AirlinesAug 14, 10:30 AM
Delta Accelerates Austin Growth With New Paris Route and Expanding Operations
Paris, a crew base, and 15 future gates are positioning the airline for its next phase of expansion.
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Military/DefenseAug 14, 1:00 AM
Embraer's KC-390 Secures 5 NATO Orders as a C-130 Alternative but USAF Remains Uninterested
Embraer's KC-390 Millennium has debuted to a resoundingly successful reception from many air forces around the world. A number of operators in Europe have jumped at the compact airlifter with its aerial refueling capability bundled in the twinjet, akin to a half-scale McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III. The US Air Force is currently struggling severely with its new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, but it has not shown any interest in the Millennium.
Flight TrainingAug 13, 10:18 PM
North Carolina Launches First US ALS Emergency Response Using eVTOL Aircraft
After months of preparation and training, North Carolina paramedic Quinn Reece was ready on June 27 when a 911 call summoned her to fly the first advanced life support (ALS) response in the United States using an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
AirlinesAug 13, 10:00 PM
Airbus Surpasses Boeing in 2026 Deliveries Amid Production and Supply Chain Challenges
For decades, Airbus and Boeing have dominated the commercial aircraft market. Today, their narrowbody and widebody families form the backbone of airline fleets around the world. Both manufacturers continue to receive hundreds of new aircraft orders every year as airlines expand and renew their fleets. However, keeping up with that demand has become increasingly difficult for them.
AirlinesAug 13, 9:16 PM
American Airlines revamps leadership to boost lagging profits against Delta and United
American Airlines is shaking up its senior leadership as CEO Robert Isom faces growing pressure to improve the carrier's financial performance and close the gap with rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. The changes broaden oversight across American's commercial and operational teams and bring former Spirit Airlines Chief Operating Officer John Bendoraitis into the company to lead technical operations. In a memo to employees, Isom acknowledged a "meaningful gap" between American's current performance and where he said the airline should be, describing the leadership changes as the first in a series of moves aimed at improving execution and strengthening the company. Isom announced that Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper will add marketing and branding to his responsibilities, while Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden will take on reservations and service recovery. JC Gulbranson will add oversight of airports and planning. Garboden and Gulbranson will also join American's senior leadership team. Chief Communications Officer Ron DeFeo is stepping down. Caroline Clayton will oversee communications, while Steve Neuman will lead government affairs. Both will join the senior leadership team. The changes come as American continues to trail Delta and United on profitability. American expects roughly break-even results for 2026 as higher fuel prices weigh on earnings. Earlier this year, the airline said a sharp increase in jet fuel costs could add more than $4 billion in expenses compared with its previous assumptions. American has also been under pressure from its labor unions. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants issued a unanimous vote of no confidence in Isom in February, saying the airline had fallen behind competitors in profitability, operational performance and overall competitiveness. The union has called on Isom to step down. The Allied Pilots Association has also questioned whether American's current management can close the performance gap with Delta and United. APA President Nick Silva recently told pilots that the union had sought a meeting with American's board to discuss concerns about the company's future but was rebuffed. He said the union had since spoken with analysts, investors and other stakeholders. Despite the criticism, Isom has said American is not changing its overall strategy. He said the airline continues to focus on expanding its global network, increasing premium revenue and strengthening its AAdvantage loyalty program. American has also been investing in premium seating, lounges, onboard connectivity and changes to its hub schedules as it works to improve revenue and operational performance.
