Author: Alan G.W.

The creator of Avier.Info site is Ex- British Royal Navy Electronic Weapons Engineer. Served on Helicopter Commando Carriers. Years in Defence Comunications Network Establishments/Manufacturing Systems Designer. Owner/Publisher of technical magazines,seminars and conferences. CRM developer for Aviation Finance industry. Manchester University Business School and Templeton Oxford College Alumnus

On Wednesday, June 18, during the Paris Air Show, Major General François-Xavier Poisbeau, General Secretary of the French National Guard, and Valérie Guillemet, Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Dassault Aviation, signed a new reserve support agreement. Under this agreement, Dassault Aviation gives its employees the opportunity to carry out 20 days of reserve activity each year, with continued remuneration.

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This Thursday, June 19, Dassault Aviation professionals from a variety of professions will be welcoming middle school, high school and university girls, as part of initiatives organized with our partners: The Elles Bougent association will be inviting 200 girls from all over France to discover aeronautical companies and careers at the show. The Aérométiers association, via its “Féminisons les métiers de l’aéro” label, will be accompanying 30 female students from IPSA, the ISAE group and the Lycée Aristide Briand (93) to exchange views with professionals who contribute to the challenges of defense through their work. These initiatives aim to deconstruct…

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This Thursday, June 19, Dassault Aviation professionals from a variety of professions will be welcoming middle school, high school and university girls, as part of initiatives organized with our partners: The Elles Bougent association will be inviting 200 girls from all over France to discover aeronautical companies and careers at the show. The Aérométiers association, via its “Féminisons les métiers de l’aéro” label, will be accompanying 30 female students from IPSA, the ISAE group and the Lycée Aristide Briand (93) to exchange views with professionals who contribute to the challenges of defense through their work. These initiatives aim to deconstruct…

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This Thursday, June 19, Dassault Aviation professionals from a variety of professions will be welcoming middle school, high school and university girls, as part of initiatives organized with our partners: The Elles Bougent association will be inviting 200 girls from all over France to discover aeronautical companies and careers at the show. The Aérométiers association, via its “Féminisons les métiers de l’aéro” label, will be accompanying 30 female students from IPSA, the ISAE group and the Lycée Aristide Briand (93) to exchange views with professionals who contribute to the challenges of defense through their work. These initiatives aim to deconstruct…

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Le Bourget, June 18, 2025 – Today, at the Paris Air Show, Pascale Lohat, Senior Executive VP Engineering of Dassault Aviation, and Bertrand Rondepierre, Director of the French Agency for AI in defence (AMIAD), signed a memorandum of understanding to initiate research and development work on several air combat use cases. In an uncertain world where traditional threats coexist with emerging challenges, air combat is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the growing complexity of military operations. The challenges facing modern air forces call for innovative, high-performance solutions. The integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, controlled and supervised,…

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In Statista’s 2025 ranking of France’s 500 best employers, conducted for Capital magazine, we came third in the Aerospace, Rail and Naval category. For the past decade, Dassault Aviation has been ranked by students and graduates as one of the top 10 companies to work for. In the Universum 2024 ranking of the most attractive employers across all fields, we once again came in among the top 5; in addition, we were ranked in the top 3 most popular manufacturing companies according to an Epoka survey. Bringing new talent on board In 2024, a total of 2,400 employees, including some…

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In Statista’s 2025 ranking of France’s 500 best employers, conducted for Capital magazine, we came third in the Aerospace, Rail and Naval category. For the past decade, Dassault Aviation has been ranked by students and graduates as one of the top 10 companies to work for. In the Universum 2024 ranking of the most attractive employers across all fields, we once again came in among the top 5; in addition, we were ranked in the top 3 most popular manufacturing companies according to an Epoka survey. Bringing new talent on board In 2024, a total of 2,400 employees, including some…

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In Statista’s 2025 ranking of France’s 500 best employers, conducted for Capital magazine, we came third in the Aerospace, Rail and Naval category. For the past decade, Dassault Aviation has been ranked by students and graduates as one of the top 10 companies to work for. In the Universum 2024 ranking of the most attractive employers across all fields, we once again came in among the top 5; in addition, we were ranked in the top 3 most popular manufacturing companies according to an Epoka survey. Bringing new talent on board In 2024, a total of 2,400 employees, including some…

