EBAA is combining its Air Ops conference with the annual EBACE trade show, the association announced today. The move is the first indication the organization has given as to the future format of EBACE since it assumed full control of the trade show after ending its partnership with NBAA in August.

In 2025, EBACE will once again be held at Geneva’s Palexpo center from May 20 to 22. The event will feature an “Air Ops zone” with dedicated conference sessions and educational workshops focused on ground handlers, airports, FBOs, trip planners, and aircraft operators.

EBAA has previously staged Air Ops as a separate annual event, in various European cities including Brussels, where the industry association is based. In February 2023, the conference was disrupted by environmental protestors, as was that year’s EBACE show.

“We want to assure our industry that we are listening and making changes to reflect your feedback,” said EBAA COO Robert Baltus. “Air Ops is a key event, but EBACE is where the business aviation community gathers. By merging both events in 2025, we’re creating an unparalleled experience—bringing the sector together in a way we haven’t seen before. This fresh format gives people the ability to strengthen relationships and engage in conversations that will unlock new opportunities within the business aviation ecosystem.”

Business aviation leaders praised the selection of Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) to become the U.S. Senate majority leader in the upcoming 119th Congress. Long familiar in aviation circles, Thune has served in the Senate since 2005 and in the House of Representatives in the decade before that. He joined the Commerce Committee in 2007 and served as chair for four years until he moved into Senate leadership as whip in 2019.

However, he has continued to keep his hand in aviation matters, working behind the scenes on key issues during the most recent deliberations of the FAA reauthorization bill. NBAA pointed out his advocacy for small towns and rural areas that rely on general aviation.

“Sen. Thune is a key ally to the general aviation community,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “He understands that general aviation is essential in connecting citizens, companies, and communities in South Dakota and across the country, and that the industry plays a vital role in our nation’s economy and transportation system.”

NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna agreed: “Throughout Senator Thune’s distinguished Congressional career and service on the Senate Commerce Committee, he has demonstrated a commitment to sound transportation policy, an understanding of the aviation ecosystem, and an appreciation for the value of aviation businesses.”

Changes in the FBO industry over the past several years due to massive influxes of private and industrial equity funding were the topic of discussion leading off NATA's Aviation Business Conference yesterday in Nashville.

While such investment is not new to the segment, the FBO segment has become even more attractive due to its resilience, with business bouncing back strongly after Covid as private aviation flight hours remain elevated versus pre-pandemic 2019. In many locations, demand for FBO services has outpaced supply. As a result, infrastructure fund purchases have led FBO deals since 2021, causing the average number of multiples—the key contributor in determining an FBO sale price—to jump.

The sector is led by Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, private-equity-backed mega-chains that are now showing more restraint at the FBO buffet, according to Nick Fazioli, head of aerospace and aviation with Jefferies. The two companies, which both changed hands over the past three years, are forgoing growth for the sake of growth in favor of a more strategic expansion.

However, while the appetites of the two market leaders may have lessened, a second tier of consolidators such as Aero Centers, Modern Aviation, Hawthorne Global Aviation Services, Skyservice, and Avflight are eager for expansion.

NTSB board member Michael Graham addressed attendees on Tuesday at the Bombardier Safety Standdown to discuss how influence shapes safety and what we can learn from recent close calls. His presentation, “Impacts of Influence,” examined the ways people can influence aviation culture in sometimes surprising ways. To make his point, he delved into two case studies of runway incursion incidents at JFK and in Austin, Texas, over the past two years.

Graham, referencing the overarching event theme of "Elevate Your Influence," opened by reflecting on the pervasive influence of advertising, government, and social media on buying habits and behaviors. He noted that sometimes simple actions can have a significant influence, which could be either positive or negative.

Looking at the history of runway incursions, he noted that audience members might look at statistics and see a steady state with no recent fatalities domestically. “That doesn’t mean that the potential is not there,” he cautioned.

Recent data shows an uptick in runway incursions, particularly in Alpha and Bravo airports. “We actually have 11 incursions that we’re investigating right now,” Graham said.

Effective international trip planning is a specialized art and to ensure a seamless experience for passengers and crews, business aviation organizations should leverage a trip support provider. Learn about the most common challenges with planning an international flight and how ForeFlight Trip Support sets the standard for comprehensive, region-specific trip planning.

Manama, Bahrain-based Valo Aviation became the first business jet charter operator in the country, receiving an air operator certificate (AOC) from Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs yesterday at the Bahrain International Airshow. Besides air charter, the company also offers business aircraft sales, management, maintenance, and flight operations support.

