Sikorsky's VH-92A “Patriot” officially became Marine One yesterday, transporting President Joe Biden from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD) to a landing zone adjacent to the McCormick Place Convention Center during his visit to this year’s Democratic National Convention. This flight came five days after Sikorsky delivered the last of 23 of the modified S-92As to the Navy as part of Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).

The VH-92A fleet is eventually slated to replace the Sikorsky VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft currently flying the HMX-1 mission. Some of those aircraft have been in service since the late 1970s. VH-92As have been in flight test since 2017, and while the aircraft was declared operational in 2021, its use by the President has been delayed due to what were described as issues related to its exhaust and secure communications systems. It is not known to what extent those issues have been resolved.

The current operational HMX-1 fleet consists of 10 VH-3D’s, six VH-60N’s, and nine VH-92A’s that support various missions assigned to HMX-1. Sikorsky helicopters have flown every U.S. president since 1957. During delivery ceremonies for the final program aircraft on August 14 in Owego, New York, the program manager for the presidential helicopter program (PMA-274)—Marine Corps Col. Alex Rumthun—praised the VH-92A for its ability to deliver increased performance and reduced maintenance costs compared to the legacy fleet.

Volato has cut five aircraft from its fleet in a move the company has characterized as part of “ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.” The announcement comes on the heels of the company’s quarterly financial report indicating a net loss of $34.3 million in the first six months of this year. In the second quarter, it reported more than $17 million in losses.

The company said it expects to save $1.2 million per quarter as a result of the fleet reduction. Volato also secured a $4 million term loan at the end of the quarter, which it says will enhance its “cash position and support (it) on (the company’s) path to profitability.” It is still expecting the delivery of eight to 10 HondaJets and two Gulfstream G280s in this fiscal year.

Meanwhile, Volato was informed on June 18 by the New York Stock Exchange that it was not in compliance with the exchange’s listing standards, which requires companies to have an equity of at least $2 million.

“We have always been transparent about the challenges we face, including delayed aircraft deliveries and the need to manage our fleet size prudently,” said Volato CEO Matt Liotta. “Today’s decision is a continuation of our previously announced cost-saving measures and reflects our commitment to making strategic adjustments that position Volato for long-term success.”

At press time, Volato did not respond to AIN's requests for comment.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA) have agreed to partner on projects of mutual benefit, most notably aviation safety in Alaska. Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) announced today, they will “exchange expertise and information through committee engagement and collaboration on business, outreach, and event opportunities” designed to advance air safety and air carrier success.

“Together, NATA and AACA will provide a unified voice for aviation businesses and connect industry leaders with engaged communities through annual conferences, committee meetings, and networking events,” said NATA COO Keith DeBerry.

“Air carriers across the country, especially in states like Alaska, face many unique challenges in this competitive industry—some evident and others simmering beneath the surface. The knowledge-sharing, best practice development, insights, and overall support of the aviation community through this agreement is instrumental in elevating the industry and assisting in times of need. We look forward to a mutually beneficial, collaborative partnership between AACA and NATA in furthering the mission of our collective membership and each respective organization,” said NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna.

NATA has advocated for the air charter operators and other aeronautical service providers for 84 years. Founded in 1966 to serve Alaska’s air carriers, AACA has expanded to include all commercial aviation entities in the state.

The city of Pierre, South Dakota, has completed the rehabilitation of 6,880-foot Runway 7-25 at Pierre Regional Airport (KPIR). The $6.3 million project included a fresh asphalt surface, as well as new lighting and markings.

At the city commissioner meeting last week, officials approved the final pay application for the Runway 7-25 project, which was largely funded with state and federal grants, and accepted a proposal for a similar refurbishment of 6,900-foot Runway 13-3 from Morris Inc., the same contractor for the earlier project.

Scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025, the follow-on $7.2 million project will replace the existing asphalt in the landing area and add new lighting, markings, and wind cones. Approximately 95% of the project will be covered by state DOT and FAA AIP grants.

The vast majority of KPIR’s traffic is general aviation, but the airport—which has one FBO—does support some commercial traffic, with Denver Air offering 12 flights per week.

“Maintaining our airport infrastructure is critical for continued commercial service and the additional services our airport provides to the community, so we keep making improvements where we have eligible projects,” explained city engineer Nick Waters.

I had to know if the speed claims were true, so I hopped aboard a King Air 350 equipped with Blackhawk's Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engines on a scorching day in Florida. We cranked up the power and aimed for the skies. In just 12 minutes...

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reappointed NBAA’s Doug Carr to the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). Carr, who is senior v-p of safety, security, sustainability, and international operations for NBAA, will represent aircraft owners and operators under Parts 91 and 135 on the ARAC.

While the FAA and Department of Transportation (DOT) over the years have had numerous rulemaking and advisory committees, this ARAC’s charter spans back to 1991. It has an overarching responsibility to provide information, advice, and recommendations to the FAA administrator, as well as the DOT, on a range of issues.

These issues can run the gamut from aircraft operations, airman and air carrier certification, airworthiness standards, airports, maintenance, noise, and training, NBAA noted. Some of the recent activities have surrounded Part 135 training standardization, airman certification standards, and Part 65 repairman certificate portability, it added.

“NBAA’s continued participation on the ARAC gives the business aviation community valuable representation during FAA and DOT rulemaking efforts,” Carr said. “This group is often the starting point for many proposals that result in rulemaking activities. By design, it provides industry voices, like NBAA, the ability to provide input and guidance to the FAA and DOT as they consider new regulations.”

ARAC members represent a cross-section of industry and stakeholders. It meets about four times a year, with the next gathering scheduled for September 12.

London City Airport (EGLC) will be able to increase its annual number of passengers from 6.5 million to 9 million. However, based on Monday's decision by the UK government to reverse an earlier local government block on the move, the change is unlikely to impact business aviation at the downtown airport since there will be no increase in aircraft movements.

The central government ruling followed a public inquiry into an earlier decision by the London Borough of Newham. It allows EGLC to operate three additional flights during the first 30 minutes of its daily operations during the week but did not agree to the airport’s request to extend Saturday operating hours up to 6:30 p.m.

The airport’s operating hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sundays. The final 30 minutes of operations can be used only for flights that were scheduled to arrive or depart earlier but were unavoidably delayed. Some 3.4 million passengers passed through the airport last year, down from the peak of 5.1 million passengers in 2019.

EGLC’s application was based on a commitment to allow only cleaner, quieter next-generation aircraft during any extended airport operating periods. It also agreed not to add any new infrastructure at the site, which is close to London’s financial district.

The business aviation community is mourning the loss of Nick Fadugba, whose contributions to the industry—particularly in Africa—have left a profound impact. Fadugba was widely respected for his leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to advancing aviation across the African continent.

Fadugba was perhaps best known for his role as chair of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) from 2018 to 2023. During his tenure at AfBAA, he played a pivotal role in promoting business aviation within Africa, earning recognition for his integrity and vision. His efforts were not confined to business aviation alone; Fadugba was also the founder and CEO of African Aviation Services, where he worked to develop and promote the broader aviation industry across Africa.

His commitment to the industry extended beyond advocacy. Fadugba was instrumental in initiating high-level international aviation conferences specifically tailored for Africa, providing a platform for the continent's aviation sector to engage with global stakeholders. He also pioneered aviation publishing in Africa with the launch of African Aviation, a publication dedicated to promoting the African aviation industry on the global stage.

Fadugba's contributions were widely recognized, including his election as secretary general of the African Airlines Association and his advisory role to the Association of African Aviation Training Organizations. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a prestigious honor reflecting his achievements in the field.