Aerospace

Nimble, venture capital-backed startups are emerging as winners in a worsening global threat environment.

Dubbed HeliStorm, the lightweight, high-speed electric engine family will cover the 6,000-7,000 rpm range.

London-based Macquarie Rotorcraft Ltd is to be taken over by the joint venture of Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing (SMFL) and LCI Helicopters (LCI).

Ethiopian Airlines marked the 2025 International Women’s Day, on March 8, with a series of events attended by government officials, guests and the airline’s executives.

Japan has completed the construction of its first large-scale sustainable aviation fuel facility, which is set to produce 79 million gal. by 2030.

Weighing 115 lb. with a 10.3-ft. wingspan, the all-composite RBW is a flying wing aircraft in a tailsitter configuration that flies autonomously.

The upgraded Main Gearbox’s (MGB) major innovation is a new, redundant auxiliary lubrication system that serves as a backstop.

After a year of trying to fix ailing suppliers, GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO Larry Culp cautions against expectations of near-term relief amid some progress.

Seaglider prototype debuts, fuel-cell flights, Delta backs BWB, and improving fuel cells.

Robinson Helicopter Company has announced the launch of the R88, its much-anticipated new large rotorcraft and the company’s first major product-line refresh since the R66 turbine was revealed in 2007.

AIRBUS delivered 40 aircraft (four A220s; 33 A320neo Family; two A330s; A350) in February 2025 vs 49 (six A220s; 39 A320neo Fam; two A330s; two A350s) in February 2024. It also booked order for eight A321neos from an undisclosed customer in addition to six A321neos from KOREAN AIR as previously announced in December 2024 (SPNWS; Dec 20).

COLLINS AEROSPACE opened new Engineering Development and Test Center (EDTC) at its North Gate campus in Bengaluru, India for product development, testing, and certification of components in the region.

AERSALE had $9.5m adjusted net income on $345m sales in 2024 (vs $3.5m on $334.5m in 2023), ending year with feedstock acquisitions of $61.7m with an additional $70m under contract. It sold 20 engines/one 757F vs 17/4 in 2023.

DEDIENNE AEROSPACE has contract to support Pratt & Whitney Engine Leasing with engine stand maintenance; and in a separate deal, it renewed its LEAP tooling license with CFMI for another 10 years.

Austrian general aviation aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft is set to take over insolvent electric aircraft maker Volocopter, according to industry sources.

United Airlines has begun installations of Starlink internet on its regional aircraft, expecting to outfit more than 300 by the end of the year.

German hydrogen-powered aircraft developer APUS Zero Emission has entered insolvency administration in a bid to restructure and secure an investor.

Leaders in the sector say business is on an upward trajectory after years of stagnation.

Advanced air mobility ambitions, crewed-uncrewed teaming, drone production and an expanded rotorcraft family are key thrusts in Robinson’s growth plan.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

NASA’s commercial lunar services initiative scores another major win.

Helicopter manufacturers are beginning to turn their attention to modernizing their bestsellers.

RTX secured three agreements with JetZero to supply key systems for BWB full-scale demonstrator; PRATT & WHITNEY will integrate PW2040 engine and APS3200 APU and COLLINS will provide nacelle and propulsion mounting structure.