KLM and ZeroAvia Plan Zero-Emission Demonstration Flight Using Liquid Hydrogen

KLM and ZeroAvia Plan Zero-Emission Demonstration Flight Using Liquid Hydrogen

ZeroAvia and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today announced that they will work towards a demonstration flight using ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for large regional turboprop.

Hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which is then used to power electric motors to turn the aircraft’s propellers. The only emission is low-temperature water vapour, with studies therefore estimating an up to 90% reduction in climate impact when compared with typical kerosene-fueled flights.[1] 

As a first major target milestone, the companies aim to conduct an initial A-to-B flight demonstration between two airport locations in 2026. As well as identifying the optimal airport pair, immediate workstreams will be working towards regulatory permits to fly and ensuring supply of liquid hydrogen fuel and putting in place the supporting infrastructure for aircraft fueling. 

UK Protector fleet grows as trials continue

The Royal Air Force recently imported a second Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

Engineers from 31 Squadron have completed the build and initial testing of this second aircraft, prior to further test and evaluation, led by 56 Squadron over the coming months.

The RAF, working with Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) expect 5 more aircraft to be delivered by the end of this year as Protector prepares to establish Aircrew and Technician training in the UK this year and take over operations from Reaper (MQ-9A) in 2025.

The delivery of this aircraft completes a busy period for the Programme, with initial flight-testing using aircraft one conducted in November 2023. Initial training is taking place at GA-ASI’s facilities in the US, utilising three other RAF owned aircraft, where a Protector Technician Course began in February, and the first Protector crews graduated from Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) in April. Training will transition to the UK later this year utilising the first phase of infrastructure work recently completed at RAF Waddington, the home of Protector in the UK. An international MQ-9B symposium was hosted by the RAF at RAF Cranwell in April this year.

Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support said:  “Seeing delivery and assembly of the second Protector aircraft in the UK is yet another measure of the significant progress on this project and testament to the hard work of everyone involved.  Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the US (which remain in the US for use in trials and/or training), we have now taken delivery of five of the sixteen aircraft we have ordered.”

RAF Typhoon completes first public display on blend of sustainable fuel

Last weekend the RAF Typhoon made history when it completed its first public display on a blend of sustainable fuel and regular jet fuel at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).

The aircraft’s eight-minute display, flown by Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull, flew on a 35% blend of sustainable fuel in collaboration with RIAT under the airshow’s theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’.

RAF Typhoons are highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft and capable of speeds of nearly 1,400 mph.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, UK’s most prestigious airshow, welcomes 150,000 people to RAF Fairford every year with all proceeds from the event being donated to its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.

Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris, Director Support said:  “The Royal Air Force was delighted to be able to perform a world first at RIAT, displaying a UK combat aircraft using a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

Having cleared all of our aircraft to use blends of up to 50% in 2020, and conducting the world’s first military transport aircraft flight on 100% SAF in 2022, we remain at the forefront of this important work with industry partners.

Airbus partners with Avolon to explore future of hydrogen aviation

Airbus has announced a new partnership with aircraft lessor, Avolon, to study the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft, marking the very first collaboration of the ZEROe Project with an operating lessor.

Announced at the Farnborough Airshow, Airbus and Avolon will investigate how future hydrogen-powered aircraft could be financed and commercialised, and how they might be supported by the leasing business model.

Airbus is putting significant resources into exploring how the industry can introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft and how it works on the ground with airports and airlines. The development of a viable hydrogen ecosystem is a key enabler of the industry’s goal to reach near zero emissions.

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon, commented, “Joining the ZEROe Project is another step in Avolon’s sustainability journey and we look forward to building on our long-standing partnership with Airbus to consider how the next generation of aircraft will be financed and commercialised. It will take a wide ecosystem of contributors to overcome the challenges of hydrogen powered commercial flight, and Airbus is playing a crucial role in bringing partners together. While we continue to focus on supporting our customers in modernising their fleets with lower emissions aircraft, it is also vital we look beyond that at what can further drive our industry’s decarbonisation.”

