Wheels Up has sold three subsidiaries it described as non-core service businesses—Baines Simmons Safety Services, Kenyon Emergency Services, and Redline Assured Security—to TrustFlight, the companies announced today.

This transaction will yield approximately $20 million that Wheels Up plans to reinvest in its ongoing fleet modernization plan and for general corporate purposes. It said the sale is part of a wider effort to streamline the group’s business and improve operational performance, as explained in its second-quarter financial results.

“The divestiture of these non-core service businesses is the latest in a series of steps that Wheels Up has taken to sharpen our strategic focus; invest in our product, fleet, and operations; and strengthen our balance sheet,” said CEO George Mattson. “The sale, along with our recently announced initiatives estimated to drive approximately $50 million of cost efficiencies, is expected to create meaningful tailwinds on our path to sustained, profitable growth.”

UK-based TrustFlight provides software and data to clients across the aviation sector, including aircraft operators, airports, MRO organizations, and regulators. The company said the acquisition of the three Wheels Up businesses will expand its portfolio to cover training and regulatory expertise, aviation security and quality assurance, and critical incident support.

Incoming VAI president and CEO François Lassale anticipates stepping into his new role in late September or early October, but he already is laying the groundwork for a fast start with ambitious plans to elevate the organization on an international stage and across vertical lift.

Lassale is transferring to VAI’s Alexandria, Virginia headquarters from his current base in Bali, Indonesia, where he is CEO of a group of three companies—SGi, HeliNiugini, and Allway Merit. He told AIN he will take the reins at VAI once his visas come through. “I’m super excited about the opportunity. I think we’re going to do some great things,” Lassale said. “We’ve done the rebrand now, so now is the time to put our foot down and integrate this universe that’s evolving around us.”

He has already been closely tied with VAI, having served as a special advisor to the board on international issues. In particular, he has dived into strategy in Southeast Asia with a safety conference, something he believes could spread to other regions.

In addition, the timing of the move is important as the community is expanded, Lassale noted. “How exciting is this? To play a role in being able to shape a whole industry right at an inflection point where you’ve got AAM coming in and how we bring all of that together?”

Indonesian helicopter operator Whitesky Aviation has placed a provisional order for up to 30 of SkyDrive’s SD-05 three-seat eVTOL aircraft. The Japanese manufacturer announced the deal as part of a partnership agreement on August 21.

Both companies said they will start planning eVTOL air-taxi services in and around the country’s capital, Jakarta, as well as in support of mining industry operations. Flights could operate out of the Cengkareng heliport, which is owned by Whitesky, and also Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (WIII).

Initially, operations are expected to start with sightseeing flights close to Jakarta in 2028. SkyDrive has received its G-1 certification basis from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau and in July raised $57 million through a pre-Series D funding round backed by two railway companies and Suzuki Motor. It already has other partnerships in progress with companies in the U.S., the Middle East, and other parts of Asia.

In addition to helicopters, Whitesky, which was founded in 2010, also has a jet management and charter division. Its plans for a Jakarta-area air-taxi network cover the heavily congested city’s Fairmont Jakarta Hotel, the Plaza Office Tower, BSD City, District 8, and Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport (WIHH).

Bombardier moved its Los Angeles-area component manufacturing operations into a larger facility in Moorpark, California, the company announced today. Holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday with Ventura County board of supervisors chair Janice Parvin and other local officials, Bombardier said the move will enhance its capabilities in the region.

The Moorpark plant, which produces “key components" for the Global 7500/8000, replaces a facility Bombardier acquired in 2022. Housing 30 employees, the facility spans 46,000 sq ft, providing a larger operational footprint with a more modern space, the company said.

“The relocation of our component manufacturing facility was an important move that not only secures our long-term presence in California but also expands our manufacturing footprint in the United States,” said David Murray, Bombardier’s executive v-p of manufacturing, IT, and operational excellence system. “The new Moorpark facility reflects our commitment to both our employees and our customers. It stands as a testament to Bombardier’s dedication to cutting-edge innovation and offering high-quality jobs.”

Parvin added that the relocation reaffirms California’s position in the aerospace sector.

In business aviation, it is essential to partner with a training provider—like FlightSafety International (FSI)—that invests in your success and supports your pilots throughout their entire career. 

Desert Jet Maintenance is urging aircraft operators to schedule maintenance early to avoid disruptions during the upcoming peak travel season. The FAA-certified Part 145 repair station, based at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM) in Thermal, California, is warning that limited availability during high-demand months often leads to maintenance delays and grounded aircraft.

The company recommends several strategies for minimizing downtime: booking maintenance during slower months, completing scheduled inspections early, bundling repairs and upgrades into a single visit, and accounting for longer parts procurement and service lead times during holidays.

“To avoid downtime when aircraft availability is critical, operators should complete planned maintenance now,” said Valente Camarillo, general manager at Desert Jet Maintenance. “A proactive approach ensures aircraft are ready for immediate dispatch when travel ramps back up.”

To encourage early action, Desert Jet Maintenance is offering a labor discount on scheduled maintenance at its KTRM facility. Additional incentives include complimentary hangar space at Desert Jet Center FBO and courtesy aircraft detailing prior to return to service. Desert Jet provides scheduled and unscheduled repair services, AOG support, and a range of services for business and general aviation aircraft in Southern California.

NBAA’s 2025 Tax, Regulatory, and Risk Management Conference will bring together leading experts to address this year’s major tax policy changes on the federal level, as well as activities at the state level. To be held on October 12 and 13 in Las Vegas just ahead of NBAA-BACE, the conference will serve as a forum on issues such as impact of tariffs on cross-border transactions and maintenance operations, as well as on the renewal of bonus depreciation that was adopted in July as part of the budget reconciliation package.

“With so many moving pieces in the tax policy and regulatory landscape, this year’s conference is more essential than ever,” said NBAA general counsel and corporate secretary Benjamin Schwalen. “We’re seeing a return to 100% immediate expensing, aggressive state-level audits, and tariffs being assessed on aircraft transactions for the first time in decades.”

Plans call for sessions on these topics, as well as ownership structures, non-business use, and federal excise tax compliance. Participants will also discuss ramifications of IRS workforce reductions on ongoing audits.

Also, with the passage of the budget reconciliation bill, NBAA has published a members-only guide providing expert analysis on how bonus depreciation applies to new and preowned aircraft. The law reinstates full and immediate expensing on aircraft acquired and placed in service from January 20.

Robinson Helicopter has unveiled a new program that allows Robinson helicopter owners to trade in their used machine for a new one. The program covers trade-in of the R22 Beta II, R44 Cadet, R44 Raven I, R44 Raven II, or R66, and owners work with local dealers to facilitate the trade-in.

When Robinson helicopters reach their time between overhaul, owners arrange for a complete refurbishment of the helicopter and overhaul of the engine and components. But the trade-in program offers the alternative of buying a new model with the latest safety features and technological and performance upgrades.

Helicopter owners must submit detailed photos of the helicopter and its logbooks to Robinson, which reviews the condition and airworthiness. Once that is done, Robinson will send a written offer for the trade-in value to the dealer. When the offer is accepted, the helicopter must be delivered to the Robinson Helicopter factory in Torrance, California, to be evaluated for airworthiness. The owner then has 90 days to place an order for a new helicopter.

Traded-in helicopters will be evaluated for either teardown for parts or for rebuilding and resale with updated safety advancements and equipment, according to Robinson. “Additional uses will be shared in the coming months.”

Join us for lunch on Wednesday, October 15, at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas to hear from a distinguished panel of leaders in business aviation to explore the future of in-flight connectivity. This exclusive event will feature key updates, highlighting innovations that are shaping the passenger experience and operational capabilities in the skies. Seating is limited. Sponsored by Honeywell Aerospace and Viasat.