The Weekly of Business Aviation

California-based startup Volansi said on Sept. 15 it has secured $50 million in venture funding to further develop its line of hybrid vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) delivery drones.

China’s Autoflight Aviation Technology has unveiled an unmanned cargo aircraft as a step on a road map planned to lead to autonomous, passenger-carrying electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicles.

Ampaire has flown a second prototype of its Electric EEL, a Cessna 337 Skymaster modified to hybrid-electric propulsion.

Signature Flight Support and fuel supplier Neste have partnered to offer permanent supplies of sustainable aviation fuel to operators at San Francisco International Airport and London-Luton Airport in the UK, in an initiative called Signature Renew.

Britain’s Scilly Isles could receive regular freight deliveries using unmanned air systems through a new partnership between FlyLogix and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company.

Affiliates of Chicago-based private equity firm GTCR have acquired a 14.8% stake in inflight connectivity provider Gogo.

Walmart on Sept. 14 revealed its second drone delivery project in five days, saying it has partnered with Zipline to fly health and wellness products to select houses near the U.S. retail giant’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Swiss drone company Flyability said its Elios drone designed for use in confined spaces or indoors has been used to document some of the world’s deepest ice caves.

UK supermarket chain Tesco said it will test grocery deliveries by drone in Ireland starting in October.

When Machinists union members at Textron Aviation cast their vote on a new labor contract Sept. 19, they will be voting on an agreement they call historic.

Satcom Direct has installed and activated its FlightDeck Freedom datalink service on its 2,000th aircraft.

Items of interest to professionals in the business aviation industry.

Regulations recently issued by the FAA for business aircraft.

Skandia has been awarded an FAA supplemental type certificate for its acoustic soundproofing kit for Bombardier’s line of business jets.

Duncan Aviation has unveiled a new Design Center. Located at the company’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, the updated center now has 30% more space and a more efficient work area.

GrandView Aviation, a private jet charter and helicopter operator, is offering members an airline-style miles reward program.

General Aviation Services Jet Center, a fixed base operation at Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Texas, has completed the renovation of its facility.

ASL Group, based in Belgium and the Netherlands, has added eight new aircraft to its managed and charter fleet to support growing private jet demand in Europe.

Brief news items of interest to business aviation professionals.

Conferences and events for professionals in the business aviation community.

Appointments and promotions in the business aviation industry.

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The National Business Aviation Association is looking ahead to 2021 with the announcement that it plans to resume its regional forum in June in White Plains, New York.

Piaggio Aerospace, which is in the process of finding a new owner, has received a new order from a U.S. customer, Mid-South Services.

Americans are expected to fall in love with their cars again in the wake of COVID-19.