A proposed unleaded fuel has moved closer to potential fleetwide approval, with ASTM International publishing a new standard specification for UL100E. The FAA's Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative aims to identify a single avgas replacement, and testing is ongoing on various aircraft and engines.
The US Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $739 million contract for five launches of missile tracking satellites under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. The award includes 44 satellites, with two launches to begin in Q4 FY2026 and another two in Q3 FY2027.
The Defense Innovation Unit is launching a program to mature magnetic navigation (magnav) systems, which use instruments called magnetometers to detect changes in the Earth's terrestrial magnetic field. The program aims to demonstrate 'mature technology' for magnetic mapping that can enable magnav across 'trans-oceanic distances.
The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed new rules requiring US aircraft operators to replace or upgrade radio altimeters due to potential interference with wireless carriers' services in the Upper C-band. The estimated cost is about $4.
The Department of the Air Force has introduced five new acquisition portfolios, led by a mix of military and civilian officials. The Space Force has also established two portfolios of its own.
The US military launched an operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, with limited ground-to-air fire but no aerial resistance. Experts suggest that Venezuela's air force was taken by surprise and prioritized withdrawal and dispersion of its assets.
A fatal helicopter crash in central Arizona has renewed concerns about the effectiveness of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system. The accident occurred January 2, 2026, near Telegraph Canyon, east of Phoenix, when an MD Helicopters MD530F carrying four people crashed in rugged terrain.
The US Coast Guard executed a pre-dawn boarding and seizure of the motor tanker Olina in international waters east of the Caribbean Sea, marking the fifth tanker interdicted in recent weeks. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Department of Justice.
Air Canada has agreed to extend its contract with PAL Airlines for regional flights by four years to 2032. The airline will increase its fleet by five additional Dash 8-400 aircraft on behalf of Air Canada Express.
The US military is exploring ways to secure intellectual property for critical technologies like weapon systems. Additive manufacturing offers a solution, but contractors are concerned about handing over their IP.
Philippine Airlines has introduced 'The Safetynovela', a telenovela-style in-flight safety video featuring stunning cinematography and a dramatic story. The approach aims to connect with passengers and champion Filipino culture, as part of the airline's broader modernization program under its 'Care That Comes from the Heart' brand philosophy.
KF Aerospace has completed the world's first Boeing 737-800 passenger-cargo combi conversion, receiving authorization to enter service from Transport Canada. The modified aircraft features a forward cargo compartment and 90-passenger cabin, marking a significant milestone in airline fleet modernization.
Archer Aviation has partnered with NVIDIA to integrate the IGX Thor platform into its eVTOL operations. This advanced software uses Artificial Intelligence to assess operational circumstances, facilitating pilot tasks and smoothing operations in crowded airspaces.
Textron Aviation has entered service with its newest private jet model, the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2, following FAA certification in October 2025. The aircraft features enhanced capabilities, including Garmin autothrottle technology and a fully customizable cabin environment.
Frontier Airlines announced James Dempsey as its new president and CEO, effective January 8, 2026. Dempsey succeeds Barry Biffle, who led the airline for nearly 12 years.
NASA has confirmed that SpaceX Crew-11 will return early from the International Space Station due to health concerns. The decision was announced on January 8, 2026, and a news conference involving incoming NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman was held.
AeroTime columnist Ann Cederhall argues that group bookings are a ripe area for improvement in the travel industry. She suggests that airlines can modernize their processes to automate quoting, inventory management, and digital contract management.
Russia's Ministry of Defense said it launched its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile as part of a massive overnight attack targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and drone manufacturing sites. The strike was reportedly retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence in Valdai in late December.
Joby Aviation has acquired a 700,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, marking another step in its plan to increase aircraft output. The newly acquired site will support Joby's near-term goal of doubling production to four aircraft per month by 2027.
The Army has selected three companies - Bell, M1, and Lockheed Martin - to move on to the next phase of the Flight School Next program. The companies will provide more information about their proposals and illustrate their full-scale solutions.