Berkshire Hathaway’s aviation services businesses—NetJets and FlightSafety International—generated 11.8% year-over-year revenue growth in the first quarter, the conglomerate reported on Saturday. This increase was primarily due to the higher number of aircraft in shared ownership programs, hours flown, and higher average rates at NetJets, according to Berkshire Hathaway’s latest earnings report.

“The increase in demand, in part, was attributed to customers responding to potential further price increases and supply-chain concerns,” the report notes, “including extended inventory order lead times,” alluding to 12- to 36-month lead times for new-production business aircraft.

Aviation services contributed to the overall services group’s $941 million revenue increase in the quarter, though electronics distributor TTI was the primary driver with 26.2% growth. The services group—which also includes Dairy Queen and Business Wire—generated $6.43 billion in revenue in the first quarter, up from $5.49 billion in the same period a year ago. Services group pre-tax earnings increased $137 million (21.1%) YOY in the first quarter, reaching $785 million.

The earnings increase from aviation services was attributable to increased revenues, partially offset by higher flight crew and instructor costs, and higher maintenance, fuel, subcontract, and other variable costs. Aviation services contributed to the earnings increase but to a lesser extent than TTI, according to the report.

Gulfstream Aerospace has invested another $5 million in its home state of Georgia as part of its continuing efforts to boost innovation and strengthen workforce talent and skills for the future of business aviation. This funding will be spread among Savannah-area schools, along with technical colleges and universities across the state. Gulfstream marked the contribution last week during a Discover the Difference event that drew dignitaries, educational partners, and students to its Savannah headquarters.

“Each year, we invest $5 million in education through our Georgia partnerships,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. “Developing a strong local talent pipeline is essential to our future, and we are grateful for our educational partners who help prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.”

Gulfstream has an educational outreach that crosses from K-12 programs and dual enrollment opportunities to technical colleges and research universities. This outreach introduces students to a range of careers in business aviation. The company added that the investments further support its research and development efforts.

Noting that aerospace was the top international export from Georgia, Gulfstream added that it continues to play a significant role in the state’s economic growth, with more than 13,000 employees residing in Georgia.

The global business jet maintenance market will reach $10.4 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual rate of 4.5% from a 2022 baseline of $6.7 billion, according to Allied Market Research. Fleet expansion, aging aircraft requiring scheduled maintenance, and advances in avionics and composite systems are driving demand growth, the Wilmington, Delaware-based firm said.

North America holds the largest market share by revenue, Allied Market Research said in its report. The region benefits from the world’s largest installed business jet fleet, an established regulatory framework under the FAA, and a robust network of certified maintenance facilities and original equipment manufacturer service centers. Driven by business aviation expansion in China, India, and Southeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific region is expanding at the fastest rate of 4.9% annually.

Heavy jets account for the largest share of maintenance spending due to complex systems, extended flight hours, and higher overhaul costs, according to the report. By maintenance type, base maintenance—which includes heavy-check inspections, major structural overhauls, and component replacements at certified facilities—dominated the market.

Engine maintenance represented the highest revenue segment by component because of the expense of service and overhaul cycles and the need for specialized tools and training for new powerplants. Technology advances create opportunities for maintenance providers to offer specialized services including avionics upgrades, software updates, and predictive maintenance.

Textron Aviation has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of Gogo 5G air-to-ground connectivity in midsize Citations and is also offering aftermarket installation of Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom systems in the Citation Excel/XLS series.

Gogo’s Avance LX5 5G STC is available for the Citation Longitude, X+, X, Sovereign+, Sovereign, Latitude, XLS Gen2, XLS+, XLS, and Excel. Aircraft already equipped with an Avance system can be upgraded to the LX5 version, which provides high-speed connectivity at up to 80 Mbps in the contiguous U.S. and parts of Canada. Development of an STC for LX5 installations in the CJ4, CJ3+, and CJ3 is underway.

Excel/XLS-series owners now have the option of having SpaceX’s Starlink satcom installed at a Citation service center, in the U.S. and Europe, under an STC developed by AeroMech. This includes Starlink installation in the Citation Ascend, the latest version of the 560XL series.

“Customer feedback continues to shape how we enhance the ownership experience, and expanding Starlink availability for the Citation Ascend and 560XL series is a direct response to customer demand,” said Brian Rohloff, senior v-p of customer support at Textron Aviation. “Offering Starlink as an aftermarket option gives customers flexibility to equip their aircraft with the connectivity solution that best supports their missions and reinforces our commitment to listening and delivering a best-in-class aviation experience.”

