Author: Alan G.W.

The Swiss Federal Council confirmed on March 6, 2026, that Switzerland will proceed with the acquisition of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets but will no longer pursue the originally planned fleet of 36 aircraft due to financial constraints. Instead, the government intends to purchase the maximum number of aircraft possible within the financial framework approved […]

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the US-Israeli attack on Iran and Iranian response with an eye on the effects on commercial aviation. Airspace closures, flight cancellations, reroutes, diversions, and how airlines are coping with the rapid changes. Also on this week’s episode, another emergency evacuation with passengers carrying their baggage, the FAA steps in between United and American in Chicago, investigators issue their final report on LATAM’s 2024 inflight upset, and Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary livery 747 comes home to Frankfurt. Helpful links for this week’s episode Middle East airspace closures live blog GPS jamming map Brett Snyder’s…

Merlin Labs announced that it has completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for its C-130J autonomy program with United States Special Operations Command, a milestone that advances development of an autonomous flight system for the military transport aircraft. The announcement was made by Merlin Labs Chief Executive Officer Matt George in a company statement released […]

A dispute over Western-supplied unmanned aerial systems resurfaced in Ukraine on Thursday, March 5, after Ukrainian military expert Taras Chmut publicly criticized Latvian-made AtlasPro reconnaissance drones previously delivered to Ukrainian forces. Chmut accused the manufacturer Atlas Aerospace and Ukrainian officials involved in procurement of these drone systems that he said failed to meet battlefield requirements. […]

EASA extends duration of CZIB for Middle East and Persian Gulf The existing Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the Middle East and Persian Gulf has been extended until March 11, 2026, following a review by the Member States, the European Commission and EASA. The CZIB was first issued on Saturday February 28, with validity until Monday March 2, 2026, and subsequently extended until March 6.  The full text can be found here Airspace of the Middle East and Persian Gulf | EASA.  Darya Kalsi Fri, 06/03/2026 – 15:41

The United States Air Force has issued a request for information seeking vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) small unmanned aircraft systems capable of operating from austere locations to support operations conducted by Task Force 99, according to a notice released March 5. The effort reflects a requirement to expand operational flexibility for intelligence, surveillance, and […]

Two Iranian drones crossed into Azerbaijani airspace and struck Nakhchivan International Airport, injuring two people and causing damage to civilian infrastructure, according to Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry. The incident occurred near the Iranian border in the Nakhchivan exclave, roughly 10 kilometers from Iranian territory. According to Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry, two drones entered the country’s airspace and […]

Investor Day 2026 graham.hebert Thu, 03/05/2026 – 01:07 9:00 a.m. (Eastern) On April 09, 2026 April 09, 2026 April 09, 2026 Presented by: Éric Martel Président and Chief Executive Officer Bart Demosky Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Investors events Bombardier

The United States Air Force conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile late March 3 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, according to Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile, equipped with two test reentry vehicles, lifted off at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time as part of a routine flight […]

The United States Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.9 billion contract for the C-130J Maintenance and Training System (JMATS) IV, according to a contract announcement. The agreement covers production, modernization, sustainment, and support of training systems used by crews and maintenance personnel operating the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The program addresses the continued […]

Ukrainian long-range drones struck a chemical plant in the city of Kirovo-Chepetsk in Russia’s Kirov region, according to local reports describing a nighttime attack on an industrial facility located more than 1,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The strike reportedly targeted the Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Combine, a major industrial complex situated at the confluence of the […]

Medidata and CRIO Empower Over 2,500 Global Research Sites with Seamless Integration to Accelerate Clinical Trials

Russian forces likely shot down one of their own military helicopters in the Rostov region during a Ukrainian drone attack late on March 3, according to reports cited by the Militarnyi. The incident reportedly occurred near the town of Millerovo, where Russian air defenses were responding to a large wave of unmanned aerial vehicles. Crew […]

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that an Israeli F-35I fighter jet shot down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft, marking what officials described as the first fighter-to-fighter aerial engagement of the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. According to the IDF, the Russian-made Yak-130 operated by the Iranian Air Force was intercepted and destroyed […]

