Author: Alan G.W.

Aircraft engaged for a good cause! The Sourire de Mômes association is organizing a meeting on June 14 and 15 in Plomodiern (29) to help children with disabilities. On June 14 and 15, aeronautics fans will be heading for the “Far West”! The Plomodiern airshow is organized by the Sourire de Mômes association, which works to “improve the daily lives of sick children by financing technical aids and making their dreams come true”. Each year, the association organizes one or more events (evenings, rides, meetings, etc.) to raise funds for the purchase of equipment to facilitate the mobility of disabled…

SESAR call for research on Digital European Sky evolution open for submission Earlier this year, SESAR Joint Undertaking published a call for high-priority applied research (AR) (Digital European Sky Exploratory Research 03) to help shape the future regulatory framework for a Digital European Sky (DES). Charalampos Ka… Wed, 04/06/2025 – 11:28

From June 5 to 8, 2025, Villacoublay Air Base 107 will host the twenty-fifth edition of the Air Raid challenge, which showcases the ground skills of French Air Force aviators. Because sometimes, you just have to be prepared for anything! Co-organized by the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (for which it is listed in the blue book of training activities) and its national associations of reserve officers and non-commissioned officers, the Air Raid challenge takes place at a different base each year. After BA 133 Nancy-Ochey, it’s now the turn of BA 107 Villacoublay “sous-lieutenant René Dorme” to host…

A Condor flight from Palma de Mallorca missed the curfew at Munich by mere seconds earlier this week. Flight DE1513 was just 2,100 feet from touching down when the clock ticked over 12:30 am, forcing the aircraft to divert to Frankfurt-Hahn airport 375 kilometers away. The story was first reported by German newspaper Bild, who just happened to have a reporter on the flight. How can that possibly happen? Many German airports have a strict nighttime curfew and airlines and airports can be heavily fined for operations outside permitted times. The standard curfew at Munich is 12:00 am, though exemptions…

Date and time stamps for submission comments shown in the submission workflow view of experiments are wrong for users in time zones with negative UTC offset.

BIOVIA found that as of version 2025 Insight for Excel may fail to open the ‘Search’ function that retrieves data from BIOVIA Insight’s Search & Browse part. This is a regression from previous Insight for Excel versions.

Changes made to the Hub configuration page might revert configurations that have been manually added to the app-config.groovy file.

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Airbus’ Montreal final assembly line is invaded by a family of raccoons. Newark reopens its main runway a few days early as airlines and the FAA jostle over flight cuts. United and JetBlue announce their Blue Sky partnership, while the IATA annual general meeting generates announcements of its own. A Condor flight misses Munich’s curfew by mere seconds and Air India reveals how much flying around Pakistan is costing the airline. Helpful links for this week’s episode Condor diversion due to missed curfew Global Airlines LinkedIn post addressing recent media Thank you for listening!…

OUTSCALE EXPERIENCES: Digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence take center stage at OUTSCALE’s 11th edition

First-ever Rafale fuselage production in India Dedicated manufacturing facility to be set up in Hyderabad (Saint-Cloud, Mumbai, June 5, 2025) – Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have signed four Production Transfer Agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. This facility represents a significant investment in India’s aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the…

Commission launches open call for research on Digital European Sky evolution On 1 April 2025, the European Commission has launched a call for high-priority applied research (AR) (Digital European Sky Exploratory Research 03) to help shape the future regulatory framework for a Digital European Sky (DES). Charalampos Ka… Wed, 04/06/2025 – 11:28

On June 2, in a special display case in the Salle De Gaulle of the Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération at the Hôtel National des Invalides, the silver-bound case decorated with a vermeil and enamel cross containing editions from 1943 to 1946 of the Compagnons de la Libération yearbook was unveiled to the general public. The ceremony took place in the presence of the patrons who made the acquisition of this unique object possible, namely Dassault Aviation, represented by its CEO Éric Trappier, as well as Cartier, restorer of the case, and the Société des Amis du Musée de…

One of the highlights of the season! The famous La Ferté-Alais airshow takes place this year on the weekend of June 7 and 8, 2025. Created in 1970 under the name “Fête aéro-folklorique”, the La Ferté-Alais airshow, now known as “Le Temps des Hélices”, is now in its 52nd year, with a poster designed by Romain Hugault, who is no longer a familiar face to aviation and comics fans. The formula is a classic one: two similar days, with two mornings where the public can get up close to aircraft on the ground, chat with pilots and mechanics and enjoy…

Bringing happiness to children who are different, without forgetting those who are more ordinary! The Tour 2025 Rêves de Gosse takes place this year from May 30 to June 7, with Quimper in Brittany as its first stopover. As with every spring, it’s time to take off for those whose lives have already changed… Faced with the differences linked to disability, Dassault Aviation and other entities (companies, institutions, etc.), under the patronage of the President of the French Republic, are partnering the Rêves de Gosse association, to enable these children (and others) to marvel at being several hundred feet above…

2025 ANAC Technical Standard Order (TSO) Workshop The TSO Workshop is organised in turn by ANAC/EASA/FAA/TCCA. This year ANAC is hosting the 20th TSO Workshop in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil(1).  Annalisa Farina Mon, 02/06/2025 – 16:56

Etihad Airways has announced that it will begin services between Abu Dhabi and Charlotte, North Carolina, as of May 4th, 2026. The airline will operate four times a week with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured for 300 passengers in two classes (28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy). Charlotte will be Etihad’s sixth U.S. destination after Atlanta (starts on July 2nd), Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington DC. In addition, it also serves Montreal and Toronto, reaching eight routes in the Americas. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday EY 15  Abu Dhabi AUH 03:15 · 10:15 CLT Charlotte EY…

Flightradar24 is so much more than a great way to track flights, it’s a window into what’s happening in the world – right now. If you’re using our mobile apps, the easiest way to get this information is to use the features contained in our pull down menu.  Swiping down from the top of your screen reveals an array of data on flight tracking trends, as well as a handy place to easily access items you find the most useful. Here’s what’s included…Most tracked flights – a list of the top 10 most tracked flights by number of users following…

On this episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason and back home from Stockholm and ready to take on the week’s news. The NTSB is out with a handful of reports, including details on the FedEx 767 bird strike in Newark, Frontier’s hard landing and go around in San Juan, and Alaska Airlines’ main landing gear collapse. We also discuss the crash of a Cessna Citation in San Diego last week. Plus, Boeing says it has a fix for the 777X thrust link problem, which grounded the test fleet for months. Helpful links for this week’s episode FedEx 767 birdstrike preliminary…

