New Zealand

The U.S. military’s key intelligence partners will soon be able to use the U.S. Space Force’s new domain awareness platform ATLAS thanks to forthcoming upgrades.

Jetstar has highlighted rising taxes and fees as a reason for the cancelation of two international routes, as airline industry groups criticize such increases in regulatory costs.

New Zealand's 2025 Defense Capability Plan offered perhaps the clearest indication yet that Wellington recognizes the need for greater combat capability.

Commercial space tracker LeoLabs says that China’s reusable spaceplane has released a new object on orbit.

The U.S. government has approved a $1.5 billion export of five Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawks and related equipment to New Zealand.

New Zealand’s Syos Aerospace is preparing to field a wider range of drones for testing in Ukraine.

Autonomous flight system developer Merlin has raised $80 million in new funding through the sale of shares to an existing institution investor.

Syos Aerospace says it has completed the five-year development of its SA200 rotary-wing UAS following a series of autonomous mission trials.

Beta Technologies says it has made significant progress toward certification of its aircraft and propulsion system.

Ohakea air base gains 24/7 ATC, boosting New Zealand's alternate airport capacity and supporting full passenger and freight loads for long-haul flights.

The New Zealand Defense Force has established both an enhanced strike project and an ISR project to examine future air-to-surface weapons, targeting capabilities and sensing options.

The U.S. and France have completed a second bilateral, on-orbit operation related to dynamic space operations.

The U.S. Space Force recently took delivery of the first production unit for the Meadowlands Counter Communications System.

An issue identified by New Zealand’s accident bureau as being linked to an Air New Zealand A320neo uncommanded engine shutdown could have wider implications.

New Zealand’s main international gateway is projecting a strong rise in international airline capacity in its summer season.

Japan has big ambitions for its space industry. But before the country can realize those dreams, it needs rides to space to test its technologies.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has finalized a six-year lease-to-buy agreement with Air Lease Corp. for two Airbus A321XLRs.

U.S. startup Merlin has reached a milestone in the development of its Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system.

A Beta Technologies electric aircraft on short-term lease to Air New Zealand has been delivered and has conducted its first flights in New Zealand.

Australian startup Stralis Aircraft announced that it is testing its high-temperature fuel cell technology at a test facility in Auckland, New Zealand.

UK Space Command and U.S. Space Command have conducted the two nations’ first joint military operation in space.

Qantas has confirmed its first Airbus A220 service on an international route as part of a planned major expansion of its New Zealand network.

Auckland Airport will open a revamped check-in hall by 2030 with a heavy emphasis on self-service technology intended to create a fast-track process.

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

Air New Zealand expects no significant improvement over the next 12 months in the engine availability problems that have grounded up to 20% of its jet fleet.