AEG Fuels expands its capabilities with comprehensive Ground Support Equipment (GSE) solutions designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability across aviation operations. From essential ramp equipment to global logistics support, discover how AEG helps operators streamline ground handling, reduce downtime, and maintain seamless operations across a growing global network.

Business aviation advisory and aircraft brokerage firm Mente Group surpassed $1 billion in aircraft transactions last year, marking the highest annual volume and greatest number of deals in the company’s history.

“2025 was Mente Group’s strongest year yet, both in total transaction value and number of deals closed,” said president and CEO Brian Proctor. “These results underscore the confidence our clients place in us to guide critical aviation investment decisions.”

Mente Group has reported strong sales activity year to date, supported by a pipeline of aircraft transactions and advisory engagements. The firm provides aircraft transactions, asset advisory, consulting, appraisals, and valuations for corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and aviation stakeholders worldwide. Founded in 2009, Mente Group says it has advised nearly half of the Fortune 100 companies on aviation assets.

The Dallas-based company recently hired Steve Main as chief revenue officer and named Kyle Bonda senior managing director. Additionally, the company promoted Jay Bushouse to senior managing director, and Brent Hanson and Rich Ropp to managing director roles.

Private equity firm Signia Aerospace has acquired Aerox Aerospace Group, a supplier of aviation oxygen systems for general aviation, business aviation, airline, military, and special mission applications.

Aerox makes portable and installed oxygen systems for aircraft manufacturer installation, along with TSO-approved masks, PMA-certified cylinders, regulators, and related components. The company operates an FAA Part 145 repair station for maintenance and overhaul work. These capabilities enable Aerox to deliver comprehensive solutions; its team handles system design, engineering, testing, certification, and life-support system development.

“Aerox strengthens our ability to support operators with a more complete range of aircraft systems,” said Keith Bagley, group president of Signia Aerospace. “This expands our oxygen systems portfolio and capabilities while enhancing life cycle support.”

Scott Ashton, the owner of Aerox, said the company has built its reputation by delivering oxygen systems across aviation platforms. Ashton will support both companies following the transaction to ensure a smooth transition.

Signia Aerospace is based in Bonita Springs, Florida. It is a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, which manages more than $20 billion in assets.

Bell Textron recently announced sales of three Bell 429 light twin-engine helicopters for VIP operations in Europe. The trio of buyers will operate the 429s in the UK and Estonia.

“We continue to see a growing demand for our corporate-configured aircraft in region, especially with the Bell 429,” said Robin Wendling, Bell’s managing director for Europe. “The Bell 429 combines speed, comfort, and luxury, which are three things that are especially ideal for our corporate and VIP customers. We look forward to working with our three new operators as they expand their fleets with this exceptional platform.”

More than 500 Bell 429 GlobalRangers have been delivered, and they have collectively logged more than 735,000 hours. With a flat-floor 204-cu-ft cabin, the 429 can accommodate up to seven people. Maximum cruise speed is 155 knots, and at long-range cruise, the 429 can fly for 4.5 hours and 411 nm.

The Sporty’s PJ2 GPS is the company’s newest handheld radio and adds basic GPS navigation features to the product line that features standard headset jacks with no adapter required. Now available, the 1.18-pound PJ2 GPS retails for $399.

With 6 watts of transmit power, the PJ2 GPS includes a com radio with one-touch emergency frequency activation that also pulls up GPS navigation to a designated home airport. While the color screen doesn’t include a moving map, the GPS does display groundspeed, altitude, track, and simplified GPS navigation.

Users can store up to 100 frequencies, and the radio includes a built-in intercom for aircraft that aren’t equipped with electrical systems. Pilots can use headsets with Bluetooth connectivity to connect to the PJ2 or earbuds when listening on the ground.

PJ2 GPS power is available from two sources: either a lithium-ion battery or a backup AA battery pack. A USB-C power input is available to charge the lithium-ion battery or to provide external power.

“Sixty-five years ago, the first product ever sold by Sporty’s was a custom radio,” said president and CEO John Zimmerman. “While technology has evolved dramatically, our focus remains the same: delivering pilot-friendly tools that work exactly when you need them most.”

Tell us about the product support you receive from business aviation OEMs. The 2026 AIN Product Support Survey is now open, ready 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 May 31. Please contact Lisa Valladare if you have not received your access code.