This article is based on an official report and press release from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

2025 in Review: Legislative Wins and Global Advocacy Define a Pivotal Year for Business Aviation

According to a year-end report released by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), 2025 served as a watershed moment for the business aviation sector. The association characterizes the past 12 months as a period defined by major legislative victories, a unified global advocacy front, and significant strides in operational safety and mental health support. From the return of critical tax incentives to the expansion of Sustainability mandates, the industry navigated a complex landscape of “sweeping policy changes.”

The NBAA’s review highlights how the industry successfully shifted its narrative on the global stage while securing practical wins for operators and Manufacturers in Washington. Central to this success was the “CLIMBING. FAST.” campaign, which evolved from a U.S.-focused initiative into an international movement, directly countering environmental criticism and “flight shaming” protests across Europe and the United Kingdom.

We examine the key developments outlined in the NBAA’s 2025 retrospective, ranging from the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation to the technological leaps showcased at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas.

Legislative and Policy Breakthroughs

The financial and operational landscape for aircraft owners saw substantial improvements in 2025, driven by what the NBAA describes as historic legislative achievements. Two major pieces of legislation stood out in the association’s report.

The Return of 100% Bonus Depreciation

Perhaps the most significant financial development for the industry was the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA). Signed into law on July 4, 2025, this reconciliation bill permanently reinstated 100% bonus depreciation for qualified business aircraft. According to the report, this benefit applies retroactively to assets acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025.

This legislative win reversed a scheduled phase-down of tax incentives, which had dropped to 40% earlier in the year. The NBAA notes that this restoration provided immediate “market optimism,” incentivizing fleet renewals and new aircraft purchases across the sector.

FAA Reauthorization and Privacy Protections

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024/2025 also brought long-awaited changes. For the first time, the legislation included a dedicated title for General Aviation, signaling a formal recognition of the sector’s distinct operational needs. Additionally, the Act addressed security concerns by mandating new privacy rules. These updates allow operators to block their registration information from public dissemination, a critical win for owners concerned about real-time tracking.

Advocacy Goes Global: “CLIMBING. FAST.”

In 2025, the NBAA’s primary advocacy campaign, “CLIMBING. FAST.”, expanded its reach beyond American borders. The initiative was officially adopted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA), creating a unified transatlantic voice.

The campaign focused on highlighting the societal value of business aviation, emphasizing its role in humanitarian relief and job creation, citing 1.2 million jobs supported in the U.S. alone. The effectiveness of this messaging was recognized externally, with the campaign winning top honors in the 2025 PRNEWS Digital Awards for “Cause-Related Campaign.”

“The campaign successfully shifted the narrative to highlight business aviation’s societal value… and its status as a ‘testbed’ for sustainable technologies.”

, NBAA 2025 Report

Operational Focus: Mental Health and Sustainability

Beyond policy and PR, the industry made tangible progress in addressing the human element of aviation, specifically regarding pilot mental health.

Destigmatizing Mental Health

The FAA updated its guidance for Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) in 2025, granting them greater latitude to issue medical certificates to pilots with histories of “uncomplicated anxiety or depression.” This shift aims to move the industry away from a culture of silence toward one of support.

Legislatively, the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 (H.R. 2591) passed the U.S. House of Representatives in September. However, the NBAA report notes that while the bill was introduced in the Senate in November 2025, it has not yet been signed into law.

Sustainability Mandates and Growth

Sustainability remained a dominant theme, with the 2025 Sustainability Summit focusing on scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Operators faced increasing regulatory pressure, particularly from the EU’s ReFuelEU initiative, which mandated a 2% SAF blend starting in 2025. This requirement forced U.S. operators flying to Europe to adapt their fueling strategies rapidly.

Globally, the market continued to expand. The report projects the Middle East business jet market will reach $26.7 billion by 2028, fueled by infrastructure investments in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Innovation at NBAA-BACE 2025

The 2025 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas served as the launchpad for several high-profile aircraft debuts and operational updates.

• Bombardier Global 8000: Confirmed as the “fastest civil business jet” with a top speed of Mach 0.95.
• Otto Aerospace Phantom 3500: Debuted with a laminar-flow design promising significantly reduced fuel consumption.
• Cessna Citation Ascend: Unveiled by Textron Aviation, featuring updated Avionics and cabin enhancements.

For the first time, the convention also included a dedicated “Maintenance Track,” allowing professionals to earn inspection authorization (IA) renewal credits directly on the show floor.

