Tecnam has identified Horizon Airways as the customer for Australia’s first P2012 STOL, according to company information. The aircraft is part of the Italian manufacturer’s twin-engine P2012 series, a nine-passenger, short takeoff and landing variant designed for regional operations from shorter runways.

The P2012 STOL entered the certification phase after flight testing in early 2022. Tecnam has said the aircraft has a maximum gross weight of 3,680 kg, a takeoff run of 275 meters, and can clear a 15-meter obstacle in 425 meters. It is also listed with a maximum landing weight of 3,630 kg and a landing ground run of 155 meters.

The model is equipped with two turbocharged piston engines, seats nine passengers in a single-pilot configuration, and is certified for VFR and IFR operations.

The first C-390 Millennium destined for the Czech Air Force has completed its maiden flight from Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, marking a key step toward delivery of the new tactical transport to Prague. According to Embraer, the aircraft is the first of two C-390s ordered by the Czech Republic and flew last week as part of the initial test and verification campaign.

The new jet-powered airlifter is designed for multiple missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop of equipment and personnel, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian assistance. It is capable of carrying up to 26 tons of payload and cruising at speeds of up to 470 knots, placing it in the medium-lift military transport category.

The Czech Republic is among several international customers for the C-390 Millennium, joining operators such as Brazil, Portugal and Hungary, with aircraft also on order for countries including South Korea. Following the successful first flight in Brazil, the Czech aircraft will continue with flight testing and systems integration before being handed over to the Czech Air Force for operational evaluation and entry into service.

Mercado Libre has expanded its logistics network in Argentina through a new air cargo operation to Patagonia, developed in partnership with Aerolíneas Argentinas and industrial group Mirgor. The initiative aims to reduce delivery times in some of the country’s most remote southern cities, an area traditionally dependent on slower ground transport.

The service targets Ushuaia, Bariloche, Neuquén and Trelew, where users will be able to receive marketplace orders in up to 48 hours, according to information released by the companies. The operation is structured around five weekly cargo frequencies and is expected to move between 15,000 and 16,000 parcels per day on these routes.

A pilot phase includes weekday cargo flights from Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport to Neuquén and Trelew, using Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas Cargo. The trial, scheduled to run for three months, will allow the partners to evaluate operational performance, identify bottlenecks and determine the feasibility of a permanent air corridor.

In addition to the dedicated freighter operation, Mercado Libre is also using bellyhold capacity on Aerolíneas Argentinas’ commercial flights to accelerate deliveries to Ushuaia and Bariloche. With this move, Argentina becomes the company’s fifth Latin American market with integrated air transport and the third, after Brazil and Mexico, with exclusive cargo flights in its logistics network.

The United States has formally notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea involving 24 MH-60R multi-mission naval helicopters and associated equipment, in a package valued at more than $3 billion. The notification, delivered by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency under the State Department’s authorization, is a required step before the proposed deal can move forward.

The MH-60R Seahawks are intended to enhance South Korea’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities and to improve interoperability with U.S. naval forces. The broader U.S. approval for military sales to South Korea exceeds $4 billion and also includes a separate upgrade program for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, valued at about $1.2 billion.

In a related action, the State Department approved a potential $350 million sale of T-700 GE-401C or 401D engines and sustainment support for MH-60R helicopters. That package covers six engines, spare parts, technical documentation, training, and logistics support. U.S. officials stated that the proposed sales would not adversely affect U.S. defense readiness.

Swarm robotics and autonomous drone swarms are moving rapidly from laboratory research to operational reality, reshaping concepts of aviation, airspace management, and military operations. Swarm robotics, rooted in swarm intelligence principles, focuses on large numbers of autonomous robots that operate without centralized control. Each unit relies on local sensing and communication, cooperating with others to accomplish shared tasks while remaining scalable and fault-tolerant.

Recent demonstrations underscore how quickly the technology is maturing. In the United States, DARPA’s OFFensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) program enabled a single operator to direct a mixed swarm of about 130 uncrewed aircraft and ground robots, plus additional simulated drones, to scout a mock urban environment and share data across a networked force.

On the commercial-defense side, California-based Shield AI has introduced its V-Bat Teams concept, using onboard AI software to let small groups of VTOL drones operate with minimal human instruction in high-threat environments. The drones can continue missions without GPS or constant communications, and are described as attritable, allowing them to be deployed in substantial numbers for roles ranging from surveillance to decoy operations.

In Europe, Hungarian researchers have unveiled decentralized swarm-control algorithms that allow drones to fly autonomously, adapt to weather and traffic, and coordinate tasks without a ground control station. Their framework has been tested with about 100 real drones and, in simulation, up to 5,000 aircraft operating without collisions. Potential applications span precision agriculture, distributed air traffic control concepts, and future drone warfare, signaling a broader shift in how low-cost aerial systems may be organized and managed in the coming years.

IAG Cargo has launched an online cargo career programme aimed at introducing young people to the air freight sector and widening awareness of roles in the industry. The self-led initiative is open to anyone aged 14 and above and is designed to provide an overview of how cargo operations work, along with the careers available across the business.

According to the company, the programme is intended to help build interest in future talent pathways at a time when the industry continues to seek new recruits with skills in logistics, data and other operational areas. IAG Cargo said the course can be completed online and at the learner’s own pace, making it accessible to students and early-career candidates exploring aviation-related work.

The launch follows the company’s wider emerging talent activity, which includes graduate, internship and work experience opportunities. IAG Cargo operates as the cargo division of International Airlines Group and is based in London.

GE Aerospace has completed preliminary design studies for a hypersonic dual-mode ramjet using a custom generative AI application, demonstrating a major compression of early engine design timelines. The company reported that the in-house tool, developed at its research center in Niskayuna, New York, generated hundreds of candidate design layouts in seconds, each meeting predefined performance requirements and multiple flight conditions.

The effort was led by Joe Vinciquerra, General Manager and Senior Executive Director at GE Aerospace Research. He said the aim was to speed up the slowest phase of propulsion development: the iterative loop between customer requirements and a workable preliminary configuration. According to GE Aerospace, work that previously took weeks or months can now be carried out in a single session using the AI-driven app.

The hypersonic concept draws on the company’s ongoing research into dual-mode ramjet technology and rotating detonation combustion, which targets efficient propulsion at speeds above Mach 5 for military and potential future commercial applications. GE Aerospace indicated that the same generative AI approach is being applied to its CFM International RISE open-fan technology program, but did not disclose technical specifics of the ramjet layouts or commit to moving any of the AI-generated designs into hardware development.

