begun marketing the service.

Boeing is funding Israeli startup LightSolver to apply its laser-based computing technology to improve and accelerate complex engineering simulations.

On a parallel track with the U.S., Europe is advancing the use of unleaded aviation gasoline that can be used by high-performance piston aircraft.

Britten-Norman is beginning installation of an advanced phased-array 5G antenna system onto a BN2T-4S Islander that will be used as a flying testbed.

U.S. autonomous aircraft startup Pyka has conducted the first flight of its DropShip hybrid-electric heavylift uncrewed cargo aircraft.

Brief news items of interest to business aviation and AAM professionals.

Attracting its first investment from the Middle East, Chinese startup Volant Aerotech has raised more $300 million to continued development of its air taxi.

Tecnam took a number of orders for its trainer aircraft at Aero Friedrichshafen, including with Greybird Aviation, AirTaxi Express and others.

A long-endurance uncrewed aircraft has been powered in flight via laser beam while conducting a surveillance mission during a demo on a U.S. Air Force range.

Textron Aviation plans to grow its European Distribution Center in Dusseldorf by 50% to strengthen parts availability and handle increased fulfillment requests.

Italian OEM Tecnam rolled out the P2012 VIP version of its light aircraft during Aero Friedrichshafen, one it calls “the ultimate executive sanctuary.”

Didier Papadopolous, a key executive who has overseen technical development and certification progress at eVTOL developer Joby, will resign from his post.

A year after being acquired by Diamond Aircraft of Austria, Volocopter said it is developing a new all-electric ultralight multicopter.

New York-based nonprofit group NUAIR is positioning Central New York as a near-term proving ground for advanced air mobility.

Elixir Aircraft launched the next generation of aircraft, the Elixir+ two-seat trainer, with several enhancements.

Aura Aero unveiled multiple cabin configurations of the ERA hybrid-electric regional aircraft it is developing for a planned entry into service in 2030.

In a bid to help the European aviation sector deal with the fuel crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict, the EC is taking steps to ensure operators have access to jet fuel.

Chinese battery giant CATL has showcased a series of innovations including its first application of tech for aircraft to extend the range of electric vehicles.

In March 2026, business aviation flights in the Middle East dropped 19% in flight cycles compared to February figures.

Finding staff with empathy, organizational skills, and specialist medical and aviation knowledge is a huge challenge.