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Some fifteen “SIAE” ambassadors visited the Dassault Aviation facility at the Paris Air Show. They were able to visit the Dassault Aviation static display and see the Falcon and Rafale aircraft. They were then welcomed on the stand to discover the models on display and the various workshops present. They finished their visit by taking control of the Rafale Experience, a virtual reality animation. Watch the interview with Elodie Brunot and Allan Petre on our webTV.

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Some fifteen “SIAE” ambassadors visited the Dassault Aviation facility at the Paris Air Show. They were able to visit the Dassault Aviation static display and see the Falcon and Rafale aircraft. They were then welcomed on the stand to discover the models on display and the various workshops present. They finished their visit by taking control of the Rafale Experience, a virtual reality animation. Watch the interview with Elodie Brunot and Allan Petre on our webTV.

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Some fifteen “SIAE” ambassadors visited the Dassault Aviation facility at the Paris Air Show. They were able to visit the Dassault Aviation static display and see the Falcon and Rafale aircraft. They were then welcomed on the stand to discover the models on display and the various workshops present. They finished their visit by taking control of the Rafale Experience, a virtual reality animation. Watch the interview with Elodie Brunot and Allan Petre on our webTV.

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First-ever Assembly Line for Falcon Business Executive Jets outside France to be set up at Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), India. DRAL to become the first Center of Excellence (CoE) for Falcon out of France. India joins elite club of select nations producing Executive Business Jets. Saint-Cloud, France; Mumbai, India; 18 June, 2025 – Dassault Aviation and Reliance Infrastructure Ltd subsidiary, Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), today announced at Paris Air Show execution of an agreement to manufacture Falcon 2000 LXS Business Executive Jets in India for the Global Market. This is for the first time that Dassault Aviation will manufacture…

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See the flight demonstration of the Falcon 6X, piloted by Cédric Carle and Antoine Doussaud. The Falcon 6X, which entered service in November 2023, features the widest cabin in its class (over 8 feet in diameter), with space for up to sixteen passengers in three separate seating areas. The interior design and décor have been carefully tailored to provide travelers with exceptional levels of convenience and comfort. A recipient of both Private Jet Design and Red Dot Design awards, the 6X cabin boasts the best soundproofing on the market. The Falcon 6X has a top speed of Mach 0.90 with…

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See the flight demonstration of the Falcon 6X, piloted by Cédric Carle and Antoine Doussaud. The Falcon 6X, which entered service in November 2023, features the widest cabin in its class (over 8 feet in diameter), with space for up to sixteen passengers in three separate seating areas. The interior design and décor have been carefully tailored to provide travelers with exceptional levels of convenience and comfort. A recipient of both Private Jet Design and Red Dot Design awards, the 6X cabin boasts the best soundproofing on the market. The Falcon 6X has a top speed of Mach 0.90 with…

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The “Architecture des Systèmes Complexes” teaching and research chair at the Institut Polytechnique was inaugurated by the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Mr. Sébastien Lecornu, at the 2025 Paris Air Show at Le Bourget. This chair brings together four engineering schools of the Institut Polytechnique (Ecole Polytechnique, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Techniques Avancées, Télécom Paris and Télécom Sud Paris) around structuring themes for combat system architects such as: Dassault Aviation for combat aircraft, KNDS Nexter for land combat systems, and Naval Group for naval combat systems. Also supported by the Agence de l’Innovation de Défense of the Direction Générale…

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With Flash-back, Dassault Aviation offers you a series of five short videos to discover, in images and anecdotes, the key moments in its history and that of its founder, Marcel Dassault. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the genesis of Dassault Aviation: Marcel Bloch’s first inventions, decisive encounters, daring choices… This series takes you back to emblematic, sometimes unexpected episodes that have shaped the company’s identity. A collection that’s both educational and fascinating, to be found from now on in the “Did you know?” section. You can also discover all our collections…

