INDUSTRY to act assertively after meeting with the minister and D.C.A. on 12-year engine ruling.
Cessna 172 Skyhawk marks 70 years of excellence and continues to lead the industry as the most popular aircraft in the world.
VÆRIDION raises €14 million to roll out its electric Microliner by 2030 and meet the urgent need to decarbonise short-haul flights.
VoltAero signs a strategic order with Malaysia's HM Aerospace flight training academy for 30 Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft.
The Bristell B23 Energic: transition from visionary concept to everyday commercial reality.
Boeing and Angolan Ministry of Transport sign memorandum of strategic cooperation.
Boeing, RAAF demonstrate MQ-28 teaming with E-7A Wedgetail.
United Invests in next generation blended wing aircraft start-up JetZero.
This week in history - 8 June 1946 - A celebration of the Allied victory in World War II is held in London. It includes a flypast of 300 British aircraft over the city that stretches for 60 miles (97 km), led by a Hawker Hurricane that had fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940.
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video- Airshow Airweek Middelburg 2025
Industry to Act Assertively after Meeting with the Minister and D.C.A. on 12-Year Engine Ruling
After meeting with the Hon. Minister of Transport Mrs. Barbara Creecy, the Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) Ms. Poppie Khoza, and high-level executives on Thursday, 26 June 2025 in an attempt, on an amicable basis, to resolve the current crisis and harmful effects brought about by a ruling to revoke an exemption to the 12-year engine overhaul dispensation, effectively grounding over a thousand general and light commercial aviation aeroplanes and helicopters in South Africa, the AIC 18.19 Task Team representing the broader aviation industry will continue to act assertively and should the required solution not be achieved, legal action is not excluded.
Despite the SACAA attempting to refute the industry's position through accident statistics and a case study that are considered seriously flawed (according to the team comprising subject-matter experts from multiple disciplines), a request by the Hon. Minister to the industry to allude to arguments dealing with legal liability, essentially already covered by the revoked Air Information Circular (AIC) 18.19 and incumbent on the Regulator, the industry will co-operate in a last-ditch effort to stave off an economic implosion.
The industry considers such proactivity as a last-ditch attempt to exhaust all possible avenues and options to find an urgent resolve, notwithstanding the Regulator failing to conduct a proper investigation and consult with Industry to consider all aspects of the current disposition holistically. Further statements regarding the position of the industry, will be released on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 after issuing a letter to the Hon. Minister and relevant parties.
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Cessna 172 Skyhawk Marks 70 Years of Excellence and Continues to Lead the Industry as the Most Popular Aircraft in the World
“As the most popular aircraft in aviation history, the Cessna Skyhawk's 70 years of success in pilot training and aviation programs highlight the aircraft's exceptional design and enduring performance,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “With our ongoing dedication to innovation, including the recent enhancements to the Cessna piston lineup, we look forward to seeing the Skyhawk continue to inspire the journey of flight as the go-to aircraft for flight schools and private pilots across the world.”
Customers taking delivery of the aircraft today enjoy new, modern features added to the legendary aircraft last year, including powered headset jacks, black instrument panels and upgraded seats for comfort and durability.
The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training. In 2015, Textron Aviation introduced the Top Hawk program to provide students with access to Skyhawks, the world's most popular trainer aircraft. The program connects students from flight schools and universities with factory-new Cessna Skyhawks, supporting the industry with a robust pipeline of skilled aviators. Nearly 50 Cessna Skyhawks have been placed with various flight schools and universities as part of the program, both in the U.S. and the first U.K. recipient this year.
VÆRIDION Raises €14 Million to Roll Out Its Electric Microliner by 2030 and Meet the Urgent Need to Decarbonise Short-Haul Flights
VÆRIDION, the aviation company developing a market leading e-aircraft for short-haul commercial flights, announced today that it has raised a €14 million Series A funding round in equity financing. The round was led by World Fund, Europe's leading climate VC, with participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter. VÆRIDION is on a mission to make affordable, zero-emission regional flights an everyday reality.
