50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Essential news for 22 Mar 2026

Diamond Aircraft Special Mission Aircraft Division announces major 2025 advancements and unveils 2026 development roadmap for the DA62 MPP

Diamond Aircraft Special Mission Aircraft Division announced a series of significant technical developments completed in 2025 for the DA62 MPP, the company’s flagship multi‑purpose platform. These advancements reflect Diamond’s ongoing commitment to enhancing mission capability, operational safety, and global interoperability. In parallel, Diamond is pleased to release its forward...

AURA AERO obtains building permit for AURA Factory at Toulouse-Francazal airport

AURA AERO reached a decisive milestone in its industrial development, with the granting of the building permit for AURA Factory, its future facility located at Toulouse-Francazal Airport. With 50,000 square meters of industrial infrastructure, this new production facility represents one of the most ambitious aerospace industrial hubs in France. Designed to meet the most demanding environmental and...

Sunday`s summary

Vertical Aerospace launches battery pilot production line for Valo

Vertical Aerospace battery pilot production line is now operational at its Vertical Energy Centre. The 15,000 sq ft Vertical Energy Centre opened in 2023 and has produced the battery systems used in the Company’s piloted flight testing since 2024. These proprietary batteries have demonstrated industry-leading performance, delivering up to 1.4 MW of peak power during flight testing. The...

Safran inaugurates expanded Sarasota facility for aircraft electrical systems maintenance, repair and overhaul

Safran Electrical & Power unveiled its new building in Sarasota, Florida, dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aerospace electrical systems. This expansion reinforces the company capabilities in Sarasota, establishing the site as a key provider of power generation, distribution and conversion management solutions. With this extension, the Sarasota site now spans 140,000 s...

Star Flight Training expands modern fleet with four Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft

Star Flight Training has expanded its fleet with four IFR-equipped Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft. This strategic acquisition brings cutting-edge technology and enhanced capabilities directly to their Virginia-based operations. Tecnam P-Mentor represents a new generation of aircraft specifically designed for modern flight training operations. Featuring an advanced avionics suite and a tra...

British Airways’ first Starlink flight takes off, making the airline the first in the UK to launch the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky

British Airways’ first aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi took to the skies today, the first flight operated by a UK airline featuring the innovative technology. The 787-8 aircraft bound for Houston is the first in the airline’s fleet to be connected, giving customers free access to fast, relia...