Technology
Czech firm Zuri targets cargo market with hybrid-electric uncrewed VTOL aircraft
Czech company Zuri is entering the uncrewed cargo market with a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft derived from a technology demonstrator due to fly for the first time next year.
Embraer Phenom 300EV Receives Triple Certification from FAA, EASA, and ANAC with Garmin Emergency Autoland
Embraer's Phenom 300EV light jet received triple certification from the FAA, EASA and ANAC, becoming the first light jet certified with Garmin Emergency Autoland, with first deliveries confirmed for 2028.
Falcon 900LX Production Winds Down as Challenger 650 Holds Steady; Analysis Points to Derivative and Refresh Paths for Dassault and Bombardier
Dassault ended Falcon 900LX production after three deliveries in early 2025 and twelve months of zero output, while Bombardier's Challenger 650 kept delivering at roughly 16 to 17 units a year.
Best Private Jets of 2026 Ranked by Class: Gulfstream G800, Bombardier Global 8000 and More
Aerocorner's August 2026 review of verified manufacturer specifications names class-by-class leaders including the Gulfstream G800 at 8,200 nautical miles range and the Bombardier Global 8000 at Mach 0.95.
ICAO to Host Second Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2026) Under Theme 'From Vision to Implementation'
ICAO will host the Second Advanced Air Mobility Symposium, AAM 2026, themed From Vision to Implementation, to review progress since the 2024 Call to Action.
First fully UK-built Britten-Norman Islander since production repatriation begins ground testing, targeting September first flight
Britten-Norman's first fully UK-built Islander since the assembly line returned to Bembridge began ground testing after roll-out on 30 July 2026, targeting a September first flight.
Amendment to Aviation Safety Bill Could Block ADS-B Data Use for Tax Enforcement, Risking Millions in State Revenue
A House-passed amendment to the ALERT Act would bar airports and tax authorities from using ADS-B transponder data to collect landing fees or enforce aircraft taxes, potentially costing Texas up to $70.2 million in annual revenue.
AI Compresses Aerospace Materials R&D Cycles by Up to 70% as Global Tech Giants Target $650 Billion in Infrastructure Investment
A BCC Research report finds AI is cutting aerospace materials R&D cycles by 50% to 70%, reducing defect rates by 30% and unscheduled repairs by up to 40%.
Bluetail Surpasses 30 Million Digitized Aircraft Records, Marks Sixth Anniversary and Second Inc. 5000 Listing
Bluetail surpassed 30 million digitized aircraft records, marking its sixth anniversary alongside a second consecutive Inc. 5000 listing among America's fastest-growing private companies.
FAA's Supersonic Flight Plan Faces Criticism Over Use of Overpressure as Sonic Boom Metric
The FAA's proposed supersonic flight framework is drawing opposition from environmental groups and aviation industry concern over its use of overpressure as the key sonic boom metric.
Textron Delivers 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 Business Jet, Targets 2026 FAA Certification for Gen3 Variant
Textron delivered its 500th Cessna Citation CJ4 series business jet and confirmed the Gen3 variant, with Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics, targets FAA certification in 2026.
Australia's Stralis to Shut Down Hydrogen-Electric Air Taxi Startup by End of August 2026, Never Having Launched Passenger Flights
Australian hydrogen-electric startup Stralis will wind down operations by the end of August 2026 after completing its first taxi test in July but failing to close the gap to commercial readiness.
Gogo Serves Fractional Jet Operators, Charter Firms and Corporate Flight Departments Through Independent Dealer Network
Gogo distributes its aviation connectivity equipment through independent dealers who market, resell, and secure FAA supplemental type certificates for customers including NetJets, charter operators, and corporate flight departments.
EHang Reports Q2 2026 Results: Revenue Up 203.5% QoQ to RMB 77.9 Million, Net Loss Widens to RMB 128.3 Million
EHang reported Q2 2026 revenue of RMB 77.9 million, up 203.5% from Q1 2026 but down 31.3% year-on-year, as net loss widened to RMB 128.3 million.
Dovetail Signs First Customer as Cessna Caravan Electric Conversion Timeline Slips to Q4 2027
Dovetail Electric Aviation delayed first flight of its Cessna Caravan electric conversion to the fourth quarter of 2027, while signing Ludens Aviation as its first customer.
