AIRWEETS.com
a page by Catalin Pogaci
Cyber Attack generates delays and chaos at European airports
22 September 2025
A cyberattack affected a few European airports and airlines, with its peak registered on the 19th of September. The attacks mainly targeted Collins's aviation software, tools that are meant to optimize check-in, navigation, and communication processes.
The event slowed activity down at major European airports, such as Luton, Heathrow, Berlin, and Frankfurt, disrupting check-in, boarding, baggage processing, and general communications processes. This created crowding, chaos, and flight disruptions.
At this date, it is not known who is behind the attack.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of integrated aviation digital systems to such attacks, underscoring the crucial need for airlines and system providers to implement robust preventive measures.
A similar incident happened in July 2024. That time, no external actor was involved, but a faulty CrowdStrike security software update led to widespread Microsoft Windows system crashes, resulting in significant flight delays and cancellations worldwide.
Portugal's flag carrier to become a private airline
13th of August 2025
Portugal's TAP Airlines makes another step towards privatization with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa approving the plan to sell 51% of the shares. The Portuguese government will retain only 49% of the shares, while the remaining are to be bought by private investors and TAP's employees. Several major airlines, including Lufthansa and KLM, expressed interest in purchasing shares in TAP.
The move results from years of unprofitability and the significant governmental effort to bail out the company during the COVID pandemic. Sources indicate that the step was taken to avoid a fate similar to that of Alitalia, Italy's former flag carrier, which ceased operations in 2021.
The process of privatizing TAP will extend till the end of 2025, with negotiations and reforms ongoing.
Air traffic faces more disruptions, impacting air travel in Europe
04 July 2025
An ongoing strike by air traffic controllers in France generates more travel disruptions in Europe. The air traffic was reduced to a minimum over certain sectors, and flights to bigger French airports had to be cancelled due to a lack of ATC capacity.
This comes after the events of the previous month, which also affected air traffic in the Middle East due to the recently fought conflict between Iran and Israel. As a result, many airspaces in the Region had to be closed to civilian traffic, leading to long detours and flight cancellations.
The French strike is expected to last until tomorrow, the 5th, but its repercussions may extend over a longer period.
Air India Flight 171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing more than 260 onboard and on the ground
12 June 2025
The first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner took place today in Ahmedabad when Air India Flight 171 to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff. The accident was caught on several cameras from different angles. The aircraft took off, briefly gained altitude, then crashed 30 seconds later into the heavily populated area of Ahmedabad, killing more than 20 on the ground.
There was only one survivor onboard the aircraft, a British national.
The Indian authorities, assisted by specialists from Boeing and GE Aerospace, the manufacturer of the aircraft’s engines, opened an inquiry into the accident.
Airbus A321XLR to equip the low-cost carrier Wizz Air
21May 2025
The European low-cost carrier Wizz Air will be the first airline in the world to be equipped with the A321XLR, powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. The company signed a contract for 47 aircraft, the first of which has already been delivered.
Airbus offers the XLR in two variants. One is powered by CFM Leap-1 engines, and the other by Pratt & Whitney GTF. Wizz Air is the first operator to opt for the P&W variant.
Apart from the engines, the aircraft features a modern cabin architecture equipped with an intelligent lighting system. It is ready to carry 239 passengers on medium-length routes connecting Europe to the Middle East.
Boeing’s wide-body aircraft are in high demand in Qatar
14 May 2025
Qatar Airways just placed a massive order with Boeing. The shopping list includes at least 200 wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 and 777X. Not coincidentally, the order came after the US president, Donald Trump, visited Doha.
Boeing claims the order is the biggest in its history.
Dassault Falcon 6X receives its EASA steep approach certification
07 May 2025
Good news for the business aviation industry. The Dassault Falcon 6x, the long-range, wide-body family member of the Falcon family, just received its EASA certification to perform steep approaches. It will allow the jet to land at airports that so far were out of reach. Still, not all steep approach airports will be available for the 6x. The freshly received certification allows the jet to perform only 5.5-degree approaches, which is good enough for places like London City. Lugano or Aspen in the US are still off limits, requiring a 6.5-degree approach.
Dassault is confident that the 6x can cope with approaches of up to 6 degrees.
Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic quit their scheduled flights to Tel Aviv
29 Apr 2025
Two major carriers announced that they will gradually quit their regular flights to Tel Aviv, citing the high risks in the region due to escalating conflicts.
Turkish Airlines decided to quit its slots in Tel Aviv after assessing the risks and opportunities of the route. Since the TK slots will probably be allocated to a different carrier, the chances that TK will return to Tel Aviv soon are minimal.
Virgin Atlantic took a similar decision, citing the same reasons as the Turkish carrier, discontinuing its London Heathrow to Tel Aviv schedule, which was already on halt, pending decision-making.
​Chinese registered Max sent from China back to the US
21 April 2025
The return of a Boeing 737 Max, adorned with a Chinese airline's livery, to its birthplace in Seattle serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tariffs war between the US and China.
The airline was seen landing in the US after a long flight and two fuel stops in x and Y.
The Chinese company that leased the aircraft was forced to make a difficult decision. The soaring costs triggered by the tariff war made it financially unfeasible to keep the newly acquired aircraft in their fleet.
It's not just one airline. In a collective response to the tariffs, several other Chinese operators are expected to follow suit and return their jets to the manufacturer.
Gulfstream G800 passes FAA and EASA certification
16 April 2025
Gulfstream released a press release announcing that its newest G800 long-range business jet was just FAA and EASA certified.
The G800 features increased performance, longer range, and better fuel economy. It can cruise at Mach 0.9 and use shorter runways, giving its buyers access to more airports.
Gulfstream also announced that deliveries to the first customers of the type will commence immediately.
Chinese 6th generation fighter bomber makes it to the news again
09 April 2025
A Chinese-built military aircraft, believed to be the world’s first 6th-generation fighter or fighter bomber, has once again piqued the interest of aviation enthusiasts. A still frame, taken from a highway, has surfaced, allegedly showing the same aircraft that caused a stir in December 2024. The details of the footage remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue surrounding this enigmatic aircraft.
Despite the widespread belief that it is China’s new sixth-generation military jet, the J-36, the Chinese government has maintained a veil of secrecy. No official information about the aircraft has been released, leaving many to wonder about the true capabilities of this advanced machine.
Specialists comment that the Chinese government seems technologically on track or even slightly ahead in the race for a sixth-generation fighter. If the J-36 is indeed a sixth-generation fighter, its advanced technology could revolutionize military aviation, setting a new standard for future aircraft development.
London Luton Airport to receive a major upgrade
05 April 2025
London Luton, one of Lodon's major low-cost hubs, will receive a major upgrade that will expand its yearly capacity to nearly double the number of people it currently handles. The project was approved by the British Government and welcomed by the airport's authorities and owner, Luton Rising.
The upgrade will not only transform the airport into one of the UK's major hubs but also bring significant benefits to the local community, including job creation for local residents and development of the area.
The British authorities are not just expanding the airport, they are doing so with a keen eye on the environment. The expansion is under strict scrutiny and in line with a Green-Controlled Model, ensuring the project's sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Myanmar earthquake generates severe air transport disruption in Asia
28 March 2025
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar earlier today, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The quake also affected regional transportation in Asia due to damaged airport infrastructure.
The most affected facility is Mandalay International Airport, where the terminal was severely damaged, and the control tower collapsed, killing four people.
The Myanmar government declared a state of emergency in the entire country.
The quake had repercussions for the entire Asian transportation network, with variable degrees of damage and disruptions.
London Heathrow was put off track due to a nearby fire
21 March 2025
London Heathrow (LHR), one of the busiest European hubs, was severely disrupted due to a nearby fire that affected the electrical grid and left the facility without power. This disruption led to the cancellation or diversion of hundreds of flights, leaving tens of thousands of travelers stranded. Some sources claim the event created one of Europe's most significant air traffic disruptions.
At the end of a very long day, it seems that some flights will be resumed. However, the date when the airport will operate at full capacity remains unknown.
Cabin fire started by electronic devices will likely trigger new aviation regulations in China
20 March 2025
A cabin fire that started onboard a Hong-Hong Airlines flight that diverted to Fuzhou, China, will likely trigger changes in travel regulations in China. The crew successfully put out the fire, and the passengers were safely evacuated after landing.
