An Airbus-led consortium of Spanish companies has unveiled the industrial program for the Spanish Air and Space Force’s Integrated Combat Training System (ITS-C), aimed at replacing the aging F-5 fleet.

The contract, awarded in December 2025 and valued at approximately $3 billion, involves 60% participation from Spanish industry. Airbus serves as prime contractor in partnership with Turkish Aerospace, which manufactures the HÜRJET jet trainer. The 30 aircraft will be customized to Spanish specifications and designated SAETA II, featuring supersonic speeds, a modern digital cockpit, and tandem seating for advanced pilot training and light combat roles such as armed reconnaissance.

The program unfolds in two phases. The first begins in 2028 with delivery of 21 aircraft, one serving as a prototype for next-generation avionics and mission systems. A ground-based training system is set to enter service in the 2029-2030 academic year. The second phase will convert all 30 aircraft and update simulators, with final SAETA II deliveries scheduled between 2031 and 2035.

Airbus will oversee redesign of the Fighter and Strike School Training Centre at Talavera la Real Air Base in Extremadura, incorporating advanced simulators developed with Indra. Spanish firms including GMV, Sener, Aertec, Grupo Oesía, Orbital, and Indra will integrate national technologies for avionics, mission computers, data links, and other systems. The initiative includes an Aircraft Conversion Centre in Spain, maintenance services, and logistical support to ensure fleet availability.

Spanish industry will manage ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and evolution of the system independently.

The U.S. Air Force plans to expand its F-15EX Eagle II fleet to 267 aircraft, more than double the previous target of 129. This increase of 138 jets appears in the Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 budget request, which proposes $1.5 trillion in total defense resources, a 44% rise of $441 billion over fiscal 2026 levels.

The Air Force’s 2027 budget allocates $3 billion for 24 F-15EX fighters. An Air Force spokesperson stated this will complete existing F-15EX units and begin recapitalizing the aging F-15E fleet, which includes 216 aircraft, with plans to retain only 99. The service currently operates about 25 F-15EX jets and holds contracts with Boeing for more than 100.

The F-15EX, an upgraded fourth-generation fighter, primarily replaces older F-15C and F-15D models from the 1980s. It lacks the F-35A’s stealth but offers greater weapons payload and range, suiting homeland defense, air defense, and Indo-Pacific operations. The 2027 request also funds 38 F-35 fighters at $7.4 billion, aiming for at least 72 new fighters annually to counter a shrinking fleet.

Procurement plans have shifted multiple times: from 144 initially, to 80, 104, and 129 before this latest figure. Congress must approve the target, having previously supported F-15EX funding and blocked F-15E retirements. At current rates of about 24 jets per year, the fleet could reach 267 by the mid-2030s.

Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) has acquired one new Airbus A321neo, identified by manufacturer serial number MSN 13130, and placed it on lease to IndiGo.

The aircraft was delivered to the Indian airline on April 28, 2026. This transaction follows AFG’s earlier delivery of another A321neo, bearing MSN 12798, to IndiGo on December 18, 2025.

AFG, a lessor specializing in aircraft financing, plans to deliver additional aircraft to IndiGo in 2026. The moves support IndiGo’s ongoing fleet expansion with fuel-efficient A321neo narrowbody jets.

Separate financing arrangements, such as a lease facility from Emirates NBD for two A321neo aircraft completed in October 2025, underscore growing lessor interest in IndiGo’s operations.

Airbus saw its inventory climb to €46.9 billion by March 31, up €5.2 billion from the end of 2025, driven by work in progress and higher levels of finished goods amid supply chain bottlenecks.

The buildup reflects aircraft, parts, and components produced faster than they can be completed and delivered to airlines, with shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines delaying output, particularly for the A320neo family.

Commercial aircraft deliveries fell to 114 in the first quarter, down from 136 a year earlier, including 81 A320 Family jets, 19 A220s, 11 A350s, and three A330s. Revenue for the division dropped 11% to €8.4 billion, while adjusted EBIT plunged 84% to €81 million and reported EBIT fell to €1 million.

Free cash flow before customer financing deteriorated to negative €2.5 billion from negative €310 million a year prior. Airbus maintains its full-year outlook of around 870 deliveries, €7.5 billion in adjusted EBIT, and €4.5 billion in free cash flow before customer financing, though Pratt & Whitney issues pace the A320neo ramp-up to 70-75 aircraft per month by end-2027.

Bell Textron and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly pursue a version of the MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotor for South Korea’s High Speed Medium Utility Helicopter (HSMUH) program.

The agreement, finalized in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 28, 2026, marks the first public international collaboration linked to Bell’s MV-75 since the U.S. Army designated it Cheyenne II earlier that month. Under the MoU, the companies will evaluate MV-75-based solutions tailored for the Republic of Korea (ROK) armed forces, incorporating a modular open systems approach (MOSA). This design allows the ROK military to update the weapons system independently over time, reducing dependence on a single supplier.

The partnership also includes plans to explore industrial cooperation opportunities within South Korea, though specifics on workshare, timelines, or funding remain undisclosed. The MV-75, with an expected maximum takeoff weight of around 30,000 pounds, offers higher speed and heavier lift capacity compared to traditional helicopters, aligning with Seoul’s interest in advanced vertical lift for replacing aging fleets.

The effort aligns with U.S. government export policies and receives support from the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, tying it to the Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) development contract. This structure ensures any potential sale adheres to U.S. technology release decisions.

The US Air Force has issued a Request for Information for the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles, Beyond Adversary’s Reach (FAMM-BAR), seeking industry partners to develop a low-cost, long-range air-to-surface cruise missile launchable from cargo aircraft.

Issued on April 17, 2026, by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, the RFI requires responses by April 29, 2026. The missile must offer at least 1,000 nautical miles of range, cruise at Mach 0.7 or higher, support mid-course navigation updates, and enable palletized deployment from cargo aircraft like the C-17 or C-130. Production targets include 1,000 to 2,000 units annually over five years for US government and Foreign Military Sales inventories.