Airbus Vice President ZEROe Project, Glenn Llewellyn, said, “There is real value in bringing together industry players to help solve the challenges facing aviation. We know we can’t solve decarbonisation alone and welcome Avolon’s expertise and worldwide leadership in the aircraft leasing business. Working together to consider how the transition can be commercialised and financed for airline customers is crucial to success.”

Further information about Airbus’ hydrogen journey can be found here.

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Beechcraft King Air special “Crimson Edition” unveiled in honour of 60th Anniversary

Textron Aviation has announced a special edition 60th anniversary option for the iconic Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 turboprops to celebrate the aircraft’s proud history of being the best-selling business turboprop family in the world. The new “Crimson Edition” King Air features a striking new interior and a vibrant red and silver exterior paint scheme, inspired by six decades of legendary Beechcraft customers and operators. The order book is open for the special edition aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2025.

“The Crimson Edition of the King Air provides customers with an immersive experience that pays tribute to the turboprop’s renowned legacy, while also featuring modern luxuries and upgrades that showcase the aircraft's ongoing evolution,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, of Customer Experience. “We’re honoured to celebrate a prestigious aircraft that is beloved by so many customers around the world.”

The King Air series aircraft has long been a customer favourite since its introduction in 1964. The legendary turboprop is synonymous with unwavering reliability, exceptional performance and unparalleled versatility, earning the trust and preference of operators worldwide.

New Crimson exterior scheme

One of the first noticeable attributes of the new “Crimson Edition” King Air is the iconic Beechcraft “B” on the aircraft’s tail. The exterior paint scheme showcases a metallic-like crimson, silver and black paint scheme. The aircraft’s new boarding step has hidden fasteners that create a sleeker appearance for entry, and its graphite silver finish perfectly matches the new exterior and interior.

Stunning custom interior

Qatar Airways orders 20 extra Boeing 777-9 jets.......

Boeing and Qatar Airways announced this week at the Farnborough AirShow an order for 20 more Boeing 777-9 aeroplanes, but it is not a new order,  it is a recycled order by Boeing to enhance its media reputation at the air show. The order was originally announced earlier this year and was marked as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

"Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. "

"Qatar Airways is a leader in our industry, and we are honored the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets to its large Boeing order book," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We appreciate their confidence that Boeing's market-leading widebody family will provide outstanding fuel efficiency and a superior passenger experience for its global operations."

In addition to the 777X family, Qatar Airways has 12 787 Dreamliner and 25 737 MAX aircraft on order. 

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Macquarie AirFinance puts on order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Boeing and Macquarie AirFinance announced this week that the lessor has made its first direct order for Boeing aeroplanes. The purchase of 20 737 MAX 8s doubles Macquarie AirFinance's existing 737 MAX 8 order book, which it acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. in 2023.  By expanding its 737 MAX portfolio, Macquarie AirFinance will scale up its fleet of the poorly designed aircraft that continue to suffer safety issues following two fatal crashes. 

"The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport. This order increases our existing OEM order book to 86 firm aircraft and will enable our airline partners to access the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft," said Eamonn Bane, CEO of Macquarie AirFinance.

"As single-aisle fleet renewals gain momentum, Macquarie AirFinance's choice of the 737-8 will allow its customers to phase out older aeroplanes and operate the industry's most fuel-efficient jets," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Lessors such as Macquarie AirFinance are key partners to Boeing and our airline customers, supporting aeroplane deliveries and offering financial solutions to carriers that want to renew or grow their fleets with the 737 MAX."

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Japan Airlines finalises order for 31 Airbus aircraft......

Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s and A321neo aircraft

Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo, finalising a commitment announced earlier this year.

The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show 2024 during a signing ceremony with Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines, and Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.

The new A350-900s will join the carrier’s A350 fleet serving international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.

Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines Yukio Nakagawa said, “We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A350s and new A321s. We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus, Christian Scherer said, “We thank Japan Airlines for placing its confidence once again in the A350. In addition, we celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”

Embraer announces sale of six A-29 Super Tucano at Farnborough

 

The agreement provides for the delivery of six aircraft to the Paraguayan Air Force starting in 2025.

Embraer announced this week during the Farnborough International Airshow, the most important aerospace industry event of the year, the sale of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP).

As a multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 provides the Air Forces with versatility for armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions on a single platform, which exponentially increases the institutions' availability and operational flexibility. The operation, with deliveries scheduled from 2025, includes mission equipment and an integrated logistics services agreement.

"We are honoured by the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) decision and very pleased to be able to announce more A-29 Super Tucano sales, which is a leading aircraft in the international market in its segment. We are confident that the A-29 meets the current and future needs of the FAP", says Fabio Caparica, Commercial Vice President for Latin America at Embraer Defense & Security.

"Defense is a pure public good because it provides society with a service that contributes solely and exclusively to the stability of the nation as an essential element for an integrated development of a country. This has a positive impact not only on issues related to national sovereignty but also on all areas of development. The Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) has the constitutional mission of safeguarding territorial integrity and, within its scope, exercising effective sovereignty over airspace, facing new threats, such as combating drug trafficking and transnational organized crime", said Air General Júlio Rubén Fullaondo Céspedes, Commander of the Paraguayan Air Force. "To face emerging threats, we are in the process of modernizing our aerial and detection capabilities, and we intend to be up to the technological standards that allow us to correctly apply the measures established in the Law on Surveillance and Protection of Paraguayan Airspace in a to effectively contribute to the preservation of regional and international peace and security".

Virgin Atlantic orders seven additional Airbus A330neo aircraft

Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven A330neo aircraft as part of its wider fleet transformation. The agreement takes Virgin Atlantic’s commitment for the A330neo to 19 aircraft in total, providing improved economics.

The order was announced during the Farnborough Airshow onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, named ‘Ruby Rebel’, and registered as GB-VSRB after founder Sir Richard Branson, to celebrate the airline's 40th anniversary.

Shai Weiss, CEO, of Virgin Atlantic said, “Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly. Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon-efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”

“Our special partnership with Airbus began with the arrival of ‘Lady in Red’ in 1993, with our most recent arrival, ‘Ruby Rebel’, arriving to mark our 40th birthday this year. Virgin Atlantic has flown more than 60 Airbus tails in the last three decades. While not first to the party, they’ve been our main dance partner, making our customers smile ever since.”

Cessna Caravan flight deck to feature cockpit advancements enhancing the flight experience for pilots

Textron Aviation is introducing significant enhancements to its legendary Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft. A brighter, modernized flight deck with new backlit panels, along with other amenities designed to elevate the pilot experience, are the direct result of continuous conversations with customers. The enhancements, which are expected to be available in 2025, will be standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft.

“The enhancements to the Cessna Caravan flight deck demonstrate our continued commitment to providing the best possible flight experience for our customers,” said Christopher Crow, vice president, Piston and Utility Sales. “Our ongoing investments in this family of aircraft continues to build on the Caravan’s nearly 40-year history of success as the utility aircraft of choice for customers around the world.”

One of the most notable changes to both aircraft is the all-new black cockpit panels, creating a more contemporary appearance. The Caravan will also have Electroluminescent Lighting panels to match current Grand Caravan EX models, providing additional backlight for greater visibility in dimly lit environments.

Other enhancements to the Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX include:

A wider cockpit boarding ladder for easier access to the captain’s side of the aircraft

Four circular, adjustable air nozzles to replace the previous two rectangular cockpit air vents

Two USB-C charging ports to replace the 12V power adapter on the lower center pedestal of the cockpit

Two USB-C charging ports on the right-hand subpanel for the copilot

Standard power headset jacks (LEMO plugs) alongside the existing General Aviation plugs, offering operators greater flexibility in powering active noise cancelling headsets

Headset hooks underneath the cockpit glareshield

Cessna Caravan family of aircraft

Cirrus celebrates 10,000 SR Series deliveries with limited edition aircraft

Cirrus, the world’s best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft manufacturer, revealed a one-of-a-kind, Limited-Edition SR Series aircraft to commemorate 10,000 SR Series deliveries. The 10,000th SR Series aircraft celebrates Cirrus’ past, present and future as well as the team who made this milestone possible.

