Elliott Aviation has partnered with Prizm Aircraft Lighting to introduce the Starlight Cabin Headliner, a feature that projects customizable constellations onto an aircraft cabin ceiling. Integrated into the Prizm full-spectrum lighting system, the headliner can display actual or custom star patterns, adjustable through the Prizm app.

“Our customers are asking for high-end interiors that feel truly personal and emotionally resonant,” said Meghan Welch, director of paint and interior sales for Elliott Aviation. “With the Starlight Headliner, we can now deliver a cabin feature that’s not only visually stunning but also meaningful. It turns the headliner into a storytelling canvas.”

The first installation was completed on a Bombardier Challenger 300, with constellations representing the owner’s family. Operators can adjust brightness, motion, and ambiance to fit each flight.

“This collaboration with Elliott Aviation allows us to bring something truly special to the cabin experience,” said Tim Lockerby, sales and program director for Prizm Aircraft Lighting. “The Starlight feature blends cutting-edge lighting technology with deep personalization. It goes beyond luxury and creates an emotional connection to the aircraft environment.”

The Starlight Cabin Headliner is available as an upgrade for aircraft undergoing interior refurbishment with a Prizm lighting installation.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) has selected a helicopter industry veteran with deep global operations, safety, and military experience, François Lassale, as president and CEO, it announced today. Lassale succeeds James Viola, who left the association earlier this year to become president and CEO of GAMA.

Lassale brings 35 years of military, public service, and commercial aviation experience in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia to his new role. The association highlighted his operational expertise, strategic vision, and international perspective in announcing his appointment.

Serving as an aviator with the Royal Air Force, Lassale has held senior roles with both civil helicopter and airplane operators, most recently as CEO of Indonesian operator SGi.

He also held leadership roles with global offshore helicopter safety organization HeliOffshore and has been involved in organizations including Flight Safety Foundation, European Helicopter Association, and NBAA. Lassale additionally has been active with VAI, serving as special advisor to the board of directors on international issues.

“François is the right leader at the right time for VAI,” said Rick Kenin, chairman of the VAI board of directors and COO of transport for Boston MedFlight. “As our industry evolves to include both traditional rotorcraft and powered-lift technologies, his safety-first mindset, ability to unify diverse voices, and focus on delivering results will position VAI to lead the evolution and expansion of vertical flight.”

With Mexico hosting next year’s FIFA World Cup, aviation services providers there are anticipating “unprecedented” business aviation traffic over the span of 13 matches held in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

The tournament—possibly the world’s most watched sporting event—will begin on June 11 in Mexico City. According to ICCS, one of the country’s largest FBO operators, early estimates call for 4 million visitors to the country during the course of the event, which will last for more than a month. That will cause congested runways at the host city airports, potential slot limitations at major international airports, and reduced availability of ground handling, fueling, and ramp space.

For private aircraft operators, planning should start now by contacting providers to discuss handling and parking coordination; coordinating services such as hotels, catering, ground transport, and security; and identifying alternate and overflow airports. Since Mexico has long permit processing times, operators should begin the application process as soon as possible.

In December, the final tournament schedule will be announced, and airport authorities are expected to issue slot rules and airport procedures.

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents the most significant operational challenge in Mexico’s business aviation history,” said ICCS CEO Nelson Dumas. “With our expanded facilities, unmatched ramp capacity, and 31 years of proven expertise, we will ensure that every operator, passenger, and crewmember is met with world-class service during this event.”

West Palm Beach, Florida-based Prodigious Jet Services has installed a BizjetMobile Iridium Certus satcom system on a U.S.-registered Gulfstream IV-SP. Iridium’s Certus satellite network provides worldwide coverage and download speeds of up to 704 Kbps.

The BizjetMobile satcom has a turnkey system and installation package price of $39,990 for U.S.-registered aircraft. Service provisions with the system include unlimited encrypted messaging using smart devices over Bluetooth, internet access, and smart data management “to prevent background app drain and reduce costs,” according to BizjetMobile. “This latest GIV-SP installation equips the aircraft with always-available in-flight communication tools for just $599 per month, without the multi-thousand-dollar bills associated with high-bandwidth satellite broadband.”

“Our partnership with Prodigious Jet Services ensures our customers receive expert installation and full system optimization from day one,” said BizjetMobile CEO Adam Chapman. “This GIV-SP is now equipped with the perfect balance of in-flight connectivity, privacy, and cost control.”

AEG Fuels delivers global aviation fuel solutions with 24/7 support, competitive pricing, and tailored services across 3,000+ locations. From fuel management and trip support to FBO distribution and real-time dispatch, AEG ensures efficient and reliable operations for every flight mission, whether commercial, military, charter, or business. Worldwide coverage, world-class service. 