South African Airways (SA/SAA) has had several wide body aircraft in its fleet throughout its history, both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The first of these, according to the airline’s website, was added in 1971, being a brand new Boeing 747. Over the years, South African has continued to expand its fleet of wide body aircraft, reaching around 20 747s at its peak during some years in the 1990s. Six Boeing 747SPs, eight Boeing 747-200s, six Boeing 747-300s and eight Boeing 747-400s were part of SAA, operating between October 1971 and October 2010. First Boeing 747 The first wide body aircraft,…

Medidata Debuts Protocol Optimization at ASCO, Leveraging AI to Transform the Study Experience

Attention enthusiasts! From May 29 to June 1, the Sport et Collection event will be raising funds for cancer through donations from participants, who will be treated to a show by the French Air Force. An event that links automobiles and aviation! From May 29 to June 1, 2025, don’t miss the 31st “Sport et Collection, 500 Ferrari contre le cancer” event on the Val de Vienne circuit (Vienne department – 86). Every year for more than three decades, the event has been a resounding success (40,000 people last year) in support of the fight against cancer. Europe’s leading charity…

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the Hyères naval aeronautics base is organizing a meeting with an impressive line-up. 100 years is a great age… To celebrate its first century of existence, the naval aeronautics base at Hyères, in the Var department of France, has decided to pull out all the stops! And to invite the local public to “vibrate with pleasure to the sound of these superb machines, from the most mythical to the most sophisticated”, according to Captain Paul Zanassi, commander of the base. To this end, he and his teams have concocted an aerial stage and ground animations…

SAFE 360° — Safety in Aviation Forum for Europe 2025 The Safety in Aviation Forum for Europe (SAFE 360˚) conference strives to break down silos by examining the key safety issues in Europe from a cross-domain perspective. The conference includes the full spectrum of aviation stakeholders taken from up and down the technical and management chain. The conference follows the “Chatham House Rules”, which allows its participants to talk freely without judgement. Attendees are asked not to identify and take information out of the conference without the source’s permission. Darya Kalsi Tue, 27/05/2025 – 11:06

Lot n°29 – Falcon wind tunnel model On Wednesday June 18, at 7pm, Artcurial will be holding a charity auction in aid of the Aviation Sans Frontières association, under the patronage of the French actor and pilot Jose Garcia, in conjunction with the Paris Air Show. In support of the association’s humanitarian missions, numerous artists, celebrities, top sportsmen and women and companies have come together to donate unique experiences and exceptional objects, which will be offered for sale in 33 lots. Public exhibition from Friday June 13 to Wednesday June 18, 11am to 6pm. Sale catalog: on line end of…

This new authentication process will impact all DSx.Client Care & Order Customers and Partners’ users.

In this 77th issue of the bimonthly, the lion’s share of the coverage is devoted to France’s armed forces, with an extensive feature on the DGA EV, which ensures the quality of aircraft serving France. In this spring issue, we zoom in on the Direction Générale de l’Armement Essais en Vol (DGA EV), formerly known as the Centre d’Essais en Vol (CEV). In other words, this is France’s reference center for aeronautical systems, in charge of testing, expertise and certification of flying aircraft (airplanes, helicopters, etc.), their equipment and any weapons systems. Rafale, Mirage, Falcon, Gazelle, Pilatus… every aircraft is…

If you happen to track Emirates flight EK261 on the right day, you might spot something unusual. The A380 aircraft from Dubai (DXB | OMDB) to São Paulo (GRU | SBGR) sometimes follows a rather unusual course. What does the route look like? Emirates’ flight from Dubai to São Paulo is a long one, usually around 15 hours (the average flight time is 14:57 according to our tracking data). It crosses some 6,650nm, which means a lot of fuel for the A380 to carry. The aircraft has a maximum fuel load of just under 254,000kg and a maximum take off…

This week, Gabe Leigh joins Ian and Jason in Stockholm for a special episode of AvTalk. Gabe recounts his experience on the first Global Airlines revenue flight and we discuss the future prospects for the would-be, all-A380 airline. We also get into the interesting media relations strategy being pursued by Global Airlines CEO James Asquith. We also cover Etihad’s aircraft order and surprise route announcement to Charlotte. Spanish investigators release their final report on a Lufthansa pilot’s incapacitation near Zaragoza last February. And the story of how the 747 deal between the US and Qatar unfolded gets murkier. Helpful links…

In just one year, the Airbus H160 helicopters have become a prominent sight in North American skies, racking up over 1,500 flight hours. Contributing to this deployment were five dedicated Technical Representatives (Tech Reps), who stepped into action to ensure the helicopters were mission ready. A multi-layered support systemAirbus Tech Reps form the frontline of aircraft readiness, backed by a support structure designed for swift and effective problem-solving using a tiered approach.  Level 1: The first responders On-site Tech Representatives, such as Gregg Young, an H160 Avionics Regional Technical Representative, serve as crucial first points of contact for customers experiencing technical issues. “I act as a key liaison for providing expert support to both mechanical field representatives and customers operating the H160 throughout the U.S.,” said Young. His expertise lies in diagnosing and resolving intricate avionics and electrical issues, ensuring that the aircraft performs optimally.Young follows a meticulous process: he gathers detailed information from the customer, reviews relevant technical documentation, assesses the severity of the issue, and offers initial guidance. If necessary, he travels to the customer’s location to provide hands-on support. “My primary focus is to deliver prompt, accurate, and professional support,” said Young.Level 2: The central role of the Product Support Manager.  For issues demanding wider coordination, the H160 Product Support Manager (PSM), Robert Way, serves as the central point of contact. Utilizing global insights from Airbus’ digital data and worldwide network, Robert reviews the technical events, identifying the affected system, and ensuring information is clear before any necessary escalation.  Oftentimes, a simple answer is provided.  When more information is needed, Robert seeks out an expert for clarification.  It’s this approach that successfully resolves many questions.Level 3: Deep expertise for complex challenges For highly complex issues, particularly with dynamic components, Level 3 experts like Ala Ramadan step in. “If some sort of escalation happens in the field and they need more help, particularly in the dynamic component area, I can help based on my experience,” said Ramadan. Level 3 experts analyze the issue, always prioritizing safety, and may consult original design drawings to determine the best course of action, ensuring comprehensive solutions.  

