The Scissortail Brief | Week of Feb 16-22
The Scissortail Brief
U.S. Business Aviation Update | Feb. 16 through Feb. 22, 2026
The third week of February continued a steady run of developments across U.S. business aviation. From aircraft program updates and earnings reports to regulatory activity, safety guidance, infrastructure investment, and market indicators, the period reflected continued momentum across multiple segments of the industry.
As always, Scissortail tracks the headlines, regulatory releases, and operational updates so you can stay focused on flying and managing your operation.
Mexico Security Situation Impacts Airport Access
Yesterday, cartel-related violence in western Mexico created operational concerns affecting Puerto Vallarta (MMPR), Guadalajara (MMGL), and Tepic (MMEP). While Mexican airspace remains open and flights are operating, ground access to certain airports has been impacted by reported cartel blockades and security activity in surrounding areas.
For U.S. and Canadian business aviation operators, the issue is not airspace closure but airport accessibility and ground transportation risk. Crews and passengers operating into MMPR, MMGL, or MMEP must coordinate closely with local handlers to confirm secure transport between the airport and final destinations. In some cases, road blockades or security checkpoints may delay or restrict access to airport facilities.
Operators with aircraft scheduled into the region are monitoring NOTAMs and local advisories while reassessing crew and passenger security protocols and contingency planning. Cross-border operators serving resort and business destinations in western Mexico may experience itinerary adjustments depending on local conditions.
At this time, per my sources, flights are able to operate into and out of the affected airports, but situational awareness remains critical for those conducting operations in the region.
This is an evolving situation, I’ll try to update as events transpire.
Fleet and OEM Developments
Gulfstream Delivery Activity and Backlog Stability
During the week, Gulfstream’s parent company reported continued strength in its aerospace segment, citing stable deliveries and a healthy backlog extending several years into the future. Large cabin aircraft remain a primary driver of revenue, with international demand continuing to support production planning.
For operators and buyers, sustained backlog depth influences delivery timing and pre-owned market pricing. Extended production slots also affect strategic fleet planning decisions, particularly for flight departments evaluating replacement cycles.
Textron Aviation Production and Aftermarket Focus
Textron Aviation highlighted continued focus on aftermarket services growth alongside production of its Citation and Beechcraft lines. Service center expansion and parts availability remain central to OEM strategy, reflecting industry-wide emphasis on lifecycle support rather than solely new aircraft sales.
Aftermarket stability continues to be a significant factor for operators evaluating aircraft types based not only on acquisition cost but also on long-term service infrastructure.
Market Activity and Demand Indicators
Steady Charter Utilization
Charter activity across the United States remained consistent through the week, with operators reporting solid booking levels following Super Bowl-related demand the previous weekend. While weather impacted certain northern markets, overall utilization trends remained aligned with early 2026 performance patterns.
Charter pricing in key markets continues to reflect balanced supply and demand conditions. Fleet availability in the super midsize and large cabin segments remains tight in certain high-demand regions.
Pre-Owned Aircraft Market Movement
Broker reports during the week indicated continued moderate inventory levels in the pre-owned market. Days on market remain relatively stable compared to late 2025, with well-maintained aircraft in popular segments moving more quickly than niche or aging platforms.
Inventory discipline continues to support resale value stability across light through large cabin categories.
Regulatory and Policy Developments
FAA Focus on Data Standardization and Compliance Oversight
FAA communications during the week continued to emphasize consistency in operational data usage, documentation practices, and compliance oversight. While no major rulemakings were finalized during the period, the agency reinforced expectations around standardized data sources and recordkeeping across Parts 91 and 135 operations.
Operators are continuing to see heightened emphasis on documentation accuracy and procedural adherence during inspections and audits.
Washington Aviation Policy Discussions
Aviation policy discussions in Washington continued around certification reform and long-term funding mechanisms. Industry associations maintained engagement with lawmakers on issues tied to competitiveness, workforce development, and regulatory predictability.
While no major legislation was finalized during the reporting window, aviation remains active within broader transportation policy discussions.
Safety and Operational Environment
Continued Emphasis on Crew Qualification and Training
In the wake of recent accident investigation updates released earlier in February, operators throughout the industry have continued reviewing crew qualification documentation and training currency.
While no new NTSB findings were released during this reporting period, the broader safety conversation remains centered on training standards, second-in-command qualification compliance, and documentation rigor.
Flight departments and charter operators alike are continuing internal reviews to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
Weather and Operational Disruptions
Winter weather systems affected portions of the Midwest and Northeast during the week, leading to temporary airport closures and delays. Business aviation operators adjusted routing and scheduling to accommodate deicing demands and runway condition limitations.
Seasonal weather continues to play a role in flight planning and aircraft utilization in northern markets.
Infrastructure and Service Network
FBO Network Enhancements
Several regional FBO operators announced facility upgrades and service enhancements during the week, including ramp expansions and passenger lounge improvements. While not tied to a single major network announcement, incremental infrastructure investment remains consistent across high-traffic business aviation airports.
Facility modernization continues to focus on operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and expanded service offerings.
Maintenance and Service Capacity
MRO providers reported steady demand across inspections, avionics upgrades, and engine program participation enrollments. Scheduled heavy inspections remain a primary driver of shop activity, with certain aircraft types experiencing longer scheduling lead times due to parts and labor demand.
Maintenance planning continues to require advance scheduling in order to minimize downtime.
Technology and Digital Integration
Ongoing Expansion of Digital Trip Planning Tools
Digital integration across flight planning, trip coordination, and service management platforms continued to expand. Operators are increasingly adopting centralized dashboards that integrate scheduling, maintenance tracking, and service coordination into unified workflows.
The trend reflects broader industry movement toward streamlined data management and operational transparency.
Performance Monitoring and Analytics
Aircraft performance tracking and analytics tools remain an area of development, with operators continuing to adopt systems that monitor fuel burn, maintenance trends, and utilization metrics. Data-driven decision-making is becoming more integrated into both fleet management and acquisition planning.
Workforce and Professional Development
Continued Focus on Pilot and Maintenance Workforce
Industry discussions during the week continued to center on pilot availability and maintenance technician staffing. While workforce shortages are less acute than peak post-pandemic periods, recruiting and retention remain long-term considerations for operators and service providers.
Training pipelines and apprenticeship programs remain central to long-term workforce stability efforts.
Closing
From Feb. 16 through Feb. 22, U.S. business aviation maintained a steady pace across fleet activity, charter utilization, regulatory oversight, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and international operational awareness.
While domestic headlines remained steady, yesterday’s security developments in western Mexico underscored the importance of real-time coordination and situational awareness for cross-border operators. Aircraft production continues. Charter demand remains stable. Regulatory oversight evolves incrementally. Infrastructure investment moves forward. Operators continue managing weather, scheduling, compliance, and customer expectations in real time.
Scissortail will continue monitoring developments across the U.S. business aviation landscape and key international markets that directly affect North American operators, bringing together the updates that matter most so you can stay informed without tracking every individual release.
