Business Aviation
Gulfstream G500 and G600 Gain EASA Steep-Approach Certification
Gulfstream’s G500 and G600 jets receive EASA steep-approach certification, allowing operations at London City, Lugano, and Sion airports in Europe.
Gulfstream G500 and G600 Secure EASA Steep-Approach Certification
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, that its next-generation G500 and G600 business jets have received steep-approach certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This regulatory milestone allows European operators of these large-cabin aircraft to access some of the continent’s most challenging and geographically constrained airports.
According to the company’s official statement, the certification unlocks operations at key destinations such as London City Airport (LCY) in the United Kingdom and Lugano Airport (LUG) in Switzerland. These airports require approach angles significantly steeper than the standard 3 degrees due to surrounding terrain or strict noise abatement regulations. The approval follows successful landing demonstrations conducted by Gulfstream at these locations, validating the aircrafts’ low-speed handling and short-field performance.
This EASA approval complements the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) steep-approach certifications previously awarded to the G500 in October 2023 and the G600 in May 2024, completing the major regulatory requirements for global steep-approach operations.
Expanding European Operational Flexibility
The primary benefit of this certification is the ability to connect passengers directly to city-center and remote airports that were previously inaccessible to aircraft of this size without specific regulatory approval. London City Airport, located in the heart of London’s financial district, is a critical hub for business aviation but requires a steep 5.5-degree approach angle and short-field landing capabilities.
Similarly, Lugano Airport, situated in the mouth of a valley in Switzerland, demands an extremely steep approach angle of approximately 6.65 degrees to safely clear mountainous terrain. Sion Airport (SIR), another mountainous Swiss destination, is also now accessible to the G500 and G600 under this certification.
In the press release, Gulfstream leadership emphasized the importance of this capability for their customers.
“Our customers already benefit from the groundbreaking performance and efficiency of the G500 and G600. With EASA steep-approach certification now achieved, we’re proud to offer European operators even greater fleet flexibility by giving them access to more remote airports and destinations around the world.”
, Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream Aerospace
Technical Capabilities and Flight Deck Technology
Achieving steep-approach certification requires an aircraft to demonstrate precise control and stability while descending at angles far exceeding the industry standard. The G500 and G600 are equipped with the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, which features active control sidesticks. Gulfstream states that this technology enhances pilot situational awareness and control, which is particularly vital during demanding maneuvers like steep approaches into short runways.
The aircraft combine this handling capability with significant range and speed. The G500 offers a range of 5,300 nautical miles at Mach 0.85, while the G600 extends that reach to 6,600 nautical miles. Both jets are capable of a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925.
AirPro News Analysis
From an industry perspective, securing EASA steep-approach certification is a necessary move for Gulfstream to maintain competitiveness in the European heavy-jet market. London City Airport is often viewed as a “gold standard” for business aviation utility in Europe; the inability to land there can be a dealbreaker for corporate flight departments based in London.
Competitors such as Dassault Aviation and Bombardier have long prioritized London City certification for their large-cabin jets. By finalizing this approval for the G500 and G600, Gulfstream ensures these “clean-sheet” designs can effectively replace legacy models like the G450 and G550, which have historically served these routes. The ability to take a 19-passenger jet into a valley airport like Lugano highlights the advanced aerodynamic efficiency of the new Gulfstream wing design, proving that large-cabin comfort does not necessarily require sacrificing short-field utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a steep approach?
- A standard airport approach path follows a 3-degree glide slope. A “steep approach” typically involves an angle of 4.5 degrees or greater. This is necessary for airports surrounded by obstacles (like mountains) or dense urban environments requiring noise mitigation.
- Which airports does this certification unlock?
- The certification primarily allows operations at London City Airport (UK), Lugano Airport (Switzerland), and Sion Airport (Switzerland), among others with similar requirements.
- When did the FAA certify these aircraft for steep approaches?
- The FAA granted steep-approach certification to the Gulfstream G500 in October 2023 and to the Gulfstream G600 in May 2024.
Sources
Photo Credit: Gulfstream
Business Aviation
Infinity Aviation Group Acquires FBO at Trenton-Mercer Airport
Infinity Aviation Group expands into the NYC metro area with the acquisition of the FlightServ FBO at Trenton-Mercer Airport, NJ.