Initial focus is on slow-moving maritime targets, with palletized launch as the primary method, though the RFI explores adaptations for lugged carriage on fighters or other aircraft, and potential surface-to-surface use by Army and Navy systems. FAMM-BAR extends the Air Force’s Family of Affordable Mass Missiles lineup, which includes shorter-range FAMM-P for palletized cargo launches and FAMM-L for fighters and bombers, both with 250-500 nautical mile ranges.

This effort builds on demonstrations like the Rapid Dragon program, which tested palletized cruise missile launches from a C-17 in 2021 and an MC-130J in 2022. Air Force fiscal 2027 budget documents request $300 million mandatory and $55 million discretionary funding for 1,000 FAMM missiles, with active vendors including Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 for lugged configurations. Brig. Gen. Robert Lyons described FAMM programs as enabling rapid production to expand munitions stockpiles and provide more options to combatant commanders.

Raytheon, an RTX business, delivered its second missile-warning sensor to Lockheed Martin on April 28, 2026, for integration into the U.S. Space Force’s Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Block 0 satellite program.

The satellites, known as NGG and built by Lockheed Martin, will enhance missile warning and tracking capabilities against evolving space-based threats. Raytheon’s sensor payloads incorporate advanced optical designs and algorithms to detect heat signatures from missile launches, including hypersonic weapons and other advanced systems. These sensors offer improved sensitivity and tracking performance within a broader missile warning architecture.

Raytheon designed and built payloads for two satellites under the program. The first satellite is complete and ready to support initial launch capability. The NGG satellites will provide continuous coverage over mid-latitudes, complementing existing constellations in low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit, as well as current Space Based Infrared Systems.

Passenger traffic in key regional markets has surged 23% to exceed 2.4 million passengers, reflecting robust demand in emerging aviation areas.

Airports Council International (ACI) World data highlights strong growth across multiple regions, though specific attribution to a single key region remains tied to this headline figure. In Africa, traffic is forecast to reach 273 million passengers, up 9.4% year-over-year, fueled by tourism and expanding middle-class travel, especially in Northern Africa. The Asia-Pacific region anticipates 3.6 billion passengers, a 5.5% increase, led by Southern and Southeast Asia, while East Asia shows more caution.

Latin America-Caribbean expects 789 million passengers, rising 4.1%, supported by leisure demand and low-cost carrier expansion. The Middle East projects 466 million passengers, with 5.9% growth driven by infrastructure upgrades and tourism. These emerging markets outpace slower growth in Europe, forecast at over 2.5 billion passengers (3.6% up), and North America at 2.1 billion.

Global passenger volumes are on track for 9.8 billion in 2025, a 3.7% rise from 2024, with international traffic growing 5.3% versus 2.4% for domestic. ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci noted air travel’s role in global mobility and economic expansion amid these trends.

Cebu Pacific opened a dedicated aviation training facility on April 27, 2026, in Parañaque City near Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The Cebu Pacific Training Academy spans 1,685 square meters and serves as one of the first centralized, purpose-built centers of its kind in the Philippines. It includes Airbus A330 and ATR door trainers, cabin mock-ups, slide trainers, classrooms, equipment rooms, and a maintenance learning center. Plans call for adding a ground equipment simulator.

The facility trains the airline’s pilots and cabin crew, reducing reliance on external training providers. Cebu Pacific described the academy as a long-term investment in the Philippine aviation industry.

APOC Aviation has acquired a zero-cycles-since-new SAFRAN landing gear set for the Airbus A321 Enhanced Variant, compatible with the A321neo fleet.

The acquisition, announced on April 28, 2026, from the company’s base in the Netherlands, adds a latest-generation asset to APOC’s inventory. This full set supports the growing demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services amid the expansion of new engine option aircraft.

APOC, a specialist in trading and leasing landing gear, engines, and aircraft parts, maintains a diverse portfolio that includes both current engine option and NEO assets. The company regularly refreshes its stock by acquiring new and young units as others are leased or exchanged, enabling faster turnaround for operators facing overhauls or aircraft-on-ground situations.

This move addresses the needs of airlines operating aging narrowbody fleets, particularly low-cost carriers, while preparing for the shift toward more efficient NEO models.

Norwegian Air Shuttle reported a narrower operating loss of 220 million Norwegian crowns ($24 million) for the first quarter of 2026, down from 611 million crowns a year earlier and better than analyst expectations of 954 million crowns.

The budget carrier, which operates mainly in Europe, benefited from a stronger Norwegian crown, jet fuel hedges, and lower EU Emissions Trading System allowance costs. Aviation fuel expenses dropped to 1.53 billion crowns from 1.97 billion crowns year-over-year. Unit costs rose 6% to 0.83 crowns per seat.

The group carried 5.2 million passengers, with Norwegian handling 4.2 million and subsidiary Widerøe 0.9 million. Norwegian achieved a record Q1 load factor of 87.6%, up 5.2 percentage points from last year, while Widerøe reached 70.2%. Punctuality stood at 78.8% for Norwegian and 87.2% for Widerøe. The fleet totaled 145 aircraft at quarter-end, with liquidity at 14.2 billion crowns. Profit before tax was a loss of 459 million crowns.

CEO Geir Karlsen described demand as encouraging ahead of summer, despite higher ticket prices. Shares rose 6.3% following the results.

Norwegian forecasts significantly higher full-year fuel costs due to disruptions from the US-Israeli war with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which have driven jet fuel prices to record highs. Capacity, in available seat kilometers, will increase 5% next quarter.

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, received Embraer’s 2026 Best Supplier of the Year award in the Outstanding Collaboration category. The recognition honors the company’s production and aftermarket support for PW1900G engines powering Embraer’s E2 aircraft, including the E190-E2 and E195-E2 models.

The award was presented during the 2026 Embraer Suppliers Conference, where Embraer acknowledged suppliers across 10 categories for their role in operational efficiency and 2025 performance. Pratt & Whitney’s efforts include consistent execution and supply-chain alignment that supported the E2 fleet’s operational performance last year.

Pratt & Whitney anticipates full engine availability for the Embraer E2 fleet by the end of 2026. The company is expanding GTF maintenance, repair, and overhaul capacity and integrating select GTF Advantage hot section technologies into PW1900G engines to improve durability and time on wing. This involves MRO cooperation with Embraer’s OGMA facility in Europe.

The Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system operates as a nighttime surveillance platform for firefighting missions in Oregon, targeting the three Ds: dust, debris and dormant embers.

An Oregon-based operator deploys the 25 kg Group 2 vertical take-off and landing UAS to detect invisible hot spots after sunset. Equipped with infrared sensors, it guides ground teams via radio to extinguish these embers, confirming fires are fully out while crews rest.

The Flexrotor maintains continuous watch until dawn, when it hands off to manned assets. Its payload includes stabilized camera gimbals like Hood Techs Alticam series for day and night imaging, enabling endurance of 12-14 hours or more in typical configurations.

Operators anticipate expansion to initial attack missions, pairing the drone with Super Puma helicopters responding to lightning strikes. In this setup, the Flexrotor would identify small embers early. Rath, a project representative, described a seamless digital handover: the drone could laser-designate hot spots for pilots using night vision goggles or transmit GPS coordinates directly to an H215 helicopter for automated precision water drops.

This teaming approach addresses the persistent threat of fires burning after dark, enhancing tactical response in wildfire management.

Embraer reported a company-wide order backlog of US$32.1 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2026, up 22 percent from US$26.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This figure marks the sixth consecutive all-time high for the Brazilian planemaker.

The company delivered 44 aircraft across its business units during 1Q26, a 47 percent increase from 30 deliveries in the prior-year period. These deliveries represent 16 percent of Embraer’s 2026 guidance midpoint.

In the Executive Aviation segment, the backlog stood at US$7.6 billion, remaining stable compared to both the previous quarter and the year-earlier period. The Defence & Security division saw its backlog rise 5 percent year-on-year to US$4.4 billion, though it dipped 4 percent from the prior quarter.

Embraer’s commercial aircraft backlog grew 50 percent year-over-year, boosted in part by an order from Finnair for up to 46 E195-E2 jets. The company released its 1Q26 results on April 27.

Japan Airlines has selected the Recaro R2 economy class seat for its upcoming Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet. The airline unveiled the seat at an event in Tokyo on March 23, 2026.

The R2 seats will equip the entire economy cabin of the new narrowbody aircraft. Each seat includes USB Type-A and USB Type-C charging ports for powering personal devices during flights. A built-in holder supports bring-your-own-device use, allowing passengers to position smartphones or tablets conveniently.

Comfort features include ergonomically shaped cushions, an integrated headrest for better support, and dress covers customized to Japan Airlines branding. The lightweight design aims to balance passenger comfort with operational efficiency.

Practical elements consist of a large tray table for dining or work, plus two literature pockets: an upper pocket and a lower one with expanded netting for storage without reducing living space. The seats support Japan Airlines efforts to enhance short- and medium-haul onboard experience through improved ergonomics, connectivity, and functionality.

An Airbus-led consortium of Spanish companies has presented the industrial programme for the Spanish Air and Space Force’s Integrated Combat Training System (ITS-C), following a contract awarded in December 2025.

The programme, featuring 60% participation from national industry, will replace the ageing F-5 fleet with 30 customized HÜRJET training aircraft from Turkish Aerospace, designated SAETA II in Spanish service. Airbus serves as prime contractor in a co-development agreement with Turkish Aerospace, handling customization to Spanish specifications, integration of new equipment, and provision of operation and maintenance services.

Airbus will also redesign the Fighter and Strike School Training Centre at Talavera la Real Air Base in Extremadura, incorporating state-of-the-art simulators developed with Indra to support aircraft operations, maintenance, and synthetic training.

The initial phase starts in 2028 with delivery of 21 aircraft, one serving as a prototype for next-generation avionics and mission systems. A ground-based training system will enter operation in the 2029-2030 academic year. The second phase covers conversion of all 30 aircraft and simulator updates, with full deliveries of the SAETA II fleet and training systems scheduled between 2031 and 2035.

Spanish firms will manage ongoing maintenance and upgrades, integrating key technologies including GMV for inertial/GPS and mission computers, Sener for DataLink, Aertec for remote interface units, Grupo Oesía for audio management, Orbital for VMDR mission recorders, and Indra for Identification Friend or Foe systems.

Air Nostrum, aerolínea franquiciada de Iberia para vuelos regionales, organiza un proceso de selección de tripulantes de cabina de pasajeros (TCP) en Valencia. La convocatoria forma parte de una gira de reclutamiento por varias localidades españolas.

El evento tendrá lugar el lunes 4 de mayo de 2026 en el hotel NH Valencia Center, en la calle Ricardo Micó 1, 46009 Valencia. Las entrevistas comenzarán a las 9:30 horas. Los candidatos deben presentar su currículum vitae previamente en la web corporativa de la compañía y acudir directamente al hotel sin invitación previa.

Al llegar, los aspirantes aportarán dos fotografías tamaño carné, una de cuerpo entero, fotocopia del DNI o permiso de residencia y trabajo, dos copias del currículum y certificación de estudios finalizados. La selección incluye entrevistas personales y pruebas psicotécnicas.

Quienes superen las pruebas accederán a un curso de formación de aproximadamente un mes y medio para obtener el certificado de vuelo y habilitaciones específicas para las aeronaves de Air Nostrum. La compañía busca candidatos con buen nivel de inglés y disponibilidad inmediata.

Representantes de Airbus, el Ministerio de Defensa español, Turkish Aerospace y el Ministerio de Defensa turco han formalizado en la factoría de Airbus en Getafe el acuerdo para la integración de la industria española en el programa Hürjet, el entrenador de combate que el Ejército del Aire y del Espacio español denominará Saeta II.

El Ejército del Aire y del Espacio incorporará 30 Hürjet entre 2028 y 2031, con opción a otros 15. Los primeros 21 llegarán en 2028 para integrarse en el Ala 23 de la base aérea de Talavera la Real en Badajoz. Uno de ellos servirá como prototipo de modificación en manos de Air Power, filial de Airbus Defence España. A partir de 2030 llegarán los nueve restantes, que entrarán directamente en transformación, con la primera entrega en 2031. Los 20 iniciales se modificarán desde ese año, completando el proceso en 2025.

