Honda Aircraft received FAA approval for autothrottles on the HondaJet Elite II, the Greensboro, North Carolina-based aircraft manufacturer announced yesterday. This move authorizes the company to enable autothrottle functionality on production aircraft.

Once flight parameters have been set and the autothrottle is engaged, the HondaJet's Garmin G3000 avionics system takes over the throttle controls, using sensor input to monitor and adjust engine output. This keeps the aircraft flying at the desired speed while reducing pilot workload and improving passenger comfort. Autothrottles on the Elite II can be used on takeoff and until the landing flare.

“The HondaJet is a design that has consistently pushed the bounds of what is possible,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “We anticipate that the addition of this functionality to the HondaJet Elite II will offer customers a new way to experience the joy of flight, in accordance with Honda’s principles as a developer of mobility solutions. We are very appreciative of our customers, who have not only shared their excitement but also waited patiently for this development.”

Universal Aviation announced a strategic co-branding agreement with Portuguese ground handling chain Safeport in a signing ceremony at NBAA-BACE. The partnership will see all six Safeport locations at Lisbon (LPPT), Cascais (LPCS), Oporto (LPPR), Beja (LPBJ), Faro (LPFR), and Sal Island (LPFR)—the latter a strategic tech stop on the transatlantic route—co-branded as Universal Aviation locations.

“Portugal’s thriving business aviation market, coupled with Cape Verde’s strategic importance for Atlantic crossings, presents a unique opportunity for growth,” said Universal chairman Greg Evans. “Safeport was the clear choice for this partnership due to their exceptional 30-year track record of top-tier service and deep local expertise.”

Evans added that Safeport has a proven ability to handle high-profile clients—including top executives, government officials, and celebrities—which aligns with Universal’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of service and safety globally.

“Forming an alliance with Universal Aviation allows us to elevate our three decades of local expertise to a global scale,” explained Safeport’s president and CEO Paulo Mirpuri. “This collaboration enhances our service capabilities and opens doors to new international customers who recognize and trust the Universal Aviation brand.”

Piper Aircraft's M700 Fury has received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia, the company announced today.

"The EASA, ANAC, and CASA certifications are significant milestones for the M700 Fury," said John Calcagno, president and CEO of Piper Aircraft. "These approvals reinforce our commitment to delivering a world-class aircraft with exceptional performance, safety, and versatility to key international markets."

Piper calls the M700 Fury the “fastest single-engine aircraft in its history, offering a maximum cruise speed of 301 knots and a range of 1,424 nautical miles.” It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engine and includes the HALO Safety System with Garmin Autoland.

Vero Beach, Florida-based Piper said in July that it delivered 116 aircraft in the first half of this year and is on track to deliver approximately 300—including nearly 50 of its recently certified M700 Fury turboprop singles—by year-end. If that target is reached, it would mark a 22% increase in shipments this year for the aircraft manufacturer.

Charter flight broker Chapman Freeborn helped more than 70 electricians quickly travel to Florida in response to widespread power outages following Hurricane Milton. The Category 3 hurricane made landfall in Sarasota, severely impacting infrastructure and leaving more than 3.4 million homes and businesses without electricity.

To support urgent power restoration efforts, Chapman Freeborn coordinated with air charter operators to deploy the electricians and specialized equipment, including power tools and lithium batteries, in compliance with FAA regulations. Logistics were carefully managed, including close monitoring of airport conditions to ensure safe and timely arrivals for these emergency personnel.

“During the relief effort in the Tampa Bay area, our team expertly navigated several logistical challenges, including airport selection, ground handling, and manifest coordination,” Aniko Mersek, senior v-p of sales at Chapman Freeborn, told AIN. “With the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, we closely monitored forecasts and assessed multiple contingency plans, ultimately working with three different airports until the morning of departure when we confirmed which one would be safe to use.”

Chapman Freeborn’s aviation emergency services (AES) unit played a crucial role in this mission. As a part of the Avia Solutions Group, the company’s AES division specializes in emergency response charters, leveraging decades of experience in disaster relief, including high-stakes evacuations, critical medical supply transport, and crisis management.

