RAF's first Wedgetail reveals new colours......

The Royal Air Force’s first Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft has received its new RAF paint scheme.

Wedgetail WT001 rolled out of the hangar at Southend Airport in the markings of VIII Squadron, who will operate the new aircraft in service.

The VIII Squadron badge, a sheathed Arabian dagger known as a Jambiya, was adopted in recognition of the Squadron’s long association with Arabia. The weapon is sheathed to symbolise the squadron's guardian duties and was approved by King George VI in December 1943.

As well as RAF markings and roundels, the aircraft also sports the emblem of NATO’s Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF) - home to NATO’s ‘eyes in the sky’. The E-7 Wedgetail has also recently been selected by NATO as their next command and control aircraft. The RAF’s Wedgetails will join this NATO Force when in service, where they will play an important and unique role for the Alliance by protecting Allied airspace with their air and maritime surveillance capability.

“Seeing the first UK Wedgetail, painted, with a visual representation of No.8 Squadron’s history is an exciting moment in the journey towards operational capability for the squadron, for RAF Lossiemouth and the RAF.”

Wing Commander McDonnell

Officer Commanding VIII Squadron

The mission crew will utilise state-of-the-art workstations to deliver a multi-domain battle management capability: providing situational awareness to other assets, directing offensive and defensive forces whilst maintaining continuous surveillance of an area. The Wedgetail significantly enhances the capability of friendly combat aircraft and warships, enabling their missions and increasing their survivability in a hostile environment.

The UK’s Wedgetail will serve under No. VIII Squadron and will be located at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, alongside the nine-strong fleet of Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, both of which are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe, allowing the RAF to take advantage of synergies between the two fleets.

Following painting, the aircraft has returned to STS Aviation Services in Birmingham for further modification.

 

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More about the RAF's E-7 Wedgetail aircraft

The E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 is the RAF’s successor to the E-3D Sentry and will provide a 5th Generation Airborne Early Warning and Control capability (AEW&C), with a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA), that is interoperable and interchangeable with key allies.

The Wedgetail is the most technologically advanced AEW&C system available and will provide UK Defence with eyes in the sky, for at least the next 20 years, to see far beyond ground-based systems and fighter aircraft sensors. Capable of generating a 360-degree view of the airspace and as a force multiplier, it will provide advanced warning of approaching threats to enable commanders to fight effectively in complex environments.   

Already in service and proven with the Royal Australian, Republic of South Korean and Turkish Air Forces, the UK’s Wedgetail will serve under No 8 Squadron. It will be located at RAF Lossiemouth alongside the Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft, both of which are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe, allowing the RAF to take advantage of synergies between the fleets.

Capability and Compatibility 

Capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions, Wedgetail can provide high fidelity and accurate target information utilising its cutting-edge MESA sensor housed in a distinctive fin on the spine of the aircraft. The sensor, combined with an advanced communications suite, enables the crew to provide tactical control to other assets via voice and tactical data link whilst enhancing the situational awareness of Joint Force commanders. 

The mission crew will utilise the ten state-of-the-art workstations to deliver a multi-domain battle management capability: providing situational awareness to other assets, directing offensive and defensive forces whilst maintaining continuous surveillance of an area. The Wedgetail significantly enhances the capability of friendly combat aircraft and warships, enabling their missions and increasing their survivability in a hostile environment.

The E-7 Wedgetail RAF programme is already overdue and instead of getting the five aircraft the RAF originally wanted, they will only get three and the cost is just over £1.90 billion for the programme. The price tag for all five was £2.1 billion, which isn't perhaps the best deal or considered and the reduction for three isn't very much.  The RAF will continue to get all five of the special Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radars, which they will use to ensure that it always has one E-7 available. 

Other countries that have ordered the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft from Boeing have also experienced problems and delays. The Royal Australian Air Force experienced initial delays and a number of technical challenges during the early stages of the E-7 Wedgetail programme, including integration issues with the radar and critical mission systems. Additionally, some systems failed during two operations, which raised questions about the ongoing suitability of the aircraft. As a result, technology upgrades were instigated and updates continue to be made. The Turkish Air Force has also encountered delays in the delivery and operational readiness of their E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. Some of these were due to technical issues, extra testing and modifications. The Republic of Korea Air Force reported some initial technical issues with the aircraft’s radar and communication systems, these needed further adjustments, testing and modification. In all cases, the aircraft spend far more time on the ground than they do flying according to defence analysts. 

