Category Archives: Business Aviation

U.S. flight testing of two-seat hybrid eVTOL set to begin

20 Tuesday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Airshow, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, DTA Americas, eVTOL, NBAA-BACE, Technology, Transport, Travel

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Théo Parant: We’ve brought a real aircraft that can fly. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A two-seat hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft dubbed a “heavy drone” in France is set to begin flight testing in the United States, the executive behind the project said Tuesday.

“We are planning to start flight tests of the JP1 in April,” Théo Parant, CEO and co-founder of DTA Americas, said in an interview.

The company was established in Arizona this year as a subsidiary of DTA France, which has been building ultralight aircraft, including gyroplanes and trikes, since 1990.

Parant said the JP1 was registered as a drone in France because of government regulations. “In fact, it was the heaviest drone in the country,” he quipped.

Although the JP1 has already logged 200 hours of flight testing in France, the company will begin the process anew in the U.S. because of a “different administrative path” toward certification, Parant said.

The company has started taking orders for the aircraft. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

The aircraft is on display at NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, which opened Tuesday.

“We’ve brought a real aircraft that can fly,” Parant said as visitors stopped to take photos. “Not a startup with a mockup” is the company’s slogan, printed on its brochure.

The company says the JP1 can fly for two hours at full payload. It has a range of 180 miles with two people on board and up to 235 miles with one occupant. Other features include an airframe parachute, a hybrid powertrain and an autopilot.

DTA is targeting private pilots who could use the aircraft for recreation or as a “modern-day two-seat helicopter,” Parant said.

Théo Parant: The JP1 could be used as a modern day two-seat helicopter. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

“I am not very happy with the term ‘flying helicopter,’ but in a way that is what this aircraft will be used for,” he said.

The JP1 will be a new entrant in the U.S. eVTOL market, but Parant stressed that DTA is not “starting from scratch.”

He said the company has decades of aviation experience, with nearly 600 aircraft deployed worldwide. DTA France continues to maintain those aircraft and provide after-sales support, he said.

The company is taking orders for the JP1 with a $12,000 deposit, of which $10,000 is refundable. The launch edition is expected to be available in 2028 at $385,000, DTA said.

Textron Aviation rolls out Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 production jet

20 Tuesday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Airshow, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, NBAA-BACE, Technology, Textron Aviation, Transport, Travel

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WICHITA, Kan. – Textron Aviation announced Tuesday the rollout of the first production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 as business aviation leaders gathered in Las Vegas for NBAA-BACE, the industry’s largest convention.

The teams behind the production of Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 celebrate a major milestone. Photo: Textron Aviation.

The rollout marks a step toward production and delivery of the upgraded aircraft, which features Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics and Garmin Emergency Autoland, a system designed to take control of the aircraft if a pilot becomes incapacitated.

The company expects the CJ4 Gen3 to be the first light jet on the market equipped with the system.

The updated flight deck features touchscreen technology, advanced displays and streamlined controls intended to simplify pilot workload and improve situational awareness, Textron Aviation said.

The CJ4 Gen3 is the latest version of Cessna’s largest light jet. The single-pilot-certified aircraft is expected to have a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots. It can accommodate up to 11 people and has a useful load of 6,930 pounds.

Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. company, manufactures a range of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft for the business, general aviation and special-mission markets.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE runs through Thursday.

Gulfstream president says business aviation is at an inflection point

19 Monday Oct 2026

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Mark Burns says the company is excited about the growing demand for business aircraft. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The business aviation industry is at an inflection point as demand for private aircraft remains robust despite geopolitical turmoil, the president of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. said Monday.

Mark Burns was speaking in Las Vegas ahead of Tuesday’s opening of NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” Burns said at a news conference, referring to the growing demand for aircraft in many regions. “I expect the market is going to be good. We’re excited about it.”

Gulfstream plans to deliver 160 aircraft this year, Burns said. To support its growing customer base, the company maintains a global spare parts inventory valued at $3 billion.

Gulfstream also reported progress in the G400 flight-test program. A fully outfitted aircraft completed a 2-hour, 46-minute flight from Dallas Love Field Airport, reaching an altitude of 48,000 feet.

The aircraft, configured to carry 11 passengers across two-and-a-half living areas, is being used to evaluate cabin systems at altitude and test functionality and comfort in flight, the company said.

This G400 flew in from Miami, setting a city pair speed record. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

Another G400 flew from Miami to Las Vegas, setting a city pair speed record by completing the flight in 4 hours and 8 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.89.

“The aircraft continues to perform exceptionally well as we advance through the rigorous certification program,” Burns said.

The experimental jet is on display along with other Gulfstream aircraft at Henderson Executive Airport.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE runs through Thursday.

