Airports across the U.S. South, including those in Texas and Louisiana, announced unprecedented closures this morning as a winter storm sweeps the region. Houston and the surrounding areas had reported one to three inches of snow by late morning, and several states have declared emergencies, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS) dashboard lists nine airport closures across the region today.

Commercial and general aviation flight operations have been shut down across the region. The Lake Charles National Weather Service issued what it called its first-ever blizzard warning for several counties along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana.

A notam for Houston Hobby Airport (KHOU) at 5:05 a.m. CST today indicated that the airport is closed except for helicopter operations. Another notam issued at 10:13 a.m. CST indicated that the control tower at KHOU is closed until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow. The Galaxy FBO at KHOU posted images of the ramp coated in snow, with more falling.

“While the snow totals were not as much as we feared, we anticipate the cold temperatures will make natural snow removal process a bit difficult,” John Bridi, regional manager of Galaxy FBOs at KHOU and Conroe North Houston (KCXO), told AIN. Both FBOs will remain open throughout the day to serve emergency flights and respond to customer needs. Bridi anticipates airport reopenings by tomorrow.

Used business jet inventory is ebbing over time but is still up 7% year over year (YOY), according to analyst Jefferies Research. Citing Amstat and its own data, Jefferies reported 1,158 used business jets for sale this month. While a jump from a year ago, that is down 8% from December and -4% over the past six months.

For newer jets (those less than seven years out of production), available inventories have increased 12% YOY, but the January tally is 9% less than in December and represents 3.6% of the fleet. Midsize jets led the increase in available inventories, up 15%, followed by light jets (+9%). However, the heavy-jet inventory is down 3%. Meanwhile, pricing was stable from December but down 9% from a year ago.

Bombardier inventory shrunk a percentage point YOY to 70 units, with available Challengers dipping by 53% but Globals up 10% and Learjets up 29%. For-sale Cessna Citations increased by 9% YOY to 118 units.

Gulfstream available inventory expanded by 10% YOY to 88 with 10 more G650s on the market for a total of 24. Only 20 used Dassault Falcons have been for sale this month, but that is still a 25% increase YOY. Available Embraer jets have jumped by 62% YOY to 42 units, with more Legacy 600/650s on the market.

The Air Charter Association (ACA) is urging the industry to remain vigilant to the risks associated with illegal charter activity with its annual Fly Legal Day today. This also marks the sixth anniversary of the fatal accident in which professional soccer player Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson were killed in a fatal accident flying from France to the UK.

In a statement issued last week, the industry group, which represents 430 members worldwide, emphasized that an illegal air charter flight is an unlicensed operation where the operator does not hold the required air operator or air carrier certificate. “They will be operating a private aircraft and accepting payment for the flight, which is not legal,” the ACA advised. “Operators without these licenses are not required to adhere to the strict regulatory standards of maintenance, crew training, and operational management that ensure the highest level of safety for travelers.”

According to the ACA, using one of its accredited brokers can ensure that a flight is booked with a legal operator with a correctly licensed aircraft and crew. The group, which was formed in 1949, urged people to report any operator they suspect may be offering or operating illegal charter flights. ACA’s chief executive, Glenn Hogben, told AIN that it has received more reports about situations arousing suspicion.

Executive Flight Training (EFT) is the launch customer for One-G Simulation’s newest flight training device, the One-G Tarbes 8, aimed specifically at TBM 850 aircraft owners and operators. The simulator—installed at EFT's Beaufort, South Carolina facility—offers enhanced fidelity and dynamic training capabilities to improve the skills and safety of pilots flying these turboprop singles.

“Since day one, the One-G team has worked to create productive training solutions aimed at elevating pilot safety and proficiency,” said One-G Simulation CEO Xylon Saltzman. “The Tarbes 8 is our latest example of fulfilling this very mission, offering unparalleled fidelity for TBM 850 pilots.”