Britten-Norman has completed second funding round ready to ramp up production.

Britten-Norman, the maker of the iconic Islander has successfully completed its second funding round, securing significant capital from Northern Ireland-based Beechlands Enterprises. 

Britten-Norman will scale manufacturing operations in the UK up to eight aircraft a year in phase one. Manufacturing will be focussed primarily on the unleaded piston version of the Islander, with around 20% of aircraft being delivered as turboprops.

As part of the company’s focus on manufacturing, it will invest in more advanced manufacturing tools and machinery, enhancing component production capabilities. These upgrades will help reduce lead times, increase output, and improve overall cost and efficiency. 

VMFA-533 becomes first operational F-35 squadron aboard MCAS Beaufort to receive aircraft

U.S.  Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35B Lightning II jet today aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina.

VMFA-533 is the Marine Corps’ second East Coast operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron and the first aboard MCAS Beaufort. Prior to today, the only F-35 aircraft stationed aboard MCAS Beaufort were assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, who is tasked with conducting core introduction fighter/attack training for prospective F-35 pilots. The arrival of the aircraft marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Beaufort’s operational squadrons, defined as units whose primary purpose is supporting Marine Corps and Department of Defense operations. Today’s arrival continues 2nd MAW’s operational transition from legacy fixed-wing tactical aircraft to the F-35.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet with advanced stealth, agility and manoeuvrability, sensor and information fusion, and provides the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. It is designed to meet an advanced threat while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. The F-35B Lightning II is the short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35 variant. This capability allows the aircraft to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips less than 2,000 feet long.

Delta’s Airbus A330-900neo to fly route between New York and Accra

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The U.S. mega-carrier Delta Air Lines has scheduled the Airbus A330-900neo to operate the daily nonstop service from New York-JFK to Accra.  This next-generation aircraft increases Delta’s seat capacity by approximately 30% between Ghana and the United States while elevating the customer experience with enhanced comfort.  

At the launch event in Accra, Ralph Albus, Delta’s Director of Global Communications, Commercial said: “Customers will enjoy Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo, offering the latest in premium travel. The accelerated deployment of this new aircraft reflects the strong demand for our product, and we’re excited to offer passengers a premium onboard experience across the Atlantic with Delta’s renowned service.”

Delta’s Airbus A330-900neo will contribute approximately 1,000 additional seats each week between Ghana and the United States while offering travellers a choice of four distinctive cabin experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. Additionally, the aircraft boasts increased cargo capacity to meet rising demand.

Delta puts Airbus A330-900neo on Accra – New York route

The U.S. mega-carrier Delta Air Lines has scheduled the Airbus A330-900neo to operate the daily nonstop service from New York-JFK to Accra.  This next-generation aircraft increases Delta’s seat capacity by approximately 30% between Ghana and the United States while elevating the customer experience with enhanced comfort.  

At the launch event in Accra, Ralph Albus, Delta’s Director of Global Communications, Commercial said: “Customers will enjoy Delta’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330-900neo, offering the latest in premium travel. The accelerated deployment of this new aircraft reflects the strong demand for our product, and we’re excited to offer passengers a premium onboard experience across the Atlantic with Delta’s renowned service.”

Delta’s Airbus A330-900neo will contribute approximately 1,000 additional seats each week between Ghana and the United States while offering travellers a choice of four distinctive cabin experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin. Additionally, the aircraft boasts increased cargo capacity to meet rising demand.

Delta One Suites feature fully lie-flat seats, luxury bedding, and privacy doors, paired with chef-curated meals and premium beverages. Delta Premium Select offers enhanced comfort with wider seats and additional legroom, while Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin provide spacious seating, memory foam cushions, and personalized entertainment with over 1,000 hours of content.

Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy state-of-the-art features including ambient lighting for a restful flight. 

Success in Ghana has been driven by strong partnerships, and Mr. Albus expressed gratitude to Delta’s valued customers, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and the government of Ghana. 

Delta’s launch of the Airbus A330-900neo deepens the connection between Ghana and the United States, delivering additional capacity and world-class service. 

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More than 900 designs submitted for the next Belgian Icon: the vote is open!

An internal jury selected 15 designs, and everybody is now able to vote for their favourite.

Brussels Airlines will launch a new Belgian Icon soon. After a call for designs, the Belgian airline received over 900 submissions from the Belgian public. An internal jury selected 15 of those designs. The public voting was launched to select the final top five.

