50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

World aviation news

Embraer appoints FL Technics as authorized E-Jet service center in Lithuania

Embraer has appointed FL Technics as an Embraer Authorized Service Center (EASC) for its commercial aircraft fleet in Lithuania. The designation covers the E170 and E190 aircraft, further strengthening FL Technics’ regional aircraft maintenance capabilities. Support services will be delivered from the company’s facilities in Vilnius and Kaunas. Drawing on extensive experience i...

Daher highlights growing role of Kodiak and TBM Aircraft in wildfire response operations

From the forests of Canada and the Pacific Northwest to the fire-prone landscapes of Florida, Daher Aircraft’s Kodiak and TBM platforms are playing an increasingly critical role in wildfire response operations. Deployed on the front lines, these aircraft support aerial coordination efforts, oversee air tanker missions and provide real-time situational awareness in some of the most challengin...

Archer and ITA Airways drive forward vision for sustainable air taxi travel in Italy

Archer Aviation Inc. and ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier and a member of the Lufthansa Group, have entered into a strategic partnership to advance the deployment of an all-electric air taxi network across Italy. As part of the Star Alliance network, ITA Airways currently s...

Boston MedFlight expands critical care air transport fleet with order for three Airbus H145 helicopters

Boston MedFlight, the internationally recognized nonprofit provider of critical care transport services, has signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters for three new H145 helicopters as part of its ongoing fleet modernization and expansion strategy across New England. With this...

Jet Excellence upgrades Citation X fleet with Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity

Jet Excellence, a leading U.S. charter operator, will retrofit its entire fleet of Cessna Citation X aircraft with the advanced Gogo Galileo HDX connectivity solution. To support the fleet-wide upgrade, Jet Excellence is leveraging Gogo’s flexible financing program, enabling the oper...

Embraer and Austrian Airlines strengthen E-Jets fleet support with new component pool agreement

Embraer and Austrian Airlines have signed a Component Pool Program agreement to support the carrier’s fleet of 13 E195 aircraft. Under the agreement, Austrian Airlines will gain access to Embraer’s comprehensive component support solutions designed to maximize fleet availability and oper...

Airbus and Air France-KLM finalize joint venture for A350 component support

Airbus has launched Alpha Component Solutions, a 50:50 joint venture with Air France dedicated to delivering comprehensive A350 component support services. Jointly operated by Airbus and Air France-KLM, the new company manages a global shared-access component pool, offering operators access to...

ALSIM and ADMAL Flying Academy reinforce pilot training excellence in Malaysia with AL250 simulator

ALSIM is supporting the advancement of pilot training in Malaysia through ADMAL Flying Academy’s acquisition of an AL250 simulator. The addition of the device will enhance the academy’s Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL/IR) and Frozen ATPL programmes, giving cadets access to a highly realist...

Western Aircraft marks dual Pilatus milestones with 300th PC-12 delivery and 30 years of authorized sales & service excellence

Western Aircraft, an Authorized Pilatus Center and Greenwich AeroGroup company, is celebrating a trio of significant achievements in 2026 that underscore its enduring partnership with Pilatus. The milestones include the delivery of its 300th PC-12, a new-generation PC-12 PRO, the handover...

The best (and cheapest) ways to buy Avios points

What’s the point of buying Avios? You might think that Avios points are the frequent flyer currency of British Airways, and you’re not wrong. The airline launched the currency back in the early 2010s, and it’s proven a very popular scheme. What you may not know is that other airlines either use it as their currency or are bookable using Avios. That list includes some big names...

SITA reinforces its airline operations leadership with strategic Flightscape acquisition

The acquisition marks an important step in SITA’s evolution from a provider of aviation connectivity solutions to a driver of smarter operational decision-making. By combining Flightscape’s capabilities with its existing portfolio, SITA aims to help airlines and their industry partners predict disruptions earlier, respond more quickly, and improve operational resilience across the enti...

