News & Stories
Industry developments, regulatory updates, and community news from PRBAA and the broader Caribbean aviation sector.
FAA Releases Draft Design Standards for Vertical Flight Facilities
The FAA has published new draft design standards for vertical flight facilities to support the integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft into the national airspace.
FAA Clears Beta's Alia eVTOL for Passenger Demo Flights
The FAA has granted approval for Beta Technologies to conduct passenger demonstration flights with its Alia eVTOL electric aircraft, announced by the Transportation Secretary at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas.
FAA Proposes Fines for Arkansas Charter Operator
The FAA has proposed civil penalties against an Arkansas charter operator, alleging the company conducted passenger-carrying flights using aircraft not listed on its Operations Specifications.
Transportation Secretary Announces First-Ever Special Airworthiness Market Survey Certificate for eVTOL
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued the first-ever Special Airworthiness Market Survey Certificate for an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a milestone for Advanced Air Mobility with high potential for future inter-island Caribbean connectivity.
Frontier Airlines Flight 3506 Incident at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
The FAA is investigating a hard landing incident involving Frontier Airlines Flight 3506 at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which resulted in the aircraft performing a go-around before landing. A safety incident at Puerto Rico's primary international hub worth noting for local operators.
FAA Issues Certification for Boeing 737 MAX-10
The Federal Aviation Administration has officially granted certification for the Boeing 737 MAX-10, allowing airlines to begin integrating the aircraft into passenger service. A major development in commercial aviation fleet capabilities with implications for Caribbean airline operations.
BlueSky San Juan breaks ground on $54 million FBO at SJU airport
BlueSky San Juan has broken ground on a US$54 million full-service FBO at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) - the largest private investment in Puerto Rico business aviation infrastructure in more than a decade, with an executive terminal, three hangars and an integrated U.S. Customs facility, targeted to open in 2028.
FAA restricts airspace off the southeast coast of Ceiba amid U.S.-Venezuela tensions
The FAA, acting under Department of Defense direction, has issued a NOTAM establishing temporary flight restrictions over a sea corridor off the southeast coast of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, for special security reasons. The restriction runs through November 1, 2026, and comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
How NASA's X-59 plans to quiet the sonic boom
NASA has published a detailed explanation of how sonic booms are created as its X-59 experimental aircraft moves closer to the phase of its mission that could determine whether quieter supersonic flight is accepted over land, while the FAA works on a noise-focused regulatory framework to replace the 1973 overland supersonic ban.
FlyUs opens Puerto Rico office and wins new Air Canada contract
FlyUs Aviation Group has established a new office in Puerto Rico and secured a contract to represent Air Canada cargo operations, supporting three weekly freighter flights between Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ). The expansion enhances air cargo capacity for Puerto Rico's bioscience manufacturing sector, providing critical logistics support for local industry.
FAA Funds Drone Research to Support Safe Integration
The FAA awarded $12 million to 19 companies for drone research and testing projects that will help safely expand drone operations in the National Airspace System, advancing UAS integration through its Broad Agency Announcement Program and national test sites.
PRBAA and UrbanLink Air Mobility Form Strategic Alliance to Launch Zero-Emission Aviation in Puerto Rico
PRBAA has announced a strategic alliance with UrbanLink Air Mobility to lay the foundation for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations across Puerto Rico, streamlining regulatory alignment and expanding zero-emission transportation to municipalities like Vieques and Culebra.
Search for Missing Latitude Air Ambulance Gulfstream G100
A debris field from the missing Latitude Air Ambulance Gulfstream G100 (C-GRJP) has been found south of Nantucket, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed. The aircraft vanished early Saturday during a medical flight from Bermuda to Boston with six people aboard; the search continues.
FAA to Review Boeing 737 Max Software Malfunction
The FAA will convene a corrective action review board as early as Friday to investigate a software malfunction in Boeing 737 Max jets and determine whether further regulatory intervention is required.
Unprecedented Coalition Supports Modern Skies Act, Calls on Congress to Fund Final Stage of ATC Modernization
Transportation Secretary Duffy and Senator Schmitt unveiled the Modern Skies Act — a $30 billion investment in air traffic control modernization — backed by an unprecedented coalition of airlines, AOPA, airports, manufacturers, and aviation groups calling on Congress to fund the final stage.
NBAA's Longtime Advocacy on Pilot Oxygen Requirements Leads to Proposed Rule Change
The FAA has proposed relaxing pilot oxygen-mask requirements for Part 91 and Part 135 operations, raising the mask thresholds for two- and single-pilot crews when quick-donning masks are available. The NPRM responds to NBAA-led provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; comments are due Nov. 23.
The John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2026
Bipartisan Senate bill from Sens. Hoeven and Duckworth aims to modernize FAA mental health regulations, easing fear of professional repercussions for pilots and air traffic controllers who seek care.
FAA Rescinds Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Cessna Citation CE-500 Series
The FAA is ceasing single-pilot training exemptions for transport-category Cessna Citation CE-500 variants, citing widespread non-compliance by exemption holders and elevated accident rates in single-pilot operations.
Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame
Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger was formally inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame on September 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C., 17 years after safely landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River with all 155 aboard surviving.
FAA Launches New AI Air Traffic Control Tool
The FAA has introduced a new platform called Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) that uses AI to synthesize 200 data streams, including weather and traffic flow, to improve airspace visualization and congestion management.
25 Years Later: We Remember and We Honor
PRBAA pauses to honor the 2,977 victims of September 11, 2001, and the aviation professionals whose courage and legacy reshaped our industry forever.
DDEC Issues Formal Position and Endorsement on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) has formally endorsed Advanced Air Mobility as a strategic emerging sector, backing Puerto Rico's development as a regional AAM hub.
How Much Does Flight Training Cost in 2026?
The Pilot Studio breaks down what drives the cost of flight training in 2026 — from private pilot certificates to commercial ratings — and shares how students can plan a realistic, sustainable training budget.
Amazon Prime Air Crash at Miami International: NTSB Investigates Runway Overrun on Flight from San Juan
An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 that departed San Juan overran a runway at Miami International Airport on September 6, killing five ground workers. The victims have been identified and the NTSB investigation is underway — latest updates posted weekly.
PRBAA to Host 'Innovation in Hard Times' Aviation Meet & Greet
On October 29, PRBAA gathers Puerto Rico's aviation community at SJU for a keynote by Captain Carlos Benitez and a moderated forum on innovating through a tough operating climate.
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