GAMA: Bizjet Deliveries, Aircraft Billings Soar

Business jet deliveries jumped by more than 10% year over year for the first three quarters, while turboprops and helicopters declined, according to the latest delivery totals from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). The third-quarter delivery report released yesterday noted that airplane billings rose by more than $2 billion compared with the first nine months of 2024, while helicopter billings increased by 16% to $3.1 billion over that same span.

Among the business jet makers, Gulfstream saw the largest improvement, with the Savannah, Georgia-based airframer handing over 24 more jets year over year (YOY), including 19 more large-cabin jets, equating to a nearly 27% increase over the first nine months of 2024.

Overall turboprop deliveries declined by 6% YOY, while the business turboprop subset remained static. The rotorcraft market saw a 3.3% drop in deliveries in 2025, with the turbine-powered segment posting a 3.1% decrease.

“Through the first nine months of 2025, general aviation manufacturers continue to meet the demands of the industry,” GAMA president and CEO James Viola told AIN. “As we look towards closing out the year and into 2026, it is important that we continue working to advocate for and preserve the economic opportunities and societal benefits that the global general aviation industry provides, along with the ongoing safety and technological advancements that will propel the industry into the future.”

Data Shows China’s Bizav Market Is Still Growing

The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) convened its 2025 China General Aviation and Business Aviation Safety International Symposium during the Aero Asia show last week. The event in the Chinese city of Zhuhai brought together regulators, operators, and industry stakeholders to discuss safety, operational efficiency, and sustainable development in China and the Asia-Pacific business aviation market.

Opening the symposium, Rocky Zhang, vice president of government affairs at Textron China and chair of the Chinese Mainland Chapter and board of directors of AsBAA, stressed that safety underpins the growth of Asia-Pacific general and business aviation. AsBAA chairman Phil Balmer highlighted the region’s potential, noting that Asia-Pacific now hosts more than 1,100 business aircraft, with China representing a major growth market.

Data from China-based AsBAA member Jet Master shows that business aviation activity in China rose 6.2% year over year from January to October 2025, including FBO movements in Hong Kong and Macau. Foreign-registered business jets have expanded for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting deeper integration with global aviation networks. Flight trends show spikes during major international events, with cross-border operations, particularly with Southeast Asia, accounting for the fastest-growing segment.

This week, Asian Sky Group published its Asia-Pacific Region Charter Report 2025, noting that by mid-2025, the regional charter fleet reached 430 aircraft, up 18.8% from 362 in mid-2023, with all subregions recording growth.

EBAA Opposes Dutch Tax on Business Jet Charter Flights

Air charter operators flying from Dutch airports are facing a new per-passenger tax under an amendment to the Air Travel Tax Differentiation Bill agreed by the country’s House of Representatives. The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the Dutch Business Aviation Association (DBAA) are jointly opposing the measure, which will now go for a vote in the Senate.

The higher rate of tax would apply to aircraft with 19 passenger seats or fewer, and is almost identical to a similar tax already imposed by the French government. Per-passenger rates will range from €420 ($488) for flights of up to 2,000 km (1,087 nm), rising to €2,100 for sectors over 5,500 km.

These levies would apply over and above the planned air travel tax that is due to take effect for airline flights from Jan. 1, 2027. If approved by the Senate, the private aviation-specific tax would apply from Jan. 1, 2030.

Joint EBAA/DBAA statements said that the additional tax will increase the pressure on the country’s business aviation sector, while raising—according to the Dutch government—€58 million per year. The industry groups criticized the justification for the levy on environmental grounds, arguing that the flights impacted represent less than 1% of all movements in the Netherlands.

Utah FBO OK3 Air Prepares To Open New Hangar

OK3 Air, the lone FBO at Utah’s Heber City Municipal Airport (KHCR), is now taking reservations for space in its new hangar, which it expects to be completed by the end of the year. The 31,500-sq-ft structure will be capable of sheltering aircraft up to the latest ultra-long-range business jets, and will bring the facility up to 65,000 sq ft of hangar capacity.

The $10 million project—which was started in March—also includes 20,000 sq ft of ramp, FAA-compliant drainage systems, and new pavement markings, all designed to support the airport’s ability to handle future growth.

