
Gogo has received FAA parts manufacturer approval (PMA) for its Galileo FDX electronically steered antenna (ESA), a step forward for its global low-earth-orbit (LEO) connectivity options for business aircraft. Commercial service entry for Galileo is expected by year-end.
With the approval in place, Gogo’s dealer network can pursue supplemental type certificates (STC) targeting super-midsize and large-cabin jets. The full-duplex antenna is designed specifically for business aircraft and is compatible with Gogo’s Avance platform. Using the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellite network, Galileo supports high-speed broadband with download speeds up to 195 Mbps and upload speeds up to 32 Mbps.
“With this Gogo Galileo FDX PMA approval, we are demonstrating our continuing commitment to opening up a new world of connectivity for more aircraft owners and operators than ever before,” said Gogo CEO Chris Moore. “With the addition of the FDX to our portfolio of agnostic connectivity solutions, we can deliver consistent global connectivity that satisfies the diverse needs of the dynamic business aviation sector.”
The FDX PMA follows Gogo’s recent certification of the half-duplex (HDX) antenna for smaller jets and turboprops. Installation of the FDX antenna is described as minimally invasive, and its software-driven operation allows for rapid satellite switching to maintain a consistent broadband connection.
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Pakistan’s government closed its airspace in the early hours today in response to the escalating military conflict with India. The initial 48-hour closure had already been anticipated by multiple scheduled airlines, which have been avoiding the country’s airspace—as well as some parts of northwestern India—since the Indian Air Force started bombing what it said were terrorist bases in Pakistan and parts of Kashmir.
As India’s Operation Sindoor was getting underway last evening, the government banned all Pakistan-registered aircraft from its airspace. Last week, Pakistan’s government closed its airspace to Indian-registered aircraft, saying that it had “credible information” about imminent military action.
On April 30, Dyami Security Intelligence issued a warning urging aircraft operators not to fly over Pakistan and to avoid all travel to the Jammu and Kashmir areas. At that point, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority had already issued a notam closing parts of the Lahore and Karachi flight information regions.
Several airports in Pakistan have been closed since the military offensive began yesterday. These include Islamabad (OPIS), Lahore (OPLA), Sialkot (OPST), Gilgit (OPGT), and Skardu (OPSD).
Meanwhile, the Osprey Flight Solutions security team warned that the armed conflict is set to continue, including the use of unguided rockets and artillery fire, guided missile launches, and air strikes.
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Gama Aviation's Staverton facility in Bournemouth, UK, is now approved to provide base maintenance for the Cessna Citation XL/XLS, adding to the company’s existing line maintenance capability for the midsize jets at its Luton base and via mobile service teams.
Before adding the XL/XLS capability, Gama Aviation’s full-service capability for Textron Aviation aircraft covered the Beechcraft King Air series, for which the company is an authorized service facility and special mission authorized sales representative. This marks the first time Gama Aviation has extended its Textron Aviation full-service capabilities beyond the King Air.
“The addition of the Cessna Citation XL/XLS has, alongside the Embraer Phenom 300, allowed us to bridge our traditional King Air turboprop expertise and the larger mid-range and heavy jets,” said Paul Kinch, managing director, MRO. “These Citations are used extensively within the charter, fractional, and owned fleet servicing the UK, Channel Islands, and near-Europe market. By combining AOG, line, spares, mature supply chain, and now base maintenance in an increasingly tariff-friendly country, we believe we have a very compelling proposition to support fleet owners.”
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Embraer just concluded its best quarter since 2016 in terms of revenue, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer announced this week during its first-quarter earnings call. Company-wide, the OEM tallied more than $1.1 billion in revenues in the first three months, a 23% year-over-year (YOY) increase. Its executive jet division saw revenues soar by 35% during that span.
For the quarter, Embraer set a firm order backlog of $26.4 billion, surpassing its all-time high set just last quarter. In the first quarter, it delivered 30 aircraft—seven airliners (three E-195 E2s and four E1s) and 23 executive jets (two Phenom 100s, 12 Phenom 300s, three Praetor 500s, and six Praetor 600s), a 20% increase YOY.
The company continued to make progress in its goal of leveling off its production schedule throughout the year, said company president Francisco Gomes Neto. “Our main objective is to create stability and have a more linear production pace throughout the year.”
One topic of concern is the continuing uncertainty regarding U.S.-imposed tariffs. Neto explained the company’s first-quarter results were not affected by the tariffs imposed thus far. “Our initial analysis points to a limited impact, so we remain confident and reiterate our 2025 guidance,” he said. The manufacturer expects to deliver 77 to 85 airliners and 145 to 155 business jets this year.
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Fly Alliance and Thrive Aviation, ranked among the top 20 U.S. charter operators, have introduced a joint-venture jet card program centered on access to midsize Cessna Citations. “This isn’t just another jet card—it’s a leadership-driven product, for those who want a personal relationship with the people behind the airplanes,” said Fly Alliance co-founder and president Christopher Tasca.
