FORT WORTH, Texas—Mammoth Freighters LLC has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 777-200LRMF (Long Range Mammoth Freighter), a Boeing 777-200LR passenger-to-freighter conversion.

The FAA approval validates the aircraft’s design, engineering, and performance, allowing it to enter commercial service. This development follows extensive testing, including final flight tests that began last week and were set to continue for another week to 10 days. Brian McCarthy, vice president of marketing and sales at Mammoth Freighters, stated that all ground and flight testing proceeded without issues, with reports planned for submission to the FAA by month’s end.

The certification process involved Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) and audits by the FAA, primarily using Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs). The 777-200LRMF offers a maximum gross payload of 233,000 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 766,000 pounds. Mammoth’s order book includes 35 firm orders, with Jetran Ltd. holding most 777-200LR orders and end users such as Qatar Airways and DHL. Avia Solutions Group has six 777-300ER orders, with certification for that variant expected shortly after, potentially in early 2026.

Previous updates indicated test flights throughout August and ground smoke detection tests completed successfully. A U.S. government shutdown briefly delayed progress, but Mammoth remained engaged with FAA representatives to meet timelines.

Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Apollo-managed funds and Brookfield have completed their acquisition of Air Lease Corporation, renaming it Sumisho Air Lease Corporation.

The transaction, first announced in September 2025, involved a definitive agreement to purchase all shares of the U.S.-based aircraft lessor for approximately $7.4 billion in a 100% cash deal. Air Lease stockholders received $65 per share of Class A common stock. The deal received final regulatory approval, with closure occurring on or about April 8, 2026, after satisfying remaining conditions outlined in a November 2025 SEC proxy statement.

Sumisho Air Lease, established as an Irish designated activity company, maintains a portfolio focused on new-technology aircraft. SMBC Aviation Capital will service most of its fleet, expanding its own portfolio from 1,010 aircraft—currently second globally—to combine with Air Lease’s 830 aircraft, positioning the Sumitomo group among the largest lessors worldwide by fleet size.

Committed financing of $12.1 billion came from SMBC, Citi and Goldman Sachs Bank USA. The acquisition followed unanimous board approval from Air Lease and stockholder votes in favor from directors and certain executives. Sumitomo Corporation holds a 37.505% stake in the new entity.

Job Air Technic, a European provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and a subsidiary of the FL Technics Group, has appointed Jakub Dvořák as chief executive officer effective May 1. He succeeds Imrich Czére in the role.

Dvořák brings more than 18 years of experience in aviation maintenance, including technical and senior leadership positions in operations and strategy. He has worked at Job Air Technic for the past seven years, most recently as technical director and a member of the management board of Job Air Technic a.s.

I look forward to working closely with the team at Job Air Technic and ensuring a smooth transition, while maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect, Dvořák said.

The company, based in Novy Jicin in the Czech Republics Moravian-Silesian Region, will maintain its base maintenance services for airline customers across Europe as part of FL Technics European MRO network.

Air Transport Components (ATC Group), a provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the aerospace industry, has acquired PAS MRO, a company based in Bristow, Oklahoma, that specializes in bearing repair.

PAS MRO offers repair services for bearings used in aircraft engines, airframes, accessories, helicopters, ground power units, and marine applications. The acquisition adds to ATC Group’s operations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Gilbert, Arizona.

Jimmy Newman, CEO of ATC Group, stated that PAS MRO’s technical expertise, customer relationships, and quality standards align with ATC Group’s operations. The deal broadens repair capabilities for airlines, original equipment manufacturers, and aftermarket customers.

Jim Agee, president of PAS MRO, noted that the combination positions the companies to deliver greater value to customers. PAS MRO will maintain its existing team and leadership for continuity.

The transaction supports ATC Group’s strategy to develop a diversified MRO platform, backed by AE Industrial Partners.[1][3]

Aircraft lessor Azorra has delivered an ATR 72-600, identified by manufacturer serial number MSN 1553, to Air Moana, a domestic airline operating from Tahiti in French Polynesia.

This handover expands Air Moana’s fleet to three ATR 72-600 aircraft. The airline uses these turboprops for essential inter-island services to destinations including Bora Bora, Moorea and Huahine. The addition supports Air Moana’s efforts to increase capacity in the regional air transport market.

The transaction establishes a new partnership for Azorra with an Oceania-based carrier as the lessor continues to grow its customer network in the region.

Latvian airline airBaltic received its fourth Airbus A220-300 aircraft of 2026 at the end of last week in Riga. Registered as YL-BTF, the new jet joins the carrier’s growing fleet of A220-300s.

The aircraft operates on airBaltic’s route network, serving passengers to various destinations. It also supports ACMI services, enabling cooperation with partners in other European markets through this flexible leasing model that includes aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.

This delivery builds on airBaltic’s ongoing expansion of its all-A220 fleet, which has become central to its operations across Europe. The A220-300 offers efficiency on short- to medium-haul routes, aligning with the airline’s network focused on the Baltic region and beyond.

Austrian Airlines has incorporated a third Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner into its fleet, registered as OE-LPG. The aircraft now operates under the Austrian flag and is set to begin regular service in June.

COO Stefan-Kenan Scheib stated that the airline is advancing its long-haul fleet renewal by adding nine more Boeing 787-9s to the three already in service, with all deliveries expected by 2028. This expansion will modernize the fleet previously reliant on Boeing 777s and 767s.

The initial Dreamliners arrived starting in mid-2024, with the first entering scheduled service that summer. Transferred from Lufthansa or Lufthansa Group orders, these aircraft reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to the Boeing 767, using 2.5 liters per passenger per 100 kilometers. Features like adjustable lighting help mitigate jet lag.

By 2028, the long-haul fleet will grow from nine to twelve aircraft, harmonizing operations around the Boeing 787-9 alongside the Airbus A320 family for short- and medium-haul routes.

Unión Sindical de Controladores Aéreos (USCA) and Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) have issued a notice for an indefinite strike by air traffic controllers at Saerco-managed towers, starting at 00:00 on April 17. The action targets 14 airports in Spain, including Madrid-Cuatro Vientos, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Castellón, Burgos, Huesca, Ciudad Real, Vigo, A Coruña, Jerez, and Sevilla.

The unions cite chronic understaffing, deteriorating working conditions, and risks to operational safety as the core issues. They describe the conflict as structural, stemming from years of staff reductions without adequate replacements, excessive workloads, organizational improvisation, and violations of rest, work-life balance, and service planning rules. Specific grievances include canceled approved vacations, abusive use of on-call duties, last-minute shift changes, unclear rosters on mandatory breaks, and irregular practices across multiple sites.