The Avfuel-branded FBO offers full line service and a concierge. Its 8,000-sq-ft terminal features a naturally lit lobby, conference room, business center, onsite car rental, pilot lounge/snooze room, flight-planning room, shower facilities, recreation room, and pilot shop. Avionics support and onsite maintenance are available from the company’s FAA Part 145 repair station.

Located in the heart of the Intermountain West region, KHCR provides access to winter sports and leisure destinations, including Deer Valley, Sundance, and Park City.

“This new hangar and its state-of-the-art infrastructure mark an exciting milestone for OK3 Air and for the future of aviation in our region,” said Nadim AbuHaidar, the FBO’s owner and a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot. “We’re excited to open the doors and deliver expanded capabilities that meet the rising demand from private aircraft.”

Sponsor Content: Gogo

Gogo Goes LTE and 5G

Gogo is revolutionizing business aviation connectivity with the launch of Gogo Galileo LEO global satellite and the upcoming Gogo 5G and LTE air-to-ground networks. Operators must upgrade legacy hardware by May 2026 for uninterrupted service, unlocking faster broadband and seamless global coverage for every aircraft size.

DAS Aviation Buys Dallas-area Aircraft Mx Provider AQRD

FAA Part 145 repair station DAS Aviation—with facilities in Cedar Hill, Texas; Solon, Ohio; and Collinsville, Illinois—has acquired Addison, Texas-based Aerospace Quality Research and Development (AQRD). The deal creates a single, integrated off-wing services platform that includes engineering, component repair, composites, and parts supply.

Earlier this year, DAS merged with Jet Parts in a transaction that connected the former’s overhaul and repair capabilities with the latter’s parts inventory service.

The purchase of AQRD—which is located at Addison Airport (KADS)—gives the company’s customers a faster path to aircraft return-to-service through technician-focused engineering, immediate execution, parts availability, and a stronger AOG response.

“I’m excited because this partnership allows us to do more of what we do best: innovate,” said AQRD founder and CEO Raj Narayanan. “With DAS Aviation’s reach and resources, we can scale our engineering coverage, broaden repair capabilities, and accelerate response, while also advancing our engineering composite repair development capabilities.”

DAS noted that there will be no change to existing points of contact with the two companies now under the same banner.

“AQRD’s engineering depth, paired with our repair capacity and parts inventory, eliminates the delays of juggling multiple vendors,” said DAS v-p Dan Podojil. “One partner now owns the engineering, the repair, and the parts, delivered with speed and accountability, setting a new bar for turnaround time, quality, and AOG support.”

KTEB-based AOG Support Provider Sold, Rebranded

Alpha Aircraft Services, an aircraft maintenance provider specializing in 24/7 AOG support in the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut areas, has been sold and rebranded as Alpha MX.

The company, which will continue to be led by founder Manny Malandrenias, was purchased by charter brokerage Principal Aviation and former Ventura Air Services CEO Sam Wolf. Founded in 2010, Alpha MX provides scheduled and unscheduled work on engines, airframes, and avionics.

Under its new ownership, Alpha has already tripled its rapid response team and doubled its ground fleet, enhancing its response capability throughout the region.

“Since the acquisition, Alpha has expanded its Teterboro-based team of seasoned AOG technicians, with even more hires on the way in time for the holiday rush,” said Malandrenias. “We understand that every minute an aircraft is on the ground means lost revenue and delayed missions for our customers. That’s why we’re investing heavily in our people, technology, and tooling to provide the fastest, most reliable AOG support across Teterboro and the greater New York and New Jersey area airports.”

ExecuJet Haite Grows as China Bizav Market Bounces Back

Business aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul group ExecuJet Haite is spotlighting another year of strategic expansion, foreign approvals, and new service offerings. Speaking to AIN at the Aero Asia show in Zhuhai, general manager Paul Desgrosseilliers highlighted the China-based company’s continued growth, including at its 54,000-sq-ft hangar at Daxing Airport near Beijing.

“We opened our new facility at Daxing earlier this year after receiving the necessary approvals. Now we’re focused on building out all our capabilities there,” Desgrosseilliers explained. “We’re also doing the same at Beijing Capital Airport, expanding our line maintenance offerings. We’ve got a number of foreign approvals this year, including Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and recently Guernsey, and now we’re talking to Indonesia and Thailand for next year.”

