Search...

NBAA’s Doug Carr to Retire After Nearly Three Decades of Service

Fri, Jul 17, 2026

NBAA’s Doug Carr to Retire After Nearly Three Decades of Service

The National Business Aviation Association has announced that Doug Carr, Senior Vice President for Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations, will retire at the end of August after 28 years with the association. Carr has been one of business aviation’s most influential advocates, playing a pivotal role in advancing safety, regulatory policy, sustainability and international operations throughout his career.

During his tenure, Carr helped shape many of the industry’s most significant initiatives, working closely with regulators, manufacturers, operators and international organisations to strengthen business aviation’s safety culture and global presence. His leadership has been instrumental in supporting NBAA members through evolving regulatory requirements, emerging technologies and the industry’s continued focus on operational excellence.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen praised Carr’s decades of dedication, recognising his lasting contributions to both the association and the wider business aviation community. His retirement marks the end of an era for NBAA and follows nearly three decades of service dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of the industry.

Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Find BizAv Opportunities

Post BizAv Opportunities

Read More

EASA Introduces New Flight Simulator Standards for Pilot Training

EASA has introduced a major overhaul of Europe’s flight simulator regulations, creating a new CS-FSTD framework for the qualification and use of Flight Simulation Training Devices for aeroplanes and helicopters. The new system becomes applicable from 30 April 2028 and will affect how simulators are approved for pilot training, testing and checking. One of the biggest changes is a move away from relying primarily on traditional simulator categories towards a more capability-based approach. Under the new framework, training organisations will identify the simulator capabilities and fidelity required for specific training tasks, then ensure the device being used meets those requirements. For business aviation, this could be particularly important. Operators depend heavily on simulator-based initial and recurrent training for aircraft ranging from light jets to Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer fleets. A more flexible qualification system could allow newer technologies and different types of training devices to be used where they can demonstrate the required capability. EASA says the framework is intended to support innovation while maintaining or improving training effectiveness and safety. For major training providers such as CAE and FlightSafety, the changes could influence future simulator investment, upgrades and qualification strategies. Operators and pilots may ultimately benefit from greater training availability and more efficient use of simulation technology. The significance goes beyond new simulator standards. EASA is changing how regulators determine whether a simulator is actually suitable for the training being performed, potentially reshaping recurrent training across European business aviation. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Business Jet Backlogs Near $46 Billion as Gulfstream and Bombardier Race to Meet Demand

Demand for new business jets remains exceptionally strong, with Gulfstream and Bombardier carrying combined backlogs approaching $46 billion. But those numbers tell a much bigger story than simply how many aircraft have been sold. General Dynamics’ Aerospace division, which includes Gulfstream, ended the second quarter with a backlog of approximately $24 billion, up 20% year over year. Bombardier’s backlog reached a record $21.8 billion, helped by strong demand for its Challenger and Global families. The challenge now is turning those orders into aircraft. Gulfstream delivered 41 jets during the second quarter, while Bombardier delivered 32, as manufacturers continue working through supply-chain and production constraints. Both reported a book-to-bill ratio of around 1.5, meaning new orders continue arriving faster than aircraft are being delivered. For the wider BizAv industry, the effects extend far beyond the factory floor. Long waits for new aircraft can help support values of desirable pre-owned jets, while more aircraft staying in service increases demand for MRO capacity, parts and technical support. Aerospace suppliers are already reporting strong demand as delivery constraints keep older aircraft operating longer. There is also a people problem. Every additional aircraft eventually requires pilots, maintenance technicians, cabin crew and operational support. The nearly $46 billion backlog is therefore more than an OEM success story. It is a signal of where pressure and opportunity could spread throughout business aviation for years to come. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

