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NTSB Vice Chair Michael Graham to Retire October 2 in Major U.S. Aviation Safety Leadership Change

Wed, Sep 02, 2026

NTSB Vice Chair Michael Graham to Retire October 2 in Major U.S. Aviation Safety Leadership Change

National Transportation Safety Board vice chair Michael Graham plans to retire on October 2, creating another senior leadership change at the U.S. agency responsible for investigating major aviation accidents. Graham’s departure comes only months after his confirmation to another term.

The change is significant for business aviation because the NTSB investigates private and corporate aircraft accidents and issues safety recommendations that can influence FAA regulation, aircraft design, pilot training and operator procedures. Graham has served during a period of intense scrutiny of U.S. aviation safety, making the timing of his departure notable as multiple investigations remain active. His retirement will alter the leadership structure of an agency whose findings frequently shape safety practices across business aviation and the wider aerospace industry.

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FAI Technik Becomes Authorized SpaceX Starlink Dealer and Installer for Business Jets in Europe

FAI Technik has been appointed an authorized SpaceX Starlink dealer and installer for business aviation, expanding the German MRO provider’s aircraft modification and high-speed connectivity capabilities at Albrecht Dürer Airport Nuremberg. The authorization is effective immediately and allows FAI Technik to offer installations to external aircraft owners and operators. The EASA Part-145 organization completed its first Starlink installation on a Bombardier Global Express XRS in June and plans additional installations across selected aircraft in the FAI fleet. The authorization gives business jet operators another European installation option as low-latency satellite connectivity becomes increasingly important aboard long-range aircraft. For FAI Technik, the agreement also expands its role beyond traditional maintenance into a fast-growing aircraft modification segment. Managing director Michael Axtmann said the company expects Starlink to become an increasingly attractive connectivity option for business aircraft owners and operators. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv.

Flexjet Praetor 500 Involved in Runway Excursion at Miami–Opa Locka Executive Airport

A Flexjet-operated Embraer Praetor 500 was involved in a runway excursion while landing at Miami–Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) in Florida on Friday, September 4, 2026. The aircraft, registered N426FX and operating as LXJ426, had arrived from Marsh Harbour (MHH) in the Bahamas when it departed the paved runway following landing at approximately 13:47 local time. Emergency crews responded to the incident shortly afterward. Most importantly, no injuries were reported among those on board. Initial reports also indicated no visible damage to the aircraft. The circumstances surrounding the excursion have not yet been fully established. The event is expected to receive further review as authorities determine what contributed to the aircraft leaving the runway. Miami–Opa Locka Executive Airport is one of South Florida’s major business aviation hubs and handles significant private, charter and fractional aircraft activity serving the Miami area. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv, including industry news, aviation jobs, crew connections, training, services, and professional networking. Explore more with NVOII.

Comlux Adds Second Bombardier Global 8000 as Ultra-Long-Range Business Jet Management Fleet Expands

Comlux Aviation has added its second Bombardier Global 8000 to its managed fleet only five months after introducing its first, strengthening the Swiss company’s position in the rapidly developing market for Bombardier’s flagship ultra-long-range business jet. Both the aircraft and engines are enrolled in manufacturer maintenance programs. Comlux placed its first Global 8000 under management in April 2026 and says the rapid addition of another aircraft reflects owner demand for specialized management of next-generation long-range jets. The company provides aircraft management, charter, sales, acquisitions, completions and maintenance services and operates both VIP airliners and ultra-long-range business jets. CEO Andrea Zanetto said the second aircraft demonstrates owners’ confidence in Comlux’s ability to support the type. As more Global 8000s enter service, their placement with management and charter organizations will provide an increasingly important indicator of how Bombardier’s newest flagship is penetrating the operational fleet. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv, including industry news, aviation jobs, crew connections, training, services, and professional networking. Explore more with NVOII.

FCG OPS Appoints Ilaria Iacobini as EMEA Business Development Manager to Expand Global Business Aviation Trip Support

FCG OPS has appointed Ilaria Iacobini as Business Development Manager for EMEA as the aviation services company expands its international trip-support operation. The September 4 appointment forms part of FCG OPS’ next stage of growth across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. FCG OPS says its operations team currently supports approximately 20,000 flight legs and secures more than 5,000 permits annually, providing services ranging from operational control and ground handling coordination to international flight planning and trip support. The company is also investing in automation and AI-supported tools through its FCG ATOM platform, giving operators greater live visibility over missions. Iacobini’s appointment adds regional business-development expertise as FCG OPS seeks to expand relationships with business aircraft operators requiring 24/7 international operational support. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv, including industry news, aviation jobs, crew connections, training, services, and professional networking. Explore more with NVOII.

Flyte Private Aviation Platform Surpasses 10,000 Accounts as Cirrus Vision Jet Demand Accelerates

Flyte has surpassed 10,000 registered consumer accounts on its private aviation WebApp, marking a major growth milestone for the technology-enabled operator built around Cirrus Vision Jet service. Flyte operates its aircraft through FAA-certified Part 135 subsidiary Ponderosa Air. Growth accelerated sharply during August. Flyte added 1,830 accounts during the first 17 days of the month, approximately 170% more than the 679 accounts added during the equivalent July period. The company had already exceeded July’s entire 1,302-account total before reaching the second half of August and says it has added more accounts since July 1 than during the entire first half of 2026. The numbers provide an interesting signal for the emerging technology-driven private aviation market, where operators are attempting to make charter-style access easier through digital booking and smaller, lower-cost aircraft such as the Vision Jet. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv, including industry news, aviation jobs, crew connections, training, services, and professional networking. Explore more with NVOII.

Joby Aviation Files to Raise Up to $750 Million as eVTOL Developer Builds Funding for Commercial Launch

Joby Aviation has filed with the SEC to raise up to $750 million through the sale of additional shares, giving the eVTOL developer access to more capital as it moves toward certification, manufacturing and commercial operations. The company ended the second quarter with approximately $2.3 billion in cash. Joby spent approximately $365 million during the first half of 2026 and expects another $385 million to $415 million of spending during the second half, according to Aviation Week’s September business aviation briefing. The potential capital raise demonstrates the enormous funding requirements involved in taking a new electric aircraft from development through certification and into scaled commercial service. For the advanced-air-mobility sector, Joby’s financing position is closely watched because the company is among the best-capitalized eVTOL developers attempting to establish a new market alongside traditional business and general aviation. Stay connected with NVOII for all things BizAv, including industry news, aviation jobs, crew connections, training, services, and professional networking. Explore more with NVOII.