This article is based on an official press release from Textron Aviation.

Textron Aviation has announced the rollout of a new Gogo 5G connectivity upgrade for a wide range of its Cessna Citation business jets. The aftermarket solution aims to provide operators and passengers with faster internet speeds, lower latency, and enhanced in-cabin WiFi performance.

According to a company press release, the upgrade is now available following the issuance of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the FAA. Customers can opt to install a brand-new AVANCE Gogo 5G system or upgrade their existing AVANCE hardware at domestic Textron Aviation Service Centers.

The move highlights a growing industry demand for robust inflight digital experiences, ensuring that business aircraft remain fully equipped for modern connectivity needs.

Supported Aircraft and Future Expansion

The newly certified Gogo 5G upgrade covers a substantial portion of the Cessna Citation fleet. Textron Aviation confirmed that the aftermarket solution is currently offered for the Citation Longitude, X+, X, Sovereign+, Sovereign, Latitude, XLS Gen2, XLS+, XLS, and Excel models.

In response to customer feedback, the manufacturers is also preparing to extend these capabilities to additional light jet models. The company noted in its release that Gogo 5G availability will soon expand to the Cessna Citation CJ4, CJ3+, and CJ3, pending the issuance of further FAA STCs.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience

The Gogo 5G system is purpose-built for business aviation, designed to handle the data-intensive tasks that modern travelers expect. The system facilitates seamless video streaming, cloud-based application access, and uninterrupted video conferencing, supporting multiple connected devices simultaneously throughout the cabin.

To achieve this, the hardware utilizes an advanced dual-band router that significantly improves cabin WiFi performance. Additionally, dynamic data management tools are integrated to optimize bandwidth, ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience during flight.

“Reliable, high-speed connectivity is essential for today’s operators, whether they’re conducting business in flight or supporting passengers who expect a seamless digital experience. Expanding 5G capability across our fleet reinforces our commitment to investing in technologies that elevate the ownership experience and ensure our aircraft remain leading tools for business and travel.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the integration of 5G networks into business aviation is rapidly transitioning from a luxury to a baseline expectation. As corporate travelers increasingly rely on cloud computing and real-time video communications, manufacturers like Textron Aviation are compelled to keep their legacy and current-production fleets technologically competitive.

By leveraging Gogo’s multi-orbit, multi-band technology, Textron Aviation is ensuring that its extensive global fleet, supported by a network of more than 300 authorized service facilities and over 40 mobile service units, maintains its value proposition in a highly competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Cessna Citation models are currently eligible for the Gogo 5G upgrade?

Currently, the upgrade is available for the Citation Longitude, X+, X, Sovereign+, Sovereign, Latitude, XLS Gen2, XLS+, XLS, and Excel.

Where can operators get the Gogo 5G system installed?

According to the press release, installations and upgrades for the AVANCE Gogo 5G system can be completed at domestic Textron Aviation Service Centers.

Will the upgrade be available for the Citation CJ series?

Yes, Textron Aviation plans to expand availability to the Citation CJ4, CJ3+, and CJ3 in the near future, pending FAA certification.

Sources

• Textron Aviation

This article is based on an official press release from Daher Aircraft.

At the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, Daher Aircraft announced a significant expansion of its distributor network. According to an official press release issued on April 14, 2026, Columbia Aircraft Sales and Columbia Air Services will now provide sales and full-service support for the Kodiak airplane family across the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.

Columbia has been a cornerstone of Daher’s global network since 1990, holding the distinction of being the very first authorized distributor for the TBM aircraft line. By adding the Kodiak 100 and Kodiak 900 to its portfolio, Columbia is broadening its offerings to include rugged, multi-mission utility Commercial-Aircraft.

To support this expanded portfolio, Columbia is scaling its physical infrastructure, highlighted by a new facility in Martinsburg, West Virginia, which will complement its long-standing headquarters in Groton, Connecticut.

Expanding the Kodiak Footprint in North America

A Legacy Partnership Evolves

The new agreement grants Columbia Aircraft Sales and Columbia Air Services the rights to sell and service the Kodiak family across a vast territory encompassing Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. According to company background materials, Columbia also continues to cover Eastern Canada for the TBM line.

“Expanding our relationship with Daher to include the Kodiak is a natural progression for us,” said Melissa Düzgüner, the CEO and Director of Sales at Columbia Aircraft Sales and Columbia Air Services. “We’ve built a strong foundation supporting the TBM for decades, and we’re excited to bring this same level of service and commitment to Kodiak operators.”

Comprehensive Service and Float Certification

Beyond sales, Columbia Air Services is authorized to provide comprehensive factory support for both Kodiak and TBM aircraft. According to the company’s announcement, this includes MRO services, avionics upgrades, and parts support. Notably, Columbia is currently in the process of adding float certification to its FAA Part 145 approval, a move that will enable full support for Kodiak aircraft operating on water.

Infrastructure Investment and Aircraft Deliveries

The Martinsburg Expansion

To accommodate the growing fleet of TBMs and the newly integrated Kodiak line, Columbia is expanding its operational footprint. The company’s Groton, Connecticut headquarters (KGON) currently features two hangars of approximately 12,000 square feet each, alongside offices, ramp space, and a full-service avionics shop.

Complementing the Groton campus is a newly established operation in Martinsburg, West Virginia (KMRB). The press release notes that this facility features approximately 19,000 square feet of hangar space within a larger 24,000-square-foot complex. To ensure continuity of service, Andrew Benoff, formerly the Service Manager at Groton, has been appointed as the Regional Director of Maintenance for the Martinsburg site, and a dedicated sales representative has relocated to provide an on-site presence.