Aviation SafetyAug 13, 8:30 PM
FAA Seeks Billions More to Fund CAP Automation Amid Growing Industry Competition
As competition for the FAA's common automation platform (CAP) contract heats up, the agency still lacks the funds required to develop the technology, which is envisioned to combine its En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) and Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) platforms. Thales becomes the latest company to pitch a CAP solution to the FAA. On Wednesday, it announced TopSky-America, a cloud-based, AI-powered platform that it said is tailored for the FAA to enhance information sharing, decision making, and situational awareness for air traffic controllers (ATCs). The idea is to reduce controller workload by combining data from ERAM, which manages high-altitude flights, and STARS, which coordinates arrivals and departures in towers and terminal route approach control (TRACON) facilities, in a single digital interface. STARS also provides sequencing and issues weather updates and conflict alerts. The CAP is billed as a core pillar of the Transportation Department's (DOT) Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) effort. Without funding, though, it is unclear how the FAA plans to support the CAP's development and deployment. Congress last year allocated $12.5 billion toward BNATCS, while the DOT has requested a total of $31.5 billion to fund its more expensive components. The Modern Skies Coalition, led by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), in July called on Congress to allocate another $20 billion toward the effort. It estimated that the CAP alone would cost $10 billion. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has previously asked for the additional $20 billion but in recent months has signalled that the agency would settle for less. Duffy on Tuesday said the DOT "would love $20 [billion], but we'll take $10 [billion]." The secretary clarified that $10 billion would cover certain software upgrades planned under BNATCS. A "second $10 billion," he said, would be required for the "actual bricks and mortar" of new ATC facilities, such as TRACONs. Duffy did not mention the CAP in his remarks Monday, and the FAA's internal estimate of its cost is unclear. Thales said Thursday that it supports the "FAA's call for additional congressional funding." Competition Heats Up Thales described TopSky-America as an advanced ATC automation system "built specifically for the U.S. National Airspace System [NAS]." The platform is a version of the company's popular TopSky-ATC offering. But Thales emphasized that it is "customized for the unique requirements" of and designed "exclusively" for U.S. airspace. "These capabilities will deliver greater predictability for air carriers and the traveling public, improve operational performance, and help reduce workload on the controller workforce—while continuing to uphold the highest standards of safety," the company said in its announcement. TopSky-America is not the only CAP candidate. RTX's Collins Aerospace is pitching a version of its AutoTrac platform for the FAA contract, FlightGlobal reported in March. Collins was previously selected for BNATCS to provide hundreds of new ATC radars , while parent RTX is the FAA's prime STARS contractor. Leidos, which maintains the ERAM system, also has a CAP solution . The Air Current in April reported that Thales, Collins, Leidos, Australia's Frequentis, and Spain's Indra—the FAA's other BNATCS radar contractor—are the five companies shortlisted for the CAP contract. Thales' path to winning the contract could involve highlighting the success of its TopSky-ATC, which it estimates manages 40 percent of air traffic globally. The company in July announced agreements to modernize the air traffic management systems of Singapore and Mongolia. It also produces primary and secondary ATC surveillance radars and is developing capabilities for the management of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) traffic. Also working in the French company's favor is a commitment to design TopSky-America software upgrades in the U.S., a nod to the DOT's desire for domestic companies to lead the ATC modernization effort. "One of the focuses in modernization was to onshore production of critical infrastructure," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Tuesday. "We have brought those jobs back to the United States, which is a key focus of [Secretary Duffy] and [President Donald Trump]." Thales has about 5,000 U.S. employees and said producing the platform domestically will create hundreds of new jobs. Ultimately, the contract award could come down to a battle among the shortlisted companies. Thales earlier this year lost out on the FAA's contract for Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories (SMART)—an AI-powered, predictive air traffic management software —after being shortlisted for that award. Bedford said Tuesday that Thales, Palantir, and Air Space Intelligence (ASI), which ultimately won the contract, each created digital twins of the NAS for evaluation. Duffy described the exercise as a "competition" and said ASI produced the "best product, the best tool that we thought would help us best manage the airspace." "We want the best companies building our software," Duffy said. "And what's different is we're not just picking a contractor to work for us. We're actually going through a competition to see who actually can deliver on behalf of the FAA."
RegulatoryAug 13, 7:38 PM
FAA Rules Texas Airport Violated Federal Rules by Selling Land for Nearby Housing Development
The FAA has found the sponsor of Pearland Regional Airport —a privately owned, public-use airport near Houston—in violation of four federal grant assurances after it sold airport property to a developer that is building hundreds of homes immediately adjacent to the airport.