Dieciséis empresas españolas participan: seis suministran equipos para la versión española a Air Power, como Aertec (unidad de interfaz remota), GMV (inercial/GPS y computador de misión), Grupo Oesía (gestión de audio), Indra (sistema de identificación amigo-enemigo), Orbital (grabador de misión) y Sener (DataLink). Indra desarrolla además sistemas de entrenamiento en tierra, e ITP Aero gestiona el mantenimiento del motor junto al Ejército del Aire y del Espacio. El resto provee componentes a Turkish Aerospace para toda la producción.

El programa sustituye la flota de F-5M, con un contrato adjudicado en diciembre de 2025 que incluye hasta 45 aeronaves según el Boletín Oficial del Estado, y una participación industrial española del 60% centrada en integración de sistemas.

Setna iO has acquired a Boeing 737-800 airframe for teardown, with disassembly scheduled at ecube’s facility in Castellón, Spain.

The purchase, completed on April 28, 2026, adds to Setna iO’s inventory of serviceable materials. The company plans to dismantle the airframe to supply certified components to airlines and MRO providers.

This acquisition supports Setna iO’s efforts to maintain a steady supply of 737 parts through an expanded teardown pipeline. Multiple aviation industry sources confirmed the details of the transaction and the disassembly location.

World Star Aviation has delivered the second of two additional Boeing 737-800BCF freighters to West Atlantic, completing a pair of aircraft placements with the cargo operator.

The first aircraft, a 2001-built Boeing 737-800BCF previously operated by AirExplore, completed conversion at the Joramco facility in Amman, Jordan. It departed on December 15, 2025, and arrived the same day at East Midlands Airport in the UK, where it was registered for West Atlantic’s operations. This delivery brought the total number of WSA-placed aircraft with West Atlantic to five.

The second freighter’s delivery follows this initial handover, supporting West Atlantic’s cargo network across the UK and Europe. Both aircraft are expected to enter service soon, offering operational flexibility for regional and medium-haul routes. Converted from passenger jets, these narrowbody freighters handle varied cargo types efficiently at lower costs than new-build models.

World Star Aviation plans further 737-800 conversions in 2026 to address rising demand for mid-size cargo capacity.

Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas has signed an agreement with Tunisair to operate its medium- and long-haul routes under an ACMI contract, providing aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.

The deal centers on services from Tunis Carthage International Airport to Montreal and Paris, two key connections for the Tunisian carrier. Plus Ultra will base an Airbus A330 at the Tunis airport to cover these high-demand routes.

This arrangement allows Tunisair to expand capacity on its transatlantic and European services. Tunisair currently operates flights from Tunis to Montreal using Airbus A330 aircraft, alongside frequent services to Paris.

Plus Ultra, a Spanish airline, has pursued similar ACMI operations, including a prior deal with Air Algérie for its Algiers-Montreal route using an A330-200. The company recently expanded its fleet with a seventh Airbus A330 and added frequencies on domestic routes while planning Madrid-Buenos Aires launches.

Air Europa has been recognized as the only Spanish airline among the world’s most efficient carriers, according to Cirium’s EmeraldSky 2025 report. The consultancy awarded the Globalia-owned airline a Gold rating, placing it fourth globally with emissions of 53.9 grams of CO2 per available seat kilometer (ASK) in 2025, an improvement of 0.6% from the previous year.

This positions Air Europa as the sole regular Spanish operator in the top ten and the only full-service airline in the leading efficiency group. Ahead of it are Scoot from Singapore, Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air, and Tui Airways. Iberia ranked 13th with a Bronze rating.

The ranking draws from real operational data on CO2 emissions per ASK. Air Europa attributes its performance to initiatives like the OptiClimb application, which provided crews with tailored climb speed instructions, avoiding over 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions in 2025 without delaying flights. The airline also uses single-engine taxi-out (SETO) and taxi-in (SETI) procedures since 2023 to cut ground fuel use. Additionally, it partners with Chooose for a carbon offset program, giving passengers details on flight emissions and options to buy certified credits.

UK-based wet-lease carrier Ascend Airways has surrendered its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, effectively ending operations after just two years.

On April 28, 2026, accountants from Price Bailey announced the closure on behalf of the London Stansted-based airline, which operated on an ACMI basis for clients including TUI Airways, Oman Air, Air Sierra Leone, and SpiceJet. The carrier’s fleet of six Boeing 737 MAX 8s and one 737-800 has been returned to lessors immediately following the final flight, SYG187, which landed at Stansted from India aboard G-NOLA.

High jet fuel prices, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, were cited as a primary factor, creating volatility ahead of the summer season. According to Price Bailey, these pressures compounded challenges of operating a UK AOC in the European ACMI market, including a lack of reciprocal wet-leasing rights and higher costs compared to EU certificates. Reliability issues with CFM LEAP engines on the 737s also increased maintenance needs and reduced aircraft availability.

Ascend Airways, part of Avia Solutions Group, fulfilled all winter 2025/26 season obligations and managed an orderly wind-down to minimize disruption. The status of its 161 employees remains uncertain, though all were paid in full prior to the AOC surrender. A separate Ascend Airways Malaysia continues operations unaffected.

Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas has signed an agreement with Tunisair to operate its medium- and long-haul routes to Montreal and Paris. The deal involves a wet lease arrangement, known as ACMI, under which Plus Ultra provides an Airbus A330, along with crew, maintenance, and insurance.

The aircraft will be based at Tunis-Carthage International Airport and will cover these key routes for the Tunisian carrier, helping to meet high demand on both medium- and long-distance flights. According to reports, the operations will bolster Tunisair’s capacity with technical support from the Spanish airline.

This marks the second such contract for Plus Ultra with North African carriers, following a previous agreement with Air Algérie. Earlier this year, Plus Ultra expanded its own services, securing additional frequencies to Cartagena from Madrid and Tenerife, and planning to launch Madrid-Buenos Aires flights in May with four weekly services using a seventh Airbus A330 in its long-haul fleet.