Pentastar Aviation becomes first to deploy autonomous wingwalking robots in daily FBO operations
Pentastar Aviation began deploying Airtrek Robotics' autonomous wingwalking robots this month at its Waterford, Michigan facility, with full implementation expected by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Tuvoli Appoints Chief of Staff, CTO, and Head of Fintech Partnerships Amid 506% Revenue Growth
Tuvoli named Jon Reed Chief of Staff, Roman Cherkasov CTO, and Dushyant Saran Head of Fintech Partnerships on August 24, 2026, after reporting 506% three-year revenue growth.
MRO AI Startup ArcheanX Seeks to Turn Early Aviation Inspection Work Into Lasting Industry Presence
ArcheanX, founded by Harish Kumar, built an AI vision-language inspection tool running on smartphones and tablets that several MRO providers and one major airline are now evaluating.
FAA Flags 3D Printed Cockpit Accessories as Unapproved Parts for Type-Certificated Aircraft
The FAA issued a notice flagging 3D printed cockpit accessories such as cup holders and yoke grips as unapproved parts when sold for use on type-certificated aircraft.
Oklahoma Delegation Promotes Aerospace and Defense Sector at Farnborough International Airshow
A Greater Oklahoma City Chamber delegation held over 80 conversations at the Farnborough International Airshow this summer, promoting Oklahoma's aerospace and defense sector to global manufacturers and associations.
Starlink Aviation Hardware Price Rises to Around $200,000, Up From $145,000, Increasing Costs for Business Jet Operators
Starlink Aviation hardware pricing rose to about $200,000 from approximately $145,000, according to installation specialist Basenor, raising connectivity costs for business jet operators.
FAA Proposes Noise Certification Standard for Supersonic Aircraft, Aims to Enable Overland Supersonic Flight
The FAA proposed a noise-based certification standard for supersonic aircraft, part of a plan to finalize two related rules by mid-2027 and enable overland supersonic flight.
Archer Aviation Accelerates Push to Become Diversified Aerospace Company
Archer Aviation agreed to acquire Boeing's Wisk Aero, Insitu and SkyGrid businesses, gaining Wisk's autonomous flight technology and Generation 6 capabilities to broaden beyond air taxi development.
Electra Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Completes Demo Flights at New Jersey Airports in FAA Integration Program
Electra flew a hybrid-electric aircraft between Manassas, Virginia and Philadelphia with stops at Millville Executive Airport and Atlantic City's Bader Field this month under an FAA integration program.
Private Jet Booking Apps Expand Charter Access as Global Business-Jet Departures Rise 4.9%
Global business-jet departures reached 1.95 million in the first half of 2026, up 4.0% year over year, as digital platforms like XO, Jettly, Victor and PrivateFly expand charter booking access.
Joby Aviation Leads Archer in FAA Certification Race as Both eVTOL Companies Burn Hundreds of Millions Annually
Joby Aviation leads Archer Aviation toward FAA type certification for eVTOL aircraft after conducting its first FAA-conforming test flight in early March with five electric air taxis now flying.
De Havilland Canada's Twin Otter Program Gains New Momentum with Deliveries, EASA Certification, and Life-Extension Offerings
De Havilland Canada signed a Letter of Intent with Island Aviation Services for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow, while EASA certified the type on July 22, 2026.
Kenya's Presidential Jet Harambee One Returns After Year-Long Overhaul in the Netherlands
Kenya's presidential Fokker 70, Harambee One, returned home after a year-long overhaul by Fokker Services Group in the Netherlands that began in August 2025.
Business Aviation Roundup: WINGX Data, FAI Adds Global 6000, Moody's Upgrades Bombardier, and More
WINGX reported week-33 global business jet activity up just 0.2% year-on-year, while FAI rent-a-jet added a Bombardier Global 6000 and Moody's upgraded Bombardier's rating from Ba3 to Ba2.
Flight Paramedic in Northern California Uses eVTOL to Reach Emergency Scenes, Arriving 20 Minutes Ahead of Ambulance
Flight paramedic Quinn Reece flew a Pivotal BlackFly eVTOL to at least two rural Northern California emergency scenes, once arriving about 20 minutes ahead of the ambulance.
