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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology, Feb. 23, 2026

Digital cover of Aviation Week for Feb. 23, 2026

With the introduction of the world’s largest electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing air taxi, China’s AutoFlight is targeting emerging demand from business travelers who want to fly point to point over longer distances and avoid using airports. Read our report by Senior Editor Ben Goldstein and Executive Editor for Technology Graham Warwick.

Credit: AutoFlight

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

AutoFlight V5000 Matrix
article

AutoFlight’s V5000 Matrix Pushes Limits of eVTOL

Feb 18, 2026
The eVTOL sector has converged around 4-6 passengers as optimal for urban air taxis. China’s AutoFlight wants to turn that on its head.

FIRST TAKE

Quarterhorse Mk. 2.1 on runway
article

First Take, Feb. 23, 2026

Feb 20, 2026
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Airbus A320 aircraft on the final assembly line
article

Airbus Blames Pratt For Slower Ramp-Up, Embraces Two-Fighter Idea

Feb 20, 2026
With demand booming in commercial and defense aviation, why are Airbus programs in turmoil?
Airbus
podcast

Podcast: Airbus Points The Finger At Pratt & Whitney

Feb 20, 2026
Editors are joined by Richard Aboulafia to discuss airliner production after Airbus shared its delivery targets for this year and Boeing updated its suppliers.
Ihssane Mounir
article

Boeing Commercial Ramp-Up Will Be Bumpier Before Smoothing Out

Feb 19, 2026
For Boeing and suppliers, the toughest phase of its air transport manufacturing recovery is yet to come.
Assembly of the BWB’s main center body section
article

JetZero BWB Demonstrator Assembly Accelerates In Mojave

Feb 18, 2026
Production of JetZero’s BWB demonstrator is underway, beginning with assembly of the pressurized cockpit section and forward fuselage.
Viva aircraft
article

Mexican And U.S. Budget Operators Jump-Start Consolidations

Feb 17, 2026
Consolidation among ultra-low-cost carriers in the Americas kicks into high gear this year with two major mergers.

PROPULSION

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX on runway
article

Southwest Concerned Over Potential CFM Leap Parts Crunch

Feb 19, 2026
An unexpectedly low life limit on a key Leap-1B engine part could leave some operators scrambling if CFM’s replacement part plan does not stay on track.
United aircraft
article

New-Generation Engine Durability Costs Wipe Out Fuel Savings

Feb 19, 2026
The higher maintenance and repair costs of new-generation engines are making them more expensive to run. What can be done to address this conundrum?

DEFENSE

aircraft on tarmac
article

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Focus Shifts In Modernization Plans

Feb 17, 2026
The service’s special operations forces are arguing for their relevance as upgrade plans evolve.
Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach in cockpit of Lockheed Martin F-22
article

New U.S. Air Force Chief Refocuses On The Basics

Feb 20, 2026
The top airman talks with Aviation Week about his focus on increasing immediate readiness and addressing “change fatigue.”
Royal Saudi Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon
article

Royal Saudi Air Force Faces Modernization Crossroads

Feb 18, 2026
Aging aircraft, potential new fighter buys and a long-discussed service merger leave the Royal Saudi Air Force at a strategic inflection point.
missile launching
article

Deep Anxiety Feeds Europe’s Deep-Strike Push

Feb 18, 2026
Speed and range are becoming more central to Europe’s weapons plans.
Airbus Helicopters H175M flying
article

Saudi Arabia Renews Effort To Build Domestic Rotorcraft Industry

Feb 19, 2026
New deals at the World Defense Show aim to translate the Saudi Vision 2030 ambitions into a tangible helicopter manufacturing ecosystem.
MV-22B taking off from amphibious assault ship
article

Marine Corps Aviators Plot Post-2040 Fleet Future

Feb 19, 2026
In 15-20 years, the U.S. Marine Corps aviation fleet must evolve again. A new strategy document offers a first glimpse of the next wave of aircraft development.
NGF
podcast

Podcast: How Europe Learned To Start Worrying And Love The Bomb

Feb 17, 2026
Editors are joined by analyst Sash Tusa to discuss the fallout of the Munich Security Conference and Saudi Arabia's World Defense Show.

SPACE

NASA Orion spacecraft
article

NASA Gears Up For First Orion Flight With Crew

Feb 20, 2026
The space agency is taking an Apollo-style integrated approach to its Artemis campaign.
Ariane 6 rocket launching
article

Europe Turns A Corner With Ariane 64 First Flight For Amazon

Feb 17, 2026
More Ariane Heavy missions loom as Amazon pushes to gets its broadband low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation going.
Artemis II's path
article

NASA’s Flight Plan For The Crewed Artemis II Mission

Feb 18, 2026
After 20 years of development, NASA’s Orion spacecraft will host astronauts for the first time on a flight test around the Moon.
crew of Artemis II
article

The Artemis II Crew Is Preparing To Return NASA To Deep Space

Feb 18, 2026
A look at the four astronauts NASA is preparing to send around the Moon.

TECHNOLOGY

computer image of battery 3D printing process
article

The Week In Technology, Feb. 16-20, 2026

Feb 17, 2026
Printing drone batteries, visualizing hydrogen, hybrid cargo UAV, modeling next-gen fleets.

COLUMNS AND OPINION

Navi AI screen
article

Opinion: AI Enhances Pilot Training With Supercharged Debriefings

Feb 19, 2026
Embry-Riddle and aviation tech company Navi AI have developed a tool that delivers tailored AI-generated feedback to reinforce flight instructor lessons.

DEPARTMENTS

cross-section of Boom Supersonic Symphony engine
article

Letters From Our Readers, Feb. 23, 2026

Feb 20, 2026
Readers write about Boom engines, quantum computers, space “settlement” and AW&ST Vietnam War cover images. Plus: Behind the Scenes at the World Defense Show.
article

New Positions, Promotions, Honors And Elections, Feb. 23, 2026

Feb 20, 2026
Recent appointments, promotions and honors in the aviation and aerospace industry.
article

Aviation Week Events, Feb. 23, 2026

Feb 19, 2026
A roundup of upcoming conferences and exhibitions.