First-quarter business aircraft deliveries climbed across the board from a year ago, according to the latest report from GAMA. Total billings for airplanes soared by more than 25%, to $5.04 billion, while rotorcraft increased by 12.4%, to $770 million, versus first-quarter 2024.

Business jet deliveries rose by 11% year over year (YOY), totaling 141 in the quarter. Gulfstream saw the largest jump, with deliveries of its flagship G700 ramping up. In fact, the Savannah airframer handed over 50% more aircraft in the first quarter than it did a year ago, including nine more in its large-cabin range.

The business turboprop segment, led by Textron Aviation, saw deliveries increase by nearly 49%. The Wichita-based OEM more than doubled its output of Grand Caravans from 10 in first-quarter 2024 to 21 this year.

Piston aircraft deliveries rose by nearly 20% to 353 units in the first quarter, while turbine rotorcraft remained nearly static overall, with just a two-unit increase YOY.

“It is encouraging to see a strong first quarter for the general aviation manufacturing sector,” GAMA president and CEO James Viola told AIN. “There is some uncertainty that lies ahead for the sector, especially as it pertains to tariffs. It will be important that we work together to face these challenges by showing the importance of the industry and the strong economic growth and opportunities we deliver.”

Textron Aviation has finalized a purchase agreement with Mexican business aviation provider Aerolíneas Ejecutivas (ALE) for up to 12 Cessna Citations. The aircraft—a mix of Citation Latitudes, CJ3 Gen2s, and CJ3 Gen3s—will be operated through ALE’s fractional ownership program, Mexjet. ALE is expected to take delivery of four aircraft in 2026: two Latitudes and two CJ3 Gen2s.

“Cessna Citation business jets are ideal for fractional customers seeking class-leading comfort and performance,” said Textron Aviation v-p of sales for Latin America Marcelo Moreira.

ALE is a long-time Citation operator and currently flies the Latitude and CJ3+ models. The company’s jet card program was the first prepaid fractional product introduced in Mexico.

“At ALE, we will continue to prioritize the safety of all our clients,” said company president Arturo Ortega. “Our commitment is reflected in our actions—we continue to grow, invest, and offer unparalleled service.”

The CJ3 Gen2 and Gen3 bring enhanced flight deck and cabin features, including Garmin G3000 avionics with autothrottle, emergency autoland (Gen3), customizable seating, and externally serviceable lavatories. The midsize Latitude offers 2,700 nm range and a flat-floor cabin.

A report from business market researcher The Insight Partners predicts the global FBO market will nearly double in value by 2031. Worth an approximate $25.55 billion last year, the firm believes it will grow to nearly $41.5 billion annually over the next six years as new airports come online around the world.

While North America—home to the world’s largest business aircraft fleet—has the highest saturation of FBOs, it is Asia-Pacific that is expected to see the highest growth rate, in step with increases in international air passenger and cargo traffic. Last year, airlines in Asia-Pacific saw a more than 30% boost in passengers versus 2023. According to the report, there are 71 FBOs in the region, including more than 20 in Australia and another 15 in mainland China—a number that is expected to grow.

The Insight Partners report cited rising business jet deliveries and receding prices for preowned business aircraft as positive signs for FBO market expansion. “Thus, the growth of the business aviation sector due to rising demand for business jets is bolstering the fixed-base operator market growth,” the report concluded.

Global operations are increasing, but geopolitical conflicts and a lack of infrastructure are making them much more complex, panelists agreed last week at EBACE 2025. Speaking during a session on “Business Aviation Around the World: Navigating Global Operational Challenges,” Maxim Ivanov, operations manager for FCG Ops, said the number of operations has grown and is placing a strain on air navigation service providers and ground infrastructure. He cited Central Asia as an example.

“Nobody knows when the Russian airspace will be opened,” he noted. “That is why Central Asia is still one of the biggest hubs connecting Europe and Asia, and the passenger traffic has increased.” The governments and the authorities in Central Asia are trying to adapt to this demand, Ivanov said, including with their restrictions and permissions. But challenges persist, including dealing with antiquated navigation equipment.

UAS International Trip Support operations director James Collas also pointed to the lack of airport infrastructure in areas such as the Middle East and Africa. “We're now operating more into emerging markets, and those emerging markets haven't got the capacity in the airport infrastructure to support the increase in traffic,” he said.

Sebastian Beyhaut, a board member at Pike Aviation, discussed difficulties in the Americas. “We have steady growth in the region. It’s a challenge that we're facing, but also an opportunity that we're facing.”

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Logistics specialist Toll Group has contracted Dubai-based business aviation services group Falcon to provide hangar services in the UAE and worldwide flight support. The three-year agreement announced on Thursday at the EBACE 2025 show covers Toll’s work for government and defense clients.

