Category: BizJet

Signia Aerospace Acquires Precise Flight

Signia Aerospace, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, announced the acquisition of Precise Flight, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative aviation safety systems and equipment. Based in Bend, Oregon, Precise Flight will continue to operate from its current headquarters.

Precise Flight is known globally for its trusted product lines, including the Pulselite System, fixed and portable oxygen systems, and Speedbrakes. These products are installed on a diverse range of aircraft, with customers across the aerospace spectrum including airlines, airframe OEMs, and leading completion centers and MROs. Notable customers include Qantas, Alaska Airlines, Gulfstream, Bell Textron, Bombardier, Cirrus, Textron Aviation, Daher, Piper, Mooney, Robinson Helicopters, and Airbus Helicopters, among many others.  

“Precise Flight is a critical supplier of innovative products to aviation customers worldwide and leads with forward-thinking design and manufacturing,” said Norman Jordan, CEO of Signia Aerospace. “Their reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability makes them a natural fit for our growing platform.”  

Precise Flight will continue to be led by Bill Hoback. “Joining Signia Aerospace marks a significant milestone for our company,” said Hoback. “This partnership strengthens our foundation and positions us to accelerate product development, expand market reach, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers.”  

Precise Flight will report into Signia Aerospace Group President Keith Bagley. “Welcoming Precise Flight into the Signia Aerospace family strengthens our ability to serve the aviation industry with integrated and advanced technologies,” said Bagley. “Precise Flight aligns perfectly with our mission and complements the capabilities of our existing brands.”

Elliott Aviation Delivers Fifth Garmin G600 TXi with GFC 600 Autopilot in Citation CJ Series Aircraft

Elliott Aviation, the industry’s leading Garmin retrofit partner for turbine aircraft, has completed its fifth installation of the Garmin G600 TXi flight display system paired with the GFC 600 digital autopilot in Citation CJ series aircraft. This milestone further reinforces Elliott Aviation’s reputation as the top Garmin avionics installer in the world for turbine platforms.

Elliott Aviation has earned its status as the number one dealer for Garmin retrofits in turbine aircraft, with more than 90 Garmin G5000 systems delivered in Citation 560XL series and Beechjet/Hawker 400XP, and over 425 G1000/G1000 NXi installations in King Airs, more than any other dealer worldwide.

“Our team continues to raise the bar when it comes to complex Garmin retrofits in turbine aircraft,” said Bill Forbes, senior vice president of Avionics and Business Development at Elliott Aviation. “The CJ upgrade with the G600 TXi and GFC 600 offers operators a transformative flight deck experience with modern technology, increased reliability, and full envelope protection, all backed by Elliott’s deep experience and technical expertise.”

Elliott Aviation says it can complete the G600 TXi and GFC 600 installation in a Citation CJ in as little as 25 working days, minimizing downtime while delivering maximum value. The integration brings modern touchscreen flight displays, advanced autopilot capabilities, and enhanced situational awareness to legacy aircraft.

Textron Aviation Announces Additional Garmin Avionics Upgrade Option for Cessna Citation CJ1

Textron Aviation announced customers can now upgrade their Cessna Citation CJ1 with the all-Garmin retrofit solution following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certification (STC). Customers can have the upgrade installed at any of the company’s global service network locations to add significant technological advances and new capabilities to their aircraft.

The Garmin avionics upgrade — including the new, larger 12-inch G600 TXi flight display, TXi EIS, GTN 750Xi GPS/NAV/COMM and GFC 600 digital autopilot — is a cutting-edge solution for the CJ1 cockpit. The system offers situational awareness features such as Stabilized Approach monitoring and aural V-speed alerting during takeoff. Optionally, the upgrade can also include Garmin’s GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar, GDL 60 datalink for the PlaneSync connected aircraft management system and more.

“At Textron Aviation, we’re committed to enhancing customers’ aircraft no matter where it is in its lifecycle, and offering the all-Garmin retrofit solution for the Cessna Citation CJ1 delivers on that commitment,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president, Customer Support. “The upgrade enhances the in-flight experience, offering the latest technology available today to support pilots as missions and technology evolve.”

