Category: BizJet

Tecnam Officially Launches the P2006T NG in the USA & Canada

Tecnam has officially announced the launch of the P2006T NG (Next Generation) in the United States and Canada. The P2006T NG represents the latest evolution of Tecnam’s highly successful twin platform, building on the outstanding global track record of the P2006T MkII and the strong market reception of the P2006T NG, which is already in active delivery and operation across multiple international markets.

Over the years, the P2006T family has become one of the most trusted and widely used twin-engine aircraft worldwide, particularly within professional flight training organizations. This success has been driven by its proven reliability, low operating costs, and suitability for modern multi-engine training environments. The Next Generation version further refines this platform with extensive enhancements developed in close cooperation with operators and training academies around the world.

A Clear Roadmap for the US & Canadian Market
Tecnam has defined a structured entry plan for North America:

  • Official Launch: January 19, 2026
  • FAA Certification: Expected in Q4 2026
  • First Deliveries: Scheduled to begin in Q1 2027

The P2006T NG is already validated and operating in several countries outside North America, reinforcing Tecnam’s confidence in the platform’s readiness for the US and Canadian markets.

Designed for Modern Training and Ownership
The P2006T NG has been designed to meet the demanding requirements of today’s flight schools while offering an uncompromised experience for private owners:

  • Exceptional Operating Efficiency
    Powered by twin fuel-injected Rotax 912iSc3 engines, the aircraft delivers extremely low fuel consumption, enabling operators to significantly reduce direct operating costs while maintaining excellent performance and redundancy.
  • Increased Payload and Mission Flexibility
    The aircraft benefits from an increased Maximum Take-Off Weight, providing greater payload capability and flexibility for training, private travel, and special mission operations.
  • Improved Accessibility and Ergonomics
    A new pilot-side door increases ease of access for instructors and students, improving training efficiency and cockpit flow during high-tempo operations.
  • Advanced Avionics Suite
    The cockpit features the Garmin G1000 NXi, including the GCU 477 FMS keyboard and GFC 700 digital autopilot, ensuring pilots train on avionics architectures fully aligned with modern airline and commercial aviation environments.

Configurations for the North American Market
The P2006T NG will be offered in multiple configurations to meet diverse operational needs:

  • Trainer – Optimized for professional flight training and multi-engine instruction
  • Sport – A refined version with premium interior finishes
  • Special Mission Platform (SMP) – Configurable for surveillance, mapping, and utility missions

“The success of the P2006T MkII worldwide has confirmed the strength of this platform, and the P2006T NG represents its natural evolution,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer. “With the NG, we are bringing to the United States and Canada a twin-engine aircraft that has already proven its value internationally, combining efficiency, reliability, and modern technology tailored to the needs of today’s flight academies and private operators.”

Availability
Production slots for the United States and Canada are now being allocated, with deliveries planned to commence in Q1 2027, subject to FAA certification.

Slate Aviation Appoints Quentin Koch as Chief Operating Officer

Slate Aviation announces that Quentin Koch has joined the company as chief operating officer (COO), reporting directly to the board of directors. Koch will lead operational strategy and execution as the company prepares for significant growth in 2026.

Koch brings extensive aviation leadership experience, most recently serving as president/CEO of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Activities, where he oversaw multi-base operations, 40 hotels and drove performance, safety and service excellence across a complex operating environment.

As COO, Koch will focus on scaling Slate Aviation’s operations to support its 2026 growth plan, which includes the introduction of of 10 additional aircraft to the company’s fleet to support its on-demand charter, fractional, and shuttle clients, as well as the continued expansion of the company’s related MRO and interior completion divisions. 

“Quentin’s operational expertise and leadership approach make him a strong fit for Slate Aviation at this stage of our growth,” said Heather Maguire, co-owner of Slate Aviation. “His experience positions the company well as we expand the fleet and continue to scale our core offerings.”