GE Aerospace has secured a contract from the U.S. Air Force to further develop its GE426 engine for use on an Autonomous Collaborative Platform, a class of uncrewed air systems intended to operate alongside manned aircraft. The award focuses on maturing propulsion technology tailored for these cooperative, mission-focused aircraft rather than traditional crewed fighters or bombers.

The GE426 effort is aimed at delivering a compact, efficient engine capable of supporting the Air Force’s emerging concepts for autonomous teaming, which require reliable thrust, extended range, and high mission availability. Under the contract, GE Aerospace is expected to refine the engine’s design and performance, building on prior development work to better align with operational requirements for uncrewed collaborative aircraft.

The program underscores the Air Force’s continued investment in propulsion solutions optimized for autonomous platforms, which are expected to complement existing fleets in roles such as surveillance, strike support, and other high-risk missions where uncrewed systems can reduce risk to pilots.

Muirhead Avionics, an AMETEK MRO business based near London Heathrow, has entered into a long-term agreement with Innovative Aerosystems (IA) to become an Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) for selected legacy avionics products. The deal covers equipment originally developed under Honeywell product lines and now fully supported by IA.

Under the agreement, Muirhead Avionics is authorised to provide approved repair and overhaul services for key systems including Inertial Reference Units, communication and navigation radios, transponders, and associated avionics. The arrangement is intended to support operators that continue to rely on long-serving, out-of-production platforms by ensuring continued maintenance, parts availability, and regulatory compliance.

The ARC designation builds on Muirhead Avionics’ existing experience with legacy equipment and previous ARC arrangements within the AMETEK MRO network. Operating from ISO-accredited facilities, the company services a wide range of commercial, regional, military, and general aviation aircraft components. According to AMETEK MRO, its businesses collectively support more than 40,000 aircraft components across avionics and other systems.

The partnership with Innovative Aerosystems reflects a wider trend of original equipment manufacturers and technology holders transferring maintenance, repair, and overhaul work for mature product lines to specialist third-party providers under structured repair contracts.

IAG Cargo has introduced a free, self-paced online program designed to give young people and career changers an introduction to the air cargo industry. The digital initiative, described by the company as a cargo career program and virtual work experience, is open to anyone aged 14 and over.

The program aims to explain how global air freight operations function, using modules that cover core aspects of cargo logistics, from handling and documentation to the movement of sensitive and high-value goods. Participants can complete the content remotely and at their own pace, providing flexible access for students and those exploring aviation-related careers.

According to IAG Cargo, the online course is intended to spark interest in logistics and aviation, rather than serve as a formal qualification. It sits alongside the company’s existing early-career pathways, including internships, work experience and graduate opportunities, and is part of a broader effort to widen access to information about jobs within air cargo.

The initiative is delivered entirely online and is available globally, reflecting the company’s international footprint through the cargo operations of International Airlines Group’s carriers, including British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and Level.

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air has effectively confirmed its true commercial launch date, as tickets for its Riyadh–London Heathrow service have gone on public sale through online travel agencies ahead of an official announcement.

The airline began limited, invite-only operations on October 26, 2025, operating daily flights between Riyadh King Khalid International Airport and London Heathrow on a leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Those flights were restricted to employees, partners, and select guests as part of an operational readiness phase, according to company statements.

Recent listings on several OTAs, including Trip.com and regional platforms such as Almosafer, now show Riyadh Air flights between Riyadh and London available for booking by the general public, indicating the transition from trial operations to full commercial service. Some third-party sellers also describe standard services such as web check-in, seat selection, and ticket changes for Riyadh Air itineraries.

Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has previously said it aims to serve around 100 destinations within five years and has orders for a mixed fleet of Boeing 787-9s, Airbus A321neos, and Airbus A350-1000s. The quiet start to public ticket sales suggests the carrier is locking in its operational launch window on the Riyadh–London route before a broader network rollout.

Riyadh Air is moving closer to launching commercial operations with the introduction of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from its own order book. The aircraft, built at Boeing’s Charleston, South Carolina facility, has completed its initial B1 test flight in the United States as part of the manufacturer’s standard certification program, according to the airline and industry reports.

Following US-based testing and certification, the aircraft is due to transfer to Riyadh Air for further proving and familiarization flights operated by the carrier’s pilots. Company executives have indicated that the first in-house 787-9 is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia around mid-December, after which it is planned to be deployed on services to London Heathrow.

Riyadh Air has already begun limited-access proving flights using a leased Oman Air 787-9, named Jamila, to refine onboard service and ground operations. Once the first owned 787-9 enters service on the London route, the leased aircraft is scheduled to operate a Riyadh–Dubai rotation before reverting to a backup role as additional Dreamliners join the fleet.

The airline ultimately plans a fleet of 39 Boeing 787-9s, alongside Airbus A321neo and A350-1000 aircraft, as part of a growth strategy targeting 100 destinations by 2030.

GE Aerospace has completed preliminary design studies for a hypersonic dual-mode ramjet using a custom generative artificial intelligence tool, significantly compressing the early design cycle for high-speed propulsion systems. According to the company, the in-house application can generate hundreds of viable ramjet configurations in seconds, a task that previously took engineers months.

The AI-driven workflow is being applied to dual-mode ramjet concepts intended for hypersonic flight, where vehicles travel at speeds of Mach 5 and above. Ramjet and dual-mode ramjet engines rely on the aircraft’s forward motion to compress incoming air rather than using rotating compressor stages, making inlet geometry, internal flow paths, and combustion characteristics especially sensitive to design changes.

The generative AI tool is focused on the conceptual and preliminary design phase, enabling faster iteration, earlier down-selection of promising configurations, and quicker progression to ground testing. GE Aerospace has been running a portfolio of hypersonic propulsion programs, including work on rotating detonation and pulsed detonation combustion, as well as high-temperature materials and electronics for sustained high-speed operation.

The company’s hypersonic efforts target both missile and aircraft applications, with hypersonic propulsion and associated power systems cited by analysts as key growth drivers within GE Aerospace’s defense business in the coming years.

The planned combination of Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines centers on building a larger, leisure-focused U.S. carrier while managing a complex but largely contained fleet integration. According to company disclosures, the merged airline is expected to begin with roughly 195 to 200 aircraft, including a significant number of owned rather than leased jets, plus a 737 MAX order book and additional options.

