This article is based on an official press release from the City of San Antonio.

San Antonio International Airport Advances $2.5 Billion Expansion with Key Infrastructure Briefings

On January 28, 2026, officials from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) presented a series of critical infrastructure and design briefings to the San Antonio City Council. These updates mark a significant step forward in the airport’s $2.5 billion “Elevate/SAT” capital improvement program, which aims to transform the facility by 2028.

According to the official press release from the City of San Antonio, the briefings focused on three specific initiatives: airfield safety enhancements, the rehabilitation of existing Terminals A and B, and a new centralized receiving center. These projects are designed to support the construction of the new Terminal C, which broke ground in December 2024, ensuring that the airport’s existing infrastructure can handle projected passenger growth.

The session provided the City Council with “post-solicitation” updates on design contracts for the airfield and terminal renovations, as well as a “pre-solicitation” overview of the proposed logistics center. These developments underscore the city’s commitment to modernizing its aviation gateway as passenger numbers are expected to reach 15 million annually over the next two decades.

Airfield Safety and Terminal Modernization

The briefings detailed two major programs where design partners have already been selected. These projects are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring a cohesive passenger experience across the airport.

Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP)

The first briefing covered the Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP). City officials confirmed that a design firm has been selected to lead this initiative, which focuses on bringing the airport’s runway and taxiway systems into compliance with the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

A primary component of this program is the reconstruction of Runway 13L-31R and its associated taxiways. According to the briefing details, the selected firm will advance the project design from 30% to 100% completion between 2026 and 2030. The City of San Antonio emphasized that this work is being coordinated with an ongoing environmental review process.

“This design effort is being advanced in coordination with the ongoing FAA-led National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)… ensuring that no final construction decisions are made until the NEPA EIS process is completed.”

, City of San Antonio Press Release (January 28, 2026)

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Terminal A and B Reconfiguration

The second major update focused on the Terminal A and B Reconfiguration and Rehabilitation Program (TABRR). With the new Terminal C set to open in Summer 2028, airport officials are prioritizing renovations for the existing terminals to prevent a disparity in facility quality.

An architectural firm has been selected to oversee these renovations, which will include upgrades to hold rooms, restrooms, and finishes. The goal is to align the aesthetic and operational standards of Terminals A and B with the river-inspired design of the upcoming Terminal C. The timeline for these renovations is synchronized with the Terminal C opening, ensuring a unified airport experience by 2028.

Logistics and Future Operations

In addition to the design contracts, the City Council received a pre-solicitation briefing regarding a new logistics facility intended to streamline airport operations.

Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC)

The proposed Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC) aims to enhance security and reduce congestion by creating a single point of entry for commercial goods. Currently, delivery vehicles for airport concessions navigate various entry points; the new facility will centralize screening and logistics before goods are transported to the secure “airside” environment.

According to the presentation, the airport plans to solicit a third-party operator to manage this facility, which will include temperature-controlled storage and security screening capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve operational safety as the airport expands its footprint.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to run the Terminal A and B rehabilitation concurrently with the construction of Terminal C is a strategic necessity for San Antonio. In many airport expansions, older terminals are often neglected, creating a “tale of two airports” experience where passengers on one airline enjoy modern amenities while others face aging infrastructure. By aligning the completion of the TABRR program with the opening of Terminal C in Summer 2028, SAT is mitigating this risk.

Furthermore, the timeline for the airfield improvements, stretching into 2030, suggests that while the passenger-facing transformation will be largely complete by 2028, the operational backbone of the airport will continue to evolve. This phased approach allows the airport to maintain capacity during the critical construction years while preparing for the long-term projection of 15 million annual passengers.

Broader Context: The Elevate/SAT Master Plan

These specific briefings sit within the context of the massive “Elevate/SAT” program. The centerpiece of this plan is the new 17-gate Terminal C, designed by Corgan and Lake|Flato, which will add up to 850,000 square feet of space. Additionally, a new Ground Transportation Center is scheduled for completion in late 2027.

