Business Aviation
NBAA SDC2026 Highlights Schedulers’ Role in FAA SMS Compliance
SDC2026 focuses on integrating schedulers and dispatchers into business aviation safety ahead of the FAA’s May 2027 SMS mandate.
As the business aviation sector prepares for the upcoming NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2026) in Cleveland, Ohio, from March 24 to 26, 2026, a significant cultural shift is taking center stage. Flight departments are increasingly recognizing that schedulers and dispatchers (S&Ds) are no longer strictly administrative personnel. Instead, they are vital components of a proactive safety culture, serving as the initial checkpoint for risk mitigation long before a pilot steps onto the tarmac.
According to reporting by NBAA’s Business Aviation Insider, this evolution is being heavily accelerated by looming regulatory deadlines. With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandating formalized Safety Management Systems (SMS) for a broader swath of operators, industry consultants and veteran schedulers are urging aviation directors to fully integrate their scheduling teams into safety protocols.
We are seeing a concerted industry push to dismantle the traditional silos between the front office and the flight line. By leveraging the unique, objective vantage point of S&Ds, flight departments can identify logistical friction, manage crew fatigue, and coordinate maintenance with a higher degree of precision and Safety.
To understand the urgency surrounding SDC2026, operators must look to recent regulatory changes. On April 26, 2024, the FAA published a final rule requiring all Part 135 operators, Part 91.147 air tour operators, and specific Part 21 certificate holders to implement a formalized SMS. According to FAA documentation, the strict deadline to submit a declaration of compliance is May 28, 2027.
Because SDC2026 takes place just 14 months prior to this critical deadline, SMS implementation is a primary focus for attendees. Operators are realizing that a compliant and effective SMS requires participation from every level of the organization, not just pilots and mechanics.
Historically, the integration of S&Ds into safety frameworks has been severely lacking. Research from Pepperdine University, previously presented at NBAA events, revealed that only about 5 percent of Part 91 schedulers and dispatchers served on their company’s safety committees. This historical gap highlights a missed opportunity in proactive hazard identification.
Industry experts cited by NBAA emphasize that leaving S&Ds out of the safety equation limits an operator’s ability to catch errors early. The current industry initiative aims to close this gap, transforming dispatchers from reactive logistical coordinators into proactive safety stakeholders. Trained S&Ds contribute to SMS through rigorous pre-flight risk mitigation. According to NBAA’s Business Aviation Insider, dispatchers frequently utilize a company’s Flight Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) to evaluate itineraries well in advance. They assess destination airport suitability, including aircraft weight limits and runway requirements, and can proactively adjust departure times to avoid hazardous temperature or density altitude conditions.
“Quite often, the first line of defense when a trip is in the planning stages, these non-flying aviation professionals must identify potential hazards…”
Beyond weather and routing, S&Ds play a crucial role in maintenance coordination and crew fatigue management. When unexpected maintenance arises, such as an overnight part replacement, schedulers work directly with the Director of Maintenance to ensure adequate, qualified personnel are available. This coordination ensures that critical work receives “two sets of eyes,” a fundamental SMS principle.
Furthermore, S&Ds manage safety-critical compliance daily. They monitor crew duty and rest times, ensuring strict adherence to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), which directly mitigates the risks associated with pilot fatigue.
“…sometimes the S&Ds can have a slightly more objective view of what took place and the timeline around the situation than those on-site.”
Best-in-class flight departments are adopting new best practices to ensure S&Ds are fully equipped to participate in SMS. According to industry reports, companies are now providing every employee, including scheduling staff, with individual logins to their SMS software. This allows S&Ds to file objective incident reports and document operational hazards without relying on pilots to do so.
Additionally, operators like M&N Aviation are incorporating recurrent SMS training for S&Ds into their annual Emergency Response Plan drills. James Lara, Principal at Gray Stone Advisors, noted in the NBAA report that schedulers must be licensed and trained to perform risk mitigation.
“They must be considered an essential part of the flight operation’s safety culture.”