ExecuJet Haite has been growing its FAA-approved capabilities to work on U.S.-registered jets, and is already cleared for those carrying tail numbers from the Cayman Islands and Bermuda. The company is expanding the level of support it can provide for operators of Falcon, Bombardier, and Dassault models. It recently added the Gulfstream G700 to the certificate for the authorized warranty facility it operates for the U.S. manufacturer.

While acknowledging that China’s business aviation fleet has contracted in recent years, Desgrosseilliers sees encouraging signs of renewed activity. Discussions with manufacturers indicate that new sales opportunities are emerging, with contracts now being negotiated rather than just fielding expressions of interest.

Axis Taps AI To Improve Flight Training Debriefing

Axis Flight Simulation is using artificial intelligence to support flight training with its AI Debriefing Station that lets pilots and their instructors objectively review simulator sessions. The Austrian company, which makes full-flight simulators for several business aircraft types, unveiled the new system on Monday.

According to Axis, the AI Debriefing Station automatically monitors and evaluates pilot performance during training and checks, recognizing flight maneuvers, identifying which pilot is flying, and analyzing aircraft parameters in real time. The company said that this level of automation allows instructors to focus fully on crew behavior and decision-making in the cockpit while the AI handles the detailed technical assessment.

Axis is able to adapt the system to the specific needs of each approved training organization. The company said its use will support the adoption of competency-based training and assessment processes for type ratings, standard operating procedures training, and operator-specific evaluation.

According to Axis, by standardizing assessments for all instructors, aircraft types, and fleets, the AI Debriefing Station ensures that every student is evaluated against the same objective benchmark, thereby improving the reliability and fairness of training. After each session, pilots and their instructors receive a detailed data-driven evaluation accessible online on any device.

RECENT AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

AD NUMBER: EASA 2006-0085R3
MFTR: Daher Aircraft
MODEL(S): TBM 700
Supersedes earlier AD and revisions requiring special detail inspections (SDI) for cracks of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut cylinder and, depending on findings, relevant investigative and corrective actions. The requirements stemmed from cracks on several main landing gear cylinders have been reported in service. This condition could lead to fatigue cracks in the shock strut cylinder of the MLG, which could result in a collapsed MLG during take-off or landing runs, and possibly reduce the structural integrity of the aircraft. After EASA AD 2006-0085 was issued, Daher performed an analysis to demonstrate that the inspection interval could be extended and developed a reinforced MLG less prone to fatigue. EASA followed with AD 2006-0085R1 to increase the inspection interval and to introduce the installation of a reinforced MLG on the right-hand (RH) side and left-hand (LH) side as an optional terminating action for the repetitive SDI. EASA later reduced the applicability of the reinforced MLG optional terminating action and this action further increases that applicability.

PUBLISHED: December 3, 2025

EFFECTIVE: December 9, 2025

AD NUMBER: EASA 2025-0271
MFTR: Pilatus Aircraft
MODEL(S): PC-12
Requires an update of the Primus APEX operational software and implementation of a Pilot’s Operating Handbook temporary revision, and prohibits (re-)installation of the affected software. AD stems from a report that during a test flight—when the aircraft flew specific maneuvers where the g-loads were close to 0 g— the stall warning protection system (SWPS) triggered at a higher airspeed than expected, including the aural warning, stick shaker, and stick pusher while landing with flaps at 40 deg. This condition, if not corrected, could reduce the safety margins of the airplane and lead to increased pilot workload, possibly resulting in reduced control.

PUBLISHED: December 2, 2025

EFFECTIVE: December 16, 2025

AD NUMBER: EASA 2025-0273
MFTR: Mecaer Aviation Group
MODEL(S): NH-500D and AMD500N
Requires repetitive inspections of affected tail rotor (T/R) pedal support brackets for cracks or corrosion and, in case of findings, replacement of the affected part. This AD also prohibits further installation of magnesium cast T/R pedal support brackets. AD stems from occurrences of cracked T/R pedal support brackets. These T/R pedal support brackets are installed on MD Helicopters 369 series, 500N, and 600N helicopters. This condition could possibly result in failure of the T/R pedal support bracket, reduced controllability of the helicopter, and consequent loss of control of the helicopter. Since the same T/R pedal support brackets are also installed on NH-500D and AMD500N helicopters, the FAA is issuing the AD to ensure those helicopters are included in the inspection requirements.

