Category: BizJet

Bain Capital Enters Fixed-Base Operator Sector With Acquisition of APP Jet Center

Bain Capital announced its entry into the fixed-base operator (FBO) sector through the acquisition of APP Jet Center, a provider of aviation services at high-quality, supply-constrained airports in the United States. Mark Johnstone, the former CEO of Signature Aviation, will lead the business. Financial terms of the acquisition of APP Jet Center from Ridgewood Infrastructure were not disclosed.

APP Jet Center is a well-established FBO operator with a portfolio of five locations across the U.S., serving business and general aviation customers in markets including South Florida, the Washington, D.C. region, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Denver. The platform provides a full suite of aviation real estate and related services, including aircraft hangar space and fueling. Bain Capital will look to actively expand APP’s footprint with additional high-quality assets serving supply-constrained markets.

Demand for private and business aviation services has been supported by long-term growth in flight activity, modernized aircraft that require modern hangar infrastructure, and airport environments that limit new development. These dynamics, combined with the more operational nature of the business, make FBOs well suited to Bain Capital’s thematic, value-add investment approach.

“APP Jet Center is a strong starting point for our FBO strategy, as the business operates at attractive, capacity-constrained airports and has built long-standing relationships with airport authorities and customers,” said Chris Leddy, a managing director at Bain Capital Real Estate. “We see an opportunity to support the growth of the platform through continued investment in facilities, operations, and leadership, applying the same disciplined, active ownership approach that has guided our work across other operationally intensive real estate sectors.”

Mr. Johnstone and his team of highly experienced aviation professionals, will focus on enhancing the platform’s operations and selectively expanding its footprint in attractive markets, while investing across the existing network to meet the growing demand for aircraft hangar storage.

“I am truly excited by the acquisition of APP Jet Center and see this as a tremendous foundation for our new FBO journey,” said Johnstone. “We will focus on our employees, customers, and safety as we build on the great work of the APP Jet Center team. Looking ahead, we plan to thoughtfully expand our presence in core markets and to support the long-term structural growth of private and business aviation.”

The launch of the FBO platform builds on Bain Capital’s more than 40-year history of investing across the aviation industry, including aircraft leasing, aviation services, and transportation-adjacent businesses.

This investment reflects Bain Capital’s ability to bring together operational expertise and sector knowledge. “We continue to believe that aviation is a space that will benefit from outsized growth and can create durable value across market cycles,” added Matt Evans, a partner at Bain Capital Special Situations.

ARSA Offers D&A Waiver Guidance to Australia

On Jan. 26, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association delivered resources and instructions to Australian holders of U.S. repair station certificates for seeking a single, nationwide waiver from the FAA’s new rule imposing drug and alcohol testing requirements outside the United States.

Based on its decades of experience with testing requirements and analysis of the final rule issued in December 2024, ARSA drafted a waiver application based on the equivalency of Australian drug and alcohol testing regulations to American standards. After coordinating with government officials in both countries, the association provided a method for repair stations to push Australia to seek the blanket waiver on behalf of all of its FAA-certificated repair stations.

“We offer the draft waiver … that [the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia] can use to obtain acknowledgement that your country’s drug and alcohol testing regime is equivalent to that being imposed by the United States on ‘foreign’ repair stations under CASA’s jurisdiction,” ARSA said in its first outreach to the Australian Government in December – the exchange led to the direct repair station outreach. “We are also hopeful that the draft waiver can serve as an example of the care and detail that the American regulations require to establish a country-wide waiver.”

Repair stations located outside the United States must comply with new testing requirements by the end of 2027. Given the extreme complexity of compliance, ARSA urges governments and international stakeholders to take action now to plan program management.

To read the ARSA letter to the Australian Government that began this effort, click here.

To review ARSA’s matrix analyzing CASA’s drug and alcohol testing requirements against those of the 14 CFR part 120, click here.

For background on American drug and alcohol testing rules for maintenance providers and ARSA’s engagement, click here.

Sislian Appointed EVP Sales and Aftermarket Services

In late January 2026, Bombardier announced a new appointment to its leadership team to deepen customer relationships.

Paul Sislian was appointed executive vice president, aircraft sales and Bombardier aftermarket services in January 2026. In this expanded role, Sislian will continue building the company’s fast-growing, service network and take charge of the worldwide aircraft sales teams, for business jets and defense. He will be supported by 30-year Bombardier veteran, Peter Likoray.

By bringing sales and services together, Sislian and his team say they will further strengthen Bombardier’s competitive edge and continue setting industry‑leading standards. Sislian has been at Bombardier for 17 years and previously led business jet manufacturing operations, Bombardier’s aerostructures business and most recently was responsible for aftermarket services and corporate strategy. 

