Podcast: Business Aviation Outlook

Honeywell forecasts the next decade

Where is business aviation headed over the next decade, and what will industry growth mean for the companies that build, equip and maintain these aircraft? Kevin Schwab of Honeywell Aerospace discusses the findings behind the company’s 35th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook, exploring the forces shaping aircraft demand, fleet expansion and flight activity worldwide. We also cover what the findings could mean for avionics manufacturers, repair stations, maintenance providers and the broader aviation aftermarket. Tune in for insights into the takeaways for companies preparing for the industry’s next decade of growth in this episode of AEA Amplified. Listen Now...

Honeywell Aerospace announced that Dassault Aviation has selected Honeywell Aerospace’s EASy IV flight deck system for its Falcon 2000 EASy aircraft platform. In addition, JetWave X, the company's next-generation in-flight connectivity platform for business aviation, has entered into service and is now available to order directly and through authorized channel partners. And its Fleet Maintenance Service Plan was selected by Wheels Up Experience to support Wheels Up’s fleet of Bombardier CL300/350 Series aircraft.

Duncan Aviation has ordered Gogo Galileo HDX systems to ensure equipment is available as customer demand for reliable high-speed in-flight connectivity continues to grow. Duncan Aviation also added four design assistants to its aircraft interior design teams: Tara Schamehorn in Battle Creek, Michigan; Halle Russell and Schyler Hoberty in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Taelyn Fauset in Provo, Utah. Duncan Aviation is also offering its Pilatus PC-12 customers the new Archangel Attitude & Heading Reference System, which is designed to replace the obsolete LITEF LCR-92/93 AHRS.

Gogo outlined its long-term roadmap for Gogo Galileo at NBAA-BACE 2026, with improvements to extend the value of customers’ investments through the mid-2030s and beyond. For aircraft owners and operators, the roadmap provides a basis for investing today, with a path to meet rising connectivity expectations over the life of their aircraft. Gogo also announced that TransMedics has selected Gogo Galileo to equip its growing fleet of 22 Embraer Phenom 300E aircraft operating across the United States.

Blackhawk received an FAA STC for its Piper Meridian Heated Anti-Ice System. The Blackhawk Group also announced the launch of a new mobile support service based at its AVEX Performance Center in Broomfield, Colorado. Blackhawk also received EASA approval for the STC pairing the Hartzell 5-Blade carbon fiber composite propeller with Blackhawk’s XP67A Engine+ Upgrade on the King Air 350/360.

Garmin announced that more than 2,500 aircraft are now equipped with Garmin Autoland, a major milestone achieved just over six years after the technology’s initial certification. Garmin also announced additional runways and airports for Guided Visual Approaches, including multiple runways and airports in Mexico.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has expanded the functionality of its ARINCDirect flight support services with ARINCDirect OpenAPI, a new capability that allows operators to integrate ARINCDirect flight planning, trip and performance data directly into their existing digital platforms. The company also announced upgrades for its family of radio altimeters, providing business aviation operators a path to meet new FAA operational standards.

Avionics 2000 is now a True Blue Battery service centre and a Cirrus service centre.

Lexington Creative launched the newly redesigned AvionicsShopIdaho.com for Avionics Shop Inc., an AEA member since 2003 and a Part 145 repair station in Twin Falls, Idaho, specializing in avionics installations, upgrades, and troubleshooting.

Innovative Aerosystems has been selected by Dornier Seawings to provide its Liberty Data Acquisition Unit for the Dornier Seastar aircraft.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced advancements in Gulfstream Customer Support’s Performance Analytics program, expanding its ability to turn aircraft data-driven insights into actions that further support maintenance planning and aircraft availability across the fleet. 

Pro Star Aviation has been selected by PlaneSense to install Gogo Galileo in-flight connectivity on its Pilatus PC-12 fleet.

ACI Jet named Adam Barron as its vice president of aircraft maintenance.

Lightspeed Aviation released its firmware update for the Lightspeed Delta Zulu aviation headset, giving all Lightspeed Delta Zulu owners access to a new Rotax Active Noise Reduction and audio profile through this free firmware update.

Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems completed the 1000th Garmin King Air G1000 NXi installation.

Evolution Measurement announced that Marchiori (DMA), a leading supplier of high-accuracy Air Data Test Sets and GSE tools to the international aviation industry, has launched the MPS63 Ultra Compact Digital Air Data Test Set.

Cirrus announced the opening of its new 60,000-square-foot Cirrus warehousing center in Duluth, Minnesota. Cirrus also celebrated 10 years of the Collier Trophy-winning Vision Jet at NBAA-BACE 2026. Cirrus also broke ground on the 15,000-square-foot Engine Run-Up Center, designed to test SR Series, Vision Jet, and TRAC10 engine system functionality, performance, and fuel calibration as part of the aircraft certification process.

uAvionix and Jeppesen ForeFlight announced that more than 100,000 ForeFlight Sentry-Family ADS-B receivers have shipped.

StandardAero completed the shift of its PT6A operations in Grapevine, Texas, to its primary campus at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, enabling added MRO benefits for PT6A operators. 

Textron Aviation announced FAA certification of Gogo Galileo HDX for the flagship Cessna Citation Longitude and Cessna Citation Latitude.

Ontic launched CargoCare, a new family of Ontic MRO services designed to help cargo operators keep their aircraft flying and their maintenance costs under control.

Metro Aviation introduced MetroAero Sim, an advanced avionics simulation platform designed to provide realistic, scenario-based rotorcraft training. Metro Aviation also unveiled its new Airbus H140 medical interior concept at the Air Medical Transport Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

Kansas State University Salina will host an event for students ages 16 and up to explore education and career opportunities in aviation during Aviation Explorer Day on Nov. 14.

Ask the Industry Poll Results

Here are the results of the poll question from the Oct. 14 edition of AEA Wired:

Where do you primarily find new avionics technicians?

40% – Aviation technical schools

30% – Industry job boards

16% – Military veterans transitioning to civilian aviation

14% – Internal referrals

FAA Releases Draft Standards for Vertical Flight Facilities

On Oct. 22, the Federal Aviation Administration released updated draft design standards for vertical lift infrastructure supporting their operations. According to the agency, these draft standards are an initial proposal for industry feedback and will help airport and heliport owners, operators and infrastructure developers design facilities for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which can take off, hover, and land vertically without a runway. More...

Early-bird Registration Opens for 2027 AEA Convention

Register by December 31 and save $255 per person

Registration is open for the 70th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, the world’s largest gathering of aviation electronics manufacturers, distributors and maintenance organizations. The event is set for March 23-26, 2027, at the Savannah Convention Center in Georgia. It is the premier venue for the introduction of new avionics products and services entering the market in 2027.

Attendees who register by Dec. 31, 2026, will receive the early-bird member rate of $790 for a full convention registration, a savings of $255 per person compared with the on-site fee. A full registration package includes four days of technical training sessions, two days of exhibit hall access with lunch, and networking with manufacturers and distributors. Register Now...

Coywolf Aviation Adds Avionics Support

At Brampton-Caledon Airport in Ontario, Canada, Coywolf Aviation’s aircraft maintenance engineers have been busy upgrading its aircraft with new avionics and electronics: a 1968 De Havilland DHC-2 MK. III Turbo Beaver with a suite of Garmin avionics and a Bell 429 GlobalRanger with cabin electrical and communications equipment. The work is an early indicator of what’s to come as the Transport Canada approved maintenance organization builds out its avionics capabilities and adds an authorized Garmin dealership.

Coywolf Aviation specializes in aircraft management and executive charter operations. Its polished fleet includes three Bell 429 and two Airbus AS350 helicopters as well as two Pilatus PC-12 turboprops, a Bombardier Challenger 300 and two Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy business jets. More...