USCA and CCOO warn that constant fatigue, stress, and uncertainty among controllers threaten aviation safety, as effective rest and stable scheduling are essential for maintaining required concentration in air traffic control. Prior attempts at negotiation failed, with Saerco repeatedly postponing or canceling meetings on key topics like staffing levels, absence coverage, fatigue management, and roster criteria.

The strike demands sufficient staffing in all towers, adherence to aeronautical rest regulations, an end to excessive on-call activations, guaranteed vacations, and working conditions that ensure operational safety and professional dignity. The notice, filed on April 6, also requests mandatory mediation through the Servicio Interconfederal de Mediación y Arbitraje (SIMA).

Operators Rotortec Helicopters and Helicopters AR recently used the Airbus H125 to conduct a critical rescue mission in the Andes at altitudes exceeding 6,000 meters.

The helicopter performed effectively in the high-altitude environment, demonstrating its capability to save lives under extreme conditions. The H125, known for its high-performance in demanding terrains, has a proven track record in such operations. It holds the world record for the highest altitude landing and takeoff on Mount Everest at 8,848 meters, highlighting its superiority among single-engine helicopters for high-altitude missions.

With a maximum gross weight of 4,961 pounds and powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, the H125 achieves a normal cruise speed of 260 km/h and operates effectively up to 23,000 feet. Its versatility supports various roles, including search and rescue, making it ideal for rugged Andean operations where rapid response is essential.

This incident underscores the H125’s reliability in thin air and challenging topography, consistent with its use in other extreme environments like the Arctic and Antarctica for reconnaissance, medical evacuations, and logistical support.

Qantas Freight operated its first dedicated freighter service to Singapore’s Changi Airport on April 3, 2026. The twice-weekly flights run on Fridays and Sundays using Airbus A330 freighters on a Sydney-Shanghai-Singapore rotation, each carrying more than 50 tons of cargo.

Prior to this, Qantas relied on belly-hold capacity from passenger flights for freight through Singapore. The new service extends the existing Sydney-Shanghai route, providing shippers with direct connections across Australia, China, and Southeast Asia.

The expansion aligns with rising air cargo demand in Asia Pacific, fueled by e-commerce and high-value goods such as electronics and semiconductors. Singapore serves as a key consolidation hub for trade routes linking Australia, China, Europe, and the region.

Igor Kwiatkowski, who oversees Qantas Freight operations, said the service offers flexibility for time-sensitive shipments in tech and e-commerce.

Changi Airport Group Executive Vice President Lim Ching Kiat noted that Qantas decision to expand fits regional trends. The decision by Qantas Group to expand its freighter operations to Singapore is timely, as we continue to see stronger air cargo demand in Asia-Pacific and the region’s increasing importance as a key driver of global air cargo growth. The extended Singapore stop between Sydney-Shanghai will further cement Changi Airport’s role as a critical node facilitating air trade between Australia, China, Europe, and Southeast Asia, he said.

Australia’s International Air Services Commission allocated Qantas unlimited freight capacity on the route for 99 years starting March 27, 2026. The A330 freighters operate under a wet lease with Qantas subsidiary Express Freighters Australia.

The Spanish Space Agency has launched a call for 16 permanent labor positions, published in the Official State Gazette on April 6, 2026. The roles target specialists to lead key areas including international relations, strategic studies, regulation, sustainability, and scientific exploration.

The selection process follows a concurso-oposición system, with the opposition phase weighted at 60% and the merit phase at 40%. The opposition includes two eliminatory written exercises: a 90-point practical case test in Spanish requiring at least 45 points, lasting two hours, and a 10-point English-language technical case test requiring at least five points, followed by a public reading and 15-minute tribunal discussion.

Candidates need a higher university degree in fields such as aeronautical, telecommunications or industrial engineering, physics, mathematics, law, social sciences, management, or economics. Positions include department heads, area chiefs, and technicians, drawn from the 2024 and 2025 public employment offers. Applications are open from April 6 to May 5, 2026, with required professional experience of four to eight years. Merits are valued up to 70 points, plus 30 from a one-hour personal interview assessing job suitability.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €30 million venture debt loan with PLD Space, a space transportation company based in Elche, Spain, to fund the final development phase of the MIURA 5 rocket. This two-stage launcher targets small satellites, aiming to simplify orbital insertion and reduce scheduling risks associated with larger vehicles.

The deal marks the EIB’s first direct investment in small satellite launchers. It will also expand PLD Space’s industrial and launch capabilities as it shifts to commercial operations. MIURA 5 incorporates measures for full reusability, promoting a more sustainable approach to space access. The rocket is on track for its first test flight in 2026, with plans for up to 30 missions annually from sites including the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.

EIB President Nadia Calviño stated: Es un orgullo anunciar hoy la firma de un préstamo del Banco Europeo de Inversiones de 30 millones de euros para la empresa española PLD Space y financiar así MIURA 5, que pondrá en órbita pequeños satélites claves para las comunicaciones, la investigación y también nuestra seguridad.

EIB Vice President Robert de Groot added: Europa necesita unas capacidades de lanzamiento sólidas e independientes para garantizar un acceso autónomo al espacio. Con su innovadora tecnología e infraestructura de lanzamiento, PLD Space está avanzando decisivamente en esta dirección.

PLD Space CEO Ezequiel Sánchez noted: Firmar esta financiación de 30 millones de euros del Banco Europeo de Inversiones constituye un importante hito para PLD Space y para el sector espacial europeo. This brings the company’s total funding in 2026 to €210 million, following a €180 million Series C round closed in March.

Southwest Airlines is implementing new restrictions on portable lithium chargers starting April 20 to address rising concerns over battery fires.

Passengers will be limited to one charger per person. The devices cannot be stored in overhead bins or checked bags. When in use, chargers must remain visible and not buried in bags, allowing flight attendants to respond quickly if overheating occurs. Unused chargers may be kept in under-seat carry-on bags or on the person.

Southwest Vice President of Safety and Security Dave Hunt stated the rules aim to mitigate lithium battery incidents. The airline will inform passengers during booking and at airports but will not search bags or confiscate devices.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported 97 lithium battery incidents on aircraft in 2025, up from 89 in 2024, with portable chargers implicated in 19% of cases according to UL Standards research. E-cigarettes accounted for 28%.

Southwest is the first U.S. carrier to impose a one-charger limit, surpassing the International Civil Aviation Organization’s recommendation of two. Several Asian airlines have enacted similar measures following a January fire on an Air Busan plane in South Korea.