The founders will use their Series A capital, in addition to research funding of €1.4 million secured from Bavarian and German administrations, to make key hires and expand commercially. Current cost trajectories indicate that flights will be available for the price of a first-class high-speed rail ticket at commercial launch.
Aviation demand is expected to more than double to over 8 billion passengers by 2040, growing at an annual average rate of 3.4%. The world urgently needs to deliver solutions to decarbonise the sector, and the regional aviation market represents a huge opportunity. VÆRIDION is making huge advances in aerospace technology. These advances open up a regional air mobility (RAM) market that will only expand as European countries look to reach sustainability targets, development costs decrease, and roads become more congested. In fact, McKinsey predicts the global addressable market for regional flights could reach $115 billion by 2035, representing up to 700 million passengers annually.
Last month VÆRIDION hit the milestone of becoming the first General Aviation company to complete its Pre-Application Contract with the EASA - an achievement that puts it ahead of competitors and on track to offer commercial flights by 2030. The company is now advancing along a predefined certification roadmap in close cooperation with the regulator, well in advance of applying for Type Certification (TC). This setup makes VÆRIDION's entire certification process more seamless and secure - a major advantage in the sector.
Their patented prototype Microliner will start as a nine-seater aircraft. The Microliner has a nominal range of 400 km plus IFR reserves, has already passed initial functional and validation tests, and has prototype flights set to take off in 2027. The company has plans in place to scale the technology to long-term offer pan-European flights.
The Microliner is a fixed-wing aircraft with advanced battery-wing integration and multi-engine single propeller configuration, all designed for maximum safety and efficiency. It emits less noise than conventional aircraft, making it well-suited to smaller airfields and easy to roll out in underserved areas. Delivered at scale, it would help drive economic growth and accessibility. Europe is currently nowhere near reaching its sustainable aviation goals, and the Microliner presents a long-term solution.
Voltaero Signs a Strategic Order with Malaysia's HM Aerospace Flight Training Academy for 30 Cassio 330 Electric-Hybrid Aircraft
VoltAero today marked an important commercial milestone with the signing of an agreement for 15 Cassio 330 electric-hybrid aircraft and an option for another 15, to be acquired by HM Aerospace Sdn Bhd for pilot training at Malaysia's premier flight academy after EASA certification and validation by the Civil Aviation Authorities of Malaysia.
This agreement, formalized at the Paris Air Show, brings a new dimension to VoltAero's orderbook for its Cassio electric-hybrid airplanes by expanding their use - together with Halim Mazmin Group - to the all-important training role for professional pilots, and expanding it over the Asia-Pacific region, where pilots are in great demand.
It also establishes a strategic relationship with the Halim Mazmin Group of companies, whose business interests cover shipping, aviation, education, hospitality and tourism. The relationship will lead to the establishment of an ecosystem that serves the electric-hybrid aviation sector in Malaysia and across the Asia-Pacific region.
Participating in today's signing ceremony at Le Bourget Airport were Jean Botti, VoltAero's CEO & Chief Technology Officer, and Tan Sri Halim Mohammad, Founding Director of the Halim Mazmin Group.
The milestone was witnessed by Alain Rousset, president of France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Nouvelle-Aquitaine was one of the original financial backers of VoltAero, and the region is home to the Cassio industrial and final assembly facility at Rochefort Airport that was inaugurated last November.
With the HM Aerospace agreement, VoltAero's Cassio backlog has expanded to more than 280 orders, agreements and commitments with customers focused on the regional air transportation, air mobility and business aviation sectors.
“VoltAero looks forward to our long-term relationship with HM Aerospace and the Halim Mazmin Group as we join together in introducing - and supporting - a new era of aviation training with the Cassio 330,” Botti said.
