This article is based on an official press release from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and legislative data regarding Washington State Senate Bill 5801.

Business Aviation Coalition Mobilizes to Amend Washington State Aircraft Tax

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has joined forces with the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) to address significant concerns regarding Washington State Senate Bill 5801. The legislation, which was signed into law in May 2025, introduces a new 10% excise tax on specific aircraft transactions. While the tax is described by proponents as a levy on “luxury” items, industry leaders argue it poses a severe threat to essential business aviation businesses, flight training operations, and the state’s broader economic landscape.

According to the NBAA, the coalition was formed to unify the industry’s voice and advocate for legislative adjustments before the tax takes effect. Although the bill was signed by Governor Bob Ferguson earlier this year, implementation has been delayed until April 1, 2026. This window provides a critical opportunity for stakeholders to work with lawmakers on a “fix” bill during the upcoming 2026 legislative session.

The Controversy Surrounding Senate Bill 5801

Senate Bill 5801 was sponsored by State Senator Marko Liias as part of a broader transportation revenue package. The law imposes a 10% tax on the sale, lease, or transfer of “noncommercial aircraft,” specifically applying to the portion of the value exceeding $500,000. The revenue generated is earmarked for a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Account, intended to fund infrastructure and research for greener aviation technologies.

However, the aviation industry has raised alarms regarding the bill’s language. Legal experts and coalition members note that the definition of “noncommercial” is ambiguous. This lack of clarity could unintentionally capture a wide range of aircraft that are not used for leisure, including those utilized for flight instruction, emergency medical transport, and wildland firefighting support.

The coalition argues the tax is based on a misunderstanding of the industry, mislabels essential business tools as “luxury” items, and threatens to drive aviation businesses out of the state.

The NBAA and PNBAA contend that labeling these assets as “luxury” items ignores their function as productivity tools. Consequently, the tax could disproportionately harm small-to-medium enterprises and maintenance shops that operate on thin margins, potentially forcing them to relocate to tax-friendly neighboring states such as Oregon and Idaho.

Industry Mobilization and Economic Stakes

To address these challenges, the coalition convened a major stakeholder meeting on November 21, 2025, at Paine Field (PAE) in Everett, Washington. Hosted by the PNBAA at the Fortive hangar, the event drew approximately 100 industry representatives. Key attendees included NBAA Western Regional Director Phil Derner, State Representative Tom Dent (Leader of the State Aviation Caucus), and representatives for Senator Liias.

The meeting focused on establishing a collaborative dialogue with lawmakers to correct misconceptions about business aviation. To underscore the sector’s importance, the coalition cited data from a 2020 economic impact study by the WSDOT Aviation Division. The figures highlight the massive footprint of aviation in Washington:

• Employment: The sector supports approximately 407,000 jobs.
• Economic Activity: It generates roughly $107 billion in total economic impact.
• Labor Income: The industry contributes over $26 billion in wages.
• Infrastructure: The state relies on 134 public-use airports as economic hubs.

AirPro News Analysis

The situation in Washington State reflects a growing tension between environmental policy goals and economic retention in the aviation sector. While the creation of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Account demonstrates a forward-looking commitment to decarbonization, a goal shared by the industry’s “Net-Zero by 2050” commitment, the funding mechanism appears to have been crafted without sufficient technical input. The delay in implementation until April 2026 suggests that lawmakers recognize the potential for “unintended consequences,” particularly regarding the ambiguous classification of commercial versus noncommercial operations. The success of the upcoming “fix” bill will likely depend on whether the industry can effectively demonstrate that penalizing business aviation assets undermines the very infrastructure needed to deploy sustainable technologies.

Future Outlook: The 2026 Legislative Session

The immediate focus for the NBAA-led coalition is the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January. Lawmakers have acknowledged the issues within the current text of SB 5801, and a corrective bill is expected to be introduced. The objective is to clarify definitions and potentially modify the tax structure to exempt essential services and flight training operations.

Between now and the April 1, 2026 effective date, the coalition plans to continue lobbying efforts to ensure that the final version of the law protects the state’s aviation ecosystem while still supporting reasonable sustainability objectives.

