This article is based on an official press release from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Fresno Yosemite International Unveils Historic $150 Million “FATforward” Expansion

On December 17, 2025, officials at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and the City of Fresno unveiled the most significant terminal expansion in the facility’s 77-year history. Dubbed “FATforward,” the $150 million project introduces a new concourse, a vastly expanded international arrivals facility, and modernized amenities designed to support the Central Valley’s rapid aviation growth.

According to the official announcement, the expansion adds approximately 98,000 square feet to the airport’s footprint. The project was delivered to accommodate record-breaking passenger numbers, which airport data indicates surpassed 2.6 million travelers in 2024. The new facilities officially began operating flights on December 18, 2025, marking a new era for the region’s primary air hub.

Mayor Jerry Dyer and Interim Director of Aviation Francisco Partida led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the project’s role in regional economic development. The expansion was completed without the use of City of Fresno General Funds, relying instead on a mix of federal grants and airport revenue bonds.

Inside the FATforward Expansion

The FATforward program focuses on increasing capacity and efficiency across the terminal. The centerpiece of the project is the new Concourse B, which features modernized passenger holdrooms and two new swing-gate jet bridges. These gates are designed with flexibility in mind, capable of serving both domestic and international flights as demand fluctuates.

A critical component of the upgrade is the new Federal Inspection Station (FIS) for international arrivals. The press release notes that this facility triples the airport’s previous capacity for processing international passengers. This upgrade addresses a key bottleneck, allowing for faster customs processing and a more welcoming experience for travelers arriving from abroad. The area now includes a dedicated “friends and family” welcome plaza.

Operational improvements also extend to security and baggage. A new security checkpoint, which opened earlier in April 2025, features a “recompose” area to improve passenger flow. Behind the scenes, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system has been installed to streamline the movement of luggage from ticket counters to aircraft.

“The Airports Department is proud to deliver this project, a major modernization of our City Airport, designed to meet the fast-paced and growing needs of the traveling public.”

, Francisco Partida, Interim Director of Aviation

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Art, Design, and Regional Identity

Beyond functional upgrades, the expansion integrates a robust public art program intended to reflect the culture and landscape of the Central Valley. This initiative was a key part of the vision of the late Director of Aviation Henry Thompson, whose legacy was honored during the unveiling ceremony.

The facility features several major art installations:

• “We Have Arrived”: A mixed-media mosaic mural by Caleb Duarte located in the parking garage, drawing inspiration from Afro-Indigenous and Latinx futurisms.
• “Flight of Seven Continents”: A suspended sculpture by Polish artist Mirek Struzik at the terminal entrance.
• Security Checkpoint Mural: A large-scale work by Colleen Mitchell-Veyna and Kelsey Gilles depicting local icons, including a 144th Fighter Wing jet and agricultural landscapes.

Interior design elements further reinforce the regional identity. The terminal features terrazzo flooring with a “river” pattern symbolizing the San Joaquin River, while wood accents around video walls evoke the giant Sequoias and Redwoods found in nearby national parks.

Funding and Economic Impact

The $150 million capital project was funded through a diverse portfolio of sources, ensuring no impact on local city tax dollars. Funding streams included Federal Infrastructure Grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FAA grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), Measure C, TSA grants, and Airport Revenue Bonds.

According to project data, the construction phase generated significant economic activity, creating approximately 683 jobs, with 436 of those positions filled by local workers. The primary contractor for the project was Q&D Construction, with CSHQA serving as the lead architect.

“This is an unforgettable day in the City of Fresno as we unveiled the largest terminal expansion in the Airport’s history. The new expansion strengthens our region’s future by positioning the Airport as a more competitive and attractive facility for growing air service.”

, Jerry Dyer, Mayor of Fresno

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of FATforward arrives at a pivotal moment for Fresno Yosemite International. With passenger traffic exceeding 2.6 million in 2024, the airport has transitioned from a regional spoke to a significant travel node for the Central Valley. The decision to triple the capacity of the Federal Inspection Station is particularly strategic. It directly supports the airport’s growing international portfolio, which includes seasonal service to Guadalajara by Alaska Airlines and expanded connectivity to major hubs.

Furthermore, the immediate transition to the next phase of infrastructure development, a $105 million runway reconstruction project scheduled for January 2026, demonstrates an aggressive approach to modernization. By securing federal funding and avoiding local general funds, airport leadership has managed to scale infrastructure to meet demand without straining municipal budgets, a model that positions FAT well for future route acquisition.

Future Outlook

With the terminal expansion complete, airport officials are turning their attention to airfield infrastructure. A $105 million project to replace the primary runway with concrete is scheduled to commence in January 2026. Additionally, planning is underway for a new Air Traffic Control Tower to replace the existing aging structure.