Tan Sri Halim added: “The Halim Mazmin Group of companies share a common vision with VoltAero of applying innovation and excellence while adapting to the fast-changing business environment today, and tomorrow. By bringing the Cassio 330 into the HM Aerospace aircraft fleet, we will be utilizing airplanes that are advanced and highly eco-efficient to train the next generation of professional pilots.
HM Aerospace was established 20 years ago, and the academy has graduated some 2,400 pilots who are flying with many of the world's airlines today.
In its training role, the Cassio 330 provides a highly capable platform, bringing together its twin-engine electric-hybrid design with a new-generation avionics suite that features large tactile cockpit flight instrumentation.
At the heart of VoltAero's Cassio 330 production design is the use of a series-hybrid architecture, integrating “pusher” electric motors on each side of the aft fuselage, and a thermal engine inside the aircraft that serves as a range extender by recharging the onboard batteries. During taxi, takeoff and initial flight phases, the Cassio 330 operates on all-electric propulsion for eco-efficient and quiet operations. The thermal engine recharges the batteries during cruise flight as a range extender.
The Bristell B23 Energic: Transition from Visionary Concept to Everyday Commercial Reality
The H55 the Swiss electric aviation pioneer born from the Solar Impulse program, today reported that its Bristell B23 Energic completed more than 50 demonstration flights with potential buyers at Palo Alto Airport (KPAO) and turned multiple on-site visits into purchase agreements. These new commitments have already filled the production planning for the first two years.
The Palo Alto campaign demonstrated two key advantages. First, the B23 Energic's negligible energy cost and minimal maintenance profile substantially reduce operating expenses for training operators. Second, pilots consistently praised the aircraft's smooth, vibration-free flight characteristics, underscoring the superior training experience delivered by electric propulsion. This immediate, first-hand validation converted casual ramp-side curiosity into signed orders, signalling that the U.S. market is ready for electric flight training today.
André Borschberg, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder, H55 commenting on the company's experience in Palo Alto, “Flying Solar Impulse around the world proved that electric propulsion could conquer the skies; the B23 Energic proves it can conquer the business case. We are now at an important turning point in our growth as we start to generate product revenue on top of engineering revenue. Our battery pack qualifications will be completed this summer, full aircraft certification will follow shortly thereafter, and our order book is filling fast. Our Across America program is showing a clear message: electric aviation has moved from the future to the present tense.”
For flight-training operators, the B23 Energic replaces fuel burn, engine overhauls and noise complaints with overnight charging, minimal scheduled maintenance and near-silent circuits. Its 80-minute endurance at the end of the life of the battery (for the 1st aircraft deliveries in the USA), combined with negligible energy draw during taxi, run-up and pattern work-delivers block times comparable to legacy piston trainers while enabling additional daily sorties at noise-sensitive airports.
“The Palo Alto stopover confirmed-yet again-that flight schools and aero-clubs are no longer just curious about electric training; they are ready to buy,” states Gregory Blatt, H55 Co-Founder & Mission Director. “In just a few days we logged more than 50 sorties, with 8 flights per day. We welcomed dozens of walk-up visitors and converted that interest into firm purchase agreements on the spot. Operators told us the math is undeniable: a five-dollar energy bill per flight hour, virtually no engine maintenance, and the freedom to fly extra evening circuits without disturbing the neighbourhood.”
With its first- and second-year production slots sold out and all CAPEX already funded, H55 is primed for rapid, cost-efficient expansion. Imminent certification, a broadening customer roster, and validation from industry leaders such as Pratt & Whitney and CAE underscore the company's readiness to deliver decarbonized aviation propulsion and battery systems at scale.
Boeing And Angolan Ministry of Transport Sign Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation today to explore initiatives aimed at advancing the Angolan aviation sector, in partnership with TAAG Angola Airlines.
The Republic of Angola has prioritized the development of the aviation industry to enhance tourism and stimulate economic growth.
Signed at the 2025 Paris Air Show, the memorandum outlines several areas of collaboration between Boeing and TAAG Angola Airlines, including efforts to boost operational efficiency through digital transformation, strengthen technical and maintenance capabilities, optimize and expand market and route networks, and support the modernization and growth of the fleet.
