China’s Pterodactyl; Spirit’s secret production shop to open; U.S. GBSD under pressure; and Pacific military exercises pick up.

Design is beginning on large-scale airframe modification programs that will convert two A380s into flying technology testbeds.

Electric R44 milestone; Hamburg sustainability drive; Autonomous flight progress; eVTOLs for medical delivery; European detect-and-avoid.

Deliveries of the Aero2 tiltwing uncrewed medical delivery aircraft to Spright are planned to begin in 2025.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Emirates Airline has begun its major two-year fleet retrofit program, with work starting on the first of 120 aircraft earmarked for a full cabin interior upgrade. 

Europe’s aerospace supply chain may have to deal with a competitive disadvantage vis-a-vis other regions if energy prices stay elevated.

Building on lessons from the PW1100G, Pratt & Whitney’s expanded Advantage test and pre-production readiness program is targeting a smoother entry into service.