During a press conference, Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, presents 2025 annual results on March 4, 2026. Find all the documents of the press conference for download. Stéphane Fort +33 (0)1 47 11 86 90 stephane.fort@dassault-aviation.com Mathieu Durand +33 (0)1 47 11 85 88 mathieu.durand@dassault-aviation.com Louis Proisy +33 (0)1 47 11 59 51 louis.proisy@dassault-aviation.com

German analyst Julian Röpcke renewed his criticism of European defense procurement systems after Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Buk-M1 surface-to-air missile system at a distance of more than 100 kilometers in the Zaporizhzhia region. In a post on X, he cited the combat performance and cost of a Ukrainian-made kamikaze drone used in the strike. […]

Medidata’s Experience-based AI Earns Top Luminary Rating in Everest Group 2026 Review

Safety Management Member States Technical Body The Safety Management TeB is (i) advising the Member States on the implementation and maintenance of their State Safety Programmes by exchanging information and addressing implementation issues; (ii) providing feedback and recommendations on the implementation of the EPAS in regard to systemic issues; as well as when action is required on issues related to the common authority requirements (e.g. Darya Kalsi Tue, 03/03/2026 – 16:43

Skyservice F.B.O., Inc. (YVR) Skyservice F.B.O., Inc. (YVR) Richmond (BC), Canada : Google Map SUPPORTED AIRCRAFT Select your model for available services at this location graham.hebert Mon, 03/02/2026 – 17:46

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said on March 2, 2026, that Qatari air defenses shot down two Iranian Su-24 Fencer swing-wing attack jets and intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones targeting the country, according to an official statement released in Doha. The ministry stated that Qatar Emiri Air Force and naval air defense units successfully neutralized […]

Ukrainian forces are increasingly employing German-made HX-2 one-way strike drones along multiple frontline sectors, according to reporting by Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi. Militarnyi reported that HX-2 drones developed by German defense technology company Helsing are now being used on several operational axes to conduct strikes inside Russian-controlled rear zones. According to the outlet, the drones […]

United States Central Command confirmed that three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait late March 1 during what officials described as an apparent friendly fire incident while supporting Operation Epic Fury, according to an official command statement. In a statement released from Tampa, Florida, U.S. Central Command said: […]

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that several United States Air Force combat aircraft crashed during morning hours, stating that all aircrews survived and were safely recovered following emergency search and rescue operations, according to an official government statement identified as Statement No. 7. In its official announcement, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense spokesperson said: “This […]

Ukrainian defense-linked sources report that Russia has begun limited operational use of a new subsonic cruise missile, identified as “Izdeliye-30,” during strikes against Ukraine following testing activities that started in late 2025. According to the Ukrainian OSINT community “Polkovnyk HSh,” which maintains close ties with Ukrainian military sources, Russia initiated isolated testing and early combat […]

Iran has deployed Yak-130 advanced jet trainer aircraft in air patrol missions over Tehran, where the aircraft have been observed armed with air-to-air missiles and tasked with countering unmanned aerial threats. Reports citing aviation observers indicate that Yak-130 aircraft of the Iranian Air Force were seen conducting patrol flights alongside MiG-29 fighter interceptors over Tehran. […]

United States Central Command released video footage confirming that U.S. forces identified and destroyed an operational launch site used by Iranian armed forces to deploy one-way attack drones, following surveillance conducted by a reconnaissance unmanned aerial system. In footage published by U.S. Central Command, a surveillance drone is shown identifying a concealed operational location where […]

United States Central Command released new video footage showing precision airstrikes against Iranian military targets, including the destruction of at least two Su-22 fighter jets positioned at a military airfield in Iran. In a statement accompanying the video, U.S. Central Command said: “U.S. forces are taking bold action to eliminate imminent threats posed by the […]

A United States Air Force F-15 fighter jet crashed west of Al Jahra, Kuwait, during morning hours after losing control in flight, with both pilots ejecting safely moments before impact, according to circulating video evidence and open-source geolocation analysis of the crash site. Videos shared online and later geolocated by open-source analysts show the aircraft […]