“TAAG Angola Airlines, the national airline of Angola, has been a cornerstone of the African aviation landscape since its inception in 1938. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global market, it is essential for the airline to not only maintain its competitive edge, but also to embrace innovation and modernization,” said Ricardo Viegas D'Abreu, Minister of Transport, Republic of Angola.
Minister Viegas D'Abreu continued “This partnership with Boeing represents a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing operational capabilities, improving technical and maintenance capacity, and expanding our reach. By investing in modern technologies and practices, we aim to position TAAG Angola Airlines as a leading airline in Africa, capable of meeting the demands of today's travelers while contributing to the economic diversification and growth of Angola. Together, along with the significant investment in our new international airport, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future for our aviation sector.”
“This partnership underscores Boeing's commitment to supporting the growth of the aviation sector in Angola and continued expansion of TAAG Angola Airlines' capabilities,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We look forward to building on nearly eight decades of supporting commercial aviation in Africa.”
Boeing airplanes account for nearly 70% of the commercial fleet in Africa, operated by more than 60 airlines. According to Boeing's 2025 Commercial Market Outlook, Africa will require more than 1,200 new airplanes over the next 20 years to meet growing demand.
Boeing, RAAF Demonstrate MQ-28 Teaming With E-7A Wedgetail
WOOMERA, South Australia, in a first of its kind demonstration, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully conducted a mission against an airborne target using two in-flight MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft and a third digital aircraft, all controlled from an airborne E-7A Wedgetail.
During the mission, a single operator onboard the E-7A took control of the uncrewed MQ-28s emulating the role they play in flying ahead of and protecting crewed assets.
"This trial demonstrates family-of-systems integration, the strength of our open systems architecture, and is a critical first step towards integrating mission partners' software and communications systems natively into the E-7A Wedgetail," said Glen Ferguson, director MQ-28 Global Programs.
"It not only validated a key element of the MQ-28 concept of operations, but also how collaborative combat aircraft can expand and enhance the role of the E-7A to meet future force requirements.
"It is another tangible proof point of the maturity of our program."
Australian Minister for Defence Industry the Honourable Pat Conroy MP acknowledged the milestone saying, "The Ghost Bat has the potential to turn a single fighter jet into a fighting team, with advanced sensors that are like hundreds of eyes in the sky."
The software was jointly developed and implemented by Boeing Defence Australia, Defence Science and Technology Group and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories.
"It has been an exceptional collaborative effort across organisations from government, contractors, and global partners," said Adam Tsacoumangos, director of Air Dominance Programs for Boeing's Phantom Works.
This trial is part of a series of events with RAAF assets throughout this year, collectively known as Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25).
CD25 will demonstrate MQ-28 operational effectiveness and how collaborative combat aircraft will integrate and operate with RAAF crewed assets.
United Invests in Next Generation Blended Wing Aircraft Start-Up Jetzero
United today announced an investment in blended wing body (BWB) aircraft start-up JetZero. The company is creating an aircraft design that has the potential to deliver jet fuel efficiency and a greatly enhanced customer experience. The investment includes a path to order up to 100 airplanes and an option for an additional 100. The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027, among other conditions, including that the aircraft meet United's safety, business and operating requirements.
JetZero's innovative design reduces drag and produces lift across the entire wingspan, which could lead to as much as 50% reduction in fuel burn per passenger mile compared to a similar sized aircraft. The technology could potentially help United lower its carbon emissions while reducing the cost of operations. In 2023, the U.S. Air Force announced a $235 million contract to JetZero to fast-track the development of JetZero's full scale demonstrator. The JetZero Z4 airplane is designed to accommodate 250 passengers and fly on conventional jet fuel, with propulsion systems able to utilize sustainable aviation fuel blends.