“I’m excited to join Slate Aviation and work directly with the Board and leadership team,” said Koch. “Slate has built a strong foundation, and I look forward to executing on the company’s growth strategy while maintaining a focus on safety, reliability, and a fantastic on-board experience.”

GracoRoberts Acquires Sky Mart to Accelerate Latin American Expansion, Anchored by Miami Hub

GracoRoberts has announced the acquisition of Sky Mart to advance its international footprint in Latin America, leveraging the company’s corporate headquarters in Miami as a gateway to the aerospace-rich Latin American region. The acquisition significantly bolsters GracoRoberts’ reach into the $6.5B Latin American MRO market, scales its AOG capability, and offers its customers access to a considerable breadth of in-stock lubricants, amplifying the acquirer’s already sound position as the largest, fastest, and most technically focused aerospace specialty chemicals distributor in the world.

The addition of Sky Mart to the GracoRoberts’ portfolio expands its technical sales coverage throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Florida, and portions of the U. S., while adding an additional 42,000 square feet of fulfillment centers in Miami, FL, San Antonio, TX, and Indianapolis, IN, and offering a rich stocking position for oils, greases, and fluids. Additionally, Sky Mart customers will benefit from access to GracoRoberts’ extensive breadth of adhesives, composites, paints and coatings, a robust ecommerce presence for immediate product access, and a global technical sales team. These enhancements, coupled with a mutual focus on world-class quality, will add meaningful value to both companies’ customer and supplier partners.

“We are thrilled to welcome the team from Sky Mart to the GracoRoberts’ family of companies,” Jason Caldwell, president and CEO of GracoRoberts, commented on the acquisition. “This partnership strengthens our ability to serve the global aerospace community, especially in the important Latin America and Miami markets, with an enhanced stocking position, broader product offerings, and a scalable bolt-on ecommerce presence and AOG platform for an industry that requires speed and dependability.” 

Juan Gregorio Robbin, co-founder and president of Sky Mart, also commented on the integration, and the decision to partner with GracoRoberts after four decades of family-owned operation. “At Sky Mart, our operating philosophy is simple and unwavering: stock the right products, deliver exceptional service, and get it right the first time. This guiding principle has earned us the trust of a loyal Latin and North American customer base, and by joining the GracoRoberts’ family, we can deliver even more value to our customers.”

Ana Maria Robbin, co-owner and executive vice president of Sky Mart, offered her perspective on the acquisition, saying: “2025 marked Sky Mart’s 40th year in a business founded by our parents – our heroes – Gregorio and Lucy Robbin. They raised us to believe in the power of a vision, endless determination, and a deep spirit of service that defines our culture today, and I see these qualities in the team at GracoRoberts. I know the Sky Mart legacy will be upheld with care and purpose.”

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 Enters Into Service, Delivering the Most Significant Gen2 Updates to Date

The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 has entered into service, setting a new standard for the Citation Gen2 family. Launch customers and longtime Citation owners Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day took delivery of their new aircraft this week. Mecartney — an experienced aviator with nearly two decades flying Citation light jets and a member of Textron Aviation’s Customer Advisory Board—helped shape the enhancements that elevate the CJ3 Gen2 experience. Key upgrades include Garmin autothrottle technology, added pilot legroom and a fully customizable cabin environment, all driven by customer feedback.

The Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

“The Citation CJ3 Gen2 delivers an unmatched experience from day one—thanks to its exceptional range, payload and efficiency, combined with new productivity and comfort features,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, sales & marketing. “Customers like Shannon and Dave will undoubtedly appreciate this aircraft, our most comprehensive Gen2 investment to date.”

Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration in October 2025, the aircraft was designed based on customer feedback via a Customer Advisory Board made up of owners, pilots and mechanics helping to create the ultimate aircraft experience. This feedback was key in every detailed enhancement in the aircraft, from cockpit to cabin.