Airlines
More Airlines →AirlinesAug 14, 10:30 AM
Delta Accelerates Austin Growth With New Paris Route and Expanding Operations
Paris, a crew base, and 15 future gates are positioning the airline for its next phase of expansion.
AirlinesAug 14, 9:15 AM
EVA Air Sets Transpacific Business Class Standard with 60 Inches of Legroom
In recent years, EVA Air has quietly become one of the most talked-about airlines in long-haul travel thanks to its blend of superior hospitality and premium cabin innovations. For passengers flying between North America and Asia, a ticket in the carrier's business class is more than just a route across the Pacific Ocean.
AirlinesAug 13, 10:00 PM
Airbus Surpasses Boeing in 2026 Deliveries Amid Production and Supply Chain Challenges
For decades, Airbus and Boeing have dominated the commercial aircraft market. Today, their narrowbody and widebody families form the backbone of airline fleets around the world. Both manufacturers continue to receive hundreds of new aircraft orders every year as airlines expand and renew their fleets. However, keeping up with that demand has become increasingly difficult for them.
Business Aviation
More Business Aviation →
Business AviationAug 13, 1:00 PM
Owning a Bombardier Challenger 300 Beats Chartering Beyond 300 Flight Hours Annually
200 hours of flight time is the most commonly cited figure for when it makes more sense to purchase a private jet than charter one. However, the exact number of flight hours depends heavily on the cost of charter and the aircraft in question. To take the Bombardier Challenger 300 as an example, charter rates are usually between $5,950 (low-end quote) and $9,525 (billable average) per hour, according to the Air Charter Journal . The latter is the figure that this article will use.
Business AviationAug 12, 1:00 AM
Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet Offers Ultra-Cheap Ownership Compared to Chartering Business Jets
Most people associate the term ' private jet ' with the largest, most expensive long-range jets produced by Gulfstream and Bombardier, but most business jets are significantly smaller with less range. These planes are less usable and may appear to provide fewer benefits, but they're also much cheaper to purchase. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the market lies the tiny Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet, a single-engine, single-pilot very-light-jet that's more similar in design and capabilities to turboprops than other VLJs.
Business AviationAug 6, 9:08 PM
Delta Introduces First Airbus A321neo VIP Jet for NBA Charter, Replacing Boeing 757s
The first of 14 VIP-configured Airbus A321neo aircraft arrived to Delta Air Lines last week, which the airline will soon operate for the National Basketball Association (NBA). These planes will be a welcome replacement for the airline's flying pencil, the Boeing 757-200 . For Delta, the 757-200s for the NBA are leased from Aviation Capital Group and are at least three decades old.
Aviation Safety
More Aviation Safety →
Aviation SafetyAug 14, 6:39 AM
Air India A320neo Flight Control Systems Briefly Failed Before 300-Foot Plunge Injuring 24
The flight control systems of an Air India Airbus A320neo narrowbody plane which suddenly plunged 300 feet while at cruising altitude, leaving 24 passengers and crew injured, went dark for several seconds, an internal report from the aircraft manufacturer has revealed. Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket, Thailand to Delhi on August 4 was flying at a cruising altitude of around 34,000 feet when it unexpectedly dropped. Anyone and anything that wasn't strapped down was thrown into the air. Multiple passengers and crew were injured after they were slammed into the ceiling of the seven-year-old aircraft Around 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured in the incident, many of whom had to be transported to the hospital with head, neck, and spinal injuries. In a new internal report from Airbus which had been viewed by Reuters but not independently verified, it is claimed that the flight control system that controls the plane's elevators and ailerons suddenly became unavailable for around four seconds. During this brief period, the plane pitched up. The First Officer responded by pointing the nose of the plane down but there was no immediate correction due to the alleged loss of hydraulic systems. The document does not establish the cause of the incident and the events are still under investigation by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) with support from the French Bureau d'Enquetes et d'Analyses (BEA). Late last year, Airbus issued an urgent safety alert for its range of best-selling A320 family single-aisle aircraft following an investigation into an incident aboard a JetBlue aircraft when the plane suddenly pitched down mid-flight without any input from the pilots. Engineers were able to establish that the unexpected pitch-down input came from a malfunctioning ELAC computer unit. The ELAC stands for Elevator & Aileron Computer, and it is designed to interpret the inputs the pilots are putting into the controls and then smoothly and correctly control the elevators and ailerons. Airbus believes that the ELAC was corrupted by intense solar radiation, although the issue only affected a software update known as L104. To fix the issue, airlines were ordered to restore all aircraft with the L104 software to the last version before this. In most cases, this required engineers to plug a Portable Data Loader with the older L103 software into the cockpit computer of affected planes and reinstall the tested software. Although there are around 11,500 Airbus A320 series aircraft in active commercial service around the world, only 6,000 of these had the L104 software installed. Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Captain of flight 2379 had failed a second drug test. As is standard practice following a serious aviation occurrence, all of the crew are subject to drug testing. The Captain's initial rapid test came back as 'non negative' so a more detailed test was ordered. Investigators are yet to confirm the results of this test, but sources claim it tes tested positive for cannabis. There is currently no suggestion that illegal banned had anything to do with the events that unfolded on flight 2379.
Aviation SafetyAug 13, 8:30 PM
FAA Seeks Billions More to Fund CAP Automation Amid Growing Industry Competition
As competition for the FAA's common automation platform (CAP) contract heats up, the agency still lacks the funds required to develop the technology, which is envisioned to combine its En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) and Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) platforms. Thales becomes the latest company to pitch a CAP solution to the FAA. On Wednesday, it announced TopSky-America, a cloud-based, AI-powered platform that it said is tailored for the FAA to enhance information sharing, decision making, and situational awareness for air traffic controllers (ATCs). The idea is to reduce controller workload by combining data from ERAM, which manages high-altitude flights, and STARS, which coordinates arrivals and departures in towers and terminal route approach control (TRACON) facilities, in a single digital interface. STARS also provides sequencing and issues weather updates and conflict alerts. The CAP is billed as a core pillar of the Transportation Department's (DOT) Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) effort. Without funding, though, it is unclear how the FAA plans to support the CAP's development and deployment. Congress last year allocated $12.5 billion toward BNATCS, while the DOT has requested a total of $31.5 billion to fund its more expensive components. The Modern Skies Coalition, led by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), in July called on Congress to allocate another $20 billion toward the effort. It estimated that the CAP alone would cost $10 billion. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has previously asked for the additional $20 billion but in recent months has signalled that the agency would settle for less. Duffy on Tuesday said the DOT "would love $20 [billion], but we'll take $10 [billion]." The secretary clarified that $10 billion would cover certain software upgrades planned under BNATCS. A "second $10 billion," he said, would be required for the "actual bricks and mortar" of new ATC facilities, such as TRACONs. Duffy did not mention the CAP in his remarks Monday, and the FAA's internal estimate of its cost is unclear. Thales said Thursday that it supports the "FAA's call for additional congressional funding." Competition Heats Up Thales described TopSky-America as an advanced ATC automation system "built specifically for the U.S. National Airspace System [NAS]." The platform is a version of the company's popular TopSky-ATC offering. But Thales emphasized that it is "customized for the unique requirements" of and designed "exclusively" for U.S. airspace. "These capabilities will deliver greater predictability for air carriers and the traveling public, improve operational performance, and help reduce workload on the controller workforce—while continuing to uphold the highest standards of safety," the company said in its announcement. TopSky-America is not the only CAP candidate. RTX's Collins Aerospace is pitching a version of its AutoTrac platform for the FAA contract, FlightGlobal reported in March. Collins was previously selected for BNATCS to provide hundreds of new ATC radars , while parent RTX is the FAA's prime STARS contractor. Leidos, which maintains the ERAM system, also has a CAP solution . The Air Current in April reported that Thales, Collins, Leidos, Australia's Frequentis, and Spain's Indra—the FAA's other BNATCS radar contractor—are the five companies shortlisted for the CAP contract. Thales' path to winning the contract could involve highlighting the success of its TopSky-ATC, which it estimates manages 40 percent of air traffic globally. The company in July announced agreements to modernize the air traffic management systems of Singapore and Mongolia. It also produces primary and secondary ATC surveillance radars and is developing capabilities for the management of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) traffic. Also