MRO & Manufacturing
Sonex Aircraft Reopens as Sonex Aviation After Acquisition in 2026
Sonex Aircraft reopens as Sonex Aviation after ON Capital acquisition, resuming production and honoring customer orders in 2026.

This article is based on an official press release from Sonex Aircraft, supplemented by industry reporting.
Sonex Aircraft, a cornerstone manufacturers in the experimental and homebuilt aircraft community based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has officially reopened its doors under the new name “Sonex Aviation” as of May 1, 2026. This rapid revival comes just over a month after the company shocked the aviation world with a sudden closure announcement.
According to an official company press release, the manufacturer’s assets, including the Sonex Aerospace and AeroConversions product lines, were acquired by ON Capital, Inc. The acquisition successfully recapitalized the business, allowing production to resume immediately and saving the beloved kit manufacturer from bankruptcy proceedings.
The swift 21-day turnaround from the initial closure to the finalization of the acquisition brings immense relief to builders and customers with unfulfilled orders. With the factory lights back on, the company is prioritizing its backlog, particularly for the highly anticipated Sonex High Wing model, while restructuring its leadership to focus on future innovation.
The Acquisition and New Leadership
A Swift Rescue by ON Capital
The rescue of Sonex was spearheaded by Stephen Osborne, the head of ON Capital, Inc. Osborne brings a deep, personal connection to grassroots aviation. According to the company’s release, he is a lifetime Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) member, a third-generation aviator, a warbird pilot, a flight-school owner, and a general contractor. His diverse background in both business management and aviation positioned him to quickly assess and acquire the struggling manufacturer.
Osborne emphasized his commitment to the brand’s legacy and its role in the broader aviation ecosystem in a public statement:
“My family has flown for three generations; its an absolute honor to carry on the proud legacy of the Sonex brand. Sonex is part of how this country builds pilots and how everyday people get into the sky. Letting it disappear was never an option. To every customer with a deposit on the books – get your shop space ready. We are open, we are building, and your kit is coming.”
— Stephen Osborne, Owner, Sonex Aviation
The transition has also received the blessing of the company’s original creator. John T. Monnett, Jr., the founder of Sonex Aircraft, expressed his confidence in the new ownership, stating in the press release that Osborne’s team possesses “the capital, the conviction, and the love of flight to take Sonex further than it has ever been.”
Production Resumes and Orders Honored
Fulfilling the Backlog
One of the most pressing concerns following the March closure was the status of customer deposits. Under the new Sonex Aviation banner, Osborne has publicly pledged to honor all existing customer deposits. The Oshkosh factory is currently operational, with crews actively working to clear the accumulated backlog. Company officials expect the facility to reach full production capacity within the next few weeks.
The Sonex High Wing and Leadership Shifts
A major focal point for the newly recapitalized company is the Sonex High Wing. According to production updates provided by the company, there are currently 80 pre-orders on the books for this new model. Sonex Aviation anticipates that tail kits will resume shipping in May 2026, with full kits expected to begin shipping by mid-summer.
To ensure the continued refinement of these kits, former owner and CEO Mark Schaible has been retained by the new ownership. Transitioning to the role of Lead Designer, Schaible is now freed from the day-to-day administrative and financial burdens that previously consumed his time. The company notes that he will now focus exclusively on aircraft design, kit refinement, and providing direct support to builders and pilots.
Contextualizing the March Closure
Financial Pressures and Market Shifts
The triumphant reopening stands in stark contrast to the bleak outlook presented just weeks prior. On March 27, 2026, Mark Schaible released a video message announcing the immediate shutdown of Sonex LLC. The closure halted all operations and pushed both the business and Schaible’s personal finances into bankruptcy proceedings.
At the time, Schaible attributed the failure to an insurmountable combination of economic factors.
“We’ve had to make this decision very suddenly as a perfect storm of bank pressure, lack of sales, increasing costs, competition from our own aircraft in the used market, and cashflow realities are not allowing us to continue our work.”
— Mark Schaible, speaking on March 27, 2026
AirPro News analysis
While internal cashflow and rising operational costs were the immediate catalysts for Sonex’s March collapse, broader regulatory and market shifts played a significant underlying role. As reported by Forbes in late March, the FAA‘s new MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule likely contributed to the financial strain on traditional light sport aircraft (LSA) manufacturers.
By expanding regulations to allow entry-level sport pilots to operate heavier, four-seat legacy aircraft like the Cessna 172, the MOSAIC rule inadvertently chilled the market for traditional two-seat kitplanes. We observe that many prospective builders and buyers paused their purchasing decisions, waiting to see what new four-seat options would become viable under the updated regulations. This hesitation directly impacted sales for companies like Sonex, which rely on a steady stream of kit orders to maintain cash flow.
Furthermore, the experimental aircraft market has been experiencing a period of notable instability. The recent high-profile bankruptcy and reorganization of Van’s Aircraft, the largest player in the kitplane industry, highlighted the fragile margins within the sector. However, the rapid 21-day rescue of Sonex Aviation underscores the remarkable resilience and brand loyalty within the grassroots aviation community. With an estimated 1,600 kits sold historically, Sonex remains a vital pipeline for affordable aircraft ownership, and its survival is a positive indicator for the homebuilt market’s endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name of the company?
