Business Aviation
SR Aviation Infrastructure Acquires Bridger Hangar Complex at Bozeman Airport
SR Aviation Infrastructure buys Bridger Hangar Complex at Bozeman Yellowstone Int Airport, expands capacity amid growing private aviation demand.
In a significant move highlighting the growing investor appetite for specialized aviation real estate, SR Aviation Infrastructure (“SRAI”) has announced its acquisition of the Bridger Hangar Complex at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). SRAI, a subsidiary of the real estate investment and development firm SomeraRoad, purchased the facility from Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. This transaction is more than a simple property exchange; it represents a strategic investment into one of the United States’ fastest-growing aviation hubs, signaling confidence in the region’s economic and tourism-driven future.
The deal encompasses a substantial physical asset and a forward-looking development plan. The acquisition includes a 118,000-square-foot, three-hangar complex that serves as the headquarters for Bridger Aerospace, a major player in the aerial firefighting industry. Crucially, the agreement includes a long-term leaseback with Bridger Aerospace and a fully entitled development site, positioning SRAI to both secure a stable revenue stream and address the airport’s pressing infrastructure needs. This move underscores a broader trend of specialized firms targeting aviation assets to capitalize on the increasing demand for private jets and general aviation services in key markets.
The core of the acquisition is the Bridger Hangar Complex, a prime piece of infrastructure at BZN. The facility’s 118,000 square feet are spread across three modern hangars. A key component of the deal’s structure is a 10-year leaseback agreement with Bridger Aerospace. This arrangement ensures that the aerial firefighting company will continue to occupy its headquarters and operate from the complex, providing SRAI with a durable, long-term tenancy from a government contractor. This element de-risks the investment and establishes a stable financial foundation for SRAI’s new asset.
The seller, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., is one of the largest aerial firefighting companies in the nation, providing critical services to federal and state agencies. While the company will maintain its operational base at BZN, the sale of its real estate assets allows it to unlock capital while securing its long-term presence at the airport. For SRAI, this transaction aligns perfectly with its strategy of acquiring institutional-quality aviation assets with reliable tenant credit and clear potential for value creation.
Beyond the existing structures, the purchase includes a fully entitled development site. This gives SRAI the immediate opportunity to expand the airport’s capacity. The firm has already announced plans to construct an additional 40,000-square-foot hangar on the site. This planned expansion is a direct response to the supply-demand imbalance at BZN, where growth in air traffic has outpaced the development of necessary infrastructure like hangar space.
“Bozeman is a market that presents tremendous opportunity for private aviation and general aviation infrastructure. This acquisition reflects SRAI’s focus on well-located, institutional-quality aviation assets with durable tenant credit and clear value-creation potential. Bozeman has seen consistent growth… our planned expansion will add much-needed hangar supply to the market.” – Jonathon Reeser, President, SR Aviation Infrastructure
The choice of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is no coincidence. BZN is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing airports in the nation, driven by its role as a primary gateway to premier tourist destinations like Big Sky Ski Resort and Yellowstone National Park. This surge in traffic, particularly from private and general aviation, has created a significant shortage of hangar space and related facilities. SRAI’s investment is strategically timed to address this bottleneck, enhancing the airport’s ability to serve private jets, corporate flight departments, and general aviation enthusiasts.
This acquisition marks the third major addition to SR Aviation Infrastructure’s growing national portfolio. The company is deliberately building a collection of high-quality, strategically located aviation real estate. Its other holdings include the Quail Air Center in Las Vegas, NV, and a private hangar complex at San Antonio International Airport. This pattern demonstrates a clear strategy focused on key markets with strong growth indicators and unmet demand for aviation infrastructure. The Bozeman deal solidifies SRAI’s position as a decisive player in this specialized real estate sector.
The planned $40 million expansion project is set to be a game-changer for BZN. The new 40,000-square-foot hangar will not only provide much-needed capacity but is also expected to attract more high-net-worth visitors and corporate activity to the region. By improving the airport’s infrastructure, SRAI is making a direct contribution to the area’s tourism economy, particularly in the luxury segment. This reinvestment into the airport’s assets is a core part of SRAI’s stated mission to enhance the facilities it acquires. The acquisition of the Bridger Hangar Complex is a multifaceted strategic investment for SR Aviation Infrastructure. It secures a prime asset in a high-growth market, guarantees a stable income stream through a long-term leaseback with a credible tenant, and includes a clear path for value creation through expansion. The deal is a direct response to the well-documented infrastructure shortages at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, positioning SRAI to become a key partner in the region’s continued economic development.
