The latest aviation industry updates, curated and rewritten by AI from trusted sources worldwide.
Allegiant closed its $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country on May 13 2026 creating a 195-aircraft leisure carrier with expanded routes and diversified operations.
RCAF fighter pilots received major pay increases in 2025-2026 but face ongoing retention issues, grievances and shortages critical for the upcoming F-35 fleet.
The US Air Force and Boeing announced a three-part plan to repurpose aircraft, accelerate RVS 2.0 upgrades and apply performance-based logistics to raise KC-46 availability more than 20 percent by 2030.
Surf Air Mobility has joined the FAA's CAAT Consortium as the first Part 135 operator to help advance research and integration of electric and autonomous aircraft.
Matt Hofeldt discusses the Husky aircraft's evolution, factory heritage and backcountry flying advice in a new Plane + Pilot Podcast episode.
Air India is reducing or suspending dozens of international routes from June to August 2026 in response to high jet fuel prices and airspace restrictions caused by Middle East conflicts.
The 747-400's successful application of two-crew cockpit and efficiency lessons from the 767 offers a model for Boeing's current recovery initiatives.
A pedestrian who jumped a fence onto a Denver runway was struck and killed by departing Frontier Flight 4345, causing an engine fire and evacuation of 231 people with 12 minor injuries.
Major U.S. airports are investing more than $40 billion to modernize terminals, expand gates, and improve passenger experiences nationwide.
Delta Air Lines warns the ITC that an investigation into Joby Aviation's alleged patent infringements could shut down its eVTOL products and harm their air taxi partnership.
The U.S. Air Force is launching a 2027 study with $1 million to evaluate long-range strike options that could shape future B-52 requirements or lead to a new heavy bomber.
EASA guidance permits European use of US Jet A fuel with proper risk management to offset shortages from the closed Strait of Hormuz.
Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena was found dead in Colombo one day after a court ordered his re-arrest in an Airbus-linked bribery case.
Fifteen new lawsuits claim UPS, Boeing and others ignored a known MD-11 pylon defect, leading to the fatal November 2025 Louisville crash that killed 15.
Defense growth propelled Embraer to its best-ever first quarter with record revenues and expanding backlog.
Plane & Pilot editor Cayla McLeod flies an Aviat Husky across Michigan and Wisconsin to highlight the region's diverse landscapes, historic destinations and year-round general aviation opportunities.
AirAsia's record order for 150 high-density A220s with extra exits contrasts with Spirit Airlines' May 2026 closure and a United 767 bread truck collision near EWR.
American Airlines pilot union chief Nick Silva praised United CEO Scott Kirby's merger idea as a bold vision while criticizing his carrier's leadership for insufficient strategic ambition.
Airbus is preparing to announce a major order for about 150 A220 jets from AirAsia during a historic event at its Mirabel assembly site on May 6.
Eve Air Mobility is updating flight-control software on its eVTOL demonstrator ahead of incremental transition testing in Q3 2026 after 59 flights validating key systems.
Elixir Aircraft has started deliveries of its carbon-composite two-seat trainer to U.S. flight schools in Florida and Arizona ahead of an AirVenture Oshkosh debut by air.
The UAE signed for up to 20 Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft on May 4 2026, its largest export order and the first in the Middle East.
A Plane & Pilot journalist makes an impromptu trip to Alaska's aviation events in Palmer and Valdez to gather material for a special magazine issue on Last Frontier flying.
India's Cabinet approved the ECLGS 5.0 credit guarantee scheme to provide up to Rs 1,500 crore per airline to counter liquidity issues from surging jet fuel prices caused by the West Asia conflict.
B-29 Superfortress Doc, one of two remaining flyable examples, returns to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 for rides from Appleton and static display on Boeing Plaza.
A coalition of 37 aviation groups led by VAI has asked the FAA to review marking, lighting and NOTAM procedures for slacklines after a January helicopter crash in Arizona killed four people.
United Airlines will bring its premium-heavy Elevated Boeing 787-9 with 99 premium seats to daily San Francisco-Zurich flights starting in September 2026 as the third international route for the new configuration.
JAL and ANA forecast sharply lower net profits for fiscal 2026 due to fuel price spikes from the Middle East conflict while planning fare hikes and expecting later recovery.
Dubai International Airport is increasing flight capacity and expects a swift passenger rebound after the UAE fully reopened its airspace on May 2 following two months of conflict-driven restrictions.
Israel's first customized KC-46 tanker named Gideon has completed its maiden flight in the United States with delivery expected within weeks as part of a major aerial refueling and fighter fleet expansion.
The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability for the P-8A Poseidon with Increment 3 Block 2 upgrades that enhance anti-submarine warfare, processing power and networked ISR capabilities.
UAE authorities have lifted all airspace restrictions from the February 2026 conflict, enabling full normal flight operations following a security review.
EgyptAir has received its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 on lease from SMBC Aviation Capital, the initial jet in an 18-aircraft order that will modernize its narrowbody fleet with improved efficiency and passenger comfort.
