Garmin has reached a milestone of 2,500 aircraft equipped with its Autoland system, marking a rapid expansion of the autonomous emergency technology into the twin-engine jet market just six years after its initial certification.

The Olathe, Kansas-based avionics manufacturer announced the achievement in a press release on October 14, 2026. The milestone reflects the integration of the safety system across 15 certified aircraft models, ranging from high-performance piston singles to light business jets.

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Expanding into the light jet market

In 2026, Garmin secured Autoland certifications for four additional aircraft models. This included the Pilatus PC-12 PRO and the Epic E1000 AX, alongside the HondaJet Elite II and the Embraer Phenom 300EV. The latter two certifications represent the first time the technology has been made available on twin-engine jet aircraft, pushing the system beyond its original single-engine turboprop and piston applications.

The expansion into the twin-engine market requires the system to manage asymmetric thrust and more complex energy management profiles during an automated approach and landing. Phil Straub, executive vice president and managing director of aviation at Garmin, stated in the press release that surpassing the 2,500-aircraft mark reflects strong adoption of the technology across the industry.

“From the first certification in 2020 to the expansion in the general aviation market and now into twin-engine jets, Garmin Autoland continues to demonstrate certified, real-world capability across a growing range of aircraft and flight decks,” Straub said.

System mechanics and flight deck integration

Garmin Autoland is part of the manufacturer’s Autonomí family of automated flight solutions. The system is designed to activate during an emergency to control and land an aircraft without human intervention. It can be engaged manually by a passenger via a dedicated button or triggered automatically if the system detects that the pilot is unresponsive.

Once activated, the system calculates an optimal route to a suitable airport. The routing logic takes into account weather conditions, terrain, and known hazards. As the aircraft navigates to the selected runway, the system broadcasts the aircraft’s intentions on emergency air traffic control frequencies to alert controllers and other traffic. The system then executes an automated approach, landing, and full stop on the runway.

The technology requires integration with Garmin’s high-end avionics suites, specifically the G3000 and G5000 integrated flight decks, or the G1000 NXi retrofit system. The current roster of equipped aircraft includes the Piper M600 SLS and M700 FURY, the Cirrus Vision Jet G2, G2+, and G3 series, the Cirrus SR20 G7+, SR22 G7+, and SR22T G7+ piston lines, and the Daher TBM 940, TBM 960, and TBM 980 models. It is also available on select Beechcraft King Air 200, B200, 300, and 350 aircraft.

From initial certification to real-world application

Garmin first certified the Autoland system in May 2020 on the Piper M600 SLS, where the airframer branded the technology as HALO. The development of the world’s first certified autonomous emergency landing system earned Garmin the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy, an award recognizing the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America.

According to reporting by Aviation International News, the system was used for the first time in an actual emergency when it safely landed a Beechcraft Super King Air after the pilot became incapacitated. This event validated the system’s core design premise in a live operational environment, demonstrating its ability to safely recover an aircraft and its occupants when the pilot in command is unable to do so.

AirPro News analysis

We view the 2,500-aircraft milestone as a clear indicator that autonomous emergency recovery is transitioning from a premium differentiator to a baseline expectation in the owner-flown aircraft market. The initial adoption by Piper, Cirrus, and Daher proved the concept in the single-engine space, where pilot incapacitation carries the highest risk profile due to the lack of a second crew member. However, the 2026 expansion into the Embraer Phenom 300EV and HondaJet Elite II signals a strategic shift.

By entering the twin-engine light jet segment, Garmin is positioning Autoland for corporate flight departments and charter operators who value the redundancy of a digital safety net, even in multi-crew environments. As the technology matures and the installed base grows, we expect to see increased pressure on competing avionics manufacturers to develop similar autonomous recovery capabilities to remain competitive in the high-performance general aviation and light business jet sectors.

Falcon Executive Aviation has secured commercial certification from the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to launch Helicopters transfer services from its Dubai Helipark facility at Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW).

Announced in a company press release on October 7, 2026, the Helicopter Commercial Registration (HCR) allows the Alex Group Investment subsidiary to provide point-to-point rotorcraft mobility across the Emirates. The certification integrates directly with the company’s Falcon Elite fixed-base operator (FBO) network, enabling rapid ramp-to-ramp transfers for business aviation passengers arriving at the Dubai World Central (DWC) aviation hub.

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Facility specifications and operational capabilities

The newly certified Dubai Helipark is designed to accommodate a wide range of rotorcraft, supporting Performance Class 1, 2, and 3 helicopters. According to the company, the facility operates 24 hours a day by prior reservation and features eight dedicated helicopter parking positions alongside one dedicated maintenance stand.

The infrastructure is built to handle helicopters with a maximum length of 18 metres and a maximum landing weight of 8.3 tonnes. This capacity allows the facility to support medium and super-medium twin-engine models from major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Supported aircraft include the Leonardo AW139, AW169, and AW189, as well as the Airbus H145 and the Bell 412. Light utility helicopters, including the Airbus H125 and H130, alongside the Bell 429 and Bell 505, are also accommodated on the ramp.