Bombardier opens Wichita learning center as part of $50M investment

15 Thursday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Canada, Las Vegas, NBAA-BACE, Quebec, Transport, Travel

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The Wichita facility is Bombardier’s first dedicated in-house skills development center. Photo: Bombardier.

WICHITA, Kan. – Bombardier opened its North American Learning Center in Wichita on Thursday, part of a new $50 million investment by the Canadian business aircraft maker, less than six weeks after President Donald Trump threatened to block the company from selling aircraft in the United States unless they are built in America.

Bombardier has pushed back against the rhetoric, saying it employs thousands of Americans and supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs through its operations and supply chain. The company spends more than $2.5 billion annually with U.S. suppliers.

The learning center will provide specialized training for newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics who will support customers through Bombardier’s American service network. It is the company’s first dedicated in-house skills development center.

The investment also includes a recently expanded Wheel and Tire Shop, which uses specialized equipment and employee training to expand the company’s component repair and overhaul capabilities.

Bombardier said the projects will strengthen its U.S. operations and position the Kansas site for continued growth.

“Wichita has long been an important part of Bombardier’s story, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity for the site,” said Paul Sislian, executive vice president of aircraft sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Lt.-Gov. David Toland, Bombardier executives and industry representatives.

Kelly said her administration had partnered with Bombardier since 2019 to expand its presence in Wichita, which is home to the company’s U.S. headquarters and Bombardier Defense.

The company has about 3,500 employees and 10 service and manufacturing facilities across the country. It is also planning to open a service center in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Bombardier Global 8000.
The Global 8000 will be among Bombardier aircraft on display: Photo: Bombardier.

At NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, opening in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Bombardier will put its Global 8000, Global 6500 and Challenger 3500 aircraft on static display.

The company will also host a discussion with John Travolta. The actor, who is type-rated on more than a dozen aircraft, including the Global Express, will share experiences from his 50 years of flying.

Citation CJ3 Gen2 to make NBAA-BACE debut

14 Wednesday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Airshow, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Las Vegas, NBAA-BACE, Textron Aviation, Transport, Travel

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The Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers seating for up to 10 occupants.
The Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers seating for up to 10 occupants. Photo: Textron Aviation.

WICHITA, Kan. – Textron Aviation will debut its Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 light jet at NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention opening in Las Vegas next Tuesday, the company said Wednesday.

Textron Aviation manufactures Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft.

The static display at Henderson Executive Airport on Oct. 20-21 will also feature the Citation Longitude, Citation Latitude and Citation Ascend, the company said.

In addition, Textron Aviation will showcase aftermarket services, connectivity solutions and cabin upgrades at the event.

TRU Simulation + Training, an affiliate of the company, will demonstrate its Veris virtual reality flight training device configured for the Cessna Skyhawk.

The Citation CJ3 Gen2 features Garmin autothrottle technology, Garmin G3000 avionics and GDL60 connectivity, Textron Aviation said.

The aircraft can accommodate up to 10 occupants and offers optional swivel seats. It has a range of 2,040 nautical miles with a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE will be held Oct. 20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Virtual Reality simulator for Cessna Skyhawk to debut at NBAA-BACE

05 Monday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Business Aviation, Cessna Skyhawk, NBAA-BACE, Transport, Travel

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The Veris simulator was developed for the Cessna Skyhawk training aircraft. Photo: TRU Simulation.

TAMPA, Fla. – Visitors to this month’s National Business Aviation Association‘s convention and exhibition in Las Vegas will be able to experience the Veris Virtual Reality Flight Training Device as it makes its debut at the show, the company behind the simulator said Monday.

TRU Simulation + Training, an affiliate of Textron Aviation, developed the device for the Cessna Skyhawk, a single-engine aircraft widely used for pilot training.

The Cessna Skyhawk Veris combines VR technology with flight simulator features and has a fully configured cockpit that replicates the Skyhawk’s instrumentation and controls, the company said.

It also incorporates Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and can be used with or without a virtual reality headset.

The Cessna Skyhawk. Photo: Textron Aviation.

The device has two seats, allowing instructors and students to train together and pilots to conduct training from either the left or right seat. It is designed to support training from the private pilot through flight instructor levels.

TRU Simulation said the Veris is designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration Level 7 Flight Training Device standards. The Skyhawk version will expand the Veris product line into fixed-wing flight training once it is qualified.

The device’s debut follows a purchase agreement announced at NBAA-BACE 2025 with US Aviation Academy for five Cessna Skyhawk Veris devices, with options for additional units.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE will be held Oct. 20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Catheter Precision pivots, rebranding as Flyte Aviation

05 Monday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Business Aviation, Technology, Transport, Travel

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Flyte Aviation is operating a fleet of Cirrus Vision Jets. Photo: Flyte Aviation.

NEW YORK – Medical device company Catheter Precision has rebranded as Flyte Aviation, effective Monday, following its acquisition of the private charter business Fly Flyte earlier this year.