Boeing must modify approximately 30 stored 777-9 aircraft over several years to meet current standards before planned 2027 deliveries can begin.
Spirit Airlines ceased all operations on May 2, 2026 after its bid for emergency government funding collapsed amid ongoing bankruptcy.
Boeing must complete 31 extensive System Safety Assessments before the popular 737 MAX 10, with over 1,400 orders, can achieve 2026 certification and begin 2027 deliveries.
The U.S. Air Force has completed testing on its Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8i VC-25B Bridge aircraft, which will enter service this summer as interim presidential transport.
Green MEPs proposed a temporary ban on non-essential private jet flights across the EU to conserve fuel during the current supply crisis.
Turkish Airlines achieved a $226 million Q1 2026 profit with double-digit traffic growth by capturing connecting passengers rerouted from Gulf carriers affected by Middle East airspace closures.
Spirit Airlines is preparing to shut down after its Trump administration bailout talks failed over creditor objections to government equity terms.
Emirates SkyCargo has launched a new weekly Boeing 777 freighter service from Dubai to Toronto via Amsterdam, adding 100 tonnes of cargo capacity amid growing UAE-Canada trade.
NTSB preliminary report on fatal LaGuardia CRJ-900 and fire truck collision prompts transponder upgrades while FedEx readies MD-11s for May return and JAL trials humanoid robots at Haneda.
The Legend Nomad showcases exceptional short-field performance and efficiency with its 160 hp Rotax engine as a modernized backcountry Super Cub variant.
The U.S. Air Force has released the first video showing a B-1B Lancer bomber carrying the AGM-183 ARRW hypersonic missile on an external pylon.
LATAM Airlines has ordered Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 XE engines for three Boeing 787s, returning to the manufacturer after earlier durability issues prompted a partial switch to GEnx.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy suggested a new dedicated passenger fee to fund continuous FAA air traffic control modernization beyond periodic congressional budgets.
Gulfstream achieved a record 38 aircraft deliveries in its strongest-ever first quarter while parent General Dynamics reported double-digit earnings growth.
Wheels Up has standardized its on-fleet operations exclusively on Phenom 300 and Challenger 300 series jets, completing modernization 18 months ahead of schedule.
American Airlines will resume daily Miami to Caracas flights on April 30 after seven years, enabled by the lifting of restrictions after the US captured Nicolás Maduro.
Airbus halved its Q1 adjusted profit amid a drop to 114 aircraft deliveries caused by engine shortages and production-delivery desynchronization.
Copa Airlines has ordered up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX jets worth $13.5 billion to modernize its single-type fleet and grow beyond 200 aircraft by 2034.
Tickets are now available for the 61st National Championship Air Races in Roswell, New Mexico from September 16-20 featuring all seven racing classes and the Thunderbirds.
Airbus has presented the Spanish industry roadmap to integrate national systems into 30 Hürjet-derived SAETA II trainers that will replace the F-5 fleet under a two-phase program running through 2035.
A simulator session helps challenge misconceptions about pilot wealth, entry barriers, and small aircraft safety while creating positive memories for a non-pilot senior.
Peru has selected 12 F-16 Block 70 fighters, made a first payment and navigated a political crisis featuring two ministerial resignations after the interim president delayed formal signing.
Turkish Airlines is suspending 18 low-yield international routes, including many in Africa, due to doubled jet fuel costs caused by the 2026 Iran war.
Safran achieved strong first-quarter 2026 revenue growth driven by LEAP engine deliveries and aftermarket services while seeing little immediate impact from the Middle East conflict.
Value airline trade group seeks $2.5 billion targeted federal aid to offset doubled jet fuel costs and sustain low fares amid Middle East conflict.
Boeing and the U.S. Navy successfully flew the first operational MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker on April 25, 2026, advancing carrier-based autonomous refueling capabilities.
Q1 2026 US airline data shows capacity growth exceeding moderated traffic demand, indicating a maturing post-pandemic market with stronger outbound travel.
U.S. airports are constructing vertiports and integrating new systems as the FAA advances design standards and launches pilot trials for advanced air mobility operations.
Corrosion in the variable geometry systems of both engines caused compressor stalls and thrust loss, leading to a fatal Challenger 604 crash on Interstate 75 near Naples.
JAL Grand Service and GMO AI & Robotics Trading are launching Japan's first humanoid robot trial for ground handling tasks at Haneda Airport beginning May 2026.
Aerospace manufacturers advance AI for design and certification while the FAA addresses staffing shortages, legacy ATC systems and delayed approvals across multiple aircraft programs.
FRCSW has performed the U.S. Navy's first complete in-house Block III avionics and cockpit upgrade on a Super Hornet as part of its Service Life Modification program.
NBC News cites officials claiming an Iranian F-5 bombed a defended U.S. base in Kuwait as part of strikes that caused over $5 billion in damage across seven countries.
