By Garth Calitz South African Airways (SAA) is attempting to step up its game in regional travel by launching a new twice-daily flight between Johannesburg and Gaborone, Botswana. The first flight took off on 4 November and management was quick to chalk it up as yet another big step in the national airline's growth across Africa. Speaking at the launch event in Gaborone, SAA Group CEO Professor John Lamola emphasised that the new route represents far more than an additional f

Textron Aviation has achieved a significant milestone with the FAA certification of its latest midsize business jet, the Cessna Citation Ascend. This accomplishment represents a crucial step towards its service launch later this year, reinforcing Ascend's status as the next advancement in the world's most successful midsize jet family. Designed and manufactured at Textron Aviation’s Wichita headquarters, the Citation Ascend represents a complete reimagining of the proven Cita

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

By Garth Calitz The US government shutdown that kicked off at the beginning of October has turned the nation's aviation system into a comedy of errors, turning usual travel plans into an unexpected episode of “Survivor: Airport Edition.” While commercial flights are still taking off, the US skies are not exactly friendly. With more employees staying at home, processing is moving slower than a sloth on Sunday and staffing levels are making a skeleton crew look overstaffed. Del

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

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

EHang Holdings Limited, a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM), has broadened its product offerings with the official launch of the VT35, a next-generation long-range pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Building upon the earlier VT30 prototype, the VT35 features substantial enhancements in aerodynamics, structure, and systems, designed to extend autonomous aerial operations beyond urban areas to regional and intercity routes. The aircraf

Growthpoint Properties, the largest listed real estate group in South Africa, has initiated a significant partnership with Cape Winelands Airport, poised to transform the aviation, logistics, and tourism sectors in the Western Cape. This agreement marks Growthpoint's inaugural venture into the aviation infrastructure sector, positioning it as a key player in the development and management of what is anticipated to be South Africa's next-generation airport precinct. This priva

The Cirrus Vision Jet, recognised as the world’s first single-engine personal jet, consistently establishes new standards in personal and business aviation. Since its introduction to the market, the Vision Jet has dominated its segment, maintaining its position as the best-selling model for seven consecutive years. As it approaches its 10th anniversary, Cirrus has delivered 700 aircraft and expanded its ownership support infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency for bu

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