Data presented during the briefings indicates that the expansion is expected to create over 16,000 jobs and generate billions in economic impact for the region. With passenger traffic having already surpassed pre-pandemic levels (over 10 million in 2019), these infrastructure investments are critical for San Antonio’s connectivity and economic growth.

Sources

Sources: City of San Antonio

Jazz Aviation to Close Halifax Flight Attendant Base in 2026

Jazz Aviation, a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation and a key operator for Air Canada Express, has announced it will close its flight attendant base at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. According to reporting by CBC News, the closure is scheduled for March 1, 2026, and will affect 51 employees currently stationed in the city.

The decision marks a significant shift in the operational structure of regional aviation in Atlantic Canada. While Jazz Aviation’s corporate headquarters and heavy maintenance facilities will remain in Halifax, the crew base closure reflects a broader strategy to realign resources with a reduced flight schedule. This move coincides with a similar announcement from Porter Airlines, which plans to close its own crew bases in Halifax and Thunder Bay later in 2026.

Operational Changes and Employee Impact

The closure of the Halifax base is driven by a reduction in Jazz Aviation’s commercial flying out of the airport. CBC News reports that Jazz currently operates only one daily commercial flight from Halifax, serving the Ottawa route. As a result, the company stated that the base closure is necessary to “better align crew resources with the flying schedule.”

Workforce Transitions

The 51 flight attendants affected by this decision have been offered options under their collective agreement with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union (CFAU). According to the data provided in the report:

• 30 employees have elected to transfer to other Jazz bases located in Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto.
• 21 employees have opted to accept severance packages and leave the company.

This high transfer rate suggests a willingness among the workforce to relocate to major hubs to maintain their employment, a trend often seen in the aviation industry during consolidation efforts.

Context: A Shifting Regional Landscape

The reduction of Jazz Aviation’s presence in Halifax is closely tied to Air Canada’s evolving regional strategy. Over recent years, Air Canada has increasingly relied on PAL Airlines to operate regional routes within Atlantic Canada. PAL Airlines, which maintains an active crew base in Halifax, now operates the majority of regional connections, such as flights to Sydney, Charlottetown, and Fredericton, utilizing Dash 8-400 aircraft.

Porter Airlines Follows Suit

In a parallel development reported alongside the Jazz announcement, Porter Airlines confirmed it will close its crew bases in Halifax and Thunder Bay in May 2026. This decision affects approximately 60 crew members, including pilots and flight attendants. Porter cited a “transformative growth plan” focused on consolidating operations at its major hubs in Toronto and Ottawa.

Airport Authority Reaction

Despite the departure of these crew bases, the Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) has sought to reassure the public regarding service levels. In a statement to CBC News, HIAA spokesperson Leah Batstone emphasized that base closures do not equate to route cancellations.

“Both airlines have indicated they plan to expand seat capacity in Halifax in 2026.”

, Leah Batstone, HIAA Spokesperson (via CBC News)

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Industry Perspective

Aviation experts view these moves as part of a larger trend toward hub consolidation. John Gradek, an aviation expert cited in the reporting, noted that major carriers are increasingly positioning subsidiaries like Jazz to serve high-volume markets (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver). Meanwhile, smaller regional markets are being transferred to partners with lower cost structures or more specialized regional focuses, such as PAL Airlines.

AirPro News Analysis

The simultaneous withdrawal of crew bases by both Jazz and Porter signals a maturation of the “hub-and-spoke” model in Canadian aviation. For decades, regional bases were essential for logistical support. However, as aircraft range increases and scheduling software becomes more sophisticated, airlines are finding it more cost-effective to loop crews through major hubs rather than housing them in spoke cities.

While this improves balance sheet efficiency for the airlines, it represents a blow to the local aviation economy in Halifax. The loss of over 100 combined crew positions (between Jazz and Porter) removes high-quality jobs from the region, forcing skilled workers to migrate to central or western Canada to advance their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will flights from Halifax be cancelled?