Brussels Airlines is proud to see that many Belgians and people living in Belgium were eager to design the next Belgian Icon. From professional artists to students in art schools: the people who submitted designs were as diverse as the designs themselves. The most popular categories for designs were cycling, art nouveau, Folon and Adolphe Sax but also Lucky Luke and Marsupilami.

An internal jury had to process all these designs to come to a top 15.

“We evaluated the designs based on several key criteria: the new Belgian Icon had to be distinct from any previous Icons, represent something that makes all Belgians proud, and be recognized across the border. Of-course, the design also needed to meet certain standards of quality. We try to avoid clichés, as a Belgian Icon should invite people to explore and experience the richness of what Belgium has to offer.”

​- Michel Moriaux, Head of Marketing, Brussels Airlines

The top 15 is now available on the Brussels Airlines’ website, where everyone can vote for their favorite design. This contest will be open for the public until October 11. The five designs with the most votes, will be presented to an external jury. This jury consists of various meritorious Belgians such as Alex Callier (Hooverphonic), Philippe Geluck (designer of ‘Le Chat’), Gabrielle Szwarcenberg (designer of the Brussels Airlines uniform) and many others. The jury will come together in Brussels on October 14 to choose the final design. However, this will remain secret until the aircraft will be revealed in spring 2025.

“We're very happy with the overwhelming response to our call for designs, with over 900 creative submissions. We could make at least 100 new Belgian Icons with the ideas we received. The number of outstanding entries highlights the talent and creativity in Belgium and the many reasons we Belgians can take pride in our heritage. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted a design."

​- Michel Moriaux, Head of Marketing, Brussels Airlines

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Italian prosecutors accuse 7 people, 2 firms over flawed Boeing plane parts

Italian prosecutors on Saturday accused seven people and two sub-contractors of crimes including fraud and breaching aeroplane safety rules following an investigation into suspected flawed parts produced by an Italian company for Boeing, reports Francesca Landini.

The prosecutors launched their investigation in late 2021, after Boeing said some parts for its 787 Dreamliner plane supplied by a company working for Italian aerospace group Leonardo had been improperly manufactured.

    

Investigators found that two Italian sub-contractors used cheaper and non-compliant forms of titanium and aluminium to make certain parts, saving significant sums of money on their raw material costs, the prosecutors said in a statement, without naming the sub-contractors or the seven people.

"This resulted in the realisation of aeroplane parts with significantly lower static and stress resistance characteristics, with repercussions on aviation safety," the prosecutors in the southern city of Brindisi said.

De Havilland Canada celebrates milestone with European Union and member states

Leaders from the European Commission, Government of Canada, EU Member States and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) celebrated the conclusion of contract negotiations as aircraft production for 22 new waterbomber aircraft ramps up at De Havilland Canada's facilities.

De Havilland Canada presented EU Commissioner Janez Lenarčič with a rescEU branded model aircraft, as well as other model De Havilland Canada aircraft, to the assembled EU Member States representatives to mark the occasion and signify the close of the contract negotiation process.

As part of the event, De Havilland Canada announced that the name of the DHC-515 Firefighter would be changing to reflect the history and overwhelming sentiment for the name "Canadair" in Europe.

Air Astana welcomes back direct non-stop flights between Almaty and London

Air Astana, in partnership with Airbus, is enhancing the efficiency of its long-haul flights by installing additional fuel tanks on the Airbus A321LR and enabling non-stop flights over long-haul distances without the need for technical stopovers.

Starting on 4th October 2024, the airline is resuming non-stop flights on the Almaty to London route, which has been operating with a technical stop in Aktau since March 2022. With the new modifications, the route will become fully non-stop and more comfortable, reducing the overall flight time by 1.5 hours to 9h 35m. This will make it one of the longest narrow-body routes in the world.

This modernisation is a key component of Air Astana's long-term strategy to enhance operational efficiency. It incorporates all necessary technical and safety aspects, providing passengers with more comfortable conditions for long-haul flights and improving the airline's operational performance.

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The Airbus A321LR is a long-range version of A321neo, with increased maximum take-off weight and associated design modifications. The aircraft is configured with 16 Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. The specification of the Business Class flat beds, Economy Class slim seats, and other cabin amenities will ensure that passengers experience the very highest standards of comfort and service.

