Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has approved VistaJet to offer charter flights within the country under its private flight membership programs. The group announced the approval today and claimed that it is the first foreign operator to get the go-ahead for commercial flights in what has long been a highly restricted domestic market.

Dubai-based VistaJet, which offers a variety of charter and membership programs, said it plans to offer its ultra-long-range Bombardier Global 7500 for flights in Saudi Arabia, as well as for intercontinental trips. Its floating fleet consists of more than 270 aircraft composed of Challenger 350s and 850s, as well as Global 7500s.

During the first half of this year, the company said the number of VistaJet program members in Saudi Arabia climbed by 32%. VistaJet, which earlier this year arranged $1.3 billion in financing, has operated in and out of the country for more than 15 years.

In May, GACA abolished cabotage flight restrictions for air charter operators in Saudi Arabia. This cleared the way for foreign on-demand service providers to apply for approval to fly between Saudi cities, as well as to operate flights in and out of the country.

The General Electric CF34-3B, which powers more than 300 in-service Bombardier Challenger 604s, is the latest addition to Engine Assurance Program’s (EAP) hourly engine maintenance program. Also covered in the company’s service offering are the GE CF34-3A/-3A1/-3A2 engines on the Challenger 601 series.

“We’re excited that this high-performing engine now has access to EAP’s high-performing support,” said Sean Lynch, the Dallas-based service provider’s managing director, adding that the CF34-3B traces its roots back to military service. “With EAP, you only need one resource to help with all your engine coverage needs versus dealing with multiple different OEM programs.”

EAP’s plan provides service for a wide range of business jet engines from all the major manufacturers, including Honeywell’s TFE731 family.

By owning the spare parts inventory as well as its own rental engines and APUs, EAP says it is able to mitigate the supply-chain issues that have tested the industry of late and provide proactive customer service. Engines under the company’s care have a 99.98% dispatch reliability rating.

FlightSafety International yesterday announced plans to construct a 100,000-sq-ft learning center in Mesa, Arizona. The move will expand the company’s flight crew and maintenance technician training operations as it responds to increasing global demand for aviation education services.

Scheduled to break ground in October and open in early 2028, the facility will house full-flight simulators and advanced training devices capable of serving pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crews. The center represents FlightSafety’s second Arizona location, complementing its existing Tucson learning center.

“This expansion is a reflection of FlightSafety’s continued growth and long-term investment in the future of aviation training and safety,” said FlightSafety president Barbara Telek. “As global demand rises, we’re scaling our operations to support our customers.”

The Mesa facility is designed with scalable capacity to accommodate future growth in training demand. Following its opening and operational ramp-up, the center is projected to create approximately 100 jobs, with potential for additional employment growth over time. Local and state officials anticipate substantial economic impact from the facility’s operations since it is expected to attract thousands of aviation professionals annually for training programs, generating local tourism and business travel revenue.

According to Gila River Indian Community lieutenant governor Regina Antone, who is board chair of Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, “This project will bring meaningful economic impact and reinforce Mesa’s leadership position in the global aviation landscape.”

Elliott Aviation has delivered its fifth installation of the Garmin G600 TXi display and GFC 600 autopilot in a Cessna CitationJet. Available for the CJ1 and CJ2, the upgrade includes touchscreen displays and an engine indication system and takes as few as 25 working days to complete.

Thus far, Elliott Aviation has installed more than 90 Garmin G5000 systems in Citation Excels and Beechjet/Hawker 400XPs, and more than 425 G1000/G1000 NXi upgrades in King Airs.

The CJ upgrade includes 10.6-inch TXi displays; Garmin GI 275 standby flight instrument; stabilized approach monitoring; FAA Data Comm; and emergency descent mode, which automatically flies the CJ to a preset altitude in case of loss of cabin pressurization. Options include the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar; PlaneSync connected aircraft management system; GMA 35C audio panel; GTX 345R transponder; GDL 69A SiriusXM datalink; GTS traffic systems; and GSR 56 datalink.

“Our team continues to raise the bar when it comes to complex Garmin retrofits in turbine aircraft,” said Bill Forbes, senior v-p of avionics and business development at Elliott Aviation. “The CJ upgrade with the G600 TXi and GFC 600 offers operators a transformative flight deck experience with modern technology, increased reliability, and full envelope protection, all backed by Elliott’s deep experience and technical expertise.”

Cunningham Aviation’s FBO at Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona—opened since 2021—has strengthened its position there with the acquisition of rival Avflight Mesa’s assets. The move brings the number of service providers at the airport to two.

Included in the purchase is Avflight’s former 7,000-sq-ft terminal on the north side of the field and a 10,000-sq-ft hangar capable of sheltering the latest ultra-long-range business jets. Company founder and president George Cunningham told AIN he plans to continue to maintain and operate that facility, along with his existing 6,000-sq-ft terminal and 30,000-sq-ft hangar, which can accommodate turboprops and light jets.

Cunningham also added Avflight’s fuel farm with a capacity of 20,000 gallons of jet-A and 25,000 gallons of avgas. This more than doubles its previous fuel capacity at KFFZ.

As a result of the deal, Cunningham will transition to Avflight’s sister company, Avfuel, as its fuel supplier. “We’re excited to bring the Avflight Mesa operation into the Cunningham Aviation family,” George Cunningham said. “This asset acquisition is an important milestone that allows us to better serve the needs of the growing general aviation community at Falcon Field while preserving the personalized service that defines our family-owned business.”

Greenpoint Technologies has delivered another VVIP BBJ 787 interior completion to an undisclosed client, marking its sixth completion for this aircraft type. The project was managed from design through redelivery, including engineering, manufacturing, certification, and installation.

Featured in the cabin are distinct living zones with custom-coved ceilings, enhanced acoustics, and advanced in-flight entertainment and communications systems. This design was developed with the client’s representatives to meet mission-specific requirements.

The aircraft is also the first BBJ 787 to feature Greenpoint’s AeroSuite, a fully enclosed private suite for rest, work, or dining. It includes privacy walls, lie-flat bed, separate reclining seat with a sliding table and ottoman, oversized monitor, and full-height closet. Customizable finishes, accent lighting, and tailored entertainment solutions are offered in the suite.

“We are honored to deliver another BBJ 787 VVIP completion and grateful for the continued trust of our client,” said Greenpoint Technologies CEO Klaus Koester. “This milestone reflects our team’s dedication, precision, and deep experience with the BBJ 787 platform. We value the trust our clients place in us to deliver these complex, highly customized aircraft.”