SmartSky Networks announces the availability of SmartSky’s air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity service offering for the Cessna Citation X series aircraft. The move follows the recent issuance of a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the aircraft and highlights SmartSky’s plans to make its ATG connectivity available for over 7,000 business jets and turboprop aircraft across 14 aircraft models manufactured by Textron Aviation.

NAASCO, the developers of the ETR-20™ and ETR-25™ Mercury Mod™ starter generator improvements for use on helicopter, turboprop and light jet aircraft, establishes a preferred reseller agreement with Sebastian, FL-based Whelen Aerospace Technology (WAT) in order to distribute their comprehensive aircraft lighting products both nationally and internationally.

Baldwin Safety & Compliance announces it has integrated its platform with ForeFlight Dispatch, allowing users to conveniently access flight-planning details within the Baldwin safety system.

In response to growing demands for experienced airframe maintenance support, Duncan Aviation adds two additional technical representatives to its Lincoln, NE, headquarters to provide advanced technical troubleshooting and technical support to the company's airframe maintenance teams and Duncan's customers who operate Bombardier aircraft.

Clay Lacy Aviation, an operator of private jets, is recognized again for its safety and operational processes. The aircraft management, charter, maintenance and FBO services provider has been awarded the prestigious ARGUS Platinum rating by the third-party safety auditor for the 13th consecutive year. It also achieved the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage III certification, the highest level, for the fifth consecutive year.

A decommissioned Airbus A320 is being given a new lease on life in the service of science as the Hydrogen Aviation Lab, Hamburg's new field laboratory for testing maintenance and ground processes for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. The presentation of the Hydrogen Aviation Lab marks the start of the installation of the hydrogen components in the coming months. Hamburg's Senator for Economic Affairs, Michael Westhagemann, inspected the repurposed Airbus A320.

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) recognizes retiring National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) chief operating officer, Steve Brown, for his exceptional contributions to the global business-aviation community, particularly for his guidance to IBAC and its direction for more than a decade.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announces that Alan Stephens, former FAA Flight Standards’ acting deputy director of the Office of Air Carrier Safety Assurance (ACSA), has been named vice president of Regulatory Affairs. Stephens will take over as department head from John McGraw, who will continue to foster collaboration and connectivity between the Transportation Security Administration and industry in his new role as NATA senior advisor (Security).

The power of connected aviation is being showcased at NBAA-BACE 2022 in Orlando, FL, through the combined aviation data and weather services of SmartSky’s Skytelligence, 1200.aero, AvMet, Meandair and Flash AI, a JetNet partner. This combination of predictive weather information, only available in the 1200.aero WX+ application, offers fixed base operators (FBOs), airports and fleet operators a solution in a single platform.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today concluded an inspiring and forward-looking week at its 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), making the show among the best to date. 

NBAA also marked the 75th anniversary of its founding at the show, held Oct. 18-20 at Florida’s Orange County Convention Center and Orlando Executive Airport, which hosted a sold-out aircraft display.