Deutsche Aircraft partners with Weerts Group for construction of final assembly line for the D328eco

Deutsche Aircraft, a leading manufacturer of regional aircraft, has announced a partnership with Weerts Group, a pan-European logistics and real estate infrastructure developer, for the construction of its state-of-the-art Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the D328eco aircraft. This collaboration is a significant achievement in the development of the D328eco programme and reinforces Deutsche Aircraft's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The OEM broke ground for the Final Assembly Line at Leipzig/Halle Airport in May 2023. Frame conditions have since been laid and the official start of construction was announced during ILA 2024 in June. In the meantime, the ground field side has been completed and handed over. The FAL is set to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2025, as Weerts Group takes over the construction. With a total area of 60,500 square meters, the facility will contain the FAL, Flight Readiness Hangar, Logistics Centre, and Administration Building, creating a comprehensive infrastructure to support the production of the D328eco.

The new Final Assembly Line will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and processes, ensuring a 100% digital and paperless production environment. Automated and driverless transport systems will streamline operations, while automated parts and tool storage will enhance efficiency. The production line will be tailored specifically to the D328eco, optimising process flows, and utilising energy-efficient battery-powered tools.

For the first time in nearly 15 years a Royal Navy fast jet squadron is today operating from the flight deck of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier.

F-35B Lightning stealth fighters from 809 Naval Air Squadron, supported by their counterpart RAF Squadron 617, The Dambusters, have joined HMS Prince of Wales in the North Sea for a month of training – a key stepping stone for the squadron and the ship as both gears up to take part in an eight-month global deployment in 2025.

The fifth-generation jets made the short flight from their base at RAF Marham to the flattop where, over the coming weeks, some personnel will learn the art of operating from an aircraft carrier, while others will regenerate skills which have faded while working away from the sea.

For Commander Nick Smith the embarkation of the F-35Bs, supported by some 200 engineers, technicians, armourers, logistics and security experts, chefs, and meteorologists among others, joining the 65,000-tonne warship is a milestone moment for the squadron, which only formed at the end of last year as the second of two UK front-line F-35B squadrons.

“This is a big moment for 809 Naval Air Squadron, a vital building block to working up with the carrier strike group in preparation for the deployment next year,” said Commander Smith.

“To be the commanding officer of a squadron with such a proud heritage is a huge privilege. We are still in our infancy forming as an F-35B squadron, so joining a carrier for the first time is truly a milestone.”

As with the two other Lightning formations based at Marham, 617 and 207 Squadrons, it draws its personnel roughly 50/50 from the RAF and Fleet Air Arm.

For three in every five personnel in 809 NAS – pilots, but especially their vital supporting ground crew – this is their first time at sea.

“For me, it’s about forging one team, embracing everything from operating from the flight deck to arming and maintaining the F-35s in the hangar.”

F-35 pilot Lieutenant Commander Armstrong said that while the Lightning was generations ahead of the Harrier which preceded it, operating it from a carrier remained a challenge.

Scoot updates winter schedule with more flights added to cities including Melbourne, Perth, Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo.

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), announced adjustments to its network in anticipation of stronger demand during the Northern Winter season.

From November 2024, extra weekly ftights will be mounted to Chiang Mai and Hanoi, increasing services from l Oto l l times weekly and five to six times weekly respectively.

From December 2024, services to Perth will increase from 13 to 14 times weekly. Services to Melbourne will also increase from 12 to 13 times weekly, and subsequently to twice daily from January 2025. In addition, three more weekly ftights will be mounted to Seoul (lncheon) via Taipei, making it a daily service. Similarly, services to Tokyo (Narita) via Taipei will also increase from 12 to 14 times weekly.

Within Southeast Asia, Scoot will be increasing ftights to destinations operated by the Embraer El 90-E2 aircraft. These include Davao, which will increase from seven to nine times weekly, as well as Balikpapan and Makassar, which will each increase from three to four times weekly.

Phoenix Aviation Capital and AIP Capital lease four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines

Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor, and AIP Capital, an alternative investment manager focused on opportunities in commercial aviation today announced that Phoenix has placed four next-generation Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on long-term lease with LOT Polish Airways, Poland's flag carrier.

Phoenix Aviation Capital is a full-service aircraft lessor focused on financing modern, in-demand aircraft and is dedicated to meeting the financing needs of its airline customers across the globe. Phoenix Aviation Capital is based in Dublin and is managed by AIP Capital, a global aviation asset management and investment firm.

