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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology, May 4, 2026

mq-25 production-representative aircraft on its first flight

The production-representative version of Boeing’s carrier-based tanker aircraft for the U.S. Navy finally took to the skies, initiating its flight test campaign. Navy and Boeing officials have big plans for the MQ-25, including adding a refueling probe that would extend the aircraft’s range. 

Credit: Jamie Cosgrove/Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

DEFENSE

The Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray takes its first flight April 25
article

Boeing’s Carrier-Based MQ-25 Flies As Possible Upgrade Advances

Apr 29, 2026
After a 4.5-year delay, flight testing for the MQ-25 is making progress, and Boeing is developing a variant with longer endurance.
boeing F/A-18 firing missile concept
article

Strike Weapons Boom In Pentagon Spending Plan

Apr 28, 2026
The Trump administration’s first long-range spending plan raises planned outlays for offensive missile procurement sevenfold.
Person standing by V-22 on runway
article

Bell And Military Services Are Working Through Top V-22 Issues

Apr 30, 2026
New gearboxes and safety upgrades are rolling out following an in-depth investigation of crashes.
MV-75
podcast

Podcast: Dissecting Developments On MV-75, F/A-XX, B-21 And More

Apr 28, 2026
Editors reflect on a busy period for defense, sharing insights on Quad-A, Sea-Air-Space, Aviation Week's MALMS, the latest Pentagon budget figures, and everything else you need to know on air and missile modernization.

FIRST TAKE

Boeing MQ-25 in flight
article

First Take, May 4, 2026

Apr 30, 2026
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST

aircraft at gate
article

Commercial Suppliers Hold Steady Amid Middle East Uncertainty

Apr 30, 2026
Some airlines are trimming capacity, but no signs suggest a surge in aircraft retirements is in the cards.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Boeing aircraft undergoing assembly
article

New Freighters Make Headlines As Airbus And Boeing Continue Ramp-Up

May 01, 2026
While the Iran war presents another black swan event for the air transport industry, airlines appear eager to stick to their orderbooks for now.
777-8F
videos

Podcast: How's Business At Airbus And Boeing?

May 01, 2026
Editors discuss recent earnings updates from Airbus and Boeing that saw the duopoly shrug off the Gulf War but note persisting supply chain issues. A freighter battle between the two is also heating up.
worker carrying refueling hose to aircraft
article

High Oil Prices Fuel U.S. Airline Merger And Acquisition Potential

May 01, 2026
While U.S. airlines navigate high fuel costs by cutting capacity and raising fares, consolidation chatter abounds.
Neste facility
article

Is The Fuel Crisis A Catalyst For Europe’s SAF Supply?

Apr 27, 2026
Conflict-related spikes in fuel prices could be a timely wake-up call for European investment in SAF production.
SAF facility
article

Diversifying Feedstocks Is Critical To Growing SAF Supply

May 01, 2026
More feedstock-to-fuel pathways are needed to avoid constraints on sustainable aviation fuel capacity.

BUSINESS AVIATION | ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

Joby S4 on helipad
article

Joby's New York Flights Demonstrate eVTOL Ops In Complex Airspace

Apr 30, 2026
As Joby’s S4 advances toward certification, flight testing is shifting from controlled environments to real-world operations.
Aero Friedrichshafen event
article

Absent EBACE, Bizav Drives Growth At Aero Friedrichshafen

Apr 29, 2026
The annual Aero Friedrichshafen aviation trade fair reported record numbers of exhibitors and attendees this year.
TBM 980
podcast

Podcast: Aero Friedrichshafen Steps Up

Apr 24, 2026
Editors discuss developments in European business aviation after this week's Aero Friedrichshafen and the cancellation of the EBACE show.

TECHNOLOGY

hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short aircraft
article

The Week In Technology, April 27-May 1, 2026

Apr 27, 2026
Norwegian eSTOL trial; advanced drone batteries; hybrid powerplants delivered; and tackling fuel cell water problems.

COLUMNS AND OPINION

aircraft in flight
article

Emirates Plans To Rebuild Quickly After The Iran War

Apr 29, 2026
Emirates Airline President Tim Clark rejects European claims for more autonomy in air transport.
space-based interceptors
article

Golden Dome Leader Questions Feasibility Of Space-Based Interceptors

Apr 29, 2026
U.S. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein now refers conditionally to the prospect of fielding a space-based layer of interceptors.
satellite tracking data
article

From Minerals To Munitions, Privateer Shines A Light On Supply Chains

Apr 28, 2026
Apple cofounder’s venture seeks to fix a “broken” Earth-observation market.
manufacturing floor
article

Opinion: Why The Aero Excellence Initiative Is A Timely Opportunity

May 01, 2026
Key European OEMs are implementing the Aero Excellence initiative intended to improve the supply chain’s structural stability and resilience.

DEPARTMENTS

Southwest and Delta aircraft descending in parallel
article

Letters From Our Readers, May 4, 2026

Apr 30, 2026
Readers write about space-based interceptors, parallel approaches at San Francisco Airport, and coverage of Artemis II. Plus: Behind the scenes at MRO Americas.
article

New Positions, Promotions, Honors And Elections, May 4, 2026

May 01, 2026
Recent appointments, promotions and honors in the aviation and aerospace industry.
article

Aviation Week Events, May 4, 2026

May 01, 2026
A roundup of upcoming conferences and exhibitions.