EASA Helicopters Flight Test Workshop Flight testing is certainly a complex certification compliance activity, requiring a considerable amount of resources, exposure to risk and close coordination between different internal and external stakeholders. Based on the positive feedback gathered from the first event held in 2024, and following the many requests received, EASA is pleased to host the second edition of the Helicopter Flight Test Workshop.  Annalisa Farina Mon, 02/03/2026 – 19:12

EASA extends duration of CZIB for Middle East and Persian Gulf EASA issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the Middle East and Persian Gulf on Saturday February 28, with validity until Monday March 2, 2026. On March 2, the situation was reviewed by the Member States, the European Commission and EASA and the CZIB extended until March 6, 2026.  The full text can be found here Airspace of the Middle East and Persian Gulf | EASA. Janet Northcote Sat, 28/02/2026 – 11:49

United States Central Command said Sunday that U.S. B-2 stealth bombers struck hardened ballistic missile facilities in Iran overnight, employing 2,000-pound bombs against what officials described as fortified military targets. The command announced the operation in an official statement, declaring, “No nation should ever doubt America’s resolve.” The strike comes amid ongoing U.S. military efforts […]

AirAsia X will return to Europe with a route connecting three countries. Starting June 26th, the airline will launch the Kuala Lumpur – Bahrain – London Gatwick route and vice versa, which will operate daily on Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a capacity for 367 passengers. AirAsia X has traffic rights for all legs, including Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain and vice versa, Kuala Lumpur-London and vice versa, and Bahrain-London and vice versa. Daily D7 972  Kuala Lumpur KUL 22:00 · 00:40+1 BAH Bahrain D7 972  Bahrain BAH 02:25+1 · 07:25+1 LGW London Gatwick   D7 973  London LGW 10:25 · 18:55 BAH Bahrain…

The United States Air Force has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify contractors capable of sustaining the life support systems of the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, one of the longest-serving intelligence platforms still in operational use. The notice, published February 26, 2026, by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, launches market research […]

The United States Air Force has awarded a $32.4 million contract to KIHOMAC to provide contractor logistics support services for the AN/FPS-117 long-range radar system, according to an official award notice published February 27, 2026. The contract was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The award covers sustainment services for the Atmospheric […]

The Israel Defense Forces said Israeli Air Force aircraft struck Iranian F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II fighter jets prepared for takeoff at an airbase in Tabriz, western Iran, as part of ongoing operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The strikes were presented by Israeli officials as part of a broader campaign aimed at degrading […]

Israel’s defense minister said the Israeli military will continue conducting “powerful” air strikes against Tehran, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed ongoing operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure during the current conflict. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the continuation of the campaign in a public statement, saying Israeli forces are “carrying out intensive strikes […]

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula criticized U.S. policy on military assistance to Ukraine during a Substack Live podcast hosted by military historian Phillips P. O’Brien, arguing that Washington delayed providing key combat capabilities early in the war because American leaders were deterred by Russian rhetoric. Deptula said “one of the biggest mistakes […]

Iran launched a new wave of ballistic missiles and attack drones toward Dubai on Saturday, triggering explosions across the city and prompting emergency security measures by authorities in the United Arab Emirates, according to official statements and regional reporting. The attacks targeted one of the Middle East’s largest urban and tourism centers, with air-defense systems […]

Iran launched a new wave of missile strikes toward Israeli territory, with initial reports indicating that at least two locations in central Israel were directly hit, according to emergency services and regional media. The strikes triggered air-raid sirens across the Tel Aviv and Haifa areas, where warning systems remained active throughout the morning hours. Emergency […]

A drone strike attributed to Iran struck Kuwait International Airport, damaging part of a passenger facility and injuring several workers, according to regional media reports citing airport and security sources. The incident occurred at Kuwait’s main civilian aviation hub, where airport operations were briefly disrupted following the impact. According to initial media reporting, the unmanned […]

A long-range Iranian Shahed-type one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle struck a radar system at the United States-operated Naval Support Activity Bahrain, according to video footage circulating online showing the moment of impact at the facility. Video footage reviewed by regional observers shows a low-flying unmanned aerial vehicle approaching the base area before striking what appears […]