The agreement demonstrates both Phoenix's and AIP Capital's focus on working with airline customers to provide flexible solutions and LOT Polish Airway's objective of expanding its aircraft fleet to enhance operational flexibility and accommodate network expansion.

"We are excited to have concluded this transaction with LOT Polish Airways," said Mathew Adamo, Managing Partner at AIP Capital who also serves on the board of Phoenix. "We look forward to expanding our relationship and continuing to support LOT in managing their fleet."

"We welcome AIP Capital as our next business partner in the aircraft leasing space," said Maciej Dziudzik, LOT Polish Airlines, Fleet Bureau Director. "Modern, next-generation narrowbody aircraft are an important element of our growth strategy for the following years. We are committed to provide our existing passengers and general public the improved connectivity opportunities in Central Europe, either travelling for business or leisure."

ATR delivers a new ATR 42-600 to SATENA

European planemaker ATR has delivered a new ATR42-600 aircraft to the Colombian government-owned airline SATENA, set to start its flying operations at the beginning of October.

The new ATR 42-600 equipped with the latest technology will enable SATENA to expand its reach and play a more significant role in the domestic market by connecting underserved towns and villages responsibly. 

Joining a fleet of 10 ATR aircraft, including two ATR 72-600, four ATR 42-600 and four ATR 42-500, the addition of this ATR 42-600 into SATENA’s fleet marks a significant milestone as it is the first directly acquired from ATR by the airline.

With the arrival of this aircraft, existing routes will be strengthened by increasing the number of available seats to destinations such as Guainía, Vaupés, Inírida, Vichada, Mitú, Puerto Carreño, and the Pacific coast, as well as key connections like Bogotá-Quibdó, Cali-Guapi, Medellín-Bahía Solano, and Medellín-Mitú. ATR aircraft have been essential to the airline’s growth, which now operates 142 routes to 52 destinations, of which 83 are social routes, crucial to guaranteeing mobility in remote communities.

Mayor General Oscar Zuluaga, President of SATENA said: "The introduction of the ATR into our fleet 10 years ago has been decisive in fulfilling our mission of fostering development and connectivity throughout Colombia. Thanks to their superior performance, unrivalled versatility and efficiency, ATR aircraft have proven to be the perfect ally in our quest to reach the most remote regions, ensuring reliable operations, optimal fuel efficiency, and the ability to land on short runways. This strategic choice reaffirms our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our communities, for a more connected and prosperous Colombia."

Fiji Airways announces purchase interest for Odys Aviation's hybrid-electric Vtol aircraft

Odys Aviation, a sustainable aviation company building hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and Fiji Airways, Fiji's National Airline, today announced that the companies have signed an Expression of Interest letter for Odys Aviation’s runway-independent hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft. Pilot programs using these aircraft are expected to commence in 2025.

Odys Aviation’s ‘Laila’ aircraft is designed in multiple configurations for cargo and, with up to a 400-mile range, will connect all of Fiji’s 330 islands. Flights operated via these aircraft provide a low-carbon air cargo alternative for routes across the South Pacific and will open up new emergency medical routes that have, until now, been inaccessible because of infrastructure challenges. Further, operating Odys’ Laila aircraft will allow Fiji Airways to expand its commercial landscape and open up contracts with logistics and government agencies to support NGO operations across the region.

Founded in 1951, the Fiji Airways airline group comprises Fiji Airways, Fiji’s international airline, and its wholly-owned domestic and regional subsidiary, Fiji Link. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link serve 108 destinations in over 15 countries (including code-share). Destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, India, Japan, China, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. The Fiji Airways Group brings in 70 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 2000 employees, and earned revenues of over FJD$1.7 billion (USD $770m) in 2023. 

The news follows Odys Aviation's recent announcement of a partnership with Honeywell, under the terms of which the two companies will collaborate on the design of new Ground Control Stations to support the rollout of Odys Aviation’s hybrid VTOL aircraft in the Pacific using Laila aircraft, with pilot programs expected to kick off in 2025.

Air Lease Corporation delivers the first of six new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to TAAG Angola Airlines

Air Lease Corporation has announced the delivery of one new Airbus A220-300 to TAAG Angola Airlines, the national carrier of Angola. This is the first A220 aircraft to deliver on long-term lease to TAAG and is the first of six new A220-300s confirmed to deliver to the airline from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus.

“We are pleased to announce ALC’s first of six new A220-300 aircraft delivered to TAAG Angola Airlines,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “ALC is the first lessor to introduce the A220 to the airline and we look forward to assisting TAAG in commencing its long-term fleet modernization program by adding these new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.”

