This article summarizes reporting by Business Airport International.

International Flight Center Debuts Luxury FBO Terminal at Miami Executive Airport

International Flight Center (IFC) has officially opened a new 10,500-square-foot luxury terminal at Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), marking the culmination of a significant multi-year expansion strategy. According to reporting by Business Airport International, the new facility is positioned to serve high-net-worth individuals and corporate flight departments traveling to one of the world’s busiest business aviation destinations.

The opening follows the 2024 debut of a massive hangar complex, solidifying IFC’s footprint on the southwest side of the airfield near the U.S. Customs office. As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, this expansion aims to address the critical demand for premium infrastructure in the South Florida market.

A Boutique Approach to Ground Handling

The newly constructed terminal replaces an older facility and is designed to offer a “boutique” experience that differentiates IFC from larger corporate chains. Business Airport International reports that the terminal features a contemporary lobby with warm tones and sleek accents, intended to provide a welcoming atmosphere for passengers and crew alike.

Key amenities incorporated into the new design include:

• Crew Comfort: Private “snooze rooms” with en-suite bathrooms to allow pilots to rest between flights.
• Business Capabilities: A 10-seat conference room equipped with full audio-visual technology.
• VIP Services: Dedicated guest lounges, a refreshment bar, and concierge services.

In addition to passenger services, the terminal houses an FAA Part 145 repair station, providing on-site maintenance capabilities that streamline operations for based and transient aircraft.

In a statement regarding the opening, Wilfredo Valle, President and Co-founder of IFC, emphasized the focus on customer experience:

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests to our new facility. Every detail has been meticulously planned to create the ultimate private flying experience…”

, Wilfredo Valle, President of IFC (via press release)

Infrastructure Expansion and Hangar Capacity

While the terminal serves as the front door for passengers, the operational core of the expansion is the hangar complex completed in 2024. Data from the International Flight Center indicates the complex totals 84,000 square feet, divided into three separate 28,000-square-foot hangars.

These facilities were specifically engineered to accommodate ultra-long-range business jets, such as the Bombardier Global 8000. The hangars feature 28-foot high doors and foam-free fire suppression systems, addressing modern safety and size requirements. With this addition, IFC now manages approximately 550,000 square feet (over 12.5 acres) of ramp space, providing substantial parking capacity for transient aircraft.

AirPro News analysis

The expansion of International Flight Center comes at a pivotal moment for the South Florida aviation market. Miami Executive Airport (KTMB) serves as a primary reliever for Miami International Airport (MIA), absorbing a high volume of private traffic that seeks to avoid commercial congestion. However, the region has historically faced a severe shortage of hangar space capable of housing large-cabin jets like Gulfstreams and Globals.

By adding 84,000 square feet of hangarage, IFC is directly targeting this supply gap. Furthermore, the move strengthens IFC’s competitive position against established rivals at KTMB, including Signature Flight Support and Reliance Aviation. While competitors leverage global network scale, IFC appears to be betting on a “family-owned” and “boutique” service model to attract operators who prefer personalized attention over corporate standardization.

Strategic Partnerships and History

Founded in the mid-1980s, IFC is a family-owned business that has operated at KTMB for four decades. The company maintains a strategic partnership with Avfuel, operating as an Avfuel-branded FBO. This allows them to offer contract fuel and loyalty rewards, which remain significant drawcards for flight departments managing operating costs.

Joe Taravella, a Regional Manager for Avfuel, commented on the long-term vision of the Valle family in a public statement:

“It isn’t often you are able to see someone accomplish a lifelong dream. Watching the Valle family bring this beautiful FBO to life has been inspiring.”

, Joe Taravella, Avfuel Regional Manager

The owners also operate sister companies Corporate Air Charter and Propel Aviation, creating a vertically integrated service environment that includes charter, maintenance, and sales alongside the new FBO terminal.

Sources

Sources: Business Airport International, International Flight Center

This article is based on an official press release from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. and verified industry data.