Russian aviation dropped a record 328 guided aerial bombs across Ukraine within a single day, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, marking the highest daily use of such weapons since October 17, 2025. The data, reported by Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi citing official military statements, reflects a sharp escalation in […]

Debris identified as components of an Israeli Blue Sparrow medium-range air-launched ballistic missile has reportedly been founded in Iraq following a strike trajectory believed to have originated from Israel toward Iran earlier the same day. According to available information, the recovered debris appears consistent with elements of the Blue Sparrow missile series, a system developed […]

Israel has begun evacuating civilian aircraft from its territory as part of emergency measures linked to ongoing military operations, according to a joint statement released by the country’s Ministry of Transportation. Authorities confirmed that aircraft are being relocated outside Israel, with evacuation operations continuing from Ben Gurion Airport while the process at Haifa Airport has […]

Israel has reportedly carried out a missile strike targeting Iranian-backed militia positions in Iraq on Saturday morning, according to local Iraqi media and security sources. The reported strike comes amid a broader escalation across the Middle East, where coordinated military actions and retaliatory attacks have expanded beyond direct Israel-Iran confrontation zones. The alleged attack appears […]

Norwegian Armed Forces confirmed Friday that two Norwegian F-35 fighter jets identified and shadowed two Russian Tu-95 Bear-H strategic bombers and two Su-35 Flanker-M fighter aircraft operating in international airspace over the Barents Sea as part of a NATO air policing mission. The interception highlights ongoing NATO monitoring activities in northern Europe, where allied aircraft […]

Several senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and political officials were killed during recent United States and Israeli military strikes, according to a source close to Iran’s political establishment cited by Reuters national security correspondent Phil Stewart. The reported deaths represent one of the clearest indications so far that the joint strikes […]

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent public warning in Persian on Saturday calling on individuals located near Iranian military industries and defense infrastructure to evacuate immediately, according to an official statement published on the IDF Farsi social media channel. The warning was directed at civilians across Iran believed to be located close to […]

Iranian ballistic missiles targeted Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, where the United States Air Force’s 380th Expeditionary Wing is stationed, according to preliminary regional reports, with air defenses intercepting incoming threats near Abu Dhabi. The reported attack follows escalating military exchanges across the Middle East, as Iran expands retaliatory strikes against […]

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Israeli and United States armed forces have launched a broad joint military campaign against Iran under the name Operation Roaring Lion, describing the effort as a coordinated operation aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities viewed as threats to Israel. The declaration comes as military exchanges between Israel, Iran, and […]

Airspace over several Middle Eastern countries hosting United States military bases remained open Saturday despite rising regional tensions, according to aviation monitoring data from Flightradar. Civilian flights continued operating over Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and nearby states even as concerns grew over a possible Iranian retaliatory strike. The situation has drawn […]

Explosions were reported across multiple Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes early Saturday, according to official statements and media reports. United States President Donald Trump described the operation as a “massive and ongoing” military campaign aimed at countering threats posed by Iran. The strikes […]

Belgian investigators have released their preliminary report on the serious incident involving Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight 2590 on 5 February 2026. Pilots commenced their takeoff roll while still on a taxiway before realizing they were not on the runway and rejected the takeoff. The aircraft was able to stop on a paved area adjacent to a taxiway. No one onboard was injured. What happened? SK2590 was cleared for departure from Brussels Airport on Runway 07R via Taxiway C6. The aircraft taxied via Taxiway Outer to C6. Instead of continuing to Runway 07R, the captain turned the aircraft onto the parallel…

The NTSB is investigating a “close call” between an Alaska Airlines 737 and a FedEx 777 landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday evening. The flights had been cleared to land on intersecting runways when it became apparent to the air traffic controller that the Alaska 737 would not land behind the FedEx 777 as planned. The controller instructed the Alaska flight to go around, with the flight at 300 feet and climbing as it passed over the FedEx flight on the intersecting runway. The Alaska Airlines flight landed safely on its second approach. FedEx flight FX721, a Boeing…

