Garmin returned to the top in flight-deck ratings during AIN's 2026 Product Support Survey. Part two of three of AIN’s annual product support survey covers internal aircraft systems including flight deck avionics, cabin management systems (CMS)/in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, and airborne connectivity hardware.

In the flight deck avionics segment, while Garmin’s overall score (8.71) slipped slightly from last year’s results (8.83), it was still about three-tenths higher than the next closest company (Collins Aerospace). This was backed by leading scores in six categories in the segment—reliability (9.25), parts availability (8.89), AOG response (8.73), tech representatives (8.71), cost-per-hour programs (8.67), and cost of parts (7.73).

Among the manufacturers of CMS/IFE, Lufthansa Technik and its Nice system landed on top this year with an overall score of 7.88, a slight improvement over last year’s 7.73, enabling it to surpass last year’s best-in-category, Gulfstream (7.78). The Germany-based manufacturer tallied top scores in cost-per-hour programs (7.68), parts availability (7.99), cost of parts (7.11), and warranty fulfillment (8.45).

In the airborne connectivity category, which now includes Starlink, Collins Aerospace unseated Garmin at the top slot with its overall score this year (8.63), up a quarter point from 2025’s survey results (8.38). Collins rated highest in the parts availability category (8.67), as well as AOG response (8.64) and technical representatives (9.01).

Bombardier inked an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to acquire the assets of MHI Canada Aerospace Inc. (MHICA), located in Mississauga, Ontario, the companies announced this afternoon. Terms of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions, were not disclosed.

Anticipated to close later this year, the transaction will expand Bombardier’s aerostructures capability, adding a team of 750 employees and bringing in house component work for the Global 5500/6500 and Challenger 3500 programs. Operating a 270,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility and a 70,000-sq-ft logistics center, MHICA handles aerostructures and other components such as wing assemblies, fuselage sections, and flight control installations. 

“This agreement represents a key step in Bombardier's long-term growth strategy, strengthening critical capabilities, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting the company's flexibility to meet growing customer demand,” said David Murray, executive v-p of manufacturing, supply-chain execution, and Bombardier operational excellence systems. “MHI Canada Aerospace has built a highly respected operation with a talented and experienced team. With this acquisition, we are deepening our core manufacturing expertise as well as our commitment to proactively develop the local workforce through multiple streams in component manufacturing and whole aircraft assembly.”

Plans call for Bombardier to work with MHI to ensure an orderly transition and continuity of aircraft programs. This support is anticipated to continue for an interim period following closing.

Universal Aviation has begun operations at the new general aviation terminal (GAT)/FBO at King Fahd International Airport (OEDF) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The company was selected to manage the facility—the kingdom’s first dedicated GAT and first dedicated private aviation hangar—earlier this year.

The 22,000-sq-ft FBO terminal includes two dedicated VIP lounges, pilot lounge, conference room, prayer room, food and beverage refreshment area, offices, showers, and onsite customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities. A 20,000-sq-ft climate-controlled hangar can accommodate ultra-long-range business jets and shelter them from the harsh desert environment.

The launch also marks Universal Aviation’s first operational location in Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, it will manage a dedicated 108,000-sq-ft private aviation hangar and ground-handling operation at King Abdulaziz International Airport (OEJN), while at King Khalid International Airport (OERK) in Riyadh, the company will open a Universal-exclusive private aviation lounge and deliver full-service ground handling.

To support these operations, Universal Aviation has established a centralized operational control center for flights operating into, out of, and within Saudi Arabia, staffed by English-speaking operations specialists.

“Today’s opening is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of our long-term vision for Saudi Arabia,” said Greg Evans, managing principal of Universal Aviation’s parent company. “We are committed to investing in the kingdom, developing Saudi talent, and helping elevate business aviation service standards.”

Private aviation company Priester Aviation is retiring the George J. Priester Aviation name—its original name from 1945 and parent brand since 2024—and consolidating its companies under the Priester Aviation name across operations in Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, and Tulsa. Mayo Aviation, Hill Private Aviation, and Omni Private Aviation will thus be rebranded as Priester Aviation.

Elite Jets and MaxAir, the company’s newest additions, will keep their existing names but add “a Priester Company” as a co-brand. Elite and MaxAir operate a combined fleet of 12 Embraer Phenom 300 light jets, widening aircraft availability for Invision Jet Card holders and charter clients.

Brent Moldowan, president and CEO of Priester Aviation, said the change reflects the company’s longstanding relationships with clients across its brands. “As the Mayo, Hill, and Omni names transition, their owners will find in Priester what they have always had: a relationship built over decades, rooted in trust and built to grow with them, wherever their aviation journey takes them next.”

