After a prolonged certification process, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has received full regulatory clearance from both the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, allowing the company to resume global deliveries of new-production helicopters. The milestone centres on the turbine-powered Enstrom 480B, which has now achieved full airworthiness certification under the latest safety requirements. The first newly built aircraft to meet thes

Air Tractor Holdings has acquired Thrush Aircraft in a move that marks one of the most significant consolidations in specialist utility aviation in recent years, bringing together two of the best-known names in agricultural flying under a single owner while preserving both brands as standalone operations. The transaction, which closed on 3 April 2026, is notable not only for its commercial implications but for its historical resonance. In effect, it reunites the two principal

Bell Textron used the stage of FIDAE 2026 in Santiago, Chile, to highlight a strong commercial milestone for its light single-engine helicopter portfolio, announcing that the Bell 505 recorded its highest number of orders in Latin America during 2025. The achievement reflects the continued momentum of the Bell 505 across a region where operators increasingly require flexible, lower-operating-cost rotorcraft capable of serving a wide range of missions. From private transport a

By Garth Calitz Photos by Garth Calitz and Trevor Cohen The South African Air Force (SAAF) entered a new chapter on 1 April 2026 with the appointment of Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe as its new Chief, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the country’s most strategically important military services. The change of command was formally marked during a handover parade, hosted at SAAF Mobile Deployment Wing (previously AFB Swartkops) on the last day of March.

By Garth Calitz The experimental aviation sector has been dealt a notable setback following the sudden closure of Sonex Aircraft, a long-established producer of kit-built aircraft based in Oshkosh. The company confirmed on 27 March 2026 that it had ceased operations with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to more than two decades of activity in the homebuilt aviation market. Company owner Mark Schaible delivered the announcement via an official statement and video messa

Mozambique is set to receive targeted technical support from Brazil as it works to strengthen its civil aviation oversight framework ahead of a key International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit scheduled for 2027. The initiative focuses on enhancing regulatory capability, operational safety systems and institutional preparedness within the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute (IACM), positioning the country to improve its standing against international aviation safety

Brazil’s aviation authority has cleared the way for Daher Aircraft’s newest turboprop to enter one of South America’s most important private aviation markets. The Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil has officially certified the TBM 980, allowing deliveries to begin in Brazil and nearby countries. The approval marks another step in the aircraft’s global rollout, following earlier certifications in Europe and the United States. Daher introduced the TBM 980 in January at its facil

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the delivery of its 200th Gulfstream G600, marking a production milestone for the large-cabin business jet. The aircraft was completed at the company’s St. Louis outfitting facility and delivered to a customer based in North America. Since entering service, the G600 fleet has accumulated more than 197,000 flight hours and recorded over 87,000 landings. These figures indicate the aircraft’s growing presence in the global business aviati

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

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