The Transportation Security Administration already bans such chargers in checked luggage, permitting them only in carry-ons.

ST Engineering Commercial Aerospace has secured a Boeing 737 MAX component maintenance-by-the-hour program and a 737NG landing gear overhaul contract from Skymark Airlines, Japan’s first operator of the 737 MAX.

This agreement builds on a partnership that began in 2013. Skymark Airlines operates as Japan’s initial low-cost carrier with Boeing 737 aircraft, including a fleet of 29 Boeing 737-800s maintained under prior arrangements with other providers.

ST Engineering’s programs offer predictable costs and high fleet availability through AI-driven analytics, automation, and advanced maintenance capabilities. These solutions support airlines in fleet development and operational needs within Japan’s aviation market.

The contracts align with ST Engineering’s broader aviation lifecycle services, focusing on component and landing gear maintenance for narrowbody aircraft operators.

BBC Studios has introduced a streaming platform designed specifically for the aviation industry, developed in partnership with Panasonic Avionics. The service, a tailored version of the BBC’s online Player, will launch later this year and represents the first fully rights-cleared streaming platform for airlines.

The platform will offer a regularly updated library of BBC factual, entertainment, documentary, and children’s content. Shows such as Blue Planet III will become available soon after their UK broadcast.

Zina Neophytou of BBC Studios stated that the launch with Panasonic will transform inflight entertainment, providing air travelers with a fully rights-cleared streaming platform and a continuously evolving library of BBC stories.

Andy Masson, Senior Vice President at Panasonic Avionics, noted that while streaming and OTT services have been discussed in the industry for years, this is the first robust solution to deliver them reliably to aircraft, enhancing onboard entertainment with timely content passengers expect.

ST Engineering has secured a Boeing 737 MAX component maintenance-by-the-hour (MBH) program and a 737NG landing gear overhaul contract with Skymark Airlines.

The deal expands a partnership between the Singapore-based MRO provider and the Japanese carrier that began in 2013. Skymark, Japan’s first operator of the Boeing 737 MAX, will use ST Engineering’s component and landing gear maintenance services to support fleet reliability amid its growth.

According to ST Engineering, the MBH program and landing gear overhaul provide predictable costs and high availability through AI-driven analytics, automation, and smart MRO capabilities. The agreements align with Skymark’s ongoing fleet modernization, which includes recent orders for additional 737 MAX aircraft.

AirAsia launched its Give Peace a Chance campaign hours after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 8, 2026. The truce marks the first major pause in a conflict that disrupted aviation routes, rattled global markets and drove oil prices above $100 a barrel.

AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes expressed relief over the ceasefire in remarks shared on social media. He emphasized the airlines mission of connecting people, stating, We are so relieved to hear about the ceasefire. At its core, AirAsia has always been about connecting people.

Fernandes linked affordable travel to broader themes of understanding, noting, Peace is ultimately what all of us seek… And travel has a unique way of creating both. It allows people to reconnect, discover new perspectives… When people meet face to face and see eye to eye, it builds understanding and breaks down differences.

From Singapore, the carrier offers direct flights starting at SGD 72 ($56) to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang and Kota Kinabalu. Connecting through Kuala Lumpur via Fly-Thru service reaches Da Nang, Chiang Mai, Seoul and Almaty from SGD 159 ($124). Bookings are open until April 14, 2026, for travel from April 20, 2026, to March 27, 2027.

AirAsia newsroom announcements highlight fares from RM59 to destinations like Johor Bahru, Penang, Phuket and long-haul options including Taipei, Osaka and Sydney. App bookings include 30% off Value Pack add-ons.

Vertical Aerospace has completed the first piloted thrust-borne flight transition of its full-scale eVTOL demonstrator. The VX4 prototype took off vertically on April 2, 2026, at Cotswold Airport in southwest England, under UK Civil Aviation Authority supervision, then tilted its rotors to horizontal for cruise before landing conventionally on the runway.

This test marks the first half of the two-way transition between vertical and horizontal flight. The aircraft performed as designed, according to David King, Vertical Aerospace chief engineer. The aircraft transitioned smoothly and under full control, proving the core elements of Verticals distributed electric propulsion and tiltrotor technology at full scale in real flight conditions.

A video of the flight shows the rotors tilting while rear rotors provide support. The test adds to recent developments for the British company, which on March 30 announced an $850 million financing package arranged by Mudrick Capital.

The package includes $50 million in immediate equity, $30 million to follow soon, $50 million in convertible secured notes from Mudrick, $250 million in Series A convertible preferred shares, and a $500 million equity line of credit from Yorkville Advisors Global, available through 2027 and beyond toward 2028 type certification for its Valo eVTOL. Longer-term commitments are non-binding and await final agreements in the second half of April 2026.

Airbus Helicopters delivered an H135 and an H145 to the Prefectura Aérea de Carabineros de Chile. The helicopters will enter service in the coming weeks after certification by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil. The H135 will operate in the Coquimbo region, while the H145 will serve the Tarapacá region.

These aircraft join an H135 delivered earlier in 2025 for the Maule region and an H145 delivered late in 2025 for Arica, bringing Carabineros’ fleet to four H135s and two H145s. The helicopters support multimission roles including emergency medical services, public security, surveillance, and mountain rescue operations.

Pierre Marie Gout, Airbus general manager in Chile, stated: These new aircraft will perform critical missions to support citizens where they are most needed. In the context of our 50 years with Carabineros de Chile, we maintain our commitment to ensuring maximum operability and reliability of their fleet for the success of their functions.

The Prefectura Aérea de Carabineros handles planning, organization, and execution of all aerial activities for the institution, such as personnel and equipment transport, aerial surveillance, and search and rescue. It operates from multiple bases across the country, with its main headquarters at Tobalaba Aerodrome in Santiago. Crews can take to the air within three minutes of an alert.

The H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter with a compact design and low maintenance costs, featuring a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor for enhanced ground operation safety. The larger H145 is a twin-engine model suited for high-altitude and high-intensity missions. Both are equipped with Helionix digital avionics to reduce pilot workload and improve safety in complex environments. Currently, 62 H135s and 122 H145s operate in Latin America.

Globe Air Cargo Dominican Republic, a subsidiary of ECS Group, has signed an agreement with Uniworld Air Cargo to act as its general sales and service agent for new freighter operations linking Punta Cana (PUJ) and Panama City (PTY).