“Bombardier has successfully completed multiple strategic objectives with regard to product development, services expansion, Defense growth and financial deleveraging,” said Éric Martel, president and CEO, Bombardier. “I am proud of the high level of execution from the entire executive team as well as their individual and collective contributions to all facets of our company’s people and customer-centric culture. Today’s appointments reflect our trust in their leadership and our company’s bold ambitions for Bombardier’s immediate and long-term development.”

AOPA Launches Member Call to Action on ADS-B Misuse 

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched a member call to action asking its 300,000 members to contact their senators and representatives in Congress and urge them to cosponsor the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA), legislation that would address growing concerns over the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data, including its use by some airports to charge fees to pilots. 

“When the ADS-B mandate went into effect in 2020, the FAA said this important technology would only be used for safety and airspace efficiency. Instead, we’re now seeing it used in ways that discourage adoption,” said Darren Pleasance, AOPA president and CEO. “As the largest pilot organization in the world, we need every one of our members to tell their elected representatives how the misuse of ADS-B is a step backward for aviation safety and erodes trust in our aviation system.” 

PAPA was introduced in 2025 by Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.) as H.R. 4146 and Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) as S. 2175. If passed, it would: 

  • Prohibit the use of ADS-B data to assist in the collection of fees from pilots or aircraft owners.
  • Clarify that ADS-B data may only be used for its intended purposes of air traffic safety and efficiency.
  • Expand a provision in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that would effectively ban any government official from initiating a non-criminal investigation based solely on ADS-B data.
  • Ensure airports are transparent about proposed fees and their intended purpose.
  • Give the Secretary of Transportation the discretion to authorize other uses of ADS-B data.

Rep. Onder highlighted PAPA during a recent House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, saying, “If ADS-B is being used by, I’ll say, bad actors to monetize airport landing fees, that’s going to discourage folks from employing ADS-B or adopting ADS-B in the first place or turning it off.” 

“We appreciate Representative Onder and Senator Budd for their leadership on this important issue. As pilots, they know firsthand how vital ADS-B is to aviation safety and how important it is that this be addressed at the national level,” said Jim Coon, AOPA senior vice president of government affairs and advocacy. “Montana was the first state to pass a law prohibiting the use of ADS-B to charge fees to most GA pilots. We’re also seeing momentum building nationwide, with similar bills being filed in states like Arizona, Oklahoma, Florida, and Minnesota, with more on the way. While each of these efforts helps improve aviation safety, a patchwork of state laws could create confusion among pilots.” 

“To be clear, the bill would not prevent airports from imposing fees on pilots, nor would it impede the use of FlightAware, Flightradar24, or other popular flight tracking apps,” Pleasance wrote in an email to AOPA members earlier today. “When this bill becomes law, airports will still be able to impose fees, as long as they are fair and reasonable. Airports could also continue to use ADS-B to monitor traffic counts, understand traffic patterns and flows to help them manage and create operational efficiencies.” 

“As pilots, we understand how much of a game changer ADS-B has been,” said Pleasance. “I’ve spoken with many people who are deeply concerned about how quickly more airports are adopting this technology and how the data is being used. Allowing third parties to access personal information in the FAA aircraft registry without consent deters pilots and aircraft owners from equipping their aircraft with ADS-B.” 

“Many of us have used ADS-B to track a flight online using a service like Flightradar24 or FlightAware, but those who aren’t pilots may not understand how critical this technology has been to the continual improvement we’re seeing in general aviation safety,” said AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Mike Ginter. “The accident rate has been dropping for more than 30 years and there is no question that ADS-B has contributed to that success.” 

Wintriss Controls Group Appoints New President

Wintriss Controls Group announced that the former general manager of Wintriss, Keith Magnant, is serving as the company’s new president, an appointment that became effective Jan. 1, 2026. Magnant succeeds long-standing Wintriss President Mark Hatch, who retired at the end of 2025 after 45 years in manufacturing with Wintriss, 15 of which he served as the company’s president. 

The succession was carefully planned and executed over the past 12 months with Hatch and Magnant working closely together for a seamless transition. Under Magnant’s leadership and strategic vision, Wintriss is strongly positioned for a future of long-term growth and continuous innovation.

“It’s an honor to follow in Mark’s footsteps, and I’m excited to carry forward all his success. Having served as general manager for several years, I know our teams and customers well, making this a natural transition in leadership,” said Keith Magnant, president, Wintriss Controls Group. “My job as president is to continue delivering quality products, meeting customer commitments and supporting our organization. I look forward to growing Wintriss and bringing the company’s products to new markets.” 