To support this cultural shift, technological integration is a major theme at SDC2026. New mobile-first trip planning platforms, such as UAS International Trip Support’s GTMx, are being showcased to the industry. These platforms consolidate real-time trip status, weather data, NOTAMs, and scheduling systems into a single interface. By moving away from fragmented email chains, S&Ds can collaborate more effectively on workflows and identify safety hazards in real time.
We observe that the looming 2027 FAA mandate is forcing a long-overdue modernization of business aviation workflows. The historical marginalization of schedulers and dispatchers as mere “office staff” has cost operators both financially and operationally. By investing in formal SMS training for S&Ds, flight departments are not just checking a regulatory box; they are generating a tangible return on investment. Catching logistical, weather, or maintenance issues during the planning phase prevents grounded flights, reduces AOG (Aircraft on Ground) expenses, and ultimately safeguards human life. The transition showcased at SDC2026 indicates that the industry is finally recognizing that safety begins at the dispatcher’s desk.
The FAA requires all Part 135 operators, Part 91.147 air tour operators, and certain Part 21 certificate holders to submit a declaration of SMS compliance by May 28, 2027. Schedulers and dispatchers act as the first line of defense by utilizing Flight Risk Assessment Tools (FRAT), managing crew fatigue and duty times, coordinating maintenance personnel, and filing objective hazard reports through company SMS software.
Taking place in March 2026, SDC2026 occurs just 14 months before the FAA’s SMS compliance deadline, making it a critical venue for operators to learn best practices for integrating their scheduling teams into their safety cultures.
Sources:
The Regulatory Clock and Historical Gaps
The May 2027 FAA Mandate
Overcoming Historical Silos
How Schedulers and Dispatchers Drive Safety
Proactive Risk Mitigation
Maintenance and Fatigue Management
Integrating S&Ds into the Safety Culture
Universal Access and Training
Technological Advancements at SDC2026
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAA SMS mandate deadline for Part 135 operators?
How do schedulers and dispatchers contribute to an SMS?
Why is SDC2026 significant for SMS implementation?
Photo Credit: NBAA
Business Aviation
Apollo Nears $10 Billion Deal for KKR’s Atlantic Aviation Stake
Apollo Global Management is set to acquire a majority stake in Atlantic Aviation from KKR, valuing the FBO network at nearly $10 billion.
This article summarizes reporting by Bloomberg and journalists David Carnevali and Ryan Gould.
Apollo Global Management is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Atlantic Aviation from KKR & Co. According to reporting by Bloomberg, the prospective transaction would place a massive valuation on the fixed-base operator (FBO) network. As noted in the original report, the firms are nearing:
…a transaction that would value the private jet fixed-base operator at almost $10 billion…
The potential deal highlights the continued surge of institutional capital into aviation infrastructure. Supplementary industry research indicates that Apollo is partnering with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, GIC Pte, to execute the buyout. Meanwhile, KKR is not fully exiting the business; the firm reportedly plans to reinvest and maintain a significant minority stake in the company.
If finalized, an official announcement could arrive as early as the first week of April 2026. However, sources caution that KKR retains the option to walk away from the negotiations and hold onto the asset.
Atlantic Aviation operates one of the largest FBO networks globally, providing essential ground handling, fueling, and corporate flight support for private and business aviation. Under the leadership of CEO Jeff Foland, the company has grown its footprint to over 100 campuses across North America and the Caribbean.
This growth has been accelerated by a string of recent acquisitions. In late 2025, Atlantic expanded its reach by acquiring the ExecuJet FBO in St. Maarten, Cedar Aviation Services in Bermuda, and the Jet Center at Santa Fe in New Mexico, alongside a new location at Glacier Park International Airport in Montana.
KKR originally acquired Atlantic Aviation from Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation in the fourth quarter of 2021. At the time, KKR paid $4.475 billion, representing a 16.2 multiple of the company’s 2019 EBITDA, for a network that consisted of 69 locations.