The Cessna Citation CJ1 light jet holds up to eight occupants, has a range of 1,266 nm and received certification in 2000. Textron Aviation produced nearly 200 CJ1s until 2005.

As the original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft, Textron Aviation can offer the OEM-certified upgrade of the Cessna Citation CJ1 avionics that maintains the system integrity as originally certified. Customers can have the upgrade installed at a Textron Aviation service center.

QT Aerospace Elevates Global MRO Capabilities with New EASA Part145 Certification

QT Aerospace, a provider of MRO solutions, announced it has been awarded EASA Part145 Repair Station certification, significantly expanding its international maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

This certification joins QT Aerospace’s existing FAA Part145 credentials (ST1R492K, empowering the company to perform full MRO operations on European-registered aircraft and components straight from its Dallas, Texas facility.

Key Highlights:

• Expanded access to European markets: EASA approval lets QT Aerospace service European-registered aircraft, aligning its service scope with FAA coverage. 

• Comprehensive composite and structural repair offerings: Capabilities include advanced composite structures/sheet-metal/bonding and emergency “quick-turn” services. Specialties include flight control surfaces and engine inlets, cowls and thrust reversers.

• Strategic Dallas location: QT Aerospace’s facility at 8400 Directors Row is equipped for 24/7 AOG, ensuring rapid response and able to ship direct anywhere in the world. 

“Our new EASA Part145 certification is a major leap forward,” said Mark Lindley, vice president at QT Aerospace. “Combined with our FAA approval, this dual-cert status cements our position as a global MRO partner. Operators can now lean on us for seamless, compliant services—anywhere in the world.”

Incora Achieves AS13100 Compliance and Joins AESQ as the First Global Distributor Member

Incora, a leading global provider of integrated supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defense industries, today announced it has reached two significant milestones that reinforce its dedication to quality and continuous improvement.

After a rigorous three-year process, Incora has achieved 100% compliance with AS13100, the standardized quality management system requirements for aerospace engine suppliers. This achievement positions Incora among a select group of companies able to meet the industry’s most stringent expectations for process control, risk management, and product integrity.

In tandem with this milestone, Incora has been accepted as the newest member of the Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) Strategy Group, becoming the first and only distributor globally to join the consortium. As a member of AESQ, Incora will collaborate directly with leading OEMs, suppliers, and stakeholders to help shape the future of quality standards across the aerospace engine supply chain.

“Achieving full AS13100 compliance demonstrates our team’s unwavering focus on delivering the highest quality and reliability to our customers worldwide,” said David Coleal, CEO of Incora. “Joining AESQ as the first distributor member is both an honor and a responsibility. We look forward to contributing our perspective to advance quality practices across the entire industry ecosystem.”

AS13100, developed by AESQ, consolidates and harmonizes multiple OEM quality requirements into a single, globally recognized standard designed to improve product quality and reduce variation. Incora’s accomplishment reflects its deep investment in robust processes, employee training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Rolland Vincent Associates Releases Report Advocating for a Zero-Tariff Business Aviation Marketplace

Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA), a consultancy focused on business aviation intelligence, strategy, and forecasting, has released a definitive new research report. Entitled Back to the Future: In Support of a Zero-Tariff Marketplace for Business Jets, it is a comprehensive analysis that strongly advocates for a tariff-free marketplace, underscoring the industry’s critical role in U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

RVA’s report directly addresses potential U.S. national security concerns outlined in the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 Investigation, launched May 1, 2025. This investigation examines imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and parts — including the vital business aviation sector. In late May 2025, RVA submitted its findings to the Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Strategic Industries and Economic Security in response to their request for stakeholder input.

“We urge policymakers to oppose new tariffs, reaffirm multilateral commitments, and promote data-driven policies that have set the stage for U.S. leadership in civil aircraft development and manufacturing,” said Rollie Vincent, RVA president. “Business aviation thrives on international collaboration, and a stable, zero-tariff trade environment has fueled decades of investment, innovation, and high-paying jobs in America. The U.S. business jet manufacturing industry consistently generates a significant trade surplus and is a model for other sectors to emulate.”

