This article is based on an official press release from Signature Aviation.

Signature Aviation Launches Costa Rica Expansion with New Terminal and Nationwide Operations

Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private jets terminals, has officially announced its entry into the Costa Rican market. According to a company press release issued on January 8, 2026, the expansion centers on the construction of a new General & Business Aviation Terminal (G&BAT) at Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Additionally, the company has immediately commenced operations at three key Costa Rican airports through a strategic partnership with local aviation services leader Aerologística.

This development marks Signature’s first direct foothold in Costa Rica, a region that has seen surging demand for luxury tourism and private travel. While the dedicated terminal at Guanacaste is scheduled to open in 2026, the company confirmed that it is already servicing flights at LIR, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), and Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) to meet current market needs.

New Infrastructure at Guanacaste Airport (LIR)

The centerpiece of this expansion is the planned construction of a dedicated private aviation terminal at Guanacaste Airport. Located in the province known as Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast,” the airport serves as the primary gateway for high-end tourism in the region.

Facility Details and Timeline

According to the announcement, construction on the new facility is set to begin shortly, with a targeted opening date in 2026. The terminal is designed to offer a suite of premium amenities, including:

• A private VIP guest lounge and executive conference room.
• Dedicated customs and immigration clearance to separate private guests from commercial traffic.
• Direct ramp access and a private indoor vehicle bay.
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Signature Aviation has selected Bambu Construction, a local Costa Rican firm, to build the facility. The design will incorporate sustainable elements and local materials, aligning with the country’s strong environmental focus.

Strategic Partnership with Coriport

The project is being executed in collaboration with Coriport, the concessionaire and operator of Guanacaste Airport. This partnership aims to modernize the airport’s infrastructure to handle the increasing volume of private jets.

“Signature and Coriport’s collaboration at Guanacaste Airport is a paradigm shift in how VIP travelers experience Costa Rica… Time and time again, Signature has successfully exported its superior operating model for private aviation hospitality.”

, Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation

Nationwide Service Rollout

While the physical terminal at LIR is under development, Signature Aviation has moved to establish an immediate operational presence across the country. By partnering with Aerologística, a Costa Rican aviation services company with over two decades of experience, Signature is now providing ground handling and concierge services at three locations.

Operational Locations

The press release details that services are now active at:

• Guanacaste Airport (LIR): Serving the luxury tourism sector in Liberia.
• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): The country’s primary international gateway in San José.
• Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ): Located in Pavas, this airport serves as a critical hub for domestic charters, government flights, and executive jets closer to downtown San José.

Aerologística is noted for its “zero-damage safety record” and expertise in regional logistics, which Signature states will ensure high service standards immediately.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to include Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) alongside the major international gateways highlights a strategic approach to capturing the full spectrum of business aviation. While SJO handles the bulk of commercial traffic, SYQ is often preferred by corporate travelers and domestic charters due to its proximity to the capital’s business districts. By securing a presence at all three nodes, Signature effectively covers the leisure, commercial, and corporate sectors of the Costa Rican market simultaneously.

Market Context and Economic Impact

The expansion comes at a time of significant growth for Costa Rican aviation. Guanacaste, in particular, has become a magnet for luxury developments, including high-end resorts like the Four Seasons and upcoming projects from Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria.

According to data cited in reports surrounding the announcement, Guanacaste Airport set a passenger record in 2024 with 1.91 million travelers, a 16% increase over the previous year. However, infrastructure for private aviation has historically lagged behind this demand. Previous data indicated the airport handled approximately 100 private flights per month, a figure airport management has described as a fraction of the potential volume due to infrastructure bottlenecks.

“This project marks a milestone in the modernization of Guanacaste Airport… It reflects VINCI Airports’ commitment to developing and connecting territories while fostering long-term value creation.”

, César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport (Coriport)

William Rodríguez López, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, also welcomed the investment, noting that it supports the arrival of visitors who come to enjoy the biodiversity and beaches of the Guanacaste province.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new terminal at Guanacaste Airport open?

The new General & Business Aviation Terminal (G&BAT) at LIR is scheduled to open in 2026.

Is Signature Aviation operating in Costa Rica right now?

Yes. Signature has commenced immediate operations at LIR, SJO, and SYQ airports through a partnership with Aerologística.

What services are available at the new terminal?

Once completed, the terminal will feature VIP lounges, private customs and immigration processing, executive conference rooms, and EV charging stations.