Since the first delivery of the SR Series in 1999, Cirrus has pursued its guiding principles of delivering an aviation experience that is the pinnacle of innovation, quality and safety to its customers. This commitment is a testament to Cirrus’ perseverance and the SR Series’ continued evolution and success in delivering the next generation of personal aviation.

“The SR Series has reached a monumental achievement with 10,000 deliveries and owners that live the Cirrus Life,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer. “From the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) to the Perspective Touch+ flight deck, Cirrus continuously innovates to provide owners with personal aircraft that set the industry standard for aviation safety, luxury, convenience and ease of ownership. We are honored to celebrate 10,000 SR Series aircraft deliveries with our team members, partners and stakeholders.”

The SR Series continues to be the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft for 22 years. Cirrus achieved the 10,000th aircraft milestone because of its relentless innovation and ability to create industry-leading products and owner services.

Successful flight trials for future 5G infrastructure

An advanced airborne 5G connectivity system has been successfully integrated to a Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, completing a series of demonstration flights. 

A team of UK companies completes flight trials for 5G infrastructure from the sky! 

The groundbreaking technology is being developed by a number of UK companies led by Stratospheric Platforms Limited (SPL), a leading Non-Terrestrial Networks telecoms developer, with design, integration and demonstration flights provided by manufacturer Britten-Norman. 

SPL is at the forefront of developing airborne antennas to deliver widescale high performance 5G coverage. This technology offers numerous valuable applications, such as quickly restoring networks after major disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, where traditional mobile network infrastructure has been disrupted. 

On 18th July 2024, the project team were joined by distinguished guests from potential customers and investors to observe the installation of the array under real flight conditions during an event at Britten-Norman’s Solent Airport aircraft maintenance (MRO) facility. The trial, conducted by Britten-Norman’s Flight Test Organisation, aimed to demonstrate the aircraft's capability to operate safely with the large 5G phased array antenna installed. Key aspects of the flight test programme included assessment of aircraft performance and handling qualities, covering both normal and emergency operation. This will support full certification of the system, enabling integration in terrestrial telecoms network at connection speeds of up to 200Mbps over 15,000km2. 

The turboprop BN2T-4S Islander variant was chosen for its robust design, all-weather capability, exceptional endurance and payload capacity. In addition, the aircraft’s modular design makes it an ideal platform for integration of large mission system payloads, whilst retaining a rapid re-role capability for other taskings.

The next phase of the project involves demonstrating the technology via a connection to a private UK-based national 5G telecommunications network.

Korean Air may buy up to 50 Boeing widebody jets

Korea's flag carrier to become newest 777X customer with commitment for 20 777-9 passenger 

Boeing has announced this week that Korean Air intends to buy up to 50 of Boeing's widebody jets, comprising of 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s with options for 10 more planes. 

The promise to buy the 777-9s and 787-10s is said to support the planned growth and renewal of the carrier, following a troubled period of financial and fleet constraints. The carrier hopes the efficiency and versatility of these widebody jets will not only enhance its fleet but also add flexibility to its global network ahead of its anticipated merger with Asiana Airlines.

"The addition of the Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our strategic objective to expand and upgrade our fleet," said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. 

If the order changes from just an expression of intent to a signed contract, it will be posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website and Korean Air will be the latest customer to purchase one of the world's best-selling twin-engine jets.

The 777-9 can seat 426 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of 13,500 km (7,285 nautical miles) and the 787-10 can carry up to 336 passengers with a range of 11,730 km (6,330 nautical miles).