On March 9th, 2026, at 04:53 local time, the first regular flight of an Embraer E-Freighter, the cargo version of the Embraer 190, took off from Cologne. This service was operated by Bridges Air Cargo, a European cargo airline founded in 1989, which began operations in 1990 and is based in the United Kingdom. The aircraft in question is 16 years old, having entered service in June 2010 for TACA, a historic Latin American airline that was acquired by Avianca. With the registration number N986TA, it arrived in San Salvador brand new from São José dos Campos, Embraer’s main facilities…

Chances are you haven’t heard of it. But as of last summer, Europe officially has introduced a new special purpose squawk code. 7601 was introduced to allegedly remove a layer of uncertainty when communications have broken down. But not all European countries agree on its usefulness. What is a squawk code? Many flight tracking enthusiasts are familiar with squawk codes. In short, every aircraft equipped with a transponder is assigned a four-digit code by air traffic control. For controllers on the ground, this code then helps distinguish each aircraft from each other. This in turns provides clarity in an airspace…

A beautiful livery and a chance to win a free Flightradar24 Gold subscription, what could be better? By correctly identifying the contrails seen at the 9 minute mark in the video below, you’ll be entered to win one of three Flightradar24 Gold subscriptions.  Here’s what you need to do Watch the video below. We encourage you to watch the whole video because it is an amazing view of the Queen of the Skies, but if you’re just here for the contest, you can skip to the 9 minute mark.Hone your Flightradar24 detective skills by using Playback to identify the registrations of…

EASA issues CZIB for Middle East and Persian Gulf EASA has issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the Middle East and Persian Gulf. The CZIB is initially valid until Monday March 2, 2026 and will then be reviewed.  The full text can be found here Airspace of the Middle East and Persian Gulf | EASA. Janet Northcote Sat, 28/02/2026 – 11:49

Preparing for future military and humanitarian operations across vast oceanic regions, United States military planners and their partners are exploring the potential use of the Squire Autonomous Seaglider as a fast, low-signature platform for cargo delivery and multi-mission support with a high degree of autonomy and operational safety. Developed by U.S.-based innovation company REGENT, the […]

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, after passing unanimously in the Senate, the US House of Representatives votes down the aviation safety-focused ROTOR Act, which was championed by the NTSB, pilots’ unions, and families of the victims of last year’s mid-air collision in Washington DC. The House will now turn to an alternate bill, the ALERT Act. We break down the differences between the bills and reaction to Tuesday’s vote. Elsewhere, Spirit Airlines says it has a plan to emerge from bankruptcy, cartel violence paralyzes a pair of Mexican airports early in the week, a big news from Really Cool…

Guillaumet, Mermoz, Vachet, Saint-Exupéry: four legendary names brought together in a complete collection that pays tribute to the history of Aéropostale. Together, they symbolize innovation, panache, passion, and courage. Together, they traveled further than any other quartet of their time. They are Henri Guillaumet, Jean Mermoz, Paul Vachet, and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Les éditions du Soleil has devoted an entire volume to each of them, proof of the major importance of the Aéropostale’s quest. A hundred years later, do we remember Guillaumet’s heroic survival in the Andes (the film “Saint-Ex,” released at the end of 2024, tells the story)? Do…

The Ukrainian Air Force has begun using French-supplied Mirage 2000 fighter jets to conduct airstrikes against Russian ground targets, according to reporting by Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi and footage released by the aviation-linked “Sonyashnyk” community showing precision-guided bomb employment on the battlefield. According to Militarnyi, video published by the Sonyashnyk community shows a Mirage 2000 […]

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence on Feb. 27 announced plans for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to acquire three Gulfstream G550 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to enhance early warning capabilities against maritime threats, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said while presenting the ministry’s annual spending plans in parliament. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Singapore’s […]

U.S. Forces Korea conducted military training flights over waters west of the Korean Peninsula on Feb. 18, prompting Chinese aircraft to scramble and leading to a brief aerial standoff near China’s air defense identification zone, according to defense sources and official statements released following the incident. The episode has drawn attention because it exposed coordination […]