Duncan Aviation recently installed a Garmin® avionics upgrade in a Citation CJ2 at its Denver, Colorado, Satellite. The Garmin STC covers installation of dual 10.6-inch G600 TXi displays, dual GTN™ 750Xi navigators, a 7-inch TXi EIS display, the GFC™ 600 autopilot, a GMA™ 350 Audio Panel, and GI 275 Standby.

Hughes Network Systems has completed test flying of the Gogo Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) on a Bombardier Challenger 300, while Wheels Up announced plans to equip its entire fleet with Galileo HDX satcom systems and Textron Aviation became the first OEM to offer Galileo HDX as a factory-installed option for the Cessna Citation Longitude, Latitude, and Ascend. Galileo service, which runs on Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, is set to begin by the end of the year.

The half-duplex HDX antenna will be available for the Longitude in 2026 and for the Latitude and Ascend at a date to be announced later.

“At Textron Aviation, we are committed to enhancing the flight experience for our customers,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior v-p of global sales and flight operations for Textron Aviation. “By offering Gogo Galileo HDX, we ensure that passengers on these Citation business jets enjoy a seamless and superior in-flight Wi-Fi experience, no matter where their journey takes them.”

Wheels Up plans to begin Galileo installations in mid-2025 as supplemental type certificates are approved covering its fleet types. "Exceptional onboard Wi-Fi is a central in-flight experience feature our members and customers value when selecting an aircraft," said Wheels Up CEO George Mattson. "Gogo's next-generation Galileo HDX system is a key element of our fleet modernization plan.”

Jet Out has unveiled a 12-month co-lease program featuring the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2. With an opening price of $199,000, this initiative allows clients access to 20 travel days with fixed costs included, while sidestepping traditional challenges such as peak dates and hidden surcharges. The company has also announced a consumer cost calculator tool for pricing and cost estimates.

“Our 12-month co-Lease program bridges the gap between jet cards and full ownership,” said Gordon Cameron, v-p of revenue. “It’s ideal for clients seeking a more accessible way to experience private aviation.” The program allows participants to upgrade to co-ownership at any time, ensuring adaptability for evolving needs.

In addition to the co-lease program, the company launched its Jet Out Cost Calculator, a tool designed to enhance pricing transparency. This online resource provides prospective clients with detailed estimates, outlining costs associated with both co-ownership and co-lease options.

ONEflight International partnered with country music star Lainey Wilson in a notable humanitarian mission, delivering essential supplies to victims of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. The mission, in support of local first responders and volunteers, began on October 22. Wilson personally contributed insulin, while ONEflight supplied space heaters and blankets, as well as donated the flight.

“My heart is with y’all,” Wilson said to more than 30 first responders at Rutherford County Airport (KFQD). She also joined a prayer circle and a convoy led by the Rutherford County sheriff’s office to assess damage at Chimney Rock, one of the hardest-hit areas.

“It’s a privilege to partner with Lainey Wilson for this mission,” said Ferren Rajput, ONEflight International CEO and founder. “We are committed to using our resources to help communities in need.”

The Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity coordinated the onsite donation efforts to ensure that supplies reached those in need.

FlightSafety International has promoted Barbara Telek to president, succeeding Brad Thress. In that role, she is responsible for steering FlightSafety’s financial and business direction globally. Thress, a former Textron Aviation executive, retired after serving at the helm of the aviation training and simulation giant since February 2020.

Telek had served with FlightSafety as CFO since 2023. Before that, she held roles as executive vice president of strategic initiatives for FlightSafety’s sibling NetJets and as CFO for NetJets' Executive Jet Management unit. Both NetJets and FlightSafety are part of Berkshire Hathaway’s retail services business.

In addition, Telek has held numerous other senior leadership positions within finance, procurement, information, and human resources for Fortune 500 manufacturing and service industries, FlightSafety said. She has a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Dayton.