Initial Kodiak Deliveries

Columbia Aircraft Sales has already taken Delivery of its initial Kodiak aircraft from Daher, a Kodiak 100 Series III. The company expects to receive the first of Daher’s larger, faster Kodiak 900 models later in 2026.

“Columbia Aircraft Sales and Columbia Air Services have consistently set the standard for TBM customers, which is fully aligned with our strategy of delivering long-term value for the growing base of Kodiak and TBM owners/operators,” stated Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher Aircraft. “Adding the ‘go anywhere’ Kodiak multi-mission product line to its portfolio builds on this – pairing our highly capable utility aircraft with a Network partner defined by expertise, reliability and strong customer relationships.”

AirPro News analysis

We view this expansion as a highly strategic synergy for both Daher and Columbia. By leveraging its most trusted, legacy TBM partner, Daher is pushing the Kodiak deeper into the North-America market following its 2019 acquisition of Quest Aircraft. For Columbia, offering both the TBM and the Kodiak creates a highly diversified portfolio. The TBM serves as a sleek, high-altitude executive transport, whereas the unpressurized Kodiak, capable of taking off in under 1,000 feet, acts as a rugged utility vehicle for backcountry and humanitarian missions. Furthermore, Columbia’s investment in the Martinsburg facility and its pursuit of Part 145 float certification demonstrate a long-term commitment to the specialized aftermarket MRO needs of Kodiak operators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What aircraft models are included in the new agreement?
Columbia Aircraft Sales will now offer sales and support for the Kodiak 100 (Series III) and the Kodiak 900, in addition to its existing TBM portfolio.

Where are Columbia Air Services’ primary facilities located?
The company operates its headquarters at the Groton-New London Airport (KGON) in Connecticut and has recently expanded with a new facility at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport (KMRB) in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Can Columbia service Kodiak aircraft equipped with floats?
Columbia is currently in the process of adding float certification to its FAA Part 145 approval, which will soon allow them to provide full support for Kodiak aircraft operating on water.

Sources: Daher Aircraft Press Release

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

SkyShare, a private aviation company offering fractional ownership, charter, and aircraft management, has been selected to operate the full-service fixed-base operator (FBO) at South Valley Regional Airports (SVR) in West Jordan, Utah. The agreement with the Salt Lake City Department of Airports also tasks SkyShare with leading real estate development at the airfield.

Located in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley, South Valley Regional Airport serves as a general aviation reliever facility. The airport offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to larger commercial hubs like Salt Lake City International Airport, while maintaining close proximity to downtown Salt Lake City.

In a company statement, SkyShare emphasized that the move is aimed at enhancing the aviation ecosystem for local operators. “This is about improving the experience for pilots, tenants, and everyone who chooses to fly differently,” the company stated.

Addressing the Hangar Shortage and FBO Upgrades

The new agreement grants SkyShare oversight of hangar and office leasing across approximately 650,000 square feet of airport property. This footprint includes existing T-hangars, community hangar space, and office facilities.

According to industry reports and company statements, the Salt Lake City area has experienced a significant shortage of hangar space, with some aircraft owners waiting more than four years for availability. To combat this bottleneck, SkyShare plans to begin construction this year on 50 new T-hangars and a large community box hangar.

The FBO itself will undergo a comprehensive remodel. Once completed, the upgraded facility will offer executive services including Jet A and AvGas fueling, ground power, lavatory services, overnight hangar options, maintenance support, and concierge services for both passengers and flight crews. Rebranding and renovations are expected to begin shortly, with a grand opening targeted for the fall of 2026.

A Homecoming for SkyShare’s Leadership

For SkyShare Founder and CEO Cory Bengtzen, the new operational role at South Valley Regional Airport carries personal significance. The airport, which features a 5,862-foot runway capable of accommodating super-midsize jets, is where Bengtzen’s aviation journey began.

“South Valley Regional isn’t just another airport to me. It’s where I learned to fly and earned my Private-Jets certificate more than 20 years ago. It’s where I kept my first airplane. Being part of its future is incredibly meaningful. This truly feels like coming home.”

Bengtzen shared these remarks in an expanded official press release regarding the acquisition.

The expansion into FBO operations at SVR aligns with SkyShare’s broader strategy to provide fully integrated aviation solutions. Founded in 2009, the Utah-based company has steadily grown its portfolio to include fractional ownership, brokerage, and aircraft management.

AirPro News analysis

We note that SkyShare’s takeover of the South Valley Regional Airport FBO highlights a growing trend of private aviation companies vertically integrating their services. By controlling the FBO and expanding hangar capacity, SkyShare can directly alleviate infrastructure bottlenecks that often frustrate aircraft owners and charter operators. Furthermore, investing in a reliever airport like SVR strategically positions the company to capture overflow traffic from the increasingly busy Salt Lake City International Airport, providing a streamlined alternative for business and private flyers in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is South Valley Regional Airport located?

South Valley Regional Airport (SVR) is located in West Jordan, Utah, approximately 10 miles south of Salt Lake City International Airport.

What services will SkyShare provide at the new FBO?

SkyShare will offer full executive FBO services, including Jet A and AvGas fueling, ground power, lavatory services, overnight hangar options, maintenance support, and concierge services.

When will the new SkyShare FBO open?

Renovations and rebranding are expected to begin shortly, with a grand opening planned for the fall of 2026.

Sources: SkyShare