Business Aviation
Long Beach Finalizes $60 Million Private Jet Campus Deal with Sky Harbour
Long Beach secures a $60M lease with Sky Harbour for a new private jet campus to enhance Southern California aviation facilities by 2028.
Long Beach Secures $60 Million Private Jet Campus with Sky Harbour
The City of Long Beach has finalized a significant, long-term agreement with Sky Harbour Group Corporation, an aviation infrastructure company, to develop a $60 million private jets campus at Long Beach Airport (LGB). This 50-year ground lease marks a pivotal investment in the region’s aviation future, aiming to address a critical shortage of private aircraft hangar space in Southern California. The project is poised to transform a 17-acre parcel of largely underutilized land on the west side of the airport into a state-of-the-art facility for business aviation. This move solidifies Long Beach’s position as a key hub for private and corporate travel, promising substantial economic benefits for the city and the surrounding communities.
The development is part of Sky Harbour’s broader national strategy to create a network of “Home Base Operator” (HBO) campuses. This model focuses on providing premium, dedicated hangar and office facilities for based tenants, a departure from traditional Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) that often rely heavily on fuel sales. The Long Beach campus represents Sky Harbour’s 19th location in the United States and its third in California, signaling strong confidence in the region’s market. The project is not just about infrastructure; it’s a strategic move to recapture business that has been lost to other states due to a lack of adequate facilities.
With construction planned in phases and an expected completion by spring 2028, the campus is set to feature five large hangars, an open-air public restaurant, and modern amenities. This development is anticipated to generate hundreds of local jobs and inject significant revenue into the local economy. As the demand for private aviation continues to grow, this partnership between Long Beach and Sky Harbour is positioned to meet the needs of a burgeoning industry while fostering local economic growth.
Project Scope and Financials: A Deep Dive
The agreement outlines a comprehensive plan for the 17-acre site. The core of the $60 million project involves the construction of five hangars, each spanning approximately 43,000 square feet. These structures are designed to accommodate up to 25 ultra-long-range business jets, the larger, more modern aircraft that are increasingly in demand. Beyond simple storage, each hangar will be a self-contained unit featuring a lounge, storage areas, office facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations, catering to the high standards of corporate and private clients. A notable feature of the campus will be an open-air restaurant, which will be accessible to the general public, integrating the facility with the local community.
The financial structure of the 50-year ground lease is designed to provide escalating revenue for the city. Sky Harbour’s payments will begin at $29,778 per month in the first year, increasing to $48,389 in the second. Once construction is complete, the monthly lease payment will jump to $78,166, with a built-in 3% annual increase thereafter. This phased approach ensures a steady and growing income stream for Long Beach over the life of the lease, transforming a “largely vacant” piece of land, previously used for events and vehicle storage, into a productive, revenue-generating asset.
The land itself is currently used for events like the annual Festival of Flight and for vehicle storage by Mercedes-Benz. Councilmember Megan Kerr expressed satisfaction that this underutilized parcel would finally be developed. The project’s timeline, with a completion goal of spring 2028, reflects a multi-phase construction process designed to bring the campus online efficiently while managing the complexities of airport development.
“This agreement underscores Long Beach as an important hub for business aviation, which brings investment, jobs, and revenue directly into the City and communities throughout our region.” — Cynthia Guidry, Long Beach Airport Director
Economic Impact and Industry Context
Proponents of the deal emphasize the significant economic benefits it promises for Long Beach and the wider Southern California region. The project is expected to create or sustain hundreds of local jobs, spanning construction, aviation services, and hospitality. This aligns with the broader impact of the business aviation industry, which supports over 1.2 million jobs in the U.S. and contributes an estimated $247 billion in economic output. By providing high-quality infrastructure, Long Beach aims to attract and retain a larger share of this lucrative market.
A key driver for this development is the pronounced national shortage of hangar space, particularly for the larger jets favored by corporate clients. Eric Stolpman, Senior Vice President with Sky Harbour, noted that this scarcity has forced many Southern California-based aircraft owners to house their jets in other states like Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. This “re-basing” of aircraft back to where their owners live is a central goal of the project. It allows the local economy to capture fees, taxes, and other spending that would otherwise be lost. Stolpman identified Long Beach as the “future growth spot” for business aviation in the entire Southern California area.
While the economic upside is clear, it is also important to consider the broader context of the private aviation industry. The sector has seen substantial growth, with the number of private jets more than doubling since 2007. However, this growth comes with environmental considerations, as private jet travel is the most energy-intensive form of transportation per passenger. Critics also point to discussions around taxation, arguing that private aviation contributes a relatively small percentage of the taxes that fund the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) despite its significant use of the airspace and publicly funded airports.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Aviation’s Future
The partnership between the City of Long Beach and Sky Harbour represents a forward-looking strategy to capitalize on the sustained growth of business aviation. By transforming an underused plot of land into a premier private jet campus, the city is not only addressing a clear market demand but also creating a durable source of revenue and employment for decades to come. The $60 million investment is a calculated move to position Long Beach Airport as a critical node in the national private aviation network, attracting high-value clients and stimulating the regional economy.