“After extensive consideration of the competition, there was no equal for handling, service and support, training and reliability in the entry level jet category than the CJ3 Gen2,” said Shannon Day. “When we decided to upgrade our mission capabilities, staying in the Citation family was an easy decision. The CJ3 Gen2 is a great next step in my aviation journey and I’m looking forward to the advances in this aircraft like autothrottles, an externally serviceable lavatory and more legroom for a 6’3” pilot.”

The cockpit in the CJ3 Gen2 provides an extra 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) of legroom for the pilot, improving entry and egress from the pilot’s seat before and after flight. It offers a proven and trusted avionics system with the latest Garmin G3000 software and hardware, including:

  • Garmin Autothrottles to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection
  • Intuitive touchscreen interface via Garmin Touchscreen Controllers
  • GDL60 for aircraft connectivity, including remote transmission of flight plans, automatic database updates as well as wireless transmission of aircraft diagnostic data

The fully customizable luxury interior allows customers to create the ideal environment for their specific mission with seating for up to 10 occupants. For added convenience, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 includes an externally serviceable lavatory.

“As a Cessna Citation owner since 2007, the brand has consistently earned my trust with a proven heritage, superior reliability and one of the strongest service and support networks in the industry,” Mecartney added. “The aftermarket support has always been responsive, efficient and predictable — which is invaluable as an owner-pilot. Choosing the CJ3 Gen2 felt like a natural continuation of a relationship and an aircraft lineage that I’ve relied on for nearly two decades.”

Salient Motion Announces Collaborations to Transform Aircraft Systems Manufacturing

Salient Motion, an aerospace and defense component supplier, has developed motion control systems for commercial aircraft that can achieve certification in months rather than years, marking a significant departure from traditional aerospace development timelines. The company is working with Boeing to advance actuation systems—the mechanisms behind aircraft functions ranging from passenger seating to cargo handling—using a modular platform that reuses certified components across programs.

Salient Motion’s technology replaces decades-old, single-use hardware architectures with a reconfigurable platform that’s built more like a modern software stack, reusable, upgradable and fast to certify. Founded in 2022, the company is moving through the certification process at a pace unusual for the aerospace industry.

“In aerospace, certification costs and timelines have always been the biggest drag on innovation,” said Vishaal Mali, Salient Motion’s co-founder and CEO. “By modularizing hardware and reusing certified software across systems, we’re compressing development timelines and cutting those costs dramatically.”

A Strategic Signal from AE Ventures

The company’s approach has attracted investment from AE Ventures, reflecting growing market interest in startups that can accelerate aerospace digital transformation. Unlike conventional supplier relationships, Salient Motion’s model treats OEMs as development partners — sharing R&D investment and aftermarket revenue while reducing non-recurring engineering costs for each new program.

“Our modular platform lets aerospace evolve the way software does,” Mali said. “Certify once, deploy everywhere. That’s the leverage modern aviation has been missing.”

Why it Matters: A New Economics of Innovation

The aerospace industry has long been trapped by single-source suppliers and certification cycles that push costs to the breaking point. Salient Motion’s modular platform breaks that pattern.

By reusing previously certified hardware and software across aircraft programs, the company can develop and qualify new systems in a fraction of the time, dramatically lowering the cost of getting components to market. Standardized digital interfaces further simplify integration, reducing engineering overhead and shortening production timelines.

The result is a new era in aerospace manufacturing — one where certification accelerates, costs decline, and innovation breaks free from the limits of legacy suppliers.

“We are focused on components where we can drive meaningful performance and cost improvements with our motion control technology,” said Mali. “By focusing on building cost-effective, certifiable systems for our OEM and airline partners, we’re able to provide a second source more efficiently than ever before.”

Beyond Actuation: The Road Ahead

Salient Motion’s broader mission is to replace legacy components across commercial aviation, defense, and space applications. The company’s modular, software-driven platform is designed to extend beyond actuation into a wide range of aircraft systems, positioning Salient Motion as a comprehensive technology partner capable of transforming multiple aspects of the aerospace industry.

