IFS, a technology innovator in cloud and industrial AI software, announces the acquisition of EmpowerMX. EmpowerMX is an AI-powered aviation maintenance software provider specializing in airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions and is trusted by the largest aviation organizations in the world, including Embraer, MRO Holdings, Delta, and American Airlines.

Textron Aviation announces the delivery of the first Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop equipped with a Combi interior conversion option. The aircraft was delivered to Everts Air, an Alaskan-based Part 135 operator serving passenger, cargo and charter needs throughout Alaska. Everts also operates Part 121, providing cargo and on-demand charter throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands.

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) marks the passing of general-aviation advocate and former senator James Inhofe (R-OK), who tirelessly fought on behalf of the industry throughout his decades of public service.

Textron Aviation announces that all four of its recently upgraded Cessna high-wing piston aircraft will be featured at the 2024 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture fly-in convention in Oshkosh, WI. The highly anticipated Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 mockup will also make its first appearance at the show, following its initial reveal at the 2023 National Business Aviation Association–Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.

Nighthawk Flight Systems, Inc., a developer of advanced compact integrated avionics, welcomes Marc Ayala to the company’s executive team as vice president of sales. In this position, Ayala is responsible for growing and supporting sales of Nighthawk’s entire suite of products, as well as supporting its dealer network and customer-facing programs.

Trimec Aviation, a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station (#18TR248C) with back-to-back Universal Avionics Outstanding Dealer Awards in 2022 and 2023, expands its maintenance capabilities to include maintenance services for Falcon 7X and 8X operators.

A career in the skilled trades is often the last option on high-school graduates’ minds, as attending a four-year college has long been considered their logical next step toward a rewarding career. But with the cost of college tuition soaring, the value of a bachelor’s degree in question, and sky-high demand for skilled tradespeople leading to more robust salaries and greater job security, more young people are enrolling in trade schools than they have in years.

Elevate MRO, a division of Elevate Aviation Group (EAG), announces the opening of a new aircraft maintenance center at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) in Denver. This expansion includes increased staff and maintenance teams to support the existing client base and enhance aircraft maintenance service availability while supporting Elevate Jet’s management, charter and aircraft sales capabilities.

Metro Aviation is growing its list of capabilities with the creation of Metro Gulf, a new division that adds fixed-wing aircraft to the company’s extensive list of completion services. The new division holds its own Part 145 certificate and will provide maintenance, repair and avionics services to Metro’s existing fixed-wing and rotor-wing fleet as well as external customers.

SmartSky, provider of advanced in-flight air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity for business aviation, announces the issuance of an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for SmartSky LITE on the King Air 350i. The in-flight WiFi system has received multiple industry accolades, including the 2024 Aviation Week Laureate award and Robb Report’s first-ever Best of the Best in aviation for cabin connectivity.