Allegiant has outlined a phased, multi‑year integration framework, with early work already under way on a pro forma 2027 fleet plan. Management has indicated there are no immediate plans to retire Sun Country aircraft beyond any exits already envisioned by Sun Country leadership, pending a detailed review of each airframe’s maintenance status.

The fleet strategy is designed to keep ownership costs low and allow capacity to flex with demand, but regulatory and execution risks remain. The carriers must secure a single FAA operating certificate and align operations, safety procedures, and maintenance programs, all while avoiding disruptions to customers. Allegiant has cautioned in SEC filings that integration could prove more costly, slower, or more difficult than anticipated, and that expected synergies and cost savings, estimated at about $140 million annually within three years, may take longer to realize.

Astrolab has outlined the NASA science payloads that will fly on its first lunar rover mission, a commercial flight to the Moon’s south pole planned for late 2026. The company’s FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover is scheduled to launch aboard Astrobotic’s Griffin-1 lander under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.

According to Astrolab and NASA documentation, FLIP will operate as a mobile science platform, carrying four primary NASA-developed payloads. NASA’s Ames Research Center is providing the Moon Exploration for Titanium with Active Lighting (METAL) instrument, which combines a multicolor camera and radiometer to estimate helium-3 concentrations in lunar regolith. The isotope is of interest as a potential fuel source for future fusion energy.

NASA’s Johnson Space Center is contributing the Lunar Dust level sensor and Effects on Surfaces (LDES) payload to measure how abrasive lunar dust accumulates on solar arrays and radiators and degrades their performance. From NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, a Lunar LiDAR Demonstration will generate high-resolution 3D maps of the terrain to support safer navigation and hazard detection.

Rounding out the suite, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center is supplying a laser retroreflector array that will allow highly precise tracking of the rover’s position from orbit. The passive device is expected to remain on the surface as a long-term geodetic reference point for future lunar operations.

Ryanair has warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region could significantly disrupt European aviation this summer, with jet fuel supply and route viability emerging as key risks.

Chief executive Michael O’Leary said the airline is holding daily calls with fuel suppliers, who currently expect supplies to remain stable only until the end of May. If hostilities continue beyond April, he cautioned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages from early June, potentially affecting 10% to 20% of available supply during the peak months. Ryanair has signaled that in a worst-case scenario it may be forced to cancel about one in ten flights, prioritizing airports where fuel remains available. The UK is seen as particularly exposed because of its reliance on oil imports from Kuwait.

The warning comes as the wider impact of the crisis on European aviation becomes clearer. According to Eurocontrol, traffic between Europe and the Middle East has fallen 59% since hostilities began on 28 February, with extensive airspace closures, diversions and emergency repatriation flights. Fuel prices have already risen by more than 130%, a surge that could pressure weaker carriers and accelerate consolidation in the sector.

At the same time, short-haul demand within Europe has climbed. Ryanair reports a surge in Easter bookings to European destinations as travelers avoid the Middle East, mirroring Eurocontrol data showing a 13% increase in intra-European traffic. O’Leary said bookings to the region have collapsed, while flights within Europe are “booming,” though he does not currently foresee a fundamental long-term shift in demand if the conflict eases before summer.

Other airlines are also preparing for sustained disruption. Lufthansa has noted early warning signs of fuel constraints at some Asian airports and is monitoring kerosene supply outside Europe. Some carriers, including SAS and Vietnam Airlines, have already cancelled flights amid high fuel prices and operational uncertainty, while several European operators have sharply reduced or entirely suspended services to Middle Eastern destinations.

Eurocontrol warns that if airspace closures and elevated fuel prices persist, European networks will continue to be reshaped by reroutings, longer flight times and higher operating costs. Analysts expect this could make certain routes uneconomical and weigh on passenger demand, particularly if broader economic growth slows alongside the energy shock.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is investing $26 million in efforts to build the next generation of aviation workers, part of a broader push to address long-term staffing needs across the industry. The funding will support programs aimed at attracting, training and retaining talent for aviation-related careers, including positions in maintenance, operations and other technical fields.

The initiative comes as the U.S. aviation sector faces persistent demand for skilled workers and growing concern about workforce shortages. Industry groups and regulators have said the lack of qualified personnel could affect safety, efficiency and future growth if recruitment and training do not keep pace with retirements and traffic increases.

The FAA said the investment is intended to expand access to aviation careers and strengthen the talent pipeline through partnerships and workforce development efforts. The agency has not disclosed a detailed breakdown of how the money will be distributed, but the funding is expected to support a range of education and training initiatives across the sector.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have successfully launched the joint SMILE mission (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite lifted off aboard a Vega-C launcher, and mission controllers later confirmed separation into the planned orbit, correct deployment of the solar arrays, and nominal operation of onboard systems.

SMILE is the first full mission-level science collaboration between China and ESA in space exploration. Designed to study how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere, the spacecraft carries soft X-ray imaging technology that will provide the first global views of the large-scale structure of the magnetosphere. Additional instruments will observe in ultraviolet and measure particles and magnetic fields.

The mission aims to improve scientific understanding of magnetospheric physics and contribute to advances in space weather forecasting, particularly in predicting geomagnetic disturbances that can affect satellites and communication systems. SMILE operates in a highly elliptical Earth orbit, enabling extended observations over the polar regions where solar wind–magnetosphere interactions are most intense.

Lufthansa Technik has started certification work to bring its AeroSHARK riblet film to the Airbus A330ceo, expanding the sharkskin-inspired drag-reduction program beyond Boeing 777 aircraft. The company is seeking a Supplemental Type Certificate for the A330-200 and A330-300, with completion targeted for 2026.

AeroSHARK uses riblets, or tiny surface grooves, to reduce aerodynamic drag on the fuselage and engine nacelles. Lufthansa Technik says the technology can cut fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by around 1% in cruise flight. The film is already certified for Boeing 777-200ER, 777-300ER and 777F aircraft, and has been installed on several operators’ fleets, including Austrian Airlines, ANA and LATAM.

The A330 program follows earlier deployments on long-haul aircraft where the modification has been used to improve fuel efficiency. Lufthansa Technik says the system is designed for heavy-duty airline operations and is intended for installation through approved maintenance and modification channels.

H.I.G. Capital has completed its acquisition of International Aerospace Coatings (IAC), a major provider of aircraft painting and aviation services headquartered in Irvine, California, and Shannon, Ireland. The deal, announced on May 15, 2026, follows regulatory clearance from competition authorities, including Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, which approved the transaction in March.