Emirates has completed the installation and certification of Starlink Wi-Fi on its first Airbus A380, marking the world’s initial deployment of the system on the superjumbo.

The aircraft, registered A6-EEA, underwent modifications in Newquay, UK, before returning to Dubai on April 24, 2026. Due to the A380’s double-decker design and high passenger capacity, it requires three Starlink antennas and additional wireless access points, compared to two antennas on Emirates’ Boeing 777s. The setup delivers more than 2 Gbps of total bandwidth across the cabin, enabling streaming, gaming, browsing, video calls, and remote work at cruising altitude.

Emirates announced the fleet-wide Starlink rollout at the Dubai Airshow 2025, planning to equip approximately 14 aircraft per month starting with A380s in February 2026. Installations will now proceed at Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai. The service will be free for all passengers in every cabin, with future updates including live TV streaming on personal devices and seatback screens.

Currently, 25 Boeing 777-300ERs operate with Starlink, serving over 650,000 passengers. Emirates operates 116 A380s, representing 61% of the global fleet.

Brazil’s defense minister indicated that new export deals for the KC-390 Millennium aircraft could be finalized as early as June.

The statement aligns with ongoing negotiations involving Embraer, the Brazilian manufacturer of the multi-mission KC-390, which serves as both a cargo transport and aerial tanker. Recent developments underscore growing international interest in the platform. Sweden signed an $850 million contract in October 2025 for four C-390 Millennium aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2027. This deal includes an option for seven more units and positions Sweden as the sixth European operator, alongside Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Embraer is in talks with up to 10 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for KC-390 sales. The upcoming June agreements are anticipated to include new partners from Asia and the Middle East, expanding the aircraft’s global footprint to nine operators worldwide. The KC-390 can carry 26 tons of payload at 870 km/h and supports missions including troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and firefighting.

Additional efforts include a partnership with Northrop Grumman to develop an autonomous boom refueling system, targeting the U.S. market and enhancing compatibility with more aircraft types. The KC-390 was also featured at the FIDAE 2026 air show in Santiago.

PLD Space will maintain its role as a primary promoter of Space Camp Valencia, supporting the program’s ongoing efforts to engage young people in aerospace activities.

The camp, developed by Escuela de Ciencia, offers immersive experiences for participants aged 10 to 17, including building and launching rockets, piloting planes, virtual reality space missions, and zero-gravity simulations. Held weekly from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Joan Verdeguer Street 16 in Valencia, it stands as Spain’s only program providing practical training aligned with industry standards.

In the 2025 edition, running June 23 to July 25 at Valencia Innovation Capital facilities, PLD Space acted as a technology driver, inspiring 100 students from Spain and abroad. Camp participants visited PLD Space’s headquarters in Elche’s Torrellano business park, gaining direct insight into aerospace engineering.

Beyond summer, Space Club extends the experience year-round with activities like programming LEGO rovers for Martian missions, in collaboration with PLD Space and partners including American Space Valencia and Power Electronics.

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer reported a firm order backlog of $32.1 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2026, marking the sixth consecutive record for the company and a 22% increase from the year-ago period.

The commercial aviation segment led the growth with orders valued at $15 billion, up 50% year-over-year. Executive aviation orders stood at $7.6 billion, remaining stable compared to the prior year. This backlog reflects strong demand across Embraer’s key divisions.

During the quarter, Embraer delivered 44 aircraft, a 47% rise from 30 deliveries in the first quarter of 2025. Commercial aviation accounted for 10 deliveries, including three E195-E2, the largest model in its lineup, six E175s, and one E190-E2. Executive aviation saw 29 deliveries, up 26%, comprising 16 light jets (one Phenom 100 and 15 Phenom 300), nine Praetor 400s, and four Praetor 600s.

The company also posted a net profit of $112.3 million for the quarter, more than triple the previous year’s figure, with revenues growing 44%.

Philippine Airlines reported a net income of $78.55 million for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 2.6 percent increase from the prior year. Total revenues rose 9.7 percent to $895.7 million, driven by steady travel demand and robust cargo performance.

Passenger traffic increased 6.1 percent to 4.3 million passengers, boosting passenger revenues by 8.7 percent to $759.65 million. Cargo revenues surged 22.5 percent to $43.21 million amid tight global capacity, while ancillary revenues reached $83.56 million. The airline expanded flight operations by 8.4 percent during the period.

Operating profit stood at $101.85 million, though total operating expenses climbed 7.1 percent to $793 million. Flying operations, the largest cost area, rose 9 percent to $447 million due to higher flight activity, late-quarter fuel price pressures from Middle East tensions, and increased depreciation from fleet expansion.

The carrier avoided major flight disruptions but faces ongoing volatility as regional conflicts escalate, prompting adjustments to its network and costs to safeguard margins.

Portugal’s government has selected Air France-KLM and Lufthansa to submit binding offers for a controlling stake in TAP Air Portugal as part of the state-owned carrier’s privatization process.

The decision follows non-binding bids from both airlines earlier this month, which included proposed prices and industrial plans for the 49.9% stake the government intends to sell. Portugal rescued TAP during the Covid-19 pandemic and announced last September its plan to bring in a major international airline partner.

Air France-KLM expressed strong interest in the opportunity, viewing it as a way to establish Lisbon as a hub for its southern European network. Lufthansa, Germany’s largest carrier, is also advancing in the process. International Consolidated Airlines Group, parent of British Airways and Iberia, showed initial interest but did not submit a bid.

Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz, overseeing the privatization, indicated a final decision could come in August or early September. Bidders have three months to lodge their binding offers.

The Mixed Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe ordered the judicial liquidation of Air Antilles on April 27, 2026, with immediate cessation of all operations. The ruling ends efforts to save the regional airline, which had been grounded since December 2025 after France’s Direction de la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile revoked its operating license due to a failed safety audit.

The court rejected three takeover offers from local hedge funds and holding companies, deeming them insufficient to address liabilities exceeding 56 million euros and ongoing operating losses. An administrator had concluded during the observation period that no viable recovery plan was possible through continued operations. The decision impacts 116 employees, who now face job losses.

