Piper Aircraft recently announced a new fleet agreement with Air India.
Embraer highlights the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission capabilities at SOF Week in the U.S.
French Air and Space Force buys 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft for basic military pilot training.
Subaru Bell 412EPX receives transport Canada validation.
BOC Aviation orders 70 A320neo family aircraft.
magniX Launches Next Phase in NASA Program to Electrify Aviation.
Final Gulfstream G650 completes production.
Embraer develops its supply chain in Morocco.
This week in history - Canada's Avro's CF-105 Arrow Delta-Winged Interceptor.
Worldwide accidents and incidents
Bonus video - AFB Hoedspruit Agusta Blyderiver Scenic Flight
Piper Aircraft Recently Announced a New Fleet Agreement with Air India
The airline has placed an order for 31 Archer DX aircraft for delivery in 2025, with an option for 62 additional aircraft for 2026 and 2027. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Air India's decision to acquire the Archer DX aircraft is in line with their strategic vision to support their new Flight Training Organization (FTO) coming up at the Maharashtra Airport Development Company's airfield in Amravati, Maharashtra, India. This flight training school is set to become the largest aviation training facility in South Asia. This agreement also marks a significant step in Piper Aircraft's ongoing global fleet expansion, particularly into the Asian market.
“We are excited to partner with Piper Aircraft as we set up India's first airline-owned and operated cadet pilot school. We see this as the beginning of a partnership with Piper to support Air India's vision to strengthen the aviation training ecosystem in India and become self-reliant,” said Sunil Bhaskaran, Director, Aviation Academy, Air India.
“We are pleased to welcome Air India to the Piper Flight School Alliance,” stated John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “We take pride in supporting institutions like Air India by providing aircraft that are renowned for their reliability and ease of use, ensuring the success of the next generation of airline pilots.”
Embraer Highlights The KC-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Capabilities at SOF Week in the U.S.
The Special Operations Forces Week (SOF Week) annual conference, that takes place from May 05-07 in Tampa, Florida, is the third stop of the KC-390 Millennium demo tour in the United States. Embraer Defence & Security is exhibiting for the first time at the event aiming to promote the multi-mission capabilities of the medium airlift and tanker platform for special forces operations. SOF Week is the premier global gathering of special operators, industry leaders, and strategic partners to learn and connect.
During the three-day event, one KC-390 Millennium operated by the Brazilian Air Force will be on display at Sheltair Aviation, located at the Tampa International Airport. Visitors can sign up for transportation to and from the jet at the Embraer booth (#1701).
“The KC-390 offers an unbeatable value proposition that combines rapid mission reconfiguration capability with the latest technology as well as increased speed in the air and faster turnarounds which translates to enhanced operational efficiency and low life-cycle costs,” said Jake Williams, Vice President of Business Development North America for Embraer Defence & Security. “It is the best aircraft in its category and a perfect fit for SOF missions, as it is able to execute a wide range of missions, including Air-to-Air Refuelling and Agile Combat Employment.”
Embraer's KC-390 is also equipped with a modern and comprehensive suite of sensors and communication equipment that support vital connectivity between aircraft, operational commands, and troops on the ground. Additionally, KC-390's robust integrated electronic warfare and self-protection system drive survivability.
The KC-390 Millennium is a medium airlifter and tanker designed and built in the 21st century - a multi-mission jet by design that offers greater performance and has achieved an outstanding mission availability rate of 99% with low operational costs. This means multi-mission capability and interoperability are built-in by design, enabling the aircraft to be ready for all mission profiles by Air Forces.
The aircraft has the range and speed of a turbofan allowing It to operate as a strategic asset, reducing the enroute travel time while being able to leverage quick turnaround times to deliver more. At the same time, the KC-390 has the cargo handling ability to be a tactical airlifter, handling a diverse range of payloads and performing a wide variety of missions, from precision airdrop to humanitarian aid and medical evacuation. The aircraft can accomplish personnel airdrops up to 36,000 ft. All of that combined with the ability to land on unprepared runways, enhanced low speed handling characteristics and the ability of rapid aircraft mission reconfiguration between airdrop, firefighting, and air-to-air refuelling (fast jet and rotary wing), make the KC-390 a truly versatile multi-mission platform ideal for special forces worldwide.