AirPro News Analysis

The reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation is likely the most consequential development for the manufacturing supply chain in 2025. While the “CLIMBING. FAST.” campaign addresses the long-term existential risk of public perception, the immediate tax incentives provided by the OBBBA directly impact order books for 2026 and 2027. By reversing the phase-down that had dipped to 40%, Washington has effectively lowered the real cost of capital for fleet modernization. We expect this to accelerate the retirement of older, less efficient aircraft, inadvertently supporting the industry’s sustainability goals by bringing cleaner engines into service faster than previously projected.

Sources

• NBAA

This article is based on an official press release from RoyalJet and Edése Doret Industrial Design.

RoyalJet Selects Edése Doret to Design Interiors for New ACJ320neo Fleet

RoyalJet, the Abu Dhabi-based leader in premium private aviation, has awarded a significant contract to New York-based Edése Doret Industrial Design (EDID) to create bespoke interiors for three new Airbus ACJ320neo aircraft. This agreement marks the third major collaboration between the two companies, reinforcing a partnership aimed at redefining the ultra-luxury charter market.

According to the company announcement, the project will focus on a specific thematic vision: an “Emirati Identity of Timeless, Elegant, Sophisticated Modernity.” The design is intended to blend cultural homage with advanced aviation technology, catering to RoyalJet’s elite clientele, which includes heads of state and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

A Vision of “Elevated Sophistication”

The core of the new contract involves transforming the “Melody” cabin of the ACJ320neo, known for being the widest and tallest in its class, into a sanctuary that balances functionality with high-end luxury. EDID, a boutique firm known for unconventional and technically complex aircraft interiors, has been tasked with delivering a “flying lounge” experience.

Key elements of the design brief include:

• Cultural Integration: Interiors that reflect the heritage of the UAE while maintaining global appeal.
• Wellness-Centric Lighting: Advanced lighting systems designed to mitigate jet lag and enhance passenger well-being.
• Bespoke Configuration: Unique layouts featuring private meeting spaces, quiet zones, and spacious lounge areas utilizing the ACJ320neo’s 90 square meters of floor space.

Edése Doret, the founder of EDID, emphasized the unique nature of this project in a statement regarding the partnership.

“Our vision for these new ACJ320neo aircraft is to deliver an unparalleled elevated passenger experience that reflects the essence of Emirati identity of timeless, elegant, sophisticated modernity which is perfectly tailored to RoyalJet’s elite clientele.”

, Edése Doret, Founder of EDID

Strategic Fleet Diversification

While RoyalJet is historically recognized as the world’s largest operator of Boeing Business Jets (BBJs), this move to commission interiors for three Airbus ACJ320neo aircraft signals a strategic diversification of their fleet. The ACJ320neo offers distinct advantages, including improved fuel efficiency and an intercontinental range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles, capable of connecting Abu Dhabi non-stop to major hubs like London or Tokyo.

Paul de Salis, CEO of RoyalJet, noted that the addition of these aircraft is central to the operator’s expansion strategy.

“The ACJ320neo will enable Royal Jet Group to expand their product offering, surpassing the already sophisticated and discerning service experienced by our customers… Our partnership with Edése Doret Industrial Design fits perfectly with our core brand values of elevated sophistication and timeless elegance.”

, Paul de Salis, CEO of RoyalJet

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to integrate the ACJ320neo into a predominantly Boeing fleet suggests RoyalJet is prioritizing operational flexibility alongside luxury. The ACJ320neo’s lower cabin altitude and fuel-efficient engines align with a broader industry trend toward sustainability and passenger comfort on long-haul flights. By retaining EDID, who previously designed RoyalJet’s award-winning BBJs, the operator ensures design continuity across mixed airframes, maintaining a consistent brand identity even as the underlying hardware evolves.

Operational Excellence and Timeline

The collaboration also highlights the technical synergy between the operator and the design firm. Husham Osman, VP of Technical Services at RoyalJet, stated that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to “delivering the highest standards of luxury, cultural nuance, and operational excellence.”

The design contract was announced in late December 2025. Once completed, these aircraft will join the RoyalJet fleet, offering VVIP charter configurations that provide significantly more space than standard business jets.

Sources:
Zawya (Press Release)

Gogo Business Aviation Officially Launches 5G Network, Commercial Service Begins January 2026

Gogo Business Aviation has officially confirmed the launch of its 5G air-to-ground (ATG) network, marking a significant milestone in North American inflight connectivity. According to a company press release issued on December 29, 2025, the network has successfully completed flight testing and validation. While the infrastructure is now live, commercial service is scheduled to commence in January 2026.

