Aerospace

For Europe’s Clean Aviation public-private aeronautics research program, time is a raison d’etre.

The tests will establish the performance of the unmodified aircraft before the start of the hybrid-electric conversion effort.

Skyports Infrastructure is to develop the UK’s first vertiport testbed at Bicester Motion, a former Royal Air Force airfield in Oxfordshire.

Off-the-shelf algorithms open up new possibilities for inexpensive UAVs.

The first Bell 525 order was one of several placed by the offshore helicopter industry at this year’s Heli-Expo.

SpaceX completed a pair of overlapping Falcon 9 missions on March 4.

LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS was selected by Thailand's Really Cool Airlines to provide Lido Flight 4D, Lido mPilot and Lido FMS in prep for 2024 startup.

FIGEAC AÉRO, France announced three new contracts in North America, valued at €20m total over next 3-5 years, for machining, sheet metal and surface treatment activities for wings and nacelles for business jets and A220s/A320s.

JOBY AVIATION acquired existing facility at Dayton International Airport, OH for manufacturing eVTOL parts in support of its pilot production line in Marina, CA; acquisition of on-airport facility is first step in plan to develop facilities capable of building up to 500 aircraft per year in Dayton, which is expected to include construction of a larger greenfield factory.

VIASAT, CA was selected by Icelandair to supply its inflight Wi-Fi solution for up to 32 new A321LR/XLRs for delivery starting in 4Q24.

COLLINS AEROSPACE was selected by Thailand's Really Cool Airlines to provide inflight connectivity for its A330s in preparation for startup in 2024.

Joby Aviation says it has acquired an existing facility at Dayton International Airport in Ohio to begin initial parts manufacturing.

There is a four-way tie for first place in the most recent edition of the AAM Reality Index.

The plan also includes the creation of a European Defense Industry Program.

Japanese startup Hien Aero Technologies has conducted a hover test with its proof-of-concept Dr-One V2B hybrid turbine-electric uncrewed aircraft.

The UK CAA launched the challenge in November 2023 to help exploit the potential of hydrogen as a zero-emission aviation fuel.

Thales said it expects to complete the acquisition of cockpit communications specialist Cobham Aerospace Communications (AeroComms) in 2024.

Daher is gearing up to test large components made from thermoplastic composites and pitch them for future commercial aircraft.

A forthcoming launch will test Lockheed Martin Space’s concept for advancing internet-like communications in orbit for military users.

Columbia Helicopters and Erickson are producing new-build S-64s and Model 234 Commercial Chinooks for the first time in decades.

After 35 years, Heli-Expo is transforming into a new, broader event to be called Verticon.

PRATT & WHITNEY was selected by Icelandair to supply GTFs for 35 A321neos on order; deal includes MRO program.

VORTEX CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES, Seattle was selected by Avelo Airlines to supply Finlets (mounted on aft fuselage) for installation on 16 737NGs by end of 2024 (seven to date) to reduce total fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

AMPAIRE acquired MAGPIE AVIATION, CA (electric aviation technologies).

HARTZELL ENGINE TECH launched POWERUP Aircraft Ignition Systems with product line that includes FAA/PMA-approved aircraft magnetos, ignition harnesses, Slick, Bendix and Continental replacements parts and magneto repair kits