Sultan Rashit Shene, Owner and Chairman of Alex Group Investment, stated in the press release that the location at DWC connects helicopter operations with both commercial and business aviation traffic.

“Dubai Helipark gives our clients more choice in how they travel,” Shene said. “Its location at Dubai World Central allows us to connect helicopter operations with both commercial and business aviation, while providing faster access to Dubai and destinations across the UAE.”

Expanding the Falcon aviation portfolio

The GCAA certification, officially issued on October 1, 2026, marks a structural expansion for Falcon Executive Aviation. The company operates as a private aviation group under the umbrella of Alex Group Investment and manages four distinct brands. These include the Falcon Luxe private jet charter fleet, the Falcon Elite FBO network, Falcon Technic for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and Falcon Flight Support.

The integration of commercial helicopter operations aligns with a broader corporate strategy implemented under Chief Executive Officer Can Şaşmaz, who assumed leadership of the group on December 10, 2024. By adding rotorcraft capabilities, the company aims to capture growing demand for premium, time-saving transfers among ultra-high-net-worth individuals navigating heavy ground traffic in the UAE.

Regional infrastructure and future development

The launch of commercial helicopter services at DWC coincides with the ongoing expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. As aviation operations increasingly shift from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Dubai South, the DWC hub is handling a larger share of the region’s business and VIP aviation traffic. Falcon noted that the Dubai Helipark is also designed to support future advanced air mobility (AAM) operations, positioning the infrastructure for the eventual introduction of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Beyond Dubai, Falcon Executive Aviation is expanding its physical footprint in the northern Emirates. On November 19, 2025, the company announced a joint investment partnership with Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (OMRK). The project involves the construction of a 1,500-square-meter VVIP terminal and an 8,000-square-meter private jet hangar.

That facility is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027. It is positioned to serve high-end travelers visiting the emirate, including guests of the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort development.

Prima Air has secured Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 145 certification for its 50,000-square-foot maintenance facility at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR).

Announced in a company press release on October 7, 2026, the certification authorizes the Private jets aviation provider to conduct in-house maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on large-cabin Gulfstream and Bombardier business aircraft. The regulatory approval allows the company to centralize technical support and reduce aircraft downtime by minimizing the need to reposition jets to third-party maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers.

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Approved airframes and powerplants

The newly certified Burbank facility is approved to perform maintenance on a specific range of ultra-long-range and large-cabin business jets that make up the core of the Prima Air fleet. Approved airframes include the Gulfstream G650ER, G550, GV, and GIV, as well as the Bombardier Global 5000.

In addition to the airframes, the FAA Part 145 certificate covers several specific powerplants. The facility is authorized to service Rolls-Royce BR725A1-12, BR700-710C4-11, BR700-710A2-20, BR700-710A1-10, and TAY 611-8 engines.

Prima Air President and Chief Executive Officer Lina Tullberg described the certification as an important milestone for the company.

“Our objective is to provide aircraft owners and operators with responsive, compliant, and dependable maintenance support. Our Burbank location, dedicated facility, and experienced technical team allow us to support the safe and efficient return of aircraft to service.”

Fleet growth and strategic acquisitions

The push toward vertical integration follows a period of sustained fleet and operational growth for the Los Angeles-based company. Founded in 2019 by Tullberg, Prima Air significantly expanded its market presence in late 2022 through the acquisition of Pegasus Elite Aviation, a major FAA Part 135 charter operator.

The combined entity now manages a diverse charter and management fleet. According to company statements, the fleet includes a Boeing 737, two Gulfstream G650s, ten Gulfstream GV and GIV jets, and a Bombardier Global 5000.

Operating under the Prima Air Group umbrella, Pegasus Elite Aviation has recorded substantial increases in charter demand. In September 2024, Aerospace Global News reported that the subsidiary experienced a 55.2 percent rise in flight hours over a three-month summer period, underscoring the operational requirement for dedicated, in-house maintenance support to keep aircraft dispatchable.

Global operational footprint

While the new Part 145 certification is centered at the Hollywood Burbank Airport headquarters, Prima Air has spent the last two years expanding its physical footprint across major global business aviation hubs.

In May 2024, the company relocated its East Coast base to a new hangar and office facility at Signature Aviation TEB East at Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. One month prior, in April 2024, Prima Air established an operation center at the Hong Kong Business Aviation Center (HKBAC) to drive charter and management growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company also maintains operational bases at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in California, Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) in Florida, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

AirPro News analysis

We view the transition from a pure Part 135 charter operator to a vertically integrated company with Part 145 MRO capabilities as a necessary maturation step for growing private aviation firms. By bringing maintenance in-house, operators like Prima Air insulate themselves from ongoing industry-wide supply chain bottlenecks and third-party maintenance facility backlogs. Controlling the maintenance schedule directly supports higher fleet utilization rates, which is the critical metric for sustaining the rapid charter growth the company reported in recent years.