2026 Rate and Labor Survey Results Now Available to AEA Members

The annual AEA Rate and Labor Survey provides valuable benchmarking data on shop and labor rates, employee compensation and benefits, and business outlook trends. New for 2026, shop and labor rate data is organized first by region and then by aircraft type, giving participants a more meaningful and accurate comparison of their business to others performing similar work. This enhanced reporting structure recognizes that operating costs, labor requirements, and market conditions can vary significantly across aircraft categories, resulting in fairer and more actionable benchmarking data.

The report's quick-glance format makes it easy for owners and managers of approved maintenance organizations to evaluate their position within the marketplace, identify compensation trends, and assess competitiveness. Whether your goal is attracting and retaining skilled technicians, reviewing labor rates, or strengthening your overall business strategy, this survey provides valuable insights to support informed decision-making.

AEA members may download the survey results with their member login and password by clicking here.

Featured Jobs: Look Who's Hiring

For individuals interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the avionics industry, the AEA jobs board is your one-stop resource. Search the AEA's job listings and see what's on your horizon. Here's a sample of the opportunities currently listed:

• Avionics Manager at Hillsboro Aviation, More...
• Experienced Avionics Technician at Coastal Winds Avionics, More...
• Avionics Specialist at Preferred Airparts, More...
• CNC Machinist Programmer/Operator at Southeast Aerospace, More...
• Avionics Apprentice at Bismarck Aero Center, More...
• Assembly Technician at GigaFlight Connectivity, More...

AEA West Regional

Reno, Nevada

October 29-30, 2026

Join us at the Grand Sierra Resort for two days of technical training. More...

AEA Central Regional

Kansas City, Missouri

November 4-5, 2026

Join us at the Hilton KCI Airport Hotel for the last AEA Regional of the year. More...

AUVSI Drone & AAM Policy Symposium

Washington, D.C.

November 9-10, 2026

With new executive orders in effect, implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act underway, increased focus on secure supply chains and the FCC covered list, and growing pressure on certification and airspace coordination, uncrewed systems policy is at a critical inflection point. More...

NATA Aviation Business Conference

Denver, Colorado

November 9-10, 2026

Join NATA, industry experts, thought leaders, and key industry decision-makers representing various sectors of the GA community, including FBOs, airports, air charter operators, MROs, and AAM/UAM. More...

VERTICON

Anaheim, California

March 15-18, 2027

Powered by VAI, this event brings the global vertical aviation community together for four days of connection, discovery, and opportunity. More...

AEA International Convention & Trade Show

Savannah, Georgia

March 23-26, 2027

It's the biggest training week of the year in the avionics industry. More...

NBAA Maintenance Conference

Charlotte, North Carolina

May 4-6, 2027

Whether you’re an aircraft technician or a director of maintenance, you’ll find the resources you need to elevate your expertise. More...

Basic Wiring and Avionics Installation (sold-out)

November 9-11, 2026

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This course is designed for certificated repairmen, new avionics technicians, aviation maintenance technicians and recent graduates interested in improving or acquiring the skills necessary to perform avionics installations. This three-day seminar employs in-depth theory and hands-on lab exercises to immerse the attendee in the best practices used to plan, manage and install a general aviation avionics panel. Learn More...

Basic Pitot-Static & Transponder Theory, Testing & Troubleshooting (10 seats remain)

November 12-13, 2026

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This course is designed for entry-level avionics technicians or those looking for basic training on pitot-static and aircraft transponder systems. The two-day course covers the history and theory of operation of pitot-static instruments and transponders, as well as system setup, hands-on testing, and the troubleshooting skills necessary to perform FAR 91.411 and 91.413 checks. Register Now...

Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) Prep Course (10 seats remain)

December 3, 2026

Virtual-live course

This official preparation course for the AEA Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) exam is ideal for entry-level technicians or new employees at a Part 145 repair station seeking to learn the fundamentals of avionics. The curriculum is designed to align directly with the certification test, providing an effective path to success. Students will gain the foundational knowledge required for entry-level avionics roles – including core electrical concepts, wiring procedures, digital avionics, and key systems – to ensure they walk into the exam and shop with confidence. Register Now...

