Vietjet completes delivery of 22 aircraft in historic fleet expansion before year-end, positioning the Vietnamese budget carrier for accelerated growth across Southeast Asia. The milestone includes Airbus A321neo jets, Boeing aircraft for regional operations, and COMAC planes for domestic routes.
Vertical Aerospace has entered the final phase of its eVTOL prototype flight-test program, having received a 'Permit to Fly' from the UK CAA. The company completed phases 1, 2 and 3 earlier in the year, including flying in open air space for the first time.
Vertical Aerospace has completed its third and final full-scale prototype aircraft, which will start piloted flight testing in January 2026. The aircraft is an exact duplicate of Vertical's current full-scale prototype, undergoing transition flight testing at the UK Flight Test Centre.
United Airlines will air a new space-inspired film during the Superbowl on February 8, 2026, to celebrate its Starlink Wi-Fi rollout. The carrier has already equipped over 300 aircraft with the system, which is now available to almost all its passengers flying on regional service.
United Airlines flight 2323 experienced a mechanical issue upon landing at Orlando International Airport, resulting in the detachment of its nose wheel. The aircraft was grounded due to the incident, with passengers being bused to the terminal.
A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff on December 13, 2025, and returned safely to Washington Dulles International Airport. According to AeroTime, a piece of the engine cover separated and caught fire, sparking a brush fire on airport grounds.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, nearly 100 cadet pilots were trained during 2025 as part of a broader effort to expand and professionalize its aviation personnel pipeline. The ministry also reported issuing 437 state certificates to aviation personnel following qualification exams in 2025.
Ukraine's Defense Forces reported striking Russian Be-12 aircraft in occupied Crimea overnight, according to Breaking Defense reports. The facility used for maintaining naval aviation platforms was targeted, with two aircraft reportedly damaged.
AeroTime reports that aircraft leasing has grown significantly over the last five decades, driven by airlines' need for capital-light models, access to fuel-efficient aircraft, and simplified cross-border financing. However, this structural shift has introduced new challenges, including technical risk, which can be mitigated through engineering-led oversight.
Breaking Defense reports that the AI aircraft debate rages on, with some arguing for human pilot augmentation and others advocating for pilotless aircraft. Aerospace engineer Tory Bruno weighs in on the intersection of automation, AI, and high-reliability systems, suggesting new possibilities for aircraft support.
STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a significant milestone for the Taiwan-based carrier. The new widebody jet features a unique 'carbon-fiber motif' and will initially operate on routes within Asia to build operational experience.
South Korea is preparing to deliver the first production KF-21 Boramae fighter jets to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2026. The deliveries mark the transition of the country's flagship combat aircraft program from development to operational service.
Singapore Airshow 2026 concluded with record attendance, drawing 125,000 attendees over six days. The event featured aerial demonstrations, static displays of over 30 aircraft, and crucial negotiations between companies.
Saab has presented an industrial proposal to support up to 12,600 jobs in Canada by localizing production of its Gripen fighter jet and GlobalEye airborne surveillance aircraft. According to AeroTime, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that Ottawa is examining the proposal as part of its broader Canada-Sweden aerospace and defense partnership.
The Federal Air Transport Agency has approved a modified Tu-214 with domestic-made systems and components, which will enable serial production and delivery to Russian airlines. Eight planes will be built in 2026, followed by 12 in 2027, and then from 2028 production will rise to 20 per year.
A Qantas Airbus A380 was grounded in Los Angeles after wing damage was discovered on its inaugural flight from Sydney. The aircraft experienced delamination of a slat, but flight controls and safety systems functioned normally.
PNG Air has taken delivery of two ATR 72-600 aircraft from ACIA Aero Leasing, marking a significant milestone in the airline's fleet modernization strategy. The aircraft, configured with 70 seats, will enhance connectivity to Papua New Guinea's remote communities as part of the carrier's three-year transition to a single-type fleet.
Piper Aircraft has entered into an agreement with United Aviate Academy to provide up to three multi-engine Piper Seminole aircraft for training purposes. As part of the partnership, UAA will become a member of the Piper Flight School Alliance.
Matthew 'Fish' Hartkop, team leader of experimental flight tests department at Pilatus, shared his insights on flying experience and favorite aircraft. Hartkop flew over 90 different aircraft in his career, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet and PC-21.
Pilatus Post spoke with Jan and Stefan Greub, who share their experiences as airline and test pilots at Pilatus. Jan began his career after initially planning to be a military pilot, while Stefan is involved in the development of the PC-24 aircraft.
Pilatus reported its best year ever in 2022, driven by high demand and sales of 1.3 billion Swiss francs. Despite supply chain challenges, the company delivered 40 PC-24s and 80 PC-12 NGXs, with orders worth 1.
