Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

The United States Army is undergoing sweeping structural and technological changes aimed at transforming the service into a leaner, more lethal force, with army aviation at the center of this overhaul. Directed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the army is divesting itself of legacy manned aircraft, integrating AI-enabled systems, and expediting the procurement of next-generation rotorcraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

AV Web

MAY 2, 2025

A loose screw on a customized elevator counterweight receptacle may have led to the crash that killed air show legend Rob Holland a week ago. The NTSB issued a preliminary report on the crash that occurred at Langley Air Force Base on April 24 and said the screw, which Holland used to adjust the amount of weight to alter control feel of the MXS depending on the kind of routine he intended to fly.

Horizontal Stabilizer

Fear of Landing

MAY 2, 2025

On the 19th of January 2025, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter registered as ZS-RJC departed Chief Dawid Stuurman Aerodrome (formerly Port Elizabeth Airport) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. The R44 is a four-seat helicopter certified for visual flight rules (VFR) operations only. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and had 1,650 flight hours, with over a thousand hours on type.

Visual Flight Rules

Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

CEO of Bombardier, ric Martel, has cited clarity surrounding US tariffs as the reason behind a new wave of confidence, after deferring publication of an outlook earlier this year. In February 2025, Bombardier posted its financial results for 2024, but unusually it did not include any guidance or objectives for the coming year. However, this situation now appears to have changed.

Simple Flying

MAY 2, 2025

Nine airlines currently fly the very long-range Airbus A350-1000: Air Carabes, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways ( recently gained its sixth example ), French bee, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. With 24 active aircraft, the launch customer, Qatar Airways, has one in four flights, making it the largest user of the high-capacity equipment.

Airline

Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers have successfully completed the fifth all-female spacewalk in history, according to NASA. On May 1, 2025, astronauts McClain and Ayers performed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), known as US spacewalk 93. They finished the spacewalk at 14:49 local time (EDT), it lasted for five hours and 44 minutes.

Flying Magazine

MAY 2, 2025

The preliminary report on the accident that killed aerobatic pilot Rob Holland has been released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). On April 24 Holland, an award-winning aerobatic pilot, was flying his performance aircraft, an MX Aircraft tech PTY LTD MXS from Smyrna Airport (KMQY) in Tennessee, and was destined for Langley Air Force Base (KLF) in Hampton, Virginia, to perform in the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow scheduled for the following weekend.

Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)

The Aviationist

MAY 2, 2025

Fitted with Leonardos BriteStorm EW suite, StormShroud drones are based on the Tekever AR3 platform and officially entered Royal Air Force service on May 2, 2025. The announcement was made as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited a Leonardo UK facility in Luton, Bedfordshire, where BriteStorm is manufactured. They will be operated by 216 Squadron […] The post UK Reveals StormShroud Electronic Warfare Drone appeared first on The Aviationist.

Aviation Bussiness News

MAY 2, 2025

Demand and capacity in the global aviation sector both saw increases in March, according to the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) figures. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 3.3% year on year while total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 5.3% The March load factor was 80.7%, a slight reduction of 1.6 percentage points compared to March 2024.

Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

Spirit AeroSystems, a US manufacturer of aerostructures for commercial airplanes, has reported a drop in revenue for the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024, mainly due to reduced production on most Boeing programs, particularly the Boeing 737. In its financial report on May 1, 2025, the company noted that this decrease was partially offset by higher production activity on Airbus programs during Q1 2025.

Airplanes

Aviation Bussiness News

MAY 2, 2025

Newcastle Airport has introduced two new airline partners and launched flights to four new destinations. Norwegian will fly to Copenhagen this summer. Meanwhile, Blue Islands will offer a shuttle to Guernsey. Additionally, Eurowings will offer flights to Berlin and TUI will open a route to Agadir in Morocco. SunExpress also plans to expand its operations from the airport in the near future.

Airline

Simple Flying

MAY 2, 2025

The Airbus A380 is undoubtedly an iconic commercial aircraft. But sadly, for most airlines that have utilized it in their fleets, its operational days are numbered. Less than 20 years since the Airbus A380 flew its first revenue flight, a quarter of those produced have already been withdrawn from service, many to be scrapped. At the time of writing, just 189 of the 251 produced are in active service.