Travelers can also expect new route options in the coming year. Allegiant is set to launch nonstop service to Portland (PDX) in May 2025, while Southwest will begin daily service to San Diego in October 2025 alongside expanded flights to Las Vegas.

Sources

Sources: City of Fresno Unveils Largest Airport Expansion in History

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

Porter Airlines Receives 50th Embraer E195-E2, Cementing Status as Global Fleet Leader

Porter Airlines has officially taken delivery of its 50th Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, marking a significant operational milestone for the Canadian carrier. The handover, which took place on December 23, 2025, at Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos, Brazil, solidifies Porter’s position as the largest operator of the E195-E2 family of jets worldwide.

According to the official announcement from Embraer, this delivery represents the halfway point in Porter’s ambitious fleet expansion strategy, which includes firm orders for 75 jets and purchase rights for an additional 25. The arrival of this aircraft underscores the airline’s rapid transition from a regional niche player to a major North American competitor.

Rapid Fleet Expansion and Growth

Since receiving its first E195-E2 in December 2022, Porter Airlines has maintained an aggressive delivery schedule, averaging approximately two new jets per month. This pace has established Porter as the fastest-growing airline in North America over the last three years.

The current fleet now consists of 50 Embraer E195-E2 jets alongside 29 De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops. This mixed fleet allows the airline to serve a diverse network ranging from short-haul regional hops to transcontinental routes. Embraer confirmed that if all purchase rights are exercised, Porter’s jet fleet will eventually reach 100 aircraft.

Michael Deluce, CEO of Porter Airlines, highlighted the strategic importance of the aircraft in the company’s press statement:

“The E2’s introduction into our fleet is allowing us to turbocharge these efforts as the fastest growing airline in North America… The aircraft offers an incredible passenger experience.”

, Michael Deluce, CEO, Porter Airlines

Aircraft Profile: Efficiency and “Elevated Economy”

The E195-E2 is central to Porter’s “Elevated Economy” business model. The aircraft is configured with 132 seats in a 2-by-2 layout, ensuring that no passenger is ever seated in a middle seat, a unique selling point in the North American market.

Technically, the jet offers a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,500 km), which enables Porter to operate non-stop flights from its Eastern Canadian hubs to the West Coast, Mexico, and the Caribbean. According to Embraer’s technical data, the E195-E2 delivers up to 25-29% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft and is certified for up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends.

Nigel Patterson, Embraer’s VP of Sales & Marketing for North America, commented on the partnership:

“Porter Airlines is a true disruptor in North American travel. Their commitment to elevating the passenger experience with the E195-E2 highlights the aircraft’s unique blend of operational efficiency.”

, Nigel Patterson, VP Sales & Marketing North America, Embraer

AirPro News Analysis: Disrupting the Market Duopoly

While the delivery of a single aircraft is routine, the arrival of the 50th jet signals a critical mass for Porter’s challenge to the Canadian aviation duopoly held by Air Canada and WestJet. By leveraging the efficiency of the E195-E2, Porter has expanded beyond its traditional “Golden Triangle” (Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal) into high-demand sun destinations and transcontinental routes.

According to industry data and CAPA reports referenced in broader market research, Porter aims to capture approximately 10.9% of the domestic Canadian market by mid-2025. This expansion has already forced competitive responses, including fare adjustments and service enhancements from legacy carriers. The airline’s recent “Buy Canada” pivot, which reallocated capacity to domestic routes for Summer 2025, further demonstrates how this flexible fleet allows Porter to adapt quickly to shifting economic conditions and trade tensions.

Passenger Experience and Amenities

Porter continues to differentiate itself through onboard amenities that are standard across its jet fleet. The airline provides free, fast Wi-Fi via Viasat for all passengers, distinct from competitors who often charge for streaming-quality connectivity. Additionally, the carrier continues its tradition of serving complimentary beer and wine in glassware, along with premium snacks, to all passengers regardless of fare class.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many E195-E2 jets does Porter Airlines have on order?

Porter has a total of 75 firm orders. With the recent delivery, they have received 50 aircraft. They also hold purchase rights for another 25 jets.

Does the Embraer E195-E2 have middle seats?

No. The aircraft features a 2-by-2 seating configuration, meaning there are no middle seats on any flight operated by this aircraft type.

Where does Porter fly the E195-E2?

The aircraft’s 3,000 nautical mile range allows it to fly transcontinental routes (e.g., Toronto to Vancouver) and to sun destinations including Florida, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and the Caribbean.

