This article is based on an official press release from Desert Jet.

Desert Jet Expands to Colorado, Managing New Hangar Complex at Yampa Valley Regional Airport

Desert Jet, the Thermal, California-based business aviation service provider, has announced its first major expansion outside of its home state. According to an official company announcement released on December 17, 2025, Desert Jet has secured an agreement to manage and operate two newly constructed hangars at Yampa Valley Regional Airport (KHDN) in Hayden, Colorado. The airport serves as the primary gateway for the popular Steamboat Springs ski destination.

The agreement marks a significant strategic shift for Desert Jet, which recently divested its charter subsidiary to focus exclusively on Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and maintenance services. By partnering with developers Wiens Real Estate Ventures and HDN Hangar Investment Group, Desert Jet aims to address a critical infrastructure gap in the Colorado high country while laying the groundwork for a future full-service FBO presence.

Addressing the High-Country Hangar Shortage

The expansion comes at a time of acute demand for private jet infrastructure in the region. According to data cited in the announcement, private jet operations at KHDN have surged by over 75% in the last five years. Despite this rapid growth, the airport has not seen the construction of new hangar facilities in nearly two decades, with the last significant additions completed in 2006.

The new development, which broke ground in September 2024, includes two heated hangars designed to withstand the harsh winter climate of the Rockies. Each hangar measures 28,800 square feet, creating a combined total of approximately 57,600 square feet of premium storage space. The facilities are scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025, timed to coincide with the 2025-2026 ski season.

Desert Jet emphasized that the facilities are engineered to accommodate the largest ultra-long-range business jets currently in operation, including the Gulfstream G800 and Bombardier Global 8000. This capability is essential for the high-net-worth demographic frequenting Steamboat Springs, who often require indoor, heated storage to prevent ice accumulation and protect sensitive aircraft systems during winter stays.

Strategic Pivot and Future FBO Ambitions

This expansion follows Desert Jet’s strategic pivot in September 2024, when the company sold its charter division to Advanced Air. That divestiture was intended to free up resources for expanding the company’s FBO and maintenance footprint. The KHDN project represents the first tangible result of that strategy.

Jared Fox, CEO of Desert Jet, highlighted the significance of moving into the Colorado market:

“We are proud to extend Desert Jet’s national reputation for service excellence to Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley. This expansion represents the next chapter in our mission to deliver the highest standard of aviation services to new destinations across the country.”

While the current agreement focuses on hangar management, providing secure storage and handling for based tenants and transient aircraft, Desert Jet has explicitly positioned this move as a “foundational step” toward establishing a world-class, full-service FBO. Currently, Atlantic Aviation holds the monopoly on full-service FBO operations at KHDN. Desert Jet’s entry introduces a potential competitor to the field, signaling long-term plans to compete for fuel sales and comprehensive ground handling services.

Tim Wiens, Principal of Wiens Real Estate Ventures, expressed confidence in the partnership:

“We are excited to partner with Desert Jet, whose reputation for excellence in aviation services aligns perfectly with our vision for Yampa Valley. This collaboration is a pivotal step in enhancing the aviation experience in this world-class destination.”

AirPro News Analysis

The entry of Desert Jet into Yampa Valley Regional Airport represents a classic “beachhead” strategy in the FBO industry. Breaking into an airport with an established incumbent monopoly, in this case, Atlantic Aviation, is notoriously difficult due to lease restrictions and space limitations. By securing management rights to independently developed real estate, Desert Jet establishes an operational footprint without immediately needing to build a fuel farm or terminal from scratch.

This move also reflects a broader industry trend where FBOs are decoupling from charter operations to specialize in high-margin ground infrastructure. With the “hangar shortage” affecting an estimated 71% of General Aviation airports nationally, companies that control the physical space for large-cabin jets hold significant leverage. If Desert Jet successfully transitions this hangar management contract into a full FBO license, it could significantly alter the pricing and service landscape for private aviation in the Colorado Rockies.

Sources

• Desert Jet Press Release

This article is based on official releases and media briefings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

NTSB Releases Preliminary Findings on Statesville Cessna Citation Crash

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).

Crash Sequence and “Emergency Landing” Communication

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.

Investigation Status and Site Analysis

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.

Recorder Recovery

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.

Weather Factors

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.

Visual Assets and Public Docket

To maintain transparency, the NTSB has published a collection of visual assets on the investigation’s official webpage. These materials include:

• Debris Field Footage: Panning shots showing the charred wreckage and the impact area near the runway threshold.
• Engine Documentation: Close-up images of investigators examining the Pratt & Whitney JT15D engines.
• Site Walkthroughs: Footage of the investigative team performing initial site assessments.

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.

AirPro News Analysis

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the victims of the crash?
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.

When will the cause of the crash be determined?
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.

Was the airport controlled?
No. Statesville Regional Airport is a non-towered airport. Pilots use a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to coordinate their movements.

Where can I view the photos and b-roll?
The NTSB has hosted all visual assets on their official investigation webpage linked below.

Sources

• NTSB Investigation Page (WPR26MA063)
• NTSB Media Briefing

This article is based on an official press release from Honda Aircraft Company.

Honda Aircraft Company Unveils APMG S Upgrade for Legacy HondaJet Fleet

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.

Technical Enhancements and Performance Gains

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)
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.

Avionics and Safety Systems
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.

Additionally, the upgrade introduces a new graphical interface for Weight and Balance calculations on the flight deck, streamlining pre-flight preparations for pilots.

Strategic Commitment to the Fleet

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.”

AirPro News Analysis

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.

Availability and Implementation

Honda Aircraft Company has confirmed that the APMG S package is available for installation now. The upgrade is applicable to:

• HondaJet Classic: The original model delivered roughly between 2015 and 2018.
• HondaJet APMG: The first upgrade iteration delivered roughly between 2018 and 2019.

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.

Sources

• Honda Aircraft Company