Embraer's KC-390 Millennium is quickly becoming the aircraft of choice among NATO members and allies in Europe, contributing to the modernization of their armed forces while adding new capabilities and enhancing interoperability across allied forces. The aircraft is already in operation with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, has been ordered by the Netherlands, Austria, and Czech Republic, and was recently selected by Sweden and Slovakia for their national defence needs. South Korea rounds out the growing list of nations that have opted for the KC-390.
The KC-390 Millennium is currently in production and has been in operation for many years at Full Operational Capability. It is an off-the-shelf platform that is available today and ready to provide affordable mass for the U.S. and global markets to deal with emerging threats.
French Air and Space Force Buys 22 PC-7 MKX Aircraft for Basic Military Pilot Training The French Procurement Agency, Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), has selected the PC-7 MKX as the new training system for the French Air and Space Force. The fleet of 22 PC-7 MKXs will be used to provide basic training for military pilots - deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
In the early days of 2025, Babcock France won the prestigious “Mentor 2” tender and a 17-year contract to provide training services based on the PC-7 MKX.
Besides the 22 aircraft, the package will also include ground-based training tools to be provided partly in collaboration with French industry. Pilatus will supply simulators, computer-based training and mission planning and debriefing system equipment.
The Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace has provided advanced military pilot training on the Pilatus PC-21 and associated training system at the Base Aérienne 709 in Cognac-Châteaubernard since 2018. Pilots now train on 26 PC-21s which were acquired in two batches. With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX for basic training, France will now make exclusive use of Pilatus trainers for all phases of military pilot training.
The Pilatus PC-7 MKX platform features a new cockpit design based on the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite. It is also equipped with a Head-Up Display. With Pilatus' proven expertise in developing pilot training systems, the result is an exceptionally reliable and intuitive avionics system designed to provide an ideal training environment from the earliest stages of training. This co-development marks the first time Garmin has integrated its G3000 PRIME technology to enable the use of custom user-defined displays. Leveraging the strengths of both companies, the DNA of Pilatus' military pilot training philosophy has been fused with Garmin's adaptability and open system architecture expertise to produce a state-of-the-art avionics suite set to revolutionize the military training market.
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented on the contract as follows: “It's a great honour to have been selected once again by our valued customer, France, and we are very proud - thank you sincerely, France!” The PC-7 MKXs will also be equipped with a Head-Up Display, an additional feature which will enable a high degree of commonality between the PC-7 MKX and the PC-21. The newly developed, state-of-the-art Ground Based Training System, including simulators, also meets the highest requirements and offers cost-efficient basic training for the military pilots of the 'Grande Nation'.”
Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, adds: “The French Air and Space Force will be along the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the first two operators introducing the new PC-7 MKX into service. We are looking forward to working closely with Babcock France in the delivery and operation of the new training system, and we aim to achieve the same level of success as for the PC-21.”
SUBARU BELL 412EPX RECEIVES TRANSPORT CANADA VALIDATION
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the SUBARU Bell 412EPX has received Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) validation and can begin flight operations throughout Canada.
“We're pleased the SUBARU Bell 412EPX has received TCCA certification and look forward to growing its presence globally,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell. “This aircraft offers superior operational performance and efficiency for our customers while maintaining its long-standing reputation for reliability.”
Combining its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with a cargo hook, the SUBARU Bell 412EPX stands-out in its class for its ability to transport multitudes of public safety supplies. The SUBARU Bell 412EPX's robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability enables operators to benefit from increased horsepower to perform public safety operations more efficiently.
With eleven aircraft variants spanning over four decades, the Bell 412 possesses a long history of supporting critical missions, including firefighting, law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations.
BOC Aviation Orders 70 A320neo Family Aircraft
BOC Aviation, one of the world's leading aircraft lessors, has placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 70 A320neo Family aircraft. With this order, BOC Aviation's backlog of aircraft to be delivered becomes the largest in its history with Airbus.
“This transaction will lift our remaining Airbus orderbook to around 200 aircraft and takes our total Airbus aircraft deliveries to over 700 (including purchase and leasebacks) since our first order in 1996,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This order solidifies our position as one of the top five global aircraft operating lessors and provides us with a strong delivery pipeline into the next decade. We look forward to providing more airline customers with this popular fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft.”
Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, “This new major order by BOC Aviation, is a testament to its enduring confidence in the A320 family - the world's most successful single-aisle aircraft. This significant investment makes BOC Aviation one of the largest Airbus customers and highlights the strong and continued market demand for our fuel-efficient aircraft and their long-term value. The A320 family delivers exceptional benefits to operators, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with BOC Aviation, providing airlines with cutting-edge fleet solutions.”
The A320 Family is the world's most popular single aisle aircraft having won more than 19,000 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.
The A320 Family can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today and up to 100% by 2030.
Magnix Launches Next Phase in NASA Program to Electrify Aviation
magniX, the company powering the electric aviation revolution, today launched the next phase in the NASA Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration program (EPFD) as it unveiled the De Havilland DHC-7 (Dash 7) aircraft that will be retrofitted with magniX's industry-leading electric powertrains.
The aircraft, Ih was revealed a” a c'remony in Seattle, Washington, featured the logos of magniX, NASA, and the provider of the Dash 7, Air Tindi. The unveiling is the latest development in the program that has achieved substantial milestones in 2024:
February: magniX successfully achieved the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), establishing the design for the retrofit of the Dash 7 with magniX's electric powertrains
April: a magni650 electric engine completed the first phase of testing at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility in Sandusky, Ohio, confirming the magni650's exceptional capabilities at altitudes of up to 27,500 feet
June: baseline flight tests for the Dash 7 concluded, generating important performance data before it is modified with magniX's technology
Accelerating the Shift to Sustainable Aviation
In the next phase of EPFD, one of the aircraft's four turbine engines will be replaced with a magniX electric powertrain, with test flights planned for 2026. The following stage will see a second turbine engine substituted with another magniX powertrain. This configuration is expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%.
“magniX and NASA are demonstrating that sustainable flight can be realized with technology that we have available today,” said Ben Loxton, magniX's VP of EPFD and Electric Storage Systems (ESS). “The EPFD program is accelerating its readiness for entry into service, prioritizing safety and the highest standards of performance.”
“As EPFD makes outstanding progress, magniX and NASA are proving the feasibility of electric propulsion for commercial flight,” said Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. “Integrating our game-changing electric powertrains into a regional airliner such as the Dash 7 represents a major step forward in bringing electric solutions into the business of aviation.”
“We at NASA are excited about EPFD's potential to make aviation sustainable and more accessible to more U.S. communities,” said Robert A. Pearce, associate administrator for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. “Hybrid electric propulsion on a megawatt scale accelerates U.S. progress toward its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, benefitting all who rely on air transportation every day.”
Final Gulfstream G650 Completes Production
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the final Gulfstream G650 has officially completed production. This aircraft will move to the next phase of the completions process at Gulfstream's Appleton, Wisconsin, facility before making its official delivery to a customer later this year.
“Since their inception, the G650 and G650ER have become the industry standard that all others have followed, recently surpassing a staggering 1 million flight hours,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Beyond the program's innumerable accolades and 125+ world speed records, innovations introduced with the form, fit and precision manufacturing process of the G650 laid the groundwork for today's next-generation Gulfstream fleet.”
Gulfstream was awarded the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy in 2014 for the development of the G650 business jet family, which ushered in a new era of performance, safety and efficiency advancements in business aviation. The aircraft family has achieved numerous record-breaking feats, such as a 2015 world circumnavigation accomplished with just one stop; completing the farthest fastest business jet flight in history when the G650ER flew from Singapore to Tucson, Arizona, in 2019; as well as serving as the aircraft of choice in the 2019 “One More Orbit” mission, recognized by the Guinness World Records for achieving the fastest-ever circumnavigation of Earth around both the north and south poles.
“While this will be the final G650 produced, the fleet's high utilization and dispatch reliability mean these aircraft will serve customers for decades to come. As with any Gulfstream aircraft completing production, our Customer Support and program management teams will continue to research, develop and deploy advanced technologies and upgrades for retrofit, such as Honeywell Primus Epic Block 3, announced last July, and Starlink high-speed internet, announced in October,” Burns said.
The legendary aircraft family continues to play an active role in Gulfstream's flight and sustainability testing initiatives. Featuring Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the aircraft served as the pioneering platform for the industry's first flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2022.