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Our Falcons are state-of-the-art business jets designed for the most exacting missions; the incorporation of a range of military-inspired innovations, as well as their versatility and comfort, set them apart. Falcon 6X The Falcon 6X, which entered service in November 2023, features the widest cabin in its class (over 8 feet in diameter), with space for up to sixteen passengers in three separate seating areas. The interior design and décor have been carefully tailored to provide travelers with exceptional levels of convenience and comfort. A recipient of both Private Jet Design and Red Dot Design awards, the 6X cabin boasts…

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Our dual civil-military expertise means that we can count on markets with different business cycles, thus reducing our exposure to fluctuating economic conditions. Our combat jets and civil aircraft are designed in the same department and manufactured in the same plants. The state-of-the-art technology developed for military use also benefits our civil aviation business, which in turn generates innovations in terms of production and certification. As an industrial architect and systems integrator, Dassault Aviation has extensive expertise in the use of cutting-edge technologies and data. This rare ability makes us a pivotal player when it comes to aerospace research and…

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The Paris Air Show is the opportunity for Dassault Aviation to see its Rafale aircraft fly in a spectacular demonstration for the delight of spectators. This demonstration, designed to show off the aircraft’s acceleration, rotation and low speed maneuverability capabilities for operations from land bases, will be given by Captain Jean-Brice Millet named “Mimous” at the controls of a Rafale C. The only totally “omnirole” aircraft in the world, able to operate from a land base or an aircraft carrier, capable of carrying 1.5 times its weight in weapons and fuel, the Rafale has been designed to perform the full…

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Created by Octave Octave, the Dassault Aviation mobile app is a project designed to provide employees with easy access to information about the company, while opening up access to a wide range of content for the general public. For the occasion of the Bourget 2025 International Paris Air Show, the application is decked out in the colors of this flagship event. Its interface enables privileged, instant and continuous communication. The application offers simplified access to the world of Dassault Aviation, with news, media content and a social network feed, enabling users to follow company and industry news in real time.…

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Dassault Aviation is a partner of the “Femmes de l’Aéronautique et du Spatial” operation at 2025 Paris Air Show. The aim is to showcase women working in the industry and attract new female talent. To convey this message, in addition to discussions with our business and HR ambassadors all week long on the Dassault Aviation stand in Hall 2A A251, inspiring speeches by our female professionals will be held in the Avion des Métiers, Hall Concorde, from Tuesday to Sunday, with free access for all visitors. On the program Tuesday June 17 – 11am-11.20am How Raphaëlle, an engineer in the…

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Joint EASA-FAA Additive Manufacturing Workshop 2025 In response to the growing use of additive manufacturing (AM) in aviation, the European Union Aviation Safety (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been jointly organising annual workshops focused on the qualification and certification of AM parts since 2015. These workshops serve as a collaborative platform for government agencies, industry, standardisation bodies, and academia to share knowledge, align on key technical challenges, and support regulatory harmonisation. Darya Kalsi Tue, 17/06/2025 – 14:21

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Boeing F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) matt.jouppi@av… Mon, 06/16/2025 – 17:56 The Boeing F-47 is a next generation air superiority platform intended to replace the Lockheed Martin F-22A in U.S. Air Force (USAF) service. Boeing was announced as the victor of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) competition against Lockheed Martin in March 2025. The service has since withheld key F-47 programmatic and configuration details citing operational security. The USAF has described the F-47 as less costly and more adaptable than the F-22, as well as having, “significantly longer range, more advanced stealth, be more sustainable, supportable, and have…

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Global matt.jouppi@av… Mon, 06/16/2025 – 17:44 The Global Combat Aircraft Program (GCAP) is a multi-national next generation fighter initiative between the UK, Italy, and Japan. The aircraft is expected to be a large, twin-engine design featuring low observability (LO), an advanced power and thermal management system (PTMS), and networked multi-spectral sensors. GCAP may feature an unmanned component or individual countries might opt for their own country specific solution. Partner nations aim to begin fielding GCAP by 2035, with the aircraft expected to replace the Eurofighter Typhoons of Italy and the UK, as well as the Mitsubishi F-2s of Japan.Program HistoryKey…

