Business Aviation
Piper Aircraft Names SkyTech Aero Exclusive Dealer in Northeast US
Piper Aircraft appoints SkyTech Aero as exclusive dealer for sales and service in the Northeastern US, ensuring continuity after corporate changes.

Piper Aircraft has officially named SkyTech Aero as its exclusive authorized dealer for new aircraft sales and service coordination across the Northeastern United States. The announcement, made on April 13, 2026, ensures continuity for Piper owners in the region following a major corporate transition within the local aviation market.
According to the official press release, the newly formed, Rhode Island-based SkyTech Aero will cover a vast territory that includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. The dealership is spearheaded by aviation veterans who previously managed Piper sales under the legacy Skytech, Inc. banner.
This strategic appointment was timed just ahead of the 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, signaling Piper’s commitment to maintaining a strong, uninterrupted presence in a critical North-America market.
The Rebirth of a Legacy Dealership
The formation of SkyTech Aero represents a unique pivot in the general aviation sector. Industry background provided in the research report notes that the original Skytech, Inc., founded in 1976, had represented Piper Aircraft since 1980. However, on January 1, 2026, Skytech, Inc. was fully acquired and integrated into Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd.
Because Pilatus and Piper compete in specific general aviation segments, former Skytech, Inc. executives chose to spin off and establish the brand-new SkyTech Aero. This move allows them to preserve their four-decade relationship with Piper Aircraft and its dedicated customer base without corporate conflict.
Leadership and Expertise
The new entity is led by Principal and Founder John Foster, formerly the President and CEO of the original Skytech, Inc. He is joined by Tony Sammartino, serving as President of the Sales Division, and Aircraft Sales Assistant Caden Eversole. Together, the team brings over 50 years of combined experience, particularly with the Piper PA-46 series, which includes modern M-Class models like the M700 FURY, M500, and M350.
“We’re proud to continue our long relationship with Piper in this new chapter. Our team has always believed in the strength of the Piper’s product line and the dedication of the customers who fly them. We look forward to bringing that same commitment to pilots across the Northeast and helping grow Piper’s presence in this dynamic aviation community,” Foster stated in the press release.
Seamless Service and Market Momentum
A primary goal of this new dealership agreement is to provide a seamless experience for current and future Piper owners. To guarantee immediate and reliable maintenance coverage, SkyTech Aero has partnered with two approved Piper Service Centers in the region: Shoreline Aviation in Marshfield, Massachusetts, and Northeast Air in Portland, Maine.
Piper Aircraft leadership expressed strong support for the continuity this veteran team provides to the Manufacturers network.
“Following the former SkyTech, Inc. ownership transition in the same region, it was a natural fit to continue our long-standing relationship with John Foster and other former Skytech, Inc. team members when they expressed interest in establishing a new Piper dedicated presence in the Northeast… We’re genuinely excited to continue this strategic alliance,” said Ron Gunnarson, Piper’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support and Quality.
AirPro News analysis
We view this development as a highly strategic maneuver by Piper Aircraft to protect its market share in the Northeast. By retaining the exact personnel who have successfully sold hundreds of PA-46 models over the decades, Piper mitigates the disruption typically caused when a dual-dealer is acquired by a competitor. Furthermore, announcing this Partnerships at the SUN ‘n FUN 2026 season opener capitalizes on Piper’s recent market momentum, which includes a reported 20% year-over-year Delivery increase in 2024 and its status as the first general aviation manufacturer to certify the Garmin Emergency Autoland system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What territory does SkyTech Aero cover for Piper Aircraft?
According to the press release, the exclusive territory includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
Why was SkyTech Aero formed?
The original Skytech, Inc. was acquired by Pilatus Aircraft on January 1, 2026. Former executives spun off to create SkyTech Aero to maintain their exclusive, long-standing relationship with Piper Aircraft.
Where will Northeast Piper owners get their aircraft serviced?
SkyTech Aero is coordinating service through approved Piper Service Centers, specifically Shoreline Aviation in Massachusetts and Northeast Air in Maine.