The service launched on March 23, 2026, and runs twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays using a Boeing 737 freighter, providing about 40 tonnes of capacity each week. It handles general cargo, live animals, perishables and oversized shipments.

Connections via PTY extend to destinations such as Bogotá, Caracas, Havana, San Salvador, Lima and San José. Additional routing through Mexico (NLU) supports access to the US and Canada.

Ivan Mejia, managing director of Globe Air Cargo Dominican Republic, stated: Securing this agreement with Uniworld is a strong validation of our commercial agility and market expertise. This operation not only strengthens connectivity within the region but also unlocks new opportunities for our customers through reliable, high-frequency freighter capacity.

Jossette Navarro, commercial director at Uniworld Air Cargo, said: The Dominican Republic represents a market with significant growth potential for both exports and imports. Beyond its local strength, it is a strategic gateway to Europe and Canada. Through this partnership with ECS Group, we are confident in our ability to accelerate our market penetration while offering competitive and efficient cargo solutions across the region and into North America.

Job Air Technic, an MRO provider and subsidiary of the FL Technics Group, has named Jakub Dvořák as its new chief executive, effective May 1, 2026. He will succeed Imrich Czére, who has led the company for the past two years.

Dvořák brings more than 18 years of aviation maintenance experience, including technical expertise and senior leadership in operational and strategic roles. He has spent the last seven years at Job Air Technic, advancing through positions such as deputy technical director and technical director. He currently serves on the management board.

Dvořák studied aviation in Prague and began his career as an aircraft engineer at Czech Airlines, later becoming a technical representative overseeing maintenance at various MRO facilities worldwide.

Dvořák said: I look forward to working closely with the team at Job Air Technic and ensuring a smooth transition, while maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect.

Zilvinas Lapinskas, chief executive of FL Technics Group, said: Imrich has played an important role in leading Job Air Technic over the past two years and supporting its development. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Scottish Leather Group, the parent company of Muirhead, has acquired Manchester-based engineering firm Aerotech Systems Limited.

UK Companies House filings indicate that Andrew and Nicholas Muirhead, along with Michael Carnachan, assumed directorships at Aerotech at the end of March, coinciding with the resignation of founder Graham Whiteman.

Aerotech holds UK Civil Aviation Authority Part 21G Production Organisation Approval, specializing in certified aircraft components. The acquisition expands Scottish Leather Group’s in-house certification and production capabilities across its brands, including Bridge of Weir, Lang, and Muirhead.

This integration enables the group to deliver fully certified aircraft interior components directly to airlines and original equipment manufacturers, shortening lead times and simplifying processes.

Stephen Ritchie, Sales Director for Aviation at Muirhead, stated that the move brings Part 21G approval alongside product offerings, allowing certification and delivery of compliant interior components to customers.

The deal was announced on April 7, 2026, from Glasgow, Scotland.

Air India announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, on April 7, 2026. Wilson, a New Zealand national who joined in July 2022 after 26 years at Singapore Airlines, informed Chairman N. Chandrasekaran of his plan to step down in 2026 back in 2024. He has since focused on stabilizing the organization and leadership team for the transition and will remain in the role until a successor is appointed.

In a statement, Wilson highlighted key achievements over the past four years since Air India's privatization, including the merger of four airlines, a shift to private sector practices, leadership renewal, and cultural changes. The airline modernized systems, launched new products, raised service standards, and added 100 aircraft to its fleet. The refit of legacy narrowbody aircraft is nearly complete, with widebody deliveries featuring custom interiors now starting. New infrastructure, such as South Asia's largest training academy, flight simulators, a flying school, and a maintenance repair base, has been established.

Wilson noted that with these foundations in place ahead of major aircraft deliveries from 2027, the timing is right for a new leader. Chairman Chandrasekaran praised Wilson's leadership amid challenges like post-Covid supply issues, geopolitical headwinds, and other pressures. The board has formed a committee to identify a successor in the coming months.

The UK Home Office has proposed sweeping changes to migrant settlement rules that could hinder the aviation sector’s ability to attract and retain licensed engineers and technicians amid a global talent shortage.

Under the November 2025 consultation titled A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain would double from five to 10 years for most routes. Roles below RQF Level 6, including many aviation technicians and trades like aircraft maintenance, face a 15-year baseline. High earners could see reductions: five years off for those with £50,270 taxable income over three years, or seven years for £125,140+. Dependants would no longer automatically settle with the lead applicant and might require their own income-based pathways.

These shifts, potentially applying to those already on UK visas pending transitional measures, exacerbate challenges for airlines and MRO firms. The UK already struggles with shortages of B1 and B2 certified engineers due to an aging workforce and post-pandemic exits. Longer timelines, combined with high visa fees, Immigration Health Charge, and sponsor duties like monitoring and reporting, raise costs and compliance burdens. From July 2025, Skilled Worker sponsorship requires RQF Level 6 skills and higher salaries, such as £80,400 for pilots and £52,400 for aerospace engineers.

The unchanged 180-day annual absence rule poses risks for aviation staff with international travel, as exceeding it could reset settlement clocks. According to Fragomen LLP immigration manager Adam Hickling, rival destinations offer faster paths: Canada’s Express Entry added an aviation-focused Transport Category in February 2026; Australia’s SkillSelect grants residency in eight to 15 months for shortage roles; Germany’s EU Blue Card allows settlement in 21-23 months.

The consultation closes February 12, 2026, with implementation possibly by April. Without aviation-specific concessions, the UK risks operational delays from talent shortfalls.

The Netherlands has awarded Raytheon, an RTX business, a $627 million contract to supply Patriot air and missile defense system equipment. This direct commercial sales agreement includes a complete fire unit with radar, launchers, command and control stations, and associated support systems.

The equipment will replace a Patriot fire unit that the Netherlands donated to Ukraine, restoring its air defense capabilities. Production work will take place mainly at Raytheon facilities in Andover, Massachusetts, and Huntsville, Alabama. Although earlier reports in January 2025 cited a $529 million value for similar replenishment components, this contract aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain Dutch Patriot readiness.

Separately, the Dutch government is considering a rushed €940 million order for an additional full Patriot system to secure a production slot before a March 31 deadline. Missing this could delay delivery until 2033 amid high global demand. The planned purchase would expand the Netherlands’ Patriot inventory to meet NATO air defense requirements, with components from the prior contract expected by 2029.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released results from multiple digital identity Proofs of Concept (PoCs) conducted with airlines, airports, technology providers and governments in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

These PoCs demonstrate the industry’s readiness for fully integrated contactless travel experiences. A key test simulated an end-to-end journey from London Heathrow (LHR) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) on British Airways, covering flight shopping to arrival. Passengers create secure digital versions of their passports via a mobile scan and aliveness check, enabling tamper-resistant, selectively shared credentials throughout the process.

