VistaJet places a massive order for 40 Bombardier Challenger 3500s (with up to 120 options) following $1.3B in financing—what it means for fleet operators, delivery slots, and the super-mid market. We break down Bombardier’s global MRO expansion, bond financing strategy, and why the Challenger 300/3500 platform continues to dominate.

Plus: two American Gulfstream pilots jailed in Guinea under severe conditions, the El Paso airspace shutdown and counter-drone confusion, Hop-A-Jet’s lawsuit following the crash, and a data-driven discussion on pilot hiring, DEI policies, and aviation safety statistics.

We also cover Jeff Bezos’ Gulfstream 650ER listing and this week’s Mile High Madness.

Business aviation news, fleet strategy, aviation safety, and industry analysis—all in one episode of The VIP Seat.

This week on The VIP Seat, Jessie and Preston break down the AOPA leadership shakeup (and the remote-work subplot), dig into what Skyryse’s $300M raise and $1.15B valuation could mean for helicopter safety and “flying car” reality, and react to a surprise move in the latest funding bill that blocks FAA single-pilot research. Plus: Super Bowl jet traffic hits absurd levels, FBO event fees go vertical, and Mile High Madness delivers foam-system corrosion pain… and a Shark Tank “G6” moment that made aviation Twitter collectively spit out its coffee.

Private aviation is navigating uncertainty—but capital is still moving. In this episode of The VIP Seat, Jessie Naor and Preston Holland (reporting from Corporate Jet Investor London) on tariff volatility, FAA furloughs, shifting European sentiment, sustainability pressure, safety reforms, and why record global M&A activity may signal strong tailwinds for business aviation despite the noise.