Dr. Dean Roberts, RVA vice president, strategy, sustainability & development, added, “Our message to policymakers is clear: don’t disrupt what works. Free and fair trade has helped cement America’s leadership in business aviation. We urge the preservation of conditions — open markets, stable rules, and trusted partnerships — that have fostered U.S. global leadership. Our report’s data confirms that this trade environment attracts global investment and fortifies the U.S. business aviation industry.”

Main Conclusions from the RVA Research Report include:

  • Business Aviation: A Strategically Vital U.S. Industry.
  • Sector Defined by Long-Term Investment & Complex Regulations.
  • Foreign Investment Enhances U.S. Industrial Strength.
  • Policy Focus: Enabling Global Leadership Through Open Markets. RVA’s new Zero-Tariff report is the first in a series and can be downloaded at: https://rollandvincent.com/research-reports

Sonic and Worcester Polytechnic Institute Partnerto Build ROI Calculator for Tool Efficiency

Sonic, a leading provider of professional-grade tool solutions and equipment, announced its Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator. Developed in partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) faculty and students as part of its Major Qualifying Project (MQP) requirement, Sonic has debuted a tool that calculates the ROI of Sonic hand tools and storage solutions for an industrial or commercial business serving the automotive, manufacturing, or aviation industries.

The ROI Calculator estimates the cost savings resulting from the operational efficiency of investing in and using Sonic hand tools and storage solutions — including its Sonic Foam System (SFS), designed to keep everything where it should be without the need to dig through an unorganized, messy tool drawer. Values from a third-party study were used to compare Sonic to a standard industry toolset in the development of the calculator. The analysis is based on a standard 250-day work year to ensure that the results reflect annual performance accurately.

“In developing the ROI Calculator, we wanted to allow prospects to understand the value an
investment in Sonic tools provides. Our team can talk about the value all day, but they need to see the figures themselves, rather than just hear it from us,” said Colby McConnell, CEO, Sonic USA. “In partnering with WPI, we empowered students to apply their data science skills to a real-world application via service and repair efficiency and productivity. In turn, Sonic can offer prospects detailed savings information specifically tailored to their respective environment across automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace.”

By answering five questions, the ROI Calculator estimates productivity and the resulting cost savings from a more efficient service and repair environment. The results show how much a shop can save and are represented by a range determined via a calculation of simple, moderate, and difficult tasks.

“Every undergraduate must complete an MQP project—a capstone project that is an integral element of our project-based education at WPI. MQPs are high-level research projects that address problems similar to those found in a student’s professional discipline,” said Jim Ryan, associate teaching professor of management information systems (MIS), information systems and technologies (IST), and business analytics (BA) at WPI.

In this case, the Sonic MQP spanned MIS, IST, BA — and data science and industrial engineering. Students were guided by professors in these areas of study, including Ryan, Fatemeh Emdad, professor of data science and artificial intelligence and Joe Zhu, professor of operations analytics.

Speaking for the team, Emdad shared, “It’s been a pleasure overseeing the ROI Calculator project with Sonic and mentoring our students to develop a real-world tool that provides value and guidance to service and repair decision-makers.”

Sonic tools and storage solutions are designed for one thing: efficiency — creating a more productive repair environment when Sonic’s tools are employed. An independent time study found that Sonic enables 78 percent faster toolbox inventory, reduces misplaced tools by 80 percent, and speeds tool retrieval and return by 20 percent. Sonic and WPI can now provide an estimated dollar figure specific to each unique repair environment.

The results are subject to change if purchases outside of recommendations are made, and all information inputted into the calculator will be solely collected by Sonic USA and deleted within one week.

For more information about Sonic and the ROI Calculator, visit:
https://sonictoolsstg.wpengine.com/toolset-roi-calculator/.

To learn more about WPI, visit: https://www.wpi.edu/.