Standards based on W3C Verifiable Credentials and decentralized identifiers ensure interoperability across airlines, travel agents, airports and governments. Features include effortless travel requirement checks, Ready to Fly status for secure check-ins, and contactless airport processes. Zero Knowledge Proofs allow verification of details like loyalty status without revealing underlying data.

Additional pilots, such as one with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airport and Narita Airport, showed digital identity verification cutting processing times at touchpoints by up to 40%. Travelers store identity documents in digital wallets, sharing biometrics for seamless bag drop, security, immigration and boarding without physical documents. IATA passenger surveys indicate strong demand for faster airport movement using biometrics.

The initiatives enhance efficiency, security through trusted biometric verification, and passenger experience while maintaining data privacy and quality.

Vertical Aerospace has completed a piloted thrustborne transition with a full-scale eVTOL aircraft at its Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport in the UK. The test flight took place on April 2, 2026, with test pilot Paul Stone at the controls.

The aircraft, a prototype related to Vertical’s Valo eVTOL design, lifted off vertically using fixed vertical lift units. It then tilted its front propellers forward to generate thrust, accelerating smoothly into energy-efficient wingborne cruise while the rear propellers stowed. The flight ended with a conventional runway landing.

Valo employs a configuration with tilting propellers for forward flight and fixed vertical lift units, which focuses the main technical challenges on the transition phase between vertical and wingborne modes. This one-way thrustborne transition represents the first half of the full two-way sequence required for operations, which also includes deceleration back to vertical landing without a runway.

The test occurred under a Permit to Fly issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, in coordination with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, as part of the certification pathway for the Valo aircraft. Vertical has conducted nearly two years of piloted testing on its VX4 prototype, including hovers, vertical takeoffs, wingborne flights, and vertical landings, to de-risk systems ahead of Valo production testing.

The company now plans to expand the flight envelope toward the complete two-way transition.

International Aerospace Coatings (IAC), an aircraft painting and coating services company, plans to expand at Spain’s Teruel Airport (TEV) by building an additional widebody hangar next to its existing facility.

The project responds to rising demand for IAC’s paint services. The new hangar will feature state-of-the-art equipment, including extraction pumps and a high-tech air-recirculation system. Groundbreaking is set for August 2025, with operations starting in the third quarter of 2026.

This facility marks the 21st in IAC’s global network and will increase its total paint lines from 30 to 32. It will create about 60 new full-time jobs, raising IAC’s employment at Teruel to more than 130 people. The investment totals 20 million euros.

IAC Chief Executive Martin O’Connell stated the hangar will elevate the scale and quality of services for OEM and airline customers facing fleet growth.

IAC, headquartered in Ireland and the US, leads in aircraft painting, interiors, and graphics, operating facilities across Europe and North America.

Indonesia is poised to receive a prototype of South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jet following a recent working-level agreement reached in February under their joint development project.

The deal with South Korea advances amid Jakarta’s ongoing evaluation of multiple combat aircraft options, including the decision to drop talks with Boeing. Industry officials indicate that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) during a state visit in late March to early April, where a ceremonial signing of a preliminary agreement occurred for 16 jets, reduced from an initial plan of 48 due to budget constraints.

The KF-21, a 4.5-generation twin-engine fighter, completed its flight test program in January after over 1,600 sorties since the first prototype rollout in 2021. Originally launched in 2015 with 8.1 trillion won ($5.9 billion) investment, the program faced hurdles as Indonesia cut its contribution to 600 billion won and scaled back technology transfer expectations.

Separate reports note a renegotiation where Indonesia no longer receives the fifth prototype, though a February agreement confirms prototype transfer plans. The two sides aim to finalize an implementation contract in the first half of this year as Indonesia modernizes its air force.

Cutter Aviation has opened a new maintenance facility at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) in Broomfield, Colorado.

The nearly 22,000-square-foot hangar and office space operates as a designated Service Bulletin Modification Center for the Pilatus PC-24. It provides comprehensive maintenance support for both the Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft.

The company plans to break ground later this year on a second hangar of almost 22,000 square feet at the same location.

Will Cutter, president and chief executive of Cutter Aviation, said: We are committed to growing our network throughout the Southwest. Now that the facility is open, we are already delivering faster, more reliable support to our Pilatus customers.

This marks Cutter Aviation’s fifth full-service maintenance center across the Southwest, offering engine and airframe maintenance, avionics installations, interior refurbishments, and parts support.

Chinese cargo carrier SF Airlines has started a direct freighter service between Ezhou Huahu International Airport (EHU) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), extending its long-haul operations into Europe.

The first flight took off from Ezhou on April 1, 2026, using a Boeing 747-400 widebody freighter. The route will carry a range of cargo, including high-volume express parcels, cross-border e-commerce goods, oversized items and heavyweight freight.

According to the airline, the service aims to increase capacity and flexibility in international logistics between China and Europe amid rising demand for efficient cargo links. In a social media statement, SF Airlines noted that the route helps manage complex supply chains and provides reliable air freight for Chinese industries expanding overseas.

Based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, SF Airlines launched in 2009 as the cargo arm of SF Express.

Setna iO has amended and expanded its commercial credit facility, raising the borrowing capacity to $550 million. The company maintains support from six top-tier commercial banks for this arrangement.

The expansion comes amid Setna iO’s reported strong earnings and low leverage, positioning the firm for continued global scaling. Banking partners continue to back the company’s long-term strategy and operating model.

Loganair, the UK regional airline, has appointed Scott Cunningham as its new chief financial officer.

Cunningham brings extensive experience from senior roles at Clyde Blowers Capital, where he served as chief financial officer for InterBulk Group plc, now Den Hartogh Logistics. He also led Iomart Group plc through the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2022 energy crisis. A chartered accountant since 1995, he specializes in financial strategy and corporate governance.

I am delighted to be joining Loganair as Chief Financial Officer. Throughout my career, I have supported growth and transformation across a variety of businesses. Loganair is unique and plays a critical role in providing vital air-links for communities across the UK and beyond. I’m looking forward to working with Luke and the team and to playing my part in delivering further success for the airline, said Cunningham.

Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah said he was very pleased to have secured Scott. After an extensive and high-calibre search, we decided that Scott’s extensive experience leading international and private equity-backed businesses would be invaluable as we continue to deliver our strategy. We’re delighted to welcome him to the executive team, and looking forward to him joining over the summer, he said.