“Adding the A220-300 demonstrates TAAG’s ambition for modernization and growth as the company builds a versatile fleet to address market demand under the airline’s expansion plan (new routes and frequencies increase). From a local content empowerment perspective, the aircraft will have an Angolan crew with multiple teams benefiting from comprehensive training programs,” said Nelson de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG.

The first flight of the first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail for the RAF conducted.

The U.S. planemaker Boeing completed the first flight of the E-7 Wedgetail destined for the Royal Air Force on Friday last week.

The E-7 Wedgetail aircraft will provide the RAF with advanced Airborne Early Warning & Control capabilities.  These jets that are highly modified commercial 737 NG aircraft that will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, where Boeing's local suppliers and contractors are nearing completion of the infrastructure facilities to support its introduction into service.  

The aircraft is currently unpainted and is one of three 737 NG aircraft on British soil which are undergoing modification by 100 people at STS Aviation Services in Birmingham. The first flight checked the functionality of the aircraft alone, which seems to have performed as expected.

"This safe and systematic Functional Check Flight is an important step for Boeing and the RAF as part of our rigorous and extensive testing and evaluation," said Stu Voboril, Boeing vice president and E-7 program manager. "Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality, and capabilities we've promised to our customer as we prepare for delivery of the UK's first E-7 Wedgetail to the RAF."

The E-7 Wedgetail RAF programme is already overdue and instead of getting the five aircraft the RAF originally wanted, they will only get three and the cost is just over £1.90 billion for the programme. The price tag for all five was £2.1 billion, which isn't perhaps the best deal or considered and the reduction for three isn't very much.  The RAF will continue to get all five of the special Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radars, which they will use to ensure that it always has one E-7 available. 

Other countries that have ordered the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft from Boeing have also experienced problems and delays. The Royal Australian Air Force experienced initial delays and a number of technical challenges during the early stages of the E-7 Wedgetail programme, including integration issues with the radar and critical mission systems. Additionally, some systems failed during two operations, which raised questions about the ongoing suitability of the aircraft. As a result, technology upgrades were instigated and updates continue to be made. The Turkish Air Force has also encountered delays in delivery and operational readiness of their E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. Some of these were due to technical issues, extra testing and modifications. The Republic of Korea Air Force reported some initial technical issues with the aircraft’s radar and communication systems, these needed further adjustments, testing and modification.

Group Captain Richard Osselton, RAF Programme Director for Wedgetail said, "Achieving the first flight of Wedgetail is a significant milestone, representing an outstanding effort from the RAF programme team, DE&S, Boeing and STS Aviation. We will now build on this success and look forward to continuing the Test & Evaluation phase as part of our preparations for the aircraft to enter into service."

DE&S Director Air Support, Richard Murray, said, "This first flight marks a significant milestone for the programme and for our team who have worked tirelessly with our partners to progress what is a hugely complex endeavour. We are moving forward and will be delivering this critical capability to the RAF."

"We're proud of the robust E-7 modification line we've stood up in the UK to deliver the RAF's future Airborne Early Warning & Control fleet," said Maria Laine, president of Boeing UK, Ireland and the Nordics. "We are committed to delivering this crucial capability to support the UK's national security and contribute toward regional stability."

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BOC Aviation places two Airbus A320neo's with Nouvelair

BOC Aviation is pleased to announce the placement of two Airbus A320NEO aircraft with new customer, Tunisia's first private airline, Nouvelair. Both aircraft are powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and are scheduled for delivery this year.

“We are excited to welcome Nouvelair as a new customer as we build out our exposure to the rapidly-growing North African aviation market,” said Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer (Europe, Americas & Africa). “These latest technology aircraft will provide a significant boost to the modernity and operating efficiency of Nouvelair’s fleet as it develops further scale.”

Chokri Zarrad, General Manager of Nouvelair, emphasized: "We are enthusiastic about this collaboration with BOC Aviation and look forward to a long-term partnership. Adding our first environment friendly A320NEO to our fleet is part of our modernization strategy. We will reach a total of 15 aircraft by the third quarter of 2024. Our aim is to meet the growing expectations of our passengers regarding comfort and environmental sustainability, while maintaining the efficiency that has contributed to Nouvelair's success. The Airbus A320NEO, with its technological advancements, enables reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”

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Saab delivers fifth GlobalEye to the United Arab Emirates

The recent delivery is the fifth in the series of five GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft delivered to the UAE since 2020.