As the project moves toward its 2028 completion, it will serve as a case study in public-private partnerships for airport infrastructure development. The success of the campus will hinge on its ability to deliver the premium, efficient service promised by Sky Harbour’s unique HBO model. While the broader conversations around the environmental and tax equity aspects of private aviation will undoubtedly continue, this development in Long Beach stands as a firm bet on the industry’s continued importance as a driver of business and economic growth.
FAQ
Question: What is the total cost of the Sky Harbour project at Long Beach Airport?
Answer: The project is valued at $60 million.
Question: How long is the lease agreement between Long Beach and Sky Harbour?
Answer: The City of Long Beach approved a 50-year ground lease with Sky Harbour.
Question: What will the new campus include?
Answer: The campus will feature five large aircraft hangars designed to hold up to 25 ultra-long-range business jets, office space, lounges, EV charging stations, and an open-air restaurant that will be open to the public.
Question: When is the project expected to be completed?
Answer: The construction will be done in several phases and is expected to be finished by the spring of 2028.
Sources: Long Beach Post
Photo Credit: Long Beach Local News
Business Aviation
Piaggio Aerospace Marks 40 Years and 40 Avanti EVO Sales
Piaggio Aerospace celebrates the P.180 Avanti’s 40th anniversary and 40-plus Avanti EVO sales under Baykar ownership.
On September 22, 2026, Italian manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace announced a dual milestone, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the P.180 Avanti’s maiden flight alongside surpassing 40 sales of its latest Avanti EVO variant. The announcement marks a period of stabilization for the Villanova d’Albenga-based company following its 2025 acquisition by Turkish aerospace firm Baykar.
In a press release, Piaggio Aerospace, now operating as Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A., highlighted the enduring legacy of the twin-turboprop aircraft. The original P.180 Avanti first flew in September 1986. The company noted that the fundamental design has remained consistent, describing the longevity as a testament to the aerodynamic excellence of the original concept.
Production targets and recent sales
Piaggio Aerospace has set a target to reach an annual production rate of 30 aircraft over the coming years. This production goal follows a period of renewed investment and restructuring under Baykar, which formally acquired the company on June 30, 2025, ending nearly seven years of extraordinary administration.
The milestone announcement follows a September 18, 2026, confirmation that Piaggio sold two P.180 Avanti EVOs to an unnamed Turkish operator. The aircraft will augment the operator’s existing business jet and helicopter fleet.
Piaggio Aerospace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cristian Toninelli stated that the agreement represents an important step for the company and the P.180 Avanti EVO program.
“We are pleased to welcome another Turkish operator to the growing community of P.180 customers and to see continued interest in an aircraft that has demonstrated its value across a broad range of markets,” Toninelli said.
Fleet evolution and Baykar integration
The Avanti EVO, the third generation of the P.180 platform, saw its first customer delivery in 2015. Since then, the manufacturer has recorded more than 40 sales of the variant. The company is also developing a next-generation model, the Avanti NX. On April 23, 2026, Piaggio secured the first order for the Avanti NX from a European operator, featuring an executive cabin with stretcher modules for air ambulance missions.
Baykar has reportedly exceeded its initial first-year targets for Piaggio Aerospace. As of April 2026, the company retained approximately 675 employees, offsetting natural departures with new hires. The Turkish firm has injected capital to sustain operations, modernize the product line, and preserve the workforce at the Italian facility.
AirPro News analysis
We view the 40th anniversary of the P.180 Avanti as more than a ceremonial milestone for Piaggio Aerospace. It serves as a clear signal to the market that the manufacturer has stabilized after a protracted period of financial uncertainty. The transition out of extraordinary administration under Baykar’s ownership appears to have provided the necessary capital to not only sustain the Avanti EVO production line but also fund the development of the Avanti NX. Achieving the stated goal of 30 annual deliveries will require significant supply chain coordination, but the recent orders from European and Turkish operators indicate that demand for the unique pusher-turboprop design remains viable in specialized mission profiles.
Sources: Piaggio Aerospace
Photo Credit: Piaggio Aerospace
Business Aviation
Textron Aviation Delivers 500th Cessna Citation Latitude
Textron Aviation completed its 500th Citation Latitude on Sept. 22, 2026, marking a production milestone for the top-selling midsize business jet.
Textron Aviation Inc. completed the production of its 500th Cessna Citation Latitude business jet at its Wichita, Kansas, manufacturing facility on September 22, 2026, cementing the aircraft’s status as the highest-selling midsize business jet globally.
In a press release issued by the Textron Inc. subsidiary, the company highlighted the milestone as a reflection of sustained global demand for the nine-passenger platform. The Citation Latitude has maintained its market position by balancing short-field performance with transcontinental range and a spacious cabin environment.
Production Milestone and Workforce Recognition
The rollout of the 500th airframe underscores a steady production cadence for the midsize jet program. Textron Aviation executives attributed the program’s longevity and consistent delivery schedule to the manufacturing workforce based in Wichita.
Eric Cardinali, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Textron Aviation, stated that the milestone reflects the dedication of the employees building the aircraft.