A previous incident involving Air Busan Flight 391, a South Korean aircraft, had a more dramatic outcome. A cabin fire, also triggered by a power bank, led to the total write-off of the aircraft. South Korea has banned the use and transportation of power banks and electronic cigarettes in overhead cabin compartments and limited the number of such devices on board.
It is expected that after the incident, Chinese regulations will also change in a similar fashion.
Unexpected journey: Ground handler finds himself on an unscheduled ride on Airbus A321
17 March 2025
A baggage loader was accidentally locked in the baggage hold of a Turkish Airlines Airbus A321 at Istanbul International Airport. The aircraft was well on its way to Athens, Greece, when air traffic controllers notified the captain that he might carry a stowaway in his holds. The aircraft diverted to Izmir, where the unfortunate man was disembarked and received medical attention for hypothermia.
The incident happened when, in Istanbul, the man’s colleagues closed the hatch of the baggage compartment without noticing his presence inside.
German Air Traffic still recovers after Sunday's strike
11 March 2025
Traffic at the main German airports is slowly recovering after Sunday's strike that left tens of thousands of people stranded. The action started initially at Hamburg airport and then spread to eleven major German airports, creating havoc among travelers. Airlines had to postpone or cancel their flights due to service unavailability. The strike was organized after failed negotiations to increase workers' salaries and bonuses and improve leave conditions.
Dassault Aviation to field its Falcon 10x in 2027
05 March 2025
The Falcon 10x, a long-range corporate jet still under development by Dassault, is on track to enter service in 2027. The prototype was finalized, and the maiden flight is expected this year. The 10X is not just a direct competitor, but a formidable challenger to the Bombardier Global 7500 and the Gulfstream G700, all three aircraft vying for dominance in the same market segment.
Dassault did not disclose the exact date when the first flight will be made this year but mentioned that deliveries will be expected starting in 2027, as initially advertised.
R44 rotor drone approved for work in Brazil
28 February 2028
The Rotor Technologies-built Robinson 44 pilotless helicopter, a machine dedicated to agricultural work, received approval from the Brazilian CAA to commence commercial work in the country.
The approval is a major step in the development of large drones, especially since it involves commercial activities on a large scale.
The Rotor Technologies R44 is a remotely piloted R44 variant configured for agricultural work and other activities. This topic was covered in another article published here.
Ocean Infinity to resume search for MH370
26 February 2025
Ocean Infinity, an ocean exploration company, resumes a search for the missing MH370 flight that disappeared in 2014.
The flight was supposed to operate from Kuala Lumpur in Indonesia to Beijing in China, but the Boeing 777-200ER aircraft disappeared over the ocean and was never heard from again. After its immediate disappearance, a vast search was triggered, involving numerous countries and resources, but the operation returned more questions than answers.
Ocean Infinity has significantly narrowed the search area, focusing their efforts close to Australia. This strategic move, combined with the use of advanced equipment on a no-find, no-fee contract basis with the Indonesian government, has the potential to bring closure to this long-standing mystery. A company spokesman mentioned that this may be the last chance to find the wreckage of the missing aircraft, but the narrowed search area gives hope that the mission is more focused and progress is being made.
Delta Airlines Flight 292 diverts to Rome under bomb threat
23 February 2025
Delta Airlines Flight 292, en route from New York to Delhi, was swiftly diverted to Rome following a bomb threat. Two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets provided a secure escort through European airspace, and the airliner landed safely at Rome Fiumicino International Airport.
Thankfully, all passengers and crew members were unharmed during this incident.
Following the diversion, the aircraft was thoroughly searched by intervention teams. Their meticulous search confirmed that no explosive device was present, ensuring the safety of all on board.
Flight DL4819 crashes at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring eight people
17 February 2025
Delta Connection Flight DL4819, operated by a Bombardier CRJ-900 (like the one in the picture) belonging to Endeavor Air, flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Eight people were reported injured. Videos of the incident started to circulate in the media, showing the damaged airliner resting on its back and missing a wing.
Iranian airlines banned in Lebanon
15 February 2025
Lebanon banned operations by Iranian airlines on its territory over allegations that terrorist organizations shipped money to Hezbollah via Iran’s civilian operators. Iran retaliated by forbidding Middle East Airlines to land in Iran.