The digital edge: revolutionizing H160 maintenanceThe H160 leads in digital maintenance, and its U.S. operations benefit significantly from these advanced systems, which provide real-time diagnostics, reduce downtime, and enhance efficiency.  “The advanced digital maintenance systems integrated into the H160, such as the WACS (Wireless Airborne Communication System), FlyScan, and the features within Helionix, have significantly transformed both my work and the overall maintenance process,” said Young.  WACS System: Enables real-time health monitoring and remote data access for quicker diagnostics.  FlyScan: Enhances troubleshooting with detailed flight data analysis.  Helionix Features: Improve situational awareness with easier access to avionics data. “Overall, these advanced tools have improved the accuracy and speed of maintenance operations, reduced downtime, and enhanced the overall reliability of the H160,” said Young. For instance, Helionix alerts allow proactive issue addressing via WACS post-flight, speeding up resolution through data sharing with remote experts.  “Technology has really played a big factor in our jobs and also in ensuring safety,” said Ramadan. “They allow you to contact somebody immediately for a second opinion.” The WebTech tool, standard since 2013, facilitates communication and stores valuable history. 

A partnership for successAirbus Tech Reps are true partners with helicopter operators, aiming to keep aircraft in optimal condition. “The partnership between Airbus Helicopters Tech Reps and customers plays a crucial role in the success of H160 operations,” said Young. This involves expert support, tailored solutions, continuous feedback, and operator training. Ramadan shared an instance of traveling to a customer to demonstrate a swash plate design’s safety, building trust through hands-on dedication.  The technicians’ work directly enables customers to perform critical, often life-saving, missions. “It’s really great when you know your aircraft is ready to be able to do a scene mission to rescue somebody,” said Ramadan. “It feels really great. I think anybody will be proud when they know they were involved in missions like this.” Way concurs, emphasizing the goal is always to “help the customers.”  

The unseen backbone of aviation safetyThe dedication of professionals like Gregg Young, Robert Way, and Ala Ramadan has been critical to the H160’s successful entry into North America, and will continue to be crucial as the aircraft enters into service in greater numbers. Their commitment, supported by digital tools, ensures the Airbus H160 operates at peak performance for essential missions. As Ramadan aptly states, “Teamwork is really the secret to succeed in any mission,” and for these technicians, “safety is number one, always.” Copyright Airbus Helicopters 2025

1st EASA Ground Handling Implementation Webinar Get ready on time for the EU Ground Handling safety regulations that will become applicable from 27 March 2028.Between 2025 and 2028, EASA will organise a series of webinars aimed at helping the European ground handling (GH) industry to prepare for the implementation of the new GH safety rules.The webinars will include participation of competent authorities and industry experts, depending on the topic under discussion.1st Ground Handling Webinar: What should ground handling service providers do to prepare for the implementation of the new GH Regulations? Darya Kalsi Fri, 23/05/2025 – 17:13

Aviation Non-CO2 Expert Network (ANCEN) Plenary Meeting The Aviation Non-CO2 Expert Network (ANCEN) was established in 2024 to facilitate a coordinated approach across a wide range of relevant stakeholders (e.g. scientific community, academia, aircraft manufacturers, aircraft operators, fuel producers, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), regulators, analysts, and policymakers) in order to provide objective, timely, common, and credible technical advice. Darya Kalsi Fri, 23/05/2025 – 11:16

We are providing this Technical Note to inform you about the controlled availability (CA) release of BIOVIA Chemical Registration 2022 SP1 HF4 which includes the following enhancements and fixed defects:

We are providing this Technical Note to inform you about the release of BIOVIA Direct 2025 SP1. It includes the following enhancements and fixed defects.

We are providing this Technical Note to inform you about the release of BIOVIA Foundation 2024 SP1 HF2 which includes the following enhancements and fixed defects:

Join us on May 24 and 25, 2025 for the Orléans-Bricy airshow on air base 123, which hasn’t hosted the event since 2010. Some 40,000 spectators are expected. The return of a major airshow to BA 123 “Commandant Charles Paoli” must have delighted aviation fans in the Orléans region! And for good reason: it had been fifteen years since the military installation had hosted the event. This has now been achieved in 2025, and the festivities, organized with the support of Dassault Aviation, promise to be particularly beautiful. So much so that the meeting will be preceded for a week…

Wizz Air has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, and it’s set to be a game changer for the operator.  The aircraft is joining the UK branch of the business, Wizz Air UK (W9/WUK) and is registered G-XLRA. The aircraft brings Wizz Air’s total fleet (across all AOCs) to 237 aircraft, the majority of which are Airbus A321neo variants. The Wizz Air fleet in May 2025 Aircraft typeNumber in fleet Airbus A320neo6 Airbus A321neo152 Airbus A32037 Airbus A32142 Wizz Air is expected to use the XLR on its new, long distance route from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Jeddah (JED).…

The “tariff war” between the United States and China is making headlines around the world and upsetting the already delicate process of delivering Boeing aircraft to China. The on-again-off-again status of deliveries is creating a logistical headache for Boeing. In March 2025, two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft made their delivery flight from Seattle Boeing Field (BFI/KBFI) for China, as both were scheduled to join a Chinese carrier. However, a few weeks later, the 737s left the country, returning to Boeing’s U.S. factory, without ever having performed a regular flight in China. These airplanes, as can be seen in our database,…

Dassault Systèmes and the FondaMental Foundation Launch a Sovereign and Secured Nationwide Health Data Warehouse in France Dedicated to Psychiatry

EASA Summer Safety Campaign 2025 — Safety Culture (to be confirmed) No matter how many procedures, regulations, or systems are in place, it is the people across every part of the aviation ecosystem —  flight and cabin crew, engineers, air traffic controllers (ATCOs), ground handlers, and many more — who ultimately ensure safe operations. Darya Kalsi Tue, 20/05/2025 – 09:54

EASA Summer Safety Campaign 2025 — Safety Culture No matter how many procedures, regulations, or systems are in place, it is the people across every part of the aviation ecosystem —  flight and cabin crew, engineers, air traffic controllers (ATCOs), ground handlers, and many more — who ultimately ensure safe operations. Darya Kalsi Tue, 20/05/2025 – 09:54