Sources

• Signature Aviation Press Release

Eindhoven Airport Enforces Ban on Fossil-Fuel Private Flights Starting January 2026

As of January 1, 2026, Eindhoven Airport (EIN) has officially implemented a prohibition on fossil-fuel private jets. This landmark policy marks a significant shift in European aviation management, as the airport moves to align its operations with stringent sustainability targets. According to official statements from Eindhoven Airport, the ban is designed to reduce the facility’s noise footprint and CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

The new regulations effectively end the use of the airport for recreational and business private aviation using traditional combustion engines. While the airport will continue to facilitate commercial air traffic, the capacity previously utilized by private jets will not be reallocated to airlines, ensuring a net reduction in total flight movements.

Operational Changes and Scope of the Ban

Under the new policy, Eindhoven Airport has ceased offering General Aviation and Business Aviation (GA/BA) services for fossil-fuel aircraft. The airport administration has clarified that this measure is intended to prioritize flights that serve the broader public over private luxury travel.

Exceptions for Social and Sustainable Traffic

While the ban is comprehensive regarding fossil-fuel private jets, specific exemptions have been codified to ensure essential services remain operational. According to the airport’s policy guidelines:

• Social Traffic: A maximum of 500 flight movements per year is reserved for essential operations. This category includes medical flights (such as organ transport), police operations, and other critical government aviation.
• Sustainable Aviation: To foster innovation, small aircraft powered by electric-aviation or hydrogen propulsion are exempt from the ban. However, industry data suggests this technology is currently limited in commercial scale and availability.

Strict Flight Caps

The airport is now operating under a strict permit cap. For the year 2026, the total number of allowable flight movements is set at 41,500. By removing approximately 1,600 annual private flights (based on 2022 figures of 2,132 movements minus the retained social traffic), the airport aims to lower its overall environmental impact immediately.

Strategic Rationale and Stakeholder Impact

The decision to ban private jets is a central component of Eindhoven Airport’s “Commitment 2030” plan. Airport management has argued that private aviation contributes disproportionately to noise and pollution relative to the number of passengers transported.

“Private jets have a relatively large noise and CO₂ footprint per passenger compared to commercial traffic.”

, Roel Hellemons, CEO of Eindhoven Airport (via official statements)

Displacement to Regional Airports

The implementation of this ban has triggered a shift in regional air traffic. Industry reports confirm that a significant portion of the private aircraft previously based at or frequenting Eindhoven has relocated to Rotterdam The Hague Airport (EHRD). Unlike Eindhoven, Rotterdam has not yet implemented a similar prohibition, leading to what analysts describe as a “waterbed effect”, where emissions are displaced rather than eliminated.

Industry and Environmental Reactions

The policy has drawn sharp lines between environmental advocates and aviation industry bodies:

• Aviation Industry: The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has strongly opposed the measure. In statements leading up to the ban, the EBAA characterized the move as a “commercial decision” disguised as environmental policy, warning that the Netherlands is becoming a “hostile environment” for business aviation.
• Environmental Groups: Organizations such as Stay Grounded and Extinction Rebellion have celebrated the ban. These groups previously staged protests at the airport in 2023, blocking private jet ramps to highlight what they termed “luxury emissions.”

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that Eindhoven Airport is effectively positioning itself as a “test case” for regional European airports. By prioritizing “social value” over the economic revenue of general aviation, Eindhoven is challenging the traditional operating model of mid-sized airports.

However, the immediate migration of traffic to Rotterdam highlights the limitations of localized bans. Without a coordinated national or European Union-wide policy, local restrictions may succeed in reducing noise for specific communities, in this case, the residents around Eindhoven, while failing to achieve a net reduction in global carbon emissions. The success of this ban will likely be judged not just by Eindhoven’s noise metrics, but by whether it emboldens the Dutch government to pursue similar restrictions at Schiphol Airport, where legal hurdles are significantly higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are all private planes banned from Eindhoven Airport?
A: No. Electric and hydrogen-powered private aircraft are still permitted, as are essential “social” flights (medical, police), capped at 500 movements per year. All fossil-fuel private jets are banned.

Q: Will commercial flights increase to fill the gap?
A: No. The airport has stated that the capacity freed up by banning private jets will not be reallocated to commercial airlines. The total flight cap remains fixed at 41,500 movements for 2026.