The authorities in Beirut also took other measures, such as more careful screening of flights coming from Iraq and other destinations.
The measures will remain in place for an indefinite period, hampering the area's return to normal life.
Gulfstream completes its final G650
12 February 2025
Gulfstream announced the completion of the last of the 650 series. The model's production lasted over a decade, starting in 2008, and it reached more than one million flight hours. The G650 will be replaced by the new G800, a model that offers better range, space, and fuel economy.
France ramps up passenger taxes starting in March
11 February 2025
In a move consistent with several other European countries, such as the UK, France will beef up its air travel taxes starting in March. This means that the taxes travelers pay to board an aircraft will increase. The increase is proportional to the traveled distance. For instance, a domestic or European flight will be taxed at 7 Euro per person, and an intercontinental flight at 40.
Business aviation operators are hit the hardest, with taxes between 420 to more than 2000E.
Air France to open its special Nice to LA route starting in May
10 February 2025
The French flag carrier announced its intention to open the Nice to LA route in May 2025. The flight is one of the longest, crossing half of Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, and the American continent, and it will be operated by the Airbus A350. The schedule will not be regular but special. Only two flights are expected on the 12th and 26th of May to serve the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix events.
Russian civilian pilots encouraged to train for ‘worst-case scenarios’
07 February 2025
A Russian CAA regulator issued a statement encouraging local and foreign operators to train their pilots for worst-case scenarios. This means specific training should be included in simulator sessions, such as flying in heavily GPS-jammed areas, total loss of navigation systems, and hydraulic failures. The idea may be related to the heavy GPS spoofing encountered over the Russian Federation, a measure meant to combat foreign drones, and also to the recent shootdown of Flight 8243.
A preliminary report on Flight 8243 brings in more crash-related details
05 February 2025
A preliminary report on Flight 8243 was released today, providing more details about the December crash. Speculations have suggested a possible shootdown, and the newly released report seems to support this.
Inquirers revealed that all three hydraulic systems of the aircraft failed in quick succession after loud noises were heard on the CVR. Foreign debris was also found embedded in the fuselage of the aircraft.
The inquiry didn’t specifically mention that a missile hit the aircraft, but circumstantial and physical evidence point that way.
The inquiry will be finalized after more evidence is considered, and a final report will be published within one year.
Ryanair closes its Billund hub
31 January 2025
The low-cost carrier Ryan Air announced it will close its hub in Billund, Denmark, starting in March 2025. This will eliminate several other routes across Denmark.
The company’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, explained that the high taxation in Denmark fueled the decision.
Midair collision sends both American Eagle Flight 5342 and Blackhawk Helli plummeting to the ground with no survivors
29 January 2025
American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a Blackhawk helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan Airport in the U.S. The collision, which happened below 300m of altitude, sent both aircraft plummeting to the ground. The wrecks landed in the Potomac River, killing all the onboard occupants.
The accident is currently under investigation, while efforts to retrieve the bodies of the passengers are ongoing but hampered by the bad weather and the cold.
Air Busan A321 catches fire on the ground, forcing passengers to be evacuated
28 January 2025
An Air Busan A321 caught fire on the ground at Gimhae International Airport, prompting the crew to evacuate all the passengers via the aircraft’s emergency slides. It's a relief to report that no people were injured in the process, underscoring the safety of air travel.
An inquiry into the incident is currently underway, ensuring that all necessary steps are being taken to understand the cause and prevent such incidents in the future.
SAS introduces free broadband internet on all of its fleet
27 January 2025
The Danish flag carrier SAS will upgrade its entire fleet with broadband internet between 2025 and 2027. The service will be provided via SkyLink.
The connection will provide passengers with high-speed internet on any flight and in any location on Earth. This decision is a direct response to the increasing demand for onboard internet connectivity and a new trend among airlines to provide such a service. So far, around ten operators around the world have decided to have their jets connected to the StarLink satellite constellation.
Airbus will close its freshly established cargo line 14 months after opening it
24 January 2025
Airbus will close its Beluga AOC only 14 months after it was opened. The company operates the Airbus A300-600ST aircraft, a specialized transport airplane destined for oversized cargo items such as aircraft fuselages, helicopters, satellites, and heavy industry equipment.
