A new collaboration between Sikorsky and Robinson Helicopter Company has produced a striking development in the world of autonomous rotorcraft. The two manufacturers recently unveiled the R66 TURBINETRUCK, an unmanned cargo helicopter that pairs Robinson’s proven light turbine platform with Sikorsky’s advanced MATRIX™ autonomy system, creating a versatile aircraft designed for both commercial and military logistics missions. Revealed in Atlanta on 10 March 2026, the new aircr

By Garth Calitz As fuel prices surge across global markets, airlines have once again turned to a familiar mechanism: the fuel levy. For passengers, the reappearance of these surcharges often feels like an unwelcome addition to already expensive tickets. But are these levies genuinely necessary, or are they a convenient way for airlines to quietly boost revenue? The answer, as is often the case in aviation, lies somewhere in between. Jet fuel remains one of the most volatile a

By Garth Calitz In an era when long-distance flight still carried an air of daring uncertainty, a silver bomber named Lucky Lady II quietly redefined what was possible. In early 1949, a modified Boeing B-50 Superfortress completed the first non-stop flight around the globe, remaining airborne for just over 94 hours. At a time when even transoceanic travel remained a complex undertaking, this mission demonstrated that the physical limits of distance could be overcome through i

The upgrading of South Africa’s electricity transmission infrastructure is set to receive a significant boost following a new helicopter acquisition announced at the VAI Verticon 2026 in Atlanta. Bell Textron revealed that the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) has signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 407GXi helicopters to support critical utility operations across the country. The new aircraft will play a key role in the inspection, maintenance and e

TAAG Angola Airlines has taken delivery of its sixth Airbus A220-300, marking another important milestone in the carrier’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme and underlining its ambition to reposition itself as a competitive force in African aviation. The arrival of the new aircraft forms part of a broader strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency, expanding regional connectivity, and enhancing the passenger experience. As TAAG continues to transition away from ol

MD Helicopters has revealed the latest evolution of its long-running light utility helicopter family with the introduction of the MD 564, a significantly upgraded variant of the iconic 500-series. The new aircraft introduces a six-bladed main rotor system, a redesigned four-bladed tail rotor and enhanced performance figures aimed squarely at demanding utility and aerial work missions. While the MD 564 represents a major step forward in capability, the aircraft is not an entir

The European air cargo market has welcomed a new entrant with the introduction of the first Embraer E190F passenger-to-freighter aircraft into commercial service. Bridges Air Cargo has officially launched operations with the type, marking a significant milestone for Embraer’s E-Freighter programme and opening a new chapter in regional express logistics across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The aircraft completed its inaugural commercial mission on 9 March 2026, departing

Airbus is accelerating its efforts to deliver a new generation of collaborative combat aircraft to the German Air Force, with two uncrewed aircraft now being prepared for flight testing in Germany. The aircraft, based on the Kratos Valkyrie platform, are currently undergoing integration with a European-developed mission system and are expected to make their first flights later in 2026. The work is taking place at Airbus’ facility in Manching, near Munich, where engineers are

By Garth Calitz South Africa’s recreational aviation community once again converged on Middelburg Airfield in Mpumalanga as the Aero Club of South Africa hosted its annual Airweek gathering, normally one of the country’s largest fly-ins in the country. This year, the weather had other plans, a combination of tropical moisture and an unstable low-pressure system over the interior created ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms and iclemnet rain, and rain it did. My original

By Garth Calitz On 5 March 2026, one of aviation’s most celebrated aircraft reached a remarkable milestone. The legendary Supermarine Spitfire marked 90 years since its first flight, a moment that helped shape both aviation history and the outcome of the Second World War. Few aircraft have captured the imagination of pilots and aviation enthusiasts quite like the Spitfire. With its elegant elliptical wings, distinctive engine note and superb performance, the aircraft quickly