The NTSB released the final report today on the Hop-A-Jet Bombardier Challenger 604 crash on Feb. 9, 2024, in Naples, Florida. The probable cause of the accident cites corrosion in the jet’s GE CF34-3B engines' variable geometry (VG) system, which controls airflow through the high-pressure compressor by adjusting the position of the inlet guide vanes and the first five stages of stator vanes.

According to the NTSB, after both engines were sent to GE for evaluation, VG tests revealed “corrosion was observed in the high-pressure compressor (HPC) case flow path area, with the most significant corrosion found in the VG stage 5 area. Extensive corrosion was observed in the HPC case VG stage 5 stator vane spindle bores."

Both pilots were killed in the accident, while the flight attendant and the two passengers on board were able to escape the wreckage before it was consumed by fire.

The probable cause of the accident was: “Corrosion of both engines’ variable geometry (VG) system components, which led to their operation in an off-schedule position and resulted in near-simultaneous sub-idle rotating compressor stalls on approach, subsequent loss of thrust in both engines, and an off-airport landing. Contributing to the accident was inadequate fault isolation guidance from the engine manufacturer, which prevented the identification of corrosion buildup in VG system components during troubleshooting of hung start events of both engines about one month before the accident.”

Pilatus has begun construction on a new customer delivery center at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) in Broomfield, Colorado. The building will enable customers from all over the U.S.—the Swiss airframer’s top market—to configure and personalize their PC-12 turboprop singles or PC-24 light jets. Additionally, Pilatus will expand its existing engineering and passenger seat processing capabilities for the growing fleet.

With sustainability a key element of the project and a core value for the OEM, the structure was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and will feature photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible growth and environmentally conscious operations.

“This new facility with an investment of $50 million will allow Pilatus to expand local engineering capabilities by creating more than 50 new, highly paid jobs,” said Pilatus Group CEO Markus Bucher. “Together, these functions will support Pilatus’ continued commitment to quality, innovation, and Swiss craftsmanship while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.”

Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were company senior leadership and representatives from Jefferson County government and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, as well as local and regional stakeholders.

At the beginning of the year, Pilatus consolidated its U.S. subsidiaries into a single entity, Pilatus Aircraft USA, harmonizing its systems across all American operations with approximately 400 employees. In addition to its Colorado headquarters, the U.S. arm also has locations in Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.

GAMA has laid out an industrial blueprint to foster clean aviation manufacturing through a white paper released yesterday at Aero Friedrichshafen. Entitled Wings of Change: A Strategy for Competitiveness, Innovation, Industry, and Investment in Europe’s Sustainable Aviation Sector, the document was drafted with the support and input of aviation companies across Europe.

The paper builds upon recommendations included in a 2024 GAMA white paper on accelerating electric aviation in Europe and comes as the EU is advancing its Clean Industrial Deal and competitive agenda. This paper includes a progress report of the recommendations of the earlier paper, but also outlines several proposals to mobilize capital and scale manufacturing.

These include establishing a “one-stop shop” investment platform under a proposed EU Competitiveness Fund. GAMA’s white paper maintains that a one-stop-shop platform under this fund could help organize research and development, ramp up, and manufacturing funding opportunities.

Another proposal would be to shift EU and member-state funding toward a performance-based funding model with certification and technological milestones. In addition, the paper calls for the creation of an EU Sustainable Aviation Manufacturing Initiative to address administrative bottlenecks and promote cross-border cooperation.

To support certification efforts, the paper highlights the need for EASA to use resources efficiently. GAMA further encourages integrating environmental criteria into public service obligation tenders.

Embraer Executive Jets has added Execaire Aviation to its authorized service center (ASC) network to support customers in Canada. The maintenance provider is the third Embraer ASC in the country and will provide line maintenance at its facility at Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) for Phenom 100s and 300s, as well as the mid- and super-midsize Legacy 450/Praetor 500 and Legacy 500/Praetor 600.

“Becoming an Embraer authorized service center is a significant milestone for Execaire Aviation and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class maintenance and support to our customers,” explained company president Michael Fedele. “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to safety, reliability, and an exceptional customer experience.”

Execaire offers a full range of services across Canada, including aircraft management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft charter, and sales, as well as FBO operations.

“[Execaire has] a proven record of delivering best-in-class services for executive aviation in the country, and we are excited to move forward with this partnership,” said Frank Stevens, v-p of MRO services, Embraer Services & Support. “We will continue working hard to grow our capacity, capabilities, and footprint in North America and worldwide.”