Below are the new workstations certified by Dassault Systemes this April 2025 

If you’re staying in the Drôme region this weekend, don’t miss the very first edition of this meeting, organized by students from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Founded in 2020, the UniFly aeronautical club brings together students from the Valence and Grenoble campuses, and aims to promote aeronautics, notably through its “Journée de l’Aéronautique” event. On the occasion of the sixth edition of the latter, eight students are organizing their first meeting (which also marks the 10th anniversary of the EsiFly-UniFly club), to be held on Saturday May 17, 2025. On the program for this premiere: aerial demonstrations (including helicopters, ULMs and…

Departures and arrivals at major airports aren’t as simple as lining up with the runway and climbing up to cruising altitude. Aircraft at most major airports follow SIDs and STARs, which give aircraft a set guide for departing and arriving. SID stands for Standard Instrument Departure. STAR stands for Standard Terminal Arrival. These are the primary way aircraft route out of and into airports, at least at major ones. So let’s take a look at how they work, and what the pilots do in order to follow these. How do they work? Airports sit in their own terminal area –…

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason are joined by resident numbers expert Gavin Werbeloff for the facts and figures behind some of the large aircraft we’ve seen this week. There are more changes coming to Newark as the FAA tries to prevent more air traffic control outages. And we dig in to the history of the 747-8I Qatar wants to gift the US and why any thought of quickly turning it into a temporary Air Force One is a flight of fancy. Helpful links for this week’s episode DOT’s new ATC outline FAA statements on Newark P4-HBJ…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCzGkbbqa14

Eurowings (EW/EWG), the low-cost arm of the Lufthansa Group, operates a pan-European network from its bases across Germany, Austria, and beyond. Originally established to offer affordable leisure and short-haul options for Lufthansa passengers, Eurowings has developed into a major player in Europe’s budget airline sector.The Eurowings fleet has 124 active aircraft as of May 2025. Let’s take a look at the newest and oldest aircraft in active service. Aircraft typeNumber in fleet Airbus A320neo8 Airbus A321neo5 Airbus A31932 Airbus A32066 Airbus A3216 Boeing 737-8007 The newest and oldest Eurowings aircraftThe newest aircraft in the Eurowings fleet is D-AENI, an Airbus…

Required Navigation Performance — Visual with Prescribed Track This operational safety online event is part of the Summer Safety Campaign 2025 of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).Join EASA, DGAC France (the French Civil Aviation Authority), Airbus, Lufthansa, Iberia, Austrian Airlines, and EasyJet, to discuss the key aspects of required navigation performance (RNP) visual with prescribed track (VPT) path tracking. The Webinar will focus on the practical implementation and oversight of this novel technological innovation that will enhance the conduct of circle-to-land operations and of visual approaches.  Darya Kalsi Fri, 16/05/2025 – 11:24

Made even more difficult by the many iterations of the Boeing 737, the Boeing narrow-bodies can be hard to tell apart. Having already explored the features of the manufacturer’s array of wide-bodies, we turn our eyes to the smaller aircraft in Boeing’s fleet.  The Boeing 717 Originally a successor to the MD-90 before McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997, the Boeing 717 is on its way out of the skies. In fact, it’s only operated by two airlines, Delta and Hawaiian, the former of which aims to retire it this year. Because it was initially designed by McDonnell Douglas,…

This Sunday, May 18, the Les Mureaux-Verneuil airfield in the Yvelines region (78) hosts the now traditional Fête de l’Air et de l’Espace, with some 15,000 spectators expected. A not-to-be-missed air show in the western Paris region, the Fête de l’Air et de l’Espace (first held in 2001) is set to live up to its promise once again this year! On Sunday, May 18, spectators will be able to enjoy traditional activities such as: first flights, immersive activities (including several simulators), meetings with aeronautical professionals and a “little pilots’ park” (inflatable structures, creative workshops, face painting, simulator, sun and space…

– Ceremonial signing witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar

On May 8, 2025, a Ryanair (FR/RYR) flight made an unscheduled stop in Limoges (LIG) with an unexpected extra passenger. Flight FR4797, operating from Brussels Charleroi (CRL) to Castellón (CDT), diverted after a passenger gave birth to a baby girl at 18,000 feet. The Boeing 737-800 departed Brussels at 13:30 UTC and was cruising over central France when the medical emergency unfolded. The flight crew elected to divert, landing safely in Limoges at 12:35 UTC, where emergency services were waiting on arrival. More babies are born on planes than you might think. In September 2021, a passenger from Morocco gave…

The Touquet Air Show takes place this year on May 16 and 17 for its fourth consecutive edition. For the fourth year running, the seaside town of Le Touquet organizes its airshow, spread over two days. On the first day, Friday May 16, there will be a paying show at dusk (the nocturnal event is organized for the second year and takes place at Le Touquet – Elizabeth II airport, close to the beach). Then, on the second day, Saturday May 17, there will be a free show for the many tourists, young and old, who are staying in the…

EASA Member States’ Air Operations Technical Body (Air OPS TeB) Meeting 2025-01 This is the first regular meeting of the EASA Member States’ Air Operations Technical Body (Air OPS TeB) for 2025.  If you wish to learn more about the EASA Member States’ Advisory Body (MAB) and Technical Bodies (TeBs) as well as the Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB), please visit the EASA Advisory Bodies webpage.  Charalampos Ka… Mon, 12/05/2025 – 16:14

The 2025 edition of Airexpo, France’s only student-organized meeting and the third-largest event of its kind in France, features a top-class line-up. Take a look! The Airexpo meeting in Muret promises to be an action-packed event, both on the ground and in the air. This Saturday, May 10, for the 39th edition of the event organized by students from the École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) and ISAE-Supaéro, some 50 aircraft are expected to take to the skies of south-west France, alongside a host of stands and other entertainment venues open to all. Among the aircraft expected to take to…

These last few days, some social medias have displayed offers for “Dassault Aviation savings account” or “Dassault Aviation alternative equity investments”. These are fraudulent, and most certainly swindle, maneuvers. These proposal are based on our company’s visual codes (logo, typo, pictures, etc.), but in no way originate from Dassault Aviation. Dassault Aviation reserves the right to take legal action against the authors and/or distributors of these fraudulent proposals.