Based on the reported $10 billion valuation, KKR has effectively doubled the value of its investment in less than five years. The decision to roll over equity suggests that KKR continues to see substantial long-term upside in the FBO market. The appeal of FBO networks to private equity and sovereign wealth funds lies in their infrastructure-like characteristics. These assets offer high barriers to entry, consistent cash flows, and a captive customer base. This trend was previously underscored by the 2021 acquisitions of Atlantic’s primary rival, Signature Aviation, by Blackstone and Global Infrastructure Partners for $4.7 billion.
Beyond traditional private jet services, Atlantic Aviation has aggressively positioned itself at the forefront of the electric aviation revolution. In January 2025, the company acquired Ferrovial Vertiports, subsequently rebranding it as VertiPorts by Atlantic.
This strategic move aims to build out the necessary infrastructure for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Atlantic has forged partnerships with leading eVTOL developers, including Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Lilium. The company is currently upgrading utility infrastructure and installing charging stations at major hubs, such as New York City’s East 34th Street Heliport, to prepare for the commercial launch of regional air mobility services.
We view this potential $10 billion transaction as a defining moment for aviation infrastructure. The involvement of heavyweight alternative asset managers like Apollo, KKR, and GIC underscores a broader macroeconomic trend: the deployment of billions into physical, inflation-resistant assets.
Furthermore, the valuation reflects more than just the traditional FBO business model. It represents a calculated bet on the future of transportation. By integrating eVTOL infrastructure into its existing network, Atlantic Aviation is future-proofing its operations and establishing itself as a critical player in the impending rollout of electric air taxis.
Who is buying Atlantic Aviation? How much is Atlantic Aviation valued at in this deal? Is KKR selling its entire stake?
The Evolution of Atlantic Aviation
A Lucrative Return for KKR
Infrastructure and the Future of Flight
Pioneering Advanced Air Mobility
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Apollo Global Management, in partnership with Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte, is reportedly acquiring a majority stake.
According to Bloomberg, the transaction values the company at almost $10 billion.
No, industry reports indicate KKR plans to reinvest and retain a significant minority ownership position.Sources
Photo Credit: Atlantic Aviation
Business Aviation
Daher Delivers 10th TBM 980 with Advanced Garmin Avionics
Daher Aircraft delivers the 10th TBM 980 in the US, featuring Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics and enhanced safety systems for high-performance turboprop operations.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher Aircraft.
On March 30, 2026, Daher Aircraft announced the delivery of a new TBM 980 to Dr. Ian Blair Fries, marking the 10th aircraft of this new model to arrive in the United States since its official unveiling on January 15. According to the company’s press release, the delivery follows a transatlantic ferry flight from Daher’s headquarters and final assembly line in Tarbes, France.
The acquisition represents the sixth consecutive TBM family aircraft purchased by Dr. Fries over a relationship spanning more than two decades. The delivery highlights the intersection of advanced general aviation and high-level professional utility, showcasing how owner-operators leverage high-performance turboprops for both business and personal missions.
Dr. Fries is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a Senior FAA-qualified Human Intervention Motivational Study (HIMS) aviation medical examiner. Industry research notes that he is a highly experienced aviator with nearly 7,000 flight hours, holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license and a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFI-I) rating. According to Daher, Dr. Fries utilizes the aircraft to commute between his medical offices in Vero Beach, Florida, and Brick, New Jersey, as well as for patient consultations and aeromedical speaking engagements. He frequently flies with his wife, Susan, who manages his professional practices.
In the official release, Daher Aircraft CEO Nicolas Chabbert emphasized the importance of this long-standing customer relationship.
“Dr. Fries is a highly valued member of the Daher Aircraft aviator community, and his acquisition of the latest TBM 980 version reflects the confidence he places in our airplanes – as well as the strength of our relationship,” Chabbert stated.
Recognized for wearing a red carnation daily in honor of his patients, a tradition spanning over 50 years, Dr. Fries incorporated this emblem into the nose art of his new aircraft. The distinctive paint scheme was designed by Craig Barnett, CEO of Scheme Designers. Background industry data indicates that Scheme Designers has created over 16,000 unique aircraft liveries globally, utilizing a flowing design approach that emulates airflow and speed.
