Although some uncertainty exists about the exact timeline for air traffic recovery in the short term, global forecasts are clear: tomorrow’s air traffic will be increasingly dense. In fact, this outlook raises vital questions about the aviation industry’s future environmental footprint. As a result, air traffic management (ATM) is becoming an increasingly important—and complex—focus area.
Boeing’s autonomous MQ-25 completes first test flight with aerial refueling store
MQ-25 / Boeing
Boeing and the U.S. Navy have for the first time flown the MQ-25 T1 test asset with an aerial refueling store (ARS), a significant milestone informing development of the unmanned aerial refueler.
Samad Aerospace hits major e-Starling milestone with 1st flight of 50% scale demonstrator
Another crucial milestone has been met in SAMAD AEROSPACE’S Starling Programme. 30 November 2020 has seen the successful conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) flight test of the company’s 50% scale fully electric aircraft.
Embraer delivers the first modernized E-99 jet to the Brazilian Air Force
Embraer
In a ceremony held today at the Embraer facility in Gavião Peixoto (São Paulo, Brazil), Embraer delivered the first modernized EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control), designated E-99, to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Four additional E-99 aircraft will be modernized as part of the contract.
Bundeswehr orders 31 NH90 helicopters for shipborne operations
NH90 / Airbus
The German Bundeswehr has ordered 31 NH90 NFH helicopters, to be known as Sea Tiger, for the German Navy’s shipborne operations.
Aero Locarno, the first swiss customer of the belgian school plane Sonaca 200 with 10 copies
Sonaca 200 / Sonaca Aircraft
In March 2020, Aero Locarno (Switzerland) has signed for 5 Sonaca 200 Trainer Pros. The Approved-Training Organisation has just decided to double the initial order bringing the revised order to a total of 10 aircraft.
En Europa el Boeing 737 MAX tardará unas semanas en tener el permiso para volar
Leonardo: the successful C-27J Spartan sheds its skin to reach new performance heights
C-27J Next Generation / Leonardo
Leonardo has begun the final testing of the C-27J Next Generation which features new equipment, a new avionics system and advanced aerodynamic devices, these will enhance the existing high performance of the aircraft. The first C-27J in the new configuration will be delivered to an undisclosed customer in 2021.
First A321P2F enters into service with Qantas for Australia Post
A321P2F / Airbus
Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture created by Airbus and ST Engineering has achieved key milestones in the A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion programme with the delivery and entry-into-service on 2th October of the first converted aircraft to Qantas.
U.S. Navy awards Sikorsky contract to build six more CH-53K heavy lift helicopters
CH-53K Sikorsky
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) will build six additional production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters under a new contract for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft will further support the U.S. Marine Corps in its mission to conduct expeditionary heavy-lift assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection expands fleet with two more Special Mission Beechcraft King Air 350CER
Beechcraft King Air 350CER / Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation announced today it was awarded a contract for the 26th and 27th Beechcraft King Air 350CER turboprop aircraft for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO).
Boeing’s Australian unmanned aircraft completes first taxi
Boeing
The Boeing Loyal Wingman aircraft being developed with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) recently moved under its own power for the first time, a key milestone for the aircraft that’s expected to make its first flight this year.
OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully touches down on asteroid
Engineers at Lockheed Martin celebrated when NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft touched down and collected a sample of asteroid Bennu on Oct. 20, 2020.
In the dark and cold of deep space yesterday, the Lockheed Martin-built OSIRIS-REx spacecraft descended to the surface of an asteroid and touched it with its robotic arm to collect a sample of its rocky material. Although brief, the Touch-And-Go, or TAG, event was years in the making.
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines partner on their 40th humanitarian delivery flight
Boeing
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines recently launched their 40th humanitarian delivery flight when the airline’s new 787-9 Dreamliner departed Everett, Wash., carrying more than 20,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies. The shipment, including supplies for health care and family needs, will be distributed to hospitals, clinics and charities in the Addis Ababa region.
Nakanihon Air reinforces utility capabilities with new H215 order
H215
Nakanihon Air, one of Japan’s largest helicopter operators, has ordered one H215 heavy helicopter to shore up its capabilities for utility and aerial work.