Signature Aviation has completed the first phase of redevelopment at its FBO at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) in Georgia. The construction project included a terminal similar in size to the former 5,000-sq-ft building that was demolished. It includes a passenger lobby with a refreshment bar, crew lounge, and conference room, as well as an electric vehicle charging station directly in front of the building.

Additionally, the 18-month project included a 22,000-sq-ft hangar that can accommodate the latest ultra-long-range business jets, giving the FBO its first bulk storage facility. A second phase slated for completion in 2027 will add a 40,000-sq-ft hangar and more ramp space, and will also expand the terminal by 7,800 sq ft.

“The first phase of the reimagined Signature Savannah captures the charm of the city and blends it with a welcoming environment where our team members can deliver the one-of-a-kind guest hospitality the area is known for,” said Derek DeCross, the company’s chief commercial officer. “The amenities we are unveiling now and planned additions in the future will elevate the experience and create exceptional moments for our guests traveling through this historic area.”

In Savannah, the fastest growing port on the East and Gulf Coasts, the new terminal’s location will provide quick and easy access to downtown and nearby commercial hubs, according to Signature.

Buying and financing an aircraft may seem riskier now than in recent memory due to the impact of ever-changing tariffs, recession fears, and geopolitical risks. The sheer lack of clarity and certainty and the undeniable complexity of tariffs appear to be slowing or disrupting aircraft purchase transactions.

Tariffs may raise the purchase price of an aircraft permanently imported into the U.S., including its engines, components, materials, and parts, as I discussed in my recent blog. Under the weight of these factors, what is the path forward in buying, selling, financing, and leasing aircraft consistent with transaction best practices?

As a purchaser, you might focus first on buying an acceptable aircraft considered to be manufactured in the U.S., if available, or an aircraft exempt under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the successor to NAFTA. Even if a seller of an exempt aircraft asks for an elevated price, the asking price might still be less than a similar make and model aircraft subject to a tariff.

Regardless of the origin of an aircraft, it is essential to thoroughly analyze potential tariffs or exemptions and related costs before signing a letter of intent to purchase an aircraft, even if you think an exemption applies to the aircraft. Each aircraft will have its own tariff story and exposure.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and President Donald Trump yesterday announced a sweeping plan to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, calling for a complete rebuild of both infrastructure and technology across the National Airspace System. In a briefing, Duffy outlined the first national strategy to replace aging infrastructure, including copper cabling, legacy radar, outdated ground equipment, and insufficient facilities.

“Our mission is to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art system that can grow with the aviation economy,” Duffy said, calling the plan “bold” but necessary to prevent future accidents such as the January 29 midair collision near Washington, D.C.

President Trump said the plan would “fully replace the technology at more than 4,600 air traffic control sites” and include six new coordination centers. The initiative, he said, is the first comprehensive modernization since the 1960s.

“You can’t build anything on top of this system that we now use. It’s so old,” Duffy said. “Technology that’s going to make us more efficient and safer can’t be deployed on what we have in America.”

Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee issued a joint statement calling modernization “long overdue.” A wide coalition of aviation organizations, including NBAA, are also backing the ATC system overhaul.

Universal Avionics recently achieved FAA certification for its Wi-Fi-enabled flight management system (FMS) on Part 25 aircraft. The approved model list supplemental type certificate (AML STC) establishes the foundation for implementing the company’s connected avionics solution across multiple aircraft platforms.

By integrating Universal’s FMS with UA FlightPartner iPad applications, the newly certified system enables smart flight planning capabilities throughout all flight phases. This integration delivers operational efficiencies such as reducing database update times by approximately 45 minutes while decreasing pre-flight preparation requirements.

The technology allows bidirectional communication between pilots’ iPads and the aircraft’s FMS, creating an enhanced human-machine interface that improves situational awareness, according to the company. This means pilots can view and modify flight plans on their tablets on the ground and during flight.

Additionally, the system streamlines workflow by enabling the transfer of critical flight data from tablet applications directly to the FMS, including route information, winds and temperatures aloft, fuel parameters, weight calculations, and takeoff and landing performance metrics.

Dror Yahav, CEO of Universal Avionics, emphasized the technology’s business advantages: “When time equals money, being able to save time and adjust flight plans on the go is pivotal for enhancing operational efficiency. Seamless database updates and agile, real-time flight planning on an iPad interface are now a reality on these aircraft thanks to a combination of efforts to receive extensive cybersecurity approvals.”

