A recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggests that the growth in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production did not meet previous estimates in 2024.

Worldwide SAF production last year reached 1 million tonnes—0.3% of global jet fuel produced and double the amount manufactured in 2023. That total was significantly below estimates that pegged 2024 volumes at 1.5 million tonnes.

IATA noted that key SAF plants in the U.S. have pushed back their production ramp-ups to the first half of this year, with total global output expected to exceed 2 million tonnes or 0.7% of total jet fuel production.

That stands in contrast to an assessment made last year by Alejandro Moreno, an official with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Speaking at the North American SAF Conference and Expo in September, he noted that three years after the Biden Administration issued its SAF Grand Challenge to the U.S. fuel industry to reach a goal of three billion gallons of neat SAF production a year by 2030, the industry is stepping up.

There are now 11 certified pathways to manufacture SAF, but HEFA—derived from used cooking oils and fats—will account for 80% of the SAF volume over the next half-decade. IATA believes production could be enhanced by investment in the other pathways.

Transport Canada Civil Aviation has awarded type certification to Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier utility twin-turbopop. The company expects to deliver the first SkyCourier in Canada this year to Air Bravo, an Ontario-based passenger, cargo, and air ambulance charter operator with facilities in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Barrie, and Meaford.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, the SkyCourier is flown by a single pilot and cruises at more than 200 knots with a maximum range of 900 nm. Avionics is a Garmin G1000 NXi suite. The freighter version, which Air Bravo has purchased, can carry three LD3 shipping containers, and the airplane has a maximum payload capability of 6,000 pounds. Freight is loaded through a large cargo door.

The SkyCourier received FAA certification in 2022 and is available in freighter or passenger versions or a combi configuration for carrying both. A gravel kit is available for unpaved runways.

“The SkyCourier’s outstanding performance will be a game-changer for our customers across Canada,” said Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation's senior v-p of global sales and flight operations. “The maximum flexibility and low operating costs of this aircraft make it an excellent choice for a wide range of missions throughout the region.”

Paragon Aviation group welcomed three new upscale FBOs to its network with the admission of JetCenters of Colorado and its trio of locations in the Centennial State. Founded in 1986, the individually named facilities were rebranded in 2022 to the new JetCenters standard, and include FBOs at Denver Centennial Airport (KAPA), Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (KCOS), and Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL) in Fort Collins. Combined, they occupy more than 230 acres of aviation real estate, including 28 acres of ramp and 800,000 sq ft of heated hangar space.

“Joining the Paragon Network is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Kelly Frontczak, JetCenters of Colorado’s v-p of sales and marketing. “We look forward to working with industry leaders who share our values of safety, service, and excellence in aviation.”

Paragon is part of Luxaviation Group’s FBO network, which now numbers nearly 150 affiliated locations. Each is audited to ensure high standards in facilities and service.

“The addition of JetCenters of Colorado to our network reinforces our mission to build an exceptional top-tier group of FBOs worldwide,” said Paragon president and CEO Crystal Kubeczka. “This partnership highlights our commitment to excellence and our goal to enhance the aviation experience for our business aviation clients.”

VIP Completions has converted a Gulfstream G550 from a business aircraft to a medical evacuation air ambulance for Hatzolah Air, a non-profit organization providing free emergency medical air transport. The G550 entered service this summer and is now used for life-saving missions. Hatzolah Air, based in Bethel, New York, operates a fleet of aircraft staffed by volunteers, including physicians, paramedics, and EMTs. It is fully funded by private donations.

“We are very proud to be working with Eli Rowe and the Hatzolah Air team,” says Ben Shirazi, president of VIP Completions. “It is an inspiring volunteer organization that does amazing work and Eli has a unique ability to get things done. This G550 was generously gifted to Hatzolah Air and we are supporting its conversion by donating our labor and expertise.”

The conversion focused on installing a Spectrum Aeromed extended range stretcher and life support system, with the aircraft’s cabin divided into three main areas: life support zone, galley, and lounge. It features two lavatories and can accommodate up to 12 medical crewmembers/passengers in a single-stretcher configuration, or eight passengers and two patients. The design includes custom seats with premium upholstery from Garrett Leather, wool carpeting by RedRock, and accent panels by Tapis.

VIP Completions—along with those suppliers—donated labor and materials to support this charitable initiative.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has scheduled a day-long forum on February 19 to help Part 135 operations prepare to meet the safety management system (SMS) mandate as the May 2027 deadline looms.

The 135 SMS Roundup will bring safety leaders, FAA personnel, and SMS educators together to foster an open dialogue about developing, implementing, and maturing organizational safety management systems.

“While 2027 may seem distant, now is the time to prepare for new SMS requirements and begin to reap the benefits of safety management in your operation,” NATA said, noting that an SMS program will help companies create safety policies and objectives, develop risk management initiatives, and promote safety throughout their organizations. “Armed with a clear understanding and pathway to successful SMS implementation, you can continually evaluate your unique operation for hazards and proactively address risks,” the association added.

To be held at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, forum participants will discuss the first steps for those new to SMS, walk through the gap analysis process, and share lessons learned. Further, FAA SMS Program Office officials will discuss their perspectives. Registration is complimentary.

AIN’s FBO survey is open for year-round feedback, but the deadline to vote in the 2025 survey (to be published in April) is January 17. The survey takes only a minute, and you can do it while waiting for passengers, on the shuttle bus to/from the hotel, or any other time that is convenient for you. Participants will be entered to win a $250 Amazon gift card (winner must reside in the U.S.). Log in to rate your experiences at the FBOs you visit.