The new network represents a major performance leap for the provider, designed to address the increasing bandwidth demands of business aviation. Gogo states that the 5G service will offer peak download speeds exceeding 80 Mbps, with average speeds expected to hover around 25 Mbps. This rollout targets the contiguous United States and Southern Canada, utilizing a hybrid spectrum strategy to ensure consistent coverage and throughput.

In a statement regarding the launch, Gogo leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this deployment. With 450 aircraft already pre-provisioned with the necessary hardware, the company anticipates a rapid activation of services in the first quarter of 2026. The launch customer has already been onboarded, signaling that the system is ready for wider adoption.

Technical Specifications and Hardware Requirements

The Gogo 5G network utilizes a proprietary mix of licensed and unlicensed spectrum to achieve its performance targets. By employing “Channel Bonding,” the system combines 4 MHz of licensed spectrum in the 800 MHz band, which provides reliability and redundancy, with unlicensed spectrum in the 2.423 GHz to 2.475 GHz range. This hybrid approach allows for higher bandwidth while maintaining a robust connection.

Interference Mitigation

Crucially, the specific frequency range selected by Gogo avoids the interference issues that have complicated commercial 5G C-band rollouts near airports. The system operates well outside the 4.0–4.2 GHz range used by radar altimeters, ensuring safety and compliance without the need for complex mitigation strategies often required for consumer cellular networks.

The AVANCE LX5 Platform

To access the network, operators will utilize the AVANCE LX5, a single-box Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). This hardware replaces the older L5 unit and serves as the primary upgrade path for both new and existing customers. The system requires dual belly-mounted MB13 antennas. According to the technical specifications released, the LX5 simplifies installation compared to previous iterations that might have required separate modules.

“The new 5G AVANCE system is evidence of our culture of continuous improvement… LX5 expands our AVANCE product portfolio with a single box option for customers, making the installation of Gogo 5G even easier.”

— Sergio Aguirre, President & COO, Gogo Business Aviation

Market Readiness and Pricing

Gogo has prepared for this transition by securing Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for a wide range of airframes. The company reports that 33 STCs have been contracted, with 28 already completed, covering a total addressable market of approximately 7,500 aircraft. This regulatory groundwork allows for immediate installation on most major business jet models.

Pricing for the new service reflects its premium positioning. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the AVANCE LX5 hardware is approximately $141,500, excluding installation. Monthly service plans are structured as follows:

• Unlimited + Streaming: Approximately $8,000 per month.
• Unlimited (Non-Streaming): Approximately $5,195 per month.
• Entry-Level Capped Plans: Starting around $3,500 per month for 25GB.

“We talk a lot about milestones, and this is really an exceptional one for Gogo. While we have had delays, we are now focused on delivering a brand-new broadband ATG service to our customers that will satisfy data-hungry flyers within North America.”

— Chris Moore, CEO, Gogo Business Aviation

AirPro News Analysis

The launch of Gogo 5G comes at a critical juncture for the inflight connectivity market. The primary competitor, SpaceX’s Starlink, has disrupted the sector with high-speed, low-latency global coverage via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. However, Gogo retains distinct advantages for specific segments of the market.

First, the form factor is decisive. Starlink and other satellite-based solutions typically require a radome installed on top of the fuselage. For smaller airframes, such as light jets and turboprops, these radomes can create significant drag or may simply be too large to install. Gogo’s belly-mounted antennas are far less invasive, preserving the aerodynamics and aesthetics of smaller Commercial-Aircraft.

Second, the installation cost for Gogo’s ATG system is generally lower than that of satellite systems, and the company benefits from a massive, established dealer network familiar with the hardware. By bundling the 5G domestic service with their upcoming “Gogo Galileo” LEO satellite product, Gogo aims to offer a “multi-orbit” solution that competes on both domestic speed and global reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Gogo 5G be available for my aircraft?
Commercial service begins in January 2026. If your aircraft is one of the 450 already pre-provisioned, you can activate service immediately. For others, STCs are available for most major models.

Do I need to replace my existing Gogo hardware?
Yes. Accessing the 5G network requires the new AVANCE LX5 unit and MB13 antennas. Existing AVANCE L5 customers can perform a “box swap” to the LX5, which is designed to be a minor upgrade.

What speeds can I expect?
Gogo advertises peak download speeds exceeding 80 Mbps, with typical average speeds around 25 Mbps. Upload speeds are expected to exceed 20 Mbps.

Does this cover international flights?
The 5G ATG network covers the contiguous United States and Southern Canada. For global coverage, Gogo offers satellite-based solutions that can be bundled with the 5G plan.

Sources

• Gogo Business Aviation