A sleek and up-to-date aircraft interior starts with a vision. But where do you go from there? This quick guide from C&L Aviation Group breaks down the process of redesigning a private jet, explores the possibilities, and helps you focus on what matters most—style, function, budget, and timeline.

AEG Fuels has expanded its branded dealer network with the addition of Burns Municipal Airport (KBNO) in Oregon. This latest facility brings the AEG Connect network—which was initiated in 2022—to 28 locations

KBNO features a 5,100-foot main runway, and its city-owned and operated full-service FBO offers a 24-hour passenger terminal with a lounge and refreshment bar and courtesy cars, hangar space to accommodate light jets and turboprops, flight instruction, and aircraft maintenance.

As a member of the fuel provider’s network, it will receive increased visibility, operational support, and competitive pricing.

“Burns Airport is an important part of the Southeastern Oregon aviation infrastructure,” said Kai Sorenson, AEG’s director of fuel sales. Somewhat ironically for an airport named Burns, KBNO is home to an aerial fire attack station, supporting helicopters and air tankers. “AEG is committed to supporting the local community and proud to be providing fuel to this essential fire mission.”

Garmin has released a flight-planning website that integrates with its Garmin Pilot iOS and Android tablet and smartphone apps and also provides free flight-planning features for non-subscribers. Garmin Pilot Web’s basic features work anywhere in the world, while the full capabilities are, for now, available in North America. With Garmin Pilot Web, said senior marketing manager Kyle Ludwick, pilots can flight plan via mobile app or web.

Subscribers to the Garmin Pilot app’s standard or premium plans can access most of the same capabilities of the app on Pilot Web, including planning flights, routing, and filing flight plans in North America, plus aircraft performance data and a new live internet traffic layer.

The free services on Pilot Web include entering basic route planning, altitude, speed, and fuel burn, with calculation of distance, fuel required, and estimated time en route and arrival based on forecast winds aloft. Detailed airport information is available, with aviation weather and daily and hourly forecasts, runway information, terminal charts, and FBO information.

Pilot Web users who aren’t Garmin Pilot subscribers can also choose map options such as topographic maps, satellite view, VFR and IFR charts, and street maps. Overlays include a new aeronautical layer, radar, airmets and sigmets, TFRs, temperatures, winds, and fuel prices.

The Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has signed a contract to purchase eight Airbus H215 Super Puma helicopters, along with an option for two more. Under a government-owned, contractor-operated model, Airbus and H215 firefighting operators Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères will partner to provide technical and operational support.

Funding for the purchase is provided by two European funds and the tender was managed by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the ministry.

The Hellenic Fire Brigade operates two Super Pumas, and the Hellenic Air Force operates 12. With a range of 540 nm and capable of carrying 19 firefighters, a water bucket, or a belly tank, the H215 can conduct firefighting operations at night, thanks to its four-axis autopilot.

“The signing of the contract for the purchase of new H215 helicopters represents an important step in our efforts to mitigate the devastating consequences of the climate crisis in our country,” said Panagiotis Stampoulidis, deputy CEO of Growthfund. “This is the largest contract signed under the Aegis National Programme to bolster the civil protection mechanism in Greece with modern equipment, and we are delighted that the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund swiftly concluded this tender with transparency and efficiency.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday began enforcing Real ID compliance for all commercial air travelers, affecting some business aviation operators conducting Part 135 charter/nonscheduled commercial operations. This enforcement deadline marks the culmination of the Real ID Act, which established new standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards used for official federal purposes, including boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

According to a blog published by Universal Weather & Aviation, operators conducting Part 135 charter operations under TSA security programs such as the Twelve Five Standard Security Program (TFSSP) must verify that passengers present either Real ID-compliant identification or an acceptable alternative document when traveling domestically. Universal said commercial operators need to ensure that their crews, schedulers, and passengers understand the verification requirements, including establishing clear protocols for passenger identification verification, even in the absence of TSA personnel.

While the Real ID deadline introduces new compliance obligations, passengers still have multiple options for acceptable identification. The TSA continues to recognize several documents beyond Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses, including U.S. and foreign passports, U.S. passport cards, DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, and enhanced driver’s licenses. Passports will remain the standard requirement for international travel, however.

AIN’s senior-level Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit (CALS) East, set for July 14 to 16 in Boston, Massachusetts, will address the latest topics, strategies, and solutions in business aviation. The summit is attendee-centric and serves as an educational and professional networking platform, connecting corporate aviation leaders with peers, industry experts, and solution providers in a relaxed, informal environment. We invite U.S.-based flight department leaders to apply to attend this all-expenses-paid event as our guests.