The all-new, ultralong-range Gulfstream G800 was designed to succeed the iconic G650 family, delivering increased performance, efficiency and cabin comfort. With an impressive combination of range and speed, the G800 can fly 8,000 nautical miles/14,816 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm/12,964 km at Mach 0.90 and is equipped with Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines and Gulfstream's advanced high-speed wing and winglet. The aircraft also features the award-winning Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck and Gulfstream's new Combined Vision System (CVS) to increase pilot situational awareness. Designed to seat up to 19 passengers, the G800 offers up to four living areas or three living areas with a crew compartment. Certification by the Federal Aviation Administration is anticipated in the first half of 2025.
Embraer Develops Its Supply Chain in Morocco
A high-level delegation from Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) concluded an official visit to Morocco to assess the country's aerospace supply chain. The initiative follows a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Morocco and Embraer to explore potential joint projects.
Embraer sees significant opportunities for business and industrial collaboration as both Brazil and the Kingdom of Morocco share a strong commitment to deepening cooperation and investment. These opportunities span across commercial aviation, defence, and urban air mobility.
“Morocco has a fast-emerging aerospace industry, and we've identified key suppliers with potential to be integrated into our global supply chain,” said Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Embraer. “We believe there are opportunities to bring mutual benefits, both in the short and long term, through innovation and economic growth in both countries.”
Embraer elected Morocco as a regional key partner for building a robust supply chain program. Morocco's aerospace industry has demonstrated strong capabilities in areas such as aerostructures, machining, sheet metal work and composites.
The cooperation could also include training programs, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities and additional areas for potential collaboration, such as Research & Technology.
The Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, designed and built by Avro Canada, a delta-winged interceptor, was the culmination of a series of design studies begun in 1953 that examined improved versions of the Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck. The CF-105 held the promise of Mach 2 speeds at altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet (15,000 m) and was intended to serve as the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) primary interceptor into the 1960s and beyond.
After considerable study, the RCAF selected a dramatically more powerful design and serious development began in March 1955. The aircraft was intended to be built directly from the production line, skipping the traditional hand-built prototype phase. The first Arrow Mk. I, RL-201 was rolled out to the public on 4 October 1957, the same day as the launch of Sputnik I.
Flight testing began with RL-201 on 25 March 1958 and the design quickly demonstrated excellent handling and overall performance, reaching Mach 1.9 in level flight. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney J75, another three Mk. 1s were completed: - RL-202, RL-203 and RL-204. The lighter and more powerful Orenda Iroquois engine was soon ready for testing and the first Mk.II with the Iroquois, RL-206, was ready for taxi testing in preparation for flight and acceptance tests by RCAF pilots by early 1959.
On 20 February 1959, Prime Minister of Canada John Diefenbaker abruptly halted the development of the Arrow (and its Iroquois engines) before the scheduled project review to evaluate the program could be held. Canada tried to sell the Arrow to the US and Britain, but no agreements were concluded. Two months later, the assembly line, tooling, plans and existing airframes and engines were ordered to be destroyed. The cancellation was the topic of considerable political controversy at the time and the subsequent destruction of the aircraft in production remains a topic for debate among historians and industry pundits. “This action effectively put Avro out of business and its highly skilled engineering and production personnel scattered.
USA, Near Washington-Ronald Reagan National Airport, DC (DCA/KDCA): Air traffic control instructed Delta Air Lines Flight 1671 and Republic Airways Flight 5825 to perform go-arounds at the Reagan Washington National Airport due to a Priority Air Transport helicopter inbound to the Pentagon Army Heliport. The FAA is investigating the event that occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, 1 May.
India, S of Chandigarh: IndiGo Airlines flight 6E7742, an ATR 72-600, was en route to Chandigarh in heavy precipitation when one of the engines flamed out for a few seconds and then its auto ignition brought it back to life almost immediately. Then the second engine had the exact same occurrence. The aircraft landed safely in Chandigarh.
Russia, 50 km W of Novorossiysk, Black Sea: On the evening of 2 May 2025, a Russian Naval Aviation Sukhoi Su-30 was shot down whilst engaging a Ukrainian attack drone swarm targeting Novorossiysk. In a first, the aircraft was downed by an anti-aircraft MAGURA V7 AA drone boat equipped with AIM-9 short range IR missiles. Both pilots were able to safely eject from the damaged aircraft, and were rescued by a nearby cargo ship.