Air Antilles, launched in 2002 to serve the French Antilles, operated a fleet of four ATR 42 and DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft for inter-island routes. Earlier financial woes included a suspension of payments filed by CEO Eric Koury in July 2025 amid strikes by the pilots’ union SNPL-CAIRE over unpaid wage increases. The parent group, Compagnie Aérienne Interrégionale Express (CAIRE), which also runs Air Guyane, entered compulsory liquidation amid the labor disputes, though Air Antilles faced separate proceedings.

In February 2026, the court had granted a six-month reprieve under judicial administration, but no credible continuation plan emerged. Travelers with canceled flights will receive no refunds, as the airline’s collapse closes all paths to resumption.

Delta TechOps has signed an eight-year exclusive agreement with IndiGo to maintain 20 CFM56-5B engines powering the airline’s Airbus A320ceo fleet.

The deal, announced on April 22, 2026, at MRO Americas in Orlando, represents Delta TechOps’ first major collaboration with IndiGo and its initial foothold in India’s aviation market, the world’s third-largest.

Maintenance work will take place at Delta TechOps’ primary base in Atlanta. The partnership leverages Delta TechOps’ expertise in CFM56 engines and its global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul capabilities to support IndiGo’s high-utilization fleet.

IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, operates these engines on its A320ceo aircraft. This agreement expands Delta TechOps’ third-party maintenance services into a key growth region for aviation.

Dnata will invest approximately A$32 million to develop a dedicated cargo terminal at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

The facility, located in the airport’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct, includes a 5,000-square-metre warehouse and an additional 4,000 square metres of surrounding land. Around A$6 million of the investment targets specialised equipment and technology for efficient operations, including support for pharmaceuticals and temperature-sensitive shipments.

Freighter operations are set to start in July 2026, before the airport’s full passenger opening later that year. At maturity, the terminal will handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The initial phase will create about 50 direct jobs, with more expected as volumes increase.

The Cargo Precinct can service eight wide-body aircraft simultaneously and has capacity for at least 220,000 tonnes of freight per year, enhancing air freight infrastructure in New South Wales.

At MRO Americas, Barfield, the Americas subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, signed a three-year component repair and overhaul agreement with AerFin, an aviation asset management specialist.

The deal covers components for the Airbus A320 family, A330, Embraer E170/E190, and Boeing aircraft. It renews a partnership that has lasted about a decade, with AerFin relying on Barfield’s repair expertise for its inventory of aircraft parts, engines, and components.

Barfield CEO Gilles Mercier noted the value of the continued collaboration, crediting the quality and reliability of their services along with the efforts of their teams. The agreement comes as the MRO sector grapples with supply chain issues and market shifts, where providers like Barfield maintain capabilities in responsive repairs for airlines, lessors, and partners.

The Royal Brunei Air Force has completed its fleet of four Airbus C295MW aircraft with the delivery of the final two platforms on April 20, 2026, at Rimba Air Force Base.

Designated TUDB 504 and TUDB 505, the aircraft arrived at the Air Movement Centre in a ceremony attended by His Royal Highness Lieutenant Colonel (Udara) Pengiran Muda Abdul Mateen ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah.

The deal for the four C295MWs was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2022 to replace the CN235-110M aircraft previously in service. The first two aircraft were delivered on January 24, 2024, during an event graced by Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. They entered service on February 14, 2024, following a ceremony officiated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah.

Since entering service, the C295MW fleet has logged 518 flights across eight Southeast Asian countries. The aircraft support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, medical evacuations, non-combatant evacuations, search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, VIP transport, cargo drops, military freefall, and airborne static parachute jumps.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $15.5 million contract to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Robinson Unmanned on April 27, 2026, for Increment 2 of the Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) program.

The contract supports development of the R66 TURBINETRUCK, an autonomous cargo helicopter that integrates Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system with the Robinson R66 airframe. This platform addresses a logistics gap between small tactical drones and large strategic airlifters by providing a middleweight uncrewed option for resupply in contested environments.

Designed for operations from austere forward bases, ship decks, or unimproved landing zones, the R66 TURBINETRUCK can carry payloads from 1,300 to 2,500 pounds over a 100-nautical-mile combat radius. Missions are controlled via a common digital handheld device, enabling delivery of ammunition, medical supplies, and other equipment when ground routes or crewed aircraft are unavailable, thus reducing risks to personnel.

Robinson Unmanned will deliver the first R66 TURBINETRUCK to Sikorsky for integration, testing, evaluation, and demonstration. The MATRIX system, which features a platform-agnostic open architecture, draws from technology used in Sikorsky’s S-70UAS U-Hawk helicopter. The program aims to sustain Marine forces at the tactical edge during high-tempo operations where crewed assets face vulnerabilities.

Embraer reported a total backlog of US$32.1 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 22% increase from the previous year and marking the company's sixth consecutive all-time high.

The company delivered 44 aircraft across its business units during the quarter, up 47% from 30 deliveries in the first quarter of 2025. This performance aligns with progress in production initiatives, representing about 16% of the midpoint of Embraer's full-year guidance of 240 to 255 aircraft for Commercial and Executive Aviation combined.

Commercial Aviation backlog stood at US$15.0 billion, a 50% year-over-year rise driven by orders including Finnair's selection of up to 46 E195-E2 jets and additional E195-E2 sales. Executive Aviation backlog remained at US$7.6 billion, with 29 deliveries comprising 16 light jets and 13 mid-size jets, a 26% increase from the prior year.

Defense & Security backlog reached US$4.4 billion, up 5% year over year, while Services & Support hit a record US$5.1 billion, an 11% gain.

Embraer S.A. reported a total backlog of $32.1 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2026, marking its sixth consecutive all-time high and a 22% increase from the previous year.

The company delivered 44 aircraft during the quarter, up 47% from 30 deliveries in the first quarter of 2025. This progress reflects improvements in production as prior supply chain constraints ease.

Commercial Aviation backlog stood at $15.0 billion, a 50% year-over-year rise driven by Finnair’s order for up to 46 E195-E2 jets, including firm orders, options, and purchase rights, along with additional E195-E2 sales. The segment achieved a 3.0x book-to-bill ratio over the past 12 months.