working in the French company's favor is a commitment to design TopSky-America software upgrades in the U.S., a nod to the DOT's desire for domestic companies to lead the ATC modernization effort. "One of the focuses in modernization was to onshore production of critical infrastructure," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Tuesday. "We have brought those jobs back to the United States, which is a key focus of [Secretary Duffy] and [President Donald Trump]." Thales has about 5,000 U.S. employees and said producing the platform domestically will create hundreds of new jobs. Ultimately, the contract award could come down to a battle among the shortlisted companies. Thales earlier this year lost out on the FAA's contract for Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories (SMART)—an AI-powered, predictive air traffic management software —after being shortlisted for that award. Bedford said Tuesday that Thales, Palantir, and Air Space Intelligence (ASI), which ultimately won the contract, each created digital twins of the NAS for evaluation. Duffy described the exercise as a "competition" and said ASI produced the "best product, the best tool that we thought would help us best manage the airspace." "We want the best companies building our software," Duffy said. "And what's different is we're not just picking a contractor to work for us. We're actually going through a competition to see who actually can deliver on behalf of the FAA."
Aviation SafetyAug 13, 12:00 PM
Airport Snow Management Roles Key to Keeping Winter Operations Safe and Efficient
Winter weather can cause significant disruptions at airports, including delayed flights, rerouted aircraft, and logistical challenges. Poor weather during the winter months causes countless flight disruptions around the world each year. Effective snow management is therefore critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations during winter weather. Without proper snow removal, safety hazards such as decreased visibility and slippery surfaces can lead to flight delays, cancellations, and stranded travelers. Airport snow management is a complex and dynamic operation. Teams of workers coordinate efforts including deicing, snow removal, and weather forecasting. The individual jobs can be challenging but are also exciting and rewarding. Here is what you need to know about working in airport snow management. Why Is Snow a Problem at Airports? Snowfall can create many challenges and dangers at airports. Rapid snowfall Sudden and heavy snowfall can pose problems for aircraft. For planes in the air around the airport, rapid changes in visibility and weather conditions create challenges for pilots trying to takeoff, navigate, and land. Quickly changing surface conditions on the ground can also lead to reduced traction during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. READ MORE: World's Most Unusual Pilot Jobs Given the challenges posed by snowfall, it is important for airports to be properly equipped to manage and remove snow rapidly and efficiently. Limited visibility Ongoing snowfall can significantly reduce the visibility at airports. There are certain visibility requirements for aircraft to take off and land at an airport, with the exact figures varying depending on aircraft type, available technology, and the airport. If the weather at an airport prevents planes from taking off and landing, flights will be delayed, diverted, or canceled . Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to improve visibility during heavy snowfall. However, there is technology like Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) that allows aircraft to operate safely in some reduced visibility conditions. Ground crew safety Not only can snow cause problems for aircraft, but it can also be a hazard for workers as well. Many people at the airport work outdoors, and snowfall can put their safety at risk. For example, limited visibility affects workers on the ground since they need to be able to move around the tarmac and operate specialized equipment. Snowfall can also affect the ability of ground crew to safely and efficiently operate vehicles and equipment. Workers who are exposed to the elements also need to be prepared for the weather, as winter weather can be hazardous to their health and safety. There is an increased risk for slips, falls, and vehicle accidents during snowy and icy weather. Key Components of Airport Snow Management Snow removal Airports have vast surfaces that need to be cleared of snow. Runways, taxiways, and aprons are significantly larger and wider than most roads. As such, airports that receive snow have heavy-duty snow removal vehicles. READ MORE: How to Become an Airframe & Powerplant Technician Snowplows and sweepers move snow off runways and other maneuvering surfaces. Blowers are vehicles that blast snow away. These are sometimes used to clear equipment like airport lighting. Airports also have standard snow-clearing vehicles for areas such as roads and sidewalks on the airport property. Deicing While falling and accumulated snow on the ground can be safety hazards for aircraft, snow