China's Low-Altitude Economy Approaches Commercial Scale as Regulations, eVTOL Milestones and Market Forecasts Converge
China's revised Civil Aviation Law took effect July 1, 2026, easing airspace rules below 300 meters as EHang's EH216-S began commercial trials in Hefei and Aridge produced its 1,000th electric propulsion unit set.
NTU Singapore completes eVTOL prototype flight test campaign in Germany with DLR
NTU Singapore completed a month-long eVTOL flight-test campaign with DLR in Cochstedt, Germany, flying an 8-metre demonstrator above 90 metres and a 3-metre demonstrator past 120 km/h.
NASA Awards Lockheed Martin Skunk Works $247.5 Million Contract to Build Low-Boom Supersonic X-Plane
NASA awarded Lockheed Martin Skunk Works a $247.5 million cost-plus contract to design, build and flight test a Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator X-plane targeting first flight in 2021.
FAA Approves Surf Air Mobility's OperatorOS as Authorized Electronic Records System for Part 135 Airlines
The FAA approved Surf Air Mobility's OperatorOS software as an authorized electronic records system for the Part 135 certificate covering Southern Airways Express and Mokulele Airlines.
Electra Signs MOU with City of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University to Study Direct Aviation Across Gulf of Finland
Electra signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University on August 27, 2026 to study Ultra Short aircraft service across the 80-kilometre Gulf of Finland to Tallinn.
Incheon International Airport Corporation to Host 9th World Aviation Conference on AI Innovation in September
Incheon International Airport Corporation will host the 9th World Aviation Conference in September, focused on aviation AI innovation, expecting more than 1,200 leaders to attend.
On-Demand Air Travel Evolves From Exclusive Charters to App-Based, Algorithm-Driven Market
On-demand air travel has shifted from exclusive charters and fractional ownership toward app-based, per-seat booking platforms with algorithms cutting empty legs by nearly 40% versus a decade ago.
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 Demonstrator Breaks Sound Barrier as Overture Airliner Targets 2029 Service
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator broke the sound barrier at Mach 1.122 over the Mojave Desert on January 28, 2025, advancing the 64-to-80-seat Overture airliner targeting 2029 commercial service.
Rotorcraft Industry Roundup: Deliveries, Acquisitions, and New Partnerships
Rotorcraft industry updates include continued partnership on the European Rotors show, Bell's 505 helicopter debuting in Asia-Pacific with Japan's Aichi Police, and Enstrom delivering an 480B to Africa's Safomar Aviation.
Safran and HAL Sign Contract with Joint Venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines to Develop Aravalli Turboshaft Engine
Safran and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a contract on August 26 with their joint venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines to develop the Aravalli turboshaft engine.
VIC Properties and Vertical Aerospace Sign MoU to Explore Electric Air Mobility at Portugal's Pinheirinho Estate
VIC Properties and Vertical Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 27, 2026, to explore electric air mobility services at Portugal's 400-hectare Pinheirinho estate in Comporta.
CoolFly Launches Urban Standing-Position Personal Aircraft at Hangzhou Global Product Launch
CoolFly unveiled its Urban standing-position personal aircraft and Dream series eVTOL models at a Global Product Launch in Hangzhou on 13 August.
REGENT's Electric Seaglider Aims to Revive Wing-in-Ground-Effect Travel with 2027 Commercial Launch
Rhode Island startup REGENT is developing the electric Seaglider wing-in-ground-effect craft, targeting 2027 customer deliveries after Brittany Ferries placed the first commercial order.
EHang withdraws 2026 full-year revenue guidance citing post-accident regulatory caution in China
EHang withdrew its 2026 full-year revenue guidance without replacement, citing slower passenger commercial operation approvals in China after a late-June accident involving a piloted light-sport aircraft.
Rolls-Royce and TCS Successfully Run Jet Engine on 100% Hydrogen Across Full Simulated Flight Cycle
Rolls-Royce and Tata Consultancy Services ran a modern aero gas turbine on 100% hydrogen through a full simulated flight cycle, completing a four-year development program.
