Category: Commercial

Archer’s Midnight Flight Test Program Reaches Record Heights

Archer Aviation announced that its Midnight aircraft successfully completed its highest altitude flight to
date, reaching altitudes of 7,000 feet. The flight took off from Archer’s test facility in
Salinas, Calif., and represents the latest milestone in Midnight’s envelope expansion
testing program.

This flight marked one in a series of upcoming aircraft performance test flights designed
to test and showcase Midnight’s operational range. eVTOL aircraft, like Midnight, are
primarily intended to operate in and around cities at altitudes between 1,500 and 4,000
feet. However, having the operational capability to operate at higher altitudes provides
flexibility for managing air traffic in high-density environments and allows these aircraft to
be able to operate in certain cities at elevation.

During this flight, Midnight’s test pilot conducted a steady climb after takeoff, leveled off at
altitude, then continued to fly for 45 miles in total at speeds in excess of 120 mph. The
achievement follows last month’s record-setting flight in which Midnight covered
approximately 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds exceeding 126 mph.

Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said: “I’m proud of the team for consistently
proving Midnight’s performance capabilities while maintaining the highest safety
standards. Our test pilots will continue to safely and methodically test Midnight’s speed,
duration and mission profiles to prepare for early commercial operations.”

Together, the company says these accomplishments underscore the aircraft’s readiness as Archer
advances toward FAA certification in the U.S. and near-term commercialization in the
UAE.

Air India Group Tackles Flight Efficiency and Emissions with Data-Driven Tech

With rising fuel costs and mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, airlines worldwide are looking for new ways to operate more efficiently. Air India Group is meeting the challenge head-on by deploying SITA OptiFlight’s advanced climb optimization solution, OptiClimb, and SITA eWAS, two of the most advanced data-driven digital solutions for flight optimization available today.

The rollout is part of Air India Group’s broader modernization strategy and marks a step in improving both sustainability and operational performance. The technology is now active across the Air India Airbus A320 fleet and the Air India Express Boeing 737 fleet, covering both domestic and international routes. Deployment on Air India’s widebody fleet will be rolled out subsequently. The tools will help cut carbon emissions by 35,000 tons annually across Air India’s fleet.

“As the aviation industry navigates growing regulatory and environmental pressure, the need for intelligent, predictive solutions has never been more critical,” said Sumesh Patel, president, Asia Pacific at SITA. “Air India’s deployment of SITA OptiFlight and eWAS is a strong example of how smart digital technologies can cut emissions, save fuel, and unlock real operational value across every flight.”

Basil Kwauk, chief operations officer, Air India, added: “Sustainability and efficiency are core to our transformation into a world-class airline. With SITA OptiFlight and SITA eWAS, we’re taking meaningful steps to modernize our operations, reduce our carbon footprint.”

SITA OptiFlight is a suite of intelligence tools that help airlines optimize key phases of flight using historical flight data, aircraft-specific performance models, and 4D weather forecasts. At its core is OptiClimb, SITA OptiFlight’s advanced climb optimization solution, which delivers customized climb-out schedules tailored to each aircraft. This allows pilots to reduce fuel burn during one of the most energy-intensive parts of flight without compromising safety or performance.

SITA eWAS, meanwhile, equips pilots with real-time weather updates and predictive forecasting, helping them avoid turbulence, re-route efficiently and make smarter in-flight decisions. Together, the solutions give pilots a powerful data-driven edge while supporting the airline’s sustainability targets.

SITA continues to expand its flight optimization technologies across Indian aviation, supporting carriers in achieving operational resilience, cost efficiency, and long-term environmental impact reduction.

Jamco Announces Acquisition of Aerospace Technologies Group by Bain Capital, Expanding Global Cabin Interiors Platform 

Jamco Corporation, a Bain Capital portfolio company and Japan’s leading manufacturer of cabin interior equipment for the commercial aviation industry, and Bain Capital, a global private investment firm with US$185 billion in assets under management, announced the acquisition of Aerospace Technologies Group (ATG) by Bain Capital.  