The first customers of the Pilatus PC-24 have been flying the Super Versatile Jet for some time now. CEO Cédric Lescop and pilot Philippe Ceretti discuss their experiences with the aircraft, which offers many advantages such as a large quiet cabin and fast performance.
Pilatus has started construction on a new Structure Assembly Hall at its headquarters in Switzerland. Located near the Pilatus headquarters, the hall will be ready for use by mid-2019.
Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd delivered the first PC-24 Super Versatile Jet to Chilean customer Ignacio del Rio at a ceremony in Santiago. The aircraft will be used in support of del Rio's agriculture and real estate businesses in South America.
Skytech Inc., a Pilatus dealer based in the eastern United States, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. With a long-standing relationship with Pilatus, the company has built up a strong spare parts distribution centre for the PC-12 fleet in North America.
Pilatus will participate in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, displaying its aircraft amidst a showcase of high-performance cars. This year's event is expected to attract 180,000 visitors, providing an opportunity for Pilatus to promote its aviation expertise.
Goldeck-Flug has modernized its fleet with Pilatus aircraft, including a second PC-12 NG. The company is expanding services with a private shared ownership program for its newest aircraft.
Philippine Airlines has received its first Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the airline's fleet modernization and global expansion strategy. The delivery was made by Airbus, with whom PAL has partnered for over 40 years.
The Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jennifer Homendy, has expressed her opposition to proposed legislation that would reduce safety in the skies over Washington DC. The NTSB is concerned about the potential risks of military aircraft operating without ADS-B technology, which provides an aircraft's location to air traffic control and other aircraft pilots.
NATO fighter jets were scrambled on November 25 after an unmanned drone penetrated deeper into Romanian airspace than any previous incursion, reaching over 100 kilometers inland. German Eurofighters and Romanian F-16s responded to the breach along Romania's southeastern border with Ukraine.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has reported a significant increase in order intake and revenue growth in its first half of FY2025, driven by strong demand in Energy Systems and Aircraft, Defense & Space. The company's total order backlog has reached a record high, according to Breaking Defense reports.
Magnifica Air, a new premium scheduled airline launching in the US in 2027, has revealed details of its future operation and value proposition. The airline will operate Airbus A220 and A321 aircraft with Comlux outfitted cabins.
Lufthansa is commemorating its centennial with a special anniversary fleet, painting six aircraft in distinctive commemorative livery to celebrate the airline's 100-year milestone in 2026. The design features a white crane on a blue fuselage, with aircraft including a Boeing 787-9, Airbus A380, A350 variants, A320, and 747-8.
A LOT Polish Airlines Embraer E170 veered off the runway while landing at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania on November 26, 2025, amid heavy snowfall. Flight LO771 from Warsaw touched down at 13:43 local time but skidded off the paved surface while taxiing to the stand.
Jet2 has announced plans to launch a flight program and associated holidays from London Gatwick Airport for the first time in 2026. With six aircraft based at LGW, Jet2 becomes the largest new-based airline at the facility since 2000.
Gulfstream's new G300 super-midsize jet has successfully completed its maiden flight in Israel, marking a significant milestone for the aircraft manufacturer's partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries. The test aircraft, powered by Honeywell HTF7250G engines, completed a two-hour flight from Ben Gurion International Airport, reaching 30,000 feet and Mach 0.
Saab and Embraer, in partnership with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), have completed the certification flight test campaign for in-flight refueling between the F-39 Gripen E and the KC-390 Millennium. The campaign was carried out at Embraer's Gavião Peixoto facility, home to the Gripen Flight Test Centre.
France and Germany are considering scaling back their involvement in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, according to a report from the Financial Times. The two governments may cancel the joint New Generation Fighter (NGF) component and focus on the 'combat cloud' architecture instead.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has finalized a rule requiring 25-hour cockpit voice recorders on new aircraft, starting from 2027. For newly produced passenger planes, this will be the standard baseline rather than an optional upgrade.
Emirates and Air Canada have announced plans to grow their strategic partnership with new global routes, following an order of eight more Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The updated agreement aims to enhance services for customers and cargo shippers, while creating opportunities for new destinations across North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Embraer confirmed that it delivered 78 commercial aircraft in 2025, falling short of its initial target range of 77-85 units. The company's executive aviation sector delivered 155 jets, while defense deliveries included three KC-390 Millennium aircraft and eight A-29 Super Tucanos.
Dassault Aviation has launched its DassaultAir3D augmented reality app, allowing users to view aircraft in 3D and even sit in the pilot's seat of a Rafale. Available for mobile devices, the app utilizes AR technology to provide an immersive experience.
