Textron Aviation received FAA approval for its Cessna Citation Ascend midsize jet yesterday, paving the way for the latest iteration of the venerable Excel/XLS family to reach market later this year. Launched at EBACE 2023, the Ascend brings a flat floor to the family, as well as the Garmin G5000 avionics suite and improved performance. NetJets is the launch customer under a multi-year 1,500-aircraft contract for the Citation Longitude and Latitude, along with the Ascend.

Coming amid the U.S. government shutdown, certification followed the debut of the aircraft last month at NBAA-BACE and the rollout of the first production model in September at Textron Aviation’s Wichita headquarters. FAA approval is the culmination of numerous certification tests and more than 1,000 flight hours accrued on two flight test articles, Textron Aviation said.

“The Citation Ascend’s successful flight-test program reflects our teams’ expertise in obtaining FAA certification while designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers,” said Chris Hearne, Textron Aviation’s senior v-p of engineering and programs. “We sought our customers’ feedback, and the result is a business jet that offers customers the latest innovations in performance, productivity, and efficiency.”

Business aviation flight activity last month soared 5.3% year over year (YOY) and 4.3% higher month over month, according to the latest TraqPak data from Argus International. Notably, this marks the second-highest month since January 2007, when Argus began tracking business aircraft utilization. Europe also posted its sixth positive month in a row, up 3.1%.

“October did not disappoint from a flight activity standpoint,” said Argus senior v-p, software Travis Kuhn. “This is traditionally the busiest month on the calendar, and this October we recorded the second-busiest month on record.”

In North America, October activity was 4.3% higher YOY. Fractionals had the highest results at 10.3%, followed by Part 135 at 4.9%, and Part 91 up 1.4%. The Southern region logged the largest monthly increase, up 23.8% due to the shift in activity as the Northern Hemisphere winter approaches.

For October, aircraft categories that led the growth include midsize jets at 6.2%, small-cabin 5.5%, and large jets 2.1%. For the year, fractional small-cabin jets climbed 14.6% and fractional midsize jets were up 8.9%.

Europe’s recent growth remains positive, and on a YOY basis, it was up 3.1%, reflecting a climb for midsize- and large-cabin jets—3.4% and 8.8%, respectively.

In Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America, the YOY gain was 11%. Turboprops climbed 10%, followed by small-cabin jets, 22.5%; midsize jets, 8.3%; and large-cabins, 8.2%.

Bombardier deliveries increased by four units, to 34 aircraft, in the third quarter, contributing to an 11% year-over-year revenue gain, the Montreal-headquartered company reported this morning. Revenues reached $2.3 billion in the third quarter, also thanks to a $590 million contribution from the services business representing 12% growth.

“We are entering the final stretch of 2025 with excellent momentum across the board,” said Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel, pointing to the certification of the Global 8000 this week. “The aircraft is on track to enter service this year. Our service network is consistently full and expanding in the Middle East and the U.S. Finally, our defense team is well-positioned to grow its proportion of deliveries in the near term. The Bombardier team is on track for a strong end of year.”

The third-quarter mix weighted more toward the ultra-long-range Global family; Bombardier delivered 21 Globals and 13 Challengers. These Globals accounted for the entire four-unit increase in the quarter, up from 17 a year earlier, while Challenger deliveries were flat. For the first nine months, Global deliveries have increased by three, to 47, while Challengers are up one unit, to 46.

Even with the increased Global deliveries, Bombardier’s backlog grew to $16.6 billion. This is up from $14.4 billion at the end of December as book-to-bill came in at 1.3:1 in the third quarter.

Rising global wealth, disciplined production, and a focus on innovation are sustaining strong growth across business aviation, Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Michael Amalfitano said on Tuesday at Corporate Jet Investor Miami 2025. He noted that Embraer is “living a pretty nice moment in [the] industry” and achieving “really unique milestones” across its executive jet business.

