Greenpoint Technologies delivered a VVIP Boeing BBJ 787-9 interior completion, after steering the project through from design and engineering to entry-into-service. Specializing in complex VVIP and head-of-state aircraft programs, the Moses Lake, Washington aircraft outfitting company served as a prime integrator, managing the manufacturing, mission integration, and certification for the completions work.

The project, for an undisclosed customer, involved the installation of multiple distinct living zones with elevated, custom-coved ceilings, enhanced acoustic engineering, and integration of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communications systems. Included in the installation was Greenpoint’s enclosed AeroSuite, a private space that includes a lie-flat bed, separate reclining seat with sliding table and storage ottoman, an oversized monitor, and a full-height wardrobe.

The AeroSuite is fitted with customized finishes, accent lighting, and IFE and connectivity tailored to the customer’s preferences. Greenpoint manufactured interior monuments and assemblies in-house, customized to the aircraft interior architecture plans and in line with certification requirements. The vertical approach provided risk reduction, schedule certainty, configuration control, and direct accountability, the company said.

“Each completion strengthens our technical depth and reinforces the trust our private and government clients place in our Greenpoint team,” said Greenpoint Technologies CEO Klaus Koester. “The 787 is a highly sophisticated platform.”

Aviation industry software provider X-1 purchased private aviation industry consultancy FBO Partners and its HangarIT hangar management product. Announced yesterday at NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Cleveland, the acquisition further develops X-1’s platform across aviation operations, infrastructure, and real estate.

Through the addition of FBO Partners, X-1 expands into advisory capabilities, bringing expertise in transaction support, operational strategy, and market insight across the FBO and airport arena, while the inclusion of HangarIT strengthens its capabilities in aviation real estate and infrastructure data. As part of this transition, HangarIT will be rebranded as X-1 Property, establishing it as a purpose-built solution for managing aviation real estate, hangars, and infrastructure within the broader X-1 ecosystem.

“HangarIT and FBO Partners extends the X-1 platform into a critical part of the aviation ecosystem that has historically operated in silos,” said X-1 CEO Jim Wiley. “By bringing together operations, data, and real estate insight, we’re laying the groundwork for a more connected and efficient aviation environment.”

In a move to further strengthen its aviation real estate capabilities, X-1 will also collaborate with BA Group, which brings deep expertise in aviation real estate advisory and development, along with Aviation Property Network (APN), its aviation real estate marketplace.

The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed a slate of aviation-related bills by voice vote, including measures to pave the way for supersonic flight over land, move toward digitization surrounding pilot certificates and the supply chain, and build in more flexibility for small airport funding. In all, the House approved 14 bills backed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee that covered a variety of issues, from rural broadband access to protecting waterways.

“Today’s slate of bills passed under suspension will support aviation safety and innovation,” said T&I ranking member Rick Larsen (D-Washington) after the vote. “I’m glad the T&I Committee’s bipartisan work could reach the finish line with floor passage of these bills.”

Among the stack of bills was H.R. 3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, which calls on the FAA to update regulations to permit civil aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds in U.S. airspace as long as those operations do not produce a sonic boom that reaches the ground.

Further cleared were H.R. 6427, Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025, to permit nonprimary airports to use state highway construction standards for airfield pavement projects, and H.R. 2247, Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act, to permit pilots and other airmen to present digital copies of required certificates when requested by authorized officials.

SureFlight Aircraft Completions opened a second facility in Springville, Utah, specializing in airplane and rotorcraft custom interior and upholstery projects, the Coatesville, Pennsylvania-based company announced. The facility, adjacent to Spanish Fork Municipal Airport (KSPK), doubles the company's aircraft interior completion and refurbishment capacity.

“Our Utah custom interiors shop is the first step in a long-term strategic plan to replicate SureFlight’s Pennsylvania facilities, which also accommodate exterior paint and avionics, on the Spanish Fork airport,” said SureFlight co-founder and president Owen Watkins.