Sources:

• NBAA Press Release
• Washington State Legislature (SB 5801 Records)
• WSDOT Aviation Division Economic Impact Study

This article is based on an official press release from Qatar Airways.

Qatar Executive Commits to Full Fleet Starlink Upgrade by Early 2026

Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of the Qatar Airways Group, has officially announced a comprehensive strategy to equip its entire fleet with Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency satellite internet. According to the company’s latest announcement, the full rollout is scheduled for completion by early 2026, aiming to provide passengers with an “office in the sky” experience that mirrors ground-based connectivity.

The initiative addresses a critical demand among ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) travelers: the need for seamless, high-bandwidth internet capable of supporting video conferencing and high-definition streaming without interruption. By transitioning to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, Qatar Executive intends to eliminate the connectivity gaps often associated with traditional aviation internet solutions.

Fleet Rollout and Installation Timeline

The integration of Starlink technology is already well underway across Qatar Executive’s diverse fleet of long-range jets. The company has confirmed that all installations are being conducted in-house by its technical teams at the Doha hub. This approach allows for synchronized maintenance schedules, minimizing aircraft downtime to approximately two weeks per unit.

According to the official release and fleet data, the current progress is as follows:

• Bombardier Global 5000: 100% of the fleet is equipped and active.
• Gulfstream G650ER: Approximately 50% of the fleet has been upgraded.
• Gulfstream G700: The fleet is scheduled for completion by early 2026.
• Airbus ACJ319: Included in the full-fleet rollout plan.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of this upgrade in a statement regarding the announcement:

“We are pleased to consistently go above and beyond the expectations of our clients. By equipping our entire ultra-long-range fleet with Starlink… we are now setting a new standard for private aviation as well. This initiative aligns with our relentless commitment to excellence, delivering an experience that goes beyond expectations and truly feels like a home in the sky.”

, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO

Technical Capabilities: LEO vs. GEO

The shift to Starlink represents a significant architectural change in how inflight connectivity is delivered. Unlike traditional Geostationary (GEO) satellites that orbit at over 35,000 kilometers, Starlink’s LEO constellation operates at approximately 550 kilometers. This proximity drastically reduces latency, the time it takes for data to travel between the aircraft and the satellite.

Based on technical specifications released in conjunction with the announcement, the new system offers:

• Download Speeds: 350–500 Mbps, significantly higher than the 15–100 Mbps typical of legacy systems.
• Latency: Less than 20–50 milliseconds, enabling real-time applications like Zoom or Teams video calls without the “talking over each other” lag common in older satellite networks.
• Global Coverage: Connectivity extends over oceans and polar regions, areas often serviced poorly by air-to-ground or specific GEO beams.

AirPro News Analysis

The aggressive timeline set by Qatar Executive highlights a broader shift in the private aviation sector: connectivity is no longer a luxury add-on but a core operational requirement. For the heads of state and Fortune 500 CEOs who utilize these services, the “flight mode” excuse is rapidly disappearing. The ability to maintain business continuity at 45,000 feet is now a competitive differentiator.

Furthermore, Qatar Executive’s decision to handle installations in-house contrasts sharply with the commercial airline sector, where certification bottlenecks often slow down fleet-wide upgrades. By controlling the maintenance schedule, Qatar Executive can ensure a consistent product across its fleet faster than competitors relying on third-party MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) providers. This move positions the carrier to market a “ground-like” digital experience well ahead of many commercial first-class products.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the entire Qatar Executive fleet have Starlink?
The company targets a completion date of early 2026 for the full fleet.

Is the service available now?
Yes, it is currently available on all Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft and approximately half of the Gulfstream G650ER fleet.

What speeds can passengers expect?
The system is capable of delivering download speeds between 350 and 500 Mbps.

Does this cover flights over the ocean?
Yes, the LEO satellite network provides global coverage, including over oceans and polar regions where traditional signals often fade.

Sources

• Qatar Airways Press Release

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

Bombardier Global 8000 Enters Service as World’s Fastest Business Jet

On December 8, 2025, Bombardier officially marked a significant milestone in civil aviation history with the entry into service (EIS) of its flagship Global 8000 aircraft. The ceremony, held at the company’s Aircraft Assembly Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, celebrated the delivery of the first unit to long-time customer Patrick Dovigi, founder and CEO of GFL Environmental.