The appointment follows the earlier hiring of Farrah Malik as interim CFO after Chris Gemmell’s departure in August 2025. Loganair recently expanded its Jersey network for summer 2026, adding services to Paris CDG, Norwich, East Midlands, and Dublin. The Jersey-Paris route, launching May 31, marks its first scheduled service to France. The airline reported a pre-tax profit of £11 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, up from £6.9 million, due to more stable operations and fewer delays.

EDGE Group is participating for the first time at FIDAE 2026, held from April 7 to 12 in Chile, showcasing a broad portfolio of defense technologies aimed at Latin American markets.

The company will display advanced aerial ISR solutions, including unmanned aerial systems such as the HT-100 unmanned helicopter and the REACH-S medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS, along with loitering munitions and precision-guided munitions.

On the ground, EDGE features armored vehicles like the AJBAN MK2 and HAFEET MK2, designed for high mobility and protection across various terrains.

Its offerings also cover counter-UAS systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and secure communications through KATIM platforms for mission-critical applications. Additional systems include the autonomous BORDERSHIELD for border surveillance, as well as GPS PROTECT 2 and GPS PROTECT 4 anti-jamming solutions.

Technologies extend to non-lethal options for public security and civil operations, emphasizing integrated protection for air, land, maritime, and cyber domains.

Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business specializing in nondestructive testing, and GE Aerospace have deployed new automated Menu Directed Inspection (MDI) templates for GEnx-1B and -2B engine borescope inspections. The templates, integrated into Waygate Technologies Mentor Visual iQ+ video borescope, standardize the inspection process for critical parts like High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) S1 and S2 blades.

Developed under a Joint Technology Development Agreement started in 2023, the templates provide advanced visual guidance with image overlays and representative images on the borescope screen. They align with Aircraft Maintenance Manual tasks, incorporate AI-assisted technologies, and combine automated and manual 3D measurement capabilities for line, area, depth, and profile assessments. This reduces operator variability and ensures consistent imaging.

The system enhances data management through automated labeling of images and videos, enabling real-time storage on the InspectionWorks Insight cloud platform. Inspectors can transition seamlessly between areas and share data for fleet optimization. The templates also shorten the learning curve for new technicians amid labor challenges.

Michael Domke, General Manager Visual at Waygate Technologies, stated that the templates offer a standardized approach to inspections and advance automation in engine maintenance. Nicole Jenkins, Chief MRO Engineer at GE Aerospace, noted that the technologies integrate automation and AI to improve standardization, consistency, and efficiency in video borescope inspections.

The GEnx MDI templates are available now through GE Aerospace Customer Technical Education Center.

Lufthansa Technik Component Services (LTCS) has opened a new production facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as part of its strategy to grow its North American operations.

The 2,300-square-meter building, the third on the LTCS campus near Tulsa International Airport, creates 90 new jobs and boosts maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacities for aircraft components. It includes a modernized avionics workshop and expanded administrative space to meet rising demand in the region.

This facility represents the first phase of a two-stage expansion program, with plans to triple the site's floor space. LTCS, a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik, also intends to introduce new services, such as repairs for Integrated Drive Generators (IDG). The site already features workshops for avionics, hydraulics, and other systems, along with storage, logistics, and round-the-clock component supply.

The expansion supports Lufthansa Technik's focus on strengthening its footprint in North America amid growing MRO needs.

Hamburg – Zehn Klimaaktivisten der Letzten Generation hatten am 13. Juli 2023 zu Beginn der Sommerferien den Hamburger Flughafen blockiert. Sie drangen auf das Gelände ein, schnitten den Zaun durch und legten den Flugverkehr stundenlang lahm. Dadurch fielen 57 Flüge aus.

Das Landgericht Hamburg verurteilte die Gruppe nun in einem Zivilprozess. Sie müssen gemeinsam mehr als 400.000 Euro Schadensersatz an die Lufthansa-Gruppe zahlen, darunter Entschädigungen für Fluggäste und entgangenen Gewinn von Eurowings. Zusätzlich fallen rund 700.000 Euro Prozesskosten an, was den Gesamtwert auf 1,1 Millionen Euro bringt. Bei Nichterfüllung drohen bis zu zwei Jahre Ordnungsstrafe. Das Gericht erließ zudem ein Urteil der Unterlassung: Bei Wiederholung riskieren die Aktivisten eine Strafe von 250.000 Euro.

Die Flughafen Hamburg GmbH meldete Schäden in Höhe von 131.000 Euro plus 13.000 Euro für Reparaturen am Zaun und Asphalt. Eine separate Klage des Flughafens könnte die Forderungen auf über eine halbe Million Euro steigern.

In einem parallelen Strafverfahren vor dem Amtsgericht räumte ein 21-jähriger Angeklagter unter Tränen Vorwürfe wie Sachbeschädigung, Hausfriedensbruch und Störung des Betriebs ein. Die Staatsanwaltschaft forderte 120 Stunden gemeinnützige Arbeit; das Urteil wurde am 7. April erwartet.

Das Gericht würdigte in den Urteilsgründen das Ziel der Aktion als unabdingbar für den Fortbestand der Gesellschaft, kritisierte jedoch die bewusste Überschreitung strafrechtlicher Grenzen. Das Urteil ist noch nicht rechtskräftig.

Iberia will install a shipset of Recaro R1 and R2 economy seats on an A320neo aircraft as part of a six-month trial starting this spring. The seats incorporate literature pockets made from upcycled fishing nets recovered from the ocean and a real wood inlay in the seat bumper.

The trial involves 186 seats in a hybrid cabin layout, marking the first operational installation of these certified sustainable features by Recaro Aircraft Seating. Each single-aisle aircraft shipset, such as for an A320, removes approximately 2 kilograms of discarded fishing net material from marine environments.

These elements draw from Recaro’s R Sphere sustainable concept seat, which uses recyclable components and bio-based materials to cut weight by about 1.5 kg per seat and reduce CO2 emissions by around 55 tons annually per aircraft. Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating, stated that the seats combine innovation, design, and sustainability.

The modification kit underwent mock-up creation, qualification testing, and material certification before installation on the operational Iberia aircraft.

United Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) have reached a tentative agreement covering the carrier’s 30,000 flight attendants. The deal, announced on March 26, 2026, includes immediate wage increases upon ratification and top rates reaching $100 per hour by the contract’s end, positioning United flight attendants as the highest-paid among major U.S. airlines.