Veryon Wins Innovation Award for Advancing Aviation Maintenance and Reliability with AI-Powered Data Intelligence Platform 

Veryon, a provider of aviation software and information services, recently announced that Veryon AIRE, the AI-driven data intelligence platform underpinning its software suite, has been named a winner in the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards.

Veryon AIRE brings aircraft maintenance and reliability data into context within the software maintenance teams already rely on: Veryon Tracking, Veryon Defect Analysis, and Veryon Publications. By surfacing data insights directly within daily workflows, teams gain clearer direction and ultimately get more efficient at every stage of maintenance.

“Launched in the fall of 2025, Veryon AIRE harnesses maintenance events logged in our platform for over a decade,” said Bethany Little, chief executive officer at Veryon.”With the power of AI, Veryon AIRE enables data visualization, easy-to-use AI-assist tools, and training algorithms to make our customers more effective than ever before.”

Veryon AIRE has been trained on the industry’s largest de-identified maintenance dataset, spanning more than 80 million events, 1.3 million parts, and 2 million chronic defects, giving operators unprecedented insight into fleet behavior and risk patterns.

“Veryon AIRE turns data into action,” Little added. “As it learns from fleet behavior over time, it keeps getting smarter, ultimately helping teams get ahead of issues rather than constantly reacting to unscheduled maintenance events and unexpected AOGs.”

Alongside the launch of Veryon AIRE, Veryon also released Defect Analysis for Business Aviation, which harnesses Veryon AIRE’s intelligence to help operatorsvisualize data and reduce repeat fixes or catch chronic defects before they become disruptive or hugely expensive. 

“The 2026 BIG Innovation Awards winners show that true innovation is no longer about chasing the latest buzzwords,” said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at the Business Intelligence Group. “It’s about building intelligent platforms, automating workflows with purpose, and making trust, privacy, and resilience the foundation of every breakthrough. These organizations and leaders are not just keeping pace with change; they are shaping the future of global business.”

Veryon joins 159 organizations recognized in the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards across healthcare, financial services, logistics, manufacturing, and enterprise technology. This year’s winners reflect a broader shift in innovation, where impact is defined not by the presence of AI, but by how effectively it’s applied to real operational challenges.

For more information about the BIG Innovation Awards and to view the full list of winners, click here.

EAS Barcelona Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Major Fleet Expansion, Invests €4 Million in Tecnam P2006T NG and P-Mentor


Tecnam iannounced that EAS Barcelona, a European Approved Training Organization (ATO), has committed to a significant fleet expansion and modernization program valued at more than €4 million.

Coinciding with the school’s 10th anniversary, this investment reinforces the long-standing partnership between Tecnam and EAS Barcelona, positioning the ATO as the operator of the largest Tecnam training fleet in Spain, now exceeding 30 aircraft.

Despite already operating one of the youngest fleets in Europe, with an average aircraft age of under four years, EAS Barcelona is taking a decisive step toward the future. The agreement includes:

  • Acquisition of six (6) P2006T NG, increasing the school’s multi-engine capacity.
  • Addition of two (2) Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft, which will join the single-engine training platform following an order placed in late 2025.

The new aircraft will progressively enter service beginning mid-2026. This strategy ensures EAS Barcelona offers the highest concentration of new-generation Tecnam aircraft among European ATOs, specifically designed to replicate the avionics and systems management of modern commercial airliners.

The fleet renewal underscores a shared commitment to environmental responsibility. Powered by the latest-generation Rotax 912iSc3 engines, the new P2006T NG and P-Mentor models deliver approximately 20% lower fuel consumption per flight hour compared to previous generations. This efficiency aligns EAS Barcelona’s growth with European aviation sustainability objectives, integrating responsible practices from the earliest stages of pilot training.

“We are incredibly proud that EAS Barcelona has chosen Tecnam once again to mark such a significant milestone as their 10th anniversary,” said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam chief sales officer. “This substantial investment in the P2006T NG and P-Mentor confirms that our fleet solution is the preferred choice for top-tier ATOs. It is an honor to support EAS Barcelona in delivering airline-oriented, sustainable, and technologically advanced training to the next generation of pilots.”