and ice on aircraft surfaces can also be extremely dangerous. Aircraft are designed and built to very detailed specifications, and any changes to their shape caused by accumulated ice or snow can affect a plane's performance. During the winter months, aircraft at many airports have to undergo deicing before they can take off. Deicing removes accumulated snow and ice and can also include the application of anti-icing fluid that prevents further buildup. Specialized equipment is used by airports, airlines, and contractors to carry out deicing processes. Forecasting and monitoring Weather forecasts and reports are critical pieces of information for pilots and airports. Government agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and FAA provide weather services for the aviation industry. READ MORE: AMT Jobs Could Be Part of Aviation's Next Hiring Boom Forecasts help pilots and dispatchers plan their flights and make decisions about routing, diversions, and cancellations. Meanwhile, real-time observations aid airports, pilots, and air traffic control (ATC) to make decisions about flying decisions and airport operations. Communication and coordination Since airport snow management is a complex task involving numerous stakeholders, communication and coordination is important. Meteorologists and weather services prepare weather products for airlines and airports. Pilots make important safety decisions in conjunction with their dispatchers and air traffic control. At the airport, snow removal operations have to be coordinated through an operational manager. Individual snow removal vehicle operators must also communicate with each other to effectively carry out their tasks. Airports are also in constant contact with ATC and airlines about changing operational conditions. Jobs in Airport Snow Management There are a variety of ways to work in airport snow management. Snow removal Airport snow removal operations are conducted either directly by airport operators or through third-party contractors. These employers hire workers to operate their snow removal equipment and coordinate operations. At some airports, snow removal is part of the duties of airfield operations staff, which also has other responsibilities like infrastructure maintenance and wildlife management. Deicing Another way to be employed at the airport during the winter months is to work in deicing . Depending on the airport, deicing crews can work for the airport, individual airlines, or deicing companies. Deicing workers apply fluids to aircraft to ensure they are safe to fly. Airport operations management Airports that receive snow consistently plan extensively for winter weather operations. Management personnel and airport planners play a key role in these preparations. Meteorology and weather forecasting Although these jobs are not exclusively related to snow, meteorologists and other weather forecasting staff also play a key role in the aviation industry. These positions often require specialized education. FAQ How do you find jobs in airport snow management? Most job postings are now available online. For some snow management roles, you may need to enter the field in a more generalized way before working directly with winter weather operations. This can be the case in areas such as meteorology and airport management. Some jobs in airport snow management—particularly operational ones like deicing—may be seasonal in nature. What skills and requirements are needed to work in airport snow management? The answer depends on the type of job that you are seeking. Positions in snow removal and deicing typically require a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and a willingness to work during evenings, overnight, and on weekends. Heavy equipment experience is also an asset. Meanwhile, jobs in specialized fields like meteorology usually require a relevant degree. What is the pay for airport snow management workers? Again, this will depend on the job. Snow removal and deicing crews are typically paid hourly, with rates generally ranging from $15 to $25. Airport planners and management personnel can earn anywhere from $50,000 to upward of $200,000 per year. Meanwhile, meteorologists make an average of around $97,000 annually.
Flight Training
More Flight Training →Flight TrainingAug 13, 10:18 PM
North Carolina Launches First US ALS Emergency Response Using eVTOL Aircraft
After months of preparation and training, North Carolina paramedic Quinn Reece was ready on June 27 when a 911 call summoned her to fly the first advanced life support (ALS) response in the United States using an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Flight TrainingAug 1, 9:04 PM
Spirit Airlines' $250M Dania Beach Campus Faces $88M Bankruptcy Bid
Spirit opened its new $250 million "Spirit Central" corporate campus in 2024, complete with training facilities, employee housing, and space for more than 1,000 workers. Now, in bankruptcy, a stalking horse bidder is offering just $88 million for much of the nearly brand-new headquarters complex — an extraordinary markdown for a project that symbolized how far the airline had drifted from its ultra-low-cost roots.