Citadel Completions Welcomes Gregory Colgan as Chief Executive Officer

Citadel Completions is proud to announce the appointment of Gregory Colgan as its new chief executive officer. With over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, Greg brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of driving growth, operational excellence, and innovation.

Colgan joins Citadel Completions from MRO Holdings, where he served as CEO and led the company to become the largest airframe maintenance provider in the Americas. Under his leadership, MRO Holdings achieved global recognition for its superior operational performance and long-term partnerships with some of the world’s largest air carriers.

“Greg’s visionary leadership and deep industry expertise make him the ideal person to lead Citadel Completions into its next phase of growth,” said Patrick Dumont, on behalf of the ownership group. “His commitment to excellence and customer-centric approach align perfectly with our mission to provide superior technical expertise and exemplary customer service while positioning Citadel as the #1 choice for V/VIP aircraft completions and services in the Americas.”

Colgan, who will assume his role in August, added, “It’s a privilege to join Citadel Completions and work with this exceptional team. Citadel’s commitment to design excellence, exquisite quality, and personalized customer experiences is unmatched in the industry. I see a tremendous opportunity for our team, and I look forward to driving the company’s vision forward.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Colgan is a dedicated advocate for giving back to the community. He serves on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum and Vogel Alcove, a Dallas-based charity supporting children and families overcoming homelessness. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Airlines for America 2025 Nuts & Bolts Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the aviation industry.

CADO and 4AIR Harmonize SAF Registries for Commercial and Business Aviation

The Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO), and 4AIR announced a strategic collaboration between their respective Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) registries. The collaboration’s key focus is on interoperability to enhance data integrity, mitigate double issuance risks, and facilitate efficient cross-registry SAF certificate handling between commercial and business aviation.

The collaboration between the CADO SAF Registry and the Assure SAF Registry powered by 4AIR is a key step towards a fully functioning SAF market while safeguarding data integrity.

“Collaboration can leverage the strengths of each sector to tackle the challenge of decarbonizing the aviation industry more effectively. Alignment between commercial and business aviation sends a strong demand signal for more SAF, creates greater transparency, reduces integrity risks for the SAF value chain, and eases the burden of claiming SAF under voluntary or regulatory schemes,” said Kennedy Ricci, President of 4AIR.

“A unified approach from both business and commercial aviation is vital to create an environment that promotes SAF development and adoption across sectors. This can only be achieved when all registry providers work together and cooperate on the technical aspects of interoperability, to ensure immutable tracking of emission reductions, in a harmonized and standardized way. This should lead to greater acceptance and demand for SAF, potentially lowering the costs and administrative burden for procuring SAF and claiming its environmental attributes under voluntary or regulatory schemes,” said Michael Schneider, Executive Director, CADO.

This collaboration with 4AIR follows the announcement of a similar collaboration agreement with 123Carbon to develop interoperability between SAF registries.

Elevate MRO Now Offering Gogo Installations at Through Strategic Industry Partnerships

Elevate MRO, an Elevate Aviation Group Company, announces its new capability to install Gogo Business Aviation inflight connectivity systems at all Elevate MRO locations. Through strategic collaborations with trusted industry partners, Elevate MRO can now facilitate these installations directly from its facilities or at client facilities off-site.

As demand for high-speed inflight Wi-Fi continues to rise, Elevate MRO is committed to expanding service offerings that meet the evolving needs of business aviation clients. This new capability ensures operators flying in and out of BJC and SLC have convenient access to one of the most sought-after connectivity upgrades in the industry without needing to reposition their aircraft.

“Connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Jim Slack, president at Elevate MRO. “We are thrilled to bring this service to Elevate MRO in partnership with certified Gogo installation providers. Our clients can now enjoy seamless access to Gogo installations right here in the Denver metro area, as well as in the Salt Lake City region.”

Elevate MRO’s expert team coordinates the entire process, providing a streamlined experience that includes scheduling, certification, and post-installation support. Whether upgrading to Gogo AVANCE L3, L5, or the upcoming Gogo 5G system, aircraft operators can trust Elevate MRO to deliver quality, efficiency, and convenience.