Airline

Flying Magazine

MAY 2, 2025

Swedish hybrid-electric regional aircraft developer Heart Aerospace is moving to the U.S. The manufacturer on Wednesday announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from its home country to Los Angeles. It will shutter operations in Sweden, redirecting resources to build up its U.S. team. The company said the move aims to strengthen Hearts market presence, accelerate product development, and optimize resource allocation as the firm prepares for crucial flight testing of its prototype a

Jet

The Aviationist

MAY 2, 2025

USMC F/A-18C/D Hornets from VMFA-323 will participate in a SINKEX alongside allied forces from the Philippines, Japan and Australia during Balikatan 2025. U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C/D Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323) will participate in a sink exercise (SINKEX) alongside allied forces from the Philippines, Japan and Australia during Exercise Balikatan 2025.

Aviation Bussiness News

MAY 2, 2025

Like many industries, aviation encountered multiple challenges post-pandemic. People returned to work faced with new technology, new protocols, and new personnel, exacerbating issues within an already stretched and depleted workforce that challenged security, operations, and leadership. Here, Charlie Kneen, managing director of Solvd Together , reflects on the shifting landscape of aviation and makes the case for a human-centred, development-driven reset to meet these challenges head-on.

Runway

Simple Flying

MAY 2, 2025

For many passengers, the sight of a snack cart being rolled through the cabin is the highlight of a flight. Once a necessary and exciting innovation, today's airline service trolleys play a critical role in airline services for budget and legacy carriers across the world. These carts allow cabin crew to more efficiently distribute snacks, drinks, and meals to large numbers of passengers.

Cabin Crew

Vintage Aviation News

MAY 2, 2025

With the launch of The Other First Man, we introduced a new series titled Flight Test Files , focused on the fascinating legacy of aeronautical advancements pioneered by NACA and later by NASA. This series highlights the aircraft operated by NASAs Dryden Flight Research Centernow known as the Armstrong Flight Research Centerlocated in Edwards, California.

Gross Weight

World Airline News

MAY 2, 2025

LATAM Airlines (Chile) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner CC-BGJ (msn 38467) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 948830. With an investment of over US$360 million, the aircrafts feature sliding doors and designs inspired by South America, making the airline group the first in the region to offer this experience. In addition, all seats, onboard entertainment, and design elements have been upgraded.

Airline

Vintage Aviation News

MAY 2, 2025

On this day in aviation historyMay 2, 1977First Lieutenant Christine E. Schott made history as the first woman to complete a solo flight in the United States Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program. Flying a Northrop T-38A Talon, Schott took a groundbreaking step forward for women in military aviation, marking a pivotal moment 48 years ago today.

Pilot

Flying Magazine

MAY 2, 2025

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former United Arilines pilot Romullo Tadeu Melo Silva, who claimed the airline defamed him following a hard-landing incident that damaged a Boeing 767-300 aircraft in Houston. On July 29, 2023, United Flight 702, operating from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston, experienced what the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later classified as a hard landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH).

Pilot in Command

One Mile at a Time

MAY 2, 2025

Heres a change that Im really excited to see, though it doesnt yet appear to be working as promised. Emirates Skywards improves FlyDubai award options Emirates and FlyDubai are both owned by the government of Dubai, but are operated independently. If you ask me, a merger between the two airlines makes sense , but thats neither here nor there. Over the years, the airlines have started cooperating more closely, though, given their largely complementary route networks.

Airline

Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

Avion Express, a globally leading narrow-body ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operator, and part of Avia Solutions Group, is beginning preparations to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Mexico, and as part of this, the company is starting the recruitment process for the CEO of its Mexican ACMI start-up airline. Establishment of the Mexican AOC is part of a strategic initiative to expand the companys footprint in key growth markets of Latin America.

Airline

One Mile at a Time

MAY 2, 2025

During my Aer Lingus & Iberia A321XLR adventure , the highlight, of course, was crossing the Atlantic on two A321XLRs. However, I also had a new (to me) intra-Europe experience, which I want to talk in this post. Specifically, between Dublin (DUB) and Madrid (MAD), I flew Aer Lingus AerSpace product. What is this, exactly, and is it worth it? Ill share some thoughts on that in this post, and then soon, Ill have a full review.

Airline

The Aviationist

MAY 2, 2025

The V-22 will receive a new proprotor gearbox in January 2026, after which the tiltrotor will start returning to its full flight profile. The troubled V-22 Osprey can’t seem to be able to catch a break, as the tiltrotor will have to wait until 2026 before the flight restrictions are lifted and return to its […] The post V-22 Osprey Flights to be Restricted Until 2026, Wont Get Tanker Capability appeared first on The Aviationist.

Lift

Vintage Aviation News

MAY 2, 2025

By Cap Cordina Few things in vintage aviation are as tragic as a restoration attempt gone wrong. Although the story of the B-29 Superfortress Kee Bird ended in heartbreak, its story, from the unprecedented rescue of its crew and the restoration attempt 47 years later is nothing short of extraordinary. Photo of the B-29 ‘Kee Bird’ prior to its crash in Greenland in February 1947.

