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AutoFlight Selected for Hong Kong Regulatory Sandbox X Flight Trials

Fri, Jul 03, 2026

AutoFlight Selected for Hong Kong Regulatory Sandbox X Flight Trials

AutoFlight has been selected for the first round of Hong Kong’s Regulatory Sandbox X programme, a government-led initiative designed to advance low-altitude aviation and electric aircraft operations.

The programme, launched by Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau with support from the Civil Aviation Department, will allow compliant test flights, route planning and operational validation for future Advanced Air Mobility services.

Two of the approved projects will use AutoFlight’s heavy-lift eVTOL aircraft, with partners including China Travel Service Automobile Services and AECOM supporting route planning and flight validation.

The trials are expected to support future low-altitude commercial routes across the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area, reinforcing Hong Kong’s ambition to become a regional hub for next-generation air mobility.

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Mobile Passport Control Expands to Nearly 40 General Aviation Airports

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says eligible travelers can now use its Mobile Passport Control app at nearly 40 general aviation airports. NBAA identified participating locations that include Dallas Love Field, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Opa-Locka, Scottsdale, Teterboro and Van Nuys. The expansion gives international business aviation passengers another way to prepare information for inspection on arrival. Travelers can use the app to scan a passport, provide a photo and answer required questions before landing. CBP says a submission remains valid for four hours, and groups of up to 12 can be processed together. Passengers must still bring their passports and complete inspection with a CBP officer; using the app does not replace that step. NVOII readers planning an international arrival should confirm that their specific airport offers the service and that each traveler is eligible before relying on it. NBAA notes that actual time savings at GA airports are not yet clear. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

NBAA-BACE 2026: Las Vegas Prepares to Welcome the Business Aviation World

Business aviation is heading to Las Vegas as NBAA prepares to bring aircraft, innovation and industry connections together at NBAA-BACE 2026. Taking place October 20–22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport, the event will give professionals an opportunity to explore the products, services and ideas shaping the sector’s future. NBAA’s announced aircraft lineup includes Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Textron Aviation, Pilatus and other leading manufacturers. Alongside the aircraft displays, exhibitors will showcase avionics, cabin interiors, engines and ground-handling equipment, giving owners and operators a chance to assess solutions for their businesses. A new Horizon Stage will bring headline speakers directly onto the exhibition floor, while more than 70 education sessions will address subjects including safety, maintenance, regulation and workforce development. Career support and dedicated networking opportunities will extend the programme beyond aircraft and technology, helping attendees build connections and develop their next professional steps. For the NVOII community, the appeal is practical: a chance to meet industry peers, discover new capabilities and have conversations that could lead to the next partnership, career opportunity or operational improvement. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Business Aviation Connectivity Becomes a Competitive Battleground as Aircraft Owners Demand Airline-Beating Broadband

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Mexico Ends Single-Entry Landing Permits for International Charter Operators

Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency has eliminated single-entry landing permits for foreign charter flights, according to confirmation obtained by Universal Aviation Mexico. International charter operators must now hold a validated blanket permit before operating into Mexican airspace. The change directly affects non-scheduled commercial operations and increases the importance of completing permit validation before departure. Operators arriving without the required authority may face additional scrutiny, sanctions or operational disruption, while private non-revenue flights remain subject to a different permitting framework. NVOII considers the distinction especially important for aircraft managers and trip-support teams whose missions may alternate between private and commercial classifications. A flight’s operational status—not simply the aircraft or passenger profile—determines which approval is required, making accurate documentation and advance coordination essential for upcoming Mexican missions. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Bermuda–Boston Air Ambulance Missing Near Nantucket With Six Aboard

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Aircraft Services Group Opens 30,000-Square-Foot Private Jet Hangar and Headquarters at Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

Aircraft Services Group has officially opened a new 30,000-square-foot private aviation hangar and corporate headquarters at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport [KSRQ] in Florida. The company held its ribbon cutting October 1, establishing the facility as a hub for its expanding private aviation operations. The development includes another 5,000 square feet dedicated to a private lounge, kitchen and offices, along with an onsite 20,000-gallon fuel farm. Aircraft Services Group expects the operation to support jobs across ground operations, aircraft maintenance, pilots and charter sales, while an adjacent parcel provides potential space for a second hangar. For NVOII, the opening is another indication of how Florida’s business aviation infrastructure continues expanding beyond its largest established private-jet gateways. Aircraft Services Group says privacy and security are increasingly influencing facility development, and the company intends to use Sarasota as a base for its wider national operation. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.