This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.

Boeing Renews Platinum Sponsorship of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Through 2028

On January 5, 2026, Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced a three-year renewal of its Platinum Level sponsorship with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for the annual AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention. According to the company’s official statement, this agreement ensures Boeing’s continued presence at the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” through the 2028 event.

The renewal encompasses two primary pillars of the AirVenture experience, the retention of naming rights for the central Boeing Plaza and the continued funding of free admission for all attendees aged 18 and younger. The agreement reinforces the aerospace giant’s long-standing relationship with the EAA, which began formalized support in 2011.

Anchoring the “Heartbeat” of Oshkosh

Under the terms of the renewed agreement, Boeing will retain the naming rights to the event’s marquee display area, known as Boeing Plaza. Located at the center of the flight line, this area serves as the primary stage for the week’s most significant aircraft, ranging from rare warbirds and military prototypes to massive cargo haulers.

Jack Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the EAA, highlighted the importance of this central hub in the organization’s press statement:

“Boeing has been a valued partner to EAA over the years. Boeing Plaza has become the heartbeat of AirVenture, and their support of the youth admission has given nearly 500,000 kids the opportunity to explore the incredible world of aviation over the past three years. We are so grateful to see this partnership continue.”

Investing in the Next Generation

A critical component of the sponsorship is the continuation of the free youth admission program. First launched in 2021, this initiative allows anyone age 18 and under to attend AirVenture at no cost. According to data released by Boeing and the EAA, this specific program has facilitated nearly 500,000 youth admissions since its inception, removing financial barriers for families and aspiring aviators.

Chris Raymond, President and CEO of Boeing Global Services, emphasized the strategic value of engaging young people in the aviation ecosystem:

“The participation in AirVenture continues to grow not only within general aviation but also in the commercial, business, and military sectors. It’s an ideal stage to showcase Boeing’s diverse products and services. EAA has an impressive global reach with an immense community and helps inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Additional Programmatic Support

Beyond the plaza and admission fees, the press release details Boeing’s involvement in several specific educational and community programs at the event:

• WomenVenture: Boeing will serve as the Presenting Sponsor for programs designed to connect and inspire women in the aviation industry.
• KidVenture: The company will continue to back this interactive area where children learn hands-on aviation skills, such as riveting and rib building.
• Airline Crew Check-in: Boeing will sponsor the designated hub for commercial airline crews attending the convention.

AirPro News analysis

While sponsorship renewals are standard corporate procedure, the specific focus of this agreement highlights a critical industry objective: workforce development. By subsidizing youth admission, Boeing is effectively investing in a long-term recruitment pipeline. The aviation industry continues to face projections of pilot and technician shortages; removing barriers to entry at the world’s largest aviation gathering is a calculated move to spark early interest in aerospace careers.

Furthermore, maintaining high-visibility branding at the “heartbeat” of the general aviation community allows Boeing to stabilize its public image among grassroots aviators and enthusiasts, a demographic that remains influential despite being distinct from the company’s primary commercial airline customers.

Event Details for 2026

The upcoming EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is scheduled to take place from July 20–26, 2026, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The event is historically known for transforming the local control tower into the busiest in the world during the convention week, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from nearly 90 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Platinum Sponsorship cover?
It covers naming rights for Boeing Plaza, free admission for youths 18 and under, and sponsorship of WomenVenture and KidVenture programs.

How long is the new agreement?
The agreement spans three years, covering the 2026, 2027, and 2028 events.

Who is eligible for free admission?
All attendees aged 18 and younger are eligible for free daily admission, supported by Boeing.

Sources: Boeing Media Room

This article is based on an official statement from AerFin and analysis of industry data.

China’s Aviation Sector Pivots to Sustainable Teardown and Used Materials

China’s aviation industry is undergoing a significant structural transformation. Long characterized by rapid fleet expansion and new aircraft deliveries, the region is now entering a “pivotal decade” defined by maturing assets and a renewed focus on sustainability. According to Paul Ashcroft, Senior Vice President Asia-Pacific at AerFin, this shift is reshaping how airlines approach material use and end-of-life strategies.