Weather

Flying Magazine

MAY 2, 2025

The White House on Friday released its fiscal year 2026 discretionary budget request, proposing a dramatic reduction in NASAs overall funding from about $25 billion to $18.8 billion, or about 25 percent. But not all programs will be affected equally. The discretionary or skinny budget is akin to a blueprint and is an early step in the process. It could change as it moves through the legislature.

AOPA

MAY 2, 2025

The April 24 accident that killed Rob Holland, the most accomplished U.S. aerobatic pilot of his generation, likely began with a loose screw, based on facts reported by the NTSB on May 2.

Pilot

Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

As it marks its 65th anniversary, Thai Airways has unveiled a series of updates to its fleet modernization and inflight products and services. Collectively calling the updates The New Worlds of Tomorrow, the Thai flag carrier made the announcement on April 29, 2025 during a launch event in Bangkok. The airline said that the updates mark its readiness to blend modern aviation with timeless Thai hospitality, ensuring sustainable growth and world-class service.

Airline

Simple Flying

MAY 2, 2025

A new report claims that JetBlue is in negotiations with United Airlines for a possible partnership. While neither airline has made any official statement regarding this, one of Uniteds top executives recently commented that the carrier is in discussion with a domestic airline.

Airline

Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

The first Mammoth Freighters 777-200LRMF will be heading to Qatar Airways Cargo, an agreement having been reached between the airline and lessor Jetran for five aircraft. Qatar Airways Cargo confirmed on May 2, 2025, that the first converted 777-200LR prototype aircraft, now registered as N705DN, had successfully completed its initial test flight. The extensive conversion was handled by Mammoths modification partner facility, Aspire MRO, in Fort Worth, Texas, and was designed to set new standard

Cargo

Simple Flying

MAY 2, 2025

With almost 90 million passengers reported in 2024, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport ranked among the top 3 busiest airports worldwide by the Airports Council International (ACI) , following uncontested and record-breaking winners Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Flying Magazine

MAY 2, 2025

Purchasing a private aircraft differs vastly from other big-ticket-item transactions youve likely completed, and the differences may surprise you. First, for some context, well discuss private aircraft financing, covering piston singles through light jetsaircraft mostly flown/ operated by the owner. The private aircraft loan process is best described as a hybrid between buying a car and a house.

Airplanes

World Airline News

MAY 2, 2025

New terminal expected to be bigger, better and launched sooner than previously planned Larger, state-of-the-art Terminal F designed to have double the number of gates, new facilities to expand international operations, increased lounge and premium space, new lobby check-in experience and a dedicated parking garage. American and DFW increase the planned investment in Terminal F to approximately $4 billion to create what will be DFWs signature terminal experience, operated entirely by American Air

Airline

One Mile at a Time

MAY 2, 2025

We know that JetBlue and United are planning a partnership , which could be announced in the coming weeks. The union representing JetBlues pilots has expressed concerns about this partnership. Is the union just playing hardball to get leverage in contract negotiations, or do they really oppose this deal? JetBlue pilots union signals opposition to United deal JetBlue pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and this week, the head of the union has published a letter to pi

Pilot

Aerotime

MAY 2, 2025

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Alaska Airlines have announced the forging of a frequent flyer partnership, allowing loyalty members of both carriers to earn and redeem miles across each others networks. The partnership is also expected to enhance travel options for frequent flyers of both the Philippine flag carrier and the Seattle-based US airline. Alaska Airlines is Philippine Airlines first loyalty partner in North America, while PAL is Alaskas 32nd global partner.

Airline

Aviation Bussiness News

MAY 2, 2025

Aircraft provider FLY4 Airlines has announced its expanded ACMI summer flying programme for TUI, with operations officially launching from 1 May 2025. FLY4 and TUI started work together last year, and this summer the provider is to offer a significantly scaled-up operation across three UK regional bases: Norwich (NWI), Birmingham (BHX) and East Midlands Airport (EMA).

Airline

One Mile at a Time

MAY 2, 2025

A flight attendant for a major US airline took to TikTok to share what was intended to be a funny story, but it seems its not landing with her fellow flight attendants (thanks to PYOK for flagging this). Airline crew forgot colleague on plane, drove off A flight attendant has posted a roughly three-minute storytime video on TikTok, about how on a recent trip, a crew accidentally left a colleague on the plane, and drove off to go to their layover hotel.

Airplanes