The Netherlands to acquire nine Multi-Mission Airlift Embraer C-390 Millennium in joint order with Austria

The Dutch Ministry of Defense signed the contract today for the acquisition of nine Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft during a ceremony at the Farnborough Airshow. As part of the project 'Replacement of Tactical Airlift Capacity', the contract is a joint purchase, in cooperation with Austria – five aircraft for the Royal Netherlands Air Force and four aircraft for the Austrian Air Force.

With this joint order, both countries aim at increasing their ability to rapidly deploy or evacuate equipment and personnel worldwide, even under difficult operational conditions. The enhanced tactical airlift capacity provided by the C-390 increases operational flexibility and responsiveness, provides logistical support in various missions and operations, and enables a wide range of humanitarian and medical tasks.

The joint purchase will also allow both nations – as well as current and future operators – to cooperate and benefit from synergies in areas like training, logistics and future growth of the platform, together with the other C-390 operators in NATO nations. The C-390 Millennium provides maximum operational readiness enabling interoperability and connectivity in networked environments and multiple domains.

The C-390 will improve operational capacity by offering better performance, greater reliability, and higher transport capacity. Additionally, the choice for the C-390 ensures that the Royal Dutch and Austrian Air Forces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to meet the mission demands of the future.

"It is great that we can sign this agreement for both Austria as the Netherlands. I'm happy to see that we can buy these planes with the same specifications. This is a good example of collaboration in Europe between countries.  The constructive support of Embraer has played a crucial role in the successful realization of this agreement. We appreciate the contribution of Embraer and look forward to a successful cooperation", said Vice-Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, National Armaments Director of the Netherlands.

National Airlines to order four Boeing 777 Freighters

Boeing and National Airlines announced this week the global carrier has committed to placing its first order for four 777 Freighters. Currently the longest-range twin-engine freighter with unrivalled payload capacity, the 777 Freighter will help maximize the airline's commercial cargo service and boost market share across its global operations.

"We are elated by this remarkable order of four Boeing 777 Freighters. This demonstrates our commitment to offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air freight services to support our global customers' increasing transportation demands," said Christopher Alf, chairman of National Airlines. "The order affirms our fleet growth plan as we enter into the next chapter of National. We sincerely appreciate the support by Boeing and all its associated teams in this journey ahead."

Once finalized, if an agreement can be reached on price and delivery date,  National Airlines' first direct purchase of Boeing aeroplanes will be posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

Airbus A321XLR receives EASA type certification

The Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), preparing the way for the entry-into-service of the new aircraft at the end of the summer. The Type Certificate was handed over by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, to Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later in 2024.

"Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and passengers. With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality inside the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. It is quintessential Airbus!”, says Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus. “With the certification, we have reached a key milestone. The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide. We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets.”

Boeing forecasts demand for nearly 44,000 new aircraft by 2043

- Global passenger and freighter fleet to nearly double over the next 20 years

- Single-aisle aeroplanes to account for 76% of commercial deliveries

- About half of deliveries will replace older jets with more fuel-efficient models, improving sustainability

With air travel fully recovered and even surpassing pre-pandemic demand, Boeing has projected a 3% increase in airplane deliveries over the next 20 years, with carriers requiring nearly 44,000 new commercial airplanes by 2043. Leading into the Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing released its 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), which also predicts emerging markets and global single-aisle market demand will remain primary growth drivers for the industry.

Air travel demand continues to outpace economic growth in an increasingly connected world. Four years after the pandemic grounded most of the global fleet, air traffic growth has returned to the long-term trend Boeing forecast 20 years ago. Compared to 2023, passenger air traffic will rise an average of 4.7% annually over the next two decades, according to the CMO.

"This is a challenging and inspiring era for aviation. The return to more typical traffic growth shows how resilient our industry is, even as we all work through ongoing supply chain and production constraints amid other global challenges," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

CMO forecast highlights through 2043:

The global commercial fleet is projected to grow 3.2% annually, more slowly than air traffic as airlines continue to boost productivity by increasing load factors and using airplanes more hours per day.