Yellowstone Regional Airport (KCOD) in Cody, Wyoming, has welcomed a second aviation services provider with the opening of the Beacon Air Group FBO. For Beacon, this marks its second location, having opened its first FBO in Billings, Montana, in 2023.

At KCOD, the company refurbished and upgraded an existing 3,000-sq-ft, pet-friendly terminal, offering concierge service, passenger lounge, 20-seat conference room, business center, crew car, and vehicle parking.

A gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the FBO also has a 9,000-sq-ft hangar that can accommodate aircraft up to a Citation Excel; through agreements, it can provide shelter for larger midsize business jets. Company owner Joel Simmons told AIN that he is now exploring opportunities for additional development on the field, including a hangar capable of housing large-cabin private jets.

“While Beacon Air Group is new to Cody in name, our roots here run deep,” explained Simmons. “We’ve proudly developed the last 14 hangars at the airport and have served as advocates and visionaries for its growth.” He added that the company is excited to build on that legacy and “support Cody’s aviation future with our new FBO.”

As an Avfuel-branded facility, Beacon participates in the fuel provider’s Avtrip customer loyalty programs, as well as contract fuel pricing.

Electra Aero is in talks with a select group of prospective operators for its nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short airplane with a view to collecting non-refundable deposits from launch customers. Company CEO Marc Allen said he aims to prioritize early delivery slots for the hybrid-electric, blown-wing design as Electra works to bring it to market in 2029.

Earlier this month, Electra conducted a series of flight trials with its two-seat EL2 technology demonstrator as it seeks to make the case for the operational flexibility it expects the full-scale aircraft to deliver. These public demonstrations were made in partnership with Surf Air Mobility and Virginia Tech as part of an ongoing process to establish how the EL9 will be able to operate beyond existing airports to take advantage of what Electra refers to as access points.

The flight trials used three sites on the Virginia Tech campuses, each of which matches real-world operating models, with the aircraft achieving approach speeds as slow as 20 knots. The EL2 took off from a 300-foot by 75-foot paved surface that Virginia Tech uses to evaluate small uncrewed air systems. The flight tests also used an access road as a runway in the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and a grass field at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

GE Aerospace has awarded a six-year contract for the manufacture of components for the T700/CT7 family of engines to Barnes Aerospace at its Newton Abbot, UK production facility. As part of the deal—which builds on more than three decades of cooperation between the two companies—Barnes will produce airfoils for the engines.

T700/CT7 engines are used on a variety of rotorcraft, including the Sikorsky Blackhawk family and on the manufacturer’s S-92 large-cabin commercial helicopter.

“Barnes Aerospace is delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with GE Aerospace through the development of airfoil components for the T700/CT7 program,” said Barnes CEO George Whittier. “This represents the first package of work from GE Aerospace to Newton Abbot, and we see it as the start of a long-term relationship between one of our most important customers and an exceptional operating facility that already produces up to one million airfoil components per year.”

The contract also aligns with GE Aerospace’s focus on supporting rotorcraft operators in the region, as well as its commercial collaborations with UK businesses to support local manufacturing.

“These expanding relationships reflect GE Aerospace’s ongoing effort to building strong supplier relationships that drive economic impact and industrial advancement in the UK,” explained Rita Flaherty, GE’s v-p of global sales and business development.

Air Doc Services (ADS) has completed its 75th business aircraft pre-purchase inspection concurrently with the Swiss company’s third anniversary. Based in Basel, the technical services firm supports business aircraft owners, operators, and buyers with a range of services, including pre-purchase inspections, registration change support, records digitization, and technical oversight.

Founded in 2022 by Mary Preud’homme and Rogerio Machado, ADS brings more than five decades of combined aviation experience. Preud’homme, a former airline pilot and pre-purchase inspection engineer, previously served as director of business development at Paramount Global Ferry Services. Machado, a licensed aircraft engineer and continuing airworthiness management organization post holder, held leadership and maintenance roles at NetJets Europe and Jet Aviation.

Working alongside technical records administrator Alexandra Machado, the ADS team has completed 75 inspections in just three years, averaging one pre-purchase inspection every two weeks.

“We are proud to have reached these twin milestones,” said Preud’homme. “Our vision has been to deliver a flexible and expertise-based approach to business aviation.” Machado added that ADS aims to provide highly personalized client support through the entire life cycle of an aircraft asset.

AIN Media Group's AircraftPost is a subscription-based platform that empowers the business aviation industry, supporting OEMs, brokers, owners, operators, appraisers, and finance companies. With access to real-time data, clients can make strategic decisions and receive insight into aircraft values. If you would like to schedule a demo, please contact Jo-Anne Arruda today.