Whisper Aero Completes First Powered Flights of eQ250-Equipped Glider at Crossville, Tennessee
Whisper Aero flew its Powered Swift, a modified Aériane Swift 3 glider with two eQ250 electric ducted fans, on three test flights totaling more than 130 minutes at Crossville, Tennessee.
20th Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium Draws 200 Attendees as Industry Shifts Focus to Certification and Commercial Viability
The 20th Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium drew nearly 200 in-person attendees, 47 speakers and 12 moderators on 18-19 July 2026 at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, up about 50% year over year.
FAA Discloses Fuel-Saving Single-Engine Cruise Feature in P&WC's In-Development PW220A Turboshaft
The FAA disclosed that Pratt & Whitney Canada's in-development PW220A turboshaft engine includes a fuel-saving feature letting a twin-engined helicopter cruise on a single active engine.
Wisk Aero Breaks Ground on Vertiport at Hollister Municipal Airport for Autonomous eVTOL Testing
Wisk Aero broke ground on a 100-by-100-foot vertiport at Hollister Municipal Airport in California to test autonomous Generation 6 eVTOL operations in GPS-denied conditions.
Zhukovsky National Research Center Patents Four-Engine Wingtip Propeller Aircraft with Automatic Yaw Control
Zhukovsky National Research Center has patented an aircraft configuration with four engines driving two double-row wingtip-mounted tractor propellers, using automatic symmetric shutdown to control yaw on failure.
Electric Aircraft Battery Fires: Why Extinguishing Flames May Not End the Emergency
The FAA and EASA warn that lithium-ion propulsion battery fires on electric aircraft can keep generating heat and flammable gases after flames are put out.
Brightline Interactive Signs Teaming Agreement with CSCI to Deploy SpatialCore at FAA eVTOL Integration Pilot Program Site in Louisiana
Brightline Interactive signed a teaming agreement with CSCI to potentially deploy its SpatialCore platform at LIFTOff Louisiana, a test site under the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.
Gelion Completes APC-Funded ARMD4 Drone Battery Testing with QinetiQ Validation
Gelion completed the APC-funded ARMD4 programme, with QinetiQ independently testing its NES lithium-sulfur pouch cells over 200 cycles for drone applications, on time and within budget.
Concorde: From 1962 Anglo-French Treaty to Final Flight in November 2003
Concorde's supersonic programme ran from a 1962 Anglo-French treaty through its final flight on 26 November 2003, with only 20 aircraft ever completed.
Illinois DOT outlines advanced air mobility and next-generation airport planning strategy at 2026 Global Aerospace Summit
Illinois DOT officials presented a statewide advanced air mobility and airport planning roadmap at the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit in O'Fallon on August 19-20.
American EcoFuels (OTC: AEFI) Issues Update on SAF Technology, Patent Expansion, and Uplisting Plans
American EcoFuels issued an August 26, 2026 update confirming its rebrand from Eco Innovation Group, full acquisition of Kepler GTL Technologies, and lab-scale production of SAF, SPK and clean diesel.
TSA Launches Horizon 25 Strategy to Modernise Security Checkpoints Ahead of Agency's 25th Anniversary
TSA Administrator David P. Cummins announced the Horizon 25 Strategy on 24 August 2026, a framework to modernise checkpoints, improve passenger experience and strengthen multi-modal transport security ahead of the agency's 25th anniversary.
US Drone Tariffs Challenge Chinese eVTOL Startups Eyeing American Market
Chinese ultralight eVTOL manufacturer CoolFly unveiled its production-ready Urban and Dream series aircraft in August 2026 while pursuing the US market despite tightening export controls and drone tariffs.
Electric passenger aircraft could enter commercial service between 2030 and 2035, industry figures say
Transport & Environment's Tom Taylor said electric passenger aircraft could enter commercial service on European short-haul routes between 2030 and 2035, subject to legislation keeping pace with technology.
Composites Industry Digest: Joby Opens Texas Hub, Eve eVTOL Hits 30 Knots, Infinite Composites Wins $5.5M NASA Deal
Business aviation and composites suppliers reported multiple advances, including Eve Air Mobility's eVTOL reaching 30 knots and 90 feet, and Joby Aviation acquiring Resonant Sciences and opening a 45,000-square-foot Fort Worth hub.