The company also changed its NYSE ticker from VTAK to VJET. The rebranding reflects its shift toward aviation and technology, the company said Sunday.

Catheter Precision acquired Fly Flyte as part of a move into private aviation and is now building its business around a digital platform designed to simplify the discovery, pricing and booking of private aircraft.

It operates a growing fleet of Cirrus Vision Jets and has an FAA-certified Part 135 operating subsidiary, Ponderosa Air.

Flyte said the U.S. private jet charter market is worth about $11.6 billion in 2026 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.9% through 2031, citing a September report by Fortune Business Insights.

During the fourth quarter, the company plans to invest in a mobile application, AI data analytics and customer acquisition as it expands its aviation business.

Flyte also said its existing life sciences operations, which include the LockeT and VIVO products, will continue and that it remains committed to funding ongoing research trials and studies.

Solairus acquisition creates world’s largest business jet management company

07 Friday Aug 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Business Aviation

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Photo: Solairus Aviation.

PETALUMA, Calif. – Business jet services provider Solairus Aviation said Friday that it has agreed to acquire the aircraft management and charter divisions of Clay Lacy Aviation in a deal that will create the world’s largest private aircraft management company.

The combined entity will manage some 500 aircraft, bringing together Solairus’ fleet of 360 jets and Clay Lacy’s fleet of about 140.

No financial details were disclosed.

Solairus said the transaction strengthens its position as the leading pure-play aircraft management company while expanding its scale in private aviation asset management and charter services. The business will remain headquartered in Petaluma, Calif., with offices in Los Angeles and New York.

Solairus said the larger fleet and broader operating footprint will enhance its ability to serve aircraft owners through expanded access, improved pricing and operational efficiencies while maintaining personalized service.

Clay Lacy will retain its fixed-base operator, maintenance and real estate businesses, which will continue to operate independently under the Clay Lacy name.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The companies expect the transaction to close by the end of next month.

Saudi helicopter operator chooses Bombardier jets for expansion into business aviation

21 Tuesday Jul 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Bombardier, Business Aviation

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Logo: THC.

FARNBOROUGH, England – The Helicopter Company, a Saudi Arabian commercial helicopter operator, signed a letter of intent Tuesday with Bombardier for the planned purchase of up to 60 business jets as it expands into fixed-wing aviation.

The nonbinding agreement calls for a proposed firm order of 12 aircraft, including five Challenger 3500 jets, five Global 5500 jets and two Global 8000 jets.

It also includes options to purchase up to 48 additional aircraft across the three models.

The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, which runs through July 24.

The Helicopter Company, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and was founded in 2018, said it plans to use the aircraft to launch business jet charter and aircraft management services.

The Bombardier Global 8000. Photo: Bombardier.

The planned fleet will serve customers in Saudi Arabia and across the region, it added.

Financial terms of the proposed transaction were not disclosed. The companies said the LOC is subject to negotiation and execution of definitive agreements.

Gulfstream celebrates ‘farthest fastest’ business flight

02 Thursday Jul 2026

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SAVANNAH, Ga. – Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced Wednesday that a G800 had completed “the farthest fastest flight in business aviation history” earlier in the week.

The aircraft flew from Melbourne, Australia, to Moline, Ill., covering 8,303 nautical miles (15,377 kilometers), in 16 hours and 56 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.85.

For context, Bombardier’s Global 8000 boasts a top speed of Mach 0.95 and a range of 8,000 nm.

Earlier in June, the G800 had secured the 800th city pair speed record with a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Savannah, the company said. The aircraft traveled 2,973 nm in 5 hours and 52 minutes at Mach 0.91.

“With every new aircraft, Gulfstream continues to push the boundaries of performance for our customers,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream.

“Reaching our 800th city pair speed record and completing the farthest fastest flight in our industry’s history demonstrates the strength of our next-generation fleet and the advanced capabilities of the G800.”

The G800, powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, entered service in August 2025 following certifications from American and European regulators.

All images are courtesy of Gulfstream.

Dubai Airshow order book tops $54 billion

21 Thursday Nov 2019

Posted by in Airbus, Airbus A350XWB, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Boeing, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Canada, Dreamliners, Dubai, Dubai Airshow, Emirates

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Airbus A350XWBAir ArabiaDUBAI – Deals worth $54.5 billion were reached at the latest edition of the Dubai Airshow, which closed on Thursday, the event’s organizers said.

Airbus was the biggest winner — it secured two blockbuster deals worth $30 billion. Dubai’s Emirates Airline ordered 50 A350-XWB jets, valued at $16 billion. 

Airbus also signed an agreement to sell 120 A320neo aircraft to the budget carrier Air Arabia, based in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. That deal was worth $14 billion.

