Preowned single-engine helicopter prices surged in the first half of the year, despite a sharp drop in global transaction volume, according to Aero Asset’s latest Heli Market Trends report. The midyear analysis found that median transaction prices rose 19% year over year (YOY), while retail sales volume fell to a four-year low.

Utility-configured helicopters were a major driver of price growth, with transaction values in that category rising 31% YOY. Still, pricing remains a point of tension, with helicopters selling at an average discount of 13% below asking price.

Seventy-six preowned single-engine helicopters worth $195 million were sold globally in the first six months. Supply for sale increased to 145 aircraft valued at $361 million—up 9% in units and 6% in value versus the same period last year. The absorption rate rose to 11 months, its highest level since 2021.

“We’re seeing a combination of declining sales volume and prices soaring,” said Valerie Pereira, v-p of market research at Aero Asset. “Despite this market disparity, buyers continue to pursue mission-specific configurations. Notably, demand in the EMS segment grew…signaling its continued resilience.”

Regionally, North America continued to dominate the single-engine segment, accounting for two-thirds of global transactions. Despite a 25% YOY decline in volume, Europe placed second in total sales. Asia-Pacific and Latin America saw significant contractions, down 43% and 60%, respectively.

Heads Up Technologies (HUT) today said it acquired cabin management system (CMS) specialist Innovative Advantage, extending its capabilities in the business jet sector. HUT acquired STG Aerospace in 2022 and Alto Aviation in 2023, making Innovative Advantage its third acquisition in three years.

Founded more than two decades ago, Innovative Advantage provides high-performance CMS infrastructure, particularly for large business jets. Its AVDS platform, which is installed on more than 2,000 aircraft, enables 4K video, audio, and Ethernet with low latency. The Kirkland, Washington-based company has a 40-person workforce, predominantly comprising engineers.

A developer of lighting, CMS/IFE, safety, and audio-engineered systems for commercial and business aircraft applications, Addison, Texas-based HUT said the acquisition is part of its strategy to extend its portfolio of proprietary technologies that enhance the cabin experience and infrastructure.

Innovative’s CMS systems pair with HUT’s expertise in lighting, passenger interface, and integrated cabin control systems, the companies said. When paired with Alto Aviation’s audio and aftermarket capabilities, the combined group can provide a fully integrated cabin experience, according to HUT.

“Innovative Advantage strengthens our ability to innovate with agility, adapt to customer needs at scale, and elevate the passenger experience across every class of business aviation,” said HUT CEO Renée Rump. “Just as importantly, we share the same cultural DNA—passion for aviation, respect for precision, and a belief in pushing boundaries together.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) is kicking off an audit surrounding the transfer of the terminal radar approach control (Tracon) responsibilities for Newark International Airport to a facility in Philadelphia.

This audit comes in the aftermath of a 90-second radar and radio contact blackout that Philadelphia controllers overseeing Newark airspace experienced on April 28 due to a burnt copper wire. That blackout was followed by another outage on May 9 due to failures of both primary and redundant communication infrastructure.

Last July, the FAA shifted the Newark responsibilities from the New York Tracon to Philadelphia, citing concerns about chronic understaffing at the New York facility, according to the OIG, which noted that Newark is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., with 24 million passengers transiting through in 2024.

However, the OIG added: “The outages have raised questions about FAA’s management of the relocation, including impacts on system redundancy, controller staffing and training, and operational resilience.” Given those concerns, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asked the OIG to review the decision to relocate the responsibilities.

The watchdog plans to examine the FAA’s planning and risk assessment process and operational impact on flight delays, cancellations, and safety incidents. It expects to begin the audit next month.

Charter and Go has integrated satellite-based flight tracking from Spire Aviation directly into its charter management platform, providing operators with enhanced aircraft visibility in remote areas where traditional radar coverage is limited.

The partnership leverages Spire’s LEMUR satellite constellation to deliver real-time ADS-B tracking data that automatically populates Charter and Go’s flight logs, pilot records, and maintenance tracking systems. Combining satellite and ground-based data sources, the integration provides comprehensive global coverage, including remote locations and oceanic regions traditionally beyond radar reach.

Charter operators using the integrated system receive live flight insights and enhanced situational awareness across their entire fleet operations. Satellite data flows directly into existing Charter and Go workflows, eliminating manual data entry while improving operational safety through better aircraft positioning information.

“We appreciate how Spire Aviation is working with Charter and Go in order to support our charter operators in ways other systems cannot,” said Christian Huff, CEO and co-founder of Keller, Texas-based Charter and Go. “By having Spire Aviation auto-update our flight logs, it improves the overall safety of a charter operator.”

Johan Alex Varghese, head of partnership and commercial at Spire Aviation, emphasized the operational benefits: “The partnership brings space-based intelligence directly to charter operators, empowering faster, safer, and more cost-efficient operations.”

Elevate Jet, an Elevate Aviation Group company, has received certification from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate large aircraft, including VIP airliners such as Airbus Corporate Jets and Boeing Business Jets. The approval expands the company’s ability to manage and market these aircraft for charter, demonstration flights, and other commercial use.

“These aircraft are in increasing demand in the U.S. charter space,” said Reid Oslin, v-p of strategic accounts at Elevate Aviation. “For decades, we have specialized in curating trips for a variety of highly discerning clientele such as the best names in music and entertainment, executives and founders, and presidential campaigns.”

“We look forward to supporting these unique assets and expanding our world-class management platform,” said Randy McKinney, president and CFO of Elevate Aviation. “This additional authorization further expands our immense capabilities in long-range, international, and large group charter.”

Chadi Saade, president of Airbus Corporate Jets, added, “This is a significant development for the U.S. market, which represents a key growth region for Airbus Corporate Jets. We look forward to supporting Elevate Jet as they expand their high-performance services.”

Appareo Aviation has unveiled the Stratus 4, a portable ADS-B receiver with additional features beyond the traditional subscription-free weather and dual-band traffic, WAAS GPS receiver, and attitude and heading reference system sensors.

Like the Stratus 3, the fourth-generation device integrates with a variety of electronic flight bag apps, including ForeFlight, Stratus Insight, Garmin Pilot, FlyQ, WingX Pro, and others. A touchscreen color display is a first for portable ADS-B receivers, and it includes a g-meter, flight data recorder, and Apple “Find My” integration for easy tracking in case of loss or misplacement. Users can easily replace the Stratus 4’s rechargeable battery without needing any tools.

“It’s great for pilots to have all of this reliable information in an easy-to-see and use device,” said Kris Garberg, president of Appareo Aviation. “We set out to design the most feature-rich ADS-B on the market, and the team delivered.”

Deliveries of the Stratus 4 begin in September, and it retails for $849—$100 more than the Stratus 3.