This week, a significant milestone in aviation history took place in California's skies as Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, collaborating with NASA, successfully conducted the inaugural flight of the X-59. This innovative supersonic research aircraft is engineered to travel faster than sound without the disruptive sonic boom that has historically restricted supersonic travel over land. The X-59, an elegant, needle-nosed experimental jet, departed from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in P

The spirit of adventure and innovation that has long defined American backcountry aviation reached new heights, literally, when a factory-stock CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL climbed to a verified altitude of 37,609 feet above sea level. The flight, conducted on October 28, 2025, shattered expectations and set an unofficial world altitude record for Cub-type aircraft, eclipsing a benchmark that had stood for nearly three-quarters of a century. Piloted by Jon Kotwicki of Fly8MA Fli

By Garth Calitz Boeing has taken a major step in assisting in enhancing Australia’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities with the induction of the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon into a comprehensive upgrade program. At the same time, the RAAF has welcomed its 13th Poseidon aircraft into service, further strengthening Australia’s fleet readiness and operational reach across its extensive maritime domain. This milestone signifies a new ph

By Garth Calitz The Indonesian Air Force has received its first Airbus A400M Atlas, representing a major advancement in the country's ongoing efforts to modernise its airlift fleet and enhance its regional operational capabilities. Delivered by Airbus Defence and Space to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, this aircraft marks a significant milestone for both Indonesia and Airbus, as Indonesia becomes the tenth global operator of the A400M. The delivery ceremony took place at

Two US Navy aircraft from the USS Nimitz crashed in separate incidents within half an hour of each other over the South China Sea, prompting parallel investigations into one of the most unusual operational mishaps to strike a US carrier air wing in recent years. According to statements from the US Pacific Fleet, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet went down roughly 30 minutes apart during routine operations on Sunday afternoon. Both crashes o

By Rob Russell We have all seen, heard, read, and some of us have flown in aircraft with two decks. The most famous being the B747 – undeniably the Queen of the skies, followed by the Airbus A380, a majestic proper double-decker and then the mighty Lockheed Galaxy C5, a proper multi-purpose beast, if ever there was one. But how many of you have heard of the Breguet 763 “Deux-Ponts”? The first purpose-built two-deck aircraft to be certified for passenger transport, it was deve

By Garth Calitz After being dormant since the Concorde's retirement in 2003, commercial supersonic flight is making a comeback, not as a nostalgic revival but as a product redesigned with technological, economic and social advancements. This new era of high-speed travel is propelled by improvements in aerodynamics and materials, innovative engine and propulsion designs, a greater focus on sustainability, and extensive regulatory efforts to mitigate the sonic boom and communit

Back by popular demand, Diamond Aircraft has announced that the iconic DA20i Katana will once again be produced at its European facility in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The order books are now open. In response to increased demand from flight schools, flying clubs, and private owners, Diamond Aircraft is restarting production of this two-seater, single-engine piston aircraft, renowned for its performance, reliability and value in training. The DA20i Katana, constructed in Europe

The Republic of Korea Air Force has contracted L3Harris Technologies to supply modified Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C). L3Harris is collaborating with Bombardier, ELTA Systems from Israel Aerospace Industries, and Korean Air to deliver this advanced capability. The program is valued at over $2.26 billion. These aircraft are designed to fly at higher speeds and for extended durations to enhance the nation's mission readiness. The

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is celebrating a significant milestone in its modern training era, as its fleet of Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft surpasses 40,000 flying hours, equivalent to flying continuously for four and a half years. Since their induction into the fleet in 2015, the Texans have become integral to New Zealand's military pilot training, operated by No. 14 Squadron at RNZAF Base Ohakea. These aircraft serve as the primary training platform for asp