Flight TrainingJul 30, 9:41 PM
Ohio Pilot Mike McCoy Turns Passion Into Ownership and Aviation Career
Anyone convinced that aircraft ownership is only for the affluent, or that working for FBO line wages is no longer a viable plan to support flight training, ought to chat with Mike McCoy, a 31-year-old private pilot who lives in Mentor, Ohio.
Military/Defense
More Military/Defense →Military/DefenseAug 14, 1:00 AM
Embraer's KC-390 Secures 5 NATO Orders as a C-130 Alternative but USAF Remains Uninterested
Embraer's KC-390 Millennium has debuted to a resoundingly successful reception from many air forces around the world. A number of operators in Europe have jumped at the compact airlifter with its aerial refueling capability bundled in the twinjet, akin to a half-scale McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III. The US Air Force is currently struggling severely with its new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, but it has not shown any interest in the Millennium.
Military/DefenseAug 13, 6:00 PM
Heart Aerospace's X1 Achieves Historic First Flight as Largest Battery-Electric Plane
The largest battery-electric, fixed-wing aircraft in history made its debut flight this week, marking the start of a test campaign to validate a planned, 30-seat, hybrid-electric airliner. Los Angeles-based Heart Aerospace said Thursday that its X1 demonstrator, a precursor to its flagship ES-30, flew out of Plattsburgh International Airport (KPBG)—the company's flight testing base in upstate New York—on all-electric battery propulsion. Heart said the X1 is the largest aircraft of its kind, by both wingspan and takeoff weight, to achieve first flight. The X1 weighs more than 25,000 pounds at takeoff and has a 106-foot wingspan, with a nose-to-tail length of 76 feet. FLYING could not verify any battery-electric aircraft that have flown with a heavier takeoff weight or longer wingspan. Heart believes the X1 may also be the largest battery-electric model to fly by volume, but it could not say so definitively. The Swedish Solar Impulse project's all-electric Solar Impulse II had a wingspan longer than 200 feet, but it derived power from a combination of batteries and solar energy. Eviation's Alice demonstrator, which completed a nine-minute test flight in 2022, appears to be the next-largest in the all-electric category. Alice had a 63-foot wingspan and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of about 16,500 pounds, powered by MagniX's Magni650 electric engines. After minimal flight activity over the following years, Alice in 2024 underwent a redesign, and Eviation in early 2025 laid off most of its staff , placing the project on an indefinite hold. MagniX itself has flown an all-electric Cessna 208B Caravan powered by its Magni500 engine, which it is no longer developing. The company's Magni650 has a dry weight of 317 pounds, which combined with the Caravan's MTOW would give the retrofit a total MTOW of 8,317 pounds. Heart originally planned to fly the X1 by mid-2025, but delays have pushed the company's certification target for the ES-30 from 2028 to 2031 . Most developers of all-electric aircraft are targeting between four and nine seats or are designing models for cargo rather than passenger operations. A cockpit mock-up was installed aboard Heart Aerospace's X1 demonstrator aircraft for its rollout. [Credit: Heart Aerospace] Due to lengthy development and certification timelines, several firms originally focused on fielding all-electric passenger airliners have switched to hybrid propulsion systems, pivoted to defense applications, scaled back their workforces, or even gone bankrupt. SkyWest took a hit in June with the bankruptcy of Maeve Aerospace . The carrier was the exclusive launch customer for the manufacturer's hybrid-electric, 76-100-passenger Maeve Jet, and it invested in Maeve as part of its fleet replacement strategy. However, some airlines continue to bet on all-electric aviation. United Airlines is Heart's largest customer, having placed an order for 100 of the manufacturer's earlier ES-19 model that it later converted to the ES-30. Michael Leskinen, United's chief financial officer, reiterated the company's commitment this week. "Electric commercial aircraft have real potential to deliver a better travel experience for passengers while strengthening our business, and we look forward to Heart's continued development of the ES-30 and its potential future role