Etihad’s iconic A380 touches down in Thailand for the first time

Etihad Airways has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of its iconic Airbus A380 in Thailand for the first time. The airline’s flagship aircraft touched down in Bangkok this morning, introducing Thai travelers to Etihad’s most renowned onboard products, including The Residenc...

Emirates to introduce latest-generation A350 on Mauritius route from 1 November

Emirates will introduce its latest-generation Airbus A350 on the Dubai-Mauritius route from 1 November 2026, replacing the Boeing 777 currently operating the carrier’s daily EK709/710 service. Configured in a three-class layout, the Emirates A350 will accommodate 298 passengers, incl...

airBaltic files first monthly operating reports with U.S. court and publishes preliminary unaudited financial information

Air Baltic Corporation AS , Latvia’s national airline and the leading carrier in the Baltic States, announced that airBaltic and its subsidiaries participating in the voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings have filed their first monthly operating reports with the United States Bankrup...

Embraer delivers first E175 with new RECARO cabin interior to American Airlines

Embraer has delivered the first E175 fitted with next-generation RECARO passenger seats to American Airlines, marking another step in the ongoing modernization of one of the world's most successful regional jet platforms. The delivery brings an enhanced cabin experience aimed at elevating passen...

CAA Malaysia advances air traffic controller recruitment strategy with Airways International’s SureSelect

Airways International has entered into a new five-year partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), extending the use of its SureSelect air traffic control (ATC) candidate assessment and selection platform. Under the agreement, CAAM will continue to leverage Airways International’s suite of ATC-specific assessment tools to support the recruitment and selection of fu...

VINCI Airports announces the most significant investment plan in Edinburgh Airport’s history: £500 million over five years to support its growth

VINCI Airports has announced a landmark £500 million investment programme for Edinburgh Airport over the next five years, marking the largest investment in the airport's history. The initiative underscores the long-term commitment of VINCI Airports and its co-shareholder Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) to enhancing the airport's efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability. S...

Riga Airport initiates the next stage of RIX Airport City development

Riga Airport is taking the next step in the development of RIX Airport City by launching, on 22 September, the qualification stage of an international competitive dialogue to select a development partner for a new hotel and office complex on the Airport’s territory. Envisioned as a cornerst...

Star Alliance Paris CDG Lounge remains the World's Best Airline Alliance Lounge

The Star Alliance Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has been named the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, securing the prestigious title for a third consecutive year. Further highlighting the alliance’s leadership in premium ground serv...

BGS begins fueling cooperation with Airest at Kaunas and Riga airports

Baltic Ground Services (BGS), a global provider of ground handling and aircraft fueling services, has initiated cooperation with Airest, taking over into‑plane fueling operations at Kaunas (KUN) and Riga (RIX) airports. The services are performed by BGS in Kaunas and by Gulfstream Oil (GSO), part of...

Aviator signs four-year Lufthansa Group ground handling contract at Gothenburg-Landvetter airport

Aviator Airport Alliance signed a four-year contract with Lufthansa Group to provide full ground handling services at Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (GOT). The agreement covers five of the group’s carriers – Lufthansa Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Air...

The soaring spirit returns: gliding community heads back to Lake Constance for AERO 2027

At AERO 2027, taking place from 14 to 17 April 2027, gliding will once again take centre stage with the dedicated AERO Gliding Expo exhibition area. As part of Europe’s leading trade show for air sports, general aviation and business aviation, the sector will showcase its latest generation of high-performance, technology-driven sailplanes and innovations. Several leading manufacturers, inclu...

Air Charter Expo Regional Europe set for first appearance at AERO Friedrichshafen 2027

AERO 2027 (April 14–17) saw the formal announcement of Air Charter Expo Regional – Europe by show organisers The Air Charter Association and Business Air News, made during ACE26 at London Biggin Hill Airport on 8 September. The reveal was a standout moment for the UK event, which surpassed its previous attendance record with more than 2,100 visitors from 62 countries and a fully b...