Infinity Aviation Group has expanded its fixed base operations (FBO) network into the New York metropolitan area with the acquisition of the FlightServ facility at Trenton-Mercer Airports (TTN) in New Jersey.
Announced in an August 19, 2026, press release, the acquisition marks the third location for Infinity Aviation Group. The Trenton facility joins the company’s existing operations in Nashua, New Hampshire, and Vero Beach, Florida. The move positions the company to capture business aviation traffic seeking uncongested alternatives to Teterboro and Morristown airports.
Facility specifications and capabilities
The FlightServ facility at Trenton-Mercer Airport was completed in 2023. The complex features a 30,000-square-foot FBO terminal and 80,000 square feet of climate-controlled hangar space. The hangars are equipped with 28-foot doors, allowing the facility to accommodate the largest business aviation aircraft currently in service.
Trenton-Mercer Airport features a 6,000-foot primary runway and operates without slot restrictions. The airport also maintains on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) capabilities for international arrivals.
“Trenton sits in one of the busiest business aviation markets in the country, and with the addition of this site, Infinity will be able to better serve the New York metropolitan business aviation community,” said Steven Levesque, CEO of Infinity Aviation Group.
Levesque noted that the company plans to invest further in the Trenton operation by adding hangar capacity and expanding ramp capabilities.
Continuity for charter and maintenance operations
While Infinity Aviation Group has acquired the FBO business, the founding ownership of FlightServ will maintain a presence at the airport. Aviation Charters, a Part 135 charter and aircraft management business operated by the founders, will remain on-site to provide charter, management, and maintenance services.
The existing FlightServ FBO staff will transition to Infinity Aviation Group. According to Levesque, the retention of the local team is part of a broader strategy to maintain service continuity while integrating the location into the company’s East Coast network.
AirPro News analysis
We view Infinity Aviation Group’s acquisition at Trenton-Mercer Airport as a strategic play for the congested Northeast corridor. As Teterboro Airport and Westchester County Airport continue to face capacity constraints, slot restrictions, and noise abatement pressures, satellite airports like TTN become increasingly valuable for business aircraft operators. By securing a recently built facility with large-cabin hangar capacity and on-site customs, Infinity establishes a highly capable relief valve for New York and Philadelphia traffic. Linking New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Florida also aligns directly with the dominant North-South corporate and private travel patterns on the Eastern Seaboard.
Sources: Infinity Aviation Group
Photo Credit: FlightServ
Business Aviation
FTAI Aviation Closes $2B Warehouse Financing for 2026 SPV
FTAI Aviation secures $2B warehouse facility for mid-life 737NG and A320ceo acquisitions, reaching $5.5B in total Strategic Capital financing.
FTAI Aviation Ltd. has secured a $2.0 billion warehouse financing facility to fund the acquisition of mid-life Boeing 737NG and Airbus A320ceo aircraft through its second Strategic Capital investment vehicle. The transaction closed on August 14, 2026, bringing the company’s total warehouse financing for its Strategic Capital business to $5.5 billion in under two years.
Announced in a press release on August 17, 2026, the financing supports the newly launched 2026 Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The facility includes a $1.0 billion accordion feature, providing a potential total capacity of $3.0 billion. A syndicate of 13 financial institutions participated in the transaction, highlighting market support for FTAI’s strategy of pairing asset ownership with in-house engine maintenance capabilities.
Expanding the Strategic Capital portfolio
The 2026 SPV follows the deployment of FTAI’s inaugural vehicle, the 2025 SPV, which launched in October 2025. That initial vehicle raised $2.0 billion in equity commitments and has since committed approximately $6.0 billion across more than 300 aircraft.
Kallie Steffes, Head of Strategic Capital at FTAI Aviation, noted that the inaugural vehicle is now in its harvest phase and described the new financing as a continued execution of the company’s business plan.
“We are grateful to our lending partners, whose support reflects growing confidence in our platform as we carry this momentum and a robust pipeline of new acquisitions into the 2026 SPV,” Steffes stated in the release.
Financial performance and syndicate details
The launch of the 2026 SPV aligns with a period of revenue growth for the New York-based lessor. On July 29, 2026, FTAI reported second-quarter Aerospace Products revenue of $875.0 million, representing a 78 percent year-over-year increase. During that earnings report, the company confirmed the 2026 SPV had already begun making aircraft acquisition commitments.