The Tarbes 8 is equipped with a model-specific flight deck that features full-scale TBM 850 flight controls, closely replicating the real-world aircraft. The simulator’s instructor operator station enables instructors to create complex training scenarios, including emergency situations, which are essential for developing comprehensive pilot decision-making skills.

The Tarbes 8 simulator is available for integration into flight schools and other training programs. “Clients that trained in our One-G Tarbes 7 were excited to fly the Tarbes 8,” said EFT CEO Douglas Carmody of the company’s fleet expansion. “This advanced training device provides our instructors with the ability to simulate realistic, complex emergencies that you cannot execute in the aircraft. This fosters operational excellence in the cockpit and a safer, more efficiently trained pilot.”

Japanese energy giant Idemitsu Kosan has partnered with California-based agriculture company Terviva to explore the use of pongamia as an oilseed feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Pongamia—a legume tree native to eastern and tropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands—produces oil-rich seeds.

Terviva has developed high-yield varieties and proprietary technology for processing the seeds and utilizing and monetizing the product left over after oil extraction in various ways. Idemitsu, which has invested in Terviva, will leverage its fuel expertise to accelerate the development and adoption of pongamia-derived SAF using the HEFA production pathway. The two companies will team up with Stanmore, an Australian coal resource company, to establish a pilot plantation in Queensland, Australia, using Terviva’s high-yield pongamia cultivar.

Idemitsu aims to develop a supply pipeline to produce more than 130 million gallons (nearly 500,000 kiloliters) of SAF annually by 2028.

“Our pongamia genetics have been proven through extensive field trials on over a thousand acres, using propriety data analytics and farming techniques to drive maximal yield, minimize cost, and promote sustainable cultivation,” said Terviva founder and CEO Naveen Sikka. “The end result is a complete pongamia farming package that creates a low cost, low carbon, and high-quality form of oil and protein, revolutionary for a global agriculture industry that is confronting climate change.”

Vista Global inked a partnership with Tri-State Charter, a Part 135 operator with a fleet of VIP Bombardier CRJs and Challenger 850s. The collaboration aims to enhance per-seat shuttle services connecting premium leisure destinations in the U.S.

Operating under Tri-State’s new luxury brand, Slate Aviation, the initiative will expand on Vista’s existing XO-branded shuttle service between New York and South Florida. The service will feature upgraded cabins and enhanced onboard amenities, with the first of these improvements expected to debut in March.

Key features of Slate’s 18-seat, all-business-class CRJ-200s include nearly 50 inches of legroom, extendable foot and leg rests at every seat, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Passengers will also benefit from private terminal departures at select New York City airports, enhanced streaming entertainment, and gourmet dining accompanied by curated wine service. These services will be delivered by Slate’s specialized cabin attendants.

The partnership reflects Vista’s strategy to broaden its private travel options by leveraging XO’s booking platform and Slate’s fleet. This integration aims to provide a seamless travel experience while introducing new service features and expanding destination options throughout the year.

Gulfstream Aerospace today announced strategic leadership changes to strengthen its enterprise supply chain and customer support operations.

Derek Zimmerman was appointed senior v-p of enterprise supply chain, a newly established role aimed at enhancing procurement, inventory management, logistics, warehousing, repair and overhaul, distribution, and spare parts operations. Zimmerman joined Gulfstream in 2011 and has held leadership positions in product support and customer service, most recently serving as president of customer support.

In parallel, Lor Izzard was named senior v-p of Gulfstream customer support. Izzard, a member of the Gulfstream team since 1999, will oversee sales support, service center operations, government programs, and field support. Previously, he served as v-p of field support, leveraging his engineering background to deliver service solutions.

“Derek and Lor are two seasoned leaders with proven track records of success,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. 

These appointments coincide with the upcoming retirement of Dennis Stuligross, senior v-p of program management, quality, and supply chain, who will step down in March after more than 30 years with Gulfstream. Stuligross played a pivotal role in the certification of the G700 and held leadership positions across completions, manufacturing, and operations. Burns recognized Stuligross’ contributions: “His leadership, expertise, and passion have contributed immeasurably to Gulfstream’s success.”