Textron Aviation announces it has been awarded a contract by ATI Engineering Services, LLC for two multi-mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft for the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) in support of the African Partnership Flight initiative. This will be the first fixed-wing aircraft to be put in service by the RDF. The aircraft, which are anticipated to enter service during the first half of 2021, will primarily be based in Kigali, Rwanda.

Duncan Aviation continues to take a proactive approach to finding ways to resolve the critical shortage of skilled technicians that’s expected in the industry in the next few years by announcing that the U.S. Department of Labor has endorsed the company's new Powerplant Apprenticeship program. Eight full-time technicians will begin their 24-month apprenticeships this month.

North American Aerospace Industries Corporation (NAAI), a provider of sustainable end-to-end aircraft recycling solutions, announces the appointment of Martin O’Boyle as business development manager - MRO. In this role, O’Boyle will be responsible for developing the company's MRO business in North America. He brings to his new position extensive technical and commercial experience working across aviation for airlines, aircraft lessors, corporate operators, OEMs and maintenance facilities.

Quiet Technology Aerospace (QTA) delivers its 200th inlet-cowl upgrade incorporating a carbon-fiber replacement inner barrel to Albertsons Companies, a Gulfstream G280 operator out of Boise, ID. The upgrade addresses a growing and expensive fleet-wide problem: aircraft plagued with inlet-cowl inner barrel corrosion on the Honeywell HTF7250G engine inlets.

ARC, a provider of safety management system (SMS) software, releases its newest risk assessment tool, which now includes an augmented approval process for higher-level risk assessments. The multipurpose ARCrisk module can accommodate flight, ground, maintenance, FBOs and drone ops. This latest ARCrisk module update was developed following a request from the U.S. Armed Forces, but being equally relevant to private aviation, is now being provided to all ARC subscribers.

Shell Aviation introduces end-to-end digital integration with airline customers through Shell SkyPad, a tablet that connects pilots and apron operators with cloud-based computer systems. The development marks the next step in Shell Aviation’s ambitions for a fully digitized refueling operation, harnessing technology to maximize efficiency and accuracy across all aspects of the process.

Textron Aviation announces special type certification (STC) approval of Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle on the Beechcraft King Air 300 series equipped with Pro Line Fusion avionics and new production Beechcraft King Air 360 turboprops. This is in addition to the STC that was received in 2019 for Pro Line 21-equipped Beechcraft King Air 200 series.

Textron Aviation ushers in the next generation of its legendary King Air turboprop family with the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER. The updated flagship turboprop offers the latest technological advancements in the cockpit, a redesigned cabin, and enhancements to passenger comfort. The aircraft is currently in production, with customer deliveries expected to begin in the fall of 2020.

Textron Aviation today ushers in the next generation of its legendary King Air turboprop family with the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER. The updated flagship turboprop offers the latest technological advancements in the cockpit, a redesigned cabin, and enhancements to passenger comfort. The aircraft is currently in production with customer deliveries expected to begin in the Fall of 2020.

West Star announces Bob Fairfield as the new Northeast regional sales manager. His territory will include the states of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island and New Jersey.