“If successful, JetZero has the potential to evolve our core mainline business by developing aircraft with a bigger, more comfortable cabin experience for our customers while increasing fuel efficiency across our network,” said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV). “United Airlines Ventures® was created to support our efforts to find innovative companies that can enhance the customer travel experience and help the airline lower its carbon footprint, and we believe JetZero reflects that philosophy.”
“United's investment in our company signals the industry's belief that new, innovative technology is needed in order to achieve the efficiency and cost savings that will be required to meet the continued growth in demand for air travel across the globe,” said Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero. “JetZero is focused on one key technology - the airframe - that enables us to address all of the barriers to growth. This program is the only one in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience.”
Both the airplane's shape, and the way JetZero plans to enter the plane into service, address industry pain points. The design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly. For instance, a flight from New York/Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain would use up to 45 percent less fuel compared to the twin-aisle aircraft that operate that route today. The airplane also is expected to integrate readily into today's airport infrastructure, requiring no new accommodations for jet bridges, runways or taxiways.
The aircraft design has the potential to also offer improvements to the passenger experience like flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes, and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat. Additionally, the design streamlines the boarding process with a main boarding door that is wider than that of a comparably sized aircraft, leading to multiple aisles and passenger cabin bays for more efficient passenger distribution. It may further enhance accessibility by featuring wider aisles and handicap-accessible lavatories, creating a comfortable travel environment for all passengers and in-flight crew.
JetZero's agreement with the Air Force focuses on advancing airframe technology and capabilities, showcasing its potential, and providing the Department of Defence and commercial industry more options to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Several military aircraft configurations can be made with this design, including air transport and refuelling tanker variants, which collectively account for approximately 60% of the Air Force's total annual jet fuel consumption.
United's corporate venture capital fund, United Airlines Ventures, enables the airline to invest in emerging companies that have the potential to influence the future of travel. UAV has made investments in start-ups developing innovative technologies that have the potential to revolutionize aerospace developments, create value for customers and United's operation and complement United's goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
8 JUNE 1946
The London Victory Celebrations of 1946 were British Commonwealth, Empire and Allied victory celebrations held after the defeat of Nazi Germany and Japan in World War II. The celebrations took place in London on 8 June 1946, and consisted mainly of a military parade through the city and a night time fireworks display. The highlight of the parade was a flypast of 300 British aircraft over the city that stretches for 60 miles (97 km), led by a Hawker Hurricane that had fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940.
Most British allies took part in the parade, including Belgium, Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Luxembourg the Netherlands and the United States.
Russia, Area 48 km northeast of Smolensk: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A321-231, TC-JRF, was en route near navigation point NAMNA, 48 km north-east of the city of Smolensk, at FL320 when the crew reported problem with engine the number one engine. They requested descent to flight level 200, and decided to return to the departure airport, Moscow Vnukovo Airport. At 02.57 the area of navigation point NUTKI, 34 km east of the town of Vyazma. at FL200, the crew reported a problem with the thrust of engine no.1 and inability to maintain the assigned flight level. A safe landing was carried out at 03.27.
Vietnam, Hanoi-Noi Bai International Airport (HAN/VVNB): Vietnam Airlines, flight VN7205, a Boeing 787-9 (VN-A863) and Vietnam Airlines flight flight VN1804, an Airbus A321 (VN-A338) were involved in a ground contact incident at Hanoi-Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). The B787 was taxiing on taxiway S to the holding point for runway 11R for departure. The preceding A321 had turned onto taxiway S3 and was stationary. At that point, the right-hand wing of the B787 contacted and sliced through the rudder of the A321. No injuries were reported.
Russia, Panovo, Kolomna district, Moscow region - A light aircraft Yak-18T (RA-0856G), which took off from the Severka airfield without permission to fly, crashed and caught fire in a field near the village of Panovo near Kolomna in the Moscow region while performing an aerobatic manoeuvre (barrel roll). Rescuers found the bodies of four people upon arrival. The aircraft was completely burned.
Gordon Dyne’s Brakpan Based Mirage F1 Squadron Newest Addition 260