Founded in 1998, ATG is the premier developer and supplier of window shade systems for private and commercial aviation. Under the leadership of CEO Mario Ceste, ATG has grown to over $60M in revenue to become the largest Tier 1 supplier of electric window shades to aircraft OEMs worldwide. ATG’s flagship commercial aerospace product is the aerBlade window shade system enabling passenger and crew control of window shades at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for flight attendants to check the cabin during take-off and landing.   

ATG has its headquarters, product manufacturing and R&D in Boca Raton, Florida, together with facilities in Dubai and Toulouse. Both ATG and Jamco will operate as independent companies under a common ownership structure under Bain Capital and led by Kate Schaefer, who serves as executive chair of both companies.  

In addition to aerBlade for widebody fleets, ATG’s window shades are the standard option on Bombardier, Gulfstream and Textron Aviation’s (Cessna) leading business jet platforms. In recognition of its world class operations, ATG received Bombardier’s Diamond Supplier award in 2022 and 2023. 

Kate Schaefer, executive chair of Jamco, stated, “ATG is the first step in realizing our vision to transform Jamco into the leading global platform for cabin interiors. The combination of ATG’s aerBlade product and Jamco’s business class seat offering, together with Jamco’s cabin modification and engineering certification capabilities, creates strong industrial logic for this combination.”  

Mario Ceste, CEO of ATG, remarked, “ATG has been supported by  Jacqueline Autry’s ownership for many years, and on behalf of all ATG employees we are deeply grateful. At the same time, we are excited for ATG’s new chapter of growth under Bain Capital’s ownership and see many new opportunities from partnership with Jamco.”  

Nick Gattas, managing director in Bain Capital’s Asia Private Equity team, stated “We are excited to partner with Mario and the ATG team for the next chapter of growth, and continuing ATG’s strong entrepreneurial culture focused on product innovation and customer support.” 

Noted San Antonio Businessman Killed When Aircraft Engines Falls on Him

A man identified as 70-year-old David Monroe was killed on Friday, September 19, 2025, when a jet engine fell on him at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio. Monroe was working with a crew to transport the engine when the rolling dolly it was on started moving, causing him to fall off the loading dock. The 5,000-pound engine then fell on him, resulting in his death at the scene, which authorities are calling a workplace accident. 

Police and firefighters responded to a call at the Boeing Center at Tech Port after reports that a large piece of equipment, described by officials as possibly a jet engine, had fallen on a man. Firefighters declared Monroe dead at the scene near a loading dock, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.

Port San Antonio on Saturday confirmed Monroe’s identity in a statement remembering him as a visionary who left a mark on the local and global technology industry. 

Monroe was the founder of the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT). A statement published on the SAMSAT website states, “David Monroe was a prolific inventor, a driven entrepreneur and a man with a heart for technology’s impact on the lives of adults and children. His contribution to the digital age has been felt all over the world. His final chapter was bringing this impact to all corners of San Antonio. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues at SAMSAT and beyond. On behalf of Lorena Monroe and the SAMSAT team we want to thank you for the outpouring of support, and we appreciate you for respecting our privacy as we process David’s passing and legacy.”

Monroe obtained 54 patents, with innovations from the early microcomputer processor, wireless networking, teleradiology and digital imaging, reports say. He is often recognized for pioneering technology that made the cellphone camera possible.

“David was a force for good who transformed countless lives he touched,” wrote Paco Felici, the port’s chief of staff and chief communications officer, in the statement. “To the Port team, he was a friend and partner who inspired us and, through his beloved SAMSAT and museum team, worked hand in hand in a shared vision to make the world a better place.”

The Port San Antonio statement also added, “To tens of thousands of people — youngsters and adults alike — he was a tireless leader deeply committed to providing opportunities to lifelong learning.”

Aviation Institute of Maintenance Hosts Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance’s First National Conference

–The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is proud to host the upcoming Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) 2025 Conference, taking place September 26–28 at AIM’s Irving campus. This marks AWAM’s first large-scale national conference and underscores AIM’s commitment
to advancing women in aviation and the trades.

