50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

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Gulfstream G300 and G400 make their European debut in Farnborough

Gulfstream Aerospace marked the European debut of the Gulfstream G300 and Gulfstream G400, bringing two of the company’s newest next-generation aircraft to customers and industry leaders at its exclusive Discover the Difference event in Farnborough, England. The event features a full-scale mock-up of the G300 alongside one of the three G400 flight test aircraft, giving customers an imme...

The countdown begins: tickets now live for Air Charter Expo – ACE’26

The Air Charter Association is announcing tickets for Air Charter Expo – ACE’26 are now officially on sale. Taking place on Tuesday 8 September 2026, ACE is a partnership between The ACA, Business Air News and London Biggin Hill Airport. Air Charter Expo has seen consistent growth over the years, with last year’s event setting new records, drawing over 2,000 attendees, 10...

First UK-built Islander passes 75% completion at Bembridge, on schedule for delivery

Britten-Norman has confirmed that first new Islander to be produced through its fully reshored UK production line has reached 75% completion at the company’s Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, with final assembly scheduled in the coming weeks. The aircraft, contracted to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), will be the first to be delivered from the new Bembridge line....

London Biggin Hill Airport launches inclusive trial for Runway 03 Instrument Approach

All suitably equipped aircraft and operators can now fly the new Instrument Approach to London Biggin Hill Airport’s Runway 03, as the Civil Aviation Authority authorised trial moves to its full trial phase. The satellite-based approach delivers more predictable and reliable arrivals and strengthens operational resilience at the airport. The procedure enables aircraf...

Disabled people to take to the skies from Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Up to 50 people with disabilities will get the chance to soar the skies of South Yorkshire thanks to a partnership between Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Aerobility - a charity making aviation more accessible. Later this month, Aerobility will operate two adapted light aircraft over four days from Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The charity, which transforms lives by enabling people with d...

Luxaviation UK introduces Gulfstream G550 to fleet

Luxaviation UK is expanding its charter fleet with the addition of a Luxembourg‑registered Gulfstream G550. Available for charter, the aircraft will be based between the South of France and Istanbul, and operated by Luxaviation UK, servicing key routes across Europe and the Middle East. With the ability to fly non-stop between destinations such as London – Los Angeles or Paris – T...

Wi-Fly update! Virgin Atlantic accelerates Starlink rollout for take-off

Virgin Atlantic announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, as the airline gears up to introduce free, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet, helping customers bring their world onboard from take-off to landing.  Virgin Atlantic will begin introducing Starlink connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 fleet from May, with&nb...

Vertical Aerospace achieves historic piloted thrustborne transition

Vertical Aerospace announced a landmark achievement in aviation history: piloted thrustborne transition by a full-scale eVTOL aircraft, taking off vertically like a helicopter and transitioning seamlessly into wingborne flight like a fixed-wing aircraft. This milestone unlocks the defining capability of eVTOL aviation and places Vertical at the forefront of the global advanced air mobility in...

Bonjour Paris! London Gatwick welcomes first Air France flights with a stylish new twice-daily service

London Gatwick passengers now have even more choice for trips to the French capital and beyond, as Air France has officially touched down at the airport with a twice daily service to Paris–Charles de Gaulle. The route, operated on the airline’s modern Airbus A220, provides more opportunities for family getaways, foodie weekends, romantic escapes and connecting to Air France’...

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...

above first Phenom 100 completes re-registration change programme with the UK CAA is progressing

above, a new UK entry jet provider focused on domestic and European on-demand executive charter flights, has registered its first Embraer Phenom 100.  Previously on the German registry, the former Arcus Air aircraft is now G-FABV for Fly Above, marking a key step forward in above’s progress. Its journey to service start, however, is taking longer than first envisaged, highlights...

Evolito to develop electric motors for electric wheel taxi system under UK Government funded program

Evolito announced a collaboration with Airbus, supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, to develop an on-aircraft, electric wheel taxi system. The system will enable aircraft to taxi independently from ground support equipment with the main engines switched off, resulting in considerable reductions in operating costs, noise and emissions. The project aims to decrease t...