“We are thrilled to receive our AOC certification, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Valo CEO Hanna Hakamo. “This achievement allows us to move forward with our mission to provide exceptional, world-class business aviation services in the region and contribute to Bahrain’s growing business aviation sector.”

Ali Al Mudaifa, chief of business development at the Bahrain Economic Development Board, believes the milestone will help to secure the country as a business aviation hub in the Arabian Gulf region. “The establishment of Valo Aviation marks an important step in our efforts to diversify the economy and enhance the quality of services available to business travelers,” he said. “We look forward to supporting Valo Aviation as it grows and contributes to our vibrant aviation sector.”

Wheels Up today announced the completion of a $332 million revolving credit facility and the acquisition of 17 Embraer Phenom 300/300Es from GrandView Aviation. The latter company will continue to operate the light jets on behalf of the former until they are added to Wheels Up's air operator certificate in first-quarter 2025.

The revolving notes facility, secured through Bank of America and supported by Delta Air Lines, will refinance the existing Wheels Up fleet, secure the purchase of the Phenom light jets, and provide for additional borrowing access. The GrandView deal includes related maintenance assets and customer programs.

According to CEO George Mattson, the Phenom 300s will immediately be integrated into Wheels Up’s charter and membership offerings, coinciding with the busy holiday travel season. The company’s fleet transition also includes consolidating its aircraft types, focusing on a smaller selection of models for improved operational efficiency.

In addition to the Phenom acquisition, Wheels Up recently said it is exploring fleet expansion opportunities with preowned Challenger 300/350 jets. This is an effort to reduce the average age of its aircraft by 10 years and improve the service flexibility and reliability.

“Our fleet transition starts today with the strategic acquisition of GrandView's Phenom fleet…By expanding our fleet with newer, more capable aircraft, we are positioning Wheels Up to remain at the forefront of our industry,” Mattson said.

Both the Cirrus SR Series G7 piston singles and the Vision Jet G2+ have received Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) certification. The SR20 Series G7 was introduced in January and features the same flight deck as the Vision Jet G2+, making the transition from the SR a smoother task for pilots moving up to the jet.

Featuring Garmin Perspective Touch+ integrated avionics, both the SR and Vision Jet share the touchscreen controller pilot interface that was first incorporated in the jet. “This integration ensures a seamless transition for pilots moving between different Cirrus aircraft models,” according to Cirrus Aircraft.

“Pursuing TCCA certification for the newest Cirrus aircraft models, the SR Series G7 and G2+ Vision Jet, underscores our commitment to the Canadian market,” said Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen. "This certification enables Canadian Cirrus aircraft owners to take delivery of their new Canadian-registered aircraft, further solidifying our presence in the region.”

More than 10,000 SR Series and 600 Vision Jets have been delivered. In addition to avionics and cockpit features shared with the SR Series G7, the Vision Jet G2+ has an autothrottle and Garmin’s Autoland system, which can safely land the airplane during a pilot incapacitation situation. All Cirrus airplanes are also equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, which lowers the airplane to the ground during emergencies where a safe landing is not assured.

West Star Aviation has launched a supplemental type certificate (STC) program for installation of Gogo Business Aviation’s Galileo satcom system in Embraer Legacy 450/500s, Praetor 500/600s, and ERJ-135/145s, the latter of which includes Legacy 600/650s. The company expects to complete these STCs early next year.

The West Star STC will be for installation of the Gogo Galileo HDX (half-duplex) antenna, which provides airborne connectivity speeds of 43 to 60 Mbps. For aircraft already equipped with Gogo Avance L5 air-to-ground (ATG) systems, upgrading to Galileo HDX is retail priced at $120,000, plus installation. Service costs for unlimited data range from $11,500 per month with ATG or $10,500 for Galileo alone.

The Galileo service runs on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-earth-orbit satellite network, which provides global satcom service. Gogo expects to launch the service by year-end.

“As the demand for seamless connectivity in aviation continues to grow, we are excited to offer these three new STC solutions for the Embraer Legacy and Praetor aircraft,” said West Star Aviation sales director Marty Rhine.

AIN’s FBO survey is open for year-round feedback, but the deadline to vote in the 2025 survey (to be published in April) is January 17. The survey takes only a minute, and you can do it while waiting for passengers, on the shuttle bus to/from the hotel, or any other time that is convenient for you. Participants will be entered to win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards (winner must reside in the U.S.). Log in to rate your experiences at the FBOs you visit.