According to H.I.G., the acquisition was executed through affiliated investment vehicles, including PJ Eagle Group Buyer entities, which are taking sole control of IAC and related holding companies. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1980, IAC specializes in aircraft painting solutions for original equipment manufacturers, airlines, leasing companies, and maintenance providers. The company operates a network of facilities serving commercial and other aviation customers globally. Legal advisory firm Ropes & Gray represented H.I.G. Capital in the transaction, according to a firm announcement.

The acquisition adds an established aviation services platform to H.I.G.’s portfolio, positioning the private equity firm in a specialized segment of the aftermarket aviation sector focused on exterior coatings and related services.

Lithuania has closed an anti-corruption investigation into its planned purchase of Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, clearing one of the main uncertainties surrounding the procurement process. The inquiry, led by the country’s Special Investigation Service, examined how the deal was prepared after questions were raised about the selection process and the timing of outreach to rival manufacturers.

The probe followed Lithuania’s June 2025 decision to choose Embraer for further negotiations on three C-390 aircraft to replace its aging C-27J Spartan fleet. At the time, the defense ministry said the Brazilian-built aircraft best matched the country’s operational requirements. Critics later questioned whether the procurement process had been handled properly, prompting the investigation.

With the case now closed, Lithuania is expected to continue evaluating the acquisition as it weighs transport-aircraft needs against other defense priorities. Officials have also discussed upgrading the current Spartan fleet as a bridge until a new procurement is pursued.

An online webinar titled PAM Webinar: Architecting the future of predictive aircraft maintenance is set to explore how airlines and maintenance organizations can structure the next generation of data-driven maintenance systems. The session focuses on how predictive maintenance, supported by real-time data analytics and machine learning, can move operators beyond traditional time-based maintenance toward condition-based and predictive strategies.

According to recent industry research, predictive maintenance platforms increasingly rely on continuous data streams from aircraft sensors, flight records, maintenance logs, and environmental inputs to forecast component degradation and remaining useful life. Webinar speakers are expected to discuss reference architectures that connect onboard sensors, data pipelines, and analytics engines to decision-support tools used by maintenance planners.

The program is also likely to address integration challenges, including the need for standardized data platforms that can aggregate information across fleets and systems, as highlighted in multiple technical studies and airline initiatives. Topics such as the use of deep learning models, LSTM networks, and real-time processing for early fault detection, as well as the role of visual analytics for maintenance crews, are expected to feature prominently.

By focusing on architecture rather than individual tools, the webinar aims to give participants a framework for deploying scalable predictive maintenance capabilities that reduce unplanned downtime, optimize shop visits, and support long-term fleet health management.

European defense AI specialist Helsing and German space company OHB have created a joint venture, KIRK, to develop a space-based tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting system for European armed forces. The venture leads an expanded industrial consortium that also includes Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and HENSOLDT, building on a three-way partnership first announced in December 2025.

KIRK, an acronym for Künstliche Intelligenz und Raumfahrt-Kompetenz (Artificial Intelligence and Space Competence), is intended to close what the partners describe as a critical capability gap on the modern battlefield by reducing the time between satellite data collection and target engagement. The concept combines a surveillance satellite constellation with an AI-driven targeting layer designed to provide near-real-time cueing for stand-off weapons.

According to the companies, Helsing will supply combat-proven artificial intelligence for space, including real-time on- and offboard data processing, multi-sensor fusion and automated target recognition. OHB will handle implementation and operation of end-to-end space systems and satellite platforms, drawing on its experience in Earth observation, communications and reconnaissance missions. HENSOLDT contributes space-qualified sensors for all-weather, persistent surveillance and high-precision Earth observation, as well as mobile ground stations, while Kongsberg provides small satellites, secure communications, C4ISR integration and access to its KSAT global ground station network.

The consortium structure foresees targeted participation by SMEs, start-ups and other suppliers, aligning with broader efforts in Germany and Europe to develop a more competitive defense space industry.

Qatar Airways is set to broaden its African footprint in 2026, adding new destinations and increasing frequencies across key markets. According to the airline and multiple industry reports, the carrier will serve 25 destinations across Africa as part of its updated schedule, combining major hubs with smaller regional points.

New routes include services to the Seychelles and Marrakesh, scheduled to join the network in mid-2026, alongside Alexandria in Egypt. Additional connectivity is being introduced to Central and West Africa, with new services to Kinshasa and Luanda, and the resumption or launch of routes such as Port Harcourt.

South Africa will see one of the most notable capacity increases. Weekly flights between Johannesburg and Doha will rise from 18 to 21, and Cape Town–Doha from 12 to 14, effective around mid-February 2026. Services on the Maputo–Durban–Doha routing will increase from five to seven weekly flights from early March 2026, lifting total weekly Qatar Airways flights to South Africa from 35 to 42.

The African expansion is part of a wider 2026 schedule update that will see the airline connect to more than 150 destinations worldwide from Doha, with enhanced links between Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Delta Air Lines CEO has defended the carrier’s decision to select Amazon’s upcoming low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network for future in-flight connectivity after public criticism from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

Delta in late March signed an agreement with Amazon to equip about 500 aircraft with the Amazon Leo system starting in 2028. The airline aims to boost in-flight internet speeds on both domestic and international routes, building on its existing use of Amazon Web Services for a range of technology operations.

Musk, responding to posts on social platform X, accused Delta of making in-flight Wi-Fi less convenient and argued that choosing Amazon over SpaceX’s Starlink would ultimately drive passengers away, saying the airline would lose customers as a result.

Delta’s chief executive has countered that the airline’s choice was based on technology capabilities and pricing, emphasizing the cost and performance advantages tied to the Amazon partnership. Amazon’s Leo system remains under development, with broader deployment expected over the next several years, while Starlink already operates a large constellation of satellites serving aviation and other sectors.

The Federal Aviation Administration is directing $26 million toward expanding the nation’s pipeline of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians, in a move U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said is aimed at developing the next generation of aviation professionals.

The funding, announced in Washington, D.C., will support Aviation Workforce Development Grants focused on both aircraft pilots and aviation maintenance technical workers. The FAA said the money will back aviation training programs that equip future pilots with technical skills, apprenticeships and internships that provide hands-on experience, and outreach initiatives designed to boost student recruitment into aviation careers. The agency also plans to support training that uses modern tools such as flight simulators.