Jorge Garcia, EAS Barcelona head of training, added: “Tecnam aircraft allow us to deliver airline-oriented training using platforms that reflect modern avionics, systems management, and operational efficiency. This fleet expansion strengthens our long-term commitment to training quality, sustainability, and operational realism.”

About the Aircraft

P-Mentor: The ultimate two-seats IFR trainer, offering a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and flight physics that prepare students for the demands of commercial aviation. https://tecnam.com/aircraft/p-mentor/

P2006T NG: The world’s smartest twin-engine trainer, now updated for the modern age, offering superior multi-engine flight exposure for Integrated ATPL students. https://tecnam.com/aircraft/p2006t-ng/

LAUNCH Announces Acquisition of JMC Aviation; Jeff Martin to Lead Combined Organization as CEO

LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions, a leading provider of technical workforce solutions and services to the aviation industry, today announced the acquisition of JMC Aviation, a global engineering solutions and aviation recruitment specialist headquartered in Exeter, United Kingdom. JMC Aviation provides a wide range of technical solutions across the UK, European Union and Canada, among other geographies.

The acquisition brings together two highly complementary organizations and creates the largest specialized provider of technical aviation solutions, globally. By combining LAUNCH’s U.S. market leadership with JMC’s established international presence, the acquisition establishes a global leader of workforce solutions and technical services to manufacturing and MRO/aftermarket customers within the commercial aerospace, business & general aviation, defense and rotary end markets. In combination, LAUNCH will now be able to offer a broader range of capabilities, including an expanded suite of modifications and a mobile repair team, furthering its commitment to creating a global technical services offering. The transaction also expands LAUNCH’s pool of technical talent, deepening its ability to deliver comprehensive workforce solutions on a global scale.

LAUNCH is a portfolio company of Capitol Meridian Partners, a private equity firm with deep expertise in the aviation sector. Equity financing in support of the transaction was provided by Capitol Meridian Fund I, L.P. and its affiliates, with participation from members of both management teams. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by LAUNCH’s existing lenders, MidCap Financial and Marathon Asset Management. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In connection with this transaction, LAUNCH’s Executive Chairman, Jeff Martin, will add the title of CEO of both organizations. Jeff brings more than 33 years of aviation experience, along with extensive senior executive and board leadership. His depth of expertise uniquely positions him to guide LAUNCH through the Company’s next chapter of innovation, growth, and expansion while continuing to shape its strategic vision.

“This acquisition represents a significant milestone in LAUNCH’s evolution,” said Jeff Martin, executive chairman and CEO. “JMC Aviation is a respected global organization with a strong reputation for technical excellence and customer partnership. Together, we are building a platform that allows us to support our customers wherever they operate, while staying true to our shared commitment to quality, safety, and long-term relationships.”

Hollie Prendergast, managing director of JMC Aviation, added, “Partnering with LAUNCH is a natural next step for JMC. From the very beginning, it was clear that our companies share the same values and customer-first mindset. This acquisition strengthens our ability to support clients globally,while preserving the culture, leadership, and service standards our customers rely on every day.”

ATL Partners Acquires SkyMark and Rampmaster to Create a Leading Specialty Vehicle Equipment Platform Serving the Aviation and Transportation-Related End Markets

ATL Partners, a middle-market private equity firm focused on commercial aerospace, national security, and transportation & logistics sectors, announced the acquisitions of SkyMark Companies, a leading manufacturer of aircraft refueling trucks and hydrant dispensers as well as other transportation-related specialty vehicles, and Rampmaster, a premier designer and manufacturer of aircraft refueling solutions for commercial and general aviation markets. SkyMark and Rampmaster are the first investments in ATL’s latest fund, ATL Fund III. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

As part of the transactions, SkyMark and Rampmaster will combine to create a leading global specialty vehicle equipment platform focused on the growing aviation solutions, refueling, and ground support equipment (“GSE”) markets.