UrbanV Plans Five-Vertiport Network for São Paulo

UrbanV is advancing plans for a network of five vertiports across São Paulo, laying the infrastructure foundations for future electric air taxi operations in one of the world’s most active urban aviation markets. Working with Future Flight Global, the proposed network is expected to connect strategic locations including Campo de Marte Airport, Faria Lima, Interlagos, Alphaville and major airport gateways. Campo de Marte is particularly important, having already been selected for Brazil’s first vertiport regulatory testbed in partnership with PAX Aeroportos and Brazil’s civil aviation regulator, ANAC. Future Flight Global plans to operate a mixed fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, including aircraft from Eve Air Mobility. The network is designed to integrate eVTOL operations with São Paulo’s existing aviation infrastructure while reducing journey times across one of Latin America’s most congested metropolitan areas. São Paulo is already one of the world’s leading cities for helicopter operations, making it a natural testing ground for advanced air mobility. UrbanV and PAX are also exploring additional infrastructure in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as Brazil develops regulations for commercial vertiport operations. If successfully implemented, the network could provide an early blueprint for how eVTOL aircraft transition from demonstration programmes into everyday urban transportation. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Duncan Aviation Invests in the Future of the Business Aviation Technical Workforce

Duncan Aviation is continuing to invest heavily in training and workforce development as the business aviation industry faces growing demand for skilled technicians, avionics specialists and maintenance professionals. The company says it invests approximately $10 million to $12 million each year in internal and external training, supporting more than 1,100 internal course titles across its organisation. The programmes cover technical skills, leadership development and emerging aircraft technologies, helping employees keep pace with increasingly complex business aircraft and regulatory requirements. Duncan Aviation also maintains internship and mentoring programmes designed to introduce students to real-world business aviation maintenance. Interns work alongside experienced technicians across the company’s three major MRO facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan and Provo, Utah. With more than 3,000 team members and a nationwide support network, Duncan Aviation’s investment reflects a broader industry challenge: ensuring enough qualified technical professionals are available to support a growing and ageing business aircraft fleet. As experienced technicians retire and aircraft systems become more advanced, long-term training programmes will remain critical to maintaining safety, reducing downtime and supporting continued growth across the global MRO sector. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

REAL Jet Introduces Crypto.com Pay for Private Charter Flights

REAL Jet has introduced Crypto.com Pay as a payment option for private charter flights, giving customers another way to settle bookings using digital assets as cryptocurrency adoption expands across the wider travel sector. REAL Jet operates as a boutique private aviation brokerage, sourcing aircraft through vetted partner operators and managing charter trips around individual customer requirements. The addition of Crypto.com Pay extends that service into digital payments, allowing eligible clients to use cryptocurrency through Crypto.com’s payment infrastructure rather than relying solely on traditional bank transfers or card payments. The move comes as cryptocurrency payment options gain broader acceptance across aviation. Emirates recently introduced Crypto.com Pay for eligible customers in the UAE, demonstrating growing interest among aviation companies in providing alternative payment methods for digitally focused travellers. For private aviation, where individual transactions can be substantial and bookings are often arranged at short notice, streamlined payment processing can become an important part of the overall customer experience. REAL Jet’s adoption of Crypto.com Pay reflects a broader shift towards more flexible digital booking and payment solutions across business aviation as charter providers look to modernise how clients purchase and manage private travel. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Los Angeles Tightens Aircraft Property Tax Rules

os Angeles County has tightened its approach to aircraft property taxation, a change that could have significant implications for private and business aircraft owners who are based outside California but regularly operate into the region. Under the county’s new interpretation, aircraft that spend substantial time at Los Angeles-area airports could establish a taxable presence in the county, potentially exposing owners to California property tax even when the aircraft is registered or primarily based elsewhere. The move comes alongside a broader enforcement effort by the Los Angeles County Assessor. A new aircraft-tracking system introduced in January has already identified nearly 1,000 previously unassessed aircraft, representing approximately $2.5 billion in escaped prior-year assessments and more than $1 billion in new assessments for 2026. The county estimates the effort could generate roughly $38 million in additional property tax revenue. For business aviation, the implications extend beyond locally based aircraft. Owners, management companies and flight departments operating frequently through airports such as Van Nuys and other Los Angeles County facilities may need to pay closer attention to where an aircraft spends its time and how those movements could affect its tax exposure. The changes highlight how aircraft utilisation and basing decisions can carry substantial tax consequences, making careful record keeping and specialist aviation tax advice increasingly important. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.