As fleets age and operational pressures mount, the market for aircraft teardown and recycling in China is expanding rapidly. This trend is driven not only by environmental goals but by the urgent economic necessity of navigating a constrained global supply chain.

The “Mid-Life” Transition and Supply Chain Pressures

While China is often viewed as a market of young aircraft, the reality is changing. Major carriers are seeing their fleets progress toward mid-life, a phase that typically requires heavy maintenance and strategic decisions regarding asset retirement.

According to industry data, while the global commercial fleet average age reached approximately 14.8 years in late 2024, major Chinese carriers like Air China now operate fleets averaging over 9 years. This maturation coincides with what Ashcroft describes as “escalating maintenance costs” and “structural supply-chain constraints.”

In his statement, Ashcroft highlights the difficulties operators face in securing new inventory:

“New parts remain expensive and, in many cases, are difficult to secure. Geopolitical tensions and tariffs continue to influence material flows.”

Paul Ashcroft, SVP Asia-Pacific, AerFin

These constraints are corroborated by broader market analysis. Recent industry reports indicate that turnaround times (TAT) for new-generation engines have increased by up to 150% compared to pre-pandemic levels, creating a bottleneck that threatens operational stability. Consequently, Used Serviceable Material (USM) is transitioning from a cost-saving option to a strategic necessity.

The Strategic Role of USM

Airlines are increasingly utilizing USM to reduce downtime and manage operational risk. Ashcroft notes that confidence in this sector is rising, bolstered by strict controls from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which ensures safety and traceability standards are met. By integrating high-quality used parts, operators can create more predictable maintenance pathways despite the volatility in the new parts market.

Sustainability and the 90% Recycling Ambition

Beyond economic pressures, the shift toward teardown and recycling is aligned with China’s national environmental goals. During a recent USM conference in Jinan, Ashcroft reported hearing a consistent ambition within the Chinese industry to reuse or recycle more than 90% of materials from retired aircraft.

This target aligns with benchmarks set by major industrial projects in the region, such as the Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre in Chengdu, which aims to recover 90% of aircraft weight, surpassing traditional industry averages. However, achieving this scale of recycling presents technical challenges.

The Challenge of Complex Materials

While the majority of an aircraft’s weight consists of highly recyclable metals, newer aircraft introduce materials that are harder to process. Ashcroft explains the distinction:

“The materials of a typical A320ceo aircraft consist of approximately 70% aluminium and 10% steel, by weight, and these are widely recyclable.”

Paul Ashcroft, SVP Asia-Pacific, AerFin

The remaining percentage, however, includes cabin interiors and carbon fiber composites. As fleets modernize and newer generation aircraft with higher composite compositions eventually retire, the industry will require deeper cooperation and new technologies to ensure these materials are responsibly recycled rather than sent to landfill.

AirPro News Analysis

Bridging the Gap with International Expertise

The maturation of China’s fleet represents a massive opportunity for aftermarket service providers. With Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook forecasting that China’s commercial fleet will more than double by 2043, the volume of aircraft requiring end-of-life processing will surge.

However, the “trust infrastructure”—documentation, certification, and traceability—remains the critical barrier to entry. Western firms like AerFin, which hold AFRA accreditation and EASA/FAA Part 145 certifications, are positioning themselves as essential bridges. By bringing international best practices to the Chinese market, these companies help local operators navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the CAAC while ensuring that the “90% recycling” ambition becomes a technical reality rather than just a policy goal.

Sources

Sources: AerFin Official Statement, Boeing Commercial Market Outlook 2024, Airbus Lifecycle Services Centre Data, Air China Fleet Data

This article is based on an official press release from Vantage Group.

Vantage Group Acquires FSM and AvEnergy, Expanding into Fuel and Glycol Infrastructure

Vantage Group, a global leader in airport and transportation infrastructure development, announced on January 8, 2026, that it has acquired FSM Management Group and its subsidiary, AvEnergy Management Group. The transaction marks a significant vertical integration for Vantage, expanding its portfolio beyond terminal management into critical “upstream” utility operations, including aviation fuel and de-icing infrastructure.

