Universal Avionics introduced an AI-powered taxi assist solution yesterday at AEA 2025 to address the persistent safety challenge during aircraft ground operations at airports. With the new product, the company aims to reduce the 1,500 runway incursions that occur each year in the U.S.

According to Universal engineer Thomas Smith, the “new solution…has the potential to eliminate errors on the airfield, ultimately saving lives.” He noted that recent statistics show nearly five runway incursion incidents occur daily nationwide.

The Universal Taxi Assist system leverages speech-to-text technology designed for noisy environments. It analyzes verbal air traffic control instructions, processes them, and turns them into intuitive visual directions displayed on flight deck displays. By identifying instructions specific to an aircraft’s call sign or registration number, the system allows pilots to focus on assigned tasks and limits distractions.

Key features include verification of pilot readback against ATC confirmation, graphical displays with runway indicators and warnings on navigation maps, and logged clearance instructions that provide status updates at each step of the taxi process. The system dynamically displays complex directions in real time, so pilots do not need to rely on memory or handwritten notes.

Smith said the technology is trained with aviation-specific keywords and flight workflows, using location data to determine valid pathways based on each airport’s configuration. The processed information is shown on Universal flight deck and head-up displays.

Collins Aerospace is preparing to deliver its new Venue smart monitors with integrated Airshow HD in-flight entertainment to customers, the company said today at AEA 2025. With the integration into Venue smart monitors, light jet to large aircraft owners and operators can access Airshow HD 4K moving maps and streaming entertainment without needing a complete Venue cabin management system.

Control of the standalone smart monitor is via Collins’ Airshow HD mobile app for Apple iOS and Google Android smartphones and tablets. Users can also cast content from their devices to the cabin monitor. The Venue smart monitors come in several sizes and configurations and can integrate with third-party applications, including streaming services, satellite TV, and personal content. Touchscreen smart monitors are an available option.

“Airshow HD unlocks the full potential of the Venue smart monitor, allowing business jet owners increased options to upgrade and customize their cabin entertainment systems at the pace they prefer,” said Nathan Voight, v-p and general manager of business and regional avionics at Collins Aerospace. “The standalone Airshow HD and smart monitor system provides the flexibility, customization, and usability aircraft owners and operators have been searching for in-cabin entertainment solutions.”

Maintenance provider Elevate MRO has formed a partnership with per-seat Part 135 operator JSX for the former to perform light maintenance services, including inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs for JSX's fleet of 46 Embraer ERJ-135s at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) and Salt Lake City International Airport (KSLC).

The agreement taps Elevate to provide routine inspections and servicing to ensure aircraft safety and performance. Additionally, Elevate’s certified technicians will perform quick-turn repairs and troubleshooting to reduce downtime and enhance operational efficiency for JSX.

“Our partnership with JSX represents an exciting opportunity to showcase Elevate MRO’s dedication to safety, efficiency, and excellence,” said Elevate president Jim Slack. “JSX’s unique approach to air travel aligns with our commitment to providing top-tier, tailored maintenance solutions.”

In other news, Elevate recently expanded its 24/7 AOG support, deploying mobile response trucks to more than 14 airports within a 300-mile radius of KBJC and KSLC, including Jackson Hole (KJAC) and Aspen (KASE). According to the MRO, this expansion "ensures rapid, on-site maintenance and repair services, minimizing downtime for aircraft operators across the region." It added that its mobile technicians can handle a range of maintenance needs, from unscheduled repairs to troubleshooting and parts replacement.

Million Air broke ground yesterday on the Phase II expansion of its FBO at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) in Texas. The FBO—one of three on the field—opened in 2019.

This second $50 million phase—scheduled for completion in second-quarter 2026—will add a trio of 40,000-sq-ft hangars capable of handling the latest ultra-long-range business jets. This will bring the facility to more than 241,000 sq ft of aircraft shelter and double the ramp to 19 acres. A company executive told AIN that if the facility had another 100,000 sq ft of hangar space today, it would already be fully occupied based on current demand.

The project also will include a 15,600-sq-ft office building for tenants; two new staffed 7,300-sq-ft, two-story departure lounges sandwiched between the new hangars; and four additional parking lots (one valet served) to accommodate up to 233 vehicles. This is in addition to the existing 15,000-sq-ft terminal.

“We believe in Austin and its growth into a top national and international business and entertainment destination,” said company CEO Roger Woolsey. “We see ourselves as the front door and first impression of Austin for those arriving in private aircraft. With the many corporations relocating their headquarters to Austin and a steady influx of visitors drawn to the city’s thriving entertainment scene, we are proud to set the standard for excellence in private aviation.”

Avionics maker uAvionix unveiled two complementary products for its AV-30 panel display this week at the AEA Convention, expanding the system’s capabilities for IFR operations.

The AV-HSI (horizontal situation indicator) module provides course and glide slope guidance for ILS and LPV approaches, interfacing with GPS navigators via Arinc 429 and featuring serial ports for navcom integration. By synchronizing with multiple AV-30 units, the module allows pilots to add modern instrument approach capabilities without requiring a complete panel replacement.

Meanwhile, uAvionix's new AV-APA (analog port adapter), designed for aircraft with legacy autopilot systems, enables seamless interfacing between older analog autopilots and the digital AV-30 display. It emulates analog heading signals for heading hold and GPS track-following functions. “If you’ve got a legacy autopilot, this device is a game changer,” according to a spokesperson for the company.

Both products aim to modernize cockpit instrumentation while potentially reducing aircraft weight. The AV-HSI enhances approach capabilities for IFR operations, while the AV-APA allows operators to maintain and improve autopilot functionality without replacing entire systems. These products align with the company’s mission to “keep the skies safe and open for all” by providing upgrade paths that balance modern capability with cost-effective implementation.

The International Civil Aviation Organization updated the North Atlantic Tracks (NAT) to reflect the elimination of the Blue Spruce routes, which date back to World War II but are now rarely used. According to flight operations information specialist OpsGroup, aircraft with a single long-range navigation system (LRNS) will have to transit the NAT via Gander Oceanic airspace and the Iceland-Greenland Corridor.

Taking effect today, the changes were made through the latest update of NAT Doc 007, the main guidance for operations over the North Atlantic. OpsGroup explained that the Blue Spruce routes, which “have been around since forever,” go between Greenland and Iceland and were designed for aircraft with limited navigation capabilities.

However, the Blue Spruce Routes Project Team decided there weren’t enough ground-based navigation aids to support the routes reliably, few operators with single LRNS rely on them, and the flight distance between Blue Spruce routes and alternative corridors was small. Also part of the reasoning was that the Iceland-Greenland surveillance corridor is a good alternative for aircraft with navigation issues.

These routes were created early in World War II for military aircraft transiting the airspace. The name is a nod to the spruce propellers with the tips painted blue on many of these aircraft.

Titan Aviation Fuels subsidiary Titan Aerospace Insurance has partnered with Beacon Aviation Insurance to introduce a workers’ compensation insurance plan that brings special benefits to the owners and employees of the approximately 650 Titan-branded FBOs. According to the companies, the plan provides “substantial” benefits and cost savings compared to other insurance options.

Among the features are a flexible rate structure with upfront, guaranteed-cost premiums; an individual dividend program for payout timelines; an in-house premium audit manager; access to an online risk management library; customized risk management consultations; flexible, interest-free premium installment plans; and 24/7 online and telephone claim reporting tools.

“Titan Aerospace Insurance and Beacon Aviation Insurance are committed to building strong, lasting relationships with our policyholders while providing the essential resources necessary to protect their businesses and assets,” said Titan Aerospace Insurance CEO Jon Downey.