The company didn’t specify why it made this decision but declared that it would help its 60 staff members through the transition period after the closure is complete.
The first Turkish commercial flight in the past 13 years lands at Damascus Airport
23 January 2025
Turkish Airlines is the second operator to resume commercial flights to Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. The first was Qatar Airways, which started operating in Damascus on January 7.
The Turkish flag carrier operated this first flight with a Boeing 777 and intends to keep the schedule up with three flights per week.
The landing marks another step to normality, signaling the return of stable political conditions in the country.
Starlink Internet paired with the ATR-72 500 and 600
22 January 2025
The ATR-72 500 and 600 series received EASA certification for high-speed internet onboard. The aircraft can now benefit from Starlink-provided internet in flight. The system can be retrofitted or installed on newly built ATRs.
Air New Zealand will be the new system's launch customer. The airline plans to introduce it on domestic flights later in 2025.
Eurowings selected the Boeing 737-8 as the successor to its Airbus A320 fleet
21 January 2025
Eurowings, the second German air operator, decided to upgrade its A320 and 319 fleet to the Boeing 737-8. The five billion USD contract will see the first aircraft delivered in 2027.
Eurowings claims the 737s are more fuel efficient and quieter than its aging Airbus fleet. They are also roomier, accommodating more passengers.
All of the aircraft should be delivered by the end of 2032.
Boeing resumes certification flights for the latest 777 model
18 January 2025
After a long and protracted development, Boeing has finally resumed its certification flights for the 777-9 model. This 9 model is part of a larger family, the 777-X, which is the last of the 777 series. Development started in 2013, and the first flight of the 9 model happened in 2020. Several technical problems delayed the type certification and the delivery of the model to its clients, with Qatar Aviation being the launch customer.
If certification flights are successfully completed, the first deliveries of the 777-9 model are expected to take place in 2026.
Emirates SkyCargo wet leases six 747 freighters
17 January 2025
Emirates Cargo decided to expand its fleet by wet leasing six aircraft from the Bulgarian operator Compass Air Cargo. The cargo-configured 747s will join the ten-aircraft-strong Emirates cargo fleet starting this year, rounding up the total freight carriers of the company to sixteen. There are plans to expand the fleet further; Emirates already has the 777 model on order. The company disclosed that it is also considering converting some of the older passenger aircraft to cargo configuration to keep up with freight transportation demands.
Jetex announced its intention to establish an FBO in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
15 January 2025
Jetex Flight Support announced in a press release that it signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The intention is to open an FBO in Tashkent Airport and a possible chain of FBOs later.
The decision came as an initiative of President Mirziyoyaev of Uzbekistan, who aims to establish world-class corporate FBOs across the country and open new possibilities for entrepreneurs. Jetex was chosen due to its vast experience, reliability, and quality of aviation-related services, especially for corporate aviation.
India’s largest low-cost carrier intends to open new routes to Europe
13 January 2025
In a press release, Indigo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, disclosed that it intends to open several European destinations. Its intention is to serve several European capitals, such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam. The recruitment and administrative processes have already been started.
The operation will be carried out with leased wide-body aircraft, most probably Boeing 787s. The schedule was not disclosed, but it will probably include several weekly flights.
Indigo operates mainly to Asian and domestic destinations, and the intention, if fulfilled, would open its first regular flight routes to Western Europe.
New findings in Jeju Flight 2216 crash
11 January 2025
New information surfaced during the investigation of the Flight 2216 crash in South Korea on the 29th of December 2024, and the findings raised more questions than answers. Both black boxes of the aircraft, the CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) and the FDR (Flight Data Recorder), stopped operating four minutes before the crash. It means that important data, recorded at a critical moment before the accident, was lost. This leaves the inquirers without an important source of clues on what had happened. If no useful information can be extracted from the black boxes, the inquiry will have to focus mainly on witness accounts, video footage, and control tower transcripts to gather data.
Jeju Flight 2216 is the deadliest aircraft accident on South Korean soil. The involved aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 belly, landed at Muan International Airport and skidded off the runway, colliding with a concrete structure housing the airport’s ILS antennas and killing 179 of the 181 persons onboard.