No. Both Jazz Aviation and Porter Airlines have indicated that flight schedules and passenger capacity will not be negatively impacted. The changes relate to where crews start and end their shifts, not where planes fly.

Is Jazz Aviation leaving Halifax entirely?

No. Jazz Aviation’s corporate headquarters, operations center, and heavy maintenance facility remain in Halifax. The closure specifically applies to the flight attendant crew base.

Why is Air Canada using PAL Airlines instead of Jazz?

Air Canada has expanded its commercial partnership with PAL Airlines to cover many regional Atlantic routes. This allows Air Canada to maintain connectivity using PAL’s infrastructure, while shifting Jazz resources to larger, higher-density markets.

Sources

• CBC News
• Chorus Aviation
• Air Canada
• Canadian Flight Attendant Union

This article is based on an official press release from Willis Towers Watson (WTW).

On January 27, 2026, Willis, a division of Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WTW), announced its official return to the light and recreational general aviation market. This strategic move marks the end of a 30-year hiatus from the sector and is designed to close a gap in the company’s global aviation portfolio.

According to the company’s announcement, the re-entry is enabled by the arrival of a specialist team from Crispin Speers & Partners (CSP). This expansion allows Willis to offer a comprehensive suite of insurance products ranging from major airline coverage down to individual recreational risks, effectively creating a “one-stop” shop for aviation clients of all sizes.

Closing the Portfolio Gap

Willis exited the light general aviation market in the mid-1990s, a period characterized by a global liability crisis that made the sector structurally unprofitable for many major brokers. By returning in 2026, the company aims to recapture this segment by leveraging modern technology and specialized expertise.

John Rooley, Head of Global Aviation and Space at Willis, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion in the company’s press statement:

“Our re-entry into the light and recreational general aviation sector closes a long-standing gap in Willis’s portfolio, enabling the delivery of an A-Z suite of insurance solutions. Clients can now benefit from a seamless, one-stop approach for all their aviation insurance requirements.”

Scope of New Offerings

The newly formed unit will focus on a wide variety of light aircraft and recreational risks. According to the press release, the expanded coverage capabilities now include:

• Microlights and gliders
• Hot air balloons
• Light fixed-wing aircraft
• Commercial Drones (UAVs)

In addition to hull and liability coverage for the aircraft themselves, Willis stated that the new offering includes commercial insurance solutions for non-aviation risk exposures tailored to these specific clients. This holistic approach is intended to service the full spectrum of a client’s needs, rather than isolating the aviation risk.

The Role of Technology and Expertise

A key enabler of this market re-entry is the integration of the team from Crispin Speers & Partners. The light aviation sector is often characterized by high transaction volumes and lower individual premiums compared to the airline market. To manage this profitably, efficiency is required.

Willis noted that the incoming team brings “established, turnkey services” underpinned by technology designed for the “prompt and efficient handling of a large volume business offering.” This technological infrastructure allows the brokerage to service thousands of smaller policies without the administrative bottlenecks that historically plagued the sector.

Historical Context

The return of a major player like Willis to the light general aviation market signals a shift in the sector’s stability. During the 1990s, escalating product liability costs and unpredictable jury awards in the United States forced many insurers and brokers to withdraw. The current market landscape, while still facing inflationary pressures on parts and labor, has stabilized enough to attract major capital back into the fold.

AirPro News Analysis

While the return to recreational aviation is significant, the explicit inclusion of “commercial drones” in the new portfolio suggests a forward-looking Strategy. The general aviation sector is no longer limited to hobbyists in gliders; it now encompasses the rapidly growing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) economy.

By securing a team capable of handling high-volume, tech-enabled underwriting, Willis appears to be positioning itself not just for the traditional light aircraft market, but for the burgeoning commercial drone sector. This area requires the exact type of low-friction, high-volume policy management that the new CSP team brings to the table.

Sources

• Willis Towers Watson Press Release