Category: BizJet

Aerocorp Named Exclusive Dealer and Service Center for Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala

Tecnam Aircraft today announced the appointment of Aerocorp as its exclusive dealer for sales and service in Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador. 

Tecnam’s rich aviation heritage and Italian sophistication will enhance Aerocorp’s industry standing and ability to deliver quality products to its aviation clientele throughout Central America. Aerocorp will market the range of Light Sport Aircraft as well as the P2010 and P2006T series and the P-Mentor to flight schools and private owners.

“We are very excited about this venture with Tecnam as it brings over 75 years of expertise to the regional market. Aerocorp is one of the top MROs in the region that can complement Tecnam’s heritage and grow the brand in this part of the world. I know that together we can bring a new generation of aircraft to the market that will be valuable to our customers along with the efficiency and quality that Tecnam offers”, said Esteban Artiñano, CEO, Aerocorp.

“Having Aerocorp on board with Tecnam is key to supporting our growth in Central America and supporting our existing customers throughout their territory,”said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer. 

Aerocorp will offer Tecnam aircraft in all models such as the P2006T Twin Engine and the P2010 series, as well as the light sport range as the P92MkII. The Tecnam fleet is the only one today that offers the best efficiency and the latest certifications.  Efficiency that also means very low CO2 emissions. A recent study shows that flight schools using TECNAM single and twin engine aircraft can reduce emissions by up to 60%: 10 tonnes of CO2 for each student by the time they receive their commercial pilot licence.

Porter Secures Sale and Leaseback with Avolon for Four Pratt & Whitney PW1921G Engines

Porter Aircraft Leasing has entered into sale and leaseback financing agreements for four Pratt & Whitney PW1921G engines with Avolon, an aircraft leasing company. Porter is expected to receive the engines in 2025 and 2026, as part of its ongoing Embraer E195-E2 aircraft deliveries.

Porter currently has a firm order of 75 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and 25 purchase rights, which makes the airline one of the largest E2 customers in the world. The airline has currently taken delivery of 43 E195-E2s, which are being operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Limited throughout North America.

“The GTF-powered E195-E2 is the right choice for Porter and our passengers. GTF engines help make this aircraft the quietest, most efficient, most sustainable single-aisle jet available today,” said Julian Low, vice president, corporate development, Porter Airlines. “We value Avolon’s expertise and partnering with them demonstrates the continued confidence in Porter’s growth plan and our ability to expand our network across North America.”

“Avolon is delighted to be partnering with Porter on this transaction, building on the relationship we have developed since we collaborated on previous aircraft sale and leaseback transactions,” said Steven Graham, head of Americas, Europe and OEM, Avolon. “These GTF engines will provide the certainty to support Porter as it continues to execute on its exciting growth plans for the region.”

Gulfstream Customer Support Opens New Service Center in Mesa

Gulfstream Aerospace officially opened its newest Customer Support service center at Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona on January 9. To mark the occasion, state and local dignitaries, community partners and Gulfstream leaders and employees gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to formally welcome customers to the new Mesa Service Center. 

Gulfstream has invested more than $130 million in the 225,000-square-foot/20,908-square-meter maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Mesa, which was originally announced in 2021. To meet customer demand ahead of Mesa Service Center’s completion, Gulfstream opened a facility and began offering service in 2022, adding more hangar space in the fall of 2023. Mesa Service Center can accommodate up to 13 large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft simultaneously with the capability to support maintenance and avionics services, inspections and drop-in support for all Gulfstream models. This is in addition to Gulfstream’s existing Mesa west campus, which can hold up to 10 large- and mid-cabin aircraft. 

“The opening of Gulfstream’s new Mesa Service Center aligns with our strategic vision to provide the industry’s most modern service network, sustainably designed to serve our customers where and when they need us,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Thanks to the investments we’ve made in workforce development and on-the-job training, our Mesa team is well prepared to offer customers based in the Western United States and those traveling through the region the same high-quality service and safety measures that they have experienced across our worldwide network.”  

Gulfstream’s Mesa operations have already brought more than 250 new jobs to the region, with an additional 100 more expected this year. To help develop the workforce of the future, Gulfstream has partnered with local educational institutions to offer training including apprenticeship and internship programs. 