Pilatus Delivers First PC-12 Pro, Launching New Era for Turboprop Market

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has officially commenced deliveries of its latest flagship single-engine turboprop, the PC-12 Pro. The Swiss manufacturer celebrated the first global handover on September 30, 2025, at its headquarters in Stans, Switzerland. The launch customer, Australian businessman and former HP Inc. CEO Dion Weisler, accepted the aircraft before embarking on a transcontinental ferry flight to his home in South Australia.

According to the company’s announcement, this delivery marks a significant milestone for the PC-12 program, introducing the new Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite and enhanced safety features to the market. Following this initial handover, Pilatus quickly expanded deliveries to commercial operators in Europe and private owners in the United States, signaling a robust rollout for the updated airframe.

A Historic Ferry Flight

The delivery event in Stans served as the starting point for an extensive demonstration of the aircraft’s capabilities. Immediately following the handover, Weisler piloted the new aircraft, his fourth PC-12, on a journey spanning approximately 10,000 nautical miles. The route included stops in Crete, the Middle East, India, Malaysia, and Bali, before concluding in Adelaide, South Australia.

The 41-hour mission highlighted the long-range utility of the PC-12 Pro. In a statement released by Pilatus, Weisler expressed his enthusiasm for the new model’s performance during the long haul home.

“It was an incredible learning opportunity to fly your own aircraft home over such a vast distance… The PC-12 Pro is the result of listening, learning, and delivering.”

, Dion Weisler, Launch Customer

Expanding the Fleet: Commercial and U.S. Debuts

While the Weisler delivery marked the global debut, Pilatus achieved two additional regional milestones shortly thereafter. On October 6, 2025, Haute Aviation became the first commercial operator to take delivery of the PC-12 Pro. Based in Gstaad and Zurich, Haute Aviation previously operated the PC-12 NGX and will now offer the Pro model for charter services.

In the United States, the first delivery occurred on November 4, 2025, at the Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd. facility in Broomfield, Colorado. The aircraft was handed over to private owners Ravi and Pheroza Arcot. This delivery was particularly notable as it marked a resumption of activity following trade complexities earlier in the year.

Technical Spotlight: The PC-12 Pro

Unveiled in March 2025, the PC-12 Pro succeeds the NGX model, retaining the airframe’s renowned versatility while overhauling the pilot interface. The most significant upgrade is the integration of the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, replacing the Honeywell Primus Apex system found in previous generations.

Key Specifications and Safety Features

According to manufacturer specifications, the PC-12 Pro includes several advanced systems designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety:

• Autoland: A system capable of automatically landing the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated.
• Smart Glide: Technology that assists pilots in gliding to the nearest airport in the event of engine power loss.
• Performance: The aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 290 KTAS (537 km/h) and a range of 1,830 nautical miles (3,389 km).
• Powerplant: It is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-67XP engine, which features an Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System (EPECS) and a now-standard autothrottle.

AirPro News Analysis

The arrival of the PC-12 Pro comes at a critical juncture for the single-engine turboprop market. By adopting the Garmin G3000 PRIME suite, Pilatus has aligned its cockpit philosophy more closely with competitors like the Daher TBM 960, potentially neutralizing a long-standing differentiator for pilots who preferred Garmin interfaces over the Honeywell systems used in the PC-12 NG/NGX.

Furthermore, the timing of the U.S. delivery to the Arcot family is significant. The transaction occurred shortly after a challenging period involving a 39% tariff on Swiss exports imposed by the U.S. administration in mid-2025. The successful delivery in November suggests that Pilatus and its customers are navigating the new trade environment, though the long-term impact of these tariffs on U.S. order volume remains a key metric to watch.

Environmentally, the certification of the PC-12 Pro for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) positions the aircraft well within an industry increasingly focused on carbon reduction, ensuring its relevance as corporate sustainability mandates tighten.

Sources:

• Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

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

• Gulfstream Aerospace Press Release