Looking ahead, the planned construction of a new hangar will be a critical development to watch. It promises to alleviate current capacity constraints at BZN and could serve as a catalyst for further growth in the region’s vibrant tourism industry. This transaction exemplifies a sophisticated approach to real estate investment, where identifying and solving infrastructure challenges in niche markets can yield significant returns and foster positive economic impact.
Question: What did SR Aviation Infrastructure acquire? Question: Is Bridger Aerospace leaving Bozeman? Question: Why is this acquisition significant?
SR Aviation Infrastructure Enters High-Growth Market with Bozeman Airport Acquisition
Details of the Transaction
Strategic Importance in a Booming Market
Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Investment
FAQ
Answer: SR Aviation Infrastructure acquired the Bridger Hangar Complex at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. The purchase includes a three-hangar, 118,000-square-foot facility and a fully entitled development site for a future 40,000-square-foot hangar.
Answer: No. As part of the acquisition, Bridger Aerospace has signed a 10-year leaseback agreement to continue occupying the hangars, which serve as its corporate headquarters.
Answer: The deal is significant because it represents a major investment in one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports, BZN. It addresses a critical shortage of hangar space, supports the region’s booming tourism economy, and provides SR Aviation Infrastructure with a stable, long-term asset with clear potential for expansion.
Sources
Photo Credit: Bridger Aerospace
Business Aviation
NTSB Preliminary Findings on Statesville Cessna Citation Crash
NTSB details preliminary findings on the fatal Statesville Cessna Citation 550 crash with seven fatalities, including Greg Biffle.
This article is based on official releases and media briefings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released initial findings and visual assets regarding the fatal crash of a Cessna Citation 550 business jet in Statesville, North Carolina. The accident, which occurred on December 18, 2025, resulted in the deaths of all seven occupants, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family.
According to official updates from the agency, investigators have recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and identified key details regarding the aircraft’s final moments. The NTSB has also made high-resolution photos and b-roll footage of the accident site available to the public as part of their transparency efforts during the ongoing investigation (Case ID: WPR26MA063).
The aircraft, identified by registration N257BW, departed Statesville Regional Airport (SVH) at approximately 10:05 AM EST, bound for Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ). NTSB investigators report that roughly 10 minutes after takeoff, the pilot initiated a return to the airport, executing a left turn to align with Runway 28.
During media briefings, NTSB officials revealed a critical piece of communication sent from inside the cabin. A passenger on board sent a text message to a family member shortly before impact.
“Emergency landing.”
, Text message sent by a passenger, confirmed by NTSB officials
The crash sequence ended when the aircraft struck approach lighting stanchions approximately 1,800 feet short of the runway threshold. Following the initial impact, the jet collided with trees and the airport perimeter fence before coming to rest and catching fire. The debris field suggests the aircraft was configured for landing with landing gear down and flaps set, indicating it was “stable on approach” but flying too low.
NTSB Board Member Michael Graham and Investigator-in-Charge Dan Baker provided updates on the physical evidence recovered from the site. While the aircraft sustained extensive fire damage, investigators have identified the engines and flight control surfaces within the wreckage. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has been successfully recovered and transported to the NTSB laboratory in Washington, D.C., for analysis. Officials noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), as it was not required by regulation for this specific airframe, which was manufactured in 1981.
At the time of the accident (approximately 10:15 AM EST), weather conditions at Statesville Regional Airport included low clouds, mist, and drizzle. Visibility was reported to be approximately 3 to 5 miles. These environmental factors will be a key component of the ongoing inquiry.
To maintain transparency, the NTSB has published a collection of visual assets on the investigation’s official webpage. These materials include:
All future updates, including the preliminary report (expected within 30 days), the public docket, and the final report, will be posted to the same location.
The absence of a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) on older business jets like this 1981 Cessna Citation 550 is not uncommon, but it places significantly more weight on the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and physical site analysis. Without digital flight data parameters, investigators must rely heavily on audio cues, radar tracks, and the physical position of actuators and switches in the wreckage to reconstruct the flight path. The fact that the aircraft was “stable on approach” but 1,800 feet short suggests a focus on altitude awareness, altimeter settings, or visual illusions caused by the reported mist and low clouds.
Who were the victims of the crash? When will the cause of the crash be determined? Was the airport controlled? Where can I view the photos and b-roll?
NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings on Statesville Cessna Citation Crash
Crash Sequence and “Emergency Landing” Communication
Investigation Status and Site Analysis
Recorder Recovery
Weather Factors
Visual Assets and Public Docket
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Authorities have confirmed seven fatalities. The victims include Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, pilot Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.