The new service center is expected to receive U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification later this year. The facility was designed to support Gulfstream’s commitment to sustainability and was built to operate with enhanced environmental efficiency through recycled, regional and lower emissions materials, as well as solutions to reduce power and water consumption, redirect construction waste to recycling, and optimize energy performance. Additionally, Gulfstream’s Mesa campus features an on-site fuel farm that includes a 30,000-gallon tank dedicated to storing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends.

Gulfstream Customer Support’s extensive service network also includes modernized facilities in Van Nuys, California; Appleton, Wisconsin; Fort Worth, Texas; Palm Beach, Florida; Farnborough, England; and the recently completed Savannah Service Center East.

TE’s MULTIGIG HD Connector Designed to Meet Defense Industry’s Connectivity and Bandwidth Requirements 

Connectivity and sensor maker, TE Connectivity, revealed its MULTIGIG HD connector was selected by the VITA Standards Organization (VSO) as the Next-Generation VPX plug-in module connector and will become a defense industry standard. The redesigned MULTIGIG HD connector builds on the previous variants of TE’s MULTIGIG HD product family, while bringing significant technical advances including doubled pin count, 112 Gb/s data rates, increased current capacity and support for rugged environments. The release date is planned for mid-2025. 

“Selection as the VITA Standard for our next generation MULTIGIG HD connector is the culmination of two years of dedicated research and development by our innovative cross-functional team,” said Michael Walmsley, senior project manager at TE Connectivity. “This connector brings with it a foundation for future expansion and will uphold TE’s leadership position in VPX for decades as we extend the MULTIGIG HD product line into higher-speed embedded systems.” 

The MULTIGIG HD connector’s integrated wafer technology builds on the success of VITA 46.x connectors but with double the pin count, enabling it to support higher data rates with speeds up to 112 Gb/s. TE developed it to meet the requirements for Next-Generation VPX and support the rugged environmental requirements of VITA 47.3, and VITA 72 standards for extreme vibration levels. The redesigned MULTIGIG HD connector is segmented to fit with existing RF and optical connector modules while optimizing pin density. It is compatible with 3U, 4U (latest) and 6U OpenVPX form factors. The advanced wafer technology will support direct termination of AC coupling capacitors and eventually optical transceivers, packaged within the connectors. 

The VSO selection means the new MULTIGIG HD connector design will be incorporated into the VITA 100 Next-Generation VPX system architecture used widely across rugged embedded computing systems in the defense industry. 

TE has served defense customers in a wide range of applications including ground vehicles, military aircraft, naval vessels and space technology. TE’s MULTIGIG HD 2 connectors were adopted as the VPX backplane connector interface almost 20 years ago. Since then, MULTIGIG HD connector variants have evolved in ruggedness and speed to support a broad VPX ecosystem. 

Flexjet Achieves Compliance for FAA’s New Safety Management System Two Years Ahead of Schedule

Flexjet, a private aviation company, formally submitted its declaration of compliance to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it meets the new mandatory rule for 14CFR Part 5 Safety Management System (SMS). As an industry leader in aviation safety standards, Flexjet’s strong commitment to creating, adopting and improving upon current safety standards puts it in the top 1% of private jet providers in compliance with the FAA’s SMS program. Flexjet also promotes and practices transparency and sharing data that propels industry safety measures forward, beyond mandatory guidelines.

This declaration follows Flexjet’s initial active conformance with the FAA’s SMS Voluntary Program (SMSVP) in October 2021. Since then, the company has been in the process of significantly enhancing its existing SMS to incorporate requirements from other global aviation regulators. As a result, Flexjet meets and exceeds many of the FAA’s requirements as part of the CFR Part 5 SMS and does so well ahead of the May 2027 deadline for this mandate.

“We pride ourselves in our nonstop pursuit of best-in-class safety practices, ensuring our aircraft Owners have the utmost peace of mind when in a Flexjet aircraft,” said Charles Starkowsky, chief safety officer at Flexjet. “It takes an organization-wide culture of safety to be able to proactively build out a Safety Management System like this so far ahead of the FAA’s deadline, and Flexjet is a prime example for the industry to follow.”

Though not an FAA requirement, Flexjet has, throughout its 30-year history, actively participated in a formal, top-down, bottom-up, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls. This includes systematic procedures, practices and policies for safety risk management. This advanced SMS provides an additional layer of protection for our aircraft Owners, pilots, crews and ground personnel.