Software Control & Compliance in Aircraft Maintenance (15 seats remain)

December 7, 2026

Virtual-live course

Modern aircraft are no longer just mechanical systems, they are software-defined platforms. A single improper update, missed verification step, or unauthorized action can compromise configuration control, invalidate airworthiness, or introduce latent system risk. This high-impact training program is built around the FAA’s guidance in AC 43-216A, focusing on the real-world execution of software management during maintenance not just policy, but what technicians actually do on the line and in the shop. Register Now...

ADS-B Configuration, Testing & Troubleshooting (13 seats remain)

December 8, 2026

Virtual-live course

This course is designed for currently employed repair station personnel and installers and maintainers of ADS-B systems. A small percentage of general aviation ADS-B installations are non-compliant based on the FAA’s ADS-B Performance Monitoring System. This course focuses on the proper configuration and testing of ADS-B installations to ensure your installation meets the performance requirements and regulations. Also included are troubleshooting tips and tricks that will help you resolve the common problems found in ADS-B installations. Register Now...

Safety Management System Coordinator Training (9 seats remain)

December 9, 2026

Virtual-live course

Risk management is a vital element of any successful business. Whether driven by best practices or responding to a regulatory requirement, the AEA has your solution. Leveraged by the 900-strong repair station membership, the AEA developed a proprietary SMS program designed specifically for maintenance organizations. This program is currently used on every continent. Register Now...

Certified Repair Station Training (sold-out)

January 11-15, 2027

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This weeklong course provides an interactive environment to learn, understand and implement the regulations that govern repair station design and operations. Current quality managers, technicians, mechanics, and repairmen who are involved in the management of a repair station as well as individuals looking to establish a 14 CFR Part 145 repair station should plan to attend. Learn More...

CAET Train-the-Trainer (15 seats remain)

February 11-12, 2027

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

Learn to teach avionics to industry standards. This course is a two-day, hands-on class that prepares aviation maintenance educators to bring Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) content into their classrooms. You'll spend 16 hours learning directly from industry how to incorporate hands-on avionics training into your own program. This course is limited to instructors at Part 147 aviation maintenance schools, aviation high schools, and technical colleges who want to add avionics to their program or sharpen the avionics instruction they already deliver. Register Now...

Advanced Avionics Installation & Configuration (10 seats remain)

February 22-24, 2027

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

Technicians will learn how to plan, install, interface, configure and check out an installation of a primary flight display, EHSI and GPS/Nav/Com consisting of dual Garmin GI 275, a Garmin GTN 650 touch screen, and a Garmin GTX 345 transponder. Designed for technicians who have experience with avionics installation practices and are looking for more training integrating common general aviation installations. Register Now...

AVX-10K Operations Training (11 seats remain)

February 24, 2027

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

This course is designed to provide maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills required to operate and configure AVX-10K to verify and maintain transponder, UAT, TCAS, DME, ILS, VOR, Comms and ELT. Plus a complete review all features and benefits of the AVX-10K Flight Line Test Set with emphasis on testing transponder (Mode S and ADS-B In/Out), UAT, TCAS and DME. Register Now...

Pitot-Static, Transponder, RVSM, and ADS-B: Testing & Inspection (15 seats remain)

February 25-26, 2027

In-person course; Lee's Summit, Missouri

Attendees will learn the proper methods for conducting pitot-static and transponder tests and inspections. This two-day course offers a regulatory review and an explanation of the proper administrative procedures for completing these critical certifications. Preparing and performing RVSM inspection tasks. ADS-B session covering installation, wiring and return to service review. Register Now...

Are You Hiring? List Your Openings

Is your business hiring? The AEA jobs board makes it easier for AEA members to find their next avionics technician, quality manager, inspector, sales representative or engineer.

AEA members may submit a free job posting after entering their username and password at AEA.net/Jobs. Member companies that optionally choose to upgrade their job posting for a premium will have preferred online placement and will be published in the next edition of Avionics News. For more information about premium job listings, contact Rachel Hill, AEA advertising executive, at rachelh@aea.net.