Both the SkyMark and Rampmaster management teams will maintain leadership roles and will roll meaningful equity stakes into the combined company. Rampmaster’s executive team, led by CEO Leighton (Lee) Yohannan as well as owners Owen Watkins and Daniel Watkins, and SkyMark’s co-founders, Steven Paul, Doug Moskowitz and Mike Ellis, will remain in key leadership positions. SkyMark and Rampmaster will continue to operate under their respective brands.

“We are excited to bring together SkyMark and Rampmaster, two highly complementary businesses with blue-chip customer bases and diversified end markets, to create a leading, scaled platform serving the aviation, environmental, rail, and specialty equipment sectors,” said Caleb Clark, senior partner at ATL Partners, who led the transaction for the firm. “We look forward to partnering with both SkyMark’s and Rampmaster’s management teams to drive growth by expanding the company’s product and service offerings, deepening customer relationships, and identifying and integrating highly strategic acquisitions.”

Clark added, “Through our thematic-driven investment strategy, ATL identified the GSE market as a compelling growth opportunity approximately two years ago, and we are excited to bring our defined strategic vision to market. This partnership underscores ATL’s proven value creation approach centered on collaborating closely with founders and management teams through our deep sector expertise and operating partner network.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to partner with ATL to lead SkyMark into its new phase of growth,” said Steven Paul, chief executive officer of SkyMark. “Rampmaster has long been focused on producing some of the industry’s most reliable and serviceable aviation refueling solutions, and joining forces with SkyMark is a natural evolution of that mission. This combination brings together two storied businesses with deep engineering expertise, shared values and cultures, and unwavering commitments to quality and customer service. We are eager to leverage ATL’s sector expertise to accelerate growth and strengthen our position as a partner of choice for airports and aviation service providers globally.”

“We are thrilled to join a scaled organization that will enable us to expand our reach, accelerate innovation, and bring our customized refueling solutions to more customers globally,” said Lee Yohannan, chief executive officer of Rampmaster. “Partnering with SkyMark and ATL strengthens Rampmaster’s ability to support our customers with the highest levels of reliability and service, while creating meaningful opportunities for our employees and stakeholders.”

Premier Aircraft Appointed as the North American Platinum Distributor for New Diamond Aircraft Parts

Premier Aircraft, the longest-standing and most trusted Diamond Aircraft dealer in America, announced that it has been named the North American Platinum Distributor for Diamond Aircraft parts.

“Whether flying for business, leisure, or flight training, every Diamond Aircraft owner wants access to the replacement parts they need as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. AOGs are losing money,” stated Travis Peffer, CEO of Premier Aircraft. “For over 20 years, Premier Aircraft has been dedicated to helping Diamond Aircraft owners get the most value out of these wonderful airplanes, and now that we are the central point for parts, we can improve their ownership experience even further.”

“In the past, when parts were coming in from Canada or Europe, Diamond owners would have to deal with prolonged shipping times, high shipping costs, and lengthy customs issues that added weeks to the delivery process,” he added. “Now, with over $1.5 million in new Diamond Aircraft parts in stock at our main parts hub in the DFW area, and a dedicated parts staff, we can get them the parts they need sooner to reduce aircraft downtime dramatically.”

Premier Aircraft’s maintenance centers are located at:

• Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Fort Lauderdale, Florida

• Fort Worth Mecham International Airport (FTW), Fort Worth, Texas

• Flightlevel Aviation, Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD), Norwood, Massachusetts.

Peffer said that to further reduce the order-to-shipping time, Diamond Aircraft owners or their maintainers in North America and the Caribbean Islands can get quick online quotes at Premier Aircraft’s dedicated parts page: https://www.premieraircraft.com/maintenance/aircraft-parts-request/. Or they can call Premier Aircraft at +1-954-771-0411 and speak to a dedicated parts specialist.