Sources
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft
Business Aviation
Jet Linx Grounds Fleet for 10th Annual Safety Summit
Jet Linx Aviation halted all operations June 9, 2026, for its 10th safety summit, focusing on undetected engine corrosion and human factors.

Private-Jets aviation operator Jet Linx Aviation voluntarily grounded its entire nationwide fleet on June 9, 2026, halting operations for a full day to conduct its 10th Annual Safety Summit. The Omaha, Nebraska-based company utilized the operational pause to engage its 500 employees in safety evaluations, focusing heavily on human factors and the necessity of exceeding standard manufacturer checklists.
In a press release issued on June 10, 2026, Jet Linx stated it remains the only United States operator under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 or Part 121 regulations to voluntarily halt operations for an entire day annually to focus exclusively on safety. The 2026 summit utilized a recent fatal accident as a primary case study to challenge standard private aviation safety practices and assumptions.
Challenging standard maintenance assumptions
The summit featured a presentation by Barry Ellis, President of Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Jet Charter. The discussion centered on a February 2024 accident involving a Hop-A-Jet aircraft in Naples, Florida, which resulted in two crew member fatalities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published its final report on the accident in April 2026, determining the cause to be undetected engine corrosion. The summit highlighted that the engines had been inspected, deemed airworthy, and successfully completed 33 flights in the 25 days preceding the accident.
Ellis addressed the summit attendees regarding the dangers of relying solely on standard procedures when underlying risks remain hidden from flight crews and maintenance personnel.
“When assumptions go unchallenged, they become invisible, and invisible risk is the most dangerous risk of all,” Ellis stated. “The most dangerous assumptions are often the ones we don’t realize we’re making.”
Industry collaboration and operational safety metrics
The event at the Jet Linx Global Safety & Operations Center included presentations from aviation safety auditing firms. Sonnie Bates, CEO of WYVERN, and Patrick Chiles from ARGUS International participated in the discussions, emphasizing the role of independent safety evaluations in Part 135 operations.
Jet Linx Executive Chairman Jamie Walker led the initiative, which marks the company’s tenth consecutive year of executing a fleet-wide grounding for safety training. According to the company’s June 10 announcement, Jet Linx has maintained 27 years of accident-free operations, accumulating 200 million miles flown without an accident.
The safety summit follows recent operational expansions for the charter operator. In May 2026, Jet Linx launched a private jet flight-sharing program called MemberSeat Exchange, designed to increase client flexibility across its network.
AirPro News analysis
The decision by a Part 135 operator to ground an entire revenue-generating fleet for a full day represents a significant financial commitment to safety culture. By utilizing the recently concluded NTSB investigation into the Hop-A-Jet accident as a focal point, Jet Linx is addressing a critical vulnerability in aviation maintenance: the gap between regulatory compliance and actual airworthiness. The NTSB findings regarding undetected engine corrosion, despite recent inspections and 33 successful flights, demonstrate that adherence to manufacturer checklists does not universally guarantee safety. We view this public emphasis on invisible risk and human factors as a necessary evolution in business aviation safety management systems, particularly as operators expand their service offerings and flight volumes.
Sources: Jet Linx Aviation, LLC
Photo Credit: Jet Linx Aviation
Business Aviation
PS Opens Private Terminal at Miami International Airport
PS unveiled a 34,000-sq-ft private terminal at MIA on June 17, 2026, inside the historic Pan Am headquarters, opening June 30.

Miami-Dade County officials and luxury terminal operator PS held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 17, 2026, to unveil a new 34,000-square-foot private terminal at Miami International Airports (MIA), located within the former Pan American Airways headquarters.
According to a press release from the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, the facility marks the fourth global location for PS and the first in Florida. The terminal, which begins travel operations on June 30, 2026, allows commercial passengers to bypass the main airport concourses through private Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs screening, followed by direct-to-aircraft chauffeur service.
Revitalizing an aviation landmark
The new PS MIA terminal occupies a site of significant historical importance to the aviation industry. The former Pan American Airways (Pan Am) headquarters was designated a Miami-Dade County Historic Site in 2014. Groundbreaking for the revitalization project took place on July 10, 2025.
