Protestors from the local chapter of Extinction Rebellion demonstrated outside Farnborough Airport (EGLF) on Saturday to oppose the expansion of private aviation at the London-area facility. The group, which was joined by prominent environmental activist Greta Thunberg, marched from the center of the town to the airport, calling for all private flights to be banned.

In March, the planning committee of the local Rushmoor Borough Council is expected to consider Farnborough Airport’s application to increase the annual limit on flights from 50,000 to 70,000. Under proposals made in October, the privately owned airport wants to gradually increase the limit between now and 2040, including a rise in the number of permitted weekend movements from 8,900 per year to 18,900. It also wants approval to accept more aircraft weighing between 55 and 80 tonnes to ease restrictions on newer large-cabin jets such as the Bombardier Global 7500.

Farnborough Airport has said that its expansion plans would create around 950 jobs and boost the economy by around £220 million ($277 million). A spokesperson told reporters that most flights at EGLF are being operated for business or corporate travel purposes.

According to Extinction Rebellion, the protest drew around 1,000 people from various groups.

EASA and the International Air Transport Association held a workshop last week to share incident information and remedies for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) jamming and spoofing incidents. The workshop concluded that “interference with satellite-based services that provide information on the precise position of an aircraft can pose significant challenges to aviation safety.”

Workshop participants agreed on some measures to make positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services provided by GNSS more resilient, including reporting events, eventually to a common database; sharing aircraft manufacturers’ guidance to operators; sharing EASA alerts about attacks with relevant stakeholders; and ensuring a backup system with the minimum operational network of traditional ground-based navigation aids. 

“[We] have seen a sharp rise in attacks on [GNSS] systems, which poses a safety risk,” said EASA acting executive director Luc Tytgat. “EASA is tackling the risk specific to these new technologies. We immediately need to ensure that pilots and crews can identify the risks and know how to react and land safely. In the medium term, we will need to adapt the certification requirements of the navigation and landing systems. For the longer term, we need to ensure we are involved in the design of future satellite navigation systems. Countering this risk is a priority for the agency.”

EASA has also published Safety Information Bulletin 2022-02R2 on this topic.

Avfuel has increased its branded dealer network in the Pacific Northwest U.S. with the addition of the two Aero Centers FBOs in Spokane, Washington.

The rapidly growing chain recently opened a 36,000-sq-ft, $10 million facility at Spokane International Airport (KGEG). In addition to a 6,000-sq-ft terminal, it offers 27,000 sq ft of heated hangar space, which can accommodate ultra-long-range business jets.

In March, Aero Centers acquired Western Aviation—the lone FBO at nearby dedicated general aviation gateway Felts Field Airport, which has a 4,500-foot main runway. Its 35,000-sq-ft complex there includes 20,000 sq ft of hangars that can shelter aircraft up to a Cessna Citation Excel.

Both locations offer modern lobbies, conference rooms, pilot lounges and snooze rooms, shower facilities, and private workstations. As well, concierge services, dishwashing service, and courtesy crew cars are available. They will also offer contract fuel, participate in the fuel provider's customer loyalty program, and receive staff training via its FAA-approved training system.

“We congratulate Aero Centers on the opening of its new, state-of-the-art FBO and are honored to partner with its team members at both Spokane FBOs as they serve this vibrant region with the aviation services to match,” stated Joel Hirst, Avfuel’s senior v-p of sales. “Together we aim to exceed the expectations of pilots and passengers with streamlined services, reliable products, and valuable programs.”

Horst Bergmann, the former CEO and chairman of Jeppesen, where he worked for more than 40 years until retiring in 2003, passed away on January 21. He also served as chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) in 1996.

According to GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce, “Horst Bergmann was a passionate champion for the aviation community and an influential and visionary leader. His hard work and dedication led to Jeppesen’s significant growth in employees and revenues during his tenure and he was instrumental in Jeppesen’s transformation from a paper-based navigational aid provider to a leader in integrated aviation solutions.

“GAMA is grateful for Horst’s inspirational industry leadership and his contributions as a GAMA board member and chairman. On behalf of GAMA and its membership, I offer our deepest condolences to Horst’s family, friends, and colleagues.”

Jeppesen managing director Jens Schiefele also remarked on Bergmann's legacy: “Horst was a driving force behind making Jeppesen charting a renowned product, leaving a lasting impact on the entire aviation industry.”

Airbus Helicopters will set up a final assembly line (FAL) in India through a partnership with Tata Group. The agreement, announced on Friday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to New Delhi for India’s Republic Day event, covers production of the company’s H125 single-engine helicopter.

Tata and Airbus have yet to confirm the exact location for the FAL, which will be the first helicopter manufacturing site in India established by the private sector. The H125s produced in the facility will be for the domestic market, as well as for export to some neighboring countries.

The Indian FAL will be responsible for integration of major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems, in addition to installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines. Airbus will establish the operation with Tata Advanced Systems over the next 24 months and said it anticipates the first Indian-made H125s will be delivered in 2026.

“This helicopter final assembly line, which we will build together with our trusted partner Tata, is a reaffirmation of Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “This will be the second final assembly line Airbus is building in India after the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.”