AW169 software updates boost engine performance while aerodynamic changes adjust flight handling.

Fly-by-wire taking off; More orbital cleanup plans; Zero-emissions island links; Wing drones go urban; Food giant eyes SAF.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, an operator of air and sea links to the archipelago off the coast of southwest England, has forged an agreement to bring zero-emission hydrogen flights to the islands.

Hydrogen-propulsion startup ZeroAvia has partnered with the Royal Schiphol Group to launch zero-emission commercial passenger flights between Rotterdam The Hague Airport and London with a 19-seat aircraft in 2024.

In April, Rob Scholl was named senior vice president for eAviation at Textron, a new position within the industrial conglomerate. Previously senior vice president of sales and marketing at Textron Aviation, he talked to Aviation Week’s Graham Warwick about his new role leading the company’s exploration of the technologies reshaping aviation.

These technologies are helping optimize components, fabricate novel shapes and integrate data into design, manufacturing and maintenance.

Elroy Air plans to grow in 2021 and 2022 as it continues to secure funding from a list of investors now topping 25 companies and equity funds.

Startup ZeroAvia has partnered with Mitsubishi’s CRJ support division, MHI RJ Aviation, to develop hydrogen-electric propulsion for regional jets, aiming for market availability in 2028.