Last January, I attempted to predict what the coming year might look like for business aviation. As post-COVID growth began to subside in 2024, I anticipated a year defined more by consistency than expansion. That expectation largely proved accurate, with flight activity remaining steady throughout 2025, consistent with industry forecasts predicting only marginal year-over-year growth. 

I did, however, highlight two clear caveats to this general trend: the continued rise of LEO technology and the growing challenge of parts obsolescence. Both factors had a meaningful impact on the industry, particularly in driving maintenance demand, as parts availability remained strained and LEO connectivity adoption rapidly accelerated. What I did not fully anticipate in my predictions was the extent to which shifting and unpredictable tariff policies would disrupt the aviation landscape in 2025.

While the tariffs themselves were not entirely unexpected, the pace and variability of their implementation created challenges that were difficult to model in advance. Ever-changing timelines, fluid percentages, and evolving country-specific rules significantly impacted cost and availability of aircraft and parts, particularly for platforms manufactured outside the United States. This instability made accurate pricing and delivery forecasting extremely difficult and, in some cases, delayed aircraft deliveries that had previously been considered straightforward. 

Fortunately, however, as 2025 came to a close, much of that uncertainty began to subside. Many aviation-related components were exempted under existing trade agreements, and previously problematic tariffs (most notably those affecting Swiss-manufactured aircraft) were eliminated, restoring a degree of predictability heading into 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026, I expect many of the core themes from 2025 to persist. Business aviation utilization is likely to remain relatively stable, extending the flat utilization trends seen over the past year rather than entering a new growth phase. Parts obsolescence will most certainly remain a central challenge. As I noted last year, components are becoming obsolete more quickly, largely due to reliance on commercially available products with shorter practical lifespans. 

In 2026, waiting for a part to fail before addressing it is simply no longer a viable strategy. Flight departments that anticipate and schedule replacements for potentially obsolete components will reduce the risk of unplanned downtime and ensure that aircraft will remain operational. In short, proactive planning is essential for operators moving forward.

There is also no denying the momentum of LEO technology entering the new year. While competitors like Gogo are working toward certifications, with new forces like Amazon Leo (previously Project Kuiper) planning to enter the market, Starlink continues to remain the clear front-runner. This is really due to the head start the company has, as aviation-specific solutions for newcomers in the LEO space remain years away from widespread adoption. For operators in 2026, the timing of installations will be critical. 

As this technology continues to grow in popularity, it makes sense that installations will continue to expand throughout the year. While this, of course, is a positive for the industry, limited MRO capacity and inventory issues are going to make it more difficult to schedule downtime to adopt the new technology. Just a year ago, it was not uncommon to schedule a Starlink installation within a couple of weeks. In 2026, a similar installation will likely take months of planning. This again signifies the importance of pre-planning and proactivity for aircraft operators this year.

For Pro Star, 2026 will continue to be defined by strategic evolution across facilities, aircraft types, and connectivity solutions. The Grand Rapids location will further establish itself as a Pilatus Center of Excellence, while Pilatus work in Manchester will increasingly be replaced with Falcon and larger-cabin aircraft support. This shift reflects the growing demand for more complex maintenance and upgrade services coming into the new year.

Connectivity adoption will also remain a central focus. By the end of Q1 in 2026, every aircraft type within Pro Star’s supported portfolio will have a viable LEO solution available. Many routine maintenance events will include companion connectivity installations, allowing operators to address multiple needs during a single downtime period. This integrated approach will help to minimize unplanned disruptions and improve scheduling efficiency for flight departments. Operators who coordinate in advance will see the most reliable results, while Pro Star will continue to position its facilities and teams to meet the increasing complexity and demand across its aircraft portfolio throughout the coming year.