On this episode of AvTalk, we learn more about what happened at Newark last week, what is still causing dozens of daily cancellations, and what’s being done to mitigate the problem. We also discuss some of the ideas touted by Newark’s biggest user, United Airlines, to improve the situation. We get an update on the situation in India and Pakistan as tensions continue to rise and airlines are staying further away. Plus, just as things at Pratt and Whitney were looking up for the GTF engine, machinists are on strike, with a long work stoppage threatening to further disrupt an…

In late April 2025, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan spilled into the skies, as both countries issued reciprocal airspace bans. What started with Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian aircraft on April 24 was swiftly followed by India prohibiting Pakistani aircraft from entering its airspace just days later. The result: drastically altered flight paths, significant increases in flight time, and growing logistical headaches for both regional and international carriers. Whilst some non Indian and Pakistani-registered carriers initially continued using the airspace, direct military action taken by India on May 7 has compelled most airlines to avoid Pakistan altogether.  Air…

Airbus Helicopters’ German Chief Test Pilot, Volker Bau, is the person responsible for charting the H140’s flight path to certification. “There’s no space for emotions during flight tests,ˮ says Volker Bau and as one of Airbus Helicopters’ chief test pilots since 2011, he knows what he’s talking about. With 20 years of flight experience in the military followed by a flight test career now in its 25th year, the H140 campaign is the latest landmark in his career. “It’s definitely not another day at the office. It’s emotional when you come home, but before that, you’re very focused on the mission. It’s a kind of positive stress, you work in a team, you choose what you’re going to test and, as part of the team, you solve any problems.” 

Hot, high and coldFor every campaign, everything is meticulously planned. “We do a risk assessment for every flight, ˮ says Bau. “So if we do CAT A in high altitude by shutting down one engine and we can land safely, then we will carefully increase the weight of the aircraft and see how it operates under these new ‘conditions’. When we are on a campaign, there are around 10 people sitting in the briefing and debriefing to discuss the results and how we can improve, how we can change the rotor law, the rotor speed, the engines, the full authority digital engine control (FADEC).” The H140’s flight testing will focus on the helicopter’s performance in hot, high and cold conditions. “We have to go to environments where it is very cold: we are looking for -40°C or less,” explains Bau. “Where it’s hot: we are looking for +45°C or more. And for high altitudes that’s around 10,000 ft up to 20,000 ft.” 

The rigour that gets in rightOne thing that Bau emphasises is that the process is extremely thorough. “On this prototype, we always have telemetry. So, there are up to 10 people in a room monitoring everything. They see every movement you make; they see every input. They hear every voice, every word, and they comment on everything you do. You are monitored,” he emphasises. Whilst absolute rigour is essential to create the safest possible helicopter, it is also clearly beneficial to the quality of the product that will be on the market. This is due to the influence pilots have during flight test campaigns, providing feedback that is actioned. “The most challenging aspects are, naturally, working to test vital functions of the helicopter as safely as possible, working in this team and working to develop the most effective helicopter possible, for the operator to use later,” says Bau. “In the early days of testing the H145 I was not happy with where the engine knobs were and where the generator knobs were. So, I drafted on paper where I would like to have these knobs, gave it to the team and the next day I had the technical drawing. Today every helicopter that we sell has this installation of knobs. So yes, pilots have influence, and this is part of the challenge, to ultimately ensure that the operator can fulfil their mission optimally, efficiently and safely.” 

At the controls for the first flightWith a new cabin, T-tail, and Fenestron, the H140 is a brand-new helicopter and, as one of the first people to fly it, Bau is one of a select few who can describe how it flies. He is happy with the early results. “We had this stroke of genius on the H145 with these five-bladed rotors which reduced the vibrations to almost zero and we now see the exact same positive effect on the H140 with its five-bladed rotor,” he notes.

In 2025, Dassault Aviation is continuing its recruitment drive, in all professions, throughout France, from CAP/BEP to Bac+5, with or without experience. As part of the 55th Paris-Le Bourget International Air Show, from June 16 to 22, several Jobs Dating events are being organized in the Dassault Aviation HR area. A wide range of career opportunities will be on offer, focusing on the following target professions: Monday, June 16: Production Tuesday, June 17: Design Wednesday, June 18: Support and Customer Service Selected candidates, who have previously applied online to the vacancies available on our careers site, will be offered a…

Production and Continuing Airworthiness Technical Body (P&CA TeB) Meeting 01-2025 This is the first meeting of the Production and Continuing Airworthiness (P&CA TeB) Advisory Body in 2025.Learn more about the EASA Advisory Bodies  Annalisa Farina Fri, 02/05/2025 – 20:52

On this week’s AvTalk, Indian airlines lose access to Pakistani airspace and gain a massive fuel bill. A massive power outage in Spain and Portugal affects millions of passengers, but airports keep moving. Newark falls victim to equipment outages again as Congress proposes $15 billion to modernize air traffic control. And JetBlue and United are said to be in talks about a proposed partnership that could see United back at JFK, but what form that partnership takes long-term is in the hands of United CEO Scott Kirby. And another major aerospace manufacturer lays out its plans for dealing with tariffs.…

We are providing this Technical Note to inform you about the release of BIOVIA Compose and Capture 2024 SP1 HF2 which includes the following enhancements and fixed defects:

We are providing this Technical Note to inform you about the release of BIOVIA Compose and Capture 2024 SP1 HF1 which includes the following enhancements and fixed defects:

We are providing this Technical Note to inform you about the release of BIOVIA Compose and Capture 2024 SP1 which includes the following enhancements and fixed defects:

Maintenance Activity Group (AG012) Meeting 01-2025 This is a regular meeting of the Maintenance Activity Group (AG012) of the EASA Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB). If you wish to learn more about the EASA SAB, as well as the Member States’ Advisory Body (MAB) and Technical Bodies (TeBs), please visit the EASA Advisory Bodies Webpage Annalisa Farina Fri, 02/05/2025 – 20:05

Conference on Advancing Health Management in Aviation: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Insights Join us for the final dissemination event of the Diabetes and CaVD-PACE research projects, where groundbreaking findings on health management in aviation will be shared. Annalisa Farina Fri, 02/05/2025 – 14:22

United Airlines will expand its operations in Australia, by launching flights to Adelaide beginning in December. The flights will have three weekly frequencies on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with a capacity of 257 passengers in two classes. Adelaide will become the airline’s fourth regular connection in the country, joining Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Currently, according to our database, United has 29 flights per week between the U.S. and Australia, being Sydney its main destination in terms of frequencies and routes. Monday, Thursday and Saturday UA 207  San Francisco SFO 23:05 · 09:30+2 ADL Adelaide UA 208  Adelaide ADL 14:55 ·…