Key provisions feature boarding pay at 50% of the standard hourly rate for passenger boarding time, sit pay for scheduled ground waits exceeding 2.5 hours—calculated at one minute paid for every two minutes beyond that threshold—and a $740 million signing bonus distributed to all flight attendants. The agreement restores requirements for business-class hotels during layovers, mandating clean and quiet accommodations, and preserves personal time off after United dropped plans to eliminate it.

While United sought concessions like a new preferential bidding scheduling system, those demands were removed in final negotiations. The deal permits United to create or control a regional carrier under the United Express brand, where flight attendants could earn nearly 50% less than mainline crew, exempt from the alter-ego airline ban.

The tentative agreement awaits approval from AFA’s Master Executive Council, including local presidents, at a special meeting. If endorsed, voting opens after April 23 and closes May 12; ratification would implement the contract May 31, amendable after five years through August 2030.

TAP Air Portugal has introduced Economy Prime, a new cabin class positioned between standard economy and business on long-haul routes. The product launches June 1, 2026, with bookings now available on Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft.

The cabin consists of 12 seats in the first three rows behind business class, arranged in a 4-abreast layout where the adjacent seat remains unoccupied. This setup provides extra space and privacy without new hardware or dedicated seats. On the A330’s 2-4-2 configuration, window passengers gain even more room.

Economy Prime passengers receive priority check-in, fast-track security, premium boarding, and priority baggage handling. Onboard, they get a premium main meal with two hot dish options selectable up to 24 hours before departure, plus an amenity kit and enhanced pillow. Baggage allowance includes two 23 kg checked bags.

The offering targets business and leisure travelers seeking flexibility, with improved rebooking, refund policies, and mileage accrual at 150-175%. Fares, such as around $1,400 round-trip from the U.S. East Coast to Portugal, sit between economy and business class pricing.

Air Canada will operate direct flights to Tenerife South Airport from Toronto and Montreal starting in October, running through the winter season until April.

The airline plans three weekly connections: two from Toronto and one from Montreal. From Toronto, flights depart Thursdays and Sundays beginning October 25, with returns on Mondays and Fridays. Montreal services start October 31, departing Saturdays and returning Sundays.

These routes will use the Airbus A321XLR, configured with 14 Signature Class seats and 168 economy seats for 182 passengers total.

Lope Afonso, Tenerife Cabildos vice president and tourism councilor, stated: We are witnessing the realization of one of our roadmap’s key goals, expanding strategic connectivity, particularly with markets suited to repositioning the destination through a diversified offer. This agreement with Air Canada is a decisive step to establish Tenerife as the reference Atlantic destination for the North American market, attracting high-spending visitors who value our quality offerings.

Mark Galardo, Air Canada executive vice president of commercial and cargo president, said: We are further strengthening Air Canadas global network from North America. Adding Tenerife in the iconic Canary Islands this winter reflects our ambition to offer customers and Aeroplan members exceptional, diverse destinations. The next-generation A321XLR enables convenient direct service from North America to the island of eternal spring, known for its volcanic landscapes, adventure activities, and year-round warm climate.

The Artemis II mission crew achieved a new milestone in human spaceflight on April 6, 2026, by traveling farther from Earth than any previous astronauts during a lunar flyby. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, aboard the Orion spacecraft surpassed the Apollo 13 record of 248,655 miles set in 1970.

The crew reached a maximum distance of approximately 252,756 miles from Earth, exceeding the prior mark by over 4,000 miles. This occurred during a seven-hour flyby that began around 2:45 p.m. EDT, with their closest approach to the moon at about 4,070 miles from the surface, roughly the size of a basketball at arm’s length. At that point, moving at an estimated 3,139 mph, they observed both near and far sides of the moon, potentially viewing far-side features with the unaided eye for the first time.

Orion entered the moon’s sphere of influence at 12:37 a.m. EDT, shifting from Earth’s to the moon’s gravitational pull. Mission Specialist Christina Koch noted they were then falling toward the moon. The flyby included a 40-minute communication blackout behind the far side, an Earthrise observation recreating the Apollo 8 image, and a solar eclipse. The crew also carried an Apollo 8 silk patch. After peaking at 7:07 p.m. EDT, Orion exited the lunar sphere and began its four-day return, set for a Pacific splashdown.

A 61-year-old British man has been sentenced to ten months in prison for his disruptive behavior while heavily intoxicated on a commercial flight from Krakow to Bristol.

The incident occurred on a return flight from Poland. The passenger began drinking alcohol before boarding and continued onboard, ignoring all instructions from the crew. He verbally abused flight attendants and other passengers. His refusal to sit during landing forced the pilot to abort the initial approach at Bristol Airport.

Police removed him from the aircraft upon arrival. In court, the man admitted the charges. His lawyer stated he was shocked by his own actions and explained that he had lost his medications for back pain, depression, and anxiety before the flight, leading to excessive drinking. The defendant has a lengthy criminal record.

The judge ruled that only a custodial sentence was appropriate in this case.

Jetstar’s first refurbished Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated its inaugural flight from Melbourne Airport to Phuket International Airport on April 7, 2026. The aircraft had arrived in Melbourne from Hong Kong following a multi-million-dollar cabin refit, initiating a fleet-wide upgrade program for all 11 of the airline’s 787s, set to complete by late 2027.

The refit doubled business class capacity from 21 to 44 seats to meet demand for premium options at lower fares. New business seats feature a 38-inch pitch, seven inches of recline, six-way adjustable headrests, enhanced cushioning, calf and footrests, bi-fold in-arm tray tables with cocktail tables, seatback device holders, and dual USB-C charging ports.

Economy received new RECARO seats with a 30-inch pitch and five inches of recline, surpassing the two inches on Jetstar’s A320neo and A321LR aircraft. These include six-way adjustable headrests, extra cushioning, device holders, and USB-C charging.

In-flight Wi-Fi debuted on the 787 fleet through a partnership with Viasat, supporting streaming, messaging, and browsing. Business passengers receive complimentary unlimited access; economy options include Streaming-Plus from AU$25 (US$17) or Social Plus from AU$20 (US$14). Seatback screens were removed, with passengers advised to use personal devices and headsets.

Six lie-flat crew rest bunks were added at the rear, enabling flights up to 16 hours and potential new routes. Jetstar’s 787s currently serve Asian destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Seoul, Phuket, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and soon Colombo.

Jetstar launched BidCash, allowing cash bids for business upgrades on international 787 flights, with plans to extend to Qantas Frequent Flyer members using points. Jetstar Group CEO Stephanie Tully described the changes as delivering more comfort, connectivity, and destination access.