Eligible applicants include schools, aviation organizations, aviation-related nonprofit groups, air carriers, labor organizations, and state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. Projects must be submitted by June 18, 2026, through the federal grants portal.

The initiative comes amid long-term forecasts of significant demand for pilots and maintenance technicians across the global aviation sector. FAA officials frame the grants as part of a broader effort to ensure a steady supply of qualified personnel for an increasingly complex aerospace system.

Riyadh Air is preparing to introduce its first own-configured Boeing 787-9 on the Riyadh–London Heathrow route, replacing the interim aircraft it has been using for crew training and soft-launch operations. The Saudi carrier began limited commercial flights between King Khalid International Airport and Heathrow in late October 2025 using a leased Boeing 787, initially carrying employees of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and staff from PIF-owned companies.

According to industry reports, the airline’s first Boeing 787-9 is undergoing pre-delivery preparations in the United States and is expected to enter service in the near term. Once this aircraft joins the fleet, the current 787 used for technical and training purposes is scheduled to be reassigned to flights between Riyadh and Dubai, while the Riyadh–London sector will be operated with Riyadh Air’s own 787-9.

The London service forms part of Riyadh Air’s broader growth plan. The carrier has firm and optional orders for 72 Boeing 787-9s, 50 Airbus A350-1000s, and 60 Airbus A321neos, and intends to expand its network across Europe, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. Over the first five years of full operations, it plans to add destinations at a rapid pace, with London among its earliest international markets.

Cebu Pacific is set to restore its Manila–Dubai route on July 2, ending a prolonged suspension of services to the United Arab Emirates triggered by security concerns and airspace restrictions in the Middle East.

The low-cost carrier had halted all Manila–Dubai flights earlier in the year, repeatedly extending the suspension as tensions in the region escalated and key overflight corridors, particularly over Iran, became less predictable. The airline most recently confirmed that flights 5J 014 (Manila–Dubai) and 5J 015 (Dubai–Manila) would remain grounded through at least May 31, leaving Dubai absent from Cebu Pacific’s network while operations to Riyadh continued.

The planned July 2 restart will reconnect Manila with Dubai International Airport, which has largely returned to normal operations after the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority lifted its own airspace restrictions. Other carriers, including Emirates and flydubai, have already restored most of their schedules.

Cebu Pacific has offered affected passengers options such as free rebooking, conversion to a travel fund, or refunds during the suspension period. The airline continues to implement wider network adjustments, including temporary route suspensions and reduced frequencies on several Asia-Pacific services, as higher fuel prices and regional instability weigh on operating costs.

T’way Air has obtained domestic regulatory approval to proceed with its planned rebrand as Trinity Airways, clearing a key hurdle in the carrier’s transition under new ownership. The South Korean low-cost airline’s shareholders had already backed the corporate name change at an annual general meeting on March 31, 2026, with 99.2% of votes in favor, and the new name has been entered on official company registration documents.

According to the airline, the public-facing rebrand will move ahead once all required international approvals are in place. Until then, the carrier will continue to trade as T’way Air, using its existing TW IATA code, flight numbers, and reservations systems. The rebranding will also introduce a new livery featuring large billboard titles on the forward fuselage, a gray underbelly stripe, and a gray tail bearing a triangle in pink, yellow, and blue, with the full rollout expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

The transition to Trinity Airways follows the airline’s acquisition by the Daemyung Sono Group and comes as the carrier addresses a KRW 1.2 billion (approximately USD 793,000) fine related to the use of unauthorised maintenance components on several aircraft.

Industry experts are increasingly pointing to stronger implementation of global standards, modernization of ground support equipment (GSE), and deeper digitalization as central to making airport ground handling more resilient. Ground handling providers, airlines, and regulators have spent the past several years refining safety and service standards, but operators say uneven adoption across airports and contractors continues to create vulnerabilities.

Stricter adherence to common procedures is viewed as vital to reducing ramp accidents, minimizing turnaround delays, and improving coordination between airlines, handlers, and airport operators. At the same time, many fleets of GSE, such as tugs, baggage tractors, and loaders, are aging, with maintenance demands and emissions rules pushing operators toward newer, more efficient and often electric equipment.

Digitalization is emerging as the third pillar, with handlers deploying tools such as real-time resource management, automated task allocation, and digital load and damage reporting. These systems aim to give dispatchers and front-line staff better visibility of operations, allowing faster responses to disruptions and more consistent performance during peak traffic or irregular operations.

Together, tighter standard implementation, investment in modern GSE, and data-driven operations are seen as the main levers for improving reliability and safety in ground handling while managing rising traffic and cost pressures.

Unverified images circulating on Russian military social media channels suggest that a two-seat variant of the Su-57 stealth fighter is undergoing early ground testing, potentially marking the first appearance of a tandem-seat version of Russia’s fifth-generation combat aircraft.

The photos, shared on May 16–17 by the FighterBomber Telegram channel, show a Su-57-like airframe with an elongated canopy and enlarged cockpit section configured for two crew members in tandem. FighterBomber claimed the aircraft conducted taxi trials, but there has been no official confirmation from Russian authorities or the United Aircraft Corporation. The background of the leaked image is heavily blurred, and identifying markings appear edited out, though researchers report a bort number 055 Blue, linking the jet to a modified prototype airframe.

The cockpit layout, with a pronounced height difference between the front and rear seats, recalls the Su-30 family, likely intended to improve rear crew visibility. A logo depicting the Su-57 alongside the S-70 Okhotnik unmanned combat air vehicle is visible on the tail, prompting speculation that the second crew member could manage drones or networked operations, in addition to roles as an instructor or weapons systems operator.

A 2023 Russian patent for a “multifunctional two-seat low-observable tactical aircraft” closely resembling the Su-57 had already hinted at such a development. Some Russian commentary suggests the twin-seat configuration is aimed primarily at export customers, although this has not been officially stated.

Virgin Atlantic has announced that Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, will become chair of the airline from June 1, 2026, as the carrier further aligns its strategy with that of its parent group. He will succeed Peter Norris, who is stepping down as Virgin Atlantic chair on May 31, 2026, after around 14 years in the role.

Bayliss has led Virgin Group since 2011, overseeing group strategy, brand development and the diversification of the group’s investment portfolio. His appointment brings the group’s top executive into a formal governance role at the airline, which is jointly owned by Virgin Group and Delta Air Lines.