Executive Aviation backlog remained at $7.6 billion, stable year over year, with 29 deliveries split between 16 small jets and 13 medium jets, a 26% increase from the prior year.

Defense & Security backlog grew 5% to $4.4 billion, including deliveries of one KC-390 Millennium and four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to customers in Portugal, Uruguay, and an undisclosed African nation.

Services & Support backlog hit a record $5.1 billion, up 11% year over year, supported by new agreements for E-Jet fleets, C-390 Millennium support, and predictive maintenance programs like AHEAD with Virgin Australia.

Embraer’s 2026 guidance calls for 240 to 255 combined Commercial and Executive Aviation deliveries, with first-quarter results representing about 16% of the midpoint.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 422 on April 23, 2026, prohibiting airports in the state from using automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data to calculate, generate or collect fees from operators of small aircraft.

The law, effective July 1, 2026, targets aircraft with a gross weight of 12,499 pounds or less operating under FAA Part 91 rules. It specifically bars airports from relying on ADS-B information for charges related to landings, touch-and-go operations, departures or entry into a defined airspace radius around the airport.

The statute states that an airport may not use information broadcast or collected by ADS-B systems as a means for calculating, generating and collecting fees from aircraft owners or operators within Florida’s geographic boundaries.

While the measure does not eliminate airport fees entirely, it eliminates ADS-B as the billing mechanism for these light general aviation aircraft. The bill, introduced by Sen. Tom Wright, passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature with large margins after advancing through multiple committees.

Similar restrictions exist in Montana, and lawmakers in Arizona are considering comparable legislation, while federal proposals seek to limit ADS-B use to safety purposes.

A CityLink Aviation Cessna 208 Caravan crashed near Juba, South Sudan, on April 27, 2026, killing all 14 people on board, according to the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority.

The aircraft, registered 5Y-NOK, was on a domestic flight from Yei to Juba International Airport. It departed Yei at about 9:15 local time and lost contact with air traffic control roughly 30 minutes later, at 9:43, about 10 nautical miles southwest of the capital.

Preliminary reports from the authority point to adverse weather and low visibility as factors, though the cause remains under investigation. A team has been dispatched to the crash site near Luri, where images show burning wreckage in hilly terrain.

The victims included 13 passengers and the pilot: two Kenyan nationals and 11 South Sudanese citizens. CityLink Aviation provides domestic air services in South Sudan, where limited road infrastructure makes air travel essential for many communities. No further details on the pilot, aircraft maintenance, or any distress call have been released.

Boeing has completed the first fully automated approach and landing on a U.S. Army CH-47F Chinook helicopter during recent flight tests of its Approach-to-X (A2X) technology.

The helicopter used an upgraded Digital Automated Flight Control System (DAFCS) to touch down with all four wheels on the runway without pilot interaction. Since its initial integration on an Army CH-47F in January 2026, the system has performed over 150 approaches, ranging from 100-foot hovers to full ground landings, achieving an average final positioning error of less than five feet.[1][3][4]

Pilots select the landing zone, final altitude, approach angle and starting speed, after which the software assumes control of the aircraft. They retain the ability to adjust the flight path or glide slope in response to changing conditions.[1][2][3]

The technology aims to reduce pilot workload during tactical operations, enabling crews to focus more on situational awareness. Boeing plans further flight testing to refine the software before delivering a final version to the U.S. Army for potential fleet integration.[1][3][4]

United Airlines y American Airlines han terminado las conversaciones preliminares sobre una posible fusión, confirmaron fuentes cercanas al proceso. El CEO de United, Scott Kirby, planteó la idea directamente a altos funcionarios del gobierno, incluyendo al presidente Donald Trump durante una reunión el 25 de febrero en el Aeropuerto Internacional Washington Dulles, según reportes de Bloomberg.

La propuesta buscaba crear la aerolínea más grande del mundo, con ingresos superiores a 100.000 millones de dólares y una flota de más de 2.800 aeronaves. United y American controlan juntas más de un tercio del mercado estadounidense, lo que generaba serias preocupaciones antimonopolio y críticas por posibles aumentos en tarifas y menor competencia para los pasajeros.

American Airlines rechazó la oferta. Su CEO, Robert Isom, calificó la operación como negativa para los clientes y perjudicial para la industria, argumentando riesgos de concentración en rutas clave. Kirby reconoció que sin un socio dispuesto, el proyecto no era viable, aunque defendió su lógica estratégica en un contexto de altos costos de combustible por tensiones geopolíticas.

United, con un valor de mercado de 31.000 millones de dólares, superaba a American, valorada en 7.400 millones, cuyas acciones cayeron un 27% en 2026. La fusión habría requerido desinversiones para aprobación regulatoria del Departamento de Justicia y Transporte, pero la negativa de American frenó cualquier avance.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced that the carrier is abandoning its pursuit of a merger with American Airlines after the rival declined to engage in discussions.

Kirby made the comments in a statement released on April 27, following reports that he had approached American about a potential combination. He had envisioned the deal creating a U.S. airline with the scale to compete globally against foreign carriers, which he noted hold about 65% of long-haul seats into the country despite serving only 40% foreign customers.

I was hoping to pitch that story to American, but they declined to engage and instead responded by publicly closing the door. And without a willing partner, something this big simply can't get done, Kirby said. He argued the merger would have generated tens of thousands of new high-paying, unionized jobs, supported aircraft manufacturing and domestic supply chains, and cleared regulatory hurdles through required divestitures in some domestic markets.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom rebuffed the idea on April 24, stating the airline was not interested and that a merger would be bad for all parties. Isom likened the two carriers to roommates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where both operate hubs, adding, we're not getting married.

Kirby acknowledged American's public comments make it clear that a merger like this is off the table for the foreseeable future.

Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways resumed limited direct flights from Kuwait International Airport on April 26, 2026, following a 55-day airspace closure that began on February 28, 2026. The shutdown stemmed from Iranian retaliatory strikes that disrupted regional airspace, forcing operations to relocate to Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait Airways launched 35 flights from Terminal 4 over the first week, connecting to 17 destinations including London, Istanbul, Mumbai, Cairo, Manila, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Acting CEO Abdulwahab Al-Shatti stated to KUNA that Cairo services would operate daily, with Jeddah and Dhaka each four times weekly. Eight cities such as London, Riyadh, Mumbai, and Manila received three weekly flights, while Istanbul, Guangzhou, and Colombo had one each.

Jazeera Airways restarted from Terminal 5, serving 10 destinations: Amman, Beirut, Mumbai, Cairo, Kochi, Damascus, Delhi, Istanbul, Riyadh, and Jeddah. The carrier added Riyadh and Jeddah to bolster Gulf links. Dubai services continue via Dammam, with residual operations at the Mishref facility.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation reopened airspace on April 23, with commercial flights starting three days later in a phased approach. Terminals 4 and 5 run from 09:00 to 16:00, operating at about 10% of pre-closure capacity with around 40 daily flights versus 400 before. No foreign carriers have resumed yet.

Dassault Aviation has chosen Spanish startup Arkadia Space to develop and supply the complete propulsion system for its VORTEX-D subscale demonstrator, part of the VORTEX reusable spaceplane program.

The contract, announced by Arkadia on April 21, 2026, includes a full reaction control system (RCS) centered on the company’s 250-newton ARIEL monopropellant thrusters, along with propellant tanks and control electronics. This system will manage precision maneuvering during high-altitude and orbital phases, where accurate attitude control and reliability are essential for hypersonic re-entry.

The ARIEL thrusters employ high-concentration hydrogen peroxide as a green propellant, offering reduced toxicity and operational complexity compared to traditional options. Developed under the European Space Agency’s Future Launchers Preparatory Program, the 250N ARIEL marks its second commercial selection in under two years.

The deal incorporates Spanish industry into the VORTEX program, which now spans France, Germany, and Spain under Dassault’s leadership. Dassault CEO Éric Trappier has cited this multinational approach as a preferred model for collaborative efforts like the FCAS program.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works MDCX command-and-control platform managed the first flight of the U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft.

The two-hour flight took place on April 25 from Boeing facility at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutche, Illinois. The aircraft took off at 10:49 a.m. CDT, autonomously taxied, took off, flew, and landed while responding to commands from the Navy Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 ground control station. U.S. Navy and Boeing air vehicle pilots validated basic flight controls, engine performance, and handling characteristics during pre-planned maneuvers.

MDCX software forms the core of the MD-5 station and was selected in 2020 as the ground control component for Boeing MQ-25A program. Our MDCX open architecture C2 solution integrated seamlessly with a Boeing MQ-25A, delivering secure UAV control for its first flight, said OJ Sanchez of Skunk Works.

U.S. Navy officials noted the flight demonstrates safe control of unmanned aircraft from carrier-based systems and advances integration into future air wing operations. Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, described the MQ-25A as the initial step for carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling to extend manned fighters range.

Kazakhstan-based SCAT Airlines has installed Moment’s Flymingo Box inflight entertainment system across its Boeing fleet. The deployment provides streaming IFE accessible via passengers’ own portable electronic devices, powered by the aircraft without requiring cabin modifications.

Moment acts as the content service provider, handling licensing and updates for the system. The setup also integrates SCAT’s onboard retail program, allowing passengers to browse items, place orders, and complete payments from their seats. Cabin crew receive notifications to fulfill transactions.

The Flymingo Box, a lightweight wireless IFE server, supports over 100 connections and operates offline, delivering entertainment and digital services. SCAT, headquartered in Shymkent, aims to enhance the inflight experience for passengers and crew through this partnership with the IFE provider.

Boeing and the U.S. Navy completed the first test flight of an operational MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aircraft on April 25, 2026, at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois.

The two-hour mission began with takeoff at 10:49 a.m. CDT. Navy and Boeing air vehicle pilots operated the aircraft from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 ground control station, which incorporates Lockheed Martin’s MDCX system. The Stingray autonomously taxied, took off, flew, landed, and responded to commands while executing a predetermined mission plan. Tests validated flight controls, navigation, engine performance, and handling characteristics, along with integration with the ground control system.

Designed as the Navy’s first carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling tanker, the MQ-25A will take over refueling duties from F/A-18 Super Hornets, freeing crewed fighters for combat and extending carrier strike group range. It can carry up to 15,000 pounds of fuel and also supports surveillance and intelligence roles.

Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, head of the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, described the flight as the first step in integrating unmanned refueling on carriers, enabling manned fighters to fly farther and faster. Capt. Daniel Fucito, Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Manager, noted it initiates a rigorous flight test program to expand the aircraft’s performance envelope.

Additional tests will occur in Illinois before a ferry flight to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, for carrier qualifications. This production-representative aircraft follows the MQ-25 T1 demonstrator, which first flew in 2019 and demonstrated refueling with an F/A-18 Super Hornet, E-2D Hawkeye, and F-35C.

Cargo Aircraft Management, a division of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG), delivered a Boeing 767-300 freighter aircraft with manufacturer serial number 27597 to My Freighter under a six-year lease agreement.

This delivery marks the ninth such aircraft placed with My Freighter, the largest air cargo carrier in Central Asia and a subsidiary of Centrum Holding. The addition supports the carrier’s fleet expansion for international cargo routes.

Iran has resumed commercial flights following the partial reopening of its airspace, which was closed on February 28 amid hostilities with Israel and the United States.

State television reported that flights restarted to destinations including Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina. Operations began at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport on April 25, with international services to regional hubs and domestic flights from Mehrabad Airport. Flight-tracking data from April 24 showed departures from Mashhad Airport to Turkey and Oman.

Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced a phased four-stage plan to restore air traffic. The first phase reopens eastern airspace for international transit flights. The second targets eastern airports, the third major facilities like Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad, and the fourth western hubs. Air routes in eastern airspace have already reopened for transit, with further resumptions based on airport readiness to ensure safety.

The moves follow a ceasefire, extended by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 21. Ticket sales remain suspended pending official announcements. Diplomatic efforts continue in Islamabad, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting Pakistani leaders, while U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner engage indirectly through Pakistan.