in United's network," Leskinen said in a statement accompanying Heart's announcement . Other ES-30 customers include Mesa Air Group, Air Canada, JSX, Loganair, and Scandinavian Airlines, though many have only signed letters of intent to place orders. New York, one of the 26 states chosen for the FAA's eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), is soon expected to host more flights of electric, autonomous, and other novel aircraft. All-Electric Debut Leaders in the nascent electric and hybrid-electric aircraft industries echoed Leskinen's bullishness on the ES-30 following the X1's debut. "A fantastic milestone for electric regional aviation," Evio, which is developing a hybrid-electric airliner for up to 100 passengers, wrote in response to Heart's post on LinkedIn . "Congratulations to the Heart Aerospace team on your first flight! Looking forward to seeing the continued progress across our industry." Rob Wolleswinkel, co-CEO of Elysian Aircraft—a Dutch company developing a larger, all-electric regional airliner—wrote, "Congratulations! Really impressive! A big step for Heart and the whole industry." The flight received similar praise from leaders of competitors Noemi and Vaeridion. Plattsburgh International Airport's 11,750-foot runway—one of the largest in the U.S. Northeast—made it an ideal locale for the debut of a novel aircraft. Heart Aerospace's X1 demonstrator aircraft lines up on Plattsburgh International's Runway 35. [Credit: Heart Aerospace] The X1 took off from the runway and soared over nearby Lake Champlain, reaching a top altitude of 1,100 feet agl. The sortie lasted about 27 minutes and was conducted under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental Category (SAC-EC) awarded in July. Heart said the test profile was intended to demonstrate "scale relevant to commercial airline operations." "Electric commercial aircraft have the potential to fundamentally reshape airline economics and, ultimately, lower the cost of air travel for passengers," said Anders Forslund, founder and CEO of Heart. The ES-30 is designed to reduce operating costs by more than 40 percent. Heart said Thursday that the X1's debut flight used only $5 worth of energy during a period where the average price for a gallon of jet fuel is north of $3.80, per the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index . That figure was closer to $2 in August 2025. For comparison, Beta Technologies—which also conducts testing in Plattsburgh—said its 45-minute flight into John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) last year cost about $7. The X1 is designed for a single pilot to fly up to 140 knots and 2,000 feet agl. It integrates electric propulsion, batteries, power electronics, flight controls, and avionics systems, as well as a 30-seat cabin mockup. Propulsion comes from four wing-mounted motors. The demonstrator uses a provisional version of the "independent hybrid" propulsion system intended to power the ES-30, comprising a pair of commercial turboprops installed on the wing and two inboard electric motors. It intends to demonstrate the full system using the X2, a planned preproduction prototype. The X1 is designed to be representative of Heart's fixed-wing, 30-seat, Part 25 hybrid-electric airliner. The ES-30 will use simpler, lower-cost electric propulsion and flight systems, as well as an integrated electronics and software architecture designed to improve uptime. "Heart foresees this cost advantage widening over time through advances in battery technology, technology-enabled gains in crew efficiency, and the ES-30's low exposure to a growing range of emissions-related aviation taxes and fees worldwide," the company wrote in its announcement. The ES-30 has a projected range of 125 miles in all-electric mode or 500 miles in hybrid configuration, with charge time estimated at 30 minutes.
Military/DefenseAug 13, 5:00 AM
World's Stealth Fighter Landscape in 2026 Divided Between F-35 Allies and Sino-Russian Blocks
According to TheWorldData's 2026 F-35 statistics roundup , the global Lockheed Martin F-35 fleet has already passed 1,300 aircraft delivered across 17 or more nations, dwarfing every other stealth fighter program combined. Everyone else on Earth flying stealth fighter jets in 2026, such as China, Russia, and their allies, is flying something else entirely, built by a different country, sold under different rules, and answering to a different set of allies.