Flexjet’s declaration of compliance adds to a lengthy list of safety certifications and awards that were secured thanks to a comprehensive framework of processes, policies and proprietary data built by top safety experts to ensure the highest degree of safety standards in the industry. These additional recognitions include a platinum safety rating from ARGUS, an Industry Audit Standard (IAS) certification, an IS-BAO Stage 2 compliance certification and 25 years winning the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance Technician Training.

Flexjet’s comprehensive Corporate Safety Management System is built on four important components:

  • Safety Policy: The company documents its safety standards, develops procedures needed to implement that policy and develops an organizational structure to support its enactment and continued improvement.
  • Safety Risk Management: The company identifies hazards and puts into place risk controls to either eliminate those hazards or mitigate them to an acceptable level.
  • Safety Assurance: The company regularly reviews its risk controls to make sure they are effective.
  • Safety Promotion: The company implements training, communicates safety objectives throughout the organization and shares results of the system to help build a positive safety culture.

Honeywell and NXP Expand Partnership to Accelerate Next-generation Aviation Technology

Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors announced at CES 2025 an expanded partnership that will accelerate aviation product development and chart the path for autonomous flight. This builds on the companies’ existing relationship, which is focused on helping optimize how building management systems sense and securely control energy consumption.

The aviation collaboration will combine Honeywell’s deep aerospace expertise, the proven capabilities of Honeywell Anthem avionics and NXP’s high-performance computing architecture, enabling AI-driven aerospace technology that helps improve operational efficiency for planning and managing flights. The work will also support faster transitions to new chipsets and technologies.

The companies will team to advance large-area displays for next-generation cockpits with thinner, high-resolution screens designed to improve visual clarity and system efficiency. Additionally, they will explore how to simplify and streamline migrations to newer avionic technologies, as well as extend critical aviation technologies’ lifecycles, helping to deliver long-term value for aircraft manufacturers and operators.

“Our industrial domain expertise combined with NXP’s best-in-class technology is a powerful accelerator for industrial leaders on the path to autonomy,” said Vimal Kapur, chairman and CEO of Honeywell. “Working together, we are developing differentiated solutions and services that shape the future of automation, driving significant customer outcomes and fueling Honeywell’s growth.”

NXP’s domain-based architecture paves the path to autonomy, featuring high-compute capabilities, integrated cybersecurity and functional safety, including technology developed for the automotive industry. It will now be adapted for aviation applications on Honeywell Anthem, the industry’s first cloud-connected cockpit system. This is a continuation of co-creation between the two companies, which includes NXP applications processers embedded in Honeywell’s Building Management, Fire Safety and Security products. Looking ahead, the companies are expanding this work to include AI and machine learning in building controllers.

For the aerospace industry, Honeywell will leverage a variety of NXP processors, including the i.MX 8 applications processors currently leveraged in Honeywell’s Advanced Control for Buildings platform and S32N super-integration processors, providing a range of high-performance, intelligent solutions that can be adapted for the needs of various aircraft. With NXP’s processors, Honeywell Anthem will deliver faster data processing for real-time AI-driven insights, enhancing safety and optimizing performance both in the air and on the ground.

“Bringing avionics closer to autonomous flight requires a unique combination of high-performance processing and AI, advanced connectivity and security, and functional safety,” said Kurt Sievers, President and CEO, NXP Semiconductors. “NXP’s broad portfolio and systems solutions approach makes us a natural partner for Honeywell on the journey towards creating innovative, intelligent and autonomous avionics that can sense, think and act.”

One of the early adopters that will benefit from this collaboration is Vertical Aerospace, a leader in eVTOL aircraft that is currently testing its piloted VX4 prototype aircraft featuring Honeywell Anthem.

“By fulfilling the promise of advanced air mobility, electric aircraft like the VX4 represent a bold vision for the future,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Honeywell Anthem has already proven to be a highly capable platform, and we’re excited to explore how its capabilities can be further enhanced by NXP’s advanced computing to lessen pilot workloads while increasing situational awareness. Together, we see opportunities to make travel quicker, cleaner and safer, supporting our shared vision to transform how the world moves.”

CAMO Process Enhanced with Innovative Software from Air Worthy

The critical job of monitoring aircraft airworthiness has been strengthened with the launch of innovative computer software, created by Italian-based Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO), Air Worthy.