Europe for Aviation at Airspace World 2026 United for a more sustainable and efficient European sky   Europe for Aviation is proud to announce our participation at Airspace World 2026 in Lisbon from 26-28 May 2026, where we will showcase how collaboration is transforming Europe’s skies into a seamless, sustainable, and future-ready aviation ecosystem. Darya Kalsi Fri, 27/02/2026 – 15:57

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight air assault against Ukraine on February 26, employing anti-ship missiles, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, air-launched weapons, and hundreds of strike drones, with Ukrainian air defenses neutralizing 406 of 459 aerial targets, according to official statements. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attacking force included […]

The United States Air Force has issued a special notice outlining plans to modernize and replace its aging LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft with a newly developed LC-130J variant, initiating market research and early acquisition steps for the program. The notice, published by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center on Feb. 25, 2026, begins the […]

United States Special Operations Command has awarded Boeing a $19,4 million modification to an existing delivery order for the procurement of MH-47G rotary-wing aircraft, according to a contract announcement. The modification supports continued acquisition of special operations helicopters, with most work to be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, through November 2030. The contract action addresses […]

The United States Air Force has awarded Top Aces Corp., based in Mesa, Arizona, a $33 million contract to provide F-16 instructor pilot training for partner-nation pilots in Argentina, according to a contract announcement released by the service. Work under the agreement is expected to continue through June 30, 2029. The training program is intended […]

The United States Air Force has awarded aerospace manufacturer Boeing a not-to-exceed $61,5 million contract for the replenishment of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator weapon system, according to a contract announcement released by the service. The work will support production of key components for the heavy bunker-penetrating bomb and will be carried out in St. […]

Bombardier Defense AAAA 2026 Reception zoe.conde@aero… Thu, 02/26/2026 – 04:56 Old Hickory Steakhouse 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States Kindly complete the form below to RSVP for the reception: Rank (optional) First name Last name Company Name / Government entity Job Title Email For further information on how we collect and process your personal data, please see our Privacy Statement. By checking this box, you consent to receive communications related to new & pre-owned aircraft, customer services, company updates & announcements, and exclusive invitations for Bombardier events. (optional) See our Privacy Statement to opt-out at any time. Submit Leave…

STARLUX Airlines (JX/SJX) is a carrier based at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. It was founded in April 2017 by K.W. Chang, who remains as its CEO, and began regular flights on January 23rd, 2020, just shortly before restrictions on aviation were imposed due to the pandemic. Macau, Da Nang, and Penang were its first three destinations to/from the Taiwanese capital, operated by three Airbus A321neo aircraft. In October 2019, two months prior to launch, the airline added its first aircraft, registered as B-58201, and ended the year with its second aircraft, B-58202. Both landed from…

Air Operations (Air OPS) TeB meeting 2026-02 – Meeting of the EASA Member States’ Technical Body This is a regular meeting of the EASA Member States’ Technical Body Air Operations TeB. Darya Kalsi Thu, 26/02/2026 – 12:40

A novel in which we encounter several female aviation pioneers, set against a backdrop of the quest for emancipation and a dream: to fly. All this as World War II approaches… Sometimes, aviation legends find their way into fiction… The year is 1937, on the island of Jersey. A young woman, Gabrielle Saint-Hilaire, is somewhat bored in this Anglo-Norman territory, a few miles from the continent. She wants more, she wants to fly higher. Nurturing her dream of flying, she quarrels with her family, who are unable to understand her desire for emancipation—the society of the time frowned upon the…

A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed near a highway in western Turkey early Wednesday, killing its pilot, Turkish military authorities confirmed. The aircraft had taken off from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balıkesir before contact was lost shortly after midnight, according to an official statement. The incident occurred at approximately 00:56 […]