The NTSB typically releases a preliminary report within 30 days of the accident, which contains factual information but no probable cause. A final report, including the probable cause, usually takes 12 to 24 months to complete.
No. Statesville Regional Airport is a non-towered airport. Pilots use a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to coordinate their movements.
The NTSB has hosted all visual assets on their official investigation webpage linked below.Sources
Photo Credit: NTSB
Business Aviation
Honda Aircraft Introduces APMG S Upgrade for Legacy HondaJets
Honda Aircraft offers the APMG S retrofit for Classic and APMG HondaJets, enhancing payload, avionics, and safety with FAA certified upgrades.
This article is based on an official press release from Honda Aircraft Company.
Honda Aircraft Company has officially introduced the “APMG S” upgrade package, a new retrofit program designed to modernize the manufacturers‘ earlier aircraft models. Announced as the fleet approaches its tenth anniversary, this initiative allows owners of the original HondaJet (Classic) and the HondaJet APMG to install advanced avionics and performance features that were previously exclusive to the newer HondaJet Elite S model.
According to the company’s announcement, the upgrade is available immediately for installation at the Honda Aircraft Company Service Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, as well as through its authorized service center network. The package has already received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for U.S.-registered aircraft, with certification from other international regulatory bodies planned to follow.
The APMG S package focuses on bridging the gap between the earliest iterations of the HondaJet and the current production standards. The upgrade targets three primary areas: payload capacity, avionics processing, and pilot handling.
Increased Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) Avionics and Safety Systems Additionally, the upgrade introduces a new graphical interface for Weight and Balance calculations on the flight deck, streamlining pre-flight preparations for pilots.
The introduction of the APMG S appears to be a move to protect the longevity and residual value of the HondaJet fleet. By offering a pathway for early adopters to upgrade their airframes to “Elite S” standards, the manufacturer is ensuring that older models remain competitive in the Very Light Jet (VLJ) market. In the official press release, Amod Kelkar, Chief Commercial Officer of Honda Aircraft Company, emphasized the company’s dedication to its existing customer base:
“As we approach the tenth anniversary of our first HondaJet delivery, we are excited to provide our customers the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft with the advanced technology and performance of more recent iterations. The APMG S package brings the spirit of continuous improvement to our in-service fleet, ensuring that the HondaJet remains at the forefront of the light jet category.”
While the official release focuses on technical specifications, the strategic timing of this announcement is notable. The first HondaJet “Classic” models were delivered between 2015 and 2018. As these airframes approach the decade mark, they face potential obsolescence when compared to newer entrants like the Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 or the Embraer Phenom 100EV.
By offering a retrofit option rather than forcing customers to purchase a new aircraft to gain these capabilities, Honda is likely aiming to prevent customer defection to competitors. This strategy aligns with a broader industry trend toward sustainability and lifecycle extension, where “retrofitting” is viewed as a more environmentally and financially responsible alternative to scrapping or replacing airframes. While specific pricing was not disclosed in the release, owners are directed to contact service centers for quotes, historical data suggests such upgrades offer a cost-effective alternative to trading up to a new $6 million-plus aircraft.
Honda Aircraft Company has confirmed that the APMG S package is available for installation now. The upgrade is applicable to:
Owners interested in the upgrade can schedule installation at the factory service center in Greensboro, NC, or at authorized facilities worldwide. While FAA certification is complete, European operators and those in other jurisdictions will need to wait for subsequent regulatory approvals, which the company states are currently in planning.
Honda Aircraft Company Unveils APMG S Upgrade for Legacy HondaJet Fleet
Technical Enhancements and Performance Gains
One of the most significant operational changes included in the package is a 300-pound increase in Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW). In practical terms, this allows operators to carry approximately one additional passenger or significantly more fuel and baggage without compromising range. The company states that this upgrade directly addresses the evolving mission requirements of current owners.
The retrofit includes both hardware and software updates to the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. These updates are designed to deliver faster processing speeds and enable advanced flight deck features. A key safety addition is the Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS). According to Honda Aircraft Company, ASAS is engineered to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety during the landing rollout, particularly in challenging crosswind conditions.
Strategic Commitment to the Fleet
AirPro News Analysis
Availability and Implementation
Sources
Photo Credit: HondaJet
Business Aviation
PlaneSense and CaptainJet Partner to Expand Private Jet Access Across Continents
PlaneSense partners with CaptainJet, enabling reciprocal private flight access with Pilatus aircraft across the US, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean.
This article is based on an official press release from PlaneSense, Inc. and CaptainJet.