Ten years of Riga Aviation Forum — insights from Zigmars Vestfals on growth, milestones and the road ahead

As the 10th edition of the Riga Aviation Forum was getting ready to open, 50SkyShades — a long‑standing Media Partner of the event — took the opportunity to sit down with Zigmars Vestfals, CEO of the Latvian Aviation Association, just hours before the official kick‑off. Marking a deca...

10th Riga Aviation Forum to bring together Baltic and European aviation industry leaders

The leading aviation industry conference in the Baltic region, the Riga Aviation Forum, will bring together top-level aviation leaders, policymakers, experts, and business executives from the Baltics, the Nordics, and across Europe on 10 September 2026 at Hanzas Perons in Riga. Partic...

Riga Aviation Forum 2026: Europe’s leading aviation decision makers to convene in Riga

Riga Aviation Forum (RAF), the largest Baltics’ flagship high‑level aviation business conference, will take place on 10 September 2026 in Riga, Latvia as a gathering point for Europe’s aviation leaders, policymakers, industry innovators, and academic experts. Since its establishment...

Registration now open for EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026, to be held in Lyon, France

Registration has opened for EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026, which takes place 30 Nov. – 3 Dec. at EUREXPO Lyon in Lyon, France. As Europe’s leading event for the vertical aviation industry, EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026 will bring together operators, manufacturers, regulators, suppliers, training orga...

Kepplair Evolution accelerates its growth with a new €6 million funding round, bringing the total funding raised to €17.5 million

Kepplair Evolution, just days after completing the first pre‑modification flights of its prototype aircraft, has announced the closing of a new €6 million funding round — bringing total financing secured since 2024 to €17.5 million, including €12.5 million in private investment and €5 million in public support from the French State and the Occitanie Region (France 2030 an...

Ampaire’s Series B fuels the next phase of its hybrid‑electric aircraft development

Ampaire has closed a $19 million Series B round led by DiamondStream Partners, bringing its total funding to $68 million. This includes roughly $25 million in non‑dilutive grants and contracts that have supported the development and real‑world demonstration of its hybrid‑electric technologies and aircraft programs. Kevin Noertker, co-founder and CEO of Ampaire, commented: “This finan...

Kaszek makes first aviation AI investment, backing TravelX's trillion-dollar dynamic inventory vision

TravelX announced that Kaszek, Latin America's leading venture capital firm, made a substantial investment in its platform, bringing the company's total funding to $45 million. The investment marks Kaszek's first foray into the aviation technology space, reflecting its conviction th...

Air France-KLM submits a binding offer for an up to 49.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal

Air France-KLM today has submitted a binding offer to Parpública for the acquisition of a 44.9% to 49.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal, marking a decisive step in the airline’s privatization process. This offer takes the form of a comprehensive strategic p...

GetJet secures $31M financing from volofin to expand fleet and asset management operations

GetJet has secured $31 million in external financing from London-based volofin Capital Management Ltd. The capital injection accelerates the GetJet Group Growth Strategy 2026, focused on fleet expansion and the scaling of aviation asset management capabilities. The funding facilitates the acqui...

ACIA Aero Leasing delivers an ATR 72-600 to Chingis Airlines Unity, Mongolia

ACIA Aero Leasing announced the delivery of an ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft on lease to Chingis Airlines Unity in Mongolia. Chingis Airlines Unity are owned by the NOMIN Group, one of Mongolia’s largest and most diversified private companies. Founded in 1992 the NOMIN Group has grown into a m...

Archer and ITA Airways drive forward vision for sustainable air taxi travel in Italy

Archer Aviation Inc. and ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier and a member of the Lufthansa Group, have entered into a strategic partnership to advance the deployment of an all-electric air taxi network across Italy. As part of the Star Alliance network, ITA Airways currently serves more than 70 destinations worldwide, making it a key player in the country’s aviation la...