The $2.0 billion facility was supported by a diverse banking syndicate. Participating institutions include ATLAS SP Partners, Deutsche Bank, Apple Bank, BNP Paribas, Citibank, Citizens Bank, Goldman Sachs, MUFG Bank, PNC Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Standard Chartered, Truist Bank, and U.S. Bank.
AirPro News analysis
We view FTAI Aviation’s rapid scaling of its Strategic Capital vehicles as a direct response to the sustained industry demand for mid-life narrowbody Commercial-Aircraft. With ongoing Supply-Chain constraints and Deliveries delays affecting new-generation Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo family aircraft, operators are extending the lives of their existing Boeing 737NG and Airbus A320ceo fleets. FTAI’s model of combining aircraft leasing with internal engine maintenance capabilities positions the company to capitalize on the high utilization rates of these mature platforms. Securing $5.5 billion in warehouse financing across two vehicles in less than 24 months underscores strong institutional confidence in this integrated aftermarket strategy.
Photo Credit: FTAI Aviation
Business Aviation
StandardAero Adds Bombardier Global MRO at Van Nuys Airport
StandardAero expands Van Nuys MRO capabilities to include Bombardier Global aircraft, covering airframe, avionics, engine, and structures services.
StandardAero has expanded its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) to include the Bombardier Global aircraft family, establishing a new comprehensive service hub for West Coast business aviation operators.
Announced in a press release on August 20, 2026, the expansion marks a diversification for the California facility, which has specialized in Gulfstream airframes for over 25 years. The addition targets a growing market segment, with StandardAero noting that more than 600 of the 1,200 delivered Bombardier Global aircraft currently operate in North-America.
Expanding capabilities at Van Nuys
The VNY facility is now equipped to support multiple variants within the Bombardier Global family, including the Bombardier Global Express, Bombardier Global Express XRS, Bombardier Global 5000, Bombardier Global 6000, and Bombardier Global 7500. Services offered encompass airframe, avionics, structures, and engine maintenance.
Prior to the official announcement, StandardAero had already commenced support for Bombardier Global operators at the location. Initial work scopes have included routine inspections, repair events, and the installation of SpaceX Starlink satellite communications systems on Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft.
“Our customers want a trusted maintenance partner that can support the entire aircraft. With airframe, avionics, engine, structures and interior capabilities all under one roof and across our network, we’re continuing to build that CompleteCare, comprehensive support solution for Global operators,” said Roland Scensnovic, Vice President and General Manager of StandardAero’s Van Nuys facility.
Engine support and network integration
A critical component of the expanded service offering is engine maintenance. As an authorized service center for Rolls-Royce, StandardAero is leveraging its VNY location to perform line maintenance on Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, which power the majority of the Bombardier Global fleet. This engine support is available both on-site at the airport and through the company’s Mobile Service Team (MST).
“Our Van Nuys site has decades of Gulfstream MRO experience, and we’re excited to enhance our service offering by adding another large cabin aircraft with the Global family by investing further in our current team and in tooling to support these aircraft,” stated Giovanni Spitale, President of StandardAero Business Aviation.
The Van Nuys expansion integrates with StandardAero’s broader network of business aviation facilities. The company also supports Bombardier Global aircraft at its Springfield, Illinois (SPI) location, which provides Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) and dedicated engineering services. The VNY facility itself holds certifications from the FAA, the EASA, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) of Mexico, and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).
AirPro News analysis
The integration of Bombardier Global services at Van Nuys represents a logical maturation of StandardAero’s West Coast strategy following its 2023 acquisition of Western Jet Aviation. Western Jet Aviation, founded at VNY in 1999, built its reputation almost exclusively on Gulfstream maintenance. By injecting capital into tooling and personnel to support the Bombardier Global family, StandardAero is maximizing the utility of its footprint at one of the busiest business aviation airports in the world.
For StandardAero, which began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SARO) in October 2024, expanding capabilities at existing facilities provides a clear path to revenue growth. Capturing maintenance events for ultra-long-range aircraft like the Bombardier Global 7500 requires significant technical investment, but it secures access to a high-margin operator base that demands comprehensive, single-stop service solutions.
Sources: StandardAero
Photo Credit: StandardAero
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