Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau is moving forward on several initiatives surrounding safety, modernizations, rulemaking, and workforce as he continues to facilitate the transition for the Trump administration. Rocheleau, a 22-year agency veteran, returned to the agency as deputy administrator and the acting administrator in January after a stint as COO at NBAA. “I thought I’d be able to help because transitions are bumpy,” he said in an interview with AIN.

In its short time, the administration faced the midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) and other high-profile fatal crashes. “There was a lot of news around what happened in the tragedy and the loss of life, but there was also a real workforce there that needed to make sure someone was paying attention to them,” he said. Using his experience, the agency responded quickly, banning certain mixed flights, as well as launching an investigation into other hot spots.

Further, the agency also had to grapple with two notam system outages in recent months. That helped sharpen a focus on getting the new architecture for the notam system developed and underscored the need for expediency on modernization.

As far as rulemaking, he noted that there is a drive to “not use bureaucracy as a way to slow things down,” particularly with enabling rulemaking, such as on beyond visual line of sight operations.

Italy FBO has added two locations to its network after submitting successful tender bids at Ancona International Airport/Raffaello Sanzio (LIPY) and Milan Bergamo Airport (LIME).

At Bergamo, the company—which had previously provided handling supervision on the airfield—now has an operations office and VIP lounge on the ground floor of the general aviation terminal (GAT) that opened on April 15. The GAT—which is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with after-hours callout available—offers dedicated customs, immigration, and security clearance. On the ramp, it has space for up to 14 ultra-long-range business jets and three bizliners, with the capacity to configure for handling larger widebody airliners.

Italy FBO was also awarded the handling of all general aviation flights at LIPY, offering private lounge space within the airport’s departure terminal for passengers and crew. Upon aircraft arrival, its staff will escort private passengers and crew through LIPY’s customs and immigration process. The airport has substantial aircraft ramp parking and 1,800 sq m (19,375 sq ft) of available hangar space.

The company operates at 39 airports throughout Italy, with FBOs at 12 locations. Its facilities in Florence and Pisa have achieved Stage 3 registration under IBAC’s International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling.

With just under four weeks to go until EBACE 2025 in Geneva, organizer EBAA has announced plans to kick off the show with what it’s billing as a welcome celebration on May 20. According to EBAA, the evening event will “set the tone for a new chapter in the show’s evolution” as the European industry group seeks to make its own mark on EBACE after taking control of it from former partner NBAA last year.

For the first time in EBACE’s two-decade history, this year’s show at the Palexpo convention center will not include a static display of aircraft. However, organizers are introducing features such as networking areas and a revised configuration for the exhibit hall.

With the exception of helicopter group Leonardo, none of the main business aircraft manufacturers are exhibiting. However, more than 100 companies, including leading service providers and technology specialists, will be present for the show, which runs from May 20 to 22.

“We’re investing in quality over quantity, setting the stage for a stronger return in 2026,” said EBAA COO Robert Baltus. “Planning a show of this scale takes time, and we have a long-term vision for EBACE. Europe needs one central business aviation event where the whole industry gathers, driven by collaboration, innovation, and community. We are excited about what’s ahead and proud to bring that vision to life.”

European helicopter broker/dealer Rotortrade has received EASA authorization to perform maintenance on Leonardo AW139 midsize twins.

Last year, Rotortrade opened its 20,000-sq-ft (1,800-sq-m) European maintenance center that can accommodate up to eight helicopters simultaneously. Located in Tallard—in the southern part of the French Alps—the facility is a key part of the company’s strategy to provide in-house helicopter maintenance, completion, and customization services. It has a staff of 20 technicians, with plans for expansion to meet the increasing demand for helicopter support in the region.

Following its opening, Rotortrade earned EASA Part 145 approvals to work on Airbus Helicopters EC120s and H125s in August, as well as H145s in November. It currently holds continuing airworthiness management organization (CAMO) approval for the Leonardo AW109 and AW139, along with the Airbus EC135, H160, H225, H145, H125, and H130.

“Expanding our scope to include the AW139 is a significant step in the growth of our MRO capabilities,” said company CEO Philippe Lubrano. “This enables us to offer more comprehensive support to our clients and better respond to the operational needs of AW139 operators in Europe and beyond.”

Discover how innovative 3D printed sealants enhance precision, reduce installation time, and promote sustainability in aerospace maintenance.