The company said the rebrand follows several years spent unifying its services, safety systems, team operations, and infrastructure—an effort it calls “One Priester.” Priester Aviation offers business aircraft management, charter, jet cards, and fleet management.

The toughest Falcon maintenance lessons aren’t learned from a manual. They’re learned aircraft by aircraft, inspection by inspection.

A year of regulatory upheaval and geopolitical disruption hasn’t shifted the underlying shape of business aviation risk, according to the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s (ACSF) midyear Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) review. This is even as air traffic hit records in 2026.

Altitude deviation and traffic proximity events, two leading categories every year since 2024, have made up a consistent 30% to 33% of all safety reports for three straight years. According to ACSF, this continuity suggests that operators are absorbing more traffic without a corresponding rise in near midair collisions.

ACSF members submitted 432 ASAP events, totaling 760 reports, in the first half of 2026. Altitude deviation was the top category at 16%, followed by traffic proximity at 14%, concentrated in the New York metro area; Van Nuys, California; and South Florida. Human factors remain a leading root cause, with communications issues, altitude, and course deviations together accounting for a third of submissions.

Traffic proximity events trended downward even as overall traffic climbed, a pattern ACSF called “a genuinely encouraging sign” that airspace management tools are absorbing added volume rather than generating more near collisions.

ACSF cautioned that the findings have limits: “The data is well-suited to directing attention toward where risk is concentrated, but not yet refined enough to quantify how much actual risk has changed.”

Epic Aircraft has appointed Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems as an authorized service center for the Epic E1000 turboprop single. Stevens Aerospace’s maintenance facility at Denver Centennial Airport (KAPA) will support Epic owners with inspections, structural and component repairs, and factory-approved warranty services.

The new authorization takes advantage of Stevens Aerospace’s long experience with turboprop and jet maintenance, as well as its service center designations for the E1000’s Pratt & Whitney Canada engine, Hartzell propeller, and Garmin avionics. The company augments the MRO services at KAPA with a large mobile service network and paint and interior refurbishment at its Greenville, South Carolina facility.

“Our team has built its reputation on technical expertise, responsive support, and a deep understanding of turboprop aircraft,” said Stevens Denver general manager Bryan Harrison. “This designation allows us to deliver even greater value to Epic aircraft owners across the central and western United States.”

“Stevens Aerospace has built an outstanding reputation for technical expertise, integrity, and customer service,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “We’ve known their team for many years and have tremendous confidence in their ability to provide the level of support Epic owners expect.”

Rolls-Royce has completed a $1 billion upgrade to its manufacturing, assembly, and test center in Indiana. The company has modernized the manufacturing capability at its Indianapolis campus, as well as expanded test capabilities, including a new altitude test facility at the nearby West Lafayette site.

The main focus of what has been a decade-long investment program is to enhance Rolls-Royce propulsion contributions to key defense platforms, including the BR725-derivative turbofan being developed for the U.S. Air Force’s re-engined B-52 bomber and the AE 1107F turboshaft for the U.S. Army’s Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotor. The company also makes engines for the current V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, as well as the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray drone and the C-130J transport aircraft.

According to Rolls-Royce, the completed works represent the UK-based group’s largest investment to date in the U.S. The company directly employs 3,500 people in Indianapolis, with thousands more jobs forming part of its local supply chain in Indiana.

The Indianapolis campus also houses Rolls-Royce’s LibertyWorks advanced-research organization, which is focused on the development of high-temperature materials and propulsion systems. The manufacturer has committed $75 million to joint research and development work with Purdue University.

Charter brokerage BlueSky Jets is, for a limited time, allowing non-members to request commission-free charter pricing, a service the company otherwise offers only through its membership programs. Qualified travelers can submit trip details and see how BlueSky’s pricing compares against what they may already be paying through another broker, without committing to a membership.

BlueSky draws aircraft from a nationwide roster of FAA Part 135 operators, matching each trip’s specific needs to the right aircraft rather than quoting from a fixed fleet or standard hourly rates. Travelers can choose among several aircraft categories as BlueSky coordinates sourcing and trip logistics.

David Levy, managing partner of BlueSky Jets, said the program addresses a lack of pricing transparency in the charter industry. “Private aviation pricing can be difficult to compare because broker commissions are rarely disclosed,” Levy said. “We wanted to give private flyers a simple way to see the difference for themselves. One quote can tell you a lot.”

BlueSky said the offer could interest travelers who already work with a broker, hold a jet card or fractional share, or want to compare pricing with another quote before booking. BlueSky Jets, which has arranged charter trips for about 15 years, supports clients across the U.S. and internationally.