“AIM is dedicated to training women technicians to support the aviation industry pipeline, and this conference represents an important step toward creating a more equitable work environment for these skilled professionals,” said Jason Pfaff, chief executive officer of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. “It is our privilege to welcome AWAM members to our Irving campus as they continue building a community where women technicians feel empowered in their workplaces.”

The conference will bring together industry leaders, students, and professionals to share knowledge, foster mentorship, and create pathways for more women to enter and thrive in aviation maintenance careers. Stacey Rudser, AWAM president and the first female graduate from AIM’s Orlando campus, will lead this landmark event, showcasing the lasting impact of AIM’s alumni community on the aviation industry.

StandardAero Announces Component Repair Services Leadership Succession

StandardAero, an independent provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services, including engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and engine component repair, announced the appointment of Gregory Krekeler as resident of its component repair services (CRS) business. Krekeler succeeds Kimberly Ashmun, who will remain with the company through the end of the year to support the leadership transition. Krekeler will be based in Cincinnati, OH, and report to Kim Ernzen, chief operating officer of StandardAero.

Krekeler brings to the position more than 20 years of aerospace and defense experience. Most recently, he served as vice president and general manager of StandardAero’s facility in Maryville, TN. In addition to the past three years with StandardAero, he spent nearly two decades in various global engineering, supply chain and procurement leadership roles with Boeing, both within the United States and in the United Kingdom. He also held roles in engineering and program leadership with McDonnell Douglas. Krekeler holds Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degrees.

“Greg is well positioned to lead our component repair services business into the future,” said Kim Ernzen, chief operating officer of StandardAero. “He has a strong track record of operational excellence and customer focus, combined with deep experience in the industry and with StandardAero. Working closely with the senior leadership team across our Engine Services divisions and with the CRS team, Greg will drive our strategy to accelerate the growth of CRS.”

Ernzen added: “We are grateful to Kim for her leadership and dedication to shape and advance CRS over the last three years and following this transition wish her well in her future endeavors.”

C&L Strengthens Support in Latin America, Appoints Soto as Regional Sales Manager, Latin America and South Florida

C&L Aerospace, a C&L Aviation Group company and provider of aircraft parts and services to commercial, regional and business jet operators, announced the appointment of Guillermo Soto as regional sales manager for Latin America.

Soto brings more than 40 years of aviation industry experience, holding positions ranging from Commercial Pilot to sales of aircraft for SAAB and Embraer, as well as selling spare parts solution programs. He also has extensive experience negotiating comprehensive product support agreements and overseeing new product conversions.

“Guillermo’s vast experience, deep relationships, and proven track record with OEMs, airlines, and MROs make him a valuable addition to our global sales team,” said Martin Cooper, senior vice president of sales. “Guillermo is highly respected within the region, and we are elated to have him join C&L to help us strengthen our presence across this key market.”

Soto’s appointment reflects C&L Aerospace’s ongoing commitment to Latin America and its importance within the global aviation industry.

Soto is based in Mexico City, Mexico.

Silk Way West Airlines Extends Services Agreement with GE Aerospace-powered Fleet

GE Aerospace and Silk Way West Airlines have announced an extended services agreement to support the carrier’s growing fleet of widebody Boeing aircraft. This includes five GEnx-2B-powered 747-8 Freighters, six GE90-115B-powered 777 Freighters, and up to four GE9X-powered 777-8 Freighters.

In 2021 and 2022, Silk Way West announced the purchase of Boeing 777-8 Freighters and Boeing 777 Freighters as part of its fleet modernization strategy. The airline has an annual cargo turnover surpassing 500,000 tons, with a network that extends to over 40 destinations worldwide, encompassing Europe, CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas.

“We are pleased to announce this extension of our partnership,” said Onno Pietersma, chief operating officer of Silk Way West Airlines It will continue to help us deliver on our long-term strategy of sustainable growth and allow us to continuously improve the services we provide to our valuable customers.”

Russell Stokes, president and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services for GE Aerospace said, “We are proud to continue building our relationship with Silk Way West Airlines as they modernize their fleet. GE Aerospace widebody engines represent the pinnacle of aviation technology, designed to lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.”