Boston MedFlight expands critical care air transport fleet with order for three Airbus H145 helicopters

Boston MedFlight, the internationally recognized nonprofit provider of critical care transport services, has signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters for three new H145 helicopters as part of its ongoing fleet modernization and expansion strategy across New England. With this latest acquisition, the organization's total number of Airbus H145 purchases rises to 12 aircraf...

Airbus and Air France-KLM finalize joint venture for A350 component support

Airbus has launched Alpha Component Solutions, a 50:50 joint venture with Air France dedicated to delivering comprehensive A350 component support services. Jointly operated by Airbus and Air France-KLM, the new company manages a global shared-access component pool, offering operators access to...

HALO-Flight expands Texas Air Med fleet with additional Bell 407GXi helicopter order

HALO-Flight is set to further expand its South Texas air medical capabilities following the order of an additional Bell 407GXi announced by Bell Textron at AMTC 2026. The new aircraft will bring the operator’s fleet to seven IFR-equipped Bell 407GXi helicopters, enhancing reliability, coverage...

PAL-V and Nobleo partner to industrialise FlyDrive production facility and scale manufacturing readiness

PAL-V has appointed Nobleo Manufacturing as its strategic industrialisation partner for the world’s first FlyDrive production facility. Following the achievement of both automotive and aviation production approvals, PAL-V is advancing towards large-scale manufacturing by further refining, opti...

Embraer reports record US$35.7 billion backlog in Q3 2026, marking a new all-time high

Embraer reported a record backlog of US$35.7 billion in the third quarter of 2026, surpassing its previous all-time high by 3% quarter-over-quarter and increasing 14% compared with the same period last year. Commercial Aviation ended the quarter with a backlog of US$15.8 bil...

Western Aircraft marks dual Pilatus milestones with 300th PC-12 delivery and 30 years of authorized sales & service excellence

Western Aircraft, an Authorized Pilatus Center and Greenwich AeroGroup company, is celebrating a trio of significant achievements in 2026 that underscore its enduring partnership with Pilatus. The milestones include the delivery of its 300th PC-12, a new-generation PC-12 PRO, the handover of its 30th new PC-24, and 30 years of service as an Authorized Pilatus Sales & Servic...

TransMedics equips nationwide organ transport fleet with Gogo Galileo HDX

Gogo announced that TransMedics, a global leader in organ transplantation technology, services, and logistics, has selected Gogo Galileo to provide inflight connectivity across its expanding fleet of 22 Embraer Phenom 300E aircraft operating throughout the United States. The aircraft serve a vital role in the transport of donor organs for transplantation, with each mission rely...

Affinity Aviation Group secures strategic UK partnership with AeronautX as growth accelerates

Affinity Aviation Group (AAG), a leading provider of business aircraft sales, acquisitions and charter solutions, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Austria’s AeronautX, reinforcing its commitment to the future of business aviation. The partnership includes AAG taking a signi...

IADA Market Report reveals rising dealer confidence as preowned aircraft demand remains strong

Confidence among the world’s leading accredited aircraft dealers strengthened in the third quarter of 2026, reflecting continued momentum in the preowned business aviation market. According to the International Aircraft Dealers Association’s (IADA) Third Quarter Market Report, strong dem...

Bombardier expands across the Americas, creating thousands of jobs throughout its network and supply chain

Bombardier announced plans to further expand its presence across the United States, with the creation of 800 jobs supported by ongoing growth initiatives and strategic infrastructure investments. The company is currently recruiting for approximately 500 positions nationwide and expects to gener...

Catering to the route: Planning meals around flight time and destination

Private jet catering requires an understanding of the journey as much as the passengers' preferences. SkyDine Jet Catering explores how flight duration, departure schedules, airport location, and local catering availability influence the decisions flight attendants, crews, and flight departments...

