Hagerty Jet Group—a Savannah, Georgia-based aircraft brokerage that specializes in preowned Gulfstreams—said 2025 was its best sales year in its more than 21-year history. In all, the company sold 195 Gulfstream G650s, G550s, G600s, G500s, G450s, and G280s last year. This compares with the brokerage’s 170 and 132 Gulfstream transactions in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Its top-selling preowned Gulfstream model was once again the G550, with 76 sales logged last year by Hagerty Jet, up from 64 and 50 transactions in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Supply for this model “was very consistent with 35 to 40 aircraft for sale at any given time, representing 6% of the fleet,” it said.

According to Hagerty Jet, the G600 had the lowest preowned inventory level of the six newer-model Gulfstreams it focuses on, with supply at just 1.5% of the fleet for sale. “We predicted more preowned G600s coming to market when the G700s started delivering, but so far we haven’t seen any significant increase,” the company said.

Meanwhile, the G650 market made a huge comeback last year. Supply hit an all-time high of 31 aircraft in the second quarter, which attracted buyers and caused inventory to fall to six aircraft by year-end, Hagerty Jet said. The G450 market gained some momentum late in the year, with 12 transactions completed in the fourth quarter, it added.

Signature Aviation has been tapped by airport operator Coriport to construct a general aviation terminal at Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (MRLB), also known as Guanacaste Airport, in Liberia and operate it in partnership with Aerologística. This marks the FBO chain’s first entry into the country. Signature’s locally-based staff, along with Aerologística’s, will immediately begin serving aircraft and guests at the airport.

The terminal, slated for completion later this year, will feature local materials in its modern interior design, with cues that reflect Costa Rica’s environmental mindset. The facility will include a private VIP guest lounge, conference room, direct ramp access from the terminal, and dedicated customs and immigration service for private aviation customers. In addition, a private indoor garage for guest vehicles and electric charging stations will be available.

“Time and time again, Signature has successfully exported its superior operating model for private aviation hospitality, and soon, our guests will experience that same massive leap forward in trust and professionalism for themselves upon their arrival and departure in the Guanacaste region,” said Signature Aviation CEO Tony Lefebvre.

Hermeus is prepping its next high-speed flight-test vehicle for flight, Quarterhorse Mk 2.1, shipping it to Spaceport America in New Mexico for upcoming trials, the company announced on Wednesday. Noting that Spaceport America is the “new home for the next chapter” and that “the journey to first flight starts now,” the Atlanta-based firm said it has fully deployed its team and established a hangar on location to support the next phase of the program.

Hermeus further outlined several next milestones before the uncrewed scaled supersonic vehicle becomes airborne. These include reintegration of the tail and wings, ground operations and system checks, engine ground runs, taxi tests, and then preparation for first flight.

Collaborating with the Department of Defense on high-speed capabilities and plans to eventually bring a commercial hypersonic aircraft to market, Hermeus has said Quarterhorse Mk 2 is designed to de-risk uncrewed supersonic flight and will enable both “high-cadence hypersonic flight test and novel operational defense capabilities.”

Flight of Mk 2 will follow the flight trials of the original Quarterhorse test vehicle, Mk 1, which took to the skies in May 2025. Hermeus has planned out three Quarterhorse flight-test vehicles—along with an iron-bird variant—before moving forward with its Darkhorse hypersonic multi-mission uncrewed aircraft, destined for military purposes, and then ultimately the 20-passenger Halcyon civil hypersonic aircraft.

A government watchdog this week cited aviation safety and air traffic control modernization as two of the top management challenges confronting the FAA. The Department of Transportation Inspector General (DOT IG) releases a list of top management challenges facing the various agencies within the department every year, evaluating safety impacts, established vulnerabilities, fiscal accountability, and the DOT’s ability to effect change.

Safety was a common theme among all of the transportation modes, and for the FAA, the DOT IG pointed to recent aviation accidents, runway incursions, mechanical failures, and the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision in Washington, D.C. These events, it said, “continue to keep serious safety concerns at the forefront.” 

Addressing these concerns will depend in part on the FAA’s ability to address ATC and airspace modernization and improve staffing shortages. In addition, the FAA must balance compliance with collaboration in its oversight responsibilities.

On the ATC side, the DOT IG noted longstanding challenges in controller staffing at the most critical facilities. At the same time, the agency is grappling with the integrity of the ATC infrastructure. “Investing in technology and redundant infrastructure across the NAS will be key to prevent further occurrences like these and maintain NAS integrity,” it said.

Noting past cost and deadline overruns, the DOT IG warned that the FAA must unveil a plan to anticipate and mitigate potential implementation challenges. 

The West Star Aviation Academy continues to deliver results. With a 100% graduation rate for Cohort 3 and 71 technicians certified since January 2024, the program is helping build a stronger future for aviation maintenance.

Harlan Simpkins will be the next president and CEO of the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) as of January 12. His leadership experience includes more than two decades in global flight operations, regulatory compliance, and aircraft certification. Recently, he led aircraft flight and test operations for De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, and he also previously served as chief customer liaison pilot at Bombardier for several years.

In the announcement from CBAA, the association specifically noted Simpkins’ “strong background in leadership and a deep understanding of the business aviation industry.” It added, “He brings a proven track record of collaboration with regulators and industry stakeholders, driving operational excellence, safety, and long-term value for the business aviation community.”

Simpkins remarked, “As I step into the role of president and CEO, I am excited to begin this new chapter with CBAA and its members. The association plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for Canada’s business aviation community, and I look forward to working closely with members, partners, and stakeholders to build on that strong foundation. Together, we will continue to advance the industry, strengthen collaboration, and support the growth and success of business aviation across Canada.”

Elliott Aviation is offering a limited-time $75,000 incentive for Citation XLS+ operators planning to upgrade to the Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck. The incentive applies to the first five XLS+ operators who sign a contract and submit a deposit, with all installations required to be completed this year.

A fully integrated, large-format flight deck, the Garmin G5000 suite enhances situational awareness, automation, and connectivity while modernizing the aircraft. Elliott said its in-house engineering and Citation expertise allow operators to complete the upgrade at its Garmin-authorized avionics facilities.

The incentive coincides with Elliott’s expansion of its Garmin G5000 installation capability, building on the company’s longstanding experience with the Citation 560XL platform. Elliott has completed more than 90 Garmin G5000 installations.

“The Citation XLS+ is a natural fit for the G5000, and operators are looking for an installer with real depth on this platform,” said Bill Forbes, senior v-p of avionics programs at Elliott Aviation. He said Elliott’s scale and familiarity with Garmin flight decks support predictable schedules and consistent installation quality.

Women in Aviation International (WAI) will feature several notable speakers—including NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy and longtime senior business aviation executive Stephanie Chung—during its 37th annual conference, taking place from March 19 to 21 in Dallas. 

On the roster besides Homendy and Chung are Nicole Malachowski, former U.S. Air Force officer, fighter pilot, Thunderbird pilot, and presidential appointee, and Alex Marren, COO of Air New Zealand with previous leadership roles at United and Hertz.

Emceeing the general sessions at WAI2026 is Sarah Kalmeta, known to many as “Sarah the Pivoter.” Kalmeta is an international leadership strategist and trainer with experience in aviation, aerospace, and transformational leadership.

WAI CEO Lynda Coffman noted the “exceptional lineup of keynote speakers from across the industry” at this year’s event in March. “We’re proud to offer thousands of members unparalleled access to impactful education, dynamic networking opportunities, and a vibrant exhibit hall showcasing nearly 200 leading companies and organizations,” she remarked.