Following 18 months of programming, development and testing, AWAS (Air Worthy Aircraft Software) has gone live with Air Worthy customer, Challenge Air Cargo.

Whilst there are existing CAMO applications in the market, Air Worthy decided to build its own software, with the support of a software specialist in Milan. Unique to the aviation sector, AWAS can be customized to specific operational needs, as well as delivering an improved level of flexibility and usability across the CAMO process.

Hosted in the cloud with no server requirement, AWAS provides a more secure, intuitive user interface, which enables workflow and project progress to be monitored in real time by Air Worthy’s CAMO team. A new portal also facilitates customer access, so that all stakeholders can view an aircraft’s live documentation and compliance status.

The CAMO designation, also referred to as Part-M, is a mandatory part of EASA’s Implementing Rules EU 1321/2014 — Continuing Airworthiness, which ensures that all aircraft operating within the jurisdiction of a National Aviation Authority (NAA) are maintained to the highest level of safety and compliant with the necessary aviation safety regulations.

In its role as a CAMO, Air Worthy manages responsibility for all continuing airworthiness activities, such as forecasting and compliance of the maintenance program, Airworthiness Directive compliance, Service Bulletin evaluation and implementation, test flights, defect rectification and the safekeeping of accurate aircraft records.

The role of a CAMO is therefore highly complex. It requires many disciplines, all focused on aircraft safety, including: liaison with relevant authorities on behalf of an aircraft owner/lessor; finding solutions to technical issues; STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) modification, updating of aircraft technical manuals; performing physical inspections and safeguarding records. Typically, a CAMO representative from Air Worthy is permanently based on-site during an aircraft’s heavy maintenance check, in order to oversee the process and ensure the AMP (Aircraft Maintenance Program) schedule is kept on track.

“By providing comprehensive airworthiness consultancy, Air Worthy offers a total solution for aircraft owners and operators,” said Lucia Soffientini, Air Worthy’s co-founder and continuing airworthiness manager, “The launch of AWAS is an evolution of Air Worthy’s mission to uphold aircraft safety and deliver asset value throughout the service life of an aircraft and it will bring many benefits to the CAMO process. In addition, the market for P2F conversions is growing, so our new software will help us to manage this critical process more seamlessly.”

Alpha Wingman Officially Launches Workforce Management Platform and Mobile App

Alpha Wingman announced that beta testing has ended for their new workforce management platform, named Alpha Workforce. Once AOG technicians download the new app, they are instantly linked to the dispatch center via a moving map displaying technician status (working, available, off-duty, etc.). Alpha Wingman says Alpha Workforce is a technology platform that connects aircraft operators with a broad range of essential services. The company says it is founded on the principles of innovation and efficiency and that Alpha Wingman offers solutions that include AOG, scheduled aircraft maintenance, parts, and FBO services among others. The company says with a network of certified providers, the platform ensures that users receive “world-class service tailored to their unique, individual needs while eliminating the need for third parties and brokers.”

“Bombardier’s mobile AOG team was our test bed for the past 12 months as we refined the product, gathered crucial feedback, and ultimately planned the rollout,” Andy Nixon, president of Alpha Wingman stated. “As a sustainably-grown company, we continue to believe in listening to our customers needs, which is how the Alpha Workforce platform came about. We were mystified to learn the industry-leading service providers with mobile technicians lacked an efficient way to see and receive updates from their team. With the Workforce platform and the data we can generate, service providers will have the ability to increase margins through improving efficiencies with their technicians and dispatchers.”

Vertical Aerospace Chooses Monolith as “AI for Engineering” Partner

Artificial intelligence (AI) software provider, Monolith, has started work with Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering zero emission aviation. Monolith will help the Bristol, UK-based company optimize its eVTOL testing and simulation programs to improve performance and accelerate time to market.  

Flight and ground tests for eVTOL are complex, expensive and time-consuming, typically requiring engineers to spend hundreds of hours validating simulations across tens of thousands of parameters and operating conditions. Vertical Aerospace will use Monolith to accelerate development of its VX4 eVTOL aircraft by using AI for new design insights and more efficient test plans in less time. The first project focuses on testing and simulation of the VX4’s supporting pylon structures for ground tests of the propeller and electric motor structural and performance requirements. Monolith’s advanced Next Test Recommender (NTR) AI-driven algorithm will provide Vertical Aerospace engineers with a ranked selection of the most impactful tests to run, increasing design space coverage in unknown areas with a more efficient and trustworthy test plan.  