The first part of a trilogy devoted to Marcel Dassault, this book logically looks back at the beginnings of the French aircraft manufacturer, particularly at the dawn of the 1930s. For this triptych devoted to the French aviation pioneer, Philippe Ricco, already author of numerous works on fighters and bombers, focuses at length on the 1930s. Why 1930 onwards? After the 1914-1918 war, during which he founded the Société d’Etudes Aéronautiques (SEA) with Henry Potez (after developing the famous éclair propeller), Marcel Bloch turned his attention to commercial activities, notably real estate. The reason for this diversification? Quite simply because,…

Athens, Greece, 30 April 2025 – Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country following a tender conducted by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the Ministry. This contract is supported by two European funds and aligns with the Ministry’s Aegis Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces. The contract will be based on a “government owned contractor operated” (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will be partnering with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the technical and operational support. “The signing of the contract for the purchase of new H215 helicopters represents an important step in our efforts to mitigate the devastating consequences of the climate crisis in our country,” said Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, about the significance of the project. “This is the largest contract signed under the ‘Aegis’ National Programme to bolster the Civil Protection mechanism in Greece with modern equipment, and we are delighted that the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund swiftly concluded this tender with transparency and efficiency.”  “Wildfires have burned on average three to five million square kilometres globally in recent years with significant environmental consequences. It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H215 is used around the world for firefighting missions with its ability to drop more than four tonnes of water at a time. Relying on experienced operators, such as Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, is exactly what the French Securité Civile does. Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing provider of helicopters for essential missions in the country and together with our GO-CO partners, we are sure that the H215 will be a vital and reliable asset,” he added. SAF Aerogroup specialises in complex helicopter operations like mountain rescue, air medical services, firefighting, and humanitarian/logistic missions, demonstrated by their 2024 H215 RescEU deployment to Greece. The group also manages high-precision lifting, maintenance, and pilot/technician training, offering comprehensive high-value air services to governmental and international organisations. Similarly, Airtelis, a French operator based in the South of France with over 60 years of experience stemming from its parent company RTE, has broadened its focus beyond power grid support to include emergency response, notably firefighting, for a wider range of national and international clients.  Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing partner in Greece since the early 2000s in both the civil and parapublic and military sectors. The Hellenic Fire Brigade operates two Super Pumas and the Hellenic Air Force operates 12 Super Pumas. The Super Puma ecosystem in the country will benefit from the support activities and training of technicians and pilots foreseen by the contract.The H215 is a multirole helicopter that is part of the Super Puma family with over 1,100 helicopters delivered and more than 6 million flight hours under its belt. The H215 is equipped with the H225’s renowned 4-axis autopilot which enables firefighting activities to be conducted at night as well as during the day. It is deployed around the world for firefighting missions thanks to its range of around 540 NM, superior endurance of more than two hours, and its ability to transport 19 firefighters. As one of the only heavy helicopters in production that is civil certified along with its ability to be equipped with either a water bucket or a belly tank, it is the ideal complement to any country’s firefighting assets. @AirbusHeli #H215 #MakingMissionsPossible

EASA Summer Safety Campaign 2025 — Cabin Safety The Cabin Safety online event is part of the Summer Safety Campaign 2025 of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).  Join EASA, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Norway, Norwegian and Widerøe live from the CAE Cabin Training Centre in Oslo to discuss the key challenges of cabin safety.  The agenda of the event covers the following topics: lithium batteries fire prevention; unruly passengers; minimising turbulence injuries; and preventing crew from falling out of aircraft doors.  Charalampos Ka… Wed, 30/04/2025 – 18:31

For the second volume of his “Artbook”, Air & Space painter Damien Charrit continues his meticulous work depicting aeronautics. With some success… When aesthetics meets aeronautics… Five years ago, Air and Space painter Damien Charrit promised a sequel to his highly acclaimed “Artbook”! With this second volume, he has done just that, with a genuine invitation to discover the best that aeronautics has to offer, in terms of aircraft and the techniques used to represent them. For this work, the artist has divided the aerial portrait into eight chapters, one of which, occupying more than a third of the pages,…

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Flightradar24 recently surpassed 50,000 connected ground stations globally. On average, that’s 30% higher than other flight trackers. We want to pass on a huge thank you to everyone who feeds data to Flightradar24 – we couldn’t do it without you. Of these 50,000 stations, approximately 7,000 are Flightradar24-supplied ADS-B receiver kits, with the remainder being ADS-B receivers independently built by users. This network forms the backbone of Flightradar24’s capabilities.ADS-B, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, is pivotal in modern aviation, enabling precise tracking of aircraft positions, altitudes, and other critical flight data. Flightradar24 leverages this technology…

Updated Agenda published for PNT Resilience Workshop, sign up by May 7! The agenda is now published for the Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Resilience Workshop that will be jointly hosted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Cologne on May 22-23, 2025. Annalisa Farina Tue, 29/04/2025 – 13:02

On 24 April, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, cutting off a key pathway for Indian airlines to reach destinations north and west of India. The inability to fly through Pakistan has impacted Air India’s long-haul flights to North America the most, requiring new routing and fuel stops for most flights. Refueling in Vienna and Copenhagen Without access to Pakistan’s airspace, the distance from Delhi to destinations in North America becomes too great for a single flight and a fuel stop becomes necessary. Air India has established Vienna (VIE | LOWW) and Copenhagen (CPH | EKCH) as primary refueling…

Saint-Cloud, France, April 28, 2025 – The Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France has been signed today allowing the signature, in the presence of the Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, of the contract for India’s acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine to equip the Indian Navy. This contract follows the announcement in July 2023 of the selection of the Rafale Marine, for which the Indian Navy will be the first user outside France, after an international consultation. It confirms the Indian authorities’ satisfaction with the aircraft’s capabilities and their desire to broaden the spectrum of its operational use.…

Anyone who has stood near an airport fence watching aircraft take off and land will likely have noticed the difference in noise levels between certain types of aircraft. Today’s commercial airliners are significantly quieter than their predecessors, thanks to decades of technological advancements in engine design, aerodynamics, and noise mitigation strategies. But what exactly makes the latest generation of jet aircraft so much quieter? Let’s take a look. Engine design and the shift to High-Bypass Turbofan enginesOne of the biggest reasons for reduced noise in modern jets is the widespread use of high-bypass turbofan engines. Early jet airliners like the Boeing…

On April 27, 2005, the Airbus A380 lifted off the runway for the first time, soaring into the skies over Toulouse, France. The Superjumbo’s first first flight marked the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of development and the beginning of an 18 month flight test campaign.  What has the A380 done more recently? The story of the A380 has become the story of Emirates, with the airline taking delivery of 123 of the 251 total A380s produced. The chart below shows the number of weekly A380 flights by airline for the week of April 14, 2025. 20 years…