Ryanair (FR/RYR) is one of the most recognised and successful airlines in the world. Originally established in 1984 operating a single route from Waterford to London Gatwick, the now ultra-low-cost carrier is now the largest airline in Europe. Let’s take a look at the makeup of the Ryanair fleet as on February 2026. Ryanair operates a fleet of 611 aircraft, focused primarily on the Boeing 737 series. The largest portion of the fleet comprises 410 Boeing 737-800 (B738) aircraft, used for short-haul and medium-haul flights. In addition to this, the airline has 196 Boeing 737 MAX 8200 aircraft, a high capacity…

Ukraine’s Air Force said it has destroyed more than 140,000 aerial targets since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, including over 2,000 Kh-101 cruise missiles and roughly 44,000 Shahed-type attack drones. The figures were released in an official statement by the Ukrainian Air Force Command summarizing four years of air defense operations. […]

Airbus Helicopters has unveiled two next-generation rotorcraft concepts developed to meet NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities (NGRC) study requirements, the company announced as part of its ongoing work under a NATO-backed concept program. The proposal, presented in cooperation with RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Raytheon, as well as missile manufacturer MBDA, outlines both a high-performance […]

Elbit Systems Ltd. confirmed that it will supply its Helmet Display and Tracking System (HDTS) to the Israeli Air Force for integration across the UH-60 Black Hawk, locally designated “Yanshuf,” helicopter fleet, introducing an upgraded pilot display system designed to enhance operational capability and flight safety. The adoption of the HDTS synthetic vision system addresses […]

The United States Air Force has released the first official image showing Anduril’s YFQ-44 Fury collaborative combat aircraft carrying an inert AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), confirming the program has entered the next phase of developmental testing focused on weapons integration and captive carry evaluations. The image accompanied a recent Air Force press […]

New illustrations depicting DARPA’s X-68A LongShot unmanned combat aircraft have been published by aerospace illustrator Colie Wertz on Instagram, providing updated visual material tied to the agency’s ongoing LongShot program aimed at developing an air-launched missile-armed drone designed to operate ahead of crewed aircraft formations. The appearance of new imagery draws renewed attention to a […]

The Royal Canadian Air Force announced that fuselage integration and production have begun on Canada’s first CP-8A Poseidon aircraft, marking a new phase in the country’s maritime patrol modernization program. The update was confirmed in an official service statement, while Boeing Defense said the aircraft with serial number 9627 is now taking shape as production […]

The United States Air Force continues fielding the F-15EX Eagle II, Boeing confirmed on February 24, 2026, highlighting the newest variant of the F-15 fighter as the latest evolution of an aircraft family that has remained in operational service since its original introduction in 1974. The continued rollout of the F-15EX addresses the Air Force’s […]

Northrop Grumman has officially named its YFQ-48A prototype Talon Blue, formally identifying the autonomous fighter drone developed under its company-funded Project Talon portfolio as part of ongoing work with the United States Air Force on future collaborative combat aircraft. The designation of Talon Blue as the YFQ-48A reflects the aircraft’s role within the Air Force’s […]

BAE Systems confirmed on February 23, 2026, that it successfully demonstrated a scaled modular electromagnetic attack (EA) system during multiple flight test events conducted in collaboration with the United States Air Force, using a prototype mounted in a weapon pod on a test aircraft representing a Group 4 or Group 5 unmanned aerial vehicle. The […]

BAE Systems has delivered its 100,000th Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kit, the company announced on February 23, reaching a production milestone as the precision munition continues to equip United States armed forces and allied militaries. The milestone comes as the United States Air Force moves forward with a related modernization effort focused […]

The United States Air Force and Northrop Grumman are accelerating production capacity for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber as the aircraft advances through testing and early manufacturing, the company announced in February 2026. Final assembly of the next-generation bomber is underway at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Palmdale, California, with the first operational aircraft scheduled to […]

2026 FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference The 2026 edition of the FAA-EASA International Aviation Safety Conference will take place from June 16-18 at the Westfield Marriott Washington Dulles, Chantilly, USA. The theme of the conference this year is Safety Together: Innovation, Integration and Trust. This 3 day global forum will feature keynote speeches, flash talks and panel discussions involving high level representatives from EASA and the FAA, as well as other aviation authorities, aviation associations and industry to address a range of important safety topics. Darya Kalsi Tue, 24/02/2026 – 10:48