There are no known concrete causes yet as to what had caused the accident.
EASA increases restrictions for operations in the Russian Federation
10 January 2025
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a new bulletin concerning operations in the Russian Federation. The Bulletin replaces and broadens the previously issued recommendation, narrowing the geographical area where airlines can operate. Operations west of longitude at 60 o E must be treated with extreme caution at any flight level.
The recommendation is valid until July 2025 and was issued taking into consideration the high alert state of the Russian defense forces, Ukrainian drones and missiles flying over Russian territory, and the recent evidence that Flight 8243 had been hit while approaching Grozny airport.
Jeju Air suspends flights in the wake of Flight 2216 crash
09 January 2025
Jeju Air suspended more than one thousand flights in the wake of its fatal accident in December.
The airline suffered its first fatal accident on December 29th, when Flight 2216, operated by a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport. The company announced the suspension to check its entire fleet, revise safety procedures, and support affected relatives and passengers.
The inquiry into the crash is ongoing.
Vertical Aerospace takes the next step of test flying its VX4 prototype
08 January 2025
Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based company that develops and builds electrically powered aircraft, took a new step with its VX4 prototype development. The VX4 is a tilt-rotor aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing and wings-generated lift in cruise flight. The aircraft already performed several unmanned flights and was slightly damaged during one of them. It has eight propellors: four in the front that act during take-off and horizontal flight and four aft that work only during take-off and landing.
The prototype successfully performed several manned flights, mainly slow-speed vertical flights, with Simon Davis, the company’s chief pilot, at the controls.
The company is working to extend its permit to fly for the next phase of testing, which is wing-supported horizontal flight.
Two more airlines suspend their flights to the Russian Federation
07 January 2025
Two more airlines have suspended flights to the Russian Federation in the wake of the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Flight 8243.
Air Serbia, one of the two European operators that still fly to Russia (the other being Turkish Airlines), and Qanot, a Uzbek operator, decided to suspend operations to Russian destinations. Air Serbia did not specify a reason for the decision, while Qanot mentioned that its A320s operating the routes to the Russian Federation will enter maintenance for a prolonged period.
The decision shrinks the pool of operators that still fly to Russian destinations even further after major airlines seized operations at the start of the war in 2022.
Iceland joins Eurocontrol starting on the 1st of January
06 January 2025
Iceland became the newest member of Eurocontrol, starting with the 1st of January, becoming the 42nd member of the organization. The move marks the first occasion in the past ten years since Estonia adhered in 2015.
For more than 25 years, the nation has been engaged in aviation-related collaboration, including operational coordination and data exchange. Its accession to EUROCONTROL formalizes this long-standing collaboration.
06 January 2025
Autonomy Global is a new digital hub launched on January 1st dedicated to delivering insights into the drone-producing industry. The portal features articles, news, and multimedia content on autonomous technologies, including drones, eVTOLs, counter-UAS, EVs, and robotics. The platform will serve as a centralized resource for developments across the defense, public safety, enterprise, and education sectors.
More details can be found directly on the portal at:
Emirates officially starts operating its A350
04 January 2025
Emirates Airlines just started operating its newest Airbus A350 aircraft. The first such flight landed at Edinburgh Airport, connecting Scotland to UAE.
The aircraft’s cabin is configured specifically for Emirates Airlines and is claimed to be ‘the quietest twin-aisle cabin of any aircraft.’
Emirates Airlines plans to use this model for eight more destinations in the coming months: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kuwait, Bahrain, Colombo, Lyon, Muscat, and Bologna.
Airbus will buy back shares at the start of 2025
03 January 2025
In an announcement published on the official website of the consortium, Airbus unveiled it will buy back shares starting with the end of December 2024, until early 2025. The decision was made to support future employee share ownership, and aims to buy back a maximum of 10 % of the shares. The transactions are in line with the European Regulation no 596/2014 and are part of a second share buyback strategy announced in September 2024.
