Category: BizJet

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.

Duncan Aviation Partners with AllCampus to Offer Workforce Education Benefits to 3,000 Employees

AllCampus, a higher education management company partnering with employers to solve their biggest academic program and workplace benefit challenges, has announced a new partnership with Duncan Aviation, the largest family-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider in the world. Through this collaboration, 3,000 Duncan Aviation employees will gain access to AllCampus’ Workplace Education Benefits Solution, a comprehensive platform that connects working professionals with flexible, career-relevant educational opportunities.

The partnership underscores Duncan Aviation’s strategic investment in upskilling its workforce amidst the aviation industry’s evolving demands for high-level technical, operational, and leadership capabilities.

“Duncan Aviation’s commitment to investing in their employees’ future aligns perfectly with our mission to make career-centric learning more accessible and impactful,” said Kyle Shea, executive vice president of AllCampus. “Together, we’re empowering employees to take the next step in their professional journey while helping Duncan Aviation build a stronger, more skilled workforce.”

As part of the partnership, Duncan Aviation employees will receive:

  • Personalized guidance from AllCampus’ Education Benefits Specialists to explore certificate and degree programs that align with their individual career goals.
  • Access to a curated catalog of flexible, online programs in high-demand fields such as aviation management, operations, business, and technology.
  • Expert advice on tuition assistance, enabling employees to maximize their education funding through Duncan Aviation’s benefit programs.

AllCampus was selected for its ability to deliver scalable, customized tuition benefit programs tailored to the needs of corporate partners. Its robust platform supports HR teams with streamlined administration and helps employees identify educational pathways that match their aspirations and the evolving skill needs of their company.

“Our team members are the heart of everything we do, and we’re always looking for new ways to support their growth,” said Stephen Gunn, senior professional development specialist at Duncan Aviation. “Partnering with AllCampus allows us to offer a wide range of flexible, high-quality education options that align with both personal aspirations and the needs of our business. This program is more than a benefit — it’s an investment in the long-term success of our people and our company.”

The decision to launch this initiative reflects Duncan Aviation’s broader commitment to workforce development. By investing in upskilling now, the company aims to improve employee retention and career advancement opportunities while addressing critical skills gaps across operations, technology, and leadership. With this commitment to excellence among its employees, Duncan Aviation reinforces its reputation as an employer of choice in the aviation industry.

AllCampus’ platform features partnerships with over 30 leading universities, including UCLA, Boston University, Purdue University, the University of Florida and more, providing employees with access to discounted tuition rates and opportunities for low-cost or debt-free degrees to advance their education and career goals.

Elliott Aviation Launches CJ Flight Deck Evolution Program for Citation CJ1 and CJ2

Elliott Aviation announced the launch of the CJ Flight Deck Evolution Program, a new avionics upgrade solution designed for Citation CJ1 and CJ2 operators. The program offers three package options: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, providing owners with a clear path to modernize their cockpits with Garmin’s latest technology while minimizing downtime and investment.

The program addresses a growing need for operators to eliminate avionics obsolescence, enhance safety, and improve long-term value. Each package builds on the core Garmin G600 TXi and GFC 600 integrated flight display system and is supported by Elliott Aviation’s extensive experience as the world’s leading Garmin installer.

Silver Package: Essential Evolution
The Silver package centers on the Garmin G600 TXi and GFC 600 system, replacing legacy instruments with clean, reliable glass cockpit technology. It provides intuitive operation and the essential benefits of a modern flight display environment.

Gold Package: Advanced Performance
The Gold package expands capability with larger G600 TXi displays and additional tools for operational efficiency. It includes the GDR-66 DataComm, push-to-load functionality for streamlined flight planning, GDL 60 PlaneSync technology for wireless connectivity, and Airtext Classic for text communications.

Platinum Package: The Ultimate Upgrade
The Platinum package delivers the most advanced suite available for CJ operators. It adds dual GI 275 standby flight instruments, the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar with auto mode, the GTS-825 traffic system, and Airtext+ with a cabin moving map. This configuration provides the highest level of situational awareness, safety, and connectivity.

“Our goal with the CJ Flight Deck Evolution Program is to give Citation operators a straightforward upgrade path that matches their needs,” said Bill Forbes, Senior Vice President of Avionics and Business Development at Elliott Aviation. “Whether you want the essential benefits of the Silver package, the performance improvements in the Gold, or the fully featured Platinum upgrade, Elliott Aviation delivers the right solution with proven installation expertise.”

