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

Germany has reiterated its dedication to European defence and air dominance by placing an order for 20 advanced Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. This contract, granted to Airbus Defence and Space, involves the production of these multi-role combat jets at the company's final assembly facility in Manching, near Munich. Deliveries are set to commence in 2031, with the last aircraft anticipated to enter service by 2034. The order represents a pivotal milestone in the continued deve

By Garth Calitz When the First World War came to an end, the world’s gaze shifted from the devastation of the battlefield to the limitless promise of the skies. Aviation, born barely a decade earlier, had proven itself in war, but now it was time for flight to serve humanity in peace. Among the pioneering minds shaping that future was a young American inventor whose restless genius and fearless experimentation would forever change the way aircraft were flown. His name was Law

By Garth Calitz Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Magaliesburg foothills, between Olifantsnek Pass and Buffelspoort Dam, Airspan Airfield once again came alive for the Sun ’n Fun 2025 Fly-In. With its 900-meter tar runway, friendly atmosphere, excellent facilities and scenic surroundings, Airspan provided the perfect venue for a weekend celebrating the spirit of aviation. Many of the attendees were planning on making a weekend of it, camping under their wing, but

By Garth Calitz When an aircraft manufacturer reaches a three-digit delivery milestone, it signifies the maturation of a product, production system, and owner community. For Epic Aircraft, delivering its 100th certified aircraft marks its evolution from a boutique builder to a sustained producer of high-performance turboprops. On September 19, 2025, Epic announced this milestone at its 11th Annual Odyssey Fly-In in Bend, Oregon, revealing that the 100th aircraft, an E1000 AX

In a groundbreaking step for both healthcare and aviation, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans to establish the United Arab Emirates’ first hospital-based vertiport, in collaboration with Archer Aviation. The initiative marks a bold leap into the era of advanced air mobility (AAM), promising faster, quieter, and more sustainable transport options for patients, visitors, and time-critical medical logistics. The planned vertiport will provide direct eVTOL (electric ve