FlyModernArk has announced a strategic initiative to relaunch SA Express Airways, bringing together a consortium of aviation professionals, including former SA Express experts. The project aims to restore the airline as a key regional carrier in Southern Africa, FlyModernArk says. The revitalisation plan focuses on operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and economic impact, with the goal of recreating an airline that previously generated approximately R500 million ($28.1 million) in annual net profits. The consortium is currently in advanced discussions with regulatory authorities and partners, with specific launch details to be announced later. The effort emphasises rebuilding the airline's reputation as a reliable and efficient regional connector.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled a $20 million investment aimed at modernising air traffic control towers at 20 regional airports spanning 15 states, funded through a bipartisan infrastructure law. The FAA says this initiative primarily targets smaller and regional airports that serve as crucial links in local economies and aviation networks, with individual grants ranging from $185,000 to $2 million per facility. The comprehensive upgrade program encompasses various critical improvements, from complete tower replacements and structural rehabilitation to modern communications equipment and enhanced security systems. Other notable projects include a $2 million rehabilitation of the historic 1941 tower at Smith Reynolds airport in North Carolina and a $1.7 million new tower project at Gary/Chicago International airport. The improvements address multiple aspects of airport operations, including infrastructure upgrades like roof replacements and HVAC modernisation, technical enhancements such as updated weather monitoring systems and radio communications, and compliance measures ensuring ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility and that energy efficiency standards are met. These airports serve essential functions including commercial passenger flights, cargo operations, emergency services, and flight training, making their modernisation crucial for regional aviation safety and efficiency. The FAA says the program has already demonstrated success through completed projects at airports in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with potential additional funding of up to $100 million becoming available next year for eligible airports. This initiative represents part of a larger infrastructure investment strategy by the Biden-Harris Administration, which has allocated over $568 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding across 66,000 projects nationwide while attracting nearly $1 trillion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments, highlighting a comprehensive approach to modernising America's aviation infrastructure.

BA Euroflyer and BA CityFlyer have appointed new managing directors to oversee their daily operations. Karen Hilton, formerly Heycar's chief executive, has joined BA Euroflyer, while Ian Romanis, currently British Airways' head of retail and customer relationship management, will move to BA CityFlyer in the new year, writes Tom Stoddart, chief executive of both units, in a LinkedIn update. Stoddart advised that he will remain "accountable" for the airlines but will "delegate much of the day-to-day responsibilities to Ian and Karen".