Galaxy Aviation is expanding the available hangar space in Houston to address demand for aircraft shelter as the region continues to see strong business aviation growth. The Texas-based FBO chain recently constructed a hangar at its flagship Houston Hobby Airport (KHOU) location, and broke ground on another at its Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO) facility.

Encompassing 29,000 sq ft of space, the KHOU hangar—Galaxy’s fourth at this location—can accommodate aircraft up to a Gulfstream G500. In total, Galaxy's KHOU complex now has 140,000 sq ft of hangar space, capable of handling the latest ultra-long-range business jets.

At nearby KCXO, the Black Forest Ventures subsidiary just broke ground on what will be Galaxy’s 10th hangar on its campus there. Slated for completion in January, the project includes 21,875 sq ft of space capable of housing the top-end business jets, along with 4,200 sq ft of office and storage space. That will bring the FBO to 220,000 sq ft of aircraft storage space.

Both projects reflect Galaxy’s approach to development: purpose-built facilities designed around aircraft performance, operational efficiency, and customer experience. According to the company, “These developments reflect Galaxy’s long-term commitment to supporting growing demand across the greater Houston region while delivering modern, scalable facilities for operators and aircraft owners.”

Crew recency and flight time are the most common business aviation flight risks, while inspection and task type top the maintenance risk list, according to a new report from Nimbl. The company analyzed more than 55,000 risk assessments submitted last year by operators using its safety management and procedures software. The report ranks the 10 most frequent flight and maintenance safety risks.

Recency-associated risk for crew occurs when pilots have insufficient total time or time in type to meet company minimums. Airports in mountainous terrain ranked as the second most common flight risk. Wind and operational duration were added as new entries to the flight risk rankings. Operational duration risk includes concerns about crew fatigue.

Regarding maintenance risks, injury hazards, such as working at height or on slippery surfaces without adequate protection, ranked second. New maintenance risks in the latest report include insufficient staffing and hazards from ground obstructions or moving vehicles.

Nimbl’s annual safety report last year analyzed actual incidents and accidents from 2024 and found that procedural failures and human factors were the biggest contributing elements. The company’s 2026 risks report analyzes proactive risk assessments submitted by operators in 2025 to identify potential hazards before incidents occurred.

“When flight departments understand where they are vulnerable, they can implement targeted improvements to become better and safer,” said Nimbl CEO Mark Baier.

The FAA is investigating a runway incursion at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) after air traffic controllers canceled takeoff clearance for an Air France flight when a business jet entered the runway without authorization.

The April 8 incident involving Air France Flight 25 occurred around 6:15 p.m. local time as the Boeing 777-328ER accelerated for departure to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG), according to NBC Los Angeles. A Gulfstream G650ER that had just landed crossed Runway 24L, placing the business jet directly in the path of the departing Air France aircraft.

Air traffic controllers had instructed the Gulfstream pilot to hold short of Runway 24L after landing, and the pilot acknowledged the instruction, according to ATC recordings. However, the business jet proceeded to cross the line.

Runway warning lights alerted the Air France crew to the incursion, and the pilots immediately rejected the takeoff, according to NBC4. Controllers canceled the takeoff clearance after the Gulfstream crossed onto the runway. The Air France crew brought the aircraft to a safe stop, held position for approximately 10 minutes, then departed successfully with a slight delay. No injuries were reported.

Hours after this incident, a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 was forced to abort its takeoff at KLAX when service vehicles entered the runway area. No injuries were reported, and the FAA is also investigating that incident. 

To make modifying the content of in-flight moving maps simpler, FlightPath3D has released BizAvStudio, a configuration tool that provides full control over map details for OEMs, aircraft owners, completion centers, and flight operations.

Operators of the more than 1,500 business aircraft flying with FlightPath3D’s moving map can now configure their maps as necessary, including modifying “branding, welcome screens, passenger information displays, map styling, and geopolitical settings without requiring software updates, engineering support, or vendor intervention,” according to FlightPath3D. BizAvStudio also helps installers deliver an aircraft with the map fully configured.

New Textron Aviation Citations carry the FlightPath3D maps, and Gogo’s Vision in-flight entertainment system uses FlightPath3D’s moving map, as do those from Astronics, Cabin Management Systems, and DPI.

“BizAvStudio is not a feature; it is a new operational model,” said FlightPath3D president Duncan Jackson. “Configuration is no longer something that happens once at delivery. It’s something operators own for the life of the aircraft.”