According to the company, Norris will remain chair of Virgin Group and Virgin Hotels, ensuring continuity at the holding level while passing the airline chairmanship to Bayliss. The move comes as Virgin Atlantic continues to refine its network, deepen partnerships — including its close cooperation with Delta and membership in SkyTeam — and pursue a long-term sustainability strategy anchored by a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The chairman transition places Virgin Group’s strategic leadership closer to day-to-day oversight of the airline at a time of ongoing fleet simplification, partnership-driven growth and competitive pressure on transatlantic and long-haul markets.

ASL Airlines Australia, the charter and cargo carrier formerly known as Pionair, has been linked to a conditional share purchase agreement (SPA) within the wider ASL Aviation Holdings group, as the company continues to evolve under its new ownership structure.

The Sydney Bankstown-based airline was acquired by ASL Aviation Holdings in April 2023 through a transaction that transferred control of Pionair and led to its subsequent rebranding as ASL Airlines Australia. While the purchase price was not disclosed, both parties confirmed that all regulatory approvals had been secured and that the acquisition took immediate effect.

ASL Airlines Australia operates from its main hub at Bankstown Airport with additional bases in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns and Melbourne. The carrier provides charter and ACMI services, including passenger, freight, FIFO, dangerous goods, humanitarian flights and AOG support across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region.

Since the acquisition, the airline has expanded its freighter capabilities, adding Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters alongside its British Aerospace 146 freighter fleet, according to industry data. The conditional SPA underpins the airline’s integration into ASL Aviation Holdings’ global cargo and charter portfolio, which also includes initiatives such as a group-level agreement to explore hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional freighters.

Pakistan has reportedly deployed a squadron of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as part of a wider military package agreed under a mutual defense pact, according to accounts based on security and government sources. The move comes amid heightened regional strain linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The deployment is said to comprise around 16 JF-17s, jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, operated by Pakistani air force personnel. Alongside the fighters, sources indicate the package includes two squadrons of drones and at least one Chinese-made HQ-9 long-range air defense system, all financed by Saudi Arabia.

In total, about 8,000 Pakistani troops have reportedly been sent to the kingdom, with the contingent described as a combat-capable force rather than a symbolic or purely advisory presence. While officials cited in the reports say many of the personnel have training and advisory roles, the scale and composition of the deployment suggest it is intended to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air and ground defenses should the kingdom face further attacks.

Neither Islamabad nor Riyadh has formally confirmed the details of the deployment. However, sources familiar with the confidential defense pact say it allows for a potential expansion of Pakistan’s military presence in Saudi Arabia if regional tensions escalate further.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has passed the one million-kilogram mark for Scottish salmon exports since the start of 2026, underscoring its growing role in long-haul perishables traffic to Asia. The year-to-date total represents around 1,000 tonnes of salmon moving through the Ayrshire gateway, driven largely by demand in China.

The volumes follow the ramp-up of a dedicated Scotland–China seafood export operation launched in September 2025. Air China Cargo, which began Prestwick–Chengdu services in June 2025, increased frequencies from four flights per week to daily in March 2026 to accommodate rising seafood loads. According to airport information, this brought Prestwick’s scheduled cargo services to and from mainland China to 15 flights per week, with China Southern Logistics also serving the airport.

To support the traffic, Prestwick has invested in temperature-controlled infrastructure, including chiller capacity, dedicated cool-chain staff, and monitoring systems for temperature exposure and product tracking. Handling processes for salmon exports also incorporate high-volume metal detection to meet food-safety requirements.

China has become a key growth market for Scottish salmon, ranked as Scotland’s third most valuable export destination in 2025 with shipments worth £97 million, up 28% year on year. France remained the largest market at £337.6 million, followed by the United States at £300.6 million. New cargo routes from Prestwick to South Korea and Vietnam are providing additional direct access for Scottish seafood exporters across Asia.

Saudia Cargo has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tibah Airports Operation Company to expand and upgrade air cargo operations at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. The agreement, concluded during the 20th Steering Committee Meeting for the Activation of the National Aviation Sector Strategy, is aimed at enhancing logistics services and export activity from the western Saudi Arabian hub.

Under the MoU, the partners plan to cooperate on cargo handling, operational planning, and customer services, as well as introduce incentive programs and preferential freight rates to stimulate cargo volumes. Saudia Cargo will leverage its international logistics network, while Tibah Airports will support the airline’s operations through tailored incentives and closer coordination at the airport.

The collaboration is intended to improve supply chain efficiency and increase cargo movement through Madinah by aligning airport and airline processes, sharing operational knowledge, and pursuing joint initiatives. According to the companies, the agreement supports wider efforts within Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy to expand air cargo infrastructure, strengthen regional airports’ role in trade and logistics, and develop new opportunities for exporters in the Madinah region.

Japan Airlines has chosen GE Aerospace to support the avionics systems on its Boeing 787 fleet, extending an existing relationship centered on the Dreamliner program. The article headline points to avionics support rather than engine procurement, but the available background shows that JAL and GE have worked closely on the 787 for years, with GE supplying GEnx engines for the airline’s aircraft.

JAL currently operates a sizable Boeing 787 fleet powered by GE engines, and the airline has previously said the type has delivered reliable and fuel-efficient performance over thousands of flight hours. GE Aerospace has also supplied service support tied to the airline’s GEnx-powered 787 operations. The latest selection indicates continued reliance on GE for technical support across the aircraft’s systems as JAL maintains and expands its Dreamliner operations.

The Boeing 787 remains a core aircraft for JAL on international routes, and the airline’s fleet strategy has emphasized compatibility with its existing maintenance and operations infrastructure.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has completed a Mach 5 ramjet combustion ground test on an experimental hypersonic aircraft, advancing its long-term plan for a hypersonic passenger transport capable of crossing the Pacific in about two hours. The test was conducted at JAXA’s Kakuda Space Center using the agency’s ramjet engine facility, with the experimental vehicle developed in collaboration with three Japanese universities.

According to JAXA, the hypersonic research program focuses on a Mach 5-class hypersonic turbojet concept that would face extreme thermal loads, with inlet outlet temperatures approaching 1,000°C. To address these conditions, engineers are investigating a pre-cooled hypersonic turbojet that uses cryogenic liquid hydrogen fuel to cool incoming high-temperature air to roughly 300°C before it enters the core engine.