The announcement of the CJ Flight Deck Evolution Program packages comes shortly before the Citation Jet Pilots Association Conference taking place September 3-6 in San Antonio, Texas. In conjunction with the conference, Elliott Aviation is offering a special promotion to provide 3 years of nav databases and/or datacom or other Garmin services for Gold package customers and 5 years of nav databases and/or datacom or other Garmin services to any Platinum package customers if they book their installation by September 30, 2025.

Installations can be completed in as little as 25 working days, minimizing downtime while providing operators with fully engineered, FAA-approved upgrades backed by Elliott Aviation’s decades of Garmin retrofit experience.

Avcon Industries Acquires STC-Approved Installation of Non-Halon Aircraft Fire Extinguishers in Learjets

Avcon Industries, Inc. and its affiliate Butler Avionics Inc., manufacturers and systems integrators for special mission aircraft modifications, announced Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of non-halon portable fire extinguisher replacements in Learjet Models 24, 25, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 36, 35A (C-21A), 36A, 40, 45, 55, 55B, 55C, 60, 60XR, 70, and 75 aircraft.

Avcon received FAA STC No. ST12087CH authorizing the replacement of existing halon fire extinguishers across the full line of Learjet aircraft. This STC allows for the installation of Halotron BrX-filled fire extinguishers, which are designed for ease of retrofit and compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements. An application is being made for EASA validation of the Avcon fire extinguisher STC approval. The new extinguishers are designed to be size-equivalent replacements, having minimal impact on fit and compatibility.

Halon has been designated as an Ozone-Depleting Substance. Halon production has been banned in EU member states since 1994, although it has been allowed for certain “critical uses,” including in some aircraft systems. Pursuant to European Union regulations and the Montreal Protocol, regulatory bodies, including EASA, have required that hand-held Halon fire extinguishers in airplane cabins and crew compartments be replaced with suitable alternatives by December 31, 2025.

“Avcon and Butler Avionics teamed with a leading specialty fire extinguisher vendor to make available non-halon fire extinguishers to comply with the pending EASA mandate, and obtain STC installation approval for Learjets,” said Patrick Hupp, avionics manager. “The new extinguishers are engineered for straightforward installation in the same location as existing units, with provisions for additional mounting locations in some legacy Learjet models. We are working diligently to obtain EASA approval for the replacement fire extinguisher installation. Avcon and Butler Avionics are also working to add additional models to the STC-approved model list (AML).”

TrustFlight Acquires Baines Simmons, Kenyon Emergency Services, and Redline Assured Security from Wheels Up

TrustFlight announced it has acquired Baines Simmons, Kenyon Emergency Services and Redline Assured Security from Wheels Up. The acquisition positions TrustFlight as the industry’s only integrated partner combining training and regulatory expertise, aviation security and quality assurance, and full-spectrum critical-incident support services within one group. The combined organization will serve approximately 1,600 aviation organizations worldwide, giving airports, operators, MROs, OEMs, and regulators a single partner for end-to-end safety coverage.

“Safety in aviation is a lifecycle, not a point solution or set of vendors,” said Karl Steeves, CEO of TrustFlight. “By bringing together the strengths of these three companies with TrustFlight’s software and data platform, we’re building an operating system for safety that helps anticipate risks earlier, prove compliance continuously, and recover faster when events occur. We’re excited about the capabilities these companies bring to TrustFlight.”

In an era of rapid regulatory change, emerging threats, and heightened public scrutiny, operators are demanding continuous safety readiness that integrates training, security, compliance and incident response into a single, unified solution. By combining Baines Simmons, Kenyon Emergency Services, and Baines Simmons with TrustFlight’s software expertise, operators can replace fragmented toolsets with a cohesive, end-to-end model that lowers risk, reduces the cost and effort of compliance, shortens audit cycles, and strengthens resilience.

The acquired businesses will retain their existing management teams, brands, engineering expertise, and sales capabilities, with no immediate operational changes. Existing contracts and points of contact will remain unchanged, with access to a broader portfolio coordinated through TrustFlight.

“Customers tell us compliance shouldn’t be a reactive, last-minute exercise,” said Richard Steeves, chairman of TrustFlight. “This combination gives every segment of aviation a single, integrated partner that makes safety proactive and continuous, with one accountable pathway across prevention, assurance and recovery. We are delighted to welcome these trusted teams and to offer the market a clear, integrated choice in safety.”