50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Essential news for 18 Aug 2026

SkyDrive signs Australia’s first eVTOL agreement with Gold Coast Helitours

SkyDrive signed a Letter of Intent with Gold Coast Helitours, a premier helicopter operator based in the Gold Coast, Australia. This milestone agreement represents SkyDrive's first LOI with an Australian operator regarding the introduction of its aircraft. The parties have reached a basic agreement on the terms for purchasing up to five "SKYDRIVE" eVTOL aircraft which encom...

Textron Aviation celebrates 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 delivery as Gen3 era advances

Textron Aviation delivered the 500th delivery of a Cessna Citation CJ4 series business jet, underscoring more than a decade of customer confidence in the company’s largest light jet and setting the stage for the next chapter of the aircraft with the upcoming Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3. The milestone Citation CJ4 Gen2, was delivered to a customer based in the Philippines. This&nb...

Tuesday`s summary

Horizon Airways doubles down on fleet modernization with order for second Tecnam P2012 STOL

Queensland-based Horizon Airways has signed an order for a second Tecnam P2012 STOL aircraft. Slated to join the Australian fleet by the end of 2026, this subsequent order rapidly builds upon the historic introduction of the country's first P2012 STOL, signaling a massive leap forward for regional air travel. Operating since 1994, Horizon Airways is a vital lifeline for com...

Do228 NXT makes its African debut at El Alamein Airshow in Egypt and AAD 2026 in South Africa

In September 2026, General Atomics AeroTec Systems will put a major focus on Africa. With two trade show appearances, the German aircraft manufacturer is highlighting the strategic importance of the African continent for the Do228 NXT. The company will exhibit at El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt (September 8-10, 2026) and the Africa Aerospace & Defence Expo in South Africa (Septe...