The experimental aircraft tested on the ground is intended as a technology demonstrator. In future flight tests, it is expected to be accelerated to Mach 5 by external means, such as a solid rocket motor, to evaluate hypersonic cruise engine performance in realistic flight conditions. The recent ground campaign represents a key technical step in validating ramjet combustion behavior and thermal management approaches for Japan’s emerging hypersonic aircraft program.

The Federal Aviation Administration is undertaking an urgent internal reorganization and a series of operational changes in response to the deadly January 2025 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that killed 67 people. The move comes after the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation found that the FAA’s airspace design, oversight failures, and controller workload contributed to the crash between American Airlines Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines-operated CRJ700, and a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter on approach to Runway 33 at DCA.

The NTSB cited the placement of a low-flying helicopter route, known as Route 4, too close to active runway operations, the lack of safety risk assessments at DCA, and limitations in collision-avoidance technology among the accident’s probable causes and contributing factors. The Board also criticized the FAA’s failure to implement earlier safety recommendations and pointed to a weak safety culture in the agency’s Air Traffic Organization, where personnel reportedly feared retaliation for raising concerns.

In response, the FAA has reduced DCA’s hourly arrival rate from 36 to 30, permanently closed Route 4 between Hains Point and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and imposed new restrictions on helicopter and powered-lift operations near the airport, allowing exceptions only for essential missions. A Letter of Agreement between the DCA tower and the Pentagon Heliport formalizes the new constraints, and flights from the Pentagon Heliport remain suspended.

The agency has also tightened requirements for surveillance around Washington, mandating ADS-B Out position broadcasting for nearly all aircraft operating in the DCA area. Following the crash, the FAA deployed additional supervisory staff to the DCA tower, launched wellness and critical incident stress support programs for controllers, and began reviewing controller staffing levels and traffic distribution throughout each hour to ease peak-period pressure.

Nationally, the FAA says it is using new AI-based tools to identify other hotspots where dense mixes of helicopter and fixed-wing traffic may pose elevated collision risks, citing the Los Angeles Basin around Van Nuys and Hollywood Burbank airports as early focus areas. These steps are being folded into a broader restructuring effort, referred to as Flight Plan 2026, intended to address long-standing staffing, technology, and safety-management shortcomings highlighted by the DCA disaster and subsequent congressional scrutiny.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a $26 million Federal Aviation Administration initiative aimed at expanding the pipeline of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians across the United States. The funding, unveiled in Washington, D.C., will support aviation workforce development grants designed to attract and train the next generation of aerospace professionals, from aircraft and drone pilots to mechanics and technicians.

According to the Department of Transportation, the money will finance aviation training programs that focus on technical skills, apprenticeships and internships that give prospective pilots hands-on experience, and expanded student outreach to increase recruitment. The grants will also back the use of advanced training tools, including flight simulators.

The Aviation Workforce Development Grants are divided into two primary categories. Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants support efforts to educate and recruit students to become aircraft pilots or drone operators. Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants fund initiatives to train future aviation mechanics and maintenance technicians. Eligible applicants include schools, aviation organizations, aviation-focused nonprofits, air carriers, labor groups, and state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by June 18, 2026.

Hunnu Air has ordered Mongolia’s first Beechcraft King Air 360, adding a new turboprop type to its expanding and diverse fleet. The charter and scheduled carrier will take delivery of the aircraft at the end of 2027, according to Textron Aviation.

The King Air 360 will be deployed on tourism flights, VIP commuter services, and regional operations within Mongolia. Its introduction is intended to support premium and niche travel segments on routes where demand or airfield characteristics do not justify larger regional jets.

The order continues Hunnu Air’s mixed-fleet strategy. The airline already operates Embraer E190 and E195-E2 regional jets on international and higher-density routes, alongside ATR 42 turboprops and Cessna Caravan aircraft serving domestic and remote destinations. The King Air 360 will sit at the upper end of Hunnu’s small-aircraft segment, offering a pressurized cabin and business aviation-style comfort for short- and medium-range sectors.

Based at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, Hunnu Air has been expanding its network across China, Central Asia, and domestic Mongolia. The addition of the King Air 360 aligns with a broader fleet renewal and growth plan that also includes new Cessna SkyCourier and Grand Caravan EX turboprops for passenger and cargo operations.

RTX is underscoring the role of its defense systems in improving survivability for military personnel, focusing on technologies designed to detect, track, and defeat threats before they reach aircraft, ships, or deployed forces.

The company points to Raytheon’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon System as a key example. Phalanx is an automated, rapid‑fire gun system used primarily on naval vessels to provide last‑line defense against incoming threats such as anti‑ship missiles and aircraft. Operating as an independent defensive layer, the system is designed to identify and engage targets within seconds, providing forces at sea with an added measure of protection when other defenses are saturated or have failed.

RTX also references its broader portfolio of sensors and effectors that support air and missile defense, including radar and precision‑guided interceptors integrated on aircraft and other platforms. According to the company, these systems are engineered to enhance situational awareness, shorten response times, and increase the chances that crews return safely from missions, reflecting a design focus on operational reliability and survivability in high‑threat environments.

Emirates has broken ground on a $5.1 billion engineering complex at Dubai South, a project the airline says will become one of the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. The development, awarded to China Railway Construction Corporation with Artelia as project consultant, is scheduled for completion by mid-2030.

The complex will span about 1.1 million square meters, making it one of the largest buildings globally by volume and the largest steel structure in the GCC, according to company statements. Its hangar area is designed to service 28 wide-body aircraft simultaneously, described as the only hangar complex worldwide with such capacity. The site will also include the world’s largest free-span hangar at 285 meters wide and what Emirates calls the largest dedicated landing-gear workshop.

Facilities will feature two paint hangars capable of handling Emirates’ wide-body fleet and select narrow-body jets, 77,000 square meters of workshops for repairs and maintenance, and 380,000 square meters of storage and logistics space. A new 50,000-square-meter administrative building and 15,000 square meters of training facilities for Emirates Engineering staff are also planned.

Emirates says all buildings are targeting LEED Platinum certification, with solar panels to be installed across the roofs as part of wider sustainability measures. Once operational, the Dubai South hub will initially handle heavy maintenance and overflow work from the existing Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International Airport before ramping up to full capacity.

Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is preparing a pilot program that would allow some Boston Logan International Airport passengers to clear TSA security screening at an off-site facility in Framingham before traveling to the airport. The initiative, which remains subject to Transportation Security Administration approval, is targeted to begin in summer 2026.

