Aviation

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority has approved Delta Air Lines as the anchor tenant for Tampa International Airport’s planned Airside D, a $1.5 billion project set to open in 2028. The agreement, approved Monday by the authority’s board of directors, commits Delta to occupy at least six gates and operate a lounge space in the

FlyUSA, a Clearwater-based private aviation provider, has introduced the Freedom Jet Card, a new product designed to offer predictable pricing, and flexibility, for private flight clients. The Freedom Jet Card allows customers to access a variety of premium jets for travel, to any destination, while benefiting from competitive rates and financial security, according to a

RYP Air Charter, a Central Florida-based private air charter service provider, is reporting growth in charter sales. The company reported a 40% increase in charter sales in the second quarter of the year, with continued growth well into the third quarter. This growth reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, with more people opting

Michael Stephens likes to talk about the concept of “team,” and he’s about to lead a large one. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority chose Stephens as Tampa International Airport’s new chief executive officer, effective April 2025.  At a special board meeting, at the airport’s SkyCenter ONE, the board voted 4-1 for Stephens, whose candidacy was

Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board members have approved a $91 million contract to begin preparations for the expansion of Airside D, at Tampa International Airport. The contract includes installing security fencing, removing concrete, setting up contractor offices and conducting utility work. Groundbreaking for Airside D is scheduled for Dec. 18. The $1.5 billion project, set

Pilatus, a Swiss airline manufacturer, plans to build a brand-new facility at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), in Bradenton, expanding its presence in North America. Pilatus executives have signed an official agreement with the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Authority. The deal includes plans to develop a factory-owned facility, which Pilatus will use for sales,

Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) made a major announcement adding a commercial flight from Avelo Airlines. Avelo Airlines will begin nonstop commercial flights to New Haven, Connecticut, beginning June 13. Flights will be to Tweed New Haven Airport, on Thursday, and from there to Lakeland, on Sunday, according to the Avelo website. The City of

By Scott Gault, Executive Vice President, Hillsborough County Market President, The Bank of Tampa Once considered a symbol of luxury, private aviation has transformed into an effective business tool to improve productivity. Companies that invest in private aircraft save time, increase efficiencies, expand their reach and benefit from increased security and given today’s technology, these

Will Smith Aviation, in Tampa, has acquired Charter Manager, a 135-licensed charter operator. Charter Manager will operate synonymously with Will Smith Aviation, with an expanded portfolio that now includes services including on-demand charter, jet taxi and jet card services. “This move allows us to expand our aircraft management and acquisitions company to a full 135

TRYP Air Charter has expanded its fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The Lakeland-based air charter service now has four aircraft to serve the southeast United States and the Bahamas. The latest fleet addition is a Pilatus PC12, single-engine, turboprop. The Pilatus PC12 has one of the best safety ratings and cruises above the weather at

International Aerotech Academy, in Lakeland, has been selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees access to its FAA 147 certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician training program to become licensed aircraft mechanics. “The program will allow eligible Amazon employees to train and become FAA-licensed airframe and powerplant maintenance professionals at

FlyUSA, a private aviation company based in Clearwater, acquired 3B Aviation, in Tampa. This acquisition expands FlyUSA’s fleet to 15 privately managed aircraft in the Tampa Bay region, according to a statement. 3B Aviation was founded in 2012 by Nick Barrows, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pilot and flight instructor. As part of the