Category: BizJet

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.

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.”

Airshare Celebrates 25 Years in Private Aviation

Airshare — one of the nation’s largest private aviation companies — celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, marking a quarter century of innovation, best-in-class service and industry leadership.

Founded in 2000, Airshare has evolved from a regional operator to a nationwide provider of aircraft management, fractional ownership, jet cards and charter services. Over the past 25 years, the company has expanded its fleet, grown its employee base and consistently delivered value to its customers through its diverse service offerings and commitment to safety.

“Reaching our 25th anniversary is a testament to the hard work of our employees, the loyalty of our customers and the strength of our vision for private aviation,” said John Owen, CEO of Airshare. “From our founding in Wichita to becoming a nationwide operator across all of our services, we’ve remained focused on delivering exceptional experiences when flying with us. While today we celebrate our previous accomplishments, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead and grateful to all who have been part of our journey.”

A Timeline of Growth

Airshare’s journey over the past 25 years has been marked by bold decisions and steady growth. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2000, the company quickly gained traction by offering a fresh approach to fractional ownership through its revolutionary days-based model. Just four years later, Airshare relocated its corporate headquarters to Kansas City, positioning the company to expand its growing base of customers throughout the Midwest.

Through a strategic acquisition in 2008, Airshare began offering whole aircraft management, complementing their fractional program and charter services. Over the next 15 years, Airshare continued its rapid expansion, entering into new markets within South Florida and the Upper Midwest. This momentum accelerated in 2023 with the acquisition of Wheels Up’s Aircraft Management Business, significantly increasing the size of the fleet they operate and doubling the number of employees. 

In 2024, Kompass Kapital acquired controlling ownership of Airshare, with its strategic investment leading to nationwide expansion of the company’s fractional program. Airshare is now the 8th-largest private jet operator in the country.  

This year, Airshare celebrates not only its 25th anniversary but also a marquee partnership with the PGA of America, featuring its designation as the Official Private Aviation Provider of the Ryder Cup. The partnership underscores its elevated position in both aviation and the world of premier sporting events.

Airshare will mark this milestone with an employee celebration at its Kansas City headquarters on Sept. 19, as well as events taking place throughout the country at its other locations. 

Cessna Citation Ascend Program Continues to Advance With Rollout of First Production Unit

Textron Aviation announced its Cessna Citation Ascend business jet program continues to advance as the first production unit rolled out of the manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft is expected to achieve certification from the Federal Aviation Administration later this year.

Employees held a special celebration to mark the major program milestone of the newest Citation business jet in the legendary 560XL series as they continue to design and deliver the best aviation experience for customers.

“Today is a big celebration and thank you to everyone who has been a part of building up to this point. It is your craftsmanship that continues to make milestones like this possible,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “By infusing new technology and bringing new features to the market, we continue to drive the future for us to build these legendary aircraft.”

With more than 1,000 delivered throughout the past 25 years, owners and operators consistently choose the Cessna Citation 560XL series for its unparalleled combination of performance, comfort, ease of operation, range of mission capabilities and favorable operating efficiencies.

PBS Aerospace Opens U.S. Headquarters in Georgia to Scale Production of Precision-Manufactured Turbojet Engines

PBS Aerospace, the leading manufacturer of precision-made turbojet engines purpose-built for the modern battlefield, today announced the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility in Roswell, Georgia. Holding owned by William Didden’s family made a 20-million-dollar investment to expand U.S. production of precision propulsion systems for advanced aerial platforms, strengthening America’s defense industrial base while supporting the country’s evolving military needs.

PBS Aerospace’s state-of-the-art facility is designed to rapidly scale production of small turbojet engines for unmanned systems, including drones, advanced cruise missiles and interceptors. By early 2026, the company expects its Roswell facility to produce thousands of engines annually to meet surging demand from the U.S. Department of Defense.

PBS Group, the parent company of PBS Aerospace, also announced plans to invest an additional $90 million in U.S. production capacity over the coming years. The expansion will include the development of a new plant designed to further increase the output of small turbojet engines for unmanned systems, cruise missiles, and advanced aerial platforms.

Recent world events show that the nature of warfare has evolved to rely on fleets of drones and advanced interceptors. PBS Aerospace’s small, lightweight turbojet engines are built to be fielded quickly and at scale across a range of offensive, defensive, and reconnaissance platforms. Customers in the U.S. and allied nations choose PBS Aerospace engines for their precision manufacturing, unmatched flight reliability, and high efficiency.

PBS Aerospace’s engines are combat-proven at Technology Readiness Level 9, making PBS Aerospace uniquely positioned to deliver mission-critical systems at scale for the Department of Defense.

“My decision to expand PBS Aerospace into the United States reflects our commitment to continue building PBS as a global brand,” said PBS Group Owner William Didden. “This move combines decades of Czech engineering expertise with the opportunities of the world’s largest aerospace market, strengthening our role as a reliable global partner.”