Sources

• Embraer Press Release

From Wet Leases to Wide-Bodies: 40 Years of the Emirates and GE Aerospace Partnership

In October 1985, the global aviation landscape shifted permanently when Emirates operated its inaugural commercial flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB). While the industry focused on the emergence of a new carrier in the UAE, a critical technical alliance was simultaneously taking flight. According to a retrospective released by GE Aerospace, those first two aircraft established the foundation for a four-decade partnership that has since reshaped long-haul travel.

As we review the history of this collaboration, data confirms that Emirates has evolved from a startup with $10 million in seed capital to the world’s largest operator of GE-powered wide-body jets. The relationship, which began with leased airframes, now encompasses massive commitments to next-generation propulsion systems, including the GE9X.

The Launch: October 25, 1985

The partnership officially commenced when Emirates launched operations with two specific routes: Flight EK600 to Karachi, Pakistan, and Flight EK500 to Mumbai, India. Historical fleet data indicates that the airline, mandated to operate without government subsidies, utilized two Aircraft wet-leased from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to initiate service.

The Engines Behind the Start

According to GE Aerospace, both inaugural aircraft relied on GE Propulsion technology, setting a precedent for the airline’s future fleet decisions:

• Airbus A300B4-203 (Registration AP-BBM): Powered by GE CF6-50C2 engines. The “-203” model designation specifically indicated the use of General Electric powerplants rather than competitors.
• Boeing 737-300 (Registration AP-BCD): Powered by CFM56-3 engines, manufactured by CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran.

Aziz Koleilat, President and CEO of GE Aerospace for the Middle East, Turkey, and CIS, highlighted the longevity of this relationship in a company statement:

“Throughout its steady, ambitious growth, Emirates Airlines has demonstrated to the aviation industry what innovation can look like. GE Aerospace has been a committed partner supporting this journey from the beginning.”

Scaling to Super-Connector Status

Following the initial launch, the technical alliance expanded significantly during the 1990s and 2000s as Emirates pursued its “super-connector” strategy, linking global cities via Dubai. This expansion relied heavily on the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 platforms.

Emirates grew to become the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 777, powered exclusively by the GE90-115B engine. Until the recent development of the GE9X, the GE90 held the title of the world’s most powerful commercial jet engine. This propulsion system provided the necessary thrust and efficiency to connect Dubai non-stop to ultra-long-haul destinations such as Los Angeles and Houston.

Simultaneously, the airline adopted the GP7200 engine, produced by the Engine Alliance, a joint venture between GE and Pratt & Whitney, for a significant portion of its Airbus A380 fleet. These engines were selected to meet stringent noise and efficiency standards required for the superjumbo.

AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Value of Hot Weather Testing

While the volume of engine orders often dominates headlines, we believe the technical backend of this partnership is equally significant. Operating out of Dubai presents unique challenges due to extreme heat and sand ingestion. GE Aerospace established the Middle East Technology Center (METC) in Dubai specifically to analyze engine performance in these harsh environments.

Data derived from Emirates’ high-cycle operations in the desert climate has likely been instrumental in refining engine durability for operators worldwide. This feedback loop, where operational data drives engineering improvements, explains why Emirates maintains a 99.9% reliability rate through its “OnPoint” maintenance agreements, despite operating in one of the world’s most demanding environments.

The Future: The GE9X and 777X

Looking toward the next era of aviation, the partnership has centered on the Boeing 777X program. Emirates is the launch customer for this new wide-body aircraft, which is powered exclusively by the GE9X engine.

In November 2025, the airline reaffirmed its commitment to this platform. According to official reports, Emirates signed a deal for 130 additional GE9X engines to support its expanding Orders of Boeing 777-9s. This brings the airline’s total commitment to over 540 units of the new engine type.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates, commented on the scale of the investment during the November announcement:

“This is a long-term commitment and testament to our partnership with Boeing and GE… We are expanding our commitment to the programme today with additional orders worth US$ 38 billion.”

The GE9X is marketed as the most fuel-efficient engine in its class and is fully compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with the airline’s broader net-zero sustainability targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first GE engine flown by Emirates?
Emirates’ first flights in 1985 utilized the GE CF6-50C2 (on an Airbus A300) and the CFM56-3 (on a Boeing 737-300).

Does GE manufacture engines for the Airbus A380?
Yes, through the Engine Alliance joint venture. The GP7200 engine, used on many Emirates A380s, is a product of a partnership between GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney.

What is the GE9X?
The GE9X is the exclusive engine for the new Boeing 777X family. It is designed to be more fuel-efficient and powerful than its predecessor, the GE90.

Sources

• GE Aerospace