The TBM 980 introduces significant technological upgrades, most notably the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite. Unveiled by Garmin in late 2024, industry specifications show the PRIME system features three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays, offering twice the CPU processing power and up to 100 times faster connectivity than previous generations. The suite also integrates Garmin’s Autonomí safety technology, which Daher brands as HomeSafe, providing emergency autoland capabilities alongside Smart Glide and Electronic Stability Protection.
Dr. Fries highlighted the avionics upgrade as a primary factor in his latest acquisition. “Having owned TBMs with the previous-generation Garmin 1000 and Garmin 3000 avionics, I’m excited about the Garmin G3000 PRIME as the next significant step in further enhancing a single pilot’s ability to fly the aircraft,” Dr. Fries explained in the company statement.
The TBM 980 is the sixth iteration in the TBM 900-series since Daher acquired the product line in 2014. It retains the proven powertrain of the TBM 960, utilizing a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine and a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller, both managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Industry data places the aircraft’s maximum cruise speed at 330 knots with a maximum range of 1,730 nautical miles, carrying an estimated price tag of $5.82 million.
According to Daher, the six-seat cabin features modern passenger enhancements, including a factory-installed interface for a Starlink Mini internet terminal and 100-watt USB-C rapid charging ports. An upgraded passenger display allows control over electronically dimmable windows and provides enroute flight data.
We view Daher’s delivery of the 10th TBM 980 in the U.S. market, just two and a half months after its launch, as a strong indicator of sustained demand in the high-performance single-engine turboprop sector. The fact that the aircraft has already secured airworthiness certifications from EASA, the FAA, and Brazil’s ANAC demonstrates Daher’s aggressive and well-coordinated global rollout strategy.
Furthermore, Dr. Fries’ purchase of his sixth consecutive TBM underscores a critical success factor for boutique aviation manufacturers: brand loyalty driven by after-sales support. By consistently integrating cutting-edge consumer technology, such as Starlink Mini connectivity and the Garmin G3000 PRIME, Daher successfully incentivizes legacy owners to upgrade, maintaining a healthy order book without needing to design an entirely new airframe from scratch.
The TBM 980 is the latest high-performance, single-engine turboprop aircraft from Daher. Unveiled in January 2026, it features advanced Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, a PT6E-66XT engine, and modern cabin amenities like Starlink internet connectivity.
According to industry specifications, the TBM 980 has a maximum cruise speed of 330 knots (approximately 610 km/h) and a maximum range of 1,730 nautical miles.
The Garmin G3000 PRIME is a state-of-the-art touchscreen avionics suite designed for single-pilot operations. It features significantly enhanced processing power, edge-to-edge displays, and integrated safety systems like emergency autoland.
A Two-Decade Aviation Relationship
The Buyer and His Mission
The Signature Carnation Livery
Technological Leaps in the TBM 980
Next-Generation Avionics
Performance and Passenger Comfort
Market Impact and Manufacturer Strategy
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Daher TBM 980?
How fast can the TBM 980 fly?
What is the Garmin G3000 PRIME?
Photo Credit: Daher
Business Aviation
JETNET Evolves iQ to Continuous Data Model Ending RVA Partnership
JETNET transforms its iQ forecasting service to continuous data intelligence, ending its 15-year partnership with RVA in May 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from JETNET.
On March 16, 2026, aviation data and market intelligence provider JETNET announced a strategic restructuring of its flagship market forecasting service, JETNET iQ. According to the official press release, the company is transitioning the program from a periodic, survey-based reporting model to a continuous, multi-format data intelligence platform.
This strategic pivot marks the conclusion of a 15-year partnership with Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA), which co-founded the iQ program in 2010. The partnership will officially end in May 2026 following the release of the Q1 2026 report, allowing both entities to pursue independent intelligence models.
As JETNET leans into real-time analytics, AI, and its recent acquisitions, RVA plans to independently continue its legacy of survey-based research. We at AirPro News view this amicable split as a reflection of the business aviation industry’s growing need for both instantaneous quantitative data and deep, human-driven sentiment analysis.
