Cirrus has introduced the TRAC10, a purpose-built training aircraft aimed at professional flight schools, universities and pilot training organisations. The new aircraft represents an expansion of the company's dedicated training portfolio and has been designed to address the evolving requirements of modern commercial pilot training. Production of the TRAC10 will take place at Cirrus' headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota. The manufacturer expects to begin deliveries to customers

Electra has taken another significant step toward bringing its innovative EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft to market after achieving an important certification milestone with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Virginia-based aerospace company announced that the FAA has officially closed the G-1 Issue Paper for the EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, establishing the certification basis for the company's nine-passenger hybrid-electric design. The milestone marks the complet

By Garth Calitz The United States Air Force has officially commenced the operational preparation phase at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to serve as the aircraft's first permanent operating base for the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The development marks a significant step in one of the U.S. Air Force's largest modernisation programmes, as the service prepares to transition from the long-serving B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit to the sixth-generation B-21 R

When the first Airbus A220 entered commercial service in July 2016, few could have predicted the remarkable impact the aircraft would have on the global airline industry. A decade later, the aircraft has established itself as one of the most successful modern commercial airliners, combining advanced technology, exceptional passenger comfort and impressive operating economics. Originally conceived as Bombardier's C Series, the aircraft's journey has been one of persistence, in

Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the acquisition of 16 Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft that will be provided to Ukraine as part of Sweden's long-term military assistance programme. The contract is valued at approximately $2.55 billion and will be recorded in Saab's order book during the third quarter of 2026. Deliveries to FMV are scheduled for 2029 and 2030. In addition to the airc

India's regional aviation sector has received a significant boost following the certification of several members of the Embraer E-Jets family by the country's aviation regulator, opening the door for wider deployment of the Brazilian manufacturer's latest regional aircraft. The certification, granted by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), covers the Embraer E190, E195 and the next-generation E195-E2. The E175 had already received Indian certification and is

By Garth Calitz 30 June 2026 marks 58 years since one of the most ambitious aircraft ever built first took to the skies. On 30 June 1968, the Lockheed C-5A Galaxy made its maiden flight from Lockheed's production facility in Marietta, Georgia, introducing a military transport aircraft unlike anything the world had seen before. At the controls was Lockheed chief engineering test pilot Leo Sullivan, who guided the massive prototype through a successful 84-minute first flight. F

Airlink has added another eye-catching aircraft to its growing fleet of special liveries, unveiling a vibrant green Embraer E190 that celebrates the airline's Skybucks customer loyalty programme while highlighting its role as the Official Domestic Airline for the upcoming Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 tournament. The newly painted aircraft, registered ZS-YAE, entered commercial service on 30 June, making its debut on a flight from Polokwane to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Intern

South Africa's international aviation sector is set to receive another welcome boost as Lufthansa expands its Cape Town operations with an additional weekly nonstop service from Frankfurt, giving the airline a daily presence on one of the country's most important long-haul routes during the 2026/27 Northern Hemisphere winter season. Beginning at the end of October 2026, the German flag carrier will introduce a new Monday flight between Frankfurt and Cape Town, complementing i

By Garth Calitz A reported mid-air collision between a JetBlue Airbus A321 and an unidentified drone during approach to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport has once again drawn attention to the growing challenge that unmanned aircraft systems pose to commercial aviation. The incident occurred on 29 June when JetBlue Flight 948, operating from Harry Reid International Airport to JFK, reported what the flight crew believed was a collision with a drone while descend