Aviation and aerospace news covering airlines, aircraft manufacturers, space companies, FAA regulations, and air travel developments.
The father of co-pilot Nathalia Filgueiras praised her professionalism following a Learjet crash in Coral Gables that killed nine people. Recordings show she fought to control the aircraft, while Captain Jeff Gregory is believed to have been at the controls during the final descent.
The US Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to eliminate floppy disk technology from over 400 air traffic control facilities by the end of 2028. Initial deployments of the new Enterprise Information Display System will occur at Atlantic City, Nashville, and Rochester airports. President Trump promised to upgrade FAA equipment after a plane crash near Washington in 2025 highlighted reliance on antiquated technology like Windows 95 computers.
International Airlines Group reported a 12.9% drop in quarterly pre-tax profits driven by soaring jet fuel costs. IAG now projects full-year capacity to be slightly lower than in 2025, citing rising fuel expenses as the primary driver for cutting investment plans and reducing capacity.
The US Federal Aviation Administration announced proposals to overhaul its space licensing framework, aiming to support the White House goal of 1,000 annual missions by 2030. Following the announcement, SpaceX shares rose 6.6% and other space companies including Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace saw their stocks surge.
French authorities are investigating an Aer Lingus pilot who diverted from a designated military airfield during a hoax bomb threat, requiring fighter jet escort. Spain's foreign minister described the coordinated European disruptions as hybrid aggression and psychological warfare, though no explosives were found and all planes landed safely.
GE Aerospace secured a company-record $12.9 billion in sales and service agreements at the China International Import Expo on Friday. The deals, finalized during the annual trade event, include participation from major clients like China Eastern Airlines, marking a significant commercial achievement for the manufacturer in the Chinese market.
NASA introduced the X-70 Fractal, a crewed experimental aircraft with a 10,000-pound takeoff weight and modular payload capacity. Administrator Jared Isaacman stated the platform could fly within two years to test next-generation technologies, continuing a legacy of innovation that began with the Bell X-1 in 1944.
Blue Origin announced a new Northstar rocket engine that is 75% cheaper to manufacture than the BE-4 while offering higher thrust. The simplified design features half the parts and allows for rapid 3D-printed assembly, supporting the company's goal of over 1,000 annual New Glenn launches.
BBC News explains the engineering marvel of single-crystal turbine blades used in aircraft engines, a process perfected by only five countries including the UK and US. The piece details how Rolls-Royce and other manufacturers grow these blades to withstand extreme temperatures, highlighting the strategic importance of this technology.
The article explains airline protocols for handling bomb threats, detailing how assessors evaluate credibility and pilots execute safety checklists. It contextualizes recent European flight disruptions caused by malicious hoaxes amid rising tensions with Russia.