Honda Aircraft (HON, Greensboro Piedmont Triad International) has delayed the first flight of the HA-480 HondaJet Echelon, a stretched, larger-cabin version of the HA-420 HondaJet, by two years. Initially scheduled for 2026, the aircraft's inaugural flight is now planned for 2028. Type certification, designed as an amendment to the HA-420 HondaJet's type certificate, and deliveries, initially expected in 2028, have also been delayed by three years to 2031.

“The updated timeline reflects tier-one supplier-related schedule adjustments and ongoing development activities, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest standards of quality and performance,” Honda Aircraft said. The delayed first flight and type certification come as the manufacturer completes the first wing structure for the HondaJet Echelon, with assembly of the first unit expected in early 2027. The OEM has secured more than 530 letters of intent (LOIs) for the HondaJet Echelon.

The Polynesian competition authority (Autorité polynésienne de la concurrence - APC) has authorised the sale of Air Tahiti Nui's rotary-wing subsidiary, Tahiti Nui Helicopters (TNH), to Tavake, a company in the beverage manufacturing and distribution group Brasserie de Tahiti. The financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to close by the end of October, have not been disclosed. In 2025, Air Tahiti Nui retained a 68.5% stake in TNH.

Tavake is managed by Mathieu Béchonnet, former deputy managing director of Air Tahiti Nui and chairman of TNH. The sale comes as Air Tahiti Nui plans to focus on international long-haul operations, the company's core business, according to CEO Lionel Guérin in comments made in August. TNH was launched in 2018 in partnership with Franco-Swiss helicopter company HBG and operates five Airbus Helicopters H135s. In June 2026, TNH ordered four new H135s, intended to replace four leased H135s while retaining a fifth H135 owned by the company.

ATD Flight Systems (Kansas City Downtown), a Part 135-certified operator, aircraft management company, and pilot training provider, has been acquired by regional investor collective Northwest Missouri Aero Group. The transaction, announced on September 16, closed on June 8.

The deal encompasses all ATD Flight Systems' divisions, including ATD Air Charter, the company's Part 135 operator whose fleet comprises a Citation Jet 1, a Citation XLS, and a Citation XLS+, ATD Aircraft Management, and ATD Pilot Training, an FAA Part 141 approved training organisation.

Following the acquisition, ATD Air Charter expects to add a PC-12 turboprop to serve missions requiring access to smaller airports. The company is further evaluating a third aircraft family in the large-cabin, long-range category to support international operations.

The new partners are also offering lease options to qualifying buyers of aircraft approved for ATD Air Charter's charter platform. Under the arrangement, ATD Air Charter will manage, maintain, and operate the aircraft. Additionally, Northwest Missouri Aero Group expects to announce further aircraft, services, and training initiatives for the ATD Pilot Training division.

ATD Flight Systems founder Bill Hays has retired, while his daughter, Keara Neifach, who led the company for the past five years, remains an owner and will work alongside Northwest Missouri Aero Group.

Northwest Missouri Aero Group comprises pilots, aviation educators, business operators, investors, and aviation enthusiasts.

Following the acquisition of ATD Flight Systems, Northwest Missouri Aero Group operates a combined fleet of 25 aircraft and employs approximately 75 people across five locations in Kansas City, Clinton, St. Joseph, and Columbia, Missouri, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The organisation's businesses include FlyTech, a flight school based in St. Joseph.