SureFlight completed its first bicoastal refurbishment on a Beechcraft Premier twinjet with full interior, exterior paint, and avionics work. Master upholsterer Dave Thompson relocated to Utah to establish and lead the facility’s operations.

The facility—whose clients include regional repair stations, aircraft suppliers, OEMs, and owner-operators—is working with customers in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. SureFlight is also participating in community activities, including volunteering to restore a WWII-era A-26 Invader, joining FAA enthusiast groups, and exhibiting at the Spanish Fork Airport airshow.

DAS Aviation provides comprehensive radome repair services with in-house transmissivity testing to restore structural integrity and ensure radar performance meets required specifications.

Microair Avionics this week unveiled the T4000 pitot probe that incorporates an air data computer, attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), angle of attack sensor, static port, anti-icing heater, temperature probe, and magnetometer. Announced during the new product introduction session at the AEA Convention, the integrated probe and air data computer can be installed under FAA non-required safety-enhancing equipment guidelines and is a direct replacement for AN5812 pitot probes.

By EAA AirVenture in July, Brisbane, Australia-based Microair plans to obtain FAA approval for installation in Class 1 and 2 Part 23 airplanes, according to CEO David Withers. Plans call to obtain technical standard order approval and installation approval for Part 25 airplanes.

T4000 features that can be displayed on Microair’s T3000 SkySuite instrument include airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, angle of attack, temperature, attitude, and magnetic heading digital data. The 120-watt anti-icing heater is available in 12- or 24-volt DC configuration with digital temperature control. “There are a lot of electronics in a small space,” Withers said, and Microair was able to engineer the T4000 because of the evolution of sensor technology. “It’s a complicated piece of equipment in a very small package.”

The non-heated option for a Part 23 airplane retails for AUD$5,229 ($3,644), while the 12- and 24-volt heated unit costs AUD$5,469.

Southern Sky Aviation, the lone FBO at Mississippi’s Trent Lott International Airport (KPQL), has opened a new U.S. Customs facility, designating the airport as a point of entry.

Southern Sky’s onsite customs clearance—housed within a newly renovated building—now allows international arrivals to bypass the long lines and congestion often associated with larger airports, and also enables the clearance of foreign nationals. The company is a participant in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Reimbursable Services Program, enabling it to provide 24/7 service. In the past, customs at KPQL had been limited to on-request clearance, only during business hours on weekdays.

CBP’s “presence transforms KPQL into a true port of entry and positions our airport to serve international aviation operations with professionalism, security, and southern hospitality service,” said Southern Sky president of FBO operations Darryl Brewer.

The Avfuel-branded FBO specializes in quick turns and comprehensive ground handling for large aircraft, along with cargo and freight loading/unloading, and onsite maintenance. The facility has 67,000 sq ft of hangar space, capable of accommodating a Gulfstream G650. To further enhance its operational capabilities, construction is underway on 121,500 sq ft of additional ramp space, including a second connector point that will enhance fuel transfer.

The NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC) officially kicked off this morning in Cleveland with an opening session. Before a standing room audience at the Huntington Convention Center, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen recalled that SDC was the first of the organization’s shows he attended when he assumed leadership in 2004.

He looked back on the events a year ago when a spate of aviation accidents, including the midair collision in Washington D.C., an aeromedical flight crash in Philadelphia, and another midair collision in Arizona, made nationwide headlines. “What happened in the aftermath of that was our industry began to question ourselves. The world began to question us,” Bolen said. “For the first time in my life, people were coming up to me saying, ‘Is it safe to fly?’”

Bolen noted that, in response, the industry coalesced to create the Modern Skies Coalition, a group of 60 aviation associations of which NBAA was an executive founder. “For the first time, we are not being divided with parochial interest, we’re united to build this brand new air traffic control system.”

With $12.5 billion in funding and a deadline of three years, NBAA leadership met last week with the FAA administrator to get a progress update on the new system. “You have to make things happen,” Bolen said. “That’s why it’s important that our industry comes together.”