Q: Where have the private jets gone?
A: Market data indicates that many operators have relocated their aircraft to Rotterdam The Hague Airport (EHRD).

Sources

• Eindhoven Airport

This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 Officially Enters Service

Textron Aviation has officially commenced deliveries of the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2, marking the entry into service for the latest iteration of its popular light jet platform. According to a company press release issued on January 8, 2026, the first aircraft were delivered to launch customers Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day, both of whom are longtime Citation owners.

The entry into service follows the aircraft’s initial announcement at the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in October 2023 and its subsequent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification in October 2025. The CJ3 Gen2 represents a significant refresh of the CJ3+ model, incorporating new avionics technology and interior redesigns heavily influenced by customer feedback.

Customer-Driven Design and Launch

Textron Aviation emphasized that the development of the CJ3 Gen2 was guided by a Customer Advisory Board consisting of owners, pilots, and mechanics. This collaborative approach aimed to address specific operational needs and comfort requirements for the light jet market, particularly for owner-pilots.

Launch customer Dave Mecartney, a member of the advisory board and a Citation owner since 2007, took delivery of his new aircraft this week. Textron noted that Mecartney played a direct role in shaping the enhancements found in the new model.

“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.”

, Dave Mecartney, Launch Customer

Shannon Day, another launch customer, highlighted the practical benefits of the redesign for pilots of taller stature. In the press release, Day noted that he looked forward to the “advances in this aircraft like autothrottles, an externally serviceable lavatory and more legroom for a 6’3” pilot.”

Key Technical and Interior Updates

The “Gen2” designation signifies a comprehensive update to the aircraft’s interface and passenger experience rather than a clean-sheet airframe design. The updates focus on reducing pilot workload and increasing luxury.

Cockpit Enhancements

The most significant operational upgrade in the cockpit is the inclusion of Garmin autothrottles as a standard feature. Integrated into the Garmin G3000 avionics suite, this system is designed to reduce pilot workload and provide flight-envelope protection. Additionally, the cockpit layout has been adjusted to provide an additional 4.5 inches of legroom for the pilot, a critical comfort factor for long-range missions.

Connectivity has also been upgraded with the Garmin GDL 60 datalink, allowing for automatic database updates and wireless flight plan transmission.

Cabin Refinements

The cabin redesign introduces several features aimed at improving the passenger experience and operational convenience:

• Externally Serviceable Lavatory: A major request from operators, this feature allows for servicing without bringing equipment through the main cabin.
• Natural Light: New “CoolView” skylights have been added to the lavatory area.
• Power and Connectivity: The cabin now features USB-C power at every seat, wireless smartphone charging, and optional high-power outlets capable of supporting appliances like coffee machines.
• Ambiance: New RGB accent lighting allows passengers to customize the cabin environment.

Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Textron Aviation, commented on the significance of these updates in the company statement:

“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.”

, Lannie O’Bannion, Textron Aviation

Performance Specifications

While the interior and avionics have seen major changes, the CJ3 Gen2 retains the core performance metrics that established the CJ3 series in the light jet market. Powered by two Williams International FJ44-3A turbofan engines, the aircraft offers the following specifications:

• Range: 2,040 nautical miles (nm)
• Max Cruise Speed: 416 knots true airspeed (ktas)
• Max Payload: 2,135 lbs
• Passenger Capacity: Standard seating for up to 9 passengers

AirPro News Analysis

The entry into service of the CJ3 Gen2 solidifies Textron Aviation’s strategy of iterative modernization. By applying the “Gen2” treatment, previously seen on the Citation M2 and CJ4, Textron is able to extend the lifecycle of its proven airframes while competing with newer entrants on technology and comfort. This approach avoids the high capital costs and regulatory delays associated with clean-sheet designs while still offering a “new” product to the market.

The specific focus on pilot legroom and autothrottles suggests a clear targeting of the owner-pilot demographic. In the light jet segment, the person writing the check is often the person in the left seat. By addressing fatigue factors (legroom) and workload (autothrottles), Textron is directly appealing to the unique needs of this buyer profile, ensuring the CJ3 remains a competitive option against rivals like the Embraer Phenom 300E.

Furthermore, the introduction of the externally serviceable lavatory addresses a long-standing pain point for charter operators and corporate flight departments, potentially broadening the aircraft’s appeal beyond owner-pilots to fleet operators who prioritize turnaround efficiency.

Sources: Textron Aviation