Amalfitano pointed to global wealth creation as a powerful long-term driver for the sector: “If you’re not watching wealth, you’re missing the opportunity for growth.” Citing data from Credit Suisse, he noted that personal wealth worldwide is expected to rise by more than 20% by 2029. A report from Altrata projects that wealth creation among ultra-high-net-worth individuals will increase 31% by 2030.

“That wealth is coming to private aviation in a significant way,” Amalfitano said. “They’re younger, they’re going to stay in the industry longer, and the growth is more sustainable as a result.”

On the manufacturing side, Amalfitano outlined Embraer’s emphasis on “production leveling,” which aims to even out manufacturing and delivery flow throughout the year. “If you level load, then you deliver more cash flow to the business, which allows us to invest in MRO, invest in production capabilities, [and] build a new airplane,” he said. That approach supports “pricing discipline, cash flow discipline, and dividends to shareholders.”

In line with his warnings this week about delays and potential airspace closures during the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy yesterday said the FAA will curb operations by 10% at 40 busy airports. Delays are anticipated to begin tomorrow and ramp up to 10% in the coming days. This is part of a multifaceted approach the agency is taking to grapple with rolling air traffic controller shortages that official say have been occurring throughout the system since the U.S. government shutdown began on October 1, Duffy said.

In a press briefing, he stressed that the curbs are data-based. “This is not based on what airline has more flights out of what location. This is about where is the pressure and how do we alleviate the pressure,” he said. “Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible.”

Amid these decisions, the broad-based industry Modern Skies Coalition issued a joint statement urging Congress to reopen the government. “The aviation community stands united in calling on Congress to end the shutdown without delay. This prolonged shutdown has strained the aviation system and its dedicated workforce to unacceptable levels of stress and disruption,” the statement said. “The American flying public deserves nothing less than a fully operational aviation system. It’s time for Congress to act decisively.”

Signature Aviation has expanded its footprint in Florida with the purchase of the Fort Lauderdale Executive Jet Center (FLEJC), one of four FBOs at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE). In operation for a quarter century, FLEJC occupies a 15-acre leasehold on the field and features a 10,000-sq-ft terminal with reception area, pilot lounge, weather and flight briefing room, conference room, concierge, and onsite car rentals. Signature plans to begin modernizing the facility shortly.

The acquisition also includes more than 100,000 sq ft of hangar and office space. KFXE offers a 6,000-foot main runway, and U.S. Customs service is available from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.

“[KFXE] serves as a premier gateway to South Florida,” said airport director Rufus James. “The addition of Signature Aviation is vital to sustaining the region’s economic growth by attracting more business to the airport, increasing accessibility, and strengthening South Florida’s appeal for investment, tourism, and business development.”

“We’re excited to welcome Fort Lauderdale Executive Jet Center into the Signature family and network, said Tony Lefebvre, the chain’s CEO. “Our focus on elevating every moment for our guests is at the forefront of everything we do, and we’re excited to expand our network access in South Florida with our Signature hospitality, service, and team member experience.”

World Kinect, the parent company of World Fuel Services, has completed the purchase of Universal Weather and Aviation’s trip-support services division. The deal was announced in early September.

Universal is one of the pioneers in the trip-support market, with a global network of content specialists in international travel regulations, logistics, and supply-chain management, coordinated through the company’s Houston headquarters. It has helped thousands of business and general aviation operators navigate the challenges of international travel and operational logistics.

“Trip Support Services is highly complementary to our core fuel offering,” explained World Kinect president and CEO Ira Birns. “With this acquisition, we are now able to serve a larger, more diverse base of aviation customers, creating new opportunities to deliver broader solutions to drive future growth.”

According to the terms of the approximately $220 million deal, the sale included the Universal Weather and Aviation brand name, as well as the agreements that Universal has made with third-party ground handlers worldwide.

“We are excited to welcome Universal Weather’s [trip support services] team to World Kinect,” added World Kinect COO John Rau. “By expanding our service capabilities, we’re making it even easier for our aviation customers—whether World Kinect or those joining from Universal—to plan, fuel, and fly with confidence, anywhere in the world.”