The Citation Reserve Jet Card includes access to aircraft such as the Citation XLS Gen2, Latitude, Sovereign+, and Longitude. Features include guaranteed availability with eight hours’ notice, fixed hourly pricing, and aircraft owned and operated by the two companies. According to Fly Alliance and Thrive, the card is designed to offer an alternative to traditional models with fewer intermediaries and simplified pricing.
Enrollment in the program begins at $500,000. Additional benefits include direct communication with company leadership and no call center or broker involvement.
Thrive Aviation CEO Curtis Edenfield added, “Thrive Aviation and Fly Alliance represent two of the most powerful brands in private aviation today. This jet card isn’t just a reflection of aligned values—it’s a bold statement about the future of jet card memberships and strategic partnerships in the industry.”
The companies aim to use their combined fleets to ensure availability and consistent service standards across the Southeast U.S. and beyond.
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The January 31 crash of a Bombardier Learjet 55 in Philadelphia claimed an eighth victim when a woman, Dominique Goods-Burke, succumbed to her injuries on April 27. Her employer, High Point Café, posted a tribute to Goods-Burke, announcing the passing of the 34-year-old mother of three who had served as the day bake supervisor.
According to a GoFundMe page, she was with her family on an outing to a local mall when debris from the Learjet accident struck her car, catching it on fire.
The aircraft had departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE) at 6:07 p.m. local time on a flight to Springfield-Branson National Airport (KSGF) in Missouri, but went down about one minute after takeoff. Both pilots, two medical crewmembers, and two patients onboard the Part 129 air ambulance flight died in the accident. Reports at the time of the crash had one other fatality on the ground, along with four people seriously injured and 20 more with minor injuries.
According to the NTSB preliminary report, the crew did not make any distress radio calls during the flight. Security camera footage had shown a large explosion as the aircraft crashed in a residential/commercial area. The debris field extended 1,410 feet by 840 feet, according to the preliminary report. Investigation of the accident is ongoing.
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Airbus Corporate Jets has selected Fokker Services Group (FSG) as the latest approved completion center for ACJ aircraft. “That track record has now led to being officially recognized as an ACJ-approved completion center, a milestone that makes us extremely proud,” said Roland van Dijk, co-CEO of Fokker Services Group. “It reflects the outstanding craftsmanship and breadth of skills of our teams in engineering, project management, interior shop, and aircraft installation and production.”
As an approved outfitter, FSG will deliver a range of tailored cabin completion services for the ACJ320neo and ACJ330 families from its facility in Hoogerheide, Netherlands. Airbus acts as the turnkey provider for newly produced green ACJs, with customers selecting from a network of outfitters meeting certain quality standards. Outfitting work is performed under the respective supplemental type certificates of each outfitter.
Chadi Saade, president of Airbus Corporate Jets, said, “We are delighted to welcome Fokker Services Group to our network of approved outfitters. Their proven expertise and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Airbus Corporate Jets’ standards.”
With this announcement, Fokker Services Group joins four other approved ACJ completion centers: Comlux, Jet Aviation, AMAC Aerospace, and Lufthansa Technik. The expanded network offers ACJ customers increased flexibility and access to experienced partners for aircraft outfitting and completions, Airbus said.
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AirSprint is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a provider of fractional jet services in Canada. “As we commemorate this milestone, we reflect on the trust and loyalty our fractional aircraft owners have placed in us over the years,” said company founder and chairman Judson Macor. “We take great pride in helping discerning Canadians achieve their goals and confidently navigate their journeys.”
Founded in 2000, AirSprint has grown into one of Canada’s largest private aviation companies, offering fractional ownership access to a fleet that serves destinations across Canada, the U.S. (including Hawaii), Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Central and South America. The company’s clientele includes business leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking flexible travel options.
In addition to its focus on service, AirSprint has emphasized environmental initiatives. Since January 1, all flights have been carbon offset. The company continues to invest in fuel efficiency improvements and carbon-reduction programs, aligning with broader sustainability goals in private aviation.
“As we enter the next chapter of AirSprint’s journey, we remain committed to the values of safety, excellence, and innovation that have defined us since day one,” said AirSprint president and CEO James Elian.
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RECENT AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
- AD NUMBER: EASA 2025-0102
- MFTR: Piaggio
- MODEL(S): Avanti, Avanti II, and Evo
- Requires replacing landing gear flexible hydraulic hoses with ones that have an improved design. Prompted by a reported occurrence of a leaking landing gear flexible hose. A subsequent investigation indicated that, due to the failure of the hydraulic pump package (HPP) electrical motor, an anomalous current returned through the HPP body, causing one flexible steel braided hose to be punctured by electrical arcing since it was in contact with the HPP body. Improper routing of the hydraulic flexible lines was also a contributing factor.
PUBLISHED: May 5, 2025 |
EFFECTIVE: May 19, 2025 |
- AD NUMBER: FAA 2025-09-04
- MFTR: Bombardier
- MODEL(S): Global Express, XRS, 5000, 5500, 6000, and 6500
- Requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations.
PUBLISHED: May 2, 2025 |
EFFECTIVE: June 6, 2025 |
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