Operators flying to Hong Kong will be required to submit Advance Passenger Information (API) for all crew and passengers on inbound flights beginning tomorrow, according to a letter from the Hong Kong Immigration Department to the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC). While the system will be active this month, full enforcement of the API submission requirement will begin September 1 after a transitional period.

API submissions will be mandatory for both private and commercial business aviation flights and must include data for all travelers, including crew and transit passengers. The requirement stems from a new system implemented by the Hong Kong Immigration Department and is designed to improve security and processing efficiency.

Operators will need to register and submit API information themselves via an online portal. The HKBAC FBO confirmed that it cannot complete the filings on behalf of clients, although it can assist with account setup.

The API requirement adds another layer to the sequence of operational permissions needed to access Hong Kong by business aircraft, which already includes individual applications for landing permits, parking, slots, and ground handling. While the rule goes into effect tomorrow, Hong Kong authorities will not enforce penalties during the transitional period that ends September 1. However, inaccurate or incomplete submissions may be subject to fines after that.

Young professionals working in the air charter industry say that sustainability is the most important issue facing the sector, according to the findings of a survey conducted by The Air Charter Association (ACA). The survey was conducted during the annual Young Professionals’ Networking Event held recently at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.

A group of around 75 attendees, all aged 35 or under, were asked to rate issues impacting the industry. Lack of public awareness about air charter was another issue raised by the young professionals in their responses. The group advised that the ACA’s internship program should specifically focus on conveying a better understanding of the industry to a wider external audience.

“Sustainability was highlighted as the most important factor affecting the industry in 2025, indicating that there is now a broad consensus, particularly among the younger generation, of the need to continue progressing efforts to decarbonize the industry,” said ACA chairman Kevin Ducksbury. “Also key themes highlighted were, not surprisingly in this current climate, politics, followed by specific issues such as French tax, labor, and emissions.”

In addition to its networking events for young people, the ACA has already scheduled five in-person training events so far this year as part of the association’s Air Charter Broker Qualification. It also offers Level 1 online training opportunities.

Citadel Completions has achieved certification under Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation Regulations (GACAR) Part 145, marking a step forward in the company’s expansion into the Saudi Arabian VIP/VVIP aircraft completions and maintenance market.

“This certification is more than just a milestone; it reflects years of strategic planning, strong partnerships, and an unwavering dedication to surpassing regulatory standards,” said Noel Christen, v-p of operations at Citadel Completions. “Our ability to now deliver comprehensive nose-to-tail V/VVIP aircraft services to Saudi Arabia’s elite aviation clientele underscores our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service.”

The approval recognizes Citadel’s compliance with Saudi Arabian maintenance and safety standards. The three-year effort included updates to the company’s repair station and quality manual, implementation of a safety management system, and adoption of advanced digital tools for managing safety protocols.

Citadel is the third U.S.-based company to receive GACA Part 145 certification. It adds the approval to an existing portfolio that includes certifications from the FAA, EASA, BCAA, and others.

Maintenance for Airbus H145 helicopters is now available at Gama Aviation’s base at Gloucestershire Airport (EGBJ) in Staverton, UK. Gama Aviation acquired the former Specialist Aviation Services facility in February 2024, and it also has helicopter maintenance facilities in Norwich and Glasgow and a mobile service team.

The new maintenance approvals add the H145 to the facility’s existing maintenance services for Leonardo AW139 and AW169 helicopters. Along with Part 145 maintenance, the Staverton base holds Part 21 J and G design and production approvals and hosts a component paint shop. Gama Aviation is building a larger paint shop to open in the fourth quarter. Plans call for adding maintenance support for Airbus EC/H135 helicopters in the first quarter of next year.

“The addition of the [H145] adds a new level of support to our existing air ambulance clients and opens a new maintenance location for aircraft based in the southwest, Wales, and Midlands corridor,” said Paul Kinch, managing director of MRO. “Glasgow will operate as the primary location for aircraft based in Scotland and the north of England. We will, of course, load balance between the two to manage capacity.”

Tell us about the product support you receive from business aviation OEMs. The 2025 AIN Product Support Survey is now open, ready for selected readers to rate aircraft, engine, and avionics support. AIN readers who have been picked to participate in this year’s Product Support Survey should have received their password and link to the online survey by e-mail. The survey needs to be completed by midnight on June 1. Please contact Lisa Valladares if you have not received your access code.