“I want to congratulate PBS Aerospace on this incredible milestone and, on behalf of all Georgians, I’m proud to welcome them to our thriving aerospace sector,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This investment underscores Georgia’s commitment to innovation, our skilled workforce, and our role as the top state for business. We look forward to the opportunities this project will bring to Roswell and the entire state as PBS becomes the latest major player to operate in our second-largest industry.”

“Maintaining America’s leadership as the dominant and stabilizing world power demands that we’re capable of meeting and overcoming new and evolving threats to ensure our security, as well as that of our partners and allies,” said Dr. Rich McCormick, U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 7th Congressional District. “We’re committed to bolstering our domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. This is necessary to reduce reliance on international supply chains and deliver our military the very best tools to ensure success in overcoming any challenges they face now or in the future.”

The grand opening event, which is taking place just seven months after announcing plans to build the facility, will be on Thursday, September 4, from 5-7 p.m. at PBS Aerospace’s new headquarters at 1350 Northmeadow Parkway, Suite 130, in Roswell, GA. Featured speakers include Erin Durham, CEO of PBS Aerospace, and Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07).

“The U.S. is a cornerstone of our growth strategy. Expanding production here allows us to accelerate deliveries, deepen collaboration with American partners, and invest in the innovations our customers require,” said Petr Kádner, CEO of PBS GROUP.

“Today’s grand opening marks a pivotal milestone for PBS Aerospace, Georgia, and the future of American defense,” said Erin Durham, CEO of PBS Aerospace. “Our precision-manufactured turbojet engines are designed to meet the rigors, mission-readiness, and reliability needed for the modern battlefield. The lightweight turbojet engines we produce are proven across the most demanding military applications, delivering performance the U.S. military counts on now, and at scale into the future.”

Strengthening Georgia’s Economy

PBS Aerospace selected Roswell for its aerospace innovation ecosystem, proximity to Georgia Tech, and access to a highly skilled workforce. The company’s investment will create more than 100 high-paying, specialized jobs across engineering, advanced manufacturing, and operations. Also, 71 percent of PBS Aerospace technicians are U.S. military veterans, underscoring the company’s commitment to hiring local talent and those who have served to tap into their real-world experience. The company expects the Roswell facility to grow significantly in the next few years, bringing even more economic benefits to the local economy.

With its Roswell headquarters, PBS Aerospace is reinforcing the domestic resilience of America’s defense supply chain while advancing operational readiness across the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Special Operations Command.

Otto Aviation Rebrands as Otto Aerospace


Otto Aviation announces that effective September 3, it has changed its name to Otto Aerospace, marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution from a breakthrough aviation concept to a
mature aerospace company. The new name reflects Otto’s broader mission and capabilities which blend advanced aerodynamic science, digital-first design using AI and computational fluid dynamics, and state-of-the-art aerospace manufacturing techniques.

Otto Aerospace remains committed to transforming the economics, efficiency and sustainability of flight, with applications spanning both commercial and defense markets. “Our new name reflects who we’ve become and where we’re headed,” said Paul Touw, Otto Aerospace CEO. “We’ve matured into a fully integrated aerospace company, driven by science and technology, ready to lead the next era of innovation in flight.”

TAT Technologies Launches FutureWorks

TAT Technologies, an aerospace thermal management and MRO solutions provider, announced the establishment of FutureWorks, TAT’s Center for Aerospace Innovation, located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

TAT says FutureWorks marks a bold step forward in TAT’s mission to advance next-generation aerospace technologies. TAT Technologies has secured its first customer partnership for its next-generation universal thermal management systems, marking a significant milestone in its journey. This partnership validates TAT’s innovative approach to delivering lightweight, high-efficiency, and ultra-reliable solutions for the evolving needs of NextGen aircraft.

To support this progress, TAT’s FutureWorks, is designed to drive cutting-edge advancements in sustainable aviation, focusing on the research, testing, and development of thermal management systems and heat exchangers to support both today’s aircraft and the next generation of all electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen platforms. Building on this momentum, additional partnerships are in progress, with more OEMs and aircraft developers turning to TAT for integrated thermal systems that meet the demands of tomorrow’s aviation.

“FutureWorks represents our commitment to shaping what’s next for aerospace,” said Igal Zamir, CEO of TAT Technologies. “This lab is more than a building—it’s a proving ground for ideas, a collaboration hub for our global partners, and a launchpad for technologies that will define the skies of tomorrow.”
Key Highlights of FutureWorks:

• A state-of-the-art high voltage testing lab for aerospace thermal systems
• Advanced capabilities to accelerate product validation and development
• A collaborative space supporting OEM customers and U.S. growth
• A cornerstone in TAT’s investment in sustainable aviation and engineering excellence

FutureWorks strengthens TAT’s industry leadership and reinforces its role as a trusted partner to OEMs and operators navigating the next era of aerospace. While full operational capacity will come online in the months ahead, the facility is now officially open and preparing for a full grand opening this November.