“Owners and operators already control every element of the private jet cabin experience, from interior design to catering to connectivity,” said Howie Lewis, v-p of business aviation for FlightPath3D. “The in-flight map was the last piece they couldn’t touch. That’s no longer the case.”

Engine Assurance Program’s approach to AOGs sets it apart. Rapid response technicians are dispatched, to the greatest extent possible, with known needed parts in hand, getting operators back in the air more quickly. EAP’s responsive nature makes it more than a vendor, it’s a partner.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has teamed with Tuvoli and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to hold a first-of-a-kind symposium that delves into applications of artificial intelligence across the business aviation industry. Scheduled for September 14 to 16 in Daytona Beach, Florida, the AI Symposium for Business Aviation (AISBA) will bring together aviation business leaders, operational professionals, technology experts, educators, and students to discuss how aviation organizations can evaluate and apply AI responsibly to improve efficiency, decision-making, safety, workforce support, and overall business performance.

According to NATA, the symposium will emphasize practical applications, providing insights into emerging strategies, operational considerations, and broader responsibilities associated with AI use. In addition, the symposium is designed to create a forum for collaboration between industry and academia, the association said, adding that this engagement is particularly important to deepen workforce readiness in tandem with innovation.

“The interaction will help strengthen understanding of how innovation is being applied in aviation businesses while supporting stronger connections between industry and the next generation of professionals,” NATA explained.

Registration is open, and NATA is accepting input on session topics.

Rosen Aviation supported the completion of an undisclosed VVIP widebody aircraft, including the installation of what it terms the world’s largest in-flight entertainment (IFE) display and an array of 4K screens.

The Eugene, Oregon-based company delivered IFE hardware and software support, including the massive home cinema display, which Rosen said was a ground-up design and certification that came in 100 pounds below the specified weight budget. Multiple 4K OLED display sizes were integrated into the aircraft.

The completion also included Rosen’s Celestia cabin management system, introduced in 2025. Celestia provides passenger and crew control as well as IFE integration and distribution.

“After many decades of essentially owning the business aviation IFE space, and witnessing our rapid ascension in VVIP and even commercial aviation, moments like this make me take pause and appreciate just how far we’ve come,” said Lee Clark, senior v-p of strategy at Rosen Aviation.

Rosen offers what it describes as the industry’s only complete line of 4K OLED IFE displays. Founded in 1982, the company focuses on aviation displays, IFE technologies, and cabin electronics.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based charter provider TLC Jet has partnered with American Airlines to allow private jet clients to earn AAdvantage miles and loyalty points on charter flights.

“This partnership bridges two worlds—the flexibility and efficiency of flying private with TLC Jet and the global reach of American Airlines,” said Justin Firestone, founder and president of TLC Jet.

TLC Jet is part of the TLC Aviation portfolio, which includes Privaira aircraft management and Toledo Jet maintenance services. American claims it created the first airline loyalty program with the AAdvantage program, and the airline serves more than 350 destinations in 60-plus countries.

“Today’s travelers are seeking more premium experiences,” said Steve Johnson, American’s vice chair and chief strategy officer. “As a leading premium airline, we’re committed to exploring new ways we can elevate the journey for our customers both in the services we offer and those of our partners.”

Rotary-wing aviation event HeliXP returns for its seventh edition on April 22 and 23 at Helicentro Helipark (SIAV) in Carapicuíba, São Paulo, Brazil. The event serves both business and public aviation sectors, including firefighting and police operations.

Brazil boasts one of the world’s largest helicopter fleets, with 1,654 rotary-wing aircraft registered there, according to Brazilian business aviation association ABAG. The fleet includes 1,409 turbine and 245 piston helicopters. Brazil has 1,505 heliports registered with national civil aviation agency ANAC, with 63% located in the southeast region, which includes Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo.

The event, organized by G2C Events, runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. both days and brings together manufacturers, operators, pilots, and industry leaders. Demonstration flights will be available on Helipark’s 230-meter (755-foot) taxiway, which will be dedicated to aircraft display during the event. Helipark offers 56,000 sq m dedicated to rotary-wing operations and permits landings and takeoffs 24 hours a day.

AIN’s 2027 FBO survey is open! The deadline to vote in the 2027 survey (to be announced at our 3rd annual FBO Awards Dinner & Gala and published in March) is December 6. It's earlier this year than usual. The survey takes only a minute, and you can do it while waiting for passengers, on the shuttle bus to/from the hotel, or at any other time that is convenient for you. Participants will be entered to win a $250 Amazon gift card (winner must reside in the U.S.). Log in to rate your experiences at the FBOs you visit.