The rollout of the 500th Citation Latitude is a testament to the employees who build this aircraft with dedication and pride every day. Behind every aircraft is a team committed to delivering the quality and craftsmanship our customers expect.
Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing, added that operators continue to select the aircraft for its versatility and value across various mission profiles.
Aircraft Specifications and Market Position
The Cessna Citation Latitude is designed to operate from shorter runways while providing midsize cabin comfort. The aircraft bridges the gap between light jets and super-midsize options, offering operators a balance of operating economics and passenger amenities.
Performance Metrics
According to company data, the Citation Latitude features a six-foot, flat-floor cabin and accommodates up to nine passengers. The aircraft requires a takeoff field length of 3,580 feet, enabling access to smaller regional airports that are often inaccessible to larger business jets. It offers a maximum cruise speed of 446 knots true airspeed and a four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles at high-speed cruise. The jet also supports a full-fuel payload capacity of 1,000 pounds.
Recent Corporate Momentum
The 500th Citation Latitude rollout follows a series of recent milestones and leadership transitions for the manufacturer. On August 17, 2026, Textron Aviation celebrated the delivery of its 500th Cessna Citation CJ4, marking a similar achievement for its light jet segment.
Shortly after, on August 24, 2026, the company appointed Brian Rohloff as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. The manufacturer also recently expanded its research and development portfolio, introducing the Cessna SkyCourier UX autonomous cargo concept aircraft in partnership with Merlin on September 14, 2026. The SkyCourier UX is designed for contested operational environments where traditional logistics routes are constrained.
AirPro News analysis
We view the 500th rollout of the Citation Latitude as a strong indicator of Textron Aviation’s dominance in the midsize business jet sector. Reaching 500 units is a significant threshold that demonstrates mature production capabilities and a highly stabilized supply chain. The consecutive 500th milestones for both the CJ4 and the Latitude within a five-week period highlight a robust delivery pipeline. As Brian Rohloff takes the helm as Chief Executive Officer, these established programs provide a solid revenue foundation while the company explores next-generation projects like the autonomous SkyCourier UX.
Sources: Textron Aviation
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
Business Aviation
Jet Access Broker Alliance Surpasses 30 Affiliated Brokers
Jet Access Broker Alliance tops 30 brokers, boosted by veterans from Jets.com converting clients to its Reserve Card program.
The independent broker platform of Indianapolis-based Jet Access has surpassed 30 affiliated brokers, a milestone accelerated by the recent recruitment of approximately 10 high-producing professionals formerly associated with competitor Jets.com.
In a press release issued on September 9, 2026, Jet Access announced that the influx of established brokers is driving a compounding growth effect across its vertically integrated business. The new arrivals are transitioning their existing client bases into the Jet Access ecosystem, with many clients converting into Jet Access Reserve Card holders.
Infrastructure and client conversion
The Jet Access Broker Alliance, officially launched to the wider industry in September 2025 following an internal rollout, was designed to provide independent brokers with the resources of a national aviation company while allowing them to maintain their independent identities and client relationships.
Darryn Mackenzie, Executive Vice President of Jet Access Broker Alliance, noted that the platform’s infrastructure is the primary draw for established industry veterans seeking stability for their books of business.
“When experienced, high-producing brokers who’ve built successful careers in this industry choose our platform, that tells us we’re solving a real problem for brokers,” Mackenzie said. “They didn’t come here to learn the business. They came for a platform with more infrastructure behind it.”
Mackenzie emphasized that the milestone of 30 brokers is secondary to the resulting business momentum. The integration of new brokers directly fuels the company’s fixed-rate jet card program, as clients seek the predictability offered by the Reserve Card.
Vertical integration as a competitive advantage
The parent company employs over 400 aviation professionals and operates across multiple segments of the industry. The Jet Access portfolio includes aircraft management, on-demand charter, fixed-base operators (FBOs), maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and flight schools.
Quinn Ricker, CEO and Owner of Jet Access, stated that this comprehensive suite of services allows brokers to expand their offerings beyond standard charter flights and better serve high-net-worth clients.
“They see what a fully vertically integrated aviation business can bring to them and their clients: on-demand charter, jet cards, fractional and whole aircraft ownership, all in one suite of solutions,” Ricker said. “It transforms them from brokers into full aviation advisors.”
The company noted that a growing internal fleet provides brokers and their clients with reliable aircraft availability. This operational reliability serves as a self-reinforcing recruitment tool, attracting additional brokers to the platform.
AirPro News analysis
The rapid expansion of the Jet Access Broker Alliance highlights a broader shift in the private aviation brokerage sector. We are observing that independent brokers are increasingly prioritizing platforms that offer robust, vertically integrated infrastructure over traditional, standalone brokerage models. By providing access to guaranteed availability and fixed-rate products like the Reserve Card, Jet Access is effectively utilizing its operational assets as a recruitment mechanism. The migration of a significant block of brokers from Jets.com suggests that client retention tools and fleet reliability are becoming the primary battlegrounds for securing top-tier industry talent.
Sources: Jet Access Broker Alliance
Photo Credit: Jet Access Broker Alliance
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