Amina Belouizdad Porter, CEO of PS, stated that establishing a terminal within the former home of one of aviation’s most influential airlines is deeply symbolic of the company’s mission to redefine modern travel. She noted that Miami was a natural expansion point given its status as the second-busiest U.S. airport for international travelers and a primary gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.
The interior design, led by Cliff Fong alongside RJ Heisenbottle Architects and Creative Art Partners, incorporates elements of Miami’s regional style. Fong noted that the building carries a strong identity, prompting an approach that leaned into its heritage alongside the nostalgia of the area. Artist Nina Surel contributed to the space, drawing color palettes directly from the pastels of Miami’s Art Deco District and the unique subtropical light.
Expanding luxury infrastructure at MIA
The opening of PS MIA aligns with broader infrastructure developments at the airport. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava highlighted the terminal as a new chapter for residents and visitors seeking a concierge experience.
“We are always looking for innovative partnerships that elevate the traveling experience for all MIA passengers, and the revitalization of the Pan Am terminal is especially exciting,” Levine Cava said.
The facility features five Private Suites and a central lounge area known as The Salon. Passengers utilizing the service are transported across the tarmac to their commercial flights in BMW vehicles. The launch follows the June 1, 2026, opening of a PS location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The company also plans to introduce PS Direct later in the year, an integrated service transporting guests directly between their aircraft and local residences or hotels.
The private terminal’s completion coincides with an ongoing $14 billion capital improvement and maintenance upgrade program at Miami International Airport.
AirPro News analysis
The integration of a high-end private terminal into a commercial aircraft airport reflects a growing market segmentation where ultra-premium commercial passengers are willing to pay for fixed-base operator (FBO) style privacy and convenience. By repurposing the historic Pan Am headquarters, MIA and PS have managed to preserve a piece of aviation heritage while generating new revenue streams. We expect to see similar public-private partnerships emerge at other major international hubs as airports seek to monetize existing real estate and cater to high-net-worth travelers without disrupting standard terminal operations.
Sources: Miami International Airport, Miami International Airport (2025), PS
Photo Credit: Miami International Airport
Business Aviation
IADA Certifies 16 New Aircraft Brokers, Total Reaches 233
IADA awarded its Certified Aircraft Broker designation to 16 professionals in 2026, raising the global credentialed total to 233.

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has awarded its Certified Aircraft Broker designation to 16 business aviation sales professionals, bringing the global total of credentialed brokers to 233.
Announced in a press release on June 15, 2026, the latest round of certifications spans North America, Europe, and Latin America. The credentialing program is designed to establish standardized ethical practices and transaction expertise within the preowned business aircraft market.
Regional distribution and certification standards
The 2026 certification cohort includes 11 brokers from North America, three from Europe, and two from Latin America. The geographic spread reflects the international nature of preowned aircraft transactions and the association’s push for standardized practices across different regulatory environments.
IADA Executive Director Lou Seno stated that the designation provides clients with assurance regarding their advisor’s industry knowledge and commitment to ongoing professional development.
“Every aircraft transaction represents a significant financial decision, and buyers and sellers deserve to know they are working with professionals who have demonstrated both expertise and integrity,” Seno said.
Market context and accountability
The Certification process requires brokers to demonstrate their proficiency in aircraft transactions and adhere to rigorous industry standards. According to the association, this process works in tandem with its Accredited Dealer program to establish a framework for transparency in business aviation sales. Seno noted that the combination of these programs creates a unique level of accountability designed to ensure ethical conduct.
The addition of new certified brokers follows IADA’s October 6, 2025, market forecast, which projected a stabilized preowned business aircraft market through September 2026. The forecast anticipated normalized inventory levels and rationalized pricing, conditions where standardized broker practices often play a critical role in facilitating orderly transactions.
AirPro News analysis
As the preowned business aircraft market transitions from the high-volatility environment seen earlier in the decade to a more normalized state, the role of the broker becomes increasingly focused on technical expertise rather than simply securing scarce inventory. We view IADA’s continued expansion of its certified broker pool as a necessary maturation of the business aviation sales sector. By formalizing the qualifications required to broker high-value aviation assets, the industry is aligning itself more closely with the compliance expectations of corporate flight departments and institutional buyers.
Photo Credit: IADA
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