Based in Montreal, FSM Management Group specializes in managing aviation fuel and glycol infrastructure, while AvEnergy serves as its operational arm, handling logistics and energy supply. According to the announcement, FSM currently manages infrastructure at 16 airports across Canada and administers 12 fuel and 4 glycol consortiums. This acquisition positions Vantage Group to oversee the essential, often invisible utility networks that keep major Airports functioning.

Note to Readers: This transaction involves Vantage Group, the Vancouver-based airport and infrastructure developer. It is unrelated to the insurance entity Vantage Group Holdings, which is currently subject to a separate acquisition agreement.

Strategic Rationale: From Terminals to Utilities

Vantage Group, known for leading high-profile projects such as the $4.2 billion development of JFK Terminal 6 and the completed redevelopment of LaGuardia Terminal B, stated that this move is designed to “future-proof” transportation infrastructure. By acquiring FSM and AvEnergy, Vantage gains direct control over the logistics of jet fuel and de-icing fluid (glycol), sectors that are facing increasing pressure to modernize.

Sami Teittinen, Chief Financial Officer of Vantage Group, emphasized the strategic fit of the Acquisitions in the company’s press statement:

“FSM and AvEnergy sit at the heart of the aviation ecosystem across the major Canadian airports with deep expertise in critical aviation infrastructure. This acquisition broadens our footprint beyond cargo and passenger operations… and allows us to continue to future proof critical transportation infrastructure across the globe.”

The deal allows Vantage to offer a more comprehensive “turnkey” solution to airport authorities. Rather than managing only the passenger-facing elements of an airport, the company can now oversee the complex consortiums that Airlines form to share fuel and de-icing costs and infrastructure.

AirPro News Analysis: The Sustainability Play

While the press release highlights operational expansion, AirPro News views this acquisition as a calculated move toward the energy transition. The aviation industry is aggressively pursuing Net Zero goals, heavily reliant on the adoption of SAF and environmentally friendly de-icing practices.

Infrastructure is currently a bottleneck for SAF adoption. By owning the management and logistics arm (FSM/AvEnergy) responsible for fuel farms and hydrants at 16 Canadian airports, Vantage Group places itself in a prime position to lead the physical transition to greener fuels. Control over the “last mile” of fuel delivery gives Vantage a strategic advantage in implementing SAF blending and distribution systems that airports will require in the coming decade.

Operational Footprint and Leadership

FSM Management Group and AvEnergy bring a substantial operational footprint to the Vantage portfolio. FSM acts as an administrator for airline consortiums, groups of carriers that jointly own fuel infrastructure, managing construction, operation, and environmental compliance. AvEnergy provides the on-the-ground logistics to ensure safe delivery.

Robert Iasenza, President of FSM Management Group, noted the alignment between the two organizations regarding innovation and connectivity.

“Vantage Group has built a reputation by bringing innovative ideas to fruition and enhancing Sustainability and connectivity in airports, which aligns well to our priorities.”

Vantage Group is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners. Its international portfolio includes operations in Cyprus, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and multiple Canadian locations including Hamilton and Fort St. John.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same Vantage Group involved in the insurance acquisition?
No. There are two distinct companies with similar names making headlines this week. This article concerns Vantage Group (Headquarters: Vancouver), an airport and infrastructure developer. The unrelated insurance company, Vantage Group Holdings, is involved in a separate transaction with Howard Hughes Holdings.

What does FSM Management Group do?
FSM specializes in the management of aviation fuel and aircraft de-icing infrastructure. They administer “consortiums,” which are groups of airlines that share ownership of fuel systems at airports, ensuring the infrastructure is maintained, compliant, and operational.

What is the value of the transaction?
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in the January 8 announcement, as this is a private transaction.

Sources: Vantage Group Press Release