PUBLISHED: December 2, 2025

EFFECTIVE: December 16, 2025

AD NUMBER: EASA 2025-0269
MFTR: Airbus Helicopters
MODEL(S): H160-B with Mecaer Aviation Group STC 10080809
Requires replacement of the window system locking fingers, if applicable; a one-time inspection if any of the retaining rings is missing, and, depending on findings, a one-time inspection of emergency handle latch covers and their replacement; and repetitive lubrication and operational tests of the windows' jettisonable systems. The AD stems from reports of occurrences of various deficiencies concerning the jettisonable window system elements on the affected helicopters including difficulties when moving the locking fingers from the locking position, causing the jettison function to fail; missing retaining rings on jettisonable window hinge pins; and intermediate emergency window handle latch cover partially detached. This condition could prevent the jettison of a window, possibly affecting evacuation of helicopter occupants during an emergency situation.

PUBLISHED: December 1, 2025

EFFECTIVE: December 15, 2025

AD NUMBER: Transport Canada CF-2025-62
MFTR: Bell
MODEL(S): 505
Requires initial and repetitive inspections of the tailcone assembly for gaps, as well as for damaged or missing rivets, and a reduction in the airworthiness life limit. This AD stems from the identification of a manufacturing quality escape affecting certain tailcone assemblies. Specifically, gaps were found between the frames and skin of the tailcone assembly, and elongated holes have been observed in multiple joints of the tailboom. These discrepancies may lead to the initiation of a crack in a non-inspectable area of the tailboom skin, which can propagate circumferentially and remain undetected until it reaches a critical length. This condition could result in a tailboom skin fracture, potentially leading to separation of the tailboom from the fuselage and consequent loss of control of the helicopter. Bell has also determined from additional load level survey testing on the tailcone assembly that a reduction of the published life limit is required.

PUBLISHED: November 28, 2025

EFFECTIVE: December 12, 2025

AD NUMBER: Transport Canada CF-2025-51R1
MFTR: Bombardier
MODEL(S): Challenger 600 Series
Supersedes AD CF-2023-07, which required an aircraft flight manual update to provide flight crew with instructions to follow in the event of an uncommanded, unarrested flap movement. As an interim action, AD CF-2023-07 also required repeat operational checks of the inboard and outboard flaps movement and retraction speeds. Those requirements stemmed from a report of in-flight uncommanded, unarrested flaps movement from 0 to 45 degrees on an affected aircraft. The uncommanded movement was detected by the flaps control system and annunciated to the crew via a FLAPS FAIL caution message. The crew reduced speed and the aircraft returned to the departure airport without further incident. The flaps control system should have stopped the flaps at 3 degrees. However, a failed retract relay prevented the system from arresting the uncommanded movement. The aircraft had flown multiple flights with the failed retract relay prior to the event, the failed relay caused the flaps to retract at half speed, but this condition went undetected. The uncommanded and unarrested flap movement, if not corrected, could lead to the loss of control of the aircraft. This AD revision updates the compliance statement.

PUBLISHED: November 28, 2025

EFFECTIVE: December 12, 2025

AD NUMBER: FAA 2025-22-05
MFTR: Dassault Aviation
MODEL(S): Falcon 7X
Supersedes AD 2022-12-10, which required revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide emergency procedures for inconsistent or unreliable flight data, emergency and abnormal operations procedures for the generic input/output (GEN I/O) internal module failure, and emergency procedures for additional information. AD 2022-12-10 also required revising the existing minimum equipment list (MEL) for the multi-function probe heating, air data, and inertial reference systems. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-12-10, the manufacturer developed modifications that fix a weak point in the avionics architecture. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2022-12-10 and removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD also requires modification of the avionics system and related revisions to the existing AFM and MEL.

PUBLISHED: November 28, 2025

EFFECTIVE: January 2, 2026

AINalerts: December 2025

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