Magnant is a highly skilled sales and marketing executive with 30 years of experience specializing in hardware and software manufacturing for a range of industries. He has been with Wintriss for nearly 12 years in various and progressive roles, including sales manager, director of sales and marketing and most recently general manager.

Magnant played a pivotal role in Wintriss’ recent asset acquisition of ISB, now operating as Wintriss ISB, where he also serves as president. Wintriss ISB is a manufacturer of safety equipment for the metal forming industry based in Montreal, QC, Canada. With Wintriss ISB’s full complement of light curtains, press brake guarding systems and other safety products, combined with Wintriss’ outstanding line of Shadow Light Curtains, the acquisition positions Wintriss as the leading provider of safety solutions for presses and press brakes in the metal forming manufacturing industry. 

Swartz Aviation Sees Sustained Demand in Challenger Market, Completing Four Transactions, Including International Aircraft

Swartz Aviation Group has completed four Bombardier Challenger transactions in three months, including three Challenger 605 aircraft and one Challenger 350. The recent activity reflects market demand for large-cabin and super-midsize aircraft.

Two of the completed Challenger transactions involved internationally based aircraft, one located in Canada and one in Argentina. In both cases, Swartz Aviation structured and managed the import process, allowing the aircraft to be brought into the United States without tariff exposure for the buyers. Internationally based aircraft can be overlooked by buyers unfamiliar with regulatory and tax considerations, despite representing viable opportunities in a constrained domestic market.

“When structured correctly, international transactions can open access to aircraft that may not be available domestically, without introducing unnecessary risk or cost,” said John Swartz, founder and president of Swartz Aviation Group. 

Ongoing tariff considerations and limited domestic inventory continue to influence buyer strategy, leading many to evaluate internationally based aircraft. 

Swartz Aviation advises buyers and sellers on U.S.-based and international aircraft transactions, navigating import/export considerations, regulatory compliance, inspections, and closing structures. 

Transaction Activity Reflects Broader Market Trends

These recent Challenger transactions align with broader market patterns favoring newer-generation aircraft with proven performance, range, and long-term operational support. Challenger 605 aircraft, particularly those configured for 12 passengers, continue to attract consistent buyer interest, while the Challenger 350 remains one of the most actively traded super-midsize jets in the market.

“Many owners begin with aircraft like a Pilatus or Embraer and transition into larger-cabin platforms as their mission evolves,” Swartz said. “Our role is to provide consistent guidance throughout that progression.”

Across the market, transaction activity continues to favor aircraft that support scalable ownership and global operations, including Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft, Embraer Phenom 300/300E and Praetor 500/600 jets, Bombardier Challenger 300, 350, and 605 platforms, as well as Dassault Falcon 2000 and 900 series aircraft. 

FlightSafety International Receives EASA and UK CAA Certification for Gulfstream G700 Flight Simulator at Farnborough Learning Center

FlightSafety International Inc. (FSI), a global leader in aviation training and simulation technology, announced has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) certification for its Gulfstream G700 Full Flight Simulator (FFS), located at the company’s Farnborough Learning Center.

The certification of the simulator, which was engineered and manufactured by FSI, validates the advanced technology, accuracy, and fidelity of the flight training device, confirming it meets the highest European and UK regulatory standards. The FFS will be leveraged for initial, recurrent, and advanced pilot training to support G700 and Gulfstream G800 aircraft, further expanding global access to high-fidelity training.

“The G700 simulator certification in Farnborough reinforces FSI’s long-standing commitment to supporting Gulfstream operators across Europe,” said David Mann, Farnborough Center manager, FlightSafety International. “It expands access to advanced training in the region, giving pilots more access to realistic, world-class training that meets the highest regulatory standards.”

FSI has operated in Europe for nearly 50 years, with Farnborough serving as one of its flagship learning centres in the region. The Farnborough facility supports a broad range of business aviation customers and continues to expand its capabilities to meet growing demand from European and international operators. The new certification follows FSI’s announcement of its planned expansion at the Farnborough Learning Center, further strengthening the company’s long-term investment in training reach in the region.

QT Aerospace Achieves UK CAA Part 145 Certification, Expanding Global MRO Capabilities

QT Aerospace is proud to announce it has officially received UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 145 approval, certification number UK.145.50883, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued global expansion and commitment to the highest international standards of aircraft maintenance and repair.