“Urban air mobility has the potential to revolutionize how we travel, and one of the most promising contributors to this transformation is Vertical’s VX4. With Monolith, Vertical will model complex systems faster and accelerate test campaigns, enabling the company to learn more about design performance while reducing development and testing time,” said Dr. Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and founder of Monolith.

David King, chief engineer, Vertical Aerospace, added: “Transforming how the world moves requires constant innovation. Collaborating with Monolith allows us to harness cutting-edge AI technology to streamline our testing processes, enabling us to focus on the most impactful areas and accelerate the VX4’s journey to market. By integrating Monolith’s tools, we can enhance our engineering precision, reduce timelines, and continue setting the benchmark for the eVTOL industry.” Monolith has a proven track record in aerospace engineering​ following recent projects with Airbus and BAE Systems on aircraft and drones. The London-based company is already democratizing AI for engineering with its bespoke SaaS platform that uses no-code, machine-learning software, giving domain experts the power to leverage existing, valuable testing datasets for their product development. The platform analyses and learns from this information, using it to generate accurate, reliable predictions that enable engineering teams to reduce costly, time- intensive prototype testing programs.  Integrating highly effective innovations such as the ‘Next Test Recommender’ tool and the industry’s first AI-powered ‘Anomaly Detector’ functionality, Monolith provides engineers with intelligent solutions to develop higher-quality products in half the time.

Veryon Acquires RCMBT to Bolster Aviation Maintenance Analytics Portfolio and Enhance Parts Forecasting Capabilities

Veryon. a provider of information services and software solutions for the aviation industry, recently announced its acquisition of RCMBT, an Ontario, Canada-based insights provider of parts reliability analytics for OEMs, regional airlines, and cargo operators. For over 20 years, RCMBT has delivered advanced decision-support technologies for the aerospace industry to optimize fleet reliability and performance. This strategic acquisition enhances Veryon’s portfolio by integrating advanced parts forecasting and cost analysis tools, enabling operators to further minimize unscheduled maintenance and improve aircraft availability.

“We’re giving our customers greater visibility into insights and analytics, empowering them to run their operations more effectively with incredibly advanced technology,” said Norman Happ, chief executive officer of Veryon. “Adding RCMBT to Veryon’s existing portfolio of industry — leading solutions is a key building block on our aviation innovation journey.”

RCMBT’s advanced parts forecasting and cost analysis tools in combination with the Veryon Diagnostics platform will provide direct visibility into part replacement cost and repeat defect monitoring. Aircraft operators can proactively resolve recurring issues and optimize maintenance schedules with even greater accuracy through machine-enabled pattern analysis and algorithm-driven failure predictions.

“By combining the strengths of both teams, we’ll be able to provide even more value to our customers by minimizing aircraft downtime due to parts shortages and enhancing overall fleet performance,” added Happ.

Veryon says operators report remarkable results with RCMBT’s data capabilities. Envoy Air reduced unscheduled downtime by 14% using RCMBT’s platform, while Bombardier cut costs by 40% and achieved 95% proactive accuracy, the company says. 

“We believe this acquisition will revolutionize how our customers manage their fleets,”said Gord Haynes, chief executive officer of RCMBT. “Joining forces with Veryon gives us the opportunity to scale our already exceptional analytics capabilities establishing a new benchmark for reliability in the aviation industry.”

Beyond enhancing product offerings, the acquisition will also help Veryon strengthen relationships with OEMs and align with its broader vision of leading the aviation industry into a new era of predictive, AI-driven solutions.

Veryon and RCMBT customers can continue to expect uninterrupted 24/7/365 support and ongoing product enhancements. The acquisition will allow both companies to offer a more comprehensive selection of solutions while maintaining both providers’ trusted reputations and brand attributes.

Since 1973, Veryon has been at the forefront of aviation maintenance technology by growing through key acquisitions such as CaseBank, Flightdocs, and Rusada. Today, the company says it serves more than 7,600 customers in 175 countries, supporting more than 75,000 users and covering over 25% of the world’s commercial fleet.