Registration Lifts Off for The Competition Presented by Snap-on 2026

The Competition Presented by Snap-on is back for 2026, with registration officially opening October 1! 

The Competition Presented by Snap-on, and hosted by the Aerospace Maintenance Council (www.amccompetition.com), gives teams of maintenance professionals, international military personnel and aviation maintenance students the chance to test their skills against those of their peers. The Competition includes challenges in areas such as avionics; safety wiring; fiber optics/flight control rigging; hydraulics; jet engine troubleshooting; workplace safety SMS; and other tasks. Teams have 15 minutes to accurately complete each task; competitors that finish their tasks up to safety standards in less than the allotted time receive higher scores with points deducted for any errors. 

The event runs concurrently with the MRO Americas convention, North America’s largest gathering of the aviation maintenance community. Both will take place April 20-23, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and admission to The Competition is included with MRO Americas credentials.

For the second year, the Competition will also take place in conjunction with Vertical Aviation International’s VERTICON at the Georgia World Congress Center March 9-12, 2026. Utah State University won the inaugural Competition at VERTICON earlier this year. 

“We’re thrilled to be in the early stages of preparation for next year’s Competition,” said Ken MacTiernan, council vice president and competition chairman. “Every year we are blown away by the level of enthusiasm and talent that the competitors bring to the event, and we expect next year to be no exception.”

The team earning the overall best score takes home the grand prize in aviation maintenance – the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance. Presented by Snap-on, the coveted award signifies the highest standard of excellence in aviation maintenance. The O’Brien Award is a traveling trophy that debuted at the 2013 Competition at MRO Americas. The winning team receives the honor of displaying the trophy in their facility for a year. In 2025, the honor was awarded to Southwest Airlines-Team Herb for the second year in a row.

In addition to the William F. “Bill” O’Brien Award for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance, Snap-on provides all the tools and equipment used by the participants during The Competition and donates tool prizes to top finishers. 

This is the 13th year in a row Snap-on has served as the title sponsor for The Competition at MRO Americas and the first year as title sponsor for The Competition at VERTICON. 

“What The Competition stands for is something we deeply believe in, and that’s celebrating the critical nature of aviation careers,” said Bill Willetts, vice president of Snap-on Industrial and Aerospace Maintenance Council board member. “Through our partnerships with technical education institutions and NC3, Snap-on plays an active role in promoting aviation careers and all skilled trades. This partnership with The Competition has moved the industry forward, and we will do our part to continue making it a success.”

Snap-on works closely with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) to promote and facilitate its technical education program to high schools and tech colleges. NC3 is a network of education providers and corporations that, together, embody passion for innovative career and technical education models to produce a sustainable, highly-skilled workforce.

Team registration opens Oct. 1 at https://www.amccompetition.com/competitions/amcc-2026-mro.

ARSA and Coalition Aim to Simplify Foreign D&A Testing

On Aug. 22, a coalition of eight aviation trade associations joined the Aeronautical Repair Station Association petition to amend the FAA’s recently issued rules expanding drug and alcohol (D&A) testing obligations outside the United States for the first time. The FAA’s December final rule imposes D&A requirements on foreign repair stations performing work on U.S. registered air carrier aircraft.

The petition proposed 10 changes to simplify compliance, oversight, and enforcement, including:

(1) Clarifying testing applies only to foreign repair stations performing heavy maintenance on air carrier aircraft.

(2) Simplifying and expanding waiver opportunities by allowing the FAA to grant waivers without a petition.

(3) Allowing the use of laboratories, medical review officers, and substance abuse professionals in the national jurisdiction of the repair station.

The petition explained the public’s interest in facilitating compliance for more than 1,000 certificated repair stations supporting American global operations: “The proposed amendments will reduce the regulatory burden associated with … compliance and make it more likely that these facilities will continue to provide maintenance services for U.S. registered aircraft. This, in turn, benefits every American who depends on international air transportation for travel, cargo shipments, and mail.”

The petition is ARSA’s most-recent engagement in the decades-old effort to limit burdens resulting from Congress’ 2012 legislation requiring international expansion of testing rules “consistent with the applicable laws” of the country where the repair station is located. The FAA long struggled with the expansive mandate, unsupported by a safety argument. The agency’s final rule makes certificate holders responsible for determining the consistency U.S. D&A obligations with foreign nations’ laws, abdicating the FAA’s responsibility to set clear standards.

In addition to ARSA, the petition was signed by the Aviation Suppliers Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Modification and Replacement Parts Association, the National Air Carrier Association, the National Air Transportation Association, the National Business Aviation Association, and the United Aerial Firefighters Association. To read the complete petition, click here or go to the rulemaking docket.

To support the petition:

(1) Go to www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2025-2498-0001 to access the petition’s docket.

(2) Click “Comment”, then utilize the form to submit a supportive statement. Demonstrate your interest by explaining the rule’s impact on your business, even if it is indirect. Ensure submissions meet the standards of effective rulemaking comments.