Emirates, meanwhile, finalized a purchase agreement for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $8.8 billion.

De Havilland CanadaDe Havilland Canada, which returned to the show after many years, won a number of orders for its Dash 8-400 aircraft from companies in the UAE, Russia and Nigeria.

Searidge Technologies, a Canadian company providing remote tower and digital airport solutions, was a first-time exhibitor.

Searidge TechnologiesAirservices Australia selected Searidge’s  digital tower solution for an initial prototype at Sydney Airport.

The program’s define stage is currently underway and scheduled to be completed by March 2020, Searidge said.

The 2019 show recorded a 10% rise in exhibitor attendance, and the organizers are now predicting an even bigger event in 2021.

“We always want to outperform our last show, and 2019 has gone above and beyond expectation, with so much great business being done alongside an engaging and innovative program of conferences, exhibits and flying displays,” said Michele van Akelijen, managing director of show organizers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East.

“We have already seen exhibitors rebooking for the next edition.”

 

Pilatus unwraps the PC-12 NGX

22 Tuesday Oct 2019

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PC-12 NGX PC-12 NGX LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Swiss aircraft maker Pilatus has unveiled its new single-engine turboprop – the PC-12 NGX – at the National Business Aviation Association’s Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

The PC-12 NGX incorporates an improved engine, smarter avionics and a completely redesigned cabin with larger windows, making this third generation of the PC-12 airframe the most advanced single-engine turboprop ever, the company said.

“Building on the experience gathered from the worldwide PC-12 fleet of over 1,700 aircraft with more than 7 million flight hours, the new PC-12 NGX brings the latest technology to the turboprop market.”

The aircraft is powered by the PT6E-67XP turboprop engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada.

PC-12 NGX

Images are courtesy of Pilatus.

Embraer strikes $1.4b deal at NBAA show

21 Monday Oct 2019

Posted by in Business Aviation, Embraer

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Praetor

The Praetor 600

Embraer

Michael Amalfitano (left), CEO of Embraer Executive Jets and Michael Silvestro, CEO of Flexjet, celebrate the US$1.4 billion deal.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Embraer has won the first major deal of the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

The Brazilian aircraft maker announced Monday that it had signed a US$1.4-billion agreement with private jet travel services provider Flexjet.

The deal comprises a fleet of Embraer business jets, including the recently certified Praetor jets and the Phenom 300, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2019.

With this purchase agreement, Flexjet has become the Praetor fleet launch customer, Embraer said.

“We are very grateful for Flexjet’s renewed commitment to Embraer through this new agreement, which reflects the growth and the strength of our partnership over the past 16 years and symbolizes our ongoing support for their journey ahead,” said Michael Amalfitano, president & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets.

“Flexjet owners will appreciate and enjoy a truly elevated customer experience in industry-leading aircraft, including the recently certified Praetor jets, which are different by design and disruptive by choice.”

Embraer

All images are courtesy of Embraer.

NBAA show focuses on sustainability

20 Sunday Oct 2019

Posted by in Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Biofuel, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, EBACE, Technology

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NBAA-BACELAS VEGAS, Nev. – Sustainability is the main focus of this week’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

As part of the show, Henderson Executive Airport will for the first time in its history make available Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the National Business Aviation Association said.

“Some 100 airplanes will take on the renewable fuel at the Clark County-owned and operated airport this week, including those on display at the show.”

SAF is a non-fossil power source that can reduce aviation’s carbon lifecycle emissions by up to 80 percent.

“After planes refuel and depart at the show’s close Oct. 24, an estimated 150,000 gallons of SAF are expected to have been pumped at the airport in conjunction with NBAA’s convention,” the NBAA said.

The NBAA is also holding various events throughout the week to promote sustainability.

‘Jetman’ to inspire delegates at NBAA event

12 Saturday Oct 2019

Posted by in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, EBACE18, Las Vegas Convention Center, NBAA, NBAA-BACE, News

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“Jetman” Yves Rossy

“Jetman” Yves Rossy speaks at EBACE 2018 in Geneva.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The first man to fly with a jet-propelled wing will be among the key speakers at this year’s National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition, which opens in Las Vegas on Oct. 21, the group announced.

“Jetman” Yves Rossy is the inventor of the so-called jet packs. The Swiss fighter pilot has been a sought-after speaker at aviation events since he first flew them in 2006.

Rossy enthralled the audience at the opening of the European Business Aviation convention and exhibition in Geneva in 2018.

“We are delighted to have ‘Jetman’ Yves Rossy speak at NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

“His talk is sure to thrill and inspire attendees about possibilities for the future of flight. The ability to fly is one of the most fundamental human aspirations, and we’re looking forward to hearing Rossy’s motivational stories.”

Other major speakers include NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Maj.-Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, America’s first female fighter pilot.

Photo by Abdul Latheef