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. 

Piaggio Aerospace has secured the launch customer for the P.180 Avanti NX with an order from a European operator for two of the next-generation pusherprop twins, the company announced today at Aero Friedrichshafen. The aircraft will be delivered in executive business configuration with stretcher modules that enable conversion for air ambulance operations.

Unveiled in late February, the NX will have upgrades in systems, including avionics, as well as new interior features and bolstered support. The unveiling came less than a year after the company underwent an ownership change and emerged from bankruptcy following a years-long process. Piaggio said the aircraft will be a “working forum” to explore new concepts and targeted upgrades.

“We are proud to sign a contract for the sale of the Avanti NX so soon after unveiling the aircraft,’’ said Piaggio Aerospace CEO Giovanni Tomassini. ‘’Returning to Aero Friedrichshafen after a long absence and signing a contract for two aircraft demonstrates that, with the support of Baykar, we are making a strong comeback in the aviation market.’’

Piaggio Aerospace plans to gradually increase production in the coming years, striving to reach up to 30 aircraft per year over the next decade as demand continues to develop. As it moves to its next-generation model, Piaggio is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the aircraft’s first flight.

The second edition of the Business Aviation Asia Forum & Expo (BAAFEx) will be held in Singapore next year from March 22 to 24. Organizer Experia Events officially launched the show yesterday at Aero Friedrichshafen 2026 in Germany, saying they are targeting 50% growth in exhibitor and attendee numbers versus the inaugural show held last March.

More than 2,000 visitors from 56 countries attended the 2025 show at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Centre, including two business aircraft manufacturers: Dassault Falcon and Boeing Business Jets. Experia Events managing director Leck Chet Lam told AIN that there is scope to boost participation from Southeast Asia, as well as from key regional markets such as China, Japan, and India.

One of Experia’s objectives is to expand the scope of the business aviation ecosystem represented at BAAFEx to include more OEMs, as well as FBOs, MROs, and other service providers. The 2025 exhibitor roster included aircraft operators Vista Jet, TAG Aviation, Amber Jet, Deer Jet, and Sino Jet—the last three of which are based in China.

Leck said talks are in progress with other leading business jet manufacturers who may commit to exhibiting next year. Experia is also looking to attract helicopter and eVTOL manufacturers.

Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation has approved Frasca International’s Pilatus PC-12 Pro training systems as a Level 2 flight training device and flight and navigation procedures trainer. The FlightSafety International subsidiary announced the qualification this week at Aero Friedrichshafen 2026 in Germany.

According to U.S.-based Frasca, it is the first company to develop a training device for the latest version of the Swiss-made turboprop single. The trainer, which has been installed at Pilatus Aircraft headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, features Garmin’s G3000 Prime avionics suite.

“By pairing high-fidelity flight modeling and visual systems with Garmin’s G3000 Prime, we are delivering a training solution that matches sophistication of the airplane,” said Frasca International president John Frasca.

Pilatus is combining flight simulation with web-based training for pilots preparing to operate PC-12s and PC-24s. “The result is a training program that not only delivers the highest quality but also actively contributes to improved flight safety,” said David Liechti, team leader for flight training at the manufacturer.

Since it was founded in 1958, Frasca International has designed and manufactured nearly 3,000 training devices. It currently supports more than 50 different aircraft types.

After SpaceX raised prices for its aviation Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom service earlier this year, the company revised those prices last week. General aviation Starlink users can now use more data for the same or slightly lower cost, depending on their plan.

The revised pricing lowered the former Aviation 300 (mph) plan from 20 GB for $250 per month to $200 for 50 GB, now called the General Aviation Local plan. The former Aviation 450 (mph) plan provided 20 GB for $1,000 per month, but that has changed to 50 GB for the same amount and is now called General Aviation Global.

This move coincides with a recent Federal Communications Commission change that “allows Starlink user terminals to operate down to 5 degrees elevation (versus prior operational constraints around 25 degrees),” according to Gil Motta, founder of Avionics Networks, a manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers and Starlink mini antenna mounting systems. Side-mounted Starlink mini antenna installations will benefit from this change. 

Recognizing the growing interest in Starlink use in light airplanes, Cirrus Aircraft has developed a Mini antenna installation kit for SR series piston singles from the late G3 through G7+ models. The FLEX SR Series Mount for Starlink mounts in the SR’s rear window. An optional feature is a nearby 100-watt USB-C power outlet. Prices range from $1,050 to $1,600, plus installation.

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 convenient time. 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.