All 36 aboard an EBB Air EMB-120 escaped injury after the aircraft overran the runway on landing at Mandera, Kenya on April 24, 2026.
Taiwan's foreign minister reached Eswatini on April 25 after the president's trip was canceled by last-minute overflight denials from three nations Taipei blames on Chinese pressure.
Australia is the only country whose commercial flights to South America and Africa routinely operate near Antarctica along remote southern great circle routes.
The Airbus A350-1000 is substantially larger than the Boeing 787-10 in length, wingspan, weight and passenger capacity while offering a wider cabin for enhanced long-haul comfort.
Flytrex's new Sky2 drone carrying 8.8 pounds has begun family meal deliveries including two large pizzas with Little Caesars from a Texas store.
British Airways launched daily nonstop year-round flights between London Heathrow and Guernsey on April 19 2026, the only such direct service, backed by local subsidy to boost connectivity.
RAF Eurofighter Typhoons were scrambled to monitor Russian drones near the Romanian border, after which debris from one crashed in Galați causing minor property damage but no injuries.
The US Air Force graduated its last new A-10 pilots on April 3 at Davis-Monthan AFB as the service extends select Warthog squadrons to 2030 after effective combat use near Iran.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 422 prohibiting airports from using ADS-B data to charge fees on general aviation aircraft weighing 12,499 pounds or less.
TCAS technology enabled pilots to avoid collisions in two separate U.S. incidents involving ATC-directed conflicts during go-arounds at Nashville and JFK this week.
Ryanair will close its Berlin base in October 2026 and relocate aircraft and crew after criticizing high and rising airport charges.
A jet fuel crisis sparked by Middle East conflict is forcing European airlines to cancel tens of thousands of summer flights amid fears of physical shortages.
Hartzell Propeller has expanded its Ohio manufacturing base with a new Innovation Center to support advanced air mobility programs and grow its aftermarket business.
Bjorn Fehrm's analysis details the complex structural tradeoffs required when a blended wing body's non-circular cabin must also serve as the central wing structure.
LOT Polish Airlines' executive defended its 2025 order for up to 84 Airbus A220 jets as the best strategic fit for fleet renewal and market growth despite competition from Embraer.
United Airlines Ventures invested in Airhart Aeronautics to develop simplified digital avionics that make personal aircraft easier and safer to fly.
American Airlines lowered its 2026 profit forecast citing a $4 billion fuel cost increase from surging jet fuel prices while exploring a revenue-sharing deal with Alaska Airlines.
Southwest Airlines achieved record first quarter revenues of $7.2 billion and net income of $227 million thanks to strong uptake of its new fare products.
Gillespie County Airport's themed Hangar Hotel and proximity to WWII museums and German heritage sites make Fredericksburg a favorite Texas destination for pilots.
The PLAAF's Y-20B strategic airlifter completed its first overseas mission by repatriating 12 Korean War remains from South Korea to Shenyang on April 22 2026.
GE Aerospace boosted LEAP engine deliveries 63 percent to 520 units in the first quarter while advancing durability upgrades and securing major new orders.
The US government is negotiating a $500 million rescue for bankrupt Spirit Airlines that could result in up to 90% federal ownership amid doubled fuel costs from the Iran conflict.
The Pentagon proposed a record $1.5 trillion FY2027 defense budget that nearly doubles F-35 buys to 85 jets while funding Golden Dome missile defense and munitions replenishment.
A new industry coalition is pressing the slow-moving FAA to approve remote digital towers already proven in Europe to cut costs, boost safety and ease controller shortages at U.S. airports of all sizes.
Boeing narrowed losses in Q1 2026 as its defense business grew on higher demand linked to the Iran War.
Two E175 regional jets operating for American Airlines and Air Canada came within 350 feet on parallel final approaches to JFK, triggering TCAS warnings and go-arounds before safe landings as the FAA investigates.
Breeze Airways has implemented The Weather Company's AI-enhanced Maverick Dispatch to simplify data access and improve decision-making for its flight dispatchers.
Pratt & Whitney announced a $100 million plus investment in three U.S. facilities to expand GTF engine MRO capacity and shorten turnaround times.
McFarlane Aviation has combined Alaskan Bushwheels and Airframes Alaska into the new McFarlane Alaska brand to sustain specialized parts for backcountry pilots.
El Al will begin twice-weekly nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to Buenos Aires in November 2026 using Boeing 787s, its longest route, following an announcement during the Argentine president's visit to Israel.
Alaska Airlines lets loyalty members earn status points by contributing to sustainable aviation fuel purchases during a special Earth Month promotion through April 2026.
All-business airline Beond has suspended flights between Europe and the Maldives for summer 2026 due to high fuel costs from the Iran conflict, with resumption set for October.
Spirit Airlines has requested hundreds of millions in federal emergency aid to counter high fuel costs and avoid liquidation while operating under bankruptcy protection.
British Airways began seasonal nonstop flights from London Heathrow to St. Louis on April 19 2026, the first direct UK service to the city in over two decades.
