Business jet brokers have a more optimistic outlook as permanent bonus depreciation takes root, according to market analyst Jefferies. Releasing its 20th semi-annual business jet survey this month, Jefferies noted that the sentiment index, which included responses from 80 business jet brokers globally, increased by 14% to seven on a 10-point scale. This compares with 6.1 in June but is off from the all-time high of 8.7 in January 2022, when demand from the market experienced an unprecedented surge.

Brokers believe volume in 2026 will tick up by about 5%, an improvement from the flat results that were anticipated in the June survey. Jefferies expects a 3% bounce in new business jet deliveries, looking at new models from Gulfstream, Textron Aviation, and Dassault. More than half of the respondents—57%—cited 100% depreciation benefits as a key driver of the market. Also, 20% pointed to long lead times for new jets in propelling the underlying strength of the used market.

Further, brokers are no longer citing geopolitical risks as a market driver, where 27% noted those concerns in the June survey. However, now brokers (44%) are worried about possible economic slowdowns.

In December, 1,124 aircraft were available for sale, representing 4.4% of the total fleet. This is down 11% year over year and 5% from June. Jefferies added that some 60% of sales represent replacement aircraft.

The FAA has issued an interim final rule permanently restricting the operation of helicopters and powered lift in the vertical-lift flight mode in a defined area of airspace near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA). This formalizes measures temporarily enacted after the fatal Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision over the Potomac River.

Published in the Federal Register on Friday, the rule adds a new subpart to FAR Part 93 and prohibits helicopters and powered-lift aircraft operating in vertical-lift mode from flying in a designated area between the Memorial Bridge, Hains Point, and the Wilson Bridge unless conducting an essential operation.

According to the FAA, the interim final rule fully implements an urgent safety recommendation issued by the NTSB following the fatal collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342. Issued in March, that recommendation called for permanently prohibiting helicopter operations on Route 4 when Runways 15 and 33 are in use. The NTSB cited close-proximity events between helicopters and airplanes at KDCA over several years.

Under the new rule, essential operations are narrowly defined and include lifesaving medical missions, active law enforcement responses, active national security operations, continuity activities for the federal government, and transportation of the president or vice president. Routine training flights, proficiency checks, and non-essential personnel transport are explicitly excluded.

NTSB and FAA officials are en route to Maine to investigate a fatal accident involving a Bombardier Challenger 650, which crashed last night while taking off from Bangor International Airport (KBGR). A Bangor police department spokesman told AIN that the manifest listed six people aboard and all are presumed dead.

Owned by Houston-based LLC KTKJ Challenger, the large-cabin jet attempted to take off around 7:45 p.m. in freezing, low-visibility conditions due to the snowstorm that blanketed most of the U.S. Northeast. According to reports, the twinjet veered right as it departed 11,440-foot Runway 33 at a ground speed of 152 knots. It then flipped over and caught fire on impact.

The pilots apparently requested and received Type I and Type IV deicing just minutes before its attempted takeoff. Once the NTSB's onsite investigators arrive, they will document the scene and examine the aircraft. The wreckage will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation. A preliminary accident report is expected to be released by the agency within 30 days.

KBGR will remain closed today, with the intention of reopening tomorrow morning.

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With the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks winning their respective NFL conference championships yesterday, the stage is now set for Super Bowl LX on February 8 in San Francisco. The big game is once again expected to attract scores of private aircraft, which will likely face the now-standard special event fees.

The imposition of special event fees, particularly at the chain FBOs, is a relatively recent but pervasive development. Sporting events such as the F1 Grand Prix, Kentucky Derby, major golf tournaments, or even regular-season NFL games in some cities can engender the special fees, sparking concern among aircraft operators.

At Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International (KSJC) Airport, Signature Aviation's event fees range from $18,785 for an ultra-long-range business jet, down to $3,675 for a turboprop single. At San Francisco International (KSFO) and Oakland San Francisco Bay (KOAK) airports, they will charge between $12,805 and $2,500 for those aircraft, while at Hayward Executive (KHWD) Airport, the costs range from $5,655 down to $1,080.

Atlantic Aviation, which has three facilities among the 17 slot-restricted airports, is charging special event fees only at KSJC. Its fee calculator shows a $33,480 event fee for Bombardier Global 7500s plus a $3,348 facility fee, down to $4,210 for a Daher TBM plus facility fee.

Moffett Field (KNUQ) is charging a fixed $15,000, regardless of aircraft size.

The House on Thursday passed the broad funding bill covering multiple agencies, including a $22.2 billion budget for the FAA in fiscal year 2026, but its future remains uncertain as it heads to the Senate for consideration this week. Under a stopgap measure passed in November, Congress has until Friday to complete work on the legislation or face the specter of another shutdown of a large tranche of the government, including the Department of Transportation and its agencies.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers had ostensibly reached a compromise on the funding package, but after the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the weekend, Democrats are now reportedly backing away from support of the Department of Homeland Security portion. According to Washington insider publication Politico, the Senate was to have voted on the package on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the bill has received industry support for its increased funding, including for ramped-up hiring of air traffic controllers. Aerospace Industries Association president and CEO Eric Fanning noted the additional $1.2 billion included for FAA funding and said the bill would accelerate air traffic control system modernization and support key initiatives surrounding safety and new technologies, as well as continue workforce grants. Air Line Pilots Association president Jason Ambrosi added that the bill would strengthen the pilot workforce, including additional resources for the FAA’s aeromedical process.

Facing increasing demand for its maintenance and avionics services, Oklahoma-based Omni Aircraft Maintenance has expanded its facility at Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) with the lease of a new 40,000-sq-ft hangar from Atlantic Aviation KTUL. According to the company, the move more than doubled its hangar space and enhanced its “ability to support a broader range of inspection, maintenance, and avionics work while maintaining the disciplined operating approach that has guided the company’s growth.”

The hangar—which can accommodate regional jetliner-class aircraft—will support both single-aircraft operators and multi-aircraft fleets, with particular emphasis on aircraft segments where Omni has great familiarity, including Cessna Citations; Bombardier Challengers and Learjets; and Beechcraft King Airs.

Located next to Atlantic’s FBO, the acquisition also includes an additional 18,000 sq ft of office and customer workspace. In addition, the MRO’s ramp has more than tripled in size, allowing for more efficient input, return-to-service, and aircraft towing operations.

“This expansion reflects customers choosing Omni because they want clarity and accountability, not surprises,” said Tim Lockerby, Omni’s director of sales. “The additional capacity allows us to grow responsibly while staying true to how we operate.”

Join the editors of Business Jet Traveler and AIN on February 11 for an exclusive webinar that will detail everything you need to know about business aviation safety. Our editorial team will provide a safety checklist for passengers that begins with the charter booking process, offers air safety advice, outlines guidelines for flight departments, and includes expert analysis of several real-life accidents and what could have been done to prevent them. We will discuss best practices for safe operations and share practical steps you can apply to feel confident that your private flight will be as safe and seamless as possible.