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French Prime Minister François Bayrou visited the “Avion des métiers” at Paris Air Show Organized under the aegis of GIFAS, the Avion des Métiers event is designed to showcase the dynamism of the aeronautical industry, promote its professions, inspire vocations and attract talent, particularly female talent. Aimed at young people (schoolchildren and students) wondering about their career direction, as well as people undergoing retraining, this event enables them to discover some 20 different professions through demonstrations led by 15 companies. 44 company representatives (23 women / 21 men) will be taking turns throughout the week, from June 16 onwards, to…

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In mid-October 2024, a series of Rafale Marine trials were carried out on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to validate the assisted landing features developed as part of the F4 standard program. Discover the incredible images of this event in four episodes! Rafale Marine (single-seat) Wingspan: 10.9 m Length: 15.3 m Height: 5.3 m Empty weight: ≈ 10.5 t Maximum takeoff weight: 24.5 t External stores capacity: 9.5 t This campaign was led by Dassault Aviation’s Flight Test teams. The main tasks of the flight tests are to: Participate in the design of aircraft and their systems Ensure the…

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For the 2025 Paris Air Show, Dassault Aviation invites you to test your reflexes with a brand new challenge: successfully complete a series of aircraft carrier landings! From June 16 to 26, 2025, try to complete 8 consecutive landings, pressing down at the right moment to hook the arresting strand. Precision, concentration and timing are your best allies. Don’t miss your chance to take home exceptional prizes (model planes, books, goodies, etc.), rewarding your perseverance throughout the game! Are you ready to take to the skies? Take up the challenges of the 2025 Paris Air Show game and outdo yourself…

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When Japan Airlines and Finnair departed Helsinki for Tokyo-Haneda back-to-back, the race was on. The 15 June flights took opposite paths to Tokyo, with JAL heading north and taking a polar route, while Finnair tacked south. Just after take off, we wanted to see who would be the first to touch down in Tokyo. Japan Airlines’ 777-300ER JA733J departed Helsinki’s Vantaa Airport at 15:56 UTC, giving it a two minute head start on Finnair’s A350-900 OH-LWI. Shortly after takeoff it looked like JAL would make it to Tokyo well before Finnair. It had departed first and was taking a shorter…

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Join us at Gate O, on the central aisle from June 16 to 22, 2025. The Store Dassault Aviation is proud to once again take part in the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show. This boutique offers aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to discover or rediscover iconic items that reflect the image and values of Dassault Aviation. We look forward to welcoming many of you to the world’s largest air show.

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At the Paris Air Show, aircraft are in the spotlight, jostling for position on the tarmac. Dassault Aviation’s static display includes Falcon and military aircraft. Presentation of Dassault Aviation aircraft present at the show: Rafale Air B Wingspan: 10.9 m Length: 15.3 m Height: 5.3 m Empty weight: ≈ 10 t Maximum takeoff weight: 24.5 t External stores capacity: 9.5 t Combat drone (scale model 1) Wingspan: 12.5 m Length: 10 m Height: 2.5 m Empty weight: 5 t Falcon 8X Wingspan: 26.3 m Length: 24.5 m Height: 7.9 m Range: 6,450 nm London City → New York Paris →…

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Following Israeli strikes on Iran in the early hours of 13 June, airspace in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Israel is closed. Jordan, Syria, and Israel have severely limited flights, while Iran and Iraq have closed to all traffic. The closures affect approximately 3,000 flights per day through canceled flights or re-routes. The first diversions away from Tehran were noted at 00:06 UTC while Iranian and Iraqi airspace was filled with hundreds of flights. Flights cleared the region over the subsequent two hours. 9-second video of the clearing of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. pic.twitter.com/VZLWbmk9sC— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 13, 2025 Airspace…

