A U.S. startup that plans to develop a two-passenger, remotely piloted personal jet powered by liquefied natural gas as an alternative to business travel on airlines has attracted a big name from the aeroengine industry to act as an advisor.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems flew its MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace over southern California on April 3 as part of a NASA demonstration of civil and commercial applications of drones.

New technologies may be available, but fundamentals that drive avionics design still apply for future air vehicles.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States has provided a medium-term loan guarantee to support the delivery and export of a Daher Kodiak 100 utility aircraft to Costa Rica Green Airways SRL, the agency said.

Textron Aviation has begun producing plastic face shields and cloth face masks for the medical community, first responders and, in light of recent Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Guidance, its own employees due to the coronavirus crisis, the company said. 

Experimental Aircraft Association organizers still plan to wait until May to decide whether to host EAA AirVenture Oshkosh set for July 20-26 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 

London Biggin Hill Airport has launched a coronavirus recovery package for operators called “Return to the Skies” aimed at helping operators maintain business jet airworthiness and keeping training current during the pandemic. 

Japanese startup SkyDrive has conducted manned flights of its electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing demonstrator.