The GE9X engine is the world’s most powerful commercial aircraft engine and the most fuel-efficient engine in its class. Available only on the Boeing 777X family of 777-9 and 777-8 aircraft, the GE9X offers 10% better specific fuel consumption than its predecessor.

Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has accumulated over 62 million flight hours. It stands as GE Aerospace’s fastest-selling, high-thrust engine to date, with more than 3,600 engines currently in service and backlog, including spare units.

Launched in 1990, the GE90 engine is GE Aerospace’s first engine in the 100,000-pound thrust class and became the most technologically advanced commercial turbofan engine in 25 years. It was the first commercial engine with composite fan blades, and the first to fly with an additive manufactured part.

All GE Aerospace commercial engines are certified to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends today. 

Teledyne’s New Generation Onboard Secure Data Loader eADL XS Certified on Airbus A320 Aircraft Family

Teledyne Controls, a business unit of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, and a provider of avionics and aircraft data management solutions, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of their enhanced Airborne Data Loader, eADL XS, on the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, including the A318, A319, A320, and A321 models. Teledyne’s eADL XS is already certified on the Boeing 737NG aircraft series.

Designed to streamline the way operators manage avionics software updates and configuration data, Teledyne’s next-generation data loader eADL XS is fully compliant with the stringent ARINC 645-1 requirements for OEM secure dataloading. With features such as secure wireless capabilities, comprehensive validation of digital signatures and secure boot, along with an intuitive interface, the eADL XS ensures the integrity of software parts and protects against unauthorized access at every stage, while reducing maintenance time and enhancing operational efficiency.

“This new STC approval marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver faster, more secure, and flexible data loading solutions for our airline customers, enabling them to modernize their legacy fleets to meet today’s stringent security standards,” said Mehrdad Radmehr, President of Teledyne Controls.

This STC approval enables commercial and cargo operators to install the eADL XS across their A32X fleets, supporting a wide range of avionics systems and configurations. The solution is fully compliant with industry standards and offers seamless integration with existing maintenance workflows. The eADL XS is an easy drop-in replacement of existing dataloading hardware, simplifying the upgrade process for the operators.

Teledyne Controls continues to innovate in the field of aircraft connectivity and data management, helping airlines and MROs meet the demands of modern aviation with scalable, future-ready solutions.

Gogo Galileo HDX STC Approved for Dassault Falcon 2000 Family

Gogo announced that the Gogo Galileo HDX terminal has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certification (STC) approvals for the Dassault Falcon 2000 aircraft family. Dassault Falcon Jet in Little Rock, AR., worked closely with Gogo to obtain the STC modification, which is now available for installation from Dassault Falcon Jet and its Authorized Service Center (ASC) network.

This is the first HDX STC for a Dassault Falcon business jet and enables versatile, consistent connectivity supported by convenient management and 24/7/365 global customer support. The aircraft OEM-developed modification paves the way for owners and operators of Falcon 2000 jets to enjoy the benefits of high-speed internet connection through all phases of flight. The resilient connectivity allows passengers to access various applications, including emailing, video conferencing, and internet surfing, from multiple devices simultaneously. Powered by Eutelsat OneWeb’s low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, the STC covers Falcon 2000EX, EX, EASy, DX, LX, LXS, and S government, executive, and private aircraft.

“A popular choice in the super mid-size market, the Falcon 2000 is exactly the type of aircraft we developed Gogo Galileo HDX to serve. We are proud to have worked alongside Dassault Falcon on the STC and excited to see Gogo Galileo support owners and operators in this segment,” said Chris Moore, CEO of Gogo. Covering a full portfolio of Falcon 2000 models, Dassault Falcon’s HDX STC delivers all the benefits of enterprise standard LEO connectivity, backed by Gogo’s unrivalled customer support package to its owners and operators. “Installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX terminal helps retain asset value, enhances the passenger inflight experience, and supports more efficient flight operations,” added Moore.

The retrofit installation requires fitting just two line replaceable units (LRUs), the HDX antenna, and the AVANCE platform, enabling seamless upgrade pathways in the future. Gogo and Dassault anticipate that an STC for the Gogo Galileo HDX will be approved for the Dassault Falcon 7X type before the end of the year.