The UK CAA Part 145 certification authorizes QT Aerospace to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in accordance with stringent UK and international aviation safety regulations. This approval further strengthens QT Aerospace’s ability to support operators, lessors, and MRO partners worldwide with compliant, high-quality composite repair solutions.

“Achieving UK CAA Part 145 certification is a testament to our team’s technical excellence, disciplined processes, and unwavering focus on safety and quality,” said Mark Lindley, QT Aerospace vice president. “This approval allows us to better serve our international customers while reinforcing QT Aerospace’s position as a trusted global partner in aircraft composite repair” he further added.

With this certification, QT Aerospace enhances its capability to support UK-registered aircraft and international operators that require CAA-approved maintenance providers. 

The approval complements QT Aerospace’s existing regulatory credentials and aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to expand its global footprint while maintaining best-in-class operational standards.

QT Aerospace is known for its expertise in aircraft composite structures, rapid turnaround times, and customer-focused approach — delivering solutions that minimize AOG events and keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently.

JetRay Delivers Sensor-Agnostic “Rover” Platform for Automated Non-Destructive Testing; Systems Now Supporting Northrop Grumman Operations

JetRay Corporation announced that its JetRay Rover automated inspection platform is now deployed in operational use supporting Northrop Grumman programs, marking a major milestone for the company after nearly two decades of development focused on robotics-enabled inspection for aerospace applications.

The JetRay Rover is a field-deployable, sensor-agnostic automation platform designed to help inspection teams collect high-quality non-destructive testing (NDT) and surface measurement data more efficiently and repeatably across large, complex structures. The system is engineered to integrate a wide variety of inspection payloads, up to 200 lbs, including contact-based sensors and standoff sensors, enabling customers to tailor the Rover to their preferred methods and equipment while improving throughput, consistency, and operator safety.

“Getting real systems into the field and supporting day-to-day operations is the milestone we’ve been working toward for a long time,” said Michael Sorensen, president of JetRay. “We built the JetRay Rover as a practical automation layer that can carry and precisely position the sensors our customers already rely on—while adding the navigation, visualization, and collision-avoidance capabilities needed for confident use in real-world environments.”

Built for Real-World Inspection Environments

The JetRay Rover combines mobility, precision motion control, and software designed specifically for inspection workflows. Key capabilities include:

  • Sensor-agnostic platform: Integrates a broad range of NDT and surface verification payloads up to 200 pounds.
  • Contact or standoff operation: Supports tools that require physical contact as well as sensors that operate at distance
  • Localized GPS navigation: Enables repeatable positioning and route execution in complex work areas
  • Pre-visualization interface: Provides operators with a planning/preview environment to support safe motion and access
  • Advanced collision detection: Software-driven collision avoidance to protect assets, tooling, and personnel
  • C1D2 rated: Designed for use in hazardous environments where applicable
  • Extended reach: Capable of carrying sensors to heights up to 65 feet, supporting large-area inspection without extensive scaffolding or repositioning

JetRay noted that multiple systems are currently in service and additional units are in the build queue as the company expands production capacity to meet growing demand for automated inspection solutions.

Seeking Sensor OEM and Teaming Partnerships

As JetRay accelerates commercialization, the company is actively seeking teaming and partner relationships with sensor manufacturers and inspection technology providers who want to expand their capabilities through automation.

“Many sensor OEMs have exceptional instruments, but their customers still face bottlenecks in access, repeatability, and inspection labor,” Sorensen added. “We’re interested in partnering with companies who see automation as the next step—where their sensor performance can be delivered faster, more consistently, and at scale.”

Omni Aircraft Maintenance Expands With New 40,000-Square-Foot Hangar to Support Growing Demand From Operators and Fleets

Omni Aircraft Maintenance has acquired a new 40,000-square-foot hangar facility at KTUL to support increasing demand from individual aircraft operators and fleet customers. The expansion also includes an additional 18,000 square feet of office and customer workspace designed to enhance collaboration, communication, and customer engagement throughout the maintenance process.

The additional capacity strengthens Omni’s ability to support a broader range of inspection, maintenance and avionics work while maintaining the disciplined operating approach that has guided the company’s growth.

According to the company, the expansion reflects increasing demand for Omni’s maintenance and avionics services from both individual and large fleet operators.

“This expansion reflects customers choosing Omni because they want clarity and accountability, not surprises,” said Tim Lockerby, director of sales at Omni Aircraft Maintenance. “The additional capacity allows us to grow responsibly while staying true to how we operate.”

The new hangar will support both single-aircraft operators and multi-aircraft fleets, with particular emphasis on aircraft segments where Omni has deep experience, including Citations, Challengers, Learjets and King Airs.