The air cargo fleet, with speed and reliability, consistently outperforms other modes of transport and will increase by two-thirds by 2043, to support 4.1% annual air cargo traffic growth.

Air travel trends:

The average global airline fare is about the same as it was 20 years ago, even as overall consumer prices doubled.

The number of global routes served by commercial airlines has returned to 2019 levels, even though nearly 20% of them are new, illustrating the adaptability of aviation in a dynamic market.

Key growth drivers:

South Asia passenger traffic will increase 7.4%, followed by Southeast Asia (7.2%) and Africa (6.4%), as emerging markets return to historical growth trends through the forecast period.

Eurasia is projected to lead all markets with the most airplane deliveries (22% of total) with North America (20%) and China (20%) close behind.

Single-aisle airplanes will make up 71% of the 2043 fleet after 33,380 new deliveries, serving short- to medium-haul routes with versatility.

The global widebody fleet will more than double, with twin-aisles comprising 44% of the Middle East fleet.

Services on the rise:

Boeing expects demand for commercial services valued at $4.4 trillion ─ driven by maintenance and modification options and digital solutions that increase efficiency.

With air travel expansion especially in emerging markets, the commercial aviation industry will require nearly 2.4 million new personnel as well as training to support new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew*.

"As airlines respond to robust passenger demand, the services market continues to expand, not only as a result of fleet growth, but also with an increased focus on reducing operating costs and deploying efficient and sustainable solutions," said Dan Abraham, senior vice president of Boeing Global Services Commercial Sales and Marketing.

*Boeing will release its complete Pilot and Technician Outlook on July 22

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Lockheed Martin delivers first C-130J-30 Super Hercules to Ohio Youngstown Air Reserve Station

Lockheed Martin delivered the first of eight C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters assigned to the Ohio Youngstown Air Reserve Station, marking the addition of a new mission capability for the Super Hercules ― the aerial spray mission.

The 910th Airlift Wing has the distinction of maintaining the Department of Defense's only large area, fixed-wing aerial spray capability to eliminate disease-carrying insects and pest insects and to disperse oil spills in large bodies of water. Defined by its versatility, the C-130J Super Hercules now supports 19 unique mission capabilities, including the aerial spray mission.

"Lockheed Martin is honoured to deliver the most advanced Super Hercules ever built to the 910th Airlift Wing, providing cutting-edge technology and enabling a critical mission for the U.S. Air Force Reserve," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. "The C-130J is constantly evolving, as reflected with this 19th mission capability, ensuring the Super Hercules remains ready for what's next through unmatched versatility and tactical airlift power."

A longtime C-130 Hercules operator, the 910th Airlift Wing received its first C-130 in 1981 and has operated different variants for more than 40 years. This new fleet of C-130Js will preserve the unit's tactical airlift and aerial spray mission, while providing more space, speed, range, and versatility for decades to come.

Electra's hybrid eSTOL aircraft passes first grass field test flights

Electra, a next-gen aerospace company committed to decarbonizing aviation and opening new air transportation markets, has successfully completed off-runway test flights of its EL-2 Goldfinch hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) technology demonstrator aircraft from a grass field near Electra's facility in Manassas, VA.

The flights demonstrate the eSTOL aircraft's effectiveness for operating from austere fields smaller than 300 ft that are minimally prepared. The aircraft flew a series of takeoffs and landings from a grass area and demonstrated the maximum performance climb-out of 32 degrees that would be used in many military missions. It also required no charging infrastructure as the batteries are charged in-flight by the hybrid propulsion system.

The dual-use technology is ideally suited to serve as a small highly fuel-efficient and cost-effective airlifter that supports Agile Combat Employment and expeditionary missions while reducing the operational energy footprint. Small, affordable, runway-independent eSTOL aircraft could also alleviate demand on larger, few-in-number, high-performance fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms in a contested logistics environment.