Under the deal, Falcon will provide space for a Saab 340 twin turboprop that Toll operates for short-haul government missions. The group’s Falcon Technic maintenance division has a 148,000-sq-ft hangar in Dubai, where its sister company Falcon Elite operates one of several FBOs at Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW).

Falcon’s flight operations team will support Toll by securing flight permits, handling ground services, helping passengers and crew, and coordinating fuel deliveries. The Falcon Luxe charter division operates a fleet of 12 business jets. According to the company, which is part of Alex Group Investments, it plans to add another 40 aircraft to its fleet by the end of 2026.

On Tuesday, Falcon announced that its Falcon Flight Support business unit will provide support for four other aircraft operated by an undisclosed customer. This will include ground handling, permit management, flight planning, and crew logistics.

During the EBACE event, Falcon signed a contract to install Gogo’s Galileo HDX communications system in its Bombardier Global 5000 and 6000.

Phoenix-based Arcadia Jets has launched its new business aircraft brokerage with a philanthropic commitment: donating a portion of profits from every transaction to Angel Flight West (AFW). This nonprofit arranges free air transportation for individuals needing non-emergency medical care across the western U.S.

“When we opened Arcadia Jets, we committed ourselves to doing things differently than what you’d expect from a traditional aircraft broker,” said Adam Hahn, CEO. “What better way to do that than to support an organization built on the use of private aircraft to help people access life-enhancing services?” Hahn, a longtime volunteer pilot with AFW, added that he and his team encourage others in business aviation to contribute to AFW.

Arcadia’s announcement coincides with the brokerage’s first series of completed transactions. The company said its giving initiative reflects a broader mission to align aircraft ownership with community benefit.

AFW executive director Mary Hunter welcomed the partnership, noting that Hahn’s personal engagement, as both donor and volunteer, adds meaningful impact. “Arcadia Jets' contributions help ensure that AFW can continue arranging life-changing flights for the patients and families who need us,” she said.

Founded in 2024, Arcadia Jets joins a growing number of aviation companies incorporating social impact into their business models. AFW, which works with more than 1,800 volunteer pilots, arranges more than 1,300 free flights annually. 

When Boeing v-p and organization designation authorization (ODA) ombudsperson Mark Fava stood before aviation professionals at the NATA Air Charter Summit on Thursday, he delivered a stark reminder about leadership in an industry where failure isn’t just costly—it also can be catastrophic.

As an admiral’s aide, “I’m always watching the admiral, but people are always watching me,” Fava told the audience, drawing from experiences that would shape his approach to crisis management from 9/11 to Boeing's recent challenges.

Fava, who works with Boeing’s 1,000 FAA-designated representatives, brought a unique perspective to his presentation on “Legacy Leadership in Difficult Times.” His credentials span three decades of naval service as a P-3 flight officer, legal expertise from major aviation incidents, and current oversight of Boeing’s complex relationship with federal regulators.

Central to Fava’s message was his concept of “legacy leadership”—what he defines as “acting in such a way that leadership becomes ingrained in somebody else, that’s passed on generationally.” This philosophy, developed during his 18 months serving as an admiral’s aide 30 years ago, became the foundation for his recently published book, “Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders.”

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is now available at more than 100 locations verified by 4Air, which supports business aircraft operators in their efforts to decarbonize. The company announced the milestone last week by adding the approved locations to its “Where to Find SAF” online map.

As SAF supplies increase based on the use of a diverse range of feedstocks and with different blends, 4Air takes responsibility for documenting their provenance. The company’s Assure SAF Registry helps customers track and verify their fuel usage to support both voluntary and regulatory claims. Operators need to have the correct documentation for environmental reporting and to demonstrate their commitment to reducing carbon.

According to 4Air COO Nancy Bsales, the number of verified SAF outlets has increased from fewer than 20 locations in 2021, when the company launched the map, to 114 by April. Fifty locations were added to the map last year, with another 15 following in the first quarter. The 114 locations cover 92 airports, including 47 in the U.S., 43 in Europe, one in Asia and one in the Middle East.

Among the many ground support companies represented among 4Air’s verified SAF suppliers are FBO groups Clay Lacy Aviation, Signature Aviation, Jet Aviation, and Avfuel.

Last chance to tell us about the product support you receive from business aviation OEMs. The 2025 AIN Product Support Survey is open for selected readers to rate aircraft, engine, and avionics support. AIN readers who have been picked to participate in this year’s Product Support Survey should have received their password and link to the online survey by e-mail. The survey needs to be completed by midnight on Sunday, June 1. Please contact Lisa Valladares if you have not received your access code.