New vacancy published: IT Service Manager – Analytics The following vacancy notice has been published on our Careers portal: Annalisa Farina Thu, 19/02/2026 – 16:03

U.S.-based autonomous aviation company Pyka on Feb. 23, 2026, announced development progress on its DropShip autonomous cargo drone, unveiling a new unmanned aircraft designed to conduct logistics transport and casualty evacuation missions in contested environments without risking pilots or high-value aircraft. The announcement comes as military planners seek alternative logistics platforms capable of operating in […]

Flightradar24 is excited to expand its global flight tracking capabilities with the addition of Aireon space-based ADS-B data to the Flightradar24 platform, a major milestone in our commitment to truly global flight tracking coverage.The integration of Aireon data marks an important step toward ensuring visibility in areas not already covered by Flightradar24’s world-leading terrestrial receiver network. Covering the globe Flightradar24’s terrestrial ADS-B network includes more than 55,000 receivers across all seven continents. This community-powered network enables us to track hundreds of thousands of flights every day and provides industry-leading real-time flight visibility.However, even the most extensive ground-based network has natural…

New video footage circulating online appears to show a Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stealth fighter operating in Algerian Air Force service during a flight over Algeria, providing what observers describe as another visual indication of Russia’s export delivery of the fifth-generation aircraft. The emergence of the footage comes as reports continue to surface regarding Algeria’s acquisition […]

The United States Army has issued a Request for Information seeking industry participation in a commercial modification program aimed at upgrading UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, with plans to modernize between 12 and 24 aircraft annually through component overhauls and capability upgrades. The notice, published February 20, 2026, launches market research intended to shape a future […]

EASA publishes briefing note on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) prices in 2025 in the European Union The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published the “2025 Aviation Fuels Reference Prices for ReFuelEU Aviation” briefing note, which provides key reference prices for SAF and other relevant aviation fuels for the European Union (EU). Jennifer Grochowski Mon, 23/02/2026 – 17:34

Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed two Russian military helicopters — a Ka-52 attack helicopter and a Mi-8 multirole helicopter — during a drone strike on the Pugachevka airfield in Russia’s Oryol region on the evening of February 20, 2026, according to reporting by Militarnyi. The attack highlights Ukraine’s continued use of long-range strike drones to target […]

Dassault Systèmes’ CEO Pascal Daloz Becomes Also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dassault Systèmes

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has awarded Exyte US, based in Albany, New York, a $96,2 million contract to support infrastructure construction and aircraft bed-down for Israel’s incoming CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, according to an official contract announcement. The work will be performed in Israel with an estimated completion date of March 23, […]

The United States Air Force used the Skiron X hybrid unmanned aircraft as a simulated enemy drone during counter-UAS training at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany on Feb. 19, 2026, according to a statement from the 7th Army Training Command. Instructors supporting the Air Force’s Joint Multi-Domain Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator Course flew […]

Until April 26, 2026, the Théâtre du Petit Montparnasse is staging an unusual play: a biopic performed by the protagonist, Dorine Bourneton, the sole survivor of a crash and the world’s first paraplegic female aerobatic pilot. The story takes place in the early 1990s, on May 12, 1991, to be exact. Dorine Bourneton, a 16-year-old pilot, boards a tourist plane bound for Marignane to meet with Canadair pilots, departing from the Auvergne Aeroclub (near Clermont-Ferrand). The young woman was looking forward to the day, dreaming of a future as a bush pilot, traveling to the four corners of the globe.…

Plenty to discuss on this week’s episode of AvTalk: More clarity on what exactly led to the closure of airspace above El Paso last week A United Airlines flight from Lagos experiences an extraordinary series of events (UA613 leg 1 | UA613 leg 2) ANA operates a 14 hour flight from Tokyo to Tokyo An Arik Air 737 experiences an uncontained engine failure A LATAM 777 rejects take off beyond V1 The NTSB releases its final report on the DCA mid-air collision Brussels Airlines unveils new Tintin livery Thank you for listening! Whether this is your first episode of AvTalk…