Embraer and Austrian Airlines strengthen E-Jets fleet support with new component pool agreement

Embraer and Austrian Airlines have signed a Component Pool Program agreement to support the carrier’s fleet of 13 E195 aircraft. Under the agreement, Austrian Airlines will gain access to Embraer’s comprehensive component support solutions designed to maximize fleet availability and operational efficiency. The program covers more than 300 aircraft components and includes advanced excha...

ALSIM and ADMAL Flying Academy reinforce pilot training excellence in Malaysia with AL250 simulator

ALSIM is supporting the advancement of pilot training in Malaysia through ADMAL Flying Academy’s acquisition of an AL250 simulator. The addition of the device will enhance the academy’s Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL/IR) and Frozen ATPL programmes, giving cadets access to a highly realistic and consistent training environment designed to strengthen skill development and operational read...

FL Technics Indonesia secures EASA approval for Bali hangar, expanding European fleet maintenance capabilities

FL Technics Indonesia has successfully obtained EASA Part-145 certification for its Bali maintenance facility, authorising the company to perform maintenance on aircraft registered within the European Union. The achievement places FL Technics Indonesia among a select group of Indonesian MRO provider...

MTU Maintenance secures GE90 engine MRO contract with Garuda Indonesia

MTU Maintenance and Garuda Indonesia have entered into a three-year agreement for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the airline’s GE90-115B engines, which power its fleet of eight Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Under the contract, engine maintenance activities will be carried out at MTU...

The PC-12 PRO simulator: bringing real-world flight training to life

A professional training device such as the new PC-12 PRO simulator is built on flight data supplied and validated by Pilatus. Drawing on actual flight-test and performance data, it accurately reproduces the aircraft’s behavior throughout its entire flight envelope. From handling characteristic...

Lufthansa Technik Engine Services expands Tulsa operations to support growth across the Americas

Lufthansa Technik Engine Services (LTES) is significantly expanding its engine maintenance capabilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma, nearly doubling its operational capacity as part of its growth strategy across the Americas. The project will increase the facility's work bays from 28 to 46, supporti...

116th anniversary of Oleg Antonov birthday

February 7, 2022 was the 116th anniversary of birthday of Oleg Antonov, a great aircraft designer, talented scientist, founder of ANTONOV COMPANY.  His life was devoted to aviation. He designed 22 types of airplanes and 52 types of gliders, including the legendary AN-2, AN-22 and AN-124, made a great contribution into development of dozens of other aircraft, founded original desi...

A world first - H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco flies electric

On Tuesday 14 September 2021, H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco became the first Head of State to fly in an electric plane when he joined eco-explorer and pilot, Raphaël Domjan, for a flight out of Nice-Côte d’Azur airport onboard a Pipistrel Velis. The Monegasque monarch enjoyed a 30-minute CO2 emission and noise free flight over the Principality. On Tuesday 14 September 2021, H.S....

EY announced Glenn Gonzales and Vishal Hiremath of Jet It as an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021

Ernst & Young LLP that Glenn Gonzales and Vishal Hiremath, co-founders of Jet It and JetClub were named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2021 Southeast Award winners. The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program is one of the preeminent competitive awards for entrepreneurs and leaders...

Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO, will receive the 2021 AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced that Michimasa Fujino, lead HondaJet designer and President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, will receive the 2021 Reed Aeronautics Award "for the invention of advanced aerodynamic and structural techniques.&quo...

Meet new Head of Flight Physics for Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace announces the appointment of Richard Alexander, formerly Chief Flight Dynamics Integrator on the Mitsubishi M100 Regional Jet and Head of Flight Sciences at Bombardier Aerospace, as Head of Flight Physics to help Vertical move towards their vision of electric fight for everyo...

Jason Huang Joins ICON Aircraft as President

ICON Aircraft, maker of the revolutionary ICON A5 Light Sport Aircraft, has named Jason Huang as President. In that role, Huang will oversee all business functions, with a particular focus on maintaining manufacturing excellence, product development and innovation, and providing an ownership experie...