“In close partnership with the UAE Air Force, Saab has developed, produced and delivered a fleet of five state-of-the-art GlobalEye aircraft, all in a period of less than 10 years. This further reinforces Saab’s position as leading provider in the airborne early warning and control segment,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land. By providing real-time information to units in the air force, army and navy, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats. 

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A330 MRTT: the evolution of the world's leading air-to-air refuelling tanker

With more than 300,000 flight hours and 15 customers worldwide, the A330 Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MRTT) is more than just a tanker. From pioneering automatic refuelling to taking connectivity to the next level, here are ten facts about the aircraft that help keep it ahead of the game.

1. Ready for mission

With ten operators and 15 user nations, the A330 Multi Role Transport Aircraft (MRTT) fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 flight hours. This operational readiness is reflected in the fact that the Airbus tanker is approved to refuel more than 25 different aircraft receivers, either using the hose and drogue or boom refuelling systems, or the fuselage refuelling unit for large probe-equipped aircraft such as the A400M. With a market share of over 90% (outside the US), the A330 MRTT has been ordered by launch customer Australia , France, NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Spain and Canada. A total of 82 aircraft have been sold to date.

2. Automatic refuelling, day and night!

The A330 MRTT features pioneering advances such as fly-by-wire control for the refuelling boom, and a high-resolution 2D/3D digital system that improves visibility for refuelling operators.  Together with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Airbus launched the SMART MRTT project a few years ago. This saw  the world's first automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) using the boom system, with certification for daytime operations achieved in 2022. 

In July this year, Airbus continued the development by conducting more than 500 night automatic refuelling tests, which should enable certification for night operations by early next year. The RSAF is already using the A3R's groundbreaking daytime refuelling capability. Other operators are expected to follow.

3. The transition to the A330 MRTT+

Airbus is preparing a new major evolution of the tanker, through the A330 MRTT+ programme. The A330-200 baseline aircraft will be replaced by the A330neo (A330-800). The main changes are to the wings and engines, while the passenger cabin will also be improved. These aerodynamic and propulsion improvements are expected to reduce the aircraft's fuel burn by up to 8%, allowing for more range and/or offload capacity. Furthermore, Airbus is working at expanding the connectivity of the A330 MRTT, turning the tanker into a battlefield communications node. Following a development phase, the A330 MRTT+ is expected to be introduced to customers in the coming years.

4. Towards fully autonomous operations

Airbus is exploring further automation that would allow the tanker to control the aircraft being refuelled, with or without a crew. The  18-month Auto'Mate campaign tested a technology demonstrator designed to explore and develop Autonomous Assets Air-to-Air Refuelling (A4R) and Autonomous Formation Flight (AF2) operations. The idea is to automate the entire refuelling process. This entails tankers autonomously guiding a 'receiver' aircraft into position, followed by fuel transfer and safe separation. Auto'Mate paves the way for in-flight refuelling of non-piloted combat aircraft such as drones, as well as reusing technologies in remote carrier and ‘wingman' operations - key unmanned elements of Europe's Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

Airbus used its A310 MRTT for the Auto'Mate flight campaign. Over the years, the company has used this flying testbed for air-to-air refuelling developments and in-house innovative projects, such as the A330 MRTT boom refuelling system. The boom introduced new technologies such as electric actuators, a hoist, flight controls, a high-resolution digital vision system and new capabilities such as a fuel flow rate of 1200 US gallons per minute, dual redundancy and envelope protection.  

5. Enabling air power projection 

This summer, the A330 MRTT joined forces with other Airbus military aircraft to play a crucial role in the Pacific Skies 24 major overseas joint airlift. France, Singapore, the UK and the German-led Multinational MRTT Unit (MMU) all relied on the aircraft for logistical support, in addition to its primary tanker role. 

Indeed, the MRTT's air-to-air refuelling capability has been a driving force behind the air forces' air power projection in recent years. The French Air and Space Force's annual long-range Pégase mission in the Indo-Pacific region in 2021 saw frontline fighters fly 17,000 km to Polynesia in 48 hours, while the Royal Air Force's Mobility Guardian exercise in 2023 saw an A400M make the longest flight ever undertaken by a propeller aircraft: a non-stop journey of over 11,000 km to the Pacific island of Guam. Both record flights were supported by in-flight refuelling from the A330 MRTT.