Dassault Aviation has published a new book titled 'Airplanes, from the very first aircraft to the planes of tomorrow' by Matt Ralphs. The book explores the fascinating story of flight from hot air balloons to modern aircraft, drawing on the author's passion for aircraft and science fiction.
Dassault Aviation has released 'Combat Aircraft: 100 Legendary Jets from 1944 to the Present Day,' a book compiled by editor-in-chief Alexis Rocher. The publication covers the most advanced aircraft produced over the last eighty years, including fighters, bombers, and transport aircraft.
Dassault Aviation has launched a new configurator called MyPlaneDesign, allowing users to customize aircraft designs and colors. This application is available for free download on Google Play, App Store, and Desktop.
Dassault Aviation is hosting an open day at the Nîmes-Garons civil security base on October 4, 2025. The event will feature a flyover by Patrouille de France and displays of the base's emergency response aircraft.
Dassault Aviation and Thales have announced a strategic partnership to develop supervised artificial intelligence for crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft. The collaboration, unveiled at Paris's Adopt AI Summit, focuses on integrating AI into mission-critical functions including observation, situation analysis, and decision-making support.
Cutter Aviation has been serving the Southwestern United States for over 90 years, providing a range of aviation services from aircraft sales to maintenance. The company became an Authorised Pilatus Centre in 2018, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
China has confirmed the maiden flight of its CH-7 stealth uncrewed aerial vehicle, marking a significant step in the country's effort to develop low-observable drones. According to China Daily, the aircraft completed its first flight from an airfield in northwest China and features a blended wing-body shape and shielded engine exhaust intended to reduce radar and infrared signatures.
China Airlines has approved a major fleet modernization plan valued at $7.852 billion, authorizing the acquisition of 18 new widebody aircraft including five Airbus A350-1000s, five Boeing 777-9s, and four 777-8 freighters. The carrier will retire four Boeing 747-400 freighters as part of the strategic plan.
Dassault Aviation's Chartres Air Show is set to take place on September 21, with an impressive lineup of aircraft and activities. Following the success of its 2023 edition, the new show promises to be even more exciting.
Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 enters into service, delivering significant upgrades driven by customer feedback. Launch customers Dave Mecartney and Shannon Day took delivery of their new aircraft this week.
Civil Air Patrol has ordered 15 new Cessna aircraft to support lifesaving and community missions. This expansion follows recent deliveries of additional aircraft, expanding the fleet to over 500 Cessna aircraft nationwide.
The Canadian government has repealed its 10% luxury tax on aircraft, a measure that had hindered competitiveness and driven business elsewhere. The change took effect on November 5, 2025, one day after the release of Budget 2025.
The Canadian government has placed a $400 million order with Bombardier for six Global 6500s with military modifications. The aircraft will join the Canadian Air Force to perform worldwide utility flights and support missions such as aeromedical evacuations, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and national security operations.
Boeing delivered 53 aircraft in October 2025, with the 737 MAX family leading deliveries. This rebound comes after last year's strike, which impacted output.
Belgium has ordered 18 Pilatus PC-7 MKX training aircraft for the Belgian Air Force, marking the third European nation to select the Swiss manufacturer's advanced trainer. The order includes a comprehensive Ground-Based Training System with simulators, computer-based training platforms, and mission planning tools.
Aviation Capital Group has placed an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, comprising half B737 MAX 10 and half B737 MAX 8s. This deal brings ACG's 737 MAX order book to 121 aircraft, according to Breaking Defense reports.
Airbus has secured a firm order for 30 A320neo aircraft from long-time partner China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC). The deal includes a conversion clause, allowing CALC to switch to other variants of the Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has expressed confidence in the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) despite ongoing tensions with Dassault Aviation. The program, launched in 2017, aims to deliver a 'system of systems' centered on a next-generation fighter, supported by collaborative drones and a networked combat cloud.
Airbus' last active BelugaST will make its final flight on January 29, 2026, after more than three decades of service. The aircraft has been replaced by the BelugaXL, which offers improved space and range.
AirBorneo has ordered eight new ATR aircraft, comprising five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s. The order was announced at the Singapore Airshow 2026 and confirmed by Malaysia's Sarawak Ministry of Transport.
AIR unveiled its first production unit of the cargo eVTOL aircraft, featuring optimized battery integration and a larger cargo bay. The aircraft has also been enhanced with foldable wings for more compact storage.
A Ryanair-operated Boeing 737-8 MAX experienced an engine shutdown shortly after departing Krakow on December 8, 2025, following the detachment of a cockpit sun visor. The crew successfully restarted the engine in flight and landed the aircraft without incident.