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, it’s hard numbers, euphemistic language, and a bit of planes on fire. If all of the first quarter earnings reports could be summed up in a single headline, it would be: “Seeking stability in a fluid age of dynamically uncertain softening.” We review Q1 financials from Boeing, Southwest, and others to see how the aerospace industry’s largest players fared at the beginning of the year and what they think the rest of the year has in store. The FAA announces a fast-tracking of the new NOTAM system, it is now supposed to be ready…

Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian aircraft. The move comes amid rising tensions following an attack by gunmen in Kashmir and a series of like-for-like diplomatic and administrative measures between India and Pakistan. The ban went into effect at 12:30 UTC on 24 April. A0220/25 NOTAMN Q) OPXX/QRACD/IV/NBO/W/000/999/2945N06905E999 A) OPKR OPLR B) 2504241230 C) 2505232359EST E) PAKISTAN AIRSPACE NOT AVBL FOR INDIAN REGISTERED ACFT AND ACFT OPERATED/OWNED OR LEASED BY INDIAN AIRLINES/OPERATORS INCLUDING MILITARY FLIGHTS. F) GND G) UNL) -NOTAM Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority At the time the ban went into effect two Indian registered aircraft were within Pakistan…

Continuation and conclusion of this Hollywood diptych, in which Buck Danny and his two sidekicks are given a hard time by a spy willing to do anything, especially the worst, to get his hands on a fearsome atomic weapon… In “The Red Shadow”, set in 1947, Buck and his pals Tumbler and Tuckson, invited to play World War II pilots on a film set, were up against a spy. The spy’s objective: to steal the plans for a brand-new atomic weapon. In “Atomic City”, the three pilots have to deal with him again, except this time the spy in question…

Dassault Systèmes and Airbus Extend Strategic Partnership to Use Virtual Twins for Next-Generation Programs

Dassault Systèmes: Solid start to the year with strong subscription growth, EPS at the high end of guidance

Athens, 24 April 2025 – Airbus has committed to providing full flight H160/H175 simulators for training in Brazil in 2028. The simulators will support the training needs for the growing energy sector in Latin America, demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to customer proximity and aviation safety. The H160/H175 full-flight simulators will have Level D training capabilities and will be qualified by ANAC, the Brazilian civil aviation authority. The latest Helionix version will be included in the simulator cockpits in compliance with the avionics systems of both helicopters. The simulators will also include OEM data packages, which provide the most accurate reproduction of a helicopter’s behavior – enhancing pilot readiness and operational safety.“Our customers spoke and we listened. We are extremely proud to reinforce our commitment to the Latin America region with the planned introduction of these full flight H160/H175 simulators, providing our customers with enhanced training capabilities closer to home. By staying close to our customers, we are not only supporting their operational needs and helping boost their growth trajectories, but also strengthening aviation safety across the region. This investment underscores our dedication to delivering world-class training solutions that help pilots and crews operate at the highest standards of excellence and safety,” said Romain Trapp, Executive Vice President Customer Support & Services at Airbus Helicopters.Brazil is already home to an Airbus Helicopters Simulation Academy located in Rio de Janeiro since 2015. This simulation centre has so far offered nearly 7,500 hours of simulation to almost 600 students. The new addition of the H160/H175 simulators in Brazil will multiply capacity in the region, cementing it as a major training hub in Latin America. The demand for medium helicopters in the energy sector over the next decade is expected to exceed 40 units in the Latin America region alone, doubling the number of medium helicopters currently in the region. Meanwhile, the first North American H160 Full Flight Simulator is expected to enter into service in 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas, boosting training availability in the region. Airbus is currently exploring options to locate future H160 FFS in other growth areas such as Asia and Australia. @AirbusHeli #MakingMissionsPossible 

IMRBPB Annual Meeting 2025 The IMRBPB aims at developing higher maintenance standards and improving safety in maintenance aspects. It allows harmonization between authorities and ensures a common approach. At the IMRBPB Annual Meeting 2025, various improvements are to be agreed, among others: the update of the International Maintenance Process Standard (IMPS) document; the Maintenance Programme Development tool MSG-3; and associated Maintenance Review Board / Maintenance Type Board processes. Annalisa Farina Thu, 24/04/2025 – 18:51

London City International Airport is located in the heart of London, enabling convenient access to the city for some 3.5 million passengers per year. Because of its location, the airport requires a steeper approach path of 5.5 degrees, compared to the standard 3 degree glide slope. This in turn requires airlines to operate specially certified aircraft with specially trained crews.  As of last month, the number of certified aircraft has grown by one, allowing operations by the Embraer E195-E2, the largest aircraft to now operate at London City. On March 26th at 12:01 local time, Helvetic Airways’ first scheduled flight…

On 21 April 2025, an aircraft using the call sign WELCOME was spotted in the skies above Lviv, Ukraine. Unidentified in the Flightradar24 database at the time and operating between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, speculation grew about the identity of the aircraft and the nature of the flight. What we know Based on visual evidence from planespotters in the area and statements by the Ukrainian Air Force, we now know that the aircraft is a Ukrainian Air Force Antonov AN-26, similar to the aircraft pictured below.  A Ukraine Air Force AN-26 similar to the one spotted near Lviv this week.…

Here’s a book that pays tribute to the courageous men and women who helped France’s aeronautics industry recover from the Second World War. A book that will delight nostalgic fans and others wishing to learn more about a pivotal period in aeronautics, which saw the rise of Dassault Aviation! At the end of the Second World War, French aviation was not at its best, but the “Trente Glorieuses” were to be the period of its brilliant recovery! The result was a host of innovations of all kinds. These included the turbojet, ramjet and fan wing, supersonic flight in both military…

Ryanair (FR/RYR) are the largest Boeing 737 operator in Europe, and one of the largest in the world. We took a look at how new Boeing jets are delivered from Seattle to Ireland, and often onwards to new bases.  Ryanair’s new aircraft are typically flown from Boeing Field (BFI) in Seattle to Dublin Airport (DUB), passing over Canada, Greenland and Iceland on what is known as a ‘Great Circle route’, or the shortest direct routing between two points on the globe. Despite being an aircraft typically used on short and medium haul routes, the Boeing 737 is capable of making…