The Artemis II crew achieved a historic milestone on Monday at 12:56 p.m. EDT, reaching 248,655 miles from Earth and surpassing the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch from NASA, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency—will hit a maximum distance of 252,756 miles, or about 406,700 kilometers, before turning back toward Earth.

Launched on April 1 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida atop the SLS rocket, the mission marked the first crewed flight of NASA’s Artemis program. After propulsion maneuvers to exit Earth orbit, Orion headed for the Moon. Six days into the flight, the crew captured images of the lunar surface while traveling farther than any humans before.

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen commented from Orion: From the Integrity cabin, as we surpass the greatest distance humans have traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honor of the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration. We will continue our journey even farther into space before Mother Earth pulls us back to all that we cherish. Most importantly, we choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to ensure this record does not last long.

During the lunar flyby, Orion approached within 4,067 miles of the surface, allowing the crew to view parts of the far side with the naked eye and witness a solar eclipse. The crew proposed naming two lunar craters: one for the spacecraft Integrity and another for Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll. These names will be submitted to the International Astronomical Union after the mission.

NASA lost contact with the crew for 40 minutes as planned, when the Moon blocked signals via the Deep Space Network. Upon reconnection, Christina Koch said: Houston, we are receiving you loud and clear, and it is wonderful to hear from Earth again.

Cameras captured high-resolution images of previously unseen lunar features. The mission, now past its halfway point, is set to splash down off San Diego at 8:07 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 10. Recovery teams will helicopter the crew to the USS John P. Murtha for post-flight medical checks before returning to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

A Reims-Cessna F172P Skyhawk II, registered PH-VSS, crashed into a field near the A58 motorway close to Middelburg on Tuesday morning, killing the sole occupant.

The aircraft departed from Midden-Zeeland Airfield at approximately 08:34 local time and came down about 14 minutes later alongside the highway between Middelburg and Ritthem in Zeeland province. Emergency services, including fire crews, ambulances, and police, responded to the scene reported around 08:40.

Photos from the site show the plane broke apart on impact, with wreckage scattered across the field. No fire erupted following the crash. Traffic on the A58 was not disrupted, according to highways agency Rijkswaterstaat.

The Dutch Safety Board dispatched a team for a preliminary investigation into the cause. Public flight data indicates the aircraft vanished from radar at the crash location. Midden-Zeeland Airfield, about 10 kilometers northeast of the site, confirmed the takeoff origin.

Tahiti-based carrier Air Moana has added an ATR 72-600 to its fleet, with the aircraft bearing manufacturer serial number MSN 1553. The turboprop, previously operated in the U.S., was delivered by lessor Azorra and now serves the airline’s inter-island routes within French Polynesia.

The delivery flight originated in Toulouse, France, and covered 51 hours across nine countries before reaching Faa’a International Airport, Air Moana’s main hub. This addition brings the airline’s ATR 72-600 count to at least three, each configured for 72 passengers on domestic services to destinations including Bora Bora in the Society Islands and the Tuamotus.

Founded in January 2022 by Christian Vernaudon, a former Air Tahiti executive, Air Moana secured its domestic operating license in December 2022. Its first aircraft arrived that month, followed by an air operator’s certificate in February 2023. The inaugural flight to Bora Bora occurred on February 8, 2023, with a second ATR 72-600 delivered in March 2023. Sofidep, a French Polynesian development finance company, holds a stake in the airline.

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH), through its subsidiaries Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, has ordered three Airbus H225 helicopters. The acquisition supports expansion of offshore energy operations and replacement of aging aircraft in its fleet.

VNH leadership noted that the H225 has shown strong performance in offshore missions, providing reliability, safety, and operational flexibility. The helicopters will integrate with VNHs existing Airbus fleet, which includes Super Puma and H155 models, and support offshore energy transport, utility services, search and rescue, and general transport.

The H225, the latest in the Super Puma family, handles demanding environments with extended range and payload capacity. Its advanced avionics and autopilot systems improve safety and reduce pilot workload for complex offshore tasks. The H225 has seen growing use in oil and gas missions in regions including Vietnam.

GetJet Airlines has secured US$31 million in external financing from London-based volofin Capital Management. The funding supports the carrier’s Growth Strategy 2026 by expanding its fleet and aviation asset management operations.

The capital will finance the acquisition of up to five additional narrow-body aircraft, with integration into the fleet targeted for the second quarter of 2026. This move addresses a strong pipeline of client demand and rising needs for ACMI services.

GetJet Chief Executive Darius Viltrakis said the financing reflects the confidence of key financial partners in the company’s operational performance and enables rapid response to growing airline customer demand. Volofin Capital Management indicated it plans to continue supporting GetJet with tailored asset-based financing solutions.

Recent contracts with Eurowings and Etihad Airways have bolstered GetJet’s commercial position, alongside ongoing operations for Air Senegal and Wizz Air. Last summer, it also supported Royal Jordanian and TAP Air Portugal.

The financing further advances the group’s aviation asset management and component trading through affiliate Airhub Aviation, based in Northern and Central Europe. Airhub manages a portfolio valued at about €200 million and runs an MRO facility at Šiauliai International Airport in Lithuania.

The Airbus C295 has emerged as a primary tactical multi-mission aircraft for air forces in Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Mexico. Operated across these nations, the twin-turboprop platform handles transport, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions in diverse environments from jungles to coasts.

Brazil employs the C295 search and rescue (SAR) variant to monitor ships, detect oil spills, and conduct sea rescues. Chile operates the maritime patrol (MPA) version, which uses sonobuoys and a Magnetic Anomaly Detector to track submarines, while also supporting firefighting through optical and infrared cameras to identify and monitor fire outbreaks early. The Chilean Navy has deployed its C295s for firefighting in the Biobío region.

Colombia has utilized the aircraft for critical evacuations, such as transporting four children lost in the jungle for 40 days to a Bogotá hospital in June 2023. Mechanics converted it to an air ambulance in under 90 minutes, allowing a pilot to land on an unprepared runway using night vision goggles. Colombia also created water lines to combat fires in Vichada near Venezuela.

Mexico fields 14 C295s, with eight in the Air Force and six in the Navy, focused on transport tasks. The aircraft’s versatility stems from its short take-off and landing capability on unprepared strips, plus rapid reconfiguration—often in less than an hour—between roles like medical evacuation, aid delivery, and disaster response to hurricanes, earthquakes, or fires. Latin America operates 41 units in total, with Brazil holding the largest fleet.