The Global 8000 is marketed as the fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde, boasting a top speed of Mach 0.95 and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. According to the manufacturer, this delivery reinforces Bombardier’s competitive position against industry rivals such as Gulfstream and Dassault. The aircraft received its type certification from Transport Canada on November 5, 2025, with FAA and EASA certifications expected to follow shortly to facilitate international deliveries.

Performance and Engineering: Breaking the Speed Barrier

The defining characteristic of the Global 8000 is its speed. With a top operational speed of Mach 0.95 (approximately 721 mph), it outpaces current competitors in the ultra-long-range segment. This capability allows the aircraft to connect distant city pairs, such as Dubai to Houston, Singapore to Los Angeles, and London to Perth, non-stop.

The engineering behind these performance figures was validated well before the official entry into service. In May 2021, a modified Global 7500 test vehicle (FTV-5) broke the sound barrier during a demonstration flight accompanied by a NASA F/A-18 chase plane. The test vehicle achieved a speed of Mach 1.015, confirming the airframe’s high-speed structural integrity.

In a statement regarding the launch, Bombardier CEO Éric Martel highlighted the aircraft’s market positioning:

“The Global 8000 is the clear choice for discerning owners and operators who prioritize convenience and flexibility… This revolutionary aircraft is redefining the business aviation landscape.”

Éric Martel, CEO of Bombardier

Beyond speed, the aircraft is designed for versatility. It is capable of operating on shorter runways than many aircraft in its class, granting operators access to a wider variety of airports.

Cabin Innovation and Passenger Wellness

While speed is the headline feature, the Global 8000 places a heavy emphasis on passenger health and comfort during ultra-long-haul flights. The cabin is divided into four distinct living spaces, including a Principal Suite with a full-size bed and an optional stand-up shower in the en suite lavatory.

To combat jet lag, the aircraft features the industry’s lowest cabin altitude, 2,900 feet when flying at 41,000 feet. It also utilizes the Soleil lighting system, which adjusts lighting based on circadian rhythms, and Pũr Air, a hospital-grade air filtration system designed to remove VOCs and pathogens.

Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales, emphasized the importance of these features in the company’s official release:

“Connectivity, comfort, and arriving refreshed are just as important today as speed and range, which is why we are proud that the Global 8000 will boast the best-in-class cabin altitude.”

Jean-Christophe Gallagher, EVP of Aircraft Sales

AirPro News Analysis: Market Context and Financial Outlook

The entry into service of the Global 8000 arrives at a pivotal moment for Bombardier. Following a strategic pivot to focus exclusively on Private-Jets, the company has seen robust financial performance. As of late 2025, Bombardier’s order backlog reached a five-year high of $16.6 billion, driven by strong demand for the Global platform.

From a competitive standpoint, the Global 8000 directly challenges the Gulfstream G800 and the Dassault Falcon 10X. While the G800 matches the 8,000-nautical-mile range, its top speed is Mach 0.925, giving Bombardier the marketing edge as the “speed king” with Mach 0.95. The Falcon 10X competes heavily on cabin width, but the Global 8000’s speed records and established service entry date provide immediate market leverage.

With the stock trading near CA$228.00, a significant year-over-year increase, Market-Analysis view the successful delivery of the Global 8000 as a critical validator of Bombardier’s long-term growth strategy and ability to maintain high margins through 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the Bombardier Global 8000?
The Global 8000 has a top operational speed of Mach 0.95 (approx. 721 mph), making it the fastest civil aircraft currently in service.

What is the range of the Global 8000?
The aircraft has a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km), allowing for non-stop flights between city pairs like London and Perth.

Who received the first Global 8000?
The first aircraft was delivered to Patrick Dovigi, the founder and CEO of GFL Environmental, who upgraded from a Global 7500.

When was the aircraft certified?
Transport Canada granted type certification on November 5, 2025.

Sources

• Bombardier Inc. Press Release
• Transport Canada