PlaneSense, Inc., a leading fractional aircraft ownership program based in the United States, has announced a significant expansion of its international service capabilities through a new collaboration with CaptainJet, a European luxury charter sourcing provider. Announced on December 16, 2025, this partnership aims to provide seamless, reciprocal private travel solutions for clients on both sides of the Atlantic.
According to the official press release, the agreement allows PlaneSense shareowners to access a vast network of charter aircraft when traveling within Europe. Conversely, CaptainJet clients visiting the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean will gain access to the PlaneSense fleet, which consists of the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and the Pilatus PC-24 jet. This move solidifies a growing alliance between PlaneSense and the broader Jetfly Group, CaptainJet’s affiliate, following an earlier partnership established in 2025.
The core of this collaboration is a reciprocal service agreement designed to simplify the complexities of international private aviation. For PlaneSense shareowners, the company has integrated a “PlaneSense Sourcing Solution” team that will coordinate directly with CaptainJet. This arrangement provides U.S. clients with access to CaptainJet’s network, which includes over 7,000 aircraft globally, ensuring availability even during high-demand periods in Europe.
For European travelers, the partnerships opens the door to the PlaneSense fleet. CaptainJet clients can now book flights on the Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft operated by PlaneSense. These aircraft are renowned for their short-field performance, allowing access to smaller regional airports that are often closer to final destinations than major hubs.
This collaboration builds upon a previous agreement between PlaneSense and Jetfly, a European fractional operator and affiliate of CaptainJet. Both PlaneSense and Jetfly utilize fleets heavily focused on Pilatus aircraft. By partnering with CaptainJet, PlaneSense extends its reach beyond the specific fractional fleet of Jetfly, offering its owners a broader range of charter options to suit various mission profiles that might fall outside the scope of the fractional fleet.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the client-focused nature of the deal, highlighting the demand for a unified booking experience across continents.
George Antoniadis, President and CEO of PlaneSense, Inc., stated in the press release: “Working with the CaptainJet team allows us to greatly expand our footprint and assist our valued clients with their global travel needs.”
Yves Roch, CEO of CaptainJet, echoed these sentiments, noting the quality of the U.S. operator’s fleet:
“We’re proud to collaborate with PlaneSense, providing clients with exceptional private flights on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The Asset-Light Expansion Model The Short-Runway Niche 2025 Industry Trends What aircraft will PlaneSense clients fly on in Europe? Can CaptainJet clients fly the PC-12 in the US? Is this a merger?
PlaneSense and CaptainJet Launch Strategic Transatlantic Collaboration
Reciprocal Access for Global Travelers
Strengthening the “Pilatus Alliance”
Executive Commentary
Strategic Market Context
AirPro News Analysis
This collaboration represents a distinct strategic approach compared to other major players in the private-jets sector. While competitors such as NetJets and Flexjet have pursued “organic expansion” or “acquisition” models, spending significant capital to buy aircraft and obtain operating certificates in Europe, PlaneSense is effectively building a virtual global fleet. By partnering with CaptainJet and Jetfly, PlaneSense secures immediate European market access without the heavy infrastructure investment required to establish a standalone European division.
A critical differentiator for this alliance is the specific capability of the aircraft involved. Both PlaneSense and the Jetfly Group specialize in Pilatus aircraft (PC-12 and PC-24). These aircraft possess unique short-field capabilities, allowing them to land on runways as short as 3,000 feet, including grass and dirt strips. This opens up access to exclusive destinations, such as Courchevel in the French Alps or smaller Caribbean islands, that are inaccessible to the larger jets typically flown by competitors like VistaJet or Wheels Up. This “adventure access” segment remains a defensible niche that this partnership strengthens.
The timing of this deal aligns with broader 2025 trends where high-net-worth individuals increasingly demand “one-call” solutions. The post-pandemic travel boom has occasionally strained charter inventory; by aligning with a major sourcing agent like CaptainJet, PlaneSense mitigates the risk of inventory shortages for its clients abroad. This ensures that U.S. owners are not left to navigate a fragmented European charter broker market on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Through CaptainJet, PlaneSense clients will have access to a sourcing network of over 7,000 aircraft, ranging from light jets to large-cabin aircraft, in addition to the Pilatus fleet available through the Jetfly affiliate partnership.
Yes. The agreement specifically allows CaptainJet clients to book flights on the PlaneSense fleet, which includes the Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and the PC-24 light jet, known for their versatility and short-runway performance.
No. This is a strategic collaboration between two independent companies. PlaneSense remains a privately held U.S. company, while CaptainJet operates as a Swiss-based charter sourcing provider affiliated with the Jetfly Group.
Sources
Photo Credit: PlaneSense
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