Following the acquisition by ON Capital, Inc., the company has been slightly rebranded and is now operating as Sonex Aviation.
Will my existing deposit be honored?
Yes. New owner Stephen Osborne has explicitly stated that all existing customer deposits on the books will be honored, and kits are currently being prepared for shipment.
When will the Sonex High Wing kits ship?
According to the company, tail kits for the Sonex High Wing are scheduled to ship in May 2026, with full kits expected to follow by mid-summer 2026.
Sources:
Photo Credit: Sonex Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
MT-Propeller FAA STC Approved for Pilatus PC-12/47G
MT-Propeller’s seven-blade Silent 7 composite propeller receives FAA STC for the Pilatus PC-12/47G, with no engine modifications required.

MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH has secured an amended Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install its seven-blade “Silent 7” composite propeller on the Pilatus PC-12/47G. The approval, issued on June 02, 2026, expands the certified applications for the MTV-47 propeller system without requiring engine modifications.
The company publicly announced the Certification on June 11, 2026. The FAA approval (STC SA02742NY) follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) STC issued on January 22, 2026, and a Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) Letter of Acceptance from July 31, 2024. The upgrade targets operators seeking improved short-field performance and compliance with stringent European noise Regulations.
Performance and noise reduction metrics
According to MT-Propeller’s official STC data sheet, the MTV-47 installation delivers measurable performance gains for the PC-12/47G. The certified ground roll distance is reduced by approximately 10 percent, while the takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle decreases by 15 percent compared to the original four-blade metal propeller. The composite propeller has a maximum diameter of 102.36 inches (260 cm) and an installed weight of 221.8 pounds (100.6 kg), including the spinner.
Noise abatement is a primary feature of the “Silent 7” design. The manufacturer reports an approximate 4 dB(A) reduction in exterior noise levels. Inside the aircraft, cabin noise is reduced by 6 to 7 dB(A), depending on the specific seating location. This acoustic performance allows the PC-12/47G to comply with strict European noise standards, including Germany’s 2010 Landeplatz Lärmschutz Verordnung, enabling unrestricted operations at noise-sensitive airports.
Engine compatibility and North American expansion
The amended STC covers the PC-12/47G alongside previously certified models, including the PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47, and PC-12/47E. The MTV-47 propeller is approved for use with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B, PT6A-67P, and PT6E-67XP engines. MT-Propeller emphasized that the installation is a direct bolt-on upgrade requiring no modifications to the existing powerplant.
The FAA certification aligns with MT-Propeller’s recent efforts to expand its support infrastructure in North-America. In April 2026, the company announced the opening of MT-Propeller Canada Inc., a joint venture with AMK Aviation Inc. based in Murillo, Ontario. The new facility is designed to provide enhanced service, spare parts distribution, and field support for North American operators adopting the composite propeller systems.
AirPro News analysis
We note a discrepancy in the performance figures marketed by regional distributors compared to the official certification data. While Finnoff Aviation Products, the exclusive North American distributor for the upgrade, cites a 20 percent reduction in ground roll and a 23 percent reduction in obstacle clearance distance, MT-Propeller’s official June 2026 STC data sheet lists more conservative figures of 10 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Operators evaluating the upgrade should base their operational planning on the certified flight manual supplements rather than distributor marketing materials. The addition of the PC-12/47G to the STC ensures that newer airframes can utilize the seven-blade system, which has become increasingly popular for operators flying into noise-restricted European airfields or backcountry strips requiring maximum short-field performance.
Sources: MT-Propeller STC Data Sheet
Photo Credit: MT-Propeller
MRO & Manufacturing
Honeywell Aerospace Spin-Off Completed June 2026
Honeywell Technologies completed its aerospace spin-off on June 29, 2026, launching Honeywell Aerospace as an independent Nasdaq-listed company.

Honeywell Technologies finalized the spin-off of its aerospace division on June 29, 2026, officially dismantling the historic conglomerate to become a pure-play automation company.
In a press release issued on June 29, 2026, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company confirmed the completion of the transaction, which establishes Honeywell Aerospace as an independent, publicly traded entity. The milestone concludes a multi-year portfolio transformation that began in 2023 and previously saw the separation of Solstice Advanced Materials.
Financial restructuring and market debut
Concurrent with the aerospace spin-off, Honeywell Technologies executed a 1-for-2 reverse stock split. According to reporting by Benzinga, the reverse split reduced the company’s issued and outstanding shares from approximately 634 million to roughly 317 million. The company also reduced its authorized common shares from 2 billion to 1 billion.
Honeywell Aerospace shares were distributed at a 1-for-2 ratio to Honeywell Technologies shareowners of record as of June 15, 2026. The newly independent aerospace supplier commenced trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “HONA,” while the legacy automation business continues to trade under the “HON” ticker.
Strategic shift to pure-play automation
The corporate restructuring effort was initiated in 2023. Honeywell communicated its intention to spin off its advanced materials business in October 2024, followed by the February 2025 announcement detailing the separation of its automation and aerospace divisions. The board of directors formally set the record date and expected timing for the final spin-off on June 5, 2026.