Boeing appoints Dana Deasy as Chief Information Officer
03 January 2025
Boeing appointed Dana Deasy as its new Chief Information Officer, starting with the 31st of December 2024. Deasy replaces Susan Doniz, who left the company at the end of the same year, bringing in more than forty years of experience in technology and leadership. Boeing's CEO and president, Kelly Ortberg, mentioned that 'Dana is a well-respected, global technology leader who has a track record of delivering on innovative technologies across large and complex organizations. With the need to stay vigilant to protect against cyber threats, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence playing a larger role across all industries, our IT team will have a key role as we focus on meeting our safety and quality goals, delivering reliably for our customers and positioning ourselves for the future.'
Deasy was formerly the Department of Defence's Chief Information Officer and the Secretary of Defense's primary advisor on information management matters.
Qatar Airways resumes flights to Syria
02 January 2025
The first external operator to resume flight to Syria, Qatar Airways marks the end of a period of thirteen years, during which the Qatari operator avoided the country. The move marks baby steps to normality after the country’s long-time ruler Bashar Al Assad’s flight to Russia.
The airline intends to operate a three-flight-per-week schedule starting on January 7, 2025, taking a bold and significant step to reconnect the region. The enterprise follows the recent opening of Damascus International Airport, which had been closed due to the events leading to Assad’s overthrow.
Air India offers free internet on domestic flights
02 January 2025
Good news for India’s domestic air travelers! The national carrier has decided to offer free internet access on its domestic flights. The decision comes after a relatively long period during which national regulations forbade in-flight internet access over Indian territory, a ban that was dropped in 2018. Currently, Air India offers complimentary in-flight internet access, intending to charge for the service later.
Access to the service was finally allowed starting in 2018, but only above FL100, fearing interference with electronic ground installations. In early 2024, this restriction was lifted, and operators flying above India enjoyed unlimited access to the internet.
The Indian carrier, owned by Tata Group, started the program one year prior, offering the service on international flights, and extended it for domestic ones at the beginning of 2025.
New Chinese fighter troubles Western observers
27 December 2024
Heading 5
Aviation news feeds were flooded by images of an unknown Chinese military aircraft, seen flying in formation at the end of December with one of China’s most advanced fighters, the J20. The unknown shape in the sky is claimed to be China’s first 6th-generation fighter jet. Little is known about the project, which apparently was developed in high secrecy. However, many Western analysts wonder if the project is a bluff or a true development since similar Western concepts are still during their research and design phase.
Speculations mention the fact that the technology needed for a sixth-generation fighter has not been properly developed yet, and the ideas surrounding such a concept are still vague. For example, Europe’s FCAS (Future Combat Air System) is expected to enter service in 2040. The American F/A-XX and NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) projects are also only on paper; entry to service is expected during the same period.
Under these circumstances, it remains to be seen whether China’s claimed sixth-generation fighter is only a PR stunt, a fifth-generation jet, or indeed proof that China is well ahead of the world.
Cessna SkyCourier receives Canadian type certification
17 December 2024
The SkyCourier, Cessna’s latest bush aircraft, received its Canadian type certificate. The cargo-carrying model will soon enter service with Air Bravo Corporation, a local Canadian operator. The aircraft is claimed to be a game changer due to its high load capacity, cheap operating costs, and its possibility of operating to remote airstrips far into the Canadian north.
The aircraft is a high-wing turboprop available in freighter and passenger variants and a Combi configuration. The passenger variant includes separate crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, a large baggage compartment, and large cabin windows.
The freighter variant features a flat-floor cabin sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers, with an impressive 2.7-ton payload capability.
The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprops.
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Rotor Technologies paves the way for crop dusting UAVs
27 November 2024
Rotor Technologies, a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles based in Nashua, NH, specializing in heavy-lift drones for agricultural and utility applications, unveiled its Sprayhawk, the world’s largest and most advanced agricultural UAV, at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. Based on the Robinson R-44 helicopter, the Sprayhawk is basically an R-44 retrofitted with a spraying apparatus and remote control possibility.
It comes with a ground station from where the aircraft is piloted.
A five-minute demo flight took place before more than two hundred guests, with the Sprayhawk demonstrating its capabilities without a pilot onboard.
Rotor offers its products as newly built aircraft and kits that can be retrofitted to existing R-44 choppers.
The event marked a new step in UAV development, paving the way for large-scale agricultural work.