15 years ago this week, Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted, spewing ash high into the atmosphere and wreaking havoc on commercial air traffic in Europe and over the North Atlantic Ocean. Aircraft were grounded and millions of passengers were left stranded, some for weeks. Visualizing nothing In April 2010, Flightradar24 was much smaller, but our coverage had grown throughout Europe and we were able to capture much of the closure and restart of air traffic as the ash threat subsided. You can see the near total closure of Northern Europe to air traffic on 16 April, with just a few flights…

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss what’s known so far about the crash of a Bell 206 in the Hudson River last week. We also break down the sequence of events after the crash that led to the FAA issuing an emergency grounding order for the helicopter operator. Also this week, more tariff impacts as China reportedly tells its airlines to stop taking delivery of Boeing aircraft, while airlines are getting creative with ways to get around the tariffs. Ian geeks out over Airbus’ performance improvement package for the A330neo that increases the aircraft’s efficiency at low speeds.…

Authorities and local media are reporting that a knife-wielding man attempted to hijack a Tropicair flight from Corozal to Belize City on 17 April. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX began squawking 7700 shortly after takeoff from Corozal, indicating an emergency onboard. The aircraft landed safely in Belize City and was met by a large emergency response. Authorities report that the hijacker demanded to be flown out of the country. Tropicair flight details The flight departed Corozal at 8:17 am local time (14:17 UTC). At 14:23 UTC at an altitude of 1,025 feet, the flight began squawking 7700, the internationally recognized…

Flightradar24’s new and powerful API continues to grow, and the Flight summary API endpoint is our latest addition. Flight summary is our most requested API feature and we’re excited to release this important tool for understanding what’s happening in the sky. This versatile tool offers a concise, structured view of an entire flight — a key feature for aviation analysts, operations professionals, and developers building aviation-focused applications.Flight summary results come in two formats: Flight summary light and Flight summary full. Flight summary light includes key flight times and locations, like take off and landing as well as aircraft and operator…

What happens when an aircraft ingests not a bird, but a rabbit into the engine? Passengers on a United Airlines found out this month. Flight UA2325 was operating a scheduled flight from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Edmonton (YEG) on April 13, 2025. The aircraft left Denver at around 07:20 p.m local time, but ingested a rabbit into the number 2 (right-hand) engine during the takeoff roll. Despite some over-sensationalized media reports, the backfiring and compressor stall experienced by the engine was normal under such circumstances, and the engine was shut down successfully by the crew.  The aircraft flew several…

Airbus Helicopters’ latest helicopter has been designed to be high performance and highly efficient. Dr. Dirk Petry, Vice President H135 and H140 Programmes, explains how the programme arrived at the ideal blend. What were the key drivers for launching the Airbus H140?Dr. Dirk Petry: The major motivation is the clear market demand for efficient, high performance helicopters with larger cabins, low operating cost and an attractive acquisition price. The H140 meets this demand, providing a spacious cabin that can seat up to six passengers comfortably, in a helicopter that is easy to maintain. It is essentially an efficient, compact helicopter with an optimised cabin that performs well at altitude and in hot conditions as well. There is also a large replacement market for helicopters that are performing medical missions worldwide. The H140 is designed to perfectly meet the needs of these operators. Other helicopters offer a large cabin, but they are not optimally positioned in terms of operating cost or performance. We are bringing a product to the market which will offer a perfect combination of low operating cost, larger cabin and a better performance than its rivals. 

What is being introduced to the design of this helicopter that will ensure such a high performance?D.P.: Naturally, as it is a new helicopter, the H140 will benefit from design solutions, proven throughout the rest of the Airbus Helicopters range —and from our demonstrators such as Bluecopter. The most obvious examples are the T-shaped horizontal stabiliser, the new Fenestron design and the five-bladed rotor. What it will deliver to operators is an attractive ratio of useful load versus maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). It will be fast but with a smooth flight which will really make an impact for medical operators. Indeed, for our operators’ helicopter emergency medical service missions, the H140 will offer excellent rear-loading capability and a cabin that is the perfect size for their patients and crew—meaning a new standard in terms of the care that they can deliver. This means it will be easier to load patients onto the helicopter as well as allowing more complex intensive care missions. 

Will the Airbus H140 also deliver missions other than HEMS?D.P.: Yes, definitely. In keeping with the versatility of Airbus Helicopters’ range, the H140 will be a fully multi-mission helicopter. While we have designed a cabin with HEMS operators, like every Airbus helicopter, the H140 will feature the modularity necessary to perform a complete range of missions. As such, it is a multi-purpose helicopter, which can cover law enforcement, firefighting and ultimately all mission segments. Its large cabin, for example, will prove very interesting to the private business aviation sector. It is also well worth mentioning how seamlessly the cabin can be modified for different missions. It is designed to allow quick cabin conversions, so public service operators that fulfill a range of missions will have effortless transitions. For instance, in countries where the paramedic and firefighting services are conducted by one operator, this could be very useful.

How many people are working on the H140 programme?D.P.: There are several hundred people working on this project—across many sites. All the company is contributing to the development, production and support of this helicopter. In this context Airbus Helicopters’ site specialisation is playing a huge role. The final assembly line and the programme are based in Donauwörth (Germany) where the airframe is assembled and the airframe major component assembly is integrated as well; the dynamic components are being done in Marignane (France), Paris Le Bourget is supplying the main rotor blades and Albacete (Spain) is assembling the tail boom. This shows you the sheer scope of the project to design and deliver this helicopter. Thankfully we can count on an incredible team of colleagues to work together to do it. 

The quarterly, sister magazine to “Fana de l’Aviation”, devotes its March-April-May 2025 issue to a must-have in French aviation, the Mirage 2000D. To mark the publication of its thirteenth issue, the editors of Planète Aéro (under the direction of Alexis Rocher, also editor-in-chief of “Fana de l’Aviation”) have decided to give the lion’s share of coverage to the Mirage 2000D, which has undergone major refurbishment to enable it to remain in operation alongside the Rafale – unlike the Mirage 2000-5F, which is due to retire. The editorial team recalls the history of this air-to-ground two-seater, launched in 1988 for day…

Estimated duration: 60 minutes

EASA publishes new call for Seconded National Experts The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched a new call for qualified candidates interested in a fixed-term employment as Seconded National Experts (SNEs) at its headquarters in Cologne, Germany. Charalampos Ka… Fri, 11/04/2025 – 17:30

Below is the link to the latest security information on Intel® products