Under the proposal, passengers would arrive at a remote terminal near the existing Logan Express stop in Framingham, about 22 miles west of Logan. There they would check bags, undergo TSA security screening with their carry-on luggage, and then board a secure bus to the airport. Checked and carry-on bags would be stored separately under the bus. Buses are expected to operate hourly over a four- to five-hour morning window, carrying roughly 15 to 30 ticketed passengers per trip.

On arrival at Logan, buses would drop travelers airside at Terminals A or C, allowing them to bypass the main security checkpoints and proceed directly to their gates. Massport officials say the remote-terminal concept is intended to reduce roadway congestion around the airport and lower stress associated with airport security. If the Framingham trial proves successful, Massport has indicated it could expand similar service to other locations, including Woburn and Braintree.

The government of Honduras has announced an additional Iberojet frequency between Spain and Honduras, expanding nonstop connectivity on the Madrid–Palmerola route. President Nasry Asfura confirmed the decision this week as part of broader efforts to improve the country’s international air links and support tourism and investment.

According to official information, the new operation will begin in mid-September 2026 and will be operated by Spanish carrier Iberojet, part of Ávoris Corporación Empresarial. The added frequency is expected to provide about 5,000 extra seats per year on top of the more than 110,000 seats already available on the direct service between Madrid and Palmerola International Airport.

Authorities in Tegucigalpa describe the expanded schedule as a measure to facilitate travel flows between Honduras and Spain, a key European origin market for both leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic. The initiative is being implemented jointly by the Honduran government and Iberojet, with the stated goal of improving international connectivity and reinforcing Honduras’s position as an emerging tourism and business destination in Central America.

China’s in-flight connectivity (IFC) market is set for rapid expansion, with more than 2,000 additional IFC installations on China-based commercial aircraft forecast by 2035, according to Valour Consultancy’s report In-Flight Connectivity: China and India Deep Dive – 2026. The study estimates that the number of connected commercial aircraft in China will exceed 2,300 by 2035, up from just over 400 today, implying a 475 percent increase in IFC-equipped aircraft.

Valour Consultancy links the growth to accelerating adoption on narrowbody fleets and a broader push by Chinese authorities to expand in-flight Wi-Fi for domestic passengers. Previous industry analyses note that, despite a fleet of roughly 3,700 active commercial aircraft operated by Chinese carriers, IFC penetration has remained in the single digits in recent years.

The report suggests that rising availability of high-throughput satellite capacity over China, certified onboard hardware, and evolving air-to-ground network options are expected to drive installations over the coming decade. While IFC take-up has lagged behind North American and European markets, Valour Consultancy’s forecast indicates that connectivity will become a standard feature on a substantial share of China’s commercial fleet by the mid-2030s.

Emirates has started construction of a $5.1 billion maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) complex at Dubai South, near Al Maktoum International Airport, in what is set to become one of the largest aviation engineering facilities in the world. The project covers around 1.1 million square meters, making it one of the largest buildings globally by volume and the largest steel structure in the GCC, according to the airline.

The hangar complex is designed to handle 28 widebody aircraft at the same time, supported by two dedicated paint hangars able to accommodate Emirates widebody jets and, when needed, narrowbody aircraft. Plans include 77,000 square meters of workshop space for repairs and maintenance and 380,000 square meters of storage and logistics capacity.

The site will also house a 50,000-square-meter administrative building for Emirates Engineering and 15,000 square meters of training facilities. Emirates says all project facilities are targeting LEED Platinum environmental certification and will incorporate rooftop solar power. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2030, with the hangar complex initially taking on heavy maintenance and overflow work from the airline’s existing engineering center at Dubai International Airport before the new site ramps up to full operations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is directing nearly $1 billion in federal funds toward projects aimed at making airports more accessible and convenient for families, under an initiative led by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

The funding, drawn from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Airport Terminal Program, is being distributed through competitive grants managed by the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the department, 133 airports across 45 states have received awards for family-focused upgrades.

Eligible projects include creating children’s play or exercise areas, adding mothers’ rooms and nursing pods, reconfiguring security checkpoints to add dedicated family screening lanes, and building sensory rooms for children with special needs. Airports may also pursue other terminal redesigns that enhance the overall family travel experience.

In addition to physical terminal improvements, the administration has signaled interest in working with airports and private partners to expand access to healthier, less processed food options for travelers. The “Make Travel Family Friendly Again” campaign, announced in coordination with the new grants, is intended to shift airport design and services toward the needs of families with young children and travelers requiring additional support.

Airports seeking funding were instructed to apply by January 15, 2026, under a Notice of Funding Opportunity that outlines project criteria and evaluation standards.

RTX said its Raytheon business has completed the design review for the Landsat Next Instrument Suite, the sensor package being developed for NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey’s next Earth-observing mission. The review clears the program to continue toward building the spacecraft instruments after the company won a $506 million contract in 2024 to design and build the suite.

Landsat Next will use three identical satellites in low Earth orbit to observe the planet’s land surface. According to RTX, the system is intended to collect imagery every six days and improve on previous Landsat missions with higher spatial, temporal and spectral resolution. The instruments are designed to support monitoring of water quality, crop production, soil conservation, forest management, mineral mapping and climate impacts.

The first sensor delivery is expected in 2028, and work on the contract is being carried out in El Segundo, California.

Airbus has submitted a scaled-back aircraft proposal to Biman Bangladesh Airlines just weeks after the flag carrier finalized a multibillion-dollar order with Boeing. According to Biman officials and local media reports, the European manufacturer has now offered a package of 10 jets, down from earlier, larger proposals.

The revised offer, formally placed before Biman’s techno-finance committee, includes four Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft and six A321neo narrowbodies. The move comes shortly after Biman signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire 14 aircraft worth about $3.7 billion, comprising eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners, and four 737 MAX 8s, in a deal financed by the US Export-Import Bank.

Biman’s general manager for public relations, Bushra Islam, told state news agency BSS that the new Airbus proposal is under evaluation. Industry reports describe the manufacturer’s push as part of a broader contest over Bangladesh’s long-term fleet strategy, as the government considers plans to expand Biman’s fleet to 47 aircraft by fiscal year 2034–35.

Airbus executives have recently met senior Bangladeshi aviation officials in Dhaka to advocate a mixed-fleet approach for the carrier’s next growth phase. The assessment now underway will determine whether Biman adds Airbus aircraft alongside its existing and on-order Boeing fleet.