For over a decade, JETNET iQ has been a staple in business aviation forecasting. Since its inception, the program has gathered sentiment from more than 25,000 aircraft owners and operators worldwide. However, the official press release outlines a definitive shift away from standalone quarterly and annual reports.
Instead, JETNET will deliver ongoing analysis through articles, webinars, digital briefings, and live presentations. The company also plans to integrate these insights directly into more than 20 industry events and tradeshows throughout the year, allowing for real-time commentary on unfolding Market-Analysis.
Derek Swaim, CEO of JETNET, explained the rationale behind the shift in the company’s release:
Business aviation professionals are increasingly seeking data-driven insights aligned with real-world developments as they unfold. The next generation of JETNET iQ is designed to deliver exactly that.
The conclusion of the JETNET-RVA partnership in May 2026 will see both entities charting distinct paths. Rolland “Rollie” Vincent, founder of RVA, announced that he will rebrand and continue the survey product independently starting with the Q2 2026 survey, maintaining the statistical rigor the industry relies on. JETNET executives expressed public support for RVA’s ongoing work. Josh Baird, President and COO of JETNET, noted in the press release that RVA has built a strong reputation for capturing operator sentiment, adding that JETNET is excited to see RVA advance its survey-based insights.
Speaking to Aviation International News regarding the transition, Rolland Vincent emphasized the continuity of his research:
Without skipping a beat or missing a quarter, we are moving forward from JetNet iQ’s foundation to create the next generation of business aviation intelligence.
JETNET’s strategic pivot aligns with broader macro-trends currently reshaping the 2026 business aviation sector. Industry estimates project global utilization to set record highs this year, tracking nearly 5% year-over-year growth. This high-demand environment, coupled with Supply-Chain constraints, requires faster, more actionable data.
The evolution of JETNET iQ is heavily influenced by the company’s recent technological investments. Following a 2022 growth investment from Silversmith Capital Partners, JETNET acquired flight utilization tracker WINGX in June 2023. According to industry research, WINGX subscriptions grew by over 30% in 2025, reflecting a rising demand for integrated flight and ground activity intelligence.
Furthermore, the October 2025 Launch of “JETNET AI” introduced explainable generative AI into the company’s ecosystem, allowing users to query fleet intelligence using natural language. The new continuous data model of JETNET iQ is a natural extension of this push toward instant, workflow-integrated intelligence.
Richard Koe, Managing Director of WINGX, hinted at future integrations in the press release:
This is just the beginning. We look forward to sharing more exciting developments as JETNET iQ continues to grow and evolve.
We observe that the amicable split between JETNET and RVA represents a fascinating divergence in market intelligence philosophies within business aviation. JETNET is clearly doubling down on hard, real-time data, leveraging flight tracking, AI, and transaction speeds to provide instantaneous insights that match the pace of the modern market.
Conversely, RVA is preserving the crucial human element of operator sentiment and survey data. As the industry navigates shifting inventory and utilization records in 2026, professionals will likely find distinct value in both the immediate quantitative data provided by JETNET and the qualitative, sentiment-driven forecasting maintained by RVA. The era of the static quarterly report is giving way to a more dynamic, bifurcated approach to industry intelligence. When does the JETNET and RVA partnership officially end? Will the JETNET iQ surveys continue? What is driving JETNET’s new strategy? Sources: JETNET Press Release
The Next Evolution of JETNET iQ
Shifting to Continuous Intelligence
The RVA Split and Future Paths
RVA to Continue Survey Legacy
Technological Drivers and Industry Context
AI and Real-Time Data Integration
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The 15-year partnership will conclude in May 2026, following the publication of the Q1 2026 JETNET iQ report.
JETNET is shifting iQ to a continuous data intelligence program. However, Rolland Vincent Associates (RVA) will independently rebrand and continue the legacy survey-based research starting in Q2 2026.
The shift is driven by industry demand for real-time data, the integration of JETNET’s 2023 acquisition of WINGX, and the recent rollout of JETNET AI.
Photo Credit: Montage
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