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On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Silver Airways ceases operations immediately and Qantas says subsidiary Jetstar Asia will wind down flights by the end of July. The NTSB releases the preliminary report on the American Airlines 737 fire in Denver. May was a big month for Boeing, with more than 300 orders, while Airbus recorded orders for precisely 0 aircraft. This month’s Paris Air Show has the potential to close the gap. Southwest is looking at “monetizing its order book,” while American Airlines sends the wrong 787 to Naples. And Condor operates five flights in a failed attempt to get…

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Here’s something for purists and art lovers in general! From June 19 to 22 in Paris, a high-profile exhibition and sale pay tribute to the world of Buck Danny. Collectors beware! From Friday, June 19 to Monday, June 22, 2025, Galerie l’Œil Bleu, in the Marais district of Paris (3rd arrondissement), is offering an unprecedented plunge into the world of “Buck Danny”, with an exhibition and sale of 12 Art Strips available in several formats. These posters feature some of the comic strip’s most iconic images, from 1954 to 1970 (volumes 11 to 36), with a retro chromatic makeover and…

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(Saint-Cloud, France, June 13, 2025) – Dassault Aviation is proud to showcase its wide range of expertise to industry professionals and the general public at the 55th Paris Air Show, taking place at Paris-Le Bourget Airport from June 16 to 22, 2025. Dassault Aviation will be at stand A251, located in Hall 2A, underneath a giant video screen. We will be displaying models of our aircraft and projects, particularly in the space sector. Visitors will also get the chance to enjoy a virtual flight experience with our “Rafale Experience” simulators. Our static display, located in Row A – No. 7,…

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EASA publishes CZIB for airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in close coordination with the European Commission, has published a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on the Middle East, addressing the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon. The issuance follows recent military developments in the region, including air strikes conducted by Israel and retaliatory actions taken by Iran. Annalisa Farina Fri, 13/06/2025 – 19:06

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Air India flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London-Gatwick crashed shortly after take off on the afternoon of 12 June. The Boeing 787-8 “Dreamliner” lost height just seconds after departure and impacted a neighborhood to the southwest of the airport. Air India says that one of the 242 people on board the aircraft survived the crash. This is the first hull loss of a Boeing 787. Air India flight 171 AI171 departed Ahmedabad at 08:08:44 UTC (13:38 local time). The aircraft climbed to a maximum recorded barometric altitude of 625 feet at 08:49:46 before losing altitude. The last received data from…

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On June 5, 2025, the European Space Agency (Esa), the European Astronaut Club (ACE), ArianeGroup, Dassault Aviation and the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace organized the closing day of the 19th Student Aerospace Challenge at the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Le Bourget (93). This competition enabled higher education students to take part in the study of a reusable, manned suborbital or even orbital vehicle, on a theme chosen from among the ten work packages on offer (technical, medical, legal studies, etc.). For this year’s event, 21 teams from schools and universities in several European countries belonging…

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From June 16 to 22, the Dassault Aviation website is at the pace of the Paris Air Show. news in images (flight demonstrations, etc.) web TV Dassault Aviation dassault-aviation.tv photo galleries photos.dassault-aviation.com Paris Air Show game daily newsletter… You can also find all our news and watch new content in real time on : an X @Dassault_OnAir account: x.com/Dassault_OnAir a LinkedIn Dassault Aviation page: linkedin.com/company/dassault-aviation a Facebook page @DassaultAviation: facebook.com/DassaultAviation an Instagram account @dassaultaviation : instagram/dassaultaviation a YouTube channel: youtube.com/thedassaultaviation une appli mobile Dassault Aviation (iOS et Android)

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Calling all owners of small aircraft and/or microlights! After a break in 2024, the Traine-Queue gathering returns for a promising 21st edition. An event that’s becoming a must-attend! Since 2002, classic train aviation enthusiasts have been gathering in Paray-le-Monial (in the Saône-et-Loire département) to celebrate old-fashioned aviation. In 2025, Traîne-Queue returns for its 21ᵉ edition, on June 21 and 22 to be exact, for what promises to be an exceptional weekend right in the heart of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. In a warm and friendly atmosphere (with stands, catering and more), dozens of ULMs and aircraft with the famous tailwheel will…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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!…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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

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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

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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

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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…

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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).…

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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,…

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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

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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

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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…

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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 –…

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