Vimal Kapur, chairman and chief executive officer of Honeywell Technologies, described the completion as a defining moment for the company.
“With the completion of this separation, we have successfully transformed Honeywell into three independent, industry-leading companies: Honeywell Technologies, Honeywell Aerospace and Solstice Advanced Materials. Each company is built around a distinct strategy with greater focus and financial flexibility to pursue a long-term growth agenda,” Kapur stated in the press release.
To reflect its new operational focus on the building, industrial, and process sectors, Honeywell Technologies will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. According to StreetInsider, this filing will present the former aerospace and advanced materials businesses as discontinued operations and provide recast historical financial data for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and the first quarter of 2026.
AirPro News analysis
The dissolution of the Honeywell conglomerate reflects a broader aerospace and industrial sector trend favoring specialized, pure-play operations over diversified holding companies. By isolating the aerospace division, Honeywell Aerospace can now pursue targeted capital allocation and mergers and acquisitions specific to aviation manufacturing and supply chain demands. For the legacy automation business, shedding the capital-intensive aerospace unit provides a clearer value proposition for investors focused on industrial technology and building automation. We expect the newly independent aerospace entity to face immediate scrutiny regarding its supply-chain resilience and production ramp-up capabilities as it operates without the financial buffer previously provided by the broader conglomerate.
Sources: Honeywell Technologies
Photo Credit: Nasdaq
MRO & Manufacturing
SeAH Besteel Opens Texas Superalloy Plant in H2 2026
SeAH Superalloy Technologies’ Temple, Texas facility will produce 6,000 tons of nickel-based superalloys annually starting H2 2026.

SeAH Besteel Holdings is accelerating its transition into the advanced aerospace materials sector with the upcoming completion of a new nickel-based superalloy manufacturing facility in Temple, Texas. Announced in a June 24, 2026 press release, the production hub operated by U.S. subsidiary SeAH Superalloy Technologies is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2026.
The facility represents a strategic pivot for South Korea’s largest special steelmaker to establish a localized supply chain for North American aerospace and defense manufacturers. By positioning production within the Central Texas advanced manufacturing corridor, the company aims to capitalize on industry-wide reshoring initiatives.
Facility specifications and production capabilities
The 45-acre Temple facility will have an annual production capacity of 6,000 tons of specialty materials. Production will focus on master alloys, additive manufacturing (AM) powders, and nickel-based superalloys required for high-stress aerospace applications.
The project stems from a $155.3 million total investment approved by the SeAH Besteel Holdings board in May 2024. The Office of the Texas Governor subsequently announced the facility agreement in July 2024, noting an estimated initial construction cost of $110 million.
Recent hiring activity indicates the plant is nearing operational readiness. According to reporting by BusinessKorea, SeAH Superalloy Technologies completed recruitment for core technical personnel in May 2026. The hiring of metal chemists responsible for alloy composition analysis signaled that the facility’s melting furnace had entered the trial-run stage. SeAH Superalloy Technologies Chief Executive Officer Michael King stated the project remains “on track, on time, and under budget.”
Expanding North American aerospace integration
The Texas hub builds upon the company’s existing footprint in the commercial aviation supply chain. SeAH currently holds aerospace certifications from The Boeing Company, Airbus SE, and Lockheed Martin Corporation.
In December 2025, subsidiary SeAH Aerospace & Defense secured a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with Boeing to supply high-strength aluminum alloy materials for aircraft fuselages and wings starting in 2026. The localized production capability in Texas is designed to support similar direct-supply pipelines for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
A representative for the parent company noted in the press release that the organization is “transcending its identity as a traditional special steelmaker to leap forward as an advanced materials platform driving the future of the global aerospace industry.”
AirPro News analysis
We view SeAH’s physical expansion into Central Texas as a calculated response to the aerospace industry’s broader push for supply chain resilience. OEMs are increasingly prioritizing localized material sourcing to mitigate the logistical vulnerabilities exposed over the past five years.
While SeAH has not officially confirmed contract volumes with specific commercial space operators in its corporate releases, industry analysts widely anticipate the company will supply specialty alloys to major U.S. space entities like SpaceX. The demand for materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures in orbital and suborbital applications aligns directly with the capabilities of the new Temple facility. Establishing a domestic U.S. footprint is often a prerequisite for securing sensitive defense and space contracts, positioning SeAH to compete directly with established North American alloy producers.
Sources: SeAH Besteel Holdings
Photo Credit: SeAH Besteel Holdings
-
Defense & Military5 days agoItaly Courts Germany and Saudi Arabia to Join GCAP Fighter Program
-
Defense & Military5 days agoVolatus Aerospace Opens Mirabel Drone Manufacturing Facility
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries4 days agoUSC Aero Acquires Five Lufthansa A340-600s for Fleet and Parts
-
Regulations & Safety3 days agoLight-Sport Aircraft Strikes CITIC Tower in Beijing
-
Defense & Military3 days agoLockheed Martin NXGB Hypersonic Glide Body Program Launch
