Special Event Fees on Tap for Super Bowl in New Orleans

Private aircraft operators heading to New Orleans this weekend for the Super Bowl will face the same types of special event fees that have become standard in Las Vegas and other places. A slot system to regulate traffic in the area has been in place since yesterday morning, leading FBO operators to pass along the extra costs associated with the increased activity—as well as maximize profits—from their limited slots.

Signature Aviation now lists its special event fee schedules on its website. At Louis Armstrong International Airport (KMSY), the company is charging special event surcharges ranging from $17,890 for an ultra-long-range jet to $4,100 for a light turboprop, in addition to standard handling fees.

Atlantic Aviation—which operates the other FBO on the field—is varying its pricing during this period based on arrival date and aircraft type. As an example, a Bombardier Global 7500 arriving at its KMSY facility on Saturday would be assessed a special event fee of more than $30,000 in addition to facility, security, parking, and possible hangarage fees.

At Lakefront Airport (KNEW), which is the closest airfield to the game venue, Signature’s special event fee is $13,400 for an ultra-long-range jet such as a Gulfstream G650. Flightline First—the independent FBO at KNEW—is instituting a $16,000 special event fee for the largest business jets.

AINsight: Takeaways from CJI London 2025

The contrast in global perspectives on business aviation’s prospects has rarely seemed starker than it did this week at the Corporate Jet Investor conference in London. In simplistic terms, North American industry leaders view the glass as being well over half full, while their European cousins see their outlook as more of a poisoned chalice as they come to terms with stagnant economies and seemingly interminable political battles over what they view as stifling regulation.

From Embraer Executive Jets, chief commercial officer Stephen Friedrich told the gathering that he sees 2025 as “a golden era” for private and business aviation. “The state of the economy is everything, and it’s not just the U.S.,” he said. “We’re also seeing growth in Latin America, and there are green shoots coming out of India and Saudi Arabia.”

However, when Europe-based aircraft operators and other service providers had the floor, the mood was much darker. Echoing concerns raised ahead of the conference by EBAA secretary-general Holger Krahmer about excessive regulation and a lack of respect for the economic value of business aviation, multiple panelists struggled to contain their pessimism.

“We have talked for years about how we can increase our margins, but all the [European Union] regulations have meant that we’ve lost any efficiency gains we’ve achieved,” said Bernhard Fragner, founder and CEO of Austria-based charter operator Globe Air.

Collins Unveils Pro Line 21 Upgrade for Cessna CJs, XLS+

Collins Aerospace announced a Pro Line 21 upgrade for Cessna Citation CJ1+, CJ2+, CJ3, CJ4, and XLS+ jets that adds more communications abilities, improved weather data, and enhanced flight deck connectivity, among other new features. The upgrade will be available in the second half of this year through Textron Aviation Service Centers and Collins Aerospace-authorized dealers.

Upgrades include controller-pilot datalink communications, ADS-B In weather information, and enhanced connectivity—features that Collins says increase productivity, data transfers, and the stream of critical information available to pilots. Other enhancements include the addition of Privacy ICAO Address, mitigating personal identity and security concerns; direct integration between the avionics and electronic flight bags; and wireless database uploads to keep avionics systems compliant and up to date.

“These enhancements are based on direct feedback received from customers, letting us know they desired cockpit upgrades that made flight more intuitive, communicative, and efficient,” said Collins Aerospace v-p and general manager of business and regional avionics Nathan Voight. “Our Pro Line 21 Citation upgrades do just that, providing pilots with a modern flight deck that keeps them connected and informed.”

Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Tackles Drones

A House committee hearing on uncrewed drones and the steps taken to counter potential risks surrounding them was held by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee yesterday. In his opening remarks, chairman Troy Nehls (R-Texas) acknowledged the current social landscape of drone usage.

“Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as ‘drones,’ are extremely popular among the American people, so much so that there are more than one million drones registered with the FAA. And this number is expected to grow in the coming years,” he said. “Drones are increasingly being used by aviation hobbyists, professional photographers, real estate professionals, and law enforcement officials. Drone as first responder (DFR) programs have proven to be a crucial tool for law enforcement officials in their mission to protect and serve their communities in a timely and efficient manner.”

Catherine Cahill, director of the Alaska Center for UAS Integration (ACUASI) called for the U.S. to take steps to advance in drone detection technology. “The U.S. needs to lead in the development, testing, and implementation of safe counter-drone technologies,” she said.

Chris McLaughlin, the executive v-p of operations for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, said he has not seen foreign entities operating drones around his airport. “We’ve seen a limited number of unauthorized drone uses in restricted space.”

Airbus Inks Connectivity Deal with Gogo/SD for ACJs

Gogo Business Aviation/Satcom Direct has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to bring Gogo’s comprehensive connectivity solutions to Airbus ACJ operators. Covered in the agreement are Gogo’s air-to-ground (ATG), FlightDeck Freedom, and Gogo Galileo satellite connectivity solutions that provide low-latency, high-speed aerial connectivity.

The move will allow Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link customers to retrofit ATG and Gogo Galileo half-duplex (HDX) and full-duplex (FDX) terminal hardware on all Airbus ACJ models. In addition, it will include the full suite of Gogo/Satcom Direct value-added services such as cybersecurity, crew training, and 24/7 customer support.

Under the deal, Gogo will supply ACJ operators with its next-gen phased array antennas to integrate into Airbus’ ACJ Connect Link solution. Airbus will work with MRO partners on supplemental type certificates for the HDX, FDX, and ATG equipment installations. The OEM will also lead the marketing and sales activities for these connectivity solutions.

“We are very pleased to enter into this MoU agreement with Gogo, especially as we aim to offer our Airbus ACJ operators and business leaders the highest standard connectivity solutions and customer support,” said Airbus Corporate Jets president Chadi Saade. According to the companies, Gogo Galileo will allow global connectivity, enabling voice, internet, email services, video conferencing, gaming, and live movie and TV streaming from boarding to deplaning.

Photo of the Week

Land your Beech on a beach. This satellite photo of Barra Airport (marked with a star symbol) is courtesy of NASA/METI/AIST/Japan Space Systems and the U.S./Japan Aster Science Team. The airport—situated in the wide shallow bay of Traigh Mhòr at the northern tip of the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland—has the distinction of being the only beach runway in the world with scheduled aircraft operations. The space agency also has everyone beat in terms of camera equipment—this image was captured by NASA’s Aster satellite.

Keep them coming. If you’d like to submit an entry for Photo of the Week, email a high-resolution horizontal image (at least 2000 x 1200 pixels), along with your name, contact information, social media names, and info about